The Boss and the Superior

Delusional toxic fans love to pit them against each other. Many of them can't accept the fact that JOSH and KEN will always have a bond that is not easy to break. They hate the fact that JOSH played a huge part in bringing KEN to where he is today. It's not to keep reminding him or his fans about it, it's just the truth. No one knows what might have happened if KEN had not been contacted and helped by JOSH to come to Manila. We can't go back in time to see what could have been. What we do know is that in this reality, JOSH loaned KEN his plane ticket from Mindanao to come audition in SBT. He fought for KEN to be accepted and be part of the training program because JOSH believed in him. So, why try to turn them against each other?

Both of these men ooze with swag and style, and are definitely multitalented. While JOSH has a very outgoing personality who can probably party with just about anyone, KEN is more reserved and quiet. He doesn't drink or smoke, but he does know how to have fun. It's adorable that they started as part of competing groups that eventually led them to be part of the biggest male PPOP group in the country. With the way they carry themselves, you would think they'd display traits of toxic masculinity, instead they are the total opposite. They are self-assured and confident, all while still exuding humility and kindness.

These delusional fans would even claim that JOSH is copying KEN's fashion and music, when they both have very distinct fashion style and sound. KEN has an underground-ish mix of metal rock and hip-hop while JOSH has pop, punk, and hip-hop mix. One has more dark, swag fashion style while the other has more street-style. They couldn't have been more different. Since they both have different hobbies, these two didn't use to spend much time together outside work. Even when making music, they work with totally different people, and they run in different circles. #JOKERS, as their shippers are called, would enjoy picking up crumbs between SB19 events and vlogs just to appease themselves, but things have changed for the better.

During one of SB19's livestreams, it was revealed that these two went on a car show together. No one from the fandom knew about it, which made it even more special for the #JOKERS. A few years back, KEN arrived at JOSH's condo while he was livestreaming on a Christmas eve. That wasn't announced either. I feel like they have an unspoken agreement that they don't need to be loud about their friendship. We've only learned that they're gym buddies, but it's obvious that it has been going on for a while. They are proof that regardless of the outside noise, connection between two people can be calm, silent, and away from prying eyes.

I feel like KEN is the kind of person who don't like to flaunt his relationships, any kind of relationships. I guess it's part of him protecting the people he cares about from those who would stuck their noses where it don't belong. I actually admire that about him. He would post on social media, but he knows that doesn't have to. He does it when he wants to. I see JOSH is the same. He updates more on his exclusive hub than on his personal page that is accessible to everyone. They know how to protect themselves and the people they care about, and I don't want them to change. Me and many A'tin are contented with the knowledge that they have a great relationship with one another. We don't need validation.

Another thing that I notice between these two is how gentle KEN is around JOSH. I don't know if I'm only one who notices it, but it's too obvious for me. There are many times that I would see him looking at JOSH with such gentleness that I can't help but smile. JOSH, on the other hand, oftentimes look at KEN with pride. I can sense how proud he is of how far KEN has come. He may not say it out loud, but there are moments where I would see him looking at KEN and his eyes are beaming with pride. He's like an older brother watching his younger brother reach for his dreams.

I also find it adorable that despite their "bad boy" look and all the swag, they're both just babies. The way they would stare at the lights surrounding them during their concerts or while the confetti falls around them, it's just so innocent and pure. KEN in all his sexiness still has a heart of a young boy who would laugh so hard like there's no tomorrow for the most mundane of things. JOSH, despite his strong persona, would still jump and hop like a little boy when he does things that he finds funny or naughty. When they both act like kids, my heart just melts.

When KEN had his 7sins concert, it was heartwarming to see JOSH in the crowd, enjoying his music just like everyone else. He entered the venue quietly and joined the crowd, no muss, no fuss. There wasn't even an announcement that he would be there. And when JOSH finally had his Lost & Found concert, KEN arrived all covered up, obviously avoiding catching so much attention. It didn't work, though, because A'tin knows him so well, but the thought of him just quietly slipping to his seat to join the crowd is such a statement. These two, despite being under different recording labels, will never stop supporting each other in any way possible. They don't even need recognition for doing so, they'd just always be there for one another.

These two are the best representation of from rugs to riches. Two men who came from two different parts of the country who crossed paths as competitors that ended up as groupmates, friends, and brothers. They both came from nothing but their dreams and hearts. Look at them know. They are both kicking ass in the music industry, slowly but surely cementing their names as icons, and are acquiring success everywhere they go. No amount of negativity would destroy the friendship they've built and the trust they have for one another. Regardless of how the rest of the world view them, #JoKen for me is the kind of friendship that would last a lifetime, silent but strong.

I wouldn't be surprise when the time comes that they finally have their own families and they are both godfathers to each other's children. I can definitely see them enjoying a quiet night, sitting by the garden, looking back to the days when they were still working hard to reach for their dreams. But before they settle down, I wish for these two to have everything they've ever wanted. I want them to reach their dreams together.