Episode 24: Scars in HD
The aftermath of their surprise performance at the music show was both electric and suffocating.
AX1 had gone viral. Again.
But this time, it wasn't scandal. It was resurrection.
Yet fame, as always, came with a price tag.
And sometimes, that price was privacy.
---
Three Days Later — The Backlash
A trending hashtag emerged on Korean forums:
> #SeonAndJaewon
What began as praise soon devolved into something darker.
Screenshots. Speculation. Leaked trainee videos. Old rehearsal footage, slowed down and zoomed in to capture every glance, every touch.
And then — the paparazzi shots.
Seon and Jaewon on the rooftop. The kiss.
It was grainy. But unmistakable.
The post read:
> "EXPOSING AX1: Are These Boys More Than Just Bandmates?"
It exploded within hours.
---
AX1 Dorm — Living Room
The members sat around the TV. Silent.
Jaewon stared straight ahead, fists clenched in his lap. Seon was unusually pale.
Jun was the first to speak. "Do we respond?"
Seo-jin shook his head. "No. We let the label handle it."
Minho snorted. "What label? We left Orion. GAN hasn't signed the PR deal yet. We're… floating."
Silence stretched again.
Finally, Jaewon stood. "I'll take the blame."
"No," Seon said immediately.
Jaewon's jaw tightened. "You have more to lose—"
"I already lost it all once."
"Exactly. You shouldn't have to do it again."
Seo-jin looked between them. "Then maybe we don't choose sides. Maybe we speak as one."
Jun nodded. "We've always been strongest when we're honest."
Minho raised an eyebrow. "So… we post something?"
Seon looked at Jaewon. "Together?"
Jaewon smiled. "Together."
---
The Post That Broke the Internet
At midnight, AX1 posted a handwritten letter with their group photo.
> "We are AX1. We are singers, dancers, brothers. And yes — some of us are also in love. If that's shocking, then maybe the industry needs less fiction and more truth."
> "We won't apologize for being human."
> "If our story helps someone else breathe easier in their skin, then every scar was worth it."
> "— With love, AX1"
Fans erupted.
Many praised them.
Some screamed betrayal.
Some demanded answers.
But one thing was certain: AX1 wasn't hiding.
---
Morning Show — Live Interview Request
A week later, GAN's PR team arranged a live interview.
AX1 would appear on Starline Mornings, the most-watched entertainment segment in Asia.
The risk? High.
The exposure? Priceless.
---
Green Room — An Hour Before
Jaewon paced.
Seon adjusted his mic again and again.
Jun sat with eyes closed, meditating.
Minho bounced his knee, scrolling endless comments.
Seo-jin hummed quietly to warm up.
Then the producer entered. "You're on in five."
They stood.
Hands found hands.
They nodded at each other.
Whatever came next, they'd face it as one.
---
Live Broadcast — Segment Begins
The host, Ha-eun, smiled warmly. "Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time since their independent comeback… AX1!"
The boys walked out to thunderous applause.
They bowed. Sat.
Ha-eun began gently. "First of all — congratulations. 'Noiseproof' is breaking charts across continents. How does it feel?"
Jun smiled. "Like a dream we weren't supposed to have… but stole back."
Ha-eun chuckled. "Well said. Now, let's address the headlines. Seon? Jaewon?"
Seon cleared his throat. "We didn't plan to come out publicly. But we also didn't want to lie."
Jaewon continued, "Our relationship started quietly. Privately. But love shouldn't be scandalous."
Ha-eun nodded. "You know this moment will change lives. Young fans watching. Some closeted. Some scared. What do you say to them?"
Seon's voice was steady. "Don't rush. But don't erase yourself for anyone. You matter — even when you whisper."
---
Commercial Break — Studio Whisper
As cameras paused, Ha-eun leaned over. "For what it's worth, my brother's gay. He cried last night reading your letter."
Seon blinked. "Really?"
She smiled. "You're doing more than music. You're making space."
---
Social Media — Real-Time Impact
Hashtags exploded:
> #AX1ForReal #LoveIsNotAScandal #NoiseproofSavedMe
Fans began sharing stories.
"Because of AX1, I came out to my sister."
"I stopped hurting myself tonight. Thank you."
"My mom cried. Not out of shame — but because she said I was brave."
---
GAN CEO's Response
An official statement followed:
> "GAN supports AX1's message of authenticity and inclusion. We are proud to stand with them — not just as artists, but as human beings."
The endorsement silenced most critics.
Suddenly, brands reached out.
Fashion lines. Documentarians. Even Netflix.
AX1 wasn't just trending.
They were revolutionizing.
---
Back at the Dorm — Alone Together
That night, the dorm was quiet again.
But this time, it was peace, not tension.
Seon and Jaewon curled up on the living room sofa.
The city blinked beyond the window.
"I didn't think we'd survive this far," Seon murmured.
"Neither did I," Jaewon said. "But here we are. Scars and all."
Seon looked down at Jaewon's hand.
Then took it.
"I think I'm ready to write a new song," Seon whispered.
Jaewon looked up. "What's the title?"
Seon smiled softly.
"'Unblurred.'"
---
Final Scene: Studio Teaser
A phone buzzed.
GAN's production team messaged:
>
"Let's meet. We want to film your documentary. Title: Unblurred: The AX1 Story"
Seon stared at the screen.
Then looked up at the mirror.
For the first time, he didn't flinch at his reflection.
He just nodded.
It was time to be seen.
---
To be continued…