Taegong: Who’s On Top

Immigration was smoother than Gong-gi had anticipated. The first question they asked the men as they got out of the plan was what made Taegong unique. He had a deja vu moment. People used to ask him what make VALENTINE COOKIE stand out from their rival groups as well. He was cascaded in linear thoughts. He had an articulate response in his head, and then Flo took the words out of his mouth whilst adding her own lies to the mix.

Flo spoke in a motherly voice as the paparazzi were children begging for a bedtime story. "Taeyang and Gong-gi are in love! I invited Gong-gi back into my studio for a new project. The night before we were due to meet, I went to my friend's house, and we went to the karaoke bar. Her son came with us, and I was so impressed with his voice that I knew I had to sign him. The next day I introduced Gong-gi and Taeyang into the studio, and it was love at first sight."

The microphones tilted to Gong-gi's direction. "Is this true?"

"Totally." He could understand why the reporters were finding it hard to believe. Love at first sight only happened in fiction nowadays. "He has a beautiful smile and a beautiful heart. We worked hard in the studio."

"Don't forget, Taegong's album Boy's Love will be out next month!"

Flo Glitz was nuts. How could she be promoting an album that they haven't even started yet? Still, Gong-gi went along with it. He didn't think things could get any crazier. A rough, unfinished demo was set to top the charts. As lovely as the chart achievements were, the songs' quality is nowhere near as good as his older work with VALENTINE COOKIE.

Gong-gi found himself to be entertained by Taeyang. The young lad belted out random choruses from some pop anthems. Some of the people looking at him as if he was mad, but nobody told him to shut up. Gong-gi saw several disgruntled faces. His stomach grumbled when he saw the restaurant chains from a distance. The press followed them all the way through the passport checks. One of the reporters even collected Taeyang's bag for him.

Flo bragged about how talented the two men were. Gong-gi nodded, feeling the tension ease in his fingertips. He had no idea what Taeyang was doing, cartwheeling around the airport and blowing kisses at strangers. What shocked Gong-gi the most was that security watched with suppressed laughter. It wasn't until Taeyang did the splits then rolled by Gong-gi's feet did the press start talking to them.

He knew that the press was trying to talk to him, but Flo talked on his behalf. Most of the words came in one ear and out the other for him. It was his way of coping during his VALENTINE COOKIE days. It wasn't until Flo threw herself at him was when he began to focus on the cameras.

"All is forgiven," Flo said in a humble voice. Those that knew her knew it was fake. Flo may have forgiven him, but Gong-gi's family may never want to see him again after this. His marriage may as well be considered dead. If there was any compensation, he thought at least he wasn't there to see his wife's tears. Imagine waking up to find your husband gone and then watching him declare his love to somebody else.

Gong-gi's wife was a retired idol like himself. Her real name was Cha Areum, but everyone called her Mini Rose for her petite figure and blossoming red curls. She was fired from her band for gaining five pounds after the winter holidays and was considered too obese to be in the band. What the world didn't know was that she is pregnant.

"Gong-gi, welcome to Italy!"

"Thank you!" He crouched down to Taeyang. "What are you doing?"

The way Taeyang giggled reminded him of his infant daughters. "I'm just so happy."

They rammed the camera in between his face. "Why are you happy?"

"Because I'm in love." Taeyang waved his hands in the air as he sprang up. "And we're in Rome which is the city of love!"

Gong-gi was convinced Paris was dubbed the city of love, but who was he to correct him. Taeyang was over the moon. What sort of rubbish Flo had brainwashed in? Gong-gi wouldn't be surprised if he were under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

"Guys, do you know that your first single has been streamed 2 million times in the past 24 hours?"

"Really?" Taeyang punched his fist in the air. "THAT'S SO COOL!"

Gong-gi shrugged his shoulders. "Well, VALENTINE COOKIE's first album sold 2 million records in their first year. So yeah, I'm quite proud of that."

The press took a liking to Taeyang who has given them just the antics they wanted. Fans would see him as an energetic boy with a lust for life. Critics would see him as an obnoxious brat. At the moment, it was hard to tell if the shenanigans were genuine or for the cameras. Gong-gi closed his eyes for a moment...only time would tell.

"Taeyang are you gay?"

Gong-gi glared at the brainless photographer. What sort of question was that? At the same time, he loved Taeyang's response.

"Gay and happy!"

"So who's on top?"

"I am obviously," Gong-gi said, shrugging his shoulders again.

"Have you two had sex yet?"

Taeyang dragged Gong-gi towards the baggage area and squeezed his torso. "We're not doing it until we're legally married."

"What about your wife?"

"Fuck her!" Taeyang said, laughing. Gong-gi clenched his fists and whacked his ass. Taeyang screamed as Gong-gi thought to himself, good you deserved it...

After screaming, he rubbed his bottom. Fluttering his eyes, he leaned onto Gong-gi's shoulder and cooed, "I'm sorry."

He patted his head. "Don't do it again."