It's Just A Picture (BL)
Chapter 78: This gave him courage

Chapter 78: This gave him courage

Peri decided on the fabricated story he came up with in his head.

"It’s not my fault, okay?" He started. "I couldn’t stand getting approached by a guy just for the sake of sponsorship." He said, and Dongwoo’s eyes widened.

Just as he feared. He was going to twist it to make him look like the villain. He shuddered.

"So, you’re saying this young man approached you for ’sponsorship’?" Haejoo asked and Peri nodded.

He shrugged and sighed.

"It’s happening a lot these days but I can’t believe I’d get approached by a guy. It’s disgusting."

People started talking. They started judging and Dongwoo started shaking. He gripped Seojin’s hand with his head down and his eyes turning hollow.

"If what you say is true," Haejoo continued. "Why didn’t you calmly refuse him? You claim he approached you for sponsorship, wasn’t it too much to ruin his face?"

"Ah, that’s..." He twisted his lips. "He was being stubborn and wouldn’t let go of me so I pushed him away a couple of times. But he was still persistent so I punched him. I might’ve gone too far but he deserved it."

His words infuriated the twins but in front of so many people, they couldn’t take action. They’d have to trust Haejoo to solve it and if he didn’t do it properly, they’d just have to do it themselves.

Haejoo turned to look at a pale Dongwoo with the twins.

"Can you give us your side of the story?" He asked and Dongwoo slowly raised his head. But all he could see were judging eyes. The crowd had already concluded in their minds who the villain was.

Was there anything he could do to change their minds? Would they even listen?

"Hyung," Seojun called.

"It’s okay." Seojin said. "We’re standing right here. We’ll listen to you."

"I..." Dongwoo opened his mouth to speak. "I didn’t do it." He said. "I didn’t do anything. I was... I was just standing here on my own and..."

"Bah!" Peri exclaimed with an irritated tone which made Dongwoo flinch. "Who are you trying to deceive with that obvious lie?"

"Mr Jeon, no one interrupted you when you were telling your side whether it was true or false."

"Of course, it’s true." Peri said and Haejoo glared at him.

"I would like you to remain calm till we hear the side of this young man." He said and turned to Dongwoo. "Please continue."

Dongwoo gulped. He didn’t think anyone would want to listen to his side of the story. But... It was worth the shot.

"The truth is, I..." He raised his head. "I was standing here and watching your table."

"Our table?" Haejoo asked, confused.

"Yes, since..." He was still shaking quite a bit. "...since this was the first time the twins were attending an official gathering like this, I wanted to see if they were alright."

"Hyung," the twins looked at him, touched, but Haejoo just couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

’I know they chose to act in public but why do I feel like they’re being genuine with this guy? It’s a bit disturbing to see.’ he shook his head. ’And first time attending an official event, I guess there’s a lot they’re not telling him.’

"But then," Dongwoo continued. "...This man grabbed me by the shoulder and offered to be my sponsor."

Haejoo glared at him, warning him not to interrupt again.

People started whispering loudly. Two different sides of the story. Who was telling the truth?

"Stop spouting lies or I’ll make you regret it." Peri threatened but the twins stood firmly by Dongwoo’s side, giving him hope.

"Go on, Hyung. Tell us what happened next. Everyone’s listening." Seojin said and Dongwoo looked up at the crowd. Their eyes... It was no longer feeling like a scary situation. It looked like they were actually listening. Like they wanted to hear what happened directly from his mouth.

This gave him courage.

"And then I told him I didn’t need a sponsor. He grabbed my wrist..." He shifted his sleeve and showed them the bruise on his wrist caused by Peri.

The twins saw this and their faces almost twitched in anger.

Sure, they were angry to the point of blowing a gasket but they were trying their best to appear calm.

"The more I resisted, the harder his grip. I didn’t know what to do so I bit him." He pointed at Peri. "On his left arm. If you check it, you’ll see. I bit him and that was why he hit me." He narrated and turned to Haejoo. "That’s what happened before you came."

"My God, I can’t believe there’s such an artiste who dares to frame me." Peri said. "The audacity, I’ll make sure to make you regret your words."

"Resulting in threats, are we?" Haejoo approached him. "I guess the only way to find out will be to check your left hand. Now, shall we inspect for the bite mark?"

Peri was, of course, reluctant. If they saw the bite mark in his hand, they would immediately believe Dongwoo’s story.

’Ugh, I can’t do this. My reputation will fall if they find out.’ he thought. ’I didn’t expect this. I didn’t think he would strongly oppose my actions even at the expense of his reputation. Wasn’t he scared that I would win the crowd with my story?’ he gritted his teeth. ’He’s just foolish and reckless. I will never let them see my hand.’

"We’re waiting, Mr Jeon. I think you’ve wasted our time quite enough." Haejoo said. "Now, shall we solve this mystery with the last puzzle piece?"

"Wait, hold on." Peri said, suddenly looking arrogant. "In the first place, why do I have to lower myself just because of the words of some nobody? I am a big figure who got involved in this mess as a victim."

"What? Are you saying you don’t want to show your hand?" Haejoo asked.

"That’s precisely it. I have no obligation to do as you say, even if you’re the CEO of Wailers and I certainly won’t allow myself to be humiliated because of some nobody artist who hassled me for sponsorship."

Peri stood his ground.

"Hm, he’s got a point, but..."

"How are we sure he’s telling the truth?"

"I know right? It’s not uncommon for a rookie to approach a big shot for sponsorship but his reluctance to show his hand is very suspicious."

Dongwoo lowered his head. Of course, those in power had the final say. He folded his arms, holding his arms tight as fear slowly found its way into his head again.

’No one will believe me.’

"I have a question," He heard Taiha’s voice and he raised his head. What was he doing?

"Isn’t that Meong Taiha?"

"You mean the famous photographer and director? Does he have a day in this too?"

"So many people want to help out that rookie? Is he actually a secret big shot?"

Taiha stepped forward and stood in front of Peri.

"I’m sorry, I don’t know formalities so I’m going to be rude here. But I hope you’ll understand." He said, smiling.

"What are you...?"

"Now, Mr Big Shot." He stepped forward. "May I ask why he would," he pointed at Dongwoo. "Approach you for sponsorship?"

"Be-because he needs to get far in life."

"Oh? As what?"

"A... A model."

"Ah! Did he tell you that himself?" Taiha asked and Peri took one more glance at Dongwoo before answering.

"Yes. He said it himself." He tried to smile. "He begged me to feature him in my program so he would shoot to fame. He..."

"Pft." Haejoo’s stifle interrupted him, and all eyes were on him. "Ah, did I interrupt? Please, carry on." He said. "You were saying this young man was a model, right? Please, carry on and let us know more."

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