Chapter 12: The Truth Between the Lines

Davis and Max exchanged glances. They are in the same frequency.

Silence.

A few minutes ago they were still apart, but when Davis finished explaining the mental development in Kao, Jos, and Ming's relationship, Max realized where the damage was. There is a hard and cold contact, but the emotions that arise are actually soft and deep. Like a sword inserted slowly into the body and then pulled back slowly.

Max was silent. A shivering silence palpated the skin.

Kao's growing feelings for Jos, as well as what happened to Ming, etched something almost ancient in his mind.

This world, he thought, had never really changed. The world only changes masks. Passion, defiance and the fall of man into the arms of the shadows, always repeated like an indefatigable curse.

He has seen that repetition many times. Cities burned by his own will. There is love in the mist. There is a history that continues to dig graves with human hands alone.

Now, Max is more curious about how Davis and fans will react if they find out the truth.

“What was your reaction to that change?”

Max broke the ice.

Between the table and silence, nothing has changed. But in the air, something decays. Like a weight not lifted, but understood. Like a wound that does not heal, but is received.

“What should I do? I can't even force people not to fall in love with each other. Humans are very fragile, right? So is Kao. He didn't realize his feelings were getting deeper for Jos. He was afraid that he would be caught, during the filming process he tried to restrain himself. But...”

Davis shut up. Reticence aimed at keeping secrets. He didn't want to betray Kao trust. But if it is not explained in detail, he is worried that this case does not have a rational explanation for Ming's brutality.

Davis was surprised to see Kao pull out another piece of evidence. It's a book he knows very well. He himself chose the book for Kao. He remembered when and how the atmosphere of the night when he gave the diary.

“You know this? Kao wrote a lot of things here” " said Max. "That means ... the fear he stammered about in this diary was the fear of being discovered as a same-sex lover?”

Max has to ask. Have to make sure. Even if it hurts. He tries not to hurt anyone, so uses the subtlest, best language he can.

Davis nodded. Then get down. Her memory drifted slowly back to the night when Kao sobbed bitterly at her. Telling all the load on his chest. Davis brought Max to the moment. Davis ' emotions were under control. Words are chosen carefully.

Davis took a deep breath before releasing the story that had been hidden. At first he believed only himself and Kao knew. But now he knows, somehow Ming also knows in her own way.

“I gave it to Kao one day. In the middle of the filming process, he experienced a chaos of feelings. I didn't tell him to forget or ignore that feeling, because I thought it could also destroy him. But I want him to stay professional. I gave him the book because if he kept it in his chest, without taking it out, I was afraid it would eat away at him. At least he can talk to the journal.”

Writing is a classic but effective way to vent feelings.

Max looked at the book. He didn't touch it. The light above their heads illuminated the book. Davis looked at him, too. Memories roll slowly.

That day, filming had just finished. Davis came to Kao at his apartment after Kao sent him a message asking him to come.

” There's something I want to talk about, just to you, " Kao said via text.

Davis came to Kao soon after finishing his job as CEO.

Kao was sitting in the dark when Davis opened the door to his house. Davis had the keys to the house, so he could come in and out at any time.

Davis pressed the Switch. The lights showed Kao surrounded by several cans of beer.

Several cans scattered with open snack containers indicate that Kao is in an inexpressible mess.

"Tell me everything,” Davis pleaded. Appears as an older brother.

Kao told him from the beginning. The story that came out of Kao's mouth was like blocks of ice rolling into Davis. Cold, hard, pointed tip. His whole bone shivered at every word that came out of Kao's lips.

Throughout Kao's story, various kinds of beauty shadows on Kao's career turn one by one into building crumbs that no one else cares about. No matter how hard he tries to convince people, Kao will seem like a pebble. Does not mean bad, but also does not mean good. He wondered if Kao could restrain himself when trampled and degraded? The world is not fair to those who are honest with themselves.

Davis came to the conclusion: Kao will not stand it. Gentle boy and always alienated from the world, he will not be able to face the cruelness of the world.

Davis watched Kao closely. His face was wrinkled even though he had just smiled in front of the camera. The anxiety in his heart longer and longer could take away the charm of his good looks. He will lose his job.

“What should I do, uncle?" Kao asked at the same time as he burst into tears. "I don't want to... admit this, but...”

The recognition sounded strange, causing a chest-piercing sense of pride. Davis patted Kao on the shoulder, calming the youngster down. He realized that Kao was not thinking about others, but himself. That's the most important thing. He is still aware of who should take precedence in this matter. Davis has a sense of optimism.

After Kao was calmer, Davis suggested that Kao break up from Ming.

Break up.

The look on Davis ' face showed those words reverberating inside Kao's head.

“You know, the current situation doesn't allow you to protect her. You have to let go. For his safety, too, " Davis said.

Protecting was something Kao desperately wanted to be able to do to Ming.

"Just think about it carefully, in order to be able to keep working and also keep Ming safe,” Davis said.

“What about Jos?”

“You can't get caught. It's the best way," Davis said.

“You're having trouble making up your mind right now. Write everything you think here.”

Davis released a book. He always carries his bag. Inside the bag was a leather-bound book. The book is new. Actually to record important agendas.

Davis gave the book to Kao, along with a pen.

Davis observed Kao. Silent and Moody.

That face is so uncomfortable to look at. Usually Kao would be angry if she suggested breaking up with Ming. This time the attitude is different. That difference makes him uncomfortable.

Davis sat languidly not far from Kao.

For a moment, none of them opened their mouths.

”Uncle..."

Kao's voice echoed in the dim room.

Davis noticed.

Kao turned quickly. He said, " Take Me to Ming's place now. I will end my relationship with her.”

“Are you sure?”

Half-heartedly not sure this is the best decision for everyone.

“You said I couldn't protect her.”

Bitter.

That short speech was bittersweet.

Kao has not wanted to swallow the bitterness for a long time. Now he has to release one. His popularity or his lover.

Kao has already chosen.

Davis saw the look in those eyes. The confidence to make decisions has long been formed.

Davis saw the merit of the decision so he drove Kao to Ming's apartment. Davis was waiting for him in the parking lot. Just ten minutes. Kao is back with a hard face.

Davis didn't ask how the process went. He drove back to Kao's House.

There was no conversation along the way. Kao had no intention of telling the outcome. Only his face showed results. Not smooth. Ming was definitely not ready, and didn't accept it. But, Davis believes time will make Ming accept.

However... His guess is wrong.

A first fansign event hosted by Jos Kao. Davis looked down on Ming in the audience, among the fans who held up banners. She didn't cry, but she didn't look like she was crying either. It selects the entire range of events. What it doesn't do is dislike autographs or taking pictures with Kao like other fans do. Ming was present in the stands, watching, waiting. Then leave in silence.

Davis hoped Kao saw no threat to Ming. Kao completed the entire series of events well. Professional.

Not just once. There are five fansign events. Ming attended all events. Including events abroad.

"I see her. She sat there, and stood there, " Kao said with trembling lips. They were in a hotel in Shanghai. The fansign event just finished.

"Who is she, Uncle?" asked Jos.

Jos is getting closer with Kao. They close the door as friends. However, their relationship is regarded as a loving couple by fans. Their fans make or create whatever they want. That business strategy ... without them knowing it has created a monster that is quietly waiting for the right time to take Kao.

Understanding the invisible meaning of Kao towards a person, Jos research. He couldn't see his co-worker and his dear friend in fear.

Davis eventually broke off Kao and Ming's past relationship. After Jos finds out, he asks the Secret Service for Kao.

"Secret Service?!" Max shouted.

Davis nodded. Max's voice instantly brings Davis into the present.

“He thinks Ming is dangerous. After watching her a few times, Jos felt Ming would do something,” Davis said.

“But, why did he Order The secret service? Not you, as CEO and artist management?”

Davis smiled faintly.

“I can't stop Jos. He was very attentive to Kao.”

“Are you sure they're just friends?”

"As far as I know,” Davis said.

Davis averted Max's gaze. His gaze was fixed on the diary, then turned to the surface of the table. Check out the circular digital clock on his wrist. Davis doesn't have a definite point of view.

Max observes Davis ' attitude change. This change in his attitude happened because there was something to hide or because of something else?

“Is there anything else I have to answer?” I have to go back to the office.”

Max glanced at the glass one way. Jason said something, heard through the earphones he was wearing.

“Good. For a while, enough inspection. If you remember anything, please contact us ASAP. And also... if we need additional information from you, please answer immediately, " said Max.

Davis nodded.

Jason secretly asks an officer to spy on Davis.

Max left the room quietly. However, his mind was not as calm as the surface of his face.

“We found something strange," Yeri makes Max focus on his coworkers.

Jason and Teguh were already sitting in their seats. Only Max still hesitated, whether to sit or stand.

“What is Strange?"Jason shrugged.

"Ming bought tickets for Jos and Kao's fan meetings, even went abroad, but didn't buy a departure plane ticket, there was no return ticket,” Yeri replied.

Wantar then submitted Ming's expenditure account data.

There is no data showing Ming's departure abroad.

Jason, Teguh, and Max exchanged glances. Davis ' words echoed in their minds. “Ming is present at all fansigns.”

Fansign is the same as the fan meeting event referred to by Yeri. If Davis saw Ming there, then how did Ming get to Japan and Shanghai without taking a plane?

"Besides ... Ming is not seen leaving her house every time she comes home from work. In her apartment CCTV also found no movement of strangers who came to her house.”

“Then, what about Davis ' testimony? He said Ming was present at every Jos and Kao fan meeting,” Teguh said.

Goosebumps.

Everyone looks at each other. There is nothing logical that can explain it. Unless....

The atmosphere reminded Max of the cold that night. A mysterious creature definitely is watching them from the darkness.

“Where is Ming?" Max asked, but in a harsh tone.

Everyone gasped.

"She's still in her room,” Yuri said.

“We're doing a second interrogation on Ming. Now.”

Max was firm. But, hurry.

Max looked straight at Jason. The captain was suddenly frightened by Max's gaze, quickly approving.