Charttoppers - 24. Breaking Free

Just like any other work day, the alarm went off at six o’clock sharp, rousing Cliff Sanders from his sleep. He lifted himself up and reached over to the nightstand, turning the damned thing off. His phone was right next to it, the screen already lit up with notifications and missed calls, most of them from his label. Expecting the worst, Sanders grabbed it and opened his messages. As soon as he read the first few lines of text, he froze, a storm raging inside him.

<We have an emergency. The photo’s out.>

Throwing the blankets off of him, he got up, eyes still glued to the phone. He was now wide awake.

The next message, sent by one of his assistants, contained a link to Daily Celeb News, a popular tabloid. Sanders tapped on it, pressing hard as if trying to smash the screen with his finger.

Ash Khong Caught Kissing Another Man

Fans of pop singer Ash Khong have been left stunned and confused as photos surfaced late last night, showing the superstar locking lips with another man. It seems the lucky guy is none other than Marcus Knight, one of Ash’s backup dancers. Was this a romantic rendezvous, a drunken mistake, or is there another explanation to the passionate kiss? Neither Ash, Marcus, nor anyone from their teams have been available for comments. Whatever the case, we can only conclude that the pair look scorching hot together!

With shaky hands, Sanders managed a quick Google search, revealing dozens of new articles that popped up throughout the night.

Ash Khong in a Heated Kiss with Dancer Marcus Knight

Is Pop Star Ash Khong Gay? Here’s What We Know

New Gay Powercouple: Ash Khong and Marcus Knight

“I’m gonna kill him,” the CEO growled, suppressing the urge to smash everything around him. Instead, he went over to the liquor cabinet and poured himself some scotch. After downing the drink, he took the phone again, dialling the paparazzo, a murderous look in his eyes.

“What the FUCK do you think you’re doing?!” he screamed as soon as the man picked up, not even waiting for a hello.

“Sanders, calm the fuck down,” Teddie replied.

“Calm down? I’m going to make sure you regret this. Once I’m through with you, you will be blacklisted from Hollywood. No one will work with you ever again,” the CEO threatened.

“For fuck’s sake, I didn’t leak the photo. I got the money you sent me, why would I risk it?”

“Well someone obviously did it! Did you show it to anyone?”

“No, only you.”

“I don’t believe you,” Sanders was insistent. “You know I’m going to find out who was responsible for this. And if I find out it was you, you better watch out.”

“I don’t care. I’m telling you for the last time it wasn’t me,” the paparazzo responded frostily. “And if I hear you threaten me again, I just might have to dig up some dirt on you too. And you know very well I can find dirt on anyone.” With those final words, he hung up.

Sanders slammed his phone back on the nightstand, his jaw clenching in anger. He didn’t trust the sleazy paparazzo as far as he could throw him, but what if this time he was telling the truth? If he didn’t sell the photos to the tabloids, then who did? Apparently, no one else had them but Teddie and Sanders himself.

Suddenly, it hit him like a truck. There was one other person who could have done it. Someone who obviously had no idea what they had coming to them.

~~

Lying in bed next to his boyfriend, Ash struggled to keep his eyes open. Neither of them had much sleep last night, as they stayed up late to observe the media frenzy caused by the leaked photo of their kiss. Everything happened just as they suspected it would. Blogs, news portals and social media were blowing up with the news about Ash possibly being gay and in a relationship with one of his dancers. Hundreds of fans’ comments kept pouring in on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, some showing their support, others outrage, surprise, and some just being thirsty over the hot new couple, hoping for a sex tape.

“Lauren, breathe, I can’t understand you,” the singer was on the phone with his publicist, trying to get her to slow down. He couldn’t help but feel sorry for her, knowing she would be swamped with work until the sensation died down and the press found someone else to obsess over.

“You can’t understand me? My phone’s been blowing up all night! Did I not tell you this would happen?” the woman proceeded to give him a lecture, like a mother scolding her son for getting his teenage girlfriend pregnant. “We need to meet right now! But don’t leave your place, paparazzi probably have it surrounded by now. I’ll come over.”

“Fine, I’ll be waiting,” the singer rolled his eyes and hung up. He glanced over to see Marcus standing by the curtained window, peering below.

“Yeah, it’s swarming with paparazzi down there.”

“Guess we’re not leaving the apartment then,” Ash smirked, patting the sheets by his side. “Come on, we have time before Lauren is here. There’s nothing we can do now but wait.”

“Aren’t you worried?” Marcus asked as he climbed back into bed, snuggling up to his boyfriend. “The press is gonna hound you like crazy now.”

Ash let out a sigh, remembering what Samson told him the other day. “Yeah, maybe just a bit.” He reached over, taking Marcus’ hand and entwining their fingers together. “But it’ll blow over eventually. We just have to wait it out. I’ve been under scrutiny since I was seventeen. Yeah, this is going to be a little more intense, but we have each other. We just have to remember why we’re doing this. Now we don’t have to hide anymore. Isn’t that worth it?”

“Of course it is, baby,” Marcus replied, kissing him gently. “I’m glad you can finally be free to be who you are. We can be free. But I’m also worried about you. I don’t want you to regret doing this and then resent me for it later.”

“That’s not going to happen, I promise,” the singer replied, looking his boyfriend in the eyes. Every time he saw his handsome face, he would feel renewed confidence and strength surge within him. “I know what I’m doing. I’m sick of lying and hiding and playing by someone else’s rules. It’s bad enough that they dictate every aspect of my career, but to control my private life… I am not going to put up with it anymore.”

Soon after the boys left their comfortable bed and got dressed, the doorbell rang. While Marcus went to the kitchen to fix them something to eat, Ash went to answer the door.

“Hey, did you make it past the-“ he started to say as he opened the door, expecting to see his publicist.

“Yes, I made it past those vultures down there,” Cliff Sanders stormed in, staring daggers at Ash. “Care to explain what happened before I drop you from the label once and for all?”

“Babe, what’s happening?” Marcus appeared from the kitchen, freezing when he saw the CEO by the door, his arms crossed and eyes filled with fury.

“Oh, he’s here too. Good,” Sanders replied tersely, glancing over at the dancer. “Well, I’m waiting for an explanation!”

“What explanation?” Ash feigned innocence. With all his experience in dealing with the media, he learned how to fake it like the best of them. “I saw that the photos leaked. I thought you paid him off so he wouldn’t do it.”

“Which is what I did, don’t play fucking dumb with me, boy. He said he didn’t leak the photos, which means you did.”

“Are you insane? Why the fuck would I do that?” Ash asked, putting on his best shocked face. “Wait… You actually believe that asshole who took the photos, but you don’t believe me? Why am I not surprised.”

“You can’t seriously be accusing Ash of this. This could ruin his career,” Marcus defended his boyfriend. “Do you think he would risk everything he’s worked for? This is his life, not some stupid game.”

Sanders turned to the dancer briefly, giving him a look full of venom, before turning back to Ash. “I know you did it,” he repeated, shaking his head. “You idiot. Do you realize I could sue you for breach of contract? You better start looking for a new record label because you are over in mine.”

“Sue me all you want, but I didn’t leak shit! For all I know, you were in league with the guy and you actually leaked the photos for publicity. That sounds right up your alley,” Ash replied, refusing to back down. His heart was hammering in his chest, but he stood firmly, glaring at the CEO. “If that’s all, get the fuck out of my apartment.”

As Marcus started approaching with a threatening look on his face, Sanders’ eyes darted between the two men. Seeing that he was outnumbered, he quickly backed up toward the door. Ash smirked, noticing the nervous look on the old man’s face.

“I know you did it and I will prove it. This is far from over, Khong.”

“Out!” Ash shouted, startling the man.

Once Sanders left, the singer slammed the door, locking it.

Marcus was quick to come over, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend’s waist. Ash relished the closeness and warmth of the dancer’s body against his own, letting himself relax into the hug. He took a deep breath, inhaling the familiar and comforting scent that was all Marcus.

“Are you ok?” the dancer whispered, gazing into Ash’s eyes.

“Yeah, I am.”

“Do you think he can find out…”

“No way,” the Korean shook his head. “He can try all he wants, but there’s no way he can trace it back to us. He can’t prove anything.”

Ash smiled contentedly, leaning in to plant a soft kiss on his boyfriend’s lips. His boyfriend. Finally. It felt so good knowing there was nothing standing between them anymore. He’s taken the plunge and there was no going back now. It was scary, but exhilarating at the same time knowing that they didn’t have to hide from anyone. They were free to be together. Even if he ended up facing backlash and anger from people like Sanders, it wouldn’t matter. It was totally worth it. The storm would eventually blow over, just like it always does.

“Come on, let’s grab something to eat before Lauren gets here,” the singer murmured, taking Marcus by the hand and leading him to the kitchen, feeling like a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. For the first time in a long while, he was finally free.

~~

After wrapping up the North American leg of his tour, Samson flew to Europe. In the span of seven weeks, he had covered the US and Canada. Now he was finally in London, ready to start the European leg with two concerts in the famous O2 Arena.

It had been well over a month since he exposed Argent Media and its shady business practices. Thanks to his social media post and pressure from other artists, Melanie Roy had no choice but to allow his music back on the radio. However, his airplay on the several biggest pop radio stations was nearly zero.

“Have you heard from any of your people?” the singer asked Hank as the man walked into the room where Samson was having a snack while watching Netflix.

“Yeah, the guy I know at Pop Buzz Radio says the orders from Argent Media are still very much in effect. Same goes for CrushFM and Idol200.”

“You were right. That bitch is still trying it,” the singer shook his head. “These are literally the biggest pop stations!”

“She knows what she’s doing,” Hank sighed, taking a seat next to Samson. “But don’t worry, we’ll handle this, I promise. We got you this far. But right now, we should focus on the tour and all the promo you’ve got lined up, ok?”

During his stay in the UK, Samson’s schedule included a few promo appearances on British TV and radio stations, which Hank had previously booked for him. The biggest of these was an appearance on a prime-time talk show ‘Evenings with Janine’, hosted by the beloved TV veteran Janine Price. Never one to turn down a promo opportunity, Samson readily accepted to appear on the show, but quickly came to regret it.

“So, you know this show is kind of a big deal in the UK?” Hank asked, looking at Samson nervously, like a young boy trying to tell his mom he broke her expensive china set.

“Uh, yes? That’s why I agreed to appear,” the singer replied, unsure where the conversation was heading.

“Ok... Well, I hope you don’t hate me when I tell you who the other guest is,” the manager said, biting his lip as Samson eyed him questioningly. “Tyler Edwards.”

“Oh, of course,” the singer groaned, rolling his eyes in exasperation. “Just my luck...”

“Look, I know you’re not his biggest fan, but just try to behave, ok? You can be sweet and charming for the cameras, as you always are,” Hank flattered, drawing a cute little giggle out of Samson, “and once the show is over, you don’t have to see him again.”

“Fine, I’ll be good,” Samson promised. “He’s the least of my problems right now anyway.”

It was showtime, and the singer was in his dressing room at the studio, getting ready for the show. A true professional, Anna made quick work of his hair and makeup, while Hank went to inform the producers that Samson was not to be disturbed, just in case Tyler wanted to pop in for a visit and a brief chat before the show.

Just as Anna was putting the finishing touches on Samson’s eyeliner, Hank returned to let him know the show was about to start.

“Our first guest is a big superstar, an amazing singer and performer, and a proper sweetheart! If you’re a fan of his, you might call yourself a Stanson. Please welcome Samson Flynn!”

As Janine Price made her announcement, the sliding door to the left of the stage opened and out came Samson, wearing a peach-colored T-shirt, tight burgundy pants and a big smile on his face.

“Hello, it’s lovely to have you here,” the middle-aged woman said, standing up to hug her guest.

“Thank you, it’s so nice to finally be here!” Samson had to shout, as the audience was still cheering and clapping. He sat on the left side of the sofa, closer to the host, taking in the surroundings. The studio was cozy and pleasant, with around two hundred people in the audience.

“How are you? You’ve just arrived in London, is that right?”

“Yes, we landed just this morning. So I apologize if I’m a little jet lagged. But I promise it’ll go away by the show tomorrow night.”

“That’s right, the first of your two London shows on this tour,” Janine replied, continuing to chat with Samson about his world tour. The singer was relaxed and effortlessly charming, while the audience was clearly hanging onto every word he said. After all, it wasn’t often that he came to the UK, so this was a rare opportunity for them to see him in person.

A few minutes later, it was time to introduce her second guest of the night. As the host started her introductions, Samson was all smiles.

“Now, our next guest is a fellow Londoner whom you all know very well. Before I introduce him, I have to ask - Samson, do you know a little song called The Day I Found You?”

“Honey, I know it and I adore it!” Samson replied, laying it on thick. “I’ve been obsessed with it - with the entire album, actually.”

“I’m sure you’re not the only one,” Janine smiled. “You all know who we’re talking about…”

“Wait, can I do the honors?”

“Sure, go ahead!”

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the brilliant Tyler Edwards,” Samson announced ceremoniously, with all the fake enthusiasm he could muster. As the sliding door opened, he stood up and clapped along with the audience, welcoming the young British singer onto the stage.

Smiling, Tyler approached the host to greet her and even received an unexpected hug from Samson. As much as he was baffled by the singer’s sudden change in behavior, he didn’t dare break his facade. The cameras were on them, capturing their every move.

“Have you guys already met?” the host asked after Tyler sat on the sofa next to Samson.

“Yes, of course! We met at the Stardust Awards in LA,” Samson was quick to reply.

“Yeah, that was a wild night,” Tyler nodded, glancing at the other singer before turning to the host.

The audience was going crazy for the Brit, which he was used to, but Samson’s friendliness was shocking to say the least. Tyler tried his best to answer Janine’s questions and pay attention to Samson as well, wondering what kind of game he was playing. Did he really have a change of heart, or was he just that good of an actor, playing it up for the cameras? He couldn’t be sure of anything anymore.

“Now, Tyler, you didn’t have any collaborations on your first album. If you were to do some for your next record, who would your dream collabs be? Of course, present company included,” the host asked, winking at Samson. “I mean, we were all thinking it, right?”

“Oh, gosh, there’s so many great artists - Richard Brodie, Jackie Walsh… And of course, I’ve admired Samson since his first album. I’d be honored to do a song with him,” Tyler replied honestly.

“There we go, people, we have one vote for yes,” Janine clapped her hands, turning to Samson.

“Honey, you never know what the future holds. If we get a chance to work together, I am so down for it!” Samson said, much to the delight of the audience.

The rest of the interview passed in a blur, with plenty of laughter, embarrassing confessions and questions from the audience. Once the filming was over, Samson was the first to go backstage, but Tyler quickly went after him, wanting to have at least a brief chat. After all, there was no Florence to tell him what he could and couldn’t do anymore.

“Hey, Samson, could we talk for a second?” the Brit asked, rushing to catch up to the other guy before he had a chance to escape.

“Sorry, I’m in a rush,” Samson replied, barely glancing at Tyler before looking back at his phone, pretending to be texting someone.

“Wow, ok. So that friendly bloke back on the stage… that was all fake, huh?” Tyler couldn’t hide his disappointment. “I guess it’s true what they say - you should never meet your idols, you’ll only get disappointed.”

“Ugh, look, I’m really not in the mood for this right now. Think whatever you want about me, I don’t care,” Samson replied, entering his dressing room and slamming the door behind him.

“So, how was the show?” Anna, waiting for him, asked as soon as he entered.

“Ugh, don’t ask,” he muttered angrily as he sat down on the sofa. Just as he did, the door opened and Tyler walked in.

“I told you…”

“I don’t care,” the Brit replied, cutting him off. “Whatever it is you have against me, I want to clear it up right now.”