(This event happened when JJ was twenty-seven years old.)

 

"Hello viewers! Today, our little show has the honour of welcoming guests whom many of you have been requesting. I'm incredibly excited because I'm a huge fan of theirs! Haha. I never thought they would accept my invitation. And this marks our first step in interviewing people who aren't celebrities, internet idols, or YouTubers, but designers! Yes, please give a round of applause to Jerome and Jin from JJ's HOUSE!"

 

Two tall, imposing figures walked gracefully towards the camera. One wore dark, stylishly patterned clothing, his lustrous blonde hair enhancing his radiance. His handsome, somewhat mischievous face seemed designed to captivate anyone who looked at him, leaving no room for doubt, as was the ever-present, flirtatious smile on his beautiful lips.

 

The other person walking beside him was slightly taller. His torso, from his back down to his ankles, was perfectly sculpted, as if crafted by God. Not to mention his handsome, soft-spoken, mixed-race face, full of captivating charm, exuding an air of gentle approachability. His hair was jet-black, yet he was dressed entirely in light-coloured clothing, looking impeccable from head to toe.

 

The two young men were completely different, yet surprisingly, they complemented each other.

 

"Hello, Mr Jinn. Hello, Mr Jerome. Thank you again for giving my show this opportunity," said Shane, the young host, excitedly extending his hand to shake hands with both guests.

 

"It's a pleasure, a real pleasure. It's rare to get contacted about something other than work. Lately, I haven't been really keen on trying to sell my services; I'd get too rich, haha," Jinn said casually.

 

"But if I don't appear at all, I'm afraid I'll be forgotten. So I thought it wouldn't be bad to come on a chill show like this one with you, Shane. Besides, Jinn likes watching this show," Jerome replied with a polite smile.

 

"Huh? Mr Jerome, don't trick me into getting my hopes up."

 

"I really watched it. Why don't you believe me? I watched when Teo came. Cee, the guitarist...who else? Kwang? Yeah, you've brought in a lot of my regular models already." Jinn really liked watching this show because it was pretty chill. There weren't any brain-teasing or business-related questions. Just personal questions about love and relationships, and the more he listened, the more he felt that his relationship with his girlfriend was becoming more and more unlike anyone else's.

 

"I... I'm going to cry. I'm a true fan. I have every single one of your clothing collections. Not every single item, but I really do."

 

"I know, most of the photos on your Instagram are of our brand's clothes. Thank you so much," Jerome chuckled softly at the other person.

 

His face turned bright red when he saw the person he liked. Luckily, their gaze wasn't flirtatious; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to sit there motionless.

 

"Yes, yes. Although I mostly wear clothes designed by Jerome, I always wear Jinn’s designs for special occasions." Shane turned to speak to another designer he greatly admired. However, because he rarely went out unless for work, Jinn’s clothes, full of interesting and playful designs, seldom got a chance to be showcased.

 

"Don't worry about it," Jinn said, eliciting laughter from the backstage crew and the host. "As long as people buy our products, no matter who designed them, the money goes to the brand. I've never been worried about this at all."

 

"Now that we're talking about that, let's get to the questions. Here, we have almost a hundred questions prepared," Shane playfully showed the guest his iPad.

 

"Well, if I can answer all those questions within an hour, then I can," Jerome shifted slightly towards Jinn, a familiar gesture. The two sat on the long sofa opposite the young host, with only a small table for water glasses separating them.

 

"I don't think it'll be in time, I think. Well, no, maybe some people don't know, but I think if they see the video when it's released, they'll know. Jerome and Jinn are a couple! I'm telling some of the viewers beforehand, haha."

 

"Is there anyone who doesn't know? We're practically inseparable now," Jinn said teasingly.

 

"Okay, let's get started. You two are a couple, and you work together. Have you ever had any problems?"

 

Jinn: What kind of problems? If it's about money, there aren’t any. None at all. But if it's about work... There aren't any either. Haha.

 

Jerome: Our habits, our work style, everything is just a habit. We dated while we were still studying, and we've always worked on projects together. The timing, the methods, everything related to work, we understand each other perfectly. We've never had any problems with this since launching the brand.

 

"Oh, that's great. And about that money issue earlier, has the fashion house divided the profits among the designs that sold better, and how are the percentages split? This isn't me making this up or anything; these are questions I've received from various sources," Shane stammered, seemingly afraid the guest might misunderstand.

 

Jinn: Don't overthink it. I've been asked worse questions before. This is chill. In the first year, we split the workload at my mom's suggestion. As you might know, my mom is a designer, so she recommended doing it that way. But after two years... not quite four, right? Jinn turned to ask his lover sitting next to him.

 

Jerome: It was only for one year. After the first year, we stopped because we felt it wasn't working for our fashion house. On average, the profits weren't that far apart. In some sets, I made more money, in others, Jinn did. So we sat down and discussed what to do. In the end, we combined everything, not separating it into individual incomes. Once we did that, there were no problems at all because the fashion house is already half ours anyway. Everything is split in half. We've been doing it this way our whole lives; it's very easy.

 

"So it seems you two really don't have any financial problems, huh? That's great. Most couples who have been on my show keep their relationships clearly separated to avoid potential future issues."

 

Jinn: This isn't wrong. It's great, but it's not suitable for my relationship. If my partner and I separate, there will be problems, but if we stay together, everything is perfect.

 

Hahaha. 

 

"Haha, oh dear, that's a really strange pair. So, let me ask further, why is there a problem?"

 

Jerome: Because some people like to spend a lot of money, when they run out, they sit around wondering where it all went.

 

Jinn: I'm not confused, I'm just wondering why it disappeared so quickly.

 

“Oh, haha, so that means Mr Jerome is the one holding the wallet now?” Shane’s eyes lit up with amusement. Perhaps he didn’t even need a scripted question, because it seemed the guest had something new to ask within a single question.

 

Jerome: Mostly, yes. I'm the one who handles the shop's money, the big sums of money. I'm more frugal than he is. If I left it with him, the staff and I wouldn't be able to walk tomorrow.

 

Jinn: Okay, let me be honest, no need to ask. I always thought I wasn't passionate about design like my mom. I just liked it, I was used to it, because I'd seen it since I was born. But having my own shop is a completely different story. I just realised I was wrong. I absolutely love it. Over eighty per cent of the money I've spent has been on buying inventory. I buy anything I like. I just kept clicking and clicking, and before I knew it, my account was empty. Yes, empty.

 

Jerome: Haha, and then he turned to me with a confused look on his face, like someone who had just woken up from a dream. He said, "Hey, Jay, I'm out of money. Sorry."

 

"No problem at all. It's easy. On my show, I've already insulted people's ancestors. Haha!"

 

Jinn: That Kwang even insulted his ex-girlfriend on air!

 

Jerome: Yeah, that's right. Back then, I asked him what he bought with it, and he gave me a phone. That's it. After that, his account only had enough money for monthly expenses. Whenever he wanted something, I had to approve it first. That's why we still have money today. Jerome chuckled softly, his hand resting on his lover's thigh, gently stroking it as he always did.

 

"So, in their relationship, Jerome is the most important person?"

 

Jerome: No, no, don't say that! After this interview, you might see me hailing a taxi home! Haha! Jerome quickly waved his hand towards the camera, eliciting another round of laughter from the behind-the-scenes crew.

 

Jinn: Let's say we don't divide things up to see who has more power than whom. It's impossible and shouldn't be done. It's not because we're both men or anything. Even if it's a man and a woman, no one should have all the power because it's unbalanced. We share it. If it's about money, Jerome has the most power...that's it, right?

 

Jinn's words caused the crew and the host to pause for a moment before bursting into loud laughter. Jerome couldn't help but laugh as well.

 

"Haha, Mr Jinn, so that means besides money, Mr Jerome doesn't have any other power whatsoever, right?"

 

Jerome: Haha, the truth is revealed! What I said earlier was just a joke, a playful remark, because there's nothing left to discuss. We've already talked about everything else. We always consult each other on all our decisions and life plans. No one gets more rights than anyone else; Jinn and I have equal rights in all matters. Jerome turns and gives his lover a small smile, their pinky fingers intertwining tightly.

 

“Ah, that’s great. How many times have I said that? I think I’ll say it many more times. I really like your concept. Now it’s not just the clothes I like, I’ve become a fan of your whole life.” Shane sighed contentedly. 

 

Both guests were in his sight throughout the interview. Love, understanding, and respect were reflected in their words and subtle touches as they answered questions.

 

Jinn: Oh, it's not that bad. We all have bad things happen. The questions didn't specifically address that.

 

"You're so humble. Let's talk about something else. Why do we never see you driving sports cars or supercars like most wealthy young people, even though your annual sales are so high? Don't you like it? Is this a sales representative asking a question?"

 

Jinn: Haha, maybe it's because you've never seen one in pictures? Actually, I do have one, but I didn't buy it myself. My dad bought it for me when I opened my clothing store, and I don't drive it much. I don't get permission from the man sitting next to me to drive something that fast, haha. Jinn playfully nudged his lover sitting beside him with his shoulder a couple of times.

 

"Oh, why?"

 

Jerome: He has a short temper, and when he loses it, he doesn't listen to anyone. I have rules—or rather, requests—just a few things I ask of him. One, no smoking. Two, no frequent alcohol consumption; only on special occasions. Three, no speeding. Four, annual health checkups. Five, regular exercise. That's basically it. As for the sports car, you might wonder what that has to do with anything. Well, it does! Sports cars have more powerful engines than other cars, and they're fast. And finally, number three: no speeding.

 

“..." Shane and team.

 

Jinn: Yes, that's right. Haha! Your faces are so funny. Jinn burst into laughter at the blank expressions of everyone who heard him. Their faces were the same as his own when he first heard him say those words.

 

"I couldn't argue with that, haha. Everyone, listen to the answers to those who voted for this question. I'm really too tired to explain anymore," Shane laughed until he almost choked. Why are they so cute?

 

Jerome: But we do drive them sometimes; they're not just parked. I'm the one who drives them; it's not about saving money or putting on a show or anything. It's just that my partner isn't suited for anything too intense, given his temperament.

 

When Jerome said "my people," the crew behind the camera covered their mouths and screamed until their faces turned red. And the audience probably reacted the same way when the show aired.

 

"So, do you two argue often? I mean, serious arguments where you're so angry you don't speak to each other, or sleep separately, things like that?"

 

Jinn: If it's that extreme, then no, because mostly we're more the type to yell, you know? Haha. Like, if we're unhappy about something, we'll talk about it; if we're unhappy about something, we'll yell. Since we've been together, there have been very few times, only two or three, that we haven't slept together. No matter how much we fight, that's it. We get angry, but we don't break up.

 

Jerome: We used to like to fight fiercely and then talk things out, but that happens less often now. The older we get, the less we fight. We still argue and insult each other regularly, because it would feel strange if we didn't insult each other on any given day.

"So that's how it is. But I've followed you two from the beginning, and I know you didn't love each other from the start. Your relationship was one of rivalry and competition, right? I won't ask why you two fell in love, because it seems you both answered that years ago. You can go back and find it yourselves. But what I want to ask is, have those old arguments from back then affected the present? Like, bringing up old issues again, or digging up old cases to fight about?"

 

Jerome: Uh, yeah, no. No, never. We never bring up old issues. I've never thought about it from that perspective before. Or maybe I should? Jerome turned and raised an eyebrow playfully at his lover, receiving a disapproving glare from Jinn in return.

 

Jinn: Lonely? No, I'm a weirdo. I've always admitted that. Back when we used to fight, it ended then and there. We had a lot of issues, and we didn't have time to think about the past because new ones kept popping up. Haha. We just moved on. As soon as one issue ended, another one immediately followed. There was nothing to dig up and argue about again because it was over then. The whole competition issues, the boyfriend stuff, it was all over the moment the results were known. Once we started dating, we didn't bring it up anymore. It's not good for other people anyway. Besides, neither Jay nor I have any unresolved issues. We talked about it from the moment we started dating. There's absolutely no point in that.

 

Jinn chose to answer as comprehensively as possible to minimise further questions.

 

"That's very clear. Everything's clear. Okay, let's go with this one. I'll pick one. Working with so many models like this, have you ever gotten jealous of each other?"

 

Jerome: Well, it happens sometimes. But it usually doesn't start with us. I don't want to say this because it sounds annoying, but we're both good-looking and well-off, and our careers are thriving. It's only natural that people will approach us. Even if we've publicly announced that we have partners, those who aren't interested will still intentionally try to approach us, both openly and secretly.

 

Jinn: I translated his polite language for you. People who don't think are the ones without brains, haha! See? I told you, you guys were all fooled by his gentlemanly look. This guy's got guts! Jinn rests his chin on his lover's shoulder and smiles until his eyes crinkle.

 

“Ouch! Haha. A polite insult, huh? And how do you guys handle this? Because I think it’ll keep happening. You’re not wrong, Mr Jerome. You both have everything that attracts people, from your looks to your wealth. That’s true. I, and everyone in the studio right now, can confirm it.” The simultaneous “Yes” made the guests burst into laughter.

 

Jinn: We handle it according to the level. Whether someone is more or less involved depends on their actions. Most of them are men. As I said, I'm gay, and from what I've heard in the gay community, there aren't many couples who stay together for long. People probably think we're not sincere, that a little flirting will get us somewhere. But we're not like that. Actually, I don't want to say that people think that way just because we're gay. In reality, people of all genders have such thoughts. Unless they're completely blind to the truth, I'm just saying. Smart people will understand, but if they don't, we won't work with them. That's all.

 

"Wow, it's like cutting off all communication. Viewers might think this is a small matter, but if a brand this famous doesn't work with someone, the backlash will spread to other brands, and people will investigate what that person has done. If it's something others dislike, that person might not get work from other brands either."

 

Jerome: Yes, because I know this will happen every time, so I want to talk it out thoroughly. In the past, only two people have used this method. Others understood with just one word.

 

"Oh, I think I've heard this before. Haha."

 

Jinn: Mr Chen, you have such a wide network. You even know people from different industries. I truly admire you. Jinn nodded in genuine admiration, but the person receiving it felt strangely uneasy.

 

Jerome: Haha, otherwise he wouldn't be able to invite so many guests, would he?

 

"I don't know why, even though you're all complimenting me, I feel a little strange. I'm probably just overthinking it, haha. And if you were to react like this, let's say you saw your significant other standing and chatting happily with someone you're sure likes, what would you do?"

 

Jinn: Me? Looking... looking like you're looking for trouble.

 

"You started right away, huh? Haha."

Jinn: Yes, I'll be looking at Jerome.

 

Jerome: He looked, clicked his tongue, and beckoned with his finger. I immediately excused myself. No time to waste, haha. Jerome turned to look at his lover with a smile before touching the tattoo on the other's neck.

 

"Well, if my girlfriend did that, I'd run away. But Jinn seems like a good person. And what about Jerome? Wouldn't his approach be softer?"

 

In the middle of the group, haha, Jinn: See? That's why I said you guys got tricked. Wow, he didn't even call out; he just walked right in!

 

"Huh!? Really? Unbelievable!" Shane stared at Jerome's smiling face, his mouth agape.

 

Jerome: I'll walk over, put both my hands on Jinn’s shoulders, and smile like this. Jerome demonstrated to Shane, his large hands gripping the shoulders of his lover, who sat beside him. His handsome face looked directly at the young host and the camera, his eyes calm but his lips curving into a gentle smile.

 

Jinn: And then he'd say, "What are you guys talking about?" The other side would be stunned because they didn't expect Jay to come in. When no one spoke, he'd say, "Okay, I'll excuse myself now." But "excuse me" actually meant he'd drag me out with him. That would be the end of a closed-door relationship. Heh heh.

 

"Mr Jerome, you're terrifying, you know? I got goosebumps, like I was being watched by something. Did you see it on camera? Didn't you? The viewers should have seen it too. My God, your gaze is even more intense than Jinn’s !"

 

Jinn: I told you, everyone has to believe me that I'm the victim. Don't judge a person by their appearance; don't assume that someone as tough-looking as me is the one in control. This is the real story.

 

Jerome: Oh, it's just something like that. Normally, I'd give in to him completely.

 

Jinn: Heh heh.

 

“Haha, alright, everyone. So, you know now, don't mess with people who already have partners. Besides making you look bad, you might get disapproving looks from both of them. What? Time's almost up! There were only a few questions because they were all off-script. Haha. Okay, let's wrap things up with something basic. Is there anything you want to say to your partner, or apologise for something you haven't apologised for yet? It can be something recent, or something from the past.”

 

Jerome: Would it be okay if I said no? Haha. I've told him everything I wanted to say. Actually, we have no secrets from each other. I can confidently say that. We're completely open with each other. We say what we feel. So I don't know what else to say to him. As for an apology, it would probably be, "I'm sorry for loving you too much."

 

The cheers and screams from the crew made Jinn pout at the overly dramatic declaration of love from the person sitting next to him, but his ears slowly turned red, noticeably so.

 

This!

 

"Are you really going to do this, Jerome? How are we going to manage?" Shane stifled a smile until his cheeks ached. He really enjoyed seeing people in love.

 

Jerome: I was just kidding.

 

Jinn: But I do have something to promise. I'll tell you on the show, so there will be plenty of witnesses. I promise that this year I won't get bogged down in design work and ruin my travel plans for the third time. I won't postpone anything anymore. If I've planned everything out, I'll go.

 

Jerome: It doesn't matter at all.

 

Jinn: It's because you're like this. Sorry.

 

"It's alright, absolutely alright. Take your time. Are you so engrossed in designing that you've lost track of time, Mr Jinn?"

 

Jinn: You could say that. If it were any other issue, he'd warn me, and I wouldn't listen, but when it comes to this, he keeps saying nothing. So I took this opportunity to tell everyone and asked you all to help me keep an eye on myself. Haha, it's a little strange, but it's true. Once I have a plan, I'll post it on various social media platforms, but I won't say where I'm going, just the timeframe. If I don't make any moves after that, please help push me.

 

Jerome: You're overthinking it. It's alright. We can go on a trip anytime. Jerome shook his head. The young man no longer feigned a gentle smile. He returned to being his normal Jerome, the one not in the spotlight.

 

Jinn: No, I've already decided. Because you never get angry, I've gotten used to it. I don't want to neglect you at all. Lately, Jinn has been disliking the way he is so focused on design ideas, because it makes him ignore everything else, even his lover.

 

"Calm down, both of you," Shane began, slightly worried that the guests would start arguing in the middle of the show.

 

Jerome: We're not arguing; we just haven't found a middle ground yet. He has a habit of withdrawing from the world when he has an idea in his head; sometimes, he'll get engrossed in it for a long time. I don't have a problem with that, but he does, because it tends to drag on, not just for a day or two, sometimes for a week. And it often coincides with the dates we've planned trips. When that happens, I cancel them.

 

Jinn: Many times, and he never warns me, even though if it were any other issue, he'd be complaining morning and evening. It turns out I'm the one who's stood him up, the one who gets angry instead. Do you think it's fun to get angry at yourself because your boyfriend doesn't warn you? Don't touch me! Jinn glared at the person who reached out to grab his leg again.

 

Jerome: Haha, it's not a problem for me, is it? Jerome laughed, his hand still trying to rest on his lover's leg. The other person pushed it away, so he reached out again.

 

“Haha, oh dear, would it be wrong if I said I find it endearing? And why didn't you warn him, Jerome? Aren't you angry or upset about being cheated so often?” Shane asked. He was genuinely curious about this because, just thinking about it, if it happened to him, he would definitely be upset and angry. But Jerome didn't seem that way at all, as if he didn't think it was something to be angry about. How interesting.

 

Jerome: No, because we're together all the time, practically 24 hours a day. Going on trips is just a change of scenery. It's really optional. What I want to do is take him on a vacation. But if he still enjoys designing, I'm not going to rush him into going. Nowadays, watching him design every day is something I want to do.

 

Jinn: Jerome is a psychopath. He can sit and watch me work all day without saying a word. Every time I would take a break from designing, and whenever I looked up, my eyes would always meet his.

 

Jerome: I like Jinn when he's really focused on something, especially his design work. It makes me feel like he's so vibrant.

 

"Oh, so Jinn is usually so lifeless? I don't think so."

 

Jinn: It's a different meaning. He likes to say that when I design something, light shines out from around me. Heh heh.

 

Jerome: It's true. I like watching him work. I enjoy watching him design because every time I watch, I see a sparkling light surrounding him. He loves it, and that's why he's in such a special mood. Jerome turns and smiles at his lover, their eyes meet, conveying a secret known only to the two of them.

 

Because I didn't have the chance to see it in my previous life, I want to look at it more in this life.

 

Jinn: But even so, everyone, please stick to this plan. I'll go back and plan the travel itinerary, then post when we'll be going. If I seem quiet and haven't updated during that time, please leave lots of comments. (Jinn raises his eyebrows towards the camera as if receiving a final agreement.)

 

Jerome: Come on.

 

"You two are just in love, that's all. Jerome didn't warn you because he wanted you to do what you liked. And Jinn, who wanted him to warn you, just wanted to spend time relaxing with you. Difficult things aren't a problem, but little things like this are. I can't believe it," Shane laughed affectionately. This conversation had given him a unique and endearing perspective on love.

 

Jinn: I guess so. Sometimes being spoiled too much doesn't make you happy. Sometimes we want to indulge ourselves in return, but...ugh.

 

Jerome: Okay, okay, I'll really warn you next time. I promise.

 

Jinn: You don't need to say anything! His beautiful eyes glared knowingly at his lover. How many times have you said that? And have you ever done it? No!

 

"Oh dear, haha! I really should have ended this show, but then I noticed one question. A question that everyone watching from the beginning has probably already answered: Are you two really in love, or is it just for business and publicity? No need to answer that anymore. I think people with eyes and ears can tell for themselves. Thank you so much, Jerome and Jinn, for honouring us with your presence on our show. I wanted to talk to you more, but unfortunately, we don't have enough time. Sigh."

 

Jerome: No problem. Next time you're invited, and we're free, we'll definitely come. Today was a lot of fun.

 

Jinn: It was really fun, like talking to friends.

 

"Thank you, everyone. That's all for today. See you again!"

 

Jinn: Bye! Don't forget to buy our clothes! /winks and raises an eyebrow

 

Jerome: Goodbye. Please take care of JJ's HOUSE. /sweet smile

 

After this episode aired, both Jinn and Jerome became widely talked about, especially among the fujoshi (female fans of BL) community, who were overjoyed.

 

The love they share, the small expressions of affection that have become habitual, their gazes that can't lie, the noticeable increase in sales of their clothing brand, and the tens of thousands of new followers on their social media channels in just a few days—all of it is undeniable.

 

JJ's HOUSE unexpectedly expanded its clientele thanks to their verbal sparring? In just one episode of the owner's show, JJ realised their witty banter could generate so much money. If he'd known this, he would have accepted this kind of work a long time ago!