Chapter 2 - Heartbreak

"Li Wen and Song Joo rumored to be dating?"

"New Analysis of WenJoo, released!"

"Li Wen: Who is he really dating?"

"What happened to WangLi/LeoWen?"

Wang Leo suppressed a bitter chuckle. He was busy all day (he's been busy since the last few months if he's being honest) at work and was supposed to receive an award tonight as Model of the Year after working his butt off for the whole year. He barely had time to meet with his boyfriend because in between his modeling gigs, he also has to fly in and out for the filming of a variety show he was a host of called HHXX. So he really did not expect that when he landed back in Beijing, this is the news he'll receive.

It had been already a few hours when he had landed and he started checking the social media sites like Douban and Twitter as well as Weibo supertopics trending he often frequents as it had become his habit to check them for any news updates or rumors about him and Wen and their relationship.

Wang Leo is starting to get jealous and hurt the more he read these articles posted by a so-called 'expert' on CPN analysis and other media reports written by some article writer he didn't even know. He and Wen had an argument before when he had read the very first article regarding his boyfriend being shipped with their bandmate - Song Joo. It was something that had been becoming too common an occurrence lately. 

Leo for the life of him couldn't remember exactly when all this had started, all he knows is that he doesn't like Wen hanging out with Song Joo especially when he's not with them. He always had convinced himself that this is just a bad phase in their relationship and that it could be fixed.

Leo dialed Wenhan's number again. It had been too long since he last saw his boyfriend and he wanted to meet with him so he could be reassured that Wen isn't really cheating behind his back with Song Joo. Because that's what Wen always does, reassure him that everything is fine and that nothing's wrong and he's not cheating with Sung-Joo behind his back.

"The number you dialed is either unattended or out of coverage area. Please try your call later." The operator on the other line said.

"Where to, laoban?" The driver had asked him. He was supposed to head to YH Entertainment's building so he could get ready for the awards night he was set to attend.

But seeing as he really wanted to meet with his boyfriend who's not answering his calls, he supposes he can check on him before preparing for the awards night.

"Let's head to Wen-ge's first, please," Leo said.

His manager gave him a look.

"What is it, Jie?" He asked.

"Nothing, I still just can't believe that you're willing to spend your little break to see a jerk." His manager answered, contempt in her voice. He shook his head, he doesn't know why but Wen and his manager never even seem to get along.

Leo had tried several times to make them comfortable enough with each other but to no avail. But since he and Wen had been in a relationship for almost five years now, his manager didn't really have a choice but to be civil about it. The both of them had gone up and rode the elevator so she could protect her artist.

"Okay, first of all, he's not a jerk, Jie. Secondly, we haven't seen each other for a while and I want to surprise Wen-ge this time." Leo smiled, he can already imagine how surprised and happy Wen is when he sees Leo.

"He's a jerk. You can't convince me otherwise, Leo." His manager rolled her eyes making him chuckle.

When the elevator stopped, he immediately went to Wen's unit. His manager decided to stay near the elevators to survey the surroundings and would pull him out immediately if she spotted some fans or antis alike.

Leo smiled in excitement and anticipation. He missed his Wen-ge so much!

He pulled out the key to Wen's apartment and entered the foyer and head straight to Wen's bedroom where the door is slightly ajar. He was very careful to not let even his footsteps heard and were about to shout 'Surprise!!!' when he saw that Wen is not alone.

There, on the bed on top of his so-called best friend, Song Joo and Wen, fucking.

He felt his heart stop and a lump form in his throat. He felt the tears leaking from his eyes and he covered his mouth to keep the sobs threatening to come out.

"I love you, Joo."

"I love you too, didi!"

Leo ran out the door of Wen's apartment. It hurts. He slid down the door and broke down without letting a sound even though all he wanted to do is to scream until his throat is raw and bleeding. Why? How can you do this to me?!

The next few moments were a blur to Leo. He met his manager and they went down the parking lot where his team (or what little circle he has with him) were waiting and the entire ride to the company is done in silence.

"Jie, is it possible to not attend the awards ceremony tonight?" Leo asked, voice quiet. He feels as if any moment now, the floodgates will open again. He just wanted to be alone and not have to deal with everything that he had just discovered.

"What are you saying, Leo?! This is an important award and you have to be there!" Leo's manager had complained, but upon seeing the pained expression on his face, she sighed and conceded.

"Okay, I'll see what I can do, Leo-di but I can't assure you that it'll happen." Jia Li said, already picking up her phone and started tapping on it.

Leo sighed and buried his face in his hands.

He was so grateful for what understanding little team of staff he had with him right now as he really couldn't imagine how he's going to get through the rest of the day without breaking down at every turn.

"Laoban, we're here." his make-up artist Jie had said softly, tugging at his sleeves to get his attention.

Leo straightened up and exited the van with the help of his manager and bodyguard. He went inside his apartment complex and couldn't even be bothered to be polite and thank them for bringing him home safely.

He just wanted to be alone for now. He needs time to process everything he had just witnessed today. He needed the time to mope around, sulk, and be broken-hearted, or else he wouldn't be able to return to his work.

When they reached his floor, Leo immediately went inside his room, leaving his manager behind the living room. He crashed face-first on his bed and right then, he let it all out.

Why had this happened to him?

He had been faithful to Wen-ge, he trusted him and he had also foolishly trusted Song Joo in his word as they had been in a band together and they are best friends for fuck's sake, for what? For his heart and trust to be broken?

Leo suddenly remembers all the times he had spent with Wen-ge, all the rumors being spread about them, their denials.

Leo and Wen's relationship had started because they are always being teased together, they were the first CPN there is in UNIQUE. At first, they had always denied the rumors about them dating. They didn't entertain the thing with their CPN before but their fans had always insisted that they are dating.

It's not long when Wen-ge had confessed. Leo thought he was joking but when he tried to laugh the awkwardness off, he realized then that Wen-ge is serious about wanting to have a relationship with him.

But of course, they can't let the media know. It's bad enough that China is one homophobic country and it is frowned upon when a man liked another man. It's okay though, they both felt that the only ones who really know are their fans who had supported them and who had been the bridge for them to get closer and become a couple.

They had to hide their relationship from the public. Only being able to enjoy one's company behind closed doors--away from the prying eyes of the media looking for juicy scoops and scandals.

Leo then remembers every argument they had. He wonders briefly how many they've had because of Song Joo and him. How can he not get suspicious and jealous and hurt though when he just now realizes that this is how they had started--being teased and analyzed and pushed to get together. And it's happening again, now, with Sung-Joo.

Leo also wonders how Wenhan had managed to two-time him, fitting Song Joo on it. How did Wen-ge manage to do this, what with both relationships being a secret? Leo supposes Wen-ge is just that good at hiding things, at playing.

"I love you, baobao. So much,"

"Ge!!!!"

Leo closed his eyes. Tears streaming down his face. He didn't know how long he's been crying over this, how long he's been sobbing and screaming until his throat had felt so raw he thinks it's bleeding inside, but he couldn't tell for sure if it's just the tears he was tasting or if it's really blood.

Where's the love Wen-ge is speaking of now?

Where is he lacking that his boyfriend found in Song Joo?

He did everything to please Wen-ge.

He gave everything that he has and more just to make this relationship work. Because Leo isn't someone to do half-assed relationships and give half-assed feelings.

Now I regret ever giving him everything I have until there's nothing left of me. I should've just kept even a little something for myself. I have nothing now. How fucking pathetic.