Jersey

01. Love: a foreign concept

Mew absentmindedly chewed his bottom lip. His fingers spun the pen, his brows furrowed.

Currently, he was writing lyrics for his new album. He normally writes songs about life. However, this time, the record company wanted him to write songs about romance.

Mew sighed, staring at the blank sheet of paper. He wasn't surprised. He could only manage to avoid the concept for so long.

Problem was, he had no idea how to start.

He never understood how people could love. To have the courage to place their hearts in someone else's hands. And if the person loved them back, to bear the responsibility of taking care of that person's heart.

The very idea was foreign to him. It seemed so outlandish. Ludicrous. Preposterous.

And yet, the concept of love is of such commonplace. Under the Christmas lights, couples hold hands while they walk the streets. At cafes, they whisper to each other over steaming cups of coffees. In the darkness of movie theatres, they bundle up close together.

He did all those with his exes. Despite that, nothing mattered. They still cheated on him, gaslighted him, and emotionally abused him. Don't even talk about the whole situation with Art. It was such a shitstorm.

Things turned a 180 when he gained international fame and had a glow up. Each and every single one of them came crawling back. He wouldn't compare them to dogs because even dogs were more loyal than them. It was such a joke. Pathetic.

It made him view the concept of love with scepticism. That love is superficial. That people only look at looks, money, and fame.

And yet, he had seen cases where love almost seemed... real.

He saw it in his parents. Even after years of marriage, they stood strong. They didn't have to say 'I love you' for Mew to see that they deeply care for each other.

Mew wrote 'deep' on the sheet of paper, before scratching it out. It wasn't just deep. It was...bottomless. He didn't know how to put words to it. The weight and depth of their love was indescribable.

"Mew!"

The pen clattered onto the tabletop as he broke out of his stupor.

Forth laid on the couch like a starfish, gazing up at Mew. "Let's go eat Korean barbeque. My treat."

Mew turned in his roller chair, facing Forth. "What's the special occasion?"

"To celebrate your freedom! Even if only for a short while. Aren't you glad? To get away from those ridiculous reporters, stupid jealous actors, and musicians."

Mew had announced that he will be taking a break from all his activities. It wasn't only to focus on his new album, but also to get away from all the press and toxicity of the entertainment industry.

He won't be gone for long, only a month or two. After his break, he was scheduled to perform at the national football stadium for the AFC Champions League.

"True, they were getting too riled up." The latest tabloid articles published a picture of him holding the door out for his co-star, Sophia, at a restaurant. They said that he was in a relationship with her. Such bullshit. They cut out the fact that the pair was actually having a meal with the rest of the cast and staff. He held out the door for everyone.

"And when were you so generous to treat me?" Mew teased Forth.

Forth mockingly gasped, sitting up in indignation. "Since our university days! Ungrateful brat."

"Yes, sorry phi." It was a running joke between them. In university, Forth had to stay back a year because he fought too much, while Mew's intellect allowed him to study one year ahead. During their SOTUS camp, they bonded over a common love for music, football, and engineering. Since then, they became the best of friends. Mew's diligence made Forth steer away from fights, Forth's easy going nature allowed Mew to relax. They were so close like brothers that their families even celebrated special occasions together.

"How long is your break for?" Mew asked. It has been a while since he met Forth. Forth works on offsite engineering projects. He rarely gets to come home.

"A month. As usual, after staying at your house for several days, I will head back to my hometown to check on my family. Whenever you want to meet, let me know. I will come over to Bangkok."

"Good. Your mother always complains about how little you meet her." Mew teased. He stood up to get his coat. He wouldn't be able to write anything today anyways. Nothing that he penned down felt right.

Forth chuckled, standing up. "You would think that after I stopped fighting, her worries would be laid. Now, she worries about me working too hard, not finding a steady partner etc etc."

Mew laughed. "Mothers always worry. If they don't, I will be concerned."

"True. I should get some gifts to bring back to show her that I am doing well enough." The pair walked to the elevator, nodding to Jennie (Mew's manager) as they walked past.

"If she sees the state of your house, I bet she won't think that way." Forth lightly punched Mew, Mew having nowhere to dodge as they were in the elevator.

"Hey! My house was not messy. I hardly stay in it, so there is no mess to be made. It is just...slightly dusty."

Mew laughed. 'Slightly dusty' was an understatement. It was so bad that Forth would always sleep over at Mew's house for a few days because he would be too tired to clean his house after his flight. But he supposes that it was indeed not untidy, compared to their dorm days.

"Alright I will stop teasing you. I may actually visit your family. It has been a while since I last saw them too." Mew handed Forth the keys to his Porsche 718 Boxster. "Here, you can drive it. I will ask Jennie to drive your car to my apartment. Since you will be staying there." 

"Such a good nong." Forth ruffled Mew's hair, Mew grumbling as he tried to tidy it up.

"Maybe I should bring you to a club to let loose. Get some inspiration for your lyrics. Who knows, you might even meet the love of your life during your month-long break." Forth shrugged his shoulders, opening the car door.

Mew laughed. As if that would ever happen.

Famous last words.