"The press...there are a lot of them outside. They're huddling right by the entrance and exit of the studio. I don't even know how they got here so fast. You literally just announced that you're dating Gun a minute ago and now they're all here."

"It's okay, Tay," Off said. "We'll find a way."

"We will," Mook agreed. "We need to get both of you to safety before these presses hover on you. God knows what they are willing to do just to get their own juice of the story."

"Joon," Gun breathed. "P'Joon must have something to do with this. He knows...He knows something."

"It doesn't matter right now who did this, Gun," Mook said. "We need to prioritize your safety first. Right now, we need to sneak both of you out of this building."

There was an undeniable tension in the air. After Off dropped the bomb, there was pure silence. And then chaos. Joon bombarded them with questions but Off grabbed Gun, waiid at everyone and walked away. Jack, along with Off and Gun's security, ran to help them escape to safety.

Gun found himself gasping for air as Mook and Tay joined them in one of the hallways of the studio. Tay was looking out, keeping track of the chaos outside, while Mook was calling somebody on her phone. Probably asking for help.

A few minutes later, Jack and the other securities arrived. Gun remembered that Mook asked them to look for a safe exit.

"We found one," Jack said. "It goes straight to the parking lot. The rest of my men are already in there, waiting, in case the press comes."

"Off and Gun will ride with you, Jack," Mook said. "Tay and I will settle things in here."

"We will?" Tay gasped. Mook gave him a warning look. "Oh right, right. I am a manager. Okay, okay."

"We will talk to the press while you escape. Jack, please take care of them."

"I will," Jack said firmly and gestured for the actor and the prince to follow him. "Let's go, Sir Off and Sir Gun."

Gun nodded thankfully to Mook and Tay. As of this moment, they weren't just their managers. They were his best friends, the people he could trust in these trying times.

They successfully sneaked out and Gun was only able to breath when he was inside the car. Jack didn't waste a second and drove away immediately. As soon as they left the parking lot, a wave of press suddenly arrived. Jack tried his very best to dodge them and Gun was impressed with his patience and driving skills.

Behind him, he can see other cars following them. He figured it was Off's security guards since he didn't have that many people to protect him.

"Are you okay? You're shaking."

Gun didn't even notice but as he stared at his hands, he was indeed trembling. He saw Off reach out for his hand and gripped him tight. Suddenly, warmth and assurance spread throughout his body. His breathing steadied. He managed a small, weak smile and he could see a faint smile on Off too.

When they arrived at his condominium, Jack talked with the security guards of the building. The rest of them followed Off and Gun to his room.

"Jack, thank you for tonight," Gun said. "You may go. You deserve some rest."

"Sir Gun, Mook ordered me to stay here tonight in case someone tries to break in. The press is very unpredictable."

"But where will you sleep?"

"We won't. Not for tonight, at least. We are prioritizing your safety, Sir Gun. And Sir Off's too. I have come to an agreement with his men to stay behind too. We'll be right outside your room. If you need help, we'll be right here."

Gun nodded, hesitating to leave them. He wanted to welcome them in but he knew he needed to talk to Off privately too.

Off was silent. He watched Gun walking aimlessly around, changing his clothes and sighing every single minute. He blamed himself for acting impulsively. He wished he could turn back time and take back what he said. He didn't regret announcing to the public their relationship because he was ashamed of Gun. Heck, he never even felt braver until he held Gun's hand in his. What made him guilty was the trouble he caused. He made Gun worry and anxious. He blamed himself for that.

He walked to the balcony and felt the night breeze on his face. He was still in his clothes but his shirt was already unbuttoned on the top part. He kept on telling himself that everything was going to be okay, but he knew that for people like him and Gun, it's never gonna be easy.

Gun noticed Off was missing until he saw him outside. He walked to him and hugged him from behind. Off immediately patted Gun's hands that were snaked around his waist adoringly.

"I'm sorry," Off finally said. "I put you through all of this because I acted too soon."

"What? No," Gun said, forcing Off to look at him. The prince couldn't meet his eyes. "Hey, look at me."

He held his chin and gently willed him to look at him. The prince did but there was shame in his eyes. "I'm sorry."

"What are you saying sorry for? It's okay."

"No, it's not," Off shook his head. "I saw how badly you were shaking back in the car. I know you got scared, Gun. I just...I acted without thinking. I got caught in the moment and..." Off sighed and took a deep breath.

"It's no one's fault," Gun assured the prince. "Actually, if there is one to blame, it would be the person who invaded our privacy. I don't know if it's P'Joon or whoever it is but I'm telling you, it's not your fault."

"Gun, I-"

"Listen to me, Off. I am not saying this just to sympathize with how you feel," Gun said. "But I would've done the same thing. I'd love to tell everyone what you are to me. I love you."

Off sobbed lightly. "I love you too."

Gun wrapped his arms around Off again as he took him in his arms. He patted him slightly on the back as they unconsciously swayed back and forth. Gun could feel Off leaving him small kisses on his shoulder and he smiled a little.

"Don't ever blame yourself again, okay?" Gun said. "I...I was shaking because I was nervous but it's not because of you or your actions. Off, I really appreciate your bravery. I'm actually overwhelmed and happy with what you said. You must really love me, huh?" Gun tried to joke.

Off chuckled. "Yes. And I don't want to lose you, ever. I only acted without thinking because I don't want to hide anymore. I lost you once, three years ago, Gun. I am not losing you again."

"We'll get through this together," Gun promised.

"Together," Off agreed.

Off and Gun went to bed early that night. The events that happened just drained their energy out. As Off listened to Gun's gentle snoring, he lay awake as he stared into the white ceiling. After Gun's assurance, he felt less guilty. He actually felt lighter now that he didn't have to hide his relationship with Gun. But he felt heavy again when the thought of his responsibilities flashed through his mind. He could never run away from them. He knew that he could try to hide but the truth of his royal blood will never leave him. He needed to see his mother and father immediately.

He knew that news has wings. He was pretty sure they already knew about his little stunt and his relationship with Gun.

***

Off stared out of the car. He was outside a familiar mansion. After debating with himself, he concluded that he needed to talk to his parents. He had always admired them and they had petty fights before. But this was the first fight where it caused him not to go home.

"Off, are you sure about this?" Arm said.

Off asked Arm if he could give him a ride since he doesn't want to wake up Gun. His car was also guarded by the security guards and he was kind of sneaking up to the mansion. He also didn't want to bother Tay since he knew he was pretty tired because of last night's events too. Arm agreed, and his best friend also wanted to catch up with the things that were going on in his life especially after he heard of the big news. "I mean, you could always talk to them later, when the news will die down. I'm sure Uncle Ryan is fuming with rage right now."

Off knew Arm was right. He definitely needed to pass some time. Walking to the mansion would be suicide but it was a risk he would gladly take for Gun. It was their relationship he was fighting for.

"Off, you've been really brave," Arm said. "Hell, I don't even know if I'll tell anyone in case I fall in love with the same gender too. Plus, you have your responsibilities as a prince. I just want to say that...If anything goes wrong, you have me and Tay. And Gun, of course."

"Thank you," Off said. "I just wish my life wasn't as complicated as it is. I never wished for anything like this to happen."

"No one did," Arm agreed. "But both of you chose this path. I know you well, Off. You don't give up easily. Gun seems like a very strong person too. I know you'll get through this."

Off smiled. He knew Arm for so long but he never saw this side of him. He has always been painted as the bad guy, the rich spoiled brat who didn't know anything but to attend parties and take home girls. He was thankful for his presence. They have matured through the years.

"Thank you," Off said once more. "You did me a great favor, Arm."

"Anything for you. Do you want me to wait for you?"

Off sighed. "No. It might take awhile."

"Okay," Arm replied. "If you need me or you need a ride, just call me."

Off walked into the mansion. The servants greeted him politely but there was something in their expression that told Off they already knew everything. He acknowledged them back as he made his way to the throne room.

"Your majesty," One of the guards greeted. "We are glad to see you safe."

"Thank you. Where is my mother and father?"

"They are inside. They just finished breakfast," he said. "Do you want me to tell the maids to prepare something for you, sir?"

"No, thank you," Off declined and opened the door.

His parents were whispering harshly at each other as his father held up a newspaper. They were so occupied that they didn't see him until he cleared his throat.

"Mother, father."

His father's face was full of rage as he quickly took big strides to him and threw the newspaper at him. "You! How dare you come here after all this mess you've caused!?"

"Ryan!" Aranya was trying to hold her husband back but she was too small compared to Ryan. Off just stood there with his head hanging low.

"Jumpol, if you don't want to get married, you don't need to tell everyone you're dating this...this...guy!"

"He has a name, father," Off said. "Gun Atthaphan."

"Do not speak of his name!" The king shouted.

"Ryan, please calm down, please!" Aranya pleaded. "Let's talk calmly. Please."

"Calmly?" King Ryan exclaimed. "How can I remain calm when your son just announced to the public that he's dating someone that is not our preference. Plus, it's a man!"

"What is so wrong with dating the same gender, father?" Off growled. "Gun is a good man. You don't know him."

"Jumpol!" His father interceded. "Are you so desperate to escape the marriage we've set you up to that you ended up telling everyone you're dating a man?"

"Father, I am not dating him because of this twisted arranged marriage law of yours," Off said. "I am dating him because I love him, father!"

"Love?" His father snorted loudly. "You don't know anything about love, Jumpol."

"And do you father?" Off asked. "You wanted me to marry someone I don't love because of some old, foolish law. You wanted to sacrifice my happiness, your son's happiness, just to let me fulfill my responsibility!"

"Because you were born to be a prince, Jumpol!" The king insisted. "I didn't raise you and let you study abroad just for you to end up with a...with a guy!"

"I am not running away from my responsibilities, father," Off said. "That is why I am here. Because I wanted to talk to you. But it seems like I could never talk you out of this."

"Jumpol, break up with that man!"

"No!" Off insisted. "I am done following your orders, father. I will be a king, you can count on me. But you don't have the right to tell me what to do or who to love. This is my life, father!"

"Jumpol, I am telling you-"

"I'll go ahead,"Off said in a restrained voice and bowed politely to his parents. He quickly left the room and walked out of the mansion. He called Arm if he was still available and luckily, he was. Arm told him he was on his way.

Aranya ran after him. She had tears in her eyes as she witnessed, for the second time, her husband and son fighting and screaming at each other.

"Off, son, wait!"

Off looked back as his mother enveloped him in a hug. He hugged her back as he felt his mother's warmth that calmed him down. "Mother, what are you doing outside?"

"Off, son, I love you, you know that right?"

"Of course, mother."

His mother sobbed gently as she wiped her tears and caressed his son's cheeks. "Do you really love Gun, honey?"

Off nodded. "Yes, mother. With all my heart."

"Aww," His mother cooed. "You've definitely matured. My sweet Jumpol."

"Mother...."

"Son, come home, please?" His mother begged.

"Mother, I can't stand going home if all father does is nag me to marry Lai-"

"I'll talk to him. I promise," Aranya said. "It's better if you're home. I won't be worried. I also think that if you come home, you can negotiate with your father. Focus on your responsibilities and maybe, just maybe, he'll let you be with who you want to be with."

Off thought about it for a while. His mother was right. He knew his father. He may react violently but he could be reasonable too. "Promise me you'll talk to him for me, mother. Please, Gun is important to me."

Aranya nodded. "Very well, then make sure he attends the ball next week, okay? I want to know more about him more. Bring him to the palace. He's very welcome."

"And father?"

"He just needs to calm down, sweetie," His mother said. "He's just looking out for you, you know."

"By controlling my life?"

His mother smiled bitterly. "We are sometimes born with no choice, sweetie. Your father has been in your place too, you know. And he chose his country. He's just guiding you to do the same. You're a prince, my son."

"But I'm human too, mother," Off said. "I am capable of deciding for myself."

"Yes, I know, I know," Aranya sniffed. "Just promise me you'll try, okay? And don't forget to bring Gun, okay?"

"Yes, mother."

Aranya kissed his son on the cheeks as Arm's car arrived. She waved goodbye as more tears flowed down her cheeks. As a mother, it was hard to see his son drifting apart from them. But as a queen, it was harder to see his son in the same exact position as his husband many, many years ago.

***

Gun woke up without Off.

The bed felt empty without the prince but he saw a note on his side table saying that he's out with Arm and will be back in a while.

Gun stretched his body and yawned sleepily. He had a good night's sleep and felt a thousand times better than he did last night. He dragged his feet to the shower before scrolling through his phone, looking for a good breakfast to eat. He was too tired to cook and he also wanted to feed Jack and the rest of the security. He figured it would take time if he'd cook for all of them.

Before he could choose, his doorbell rang and his friends, Lee and Sing, greeted him with a big, wide smile.

"Surprise!"

Gun felt lighter when he saw his friends. They lifted a lot of plastic bags and showed it to him.

"We brought breakfast! Pancakes, sausages, hotdogs, eggs, hot chocolate. All your favorites are here," Lee said.

"We also bought breakfast for Jack and the rest of the guys!" Sing added.

They distributed the food to the security guards before they went inside and placed the food on the table.

"How did you know my securities are here?" Gun asked as he sat on the dining chair.

"We called P'Mook to ask if you're okay since you're not answering your phone," Lee said. Gun remembered that he turned his phone off since it was ringing and blasting non stop last night. "Anyway, she said you're fine and that we should visit you. We would have visited without her telling us to though."

"Yes, and we brought your favorites to cheer you up!" Sing added. "We brought some for your security guards too since they are working hard to keep you safe."

Gun's heart melted with his friends' gesture. "Thank you, guys. I really appreciate it. I love the food but I'm fine. Don't worry about me."

Lee just shrugged. "Where is Prince Off anyway?"

"Out. I woke up and he's not in bed anymore so-"

"You slept on the same bed?" Sing asked. Lee hit him hard. "What!? I was just asking!"

"Gun has far more problems than you asking him nonsense questions," Lee reiterated.

"Fine," Sing pouted and shoved a spoonful of eggs in his mouth.

"Anyway," Lee said, ignoring Sing who was sulking beside him. "P'Mook also told me that Joon outed the two of you."

"He did," Gun nodded. "I mean, I was out years ago but our relationship... ff has no choice but to tell them the truth. The picture says it all. We can't say we're just friends after a photo of us kissing was captured."

"I actually salute Prince Off for his bravery," Lee said. "I thought that if there is anyone who'll tell everyone about your relationship, it'll be you. You've been obsessed with him for years now. You got Off wrapped in your fingers."

"Yeah, but he's getting married," Gun said as he remembered the bitter truth.

His friends choked on their food. "What!?" They said in unison.

He explained to them their situation and how Off had a big fight with his parents. He told them about Off arriving at his place with bloodshot eyes and intoxicated with alcohol. He left out the part where they made love, of course, but he told his friends the rest of what happened.

"Wow," Sing said. "It gets more complicated everyday. What are your plans next?"

"I don't know," Gun said. "I just know that I love him and he fought for me so I'll fight for him too."

His friends would normally gag on his cheesy lines but today, they smiled approvingly at him. They knew how fragile Gun was. They knew that the only person who could destroy him is Off.

But the only person who could make him whole was Off too.