Morning comes with no peace.
The dorm is surrounded.
The fans stayed all night.
Aiven wakes up to the sound of yelling, metal gates shaking, and cameras flashing through the blinds. Raze is already dressed, sitting on the edge of the bed, watching Aiven quietly.
"You didn't sleep," Aiven says softly.
Raze shakes his head. "I kept thinking… what if something happened to you while I slept?"
Aiven's heart flutters painfully.
Raze's protectiveness is overwhelming.
FANS BREAK INTO THE COURTYARD
A sudden scream erupts outside.
Zenith bursts into the room.
"Raze—Aiven—stay inside. Fans climbed over the outer fence. Security can't hold them."
Aiven's blood runs cold.
They rush to the living room where the others are already staring at the security monitor.
Dozens of fans are pushing past the first layer of guards.
Some hold signs.
Some hold phones.
Some look dangerous.
Nova starts crying.
Kazé swears loudly.
AsTryx clenches his fists.
One girl climbs onto the security gate and screams:
> "Aiven Hale, come out! We know you're inside!"
"Raze belongs to us!"
"A boy can't have him!"
A rock flies and hits the camera.
Static fills the screen.
Aiven steps back, trembling. "This is my fault…"
Raze grabs his hand tightly. "No. This is the company's fault. Not yours."
---
Velric Arrives — And He's Furious
The dorm door slams open.
Velric Kane enters with two bodyguards, looking calm—too calm.
"Raze. We need to talk."
His eyes flick to Aiven with disgust.
"And you… boy… come with me."
Raze steps in front immediately.
"No. He's not going anywhere."
Velric's smile turns icy.
Everyone in the room freezes.
"You think you have power here, Kiyoshi Raiden? You're an idol. You're property. I own your image. I own your future. I own your silence."
Aiven feels Raze trembling with anger.
Velric continues:
"You are flying overseas next month for a solo promotion. Aiven Hale will not be allowed near any ECLYPSE property or event."
Aiven's chest tightens.
Raze shouts, "You can't control who I—"
"—who you love?"
Velric smirks.
The room goes silent.
"Don't worry. I'll make sure your fans never find out."
Aiven feels sick.
Velric leans close to Aiven.
"If you care about him… leave."
Raze shoves him back.
Zenith steps between them.
But Velric is satisfied.
He straightens his suit.
"Your driver is outside. Pack your things, Raze. Aiven Hale is banned from this building."
Velric leaves, slamming the door.
The members collapse into stressed
While everyone argues in the living room, Aiven slips away.
He goes downstairs to calm himself—but instead, he finds Velric's briefcase left open on the couch.
A single file lies half-out.
Curiosity… fear… love… all pull at him.
He picks it up.
The folder reads:
KIYOSHI RAIDEN — CONTRACT: RESTRICTED INFORMATION
Aiven opens it.
His eyes widen.
Pages of strict rules.
Punishments.
A clause about no dating under any circumstance.
A list of debts.
A psychological report about Raze's breakdown years ago.
A note saying:
> "Keep him working. He only has value when controlled."
Aiven's stomach twists in horror.
"Raze…" he whispers.
He never knew how trapped Raze really was.
---
Raze finds him holding the file.
"Aiven? What are you—"
Aiven turns, tears streaming down his face.
"Raze… they're hurting you."
Raze goes still.
The air between them feels fragile.
"Aiven… it's not your problem—"
"Yes it is!"
Aiven cries.
"You're suffering. You're scared. And you still try to protect me."
Raze steps forward slowly.
"Aiven… you make me want to fight. For the first time… I want to live my own life."
Their faces draw closer—
their breaths mix—
their foreheads touch.
"I don't want to lose you," Aiven whispers.
"You won't," Raze
Suddenly, A message pops on Aiven's phone.
Unknown Number:
> "Stay away from Raze… or we'll finish what we started."
Attached is a photo—
A picture of Aiven's house vandalized with the words:
"LEAVE RAZE ALONE."
Aiven drops the phone.
Raze grabs it and reads the message, face turning deadly.
"Our fight just started," he says.
And the chapter ends with Aiven whispering:
"Raze… I'm scared."
Raze presses his forehead to Aiven's.
"I'll protect you. Even if it destroys everything."