51faces

Dami pressed her lips together, fighting the swell of emotion building inside her. Her chest tightened under the weight of Y/N’s parting words, the simple phrase wrapping around her heart like a vice. For months, Dami had convinced herself that pushing Y/N away was the right choice—necessary, even. She had told herself that she was protecting them both, shielding them from the uncertainty of the future. But now, sitting in the café with Y/N’s absence settling like a shadow in the space around her, she could no longer ignore the nagging doubts. The seat across from her felt painfully empty, a hollow reminder of what she had let slip through her fingers.

Outside, the world carried on, blissfully unaware of her inner turmoil. Sunlight streamed through the café’s large windows, casting patterns across the polished tables. Pedestrians hurried past, caught up in the rhythm of their own lives. But for Dami, the vibrant scene was muted, the world around her blurred and distant. The laughter and chatter of other customers seemed miles away. She traced the rim of her coffee cup, the cool porcelain grounding her, though her heart felt like it was on fire.

The walk back to her apartment felt endless. Each step weighed heavier than the last, as though she were moving through quicksand. The cobblestone streets stretched on, seemingly without end. With every step, memories of Y/N replayed in her mind: their spontaneous adventures, late-night conversations that had stretched into the morning, the sound of their laughter intertwined like a song. The things she had taken for granted now stood out vividly in her mind, reminders of a bond she had severed.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, notifications from her bandmates about upcoming schedules—rehearsals, concerts, meetings. But they felt intrusive, foreign, as though they were messages meant for someone else. Dami barely glanced at the screen. The world of Dreamcatcher, once her entire focus, now felt distant. All that occupied her thoughts was Y/N: her radiant smile, the crinkle of her eyes when she laughed, the comforting warmth of her presence.

The emptiness in Dami’s chest deepened with each passing moment. It was as if part of her had been carved out, leaving a void that pulsed with longing. She wanted to reach out, to take back the words and actions that had pushed Y/N away, but all she could do was trudge on, lost in a haze of regret and unspoken apologies. The question gnawed at her: would she ever get another chance, or had she permanently closed the door on a future with Y/N?

-----

Weeks passed. Dreamcatcher’s tour was in full swing, and stepping back on stage, Dami felt as though nothing had changed. The lights blazed bright and blinding, cutting through the darkened arena. The cheers from the crowd washed over her, rising and falling in waves of excitement and adoration. The energy in the air was electric, the familiar buzz of thousands of fans chanting their names, creating a wall of sound that usually wrapped around her like a warm embrace.

But tonight, it all felt distant. As though she were separated from it by an invisible wall. She executed every move with the precision expected of her, her body in perfect sync with the music, but her heart wasn’t there. It was somewhere else—tethered to memories of Y/N, playing on an endless loop in her mind. No matter how much the crowd roared, it couldn’t fill the hollow ache that had taken root inside her.

When the shows ended and the adrenaline faded, Dami retreated to the quiet of her room. She would scroll through her phone, through old conversations and photos with Y/N. Every night was the same—revisiting memories of happier days, sun-drenched afternoons, carefree outings, late-night talks. Each photo was a reminder of what she had let go. Y/N had been her anchor, the one constant amidst the chaos of her life, and Dami had pushed her away, thinking it was the right thing to do.

JiU was the first to notice that something was wrong. After a particularly grueling rehearsal, where the choreography felt more like a chore than an escape, she pulled Dami aside. "What’s going on with you?" JiU asked, concern laced through her words. "You’ve been off for weeks."

"I’m fine," Dami said automatically, her voice flat. But even she didn’t believe it.

JiU crossed her arms, her expression unyielding. "No, you’re not. I can see it, Dami. You're not yourself. Please, talk to me."

For a moment, Dami stood in silence, staring at the floor. The weight of her secret felt too heavy to keep carrying. Finally, she sank to the floor, pressing her back against the cool wall of the practice room. "Unnie, I messed up," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I pushed Y/N away because I thought it was the right thing. I thought if I focused on Dreamcatcher, it would keep us from disbanding. I didn’t want to lose everything again. I thought... I thought I was doing the right thing."

Her eyes filled with unshed tears. "But I was wrong. I lost the one person who was always there for me, and now… I can’t find her. I’ve been calling, texting. Nothing. She’s just… gone."

JiU knelt beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Dami, if she’s that important to you, you can’t give up. You have to fight for her."

"I’ve tried," Dami replied, tears slipping down her cheeks. "It’s been months. I don’t even know where she is."

JiU thought for a moment, then her eyes lit up. "I think I know a way to help."

-----

JiU sat in her room, preparing for a solo VLive session with the fans. The moment her stream went live, the chat exploded with questions and excitement. She smiled warmly, engaging with the viewers, but a thought weighed on her mind. After some lighthearted conversation, JiU’s expression grew more serious.

“I need your help with something,” she said, her tone soft but urgent. The chat buzzed with curiosity. “There’s someone we’ve lost contact with—someone important. We knew her as InsomniacGirl. If anyone knows anything, please reach out. This is really important to one of our members."

The chat went wild, with fans reminiscing about InsomniacGirl and vowing to help however they could. The hashtag #FindInsomniacGirl quickly trended, as Dreamcatcher’s dedicated fans sprang into action, determined to track down the elusive figure.

JiU ended the VLive with a hopeful smile, feeling a sense of purpose as she logged off. If anyone could find Y/N, it was InSomnia. She just had to hope it wasn’t too late.

The following days blurred together for Dami, each one bleeding into the next. Rehearsals, performances, and fan events came and went, but none of it reached her heart. Every night, she lay in bed, wondering if she had lost Y/N for good. Meanwhile, the Dreamcatcher fanbase was working like detectives, piecing together clues, until one fan finally made a breakthrough. A screenshot from a game company’s website showed Y/N listed as a graphic designer.

JiU’s phone buzzed with the news. A spark of hope ignited inside her. Y/N hadn’t disappeared completely—she was out there, working, living her life. Now, JiU just had to find a way to reconnect them.

Without telling Dami, JiU reached out to the company, hoping to arrange a meeting. It was a delicate situation, and she didn’t want to raise Dami’s hopes only to crush them. Her fingers hovered over the send button for a moment before pressing it, the weight of possibility hanging in the air.

-----

The restaurant was a quiet haven tucked away in the bustling heart of the city. Soft ambient music floated through the air, mingling with the savory aromas of grilled dishes and freshly baked bread. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting warm patterns across the elegantly set tables. JiU sat across from Y/N, whose presence was a striking contrast to the serene atmosphere. Y/N’s fingers were tightly clasped in her lap, knuckles pale, betraying the nervous tension simmering beneath the surface. Yet, that same calm confidence that had once captivated JiU remained—a quiet strength beneath the uncertainty.

“Thanks for meeting with me,” JiU said softly, offering a small smile, hoping to ease the tension.

Y/N nodded, her expression guarded, her eyes revealing little. The weight of the moment hung between them like an invisible wall. “I figured this was about Yubin,” she replied, her voice just above a whisper. The name seemed to fill the space between them, heavy with unspoken emotions.

JiU’s heart tightened at the mention of Dami. Leaning forward, she tried to bridge the distance that Y/N’s silence had created. “Yeah, it is,” JiU confessed, her tone gentle but unwavering. “She’s been a mess without you, Y/N. She thought pushing you away was what you needed, but she was wrong. She knows that now.”

Y/N looked down, and JiU could see the turmoil hidden beneath her calm exterior, the hurt etched across her face. It was clear that time had not yet healed the wounds from their separation. Memories seemed to flash behind Y/N’s eyes, the silence between them punctuated by the weight of what had been left unsaid.

“I’m not here to ask you to take her back,” JiU continued, her voice careful, seeking to reassure. “But I think you should know that she’s been trying to find you for months. She’s changed, Y/N. She realizes how badly she messed up, and she’s terrified it’s too late.” JiU paused, searching Y/N’s face for a sign of understanding. “If you still feel even a fraction of what she feels… I think you should hear her out.”

The soft clinking of glasses and the murmur of other patrons filled the quiet that followed. Y/N remained still, her gaze fixed on the table, deep in thought. JiU watched her closely, hoping to see a flicker of recognition, a hint of the emotions still buried beneath Y/N’s stoic exterior.

“In three days,” JiU said, her voice quiet but insistent, “come to the Dreamcatcher company. Just tell the front desk you’re Y/N, and Dami will be there, waiting for you.” She held her breath, the words hanging in the air. “If you decide not to come, we’ll understand. But she deserves a chance to explain.”

Y/N sat in silence, the weight of JiU's words heavy between them. JiU felt the unspoken connection flicker—perhaps Y/N still cared. After a moment of quiet reflection, Y/N thanked her softly and stood, her movements poised but hesitant. As she walked out of the restaurant, JiU’s chest tightened. Watching Y/N disappear beyond the glass doors, she felt a glimmer of hope, like the first stirrings of spring after a long, bitter winter—a chance for healing and renewal.

-----

The day had finally arrived, and JiU’s anxiety was at an all-time high. Every tick of the clock seemed louder, the seconds stretching unbearably as she waited for any word about Y/N. What if Y/N didn’t show? What if she had changed her mind? These thoughts gnawed at JiU, making her palms sweat and her heart race. She could barely focus on her own rehearsals, distracted by the fear that Y/N wouldn’t come. The anticipation felt suffocating, the hope of reconnection teetering on the edge of possibility.

Then, finally, her phone buzzed. It was a message from the front desk: Y/N was here.

Relief washed over JiU, like a cool breeze on a scorching day. Her heart leapt with excitement as she quickly texted the front desk, instructing them to bring Y/N to the third-floor practice room. Her hands trembled as she hit send. The next step was finding Dami.

Meanwhile, Dami dragged herself through another rehearsal. Each movement felt mechanical, as if her body was going through the motions while her spirit was elsewhere. The music that once set her heart alight now echoed hollowly. Thoughts of Y/N haunted her, a constant reminder of the emptiness she carried. She had resigned herself to the belief that Y/N was truly gone.

When rehearsal finally ended, JiU approached Dami with a smile that stood out against the day’s exhaustion. “Hey, Dami,” she said lightly, though the glint in her eyes betrayed a deeper urgency. “Can you head up to the practice room on the third floor? I need you to check something for me.”

Dami frowned, confused. “What for?”

“It’s nothing serious,” JiU replied, trying to sound casual, though her excitement was barely contained. “Just trust me, okay?”

With a sigh, Dami relented. She was too drained to question JiU’s request. “Fine,” she muttered, grabbing her water bottle as she made her way up the stairs, her thoughts heavy as ever.

Pushing open the door to the practice room, Dami fully expected to find it empty. But as she stepped inside, time seemed to stop. There, standing in the center of the room, was Y/N.

Dami stood frozen in the practice room, the once-familiar space now feeling like a sacred ground of memories and emotions she had tried so hard to bury. The scent of sweat mixed with the lingering fragrance of cleaning supplies filled her nostrils, but it was the sight of Y/N standing in front of her that made her heart skip a beat. For an agonizing moment, time seemed to stretch, and the world around them melted away. It felt like a dream, one she had replayed in her mind a thousand times, but never dared to believe would come true. Yet, there Y/N was, undeniably real and within reach, her presence igniting a fire of warmth and anxiety deep within Dami's chest.

Her heart raced like a drum, each beat echoing her want to rush forward and pull Y/N into her arms, to shield her from all the hurt that had stained their past. But hesitation gripped her like a vice; she remembered every moment of pain she had caused, every slice of regret that lay between them like a chasm. Dami’s hands clenched into tight fists, a physical manifestation of the emotional turmoil raging inside her. Each breath was laced with the weight of unspoken words, a thousand apologies clamoring for release.

“Y/N…” Dami’s voice emerged, shaky and barely more than a whisper, as if speaking too loudly would shatter the fragile moment they found themselves in. She swallowed hard, the lump in her throat betraying the tumult of feelings she had tried to suppress. She took a hesitant step forward, feeling as though the ground beneath her was both solid and precarious. “I’m so sorry.”

Y/N remained silent, her expression inscrutable, and the uncertainty reflected in her eyes tightened Dami’s chest even more. The dam she had constructed around her feelings gave way, and before she could restrain herself, a torrent of words spilled out. “I thought I was doing the right thing by pushing you away,” she admitted, her voice trembling with raw emotion. “I believed that if I focused on my career—on Dreamcatcher—I could secure a stable future for us, to provide and protect you from whatever challenges lay ahead. But I was wrong. I was so wrong. By looking too far ahead, I failed to see what was right in front of me.”

The tears that had threatened to overflow for so long began to gather in Dami's eyes, shimmering like fragile pearls ready to spill over the edges. She made no move to wipe them away; the soft warmth trickling down her cheeks felt like a release she had been desperately craving. In this moment, vulnerability surged through her, and she surrendered to it completely. She didn’t care anymore; this moment was too precious to hide behind the walls she'd built, too significant to mask with a facade.

She needed Y/N to understand how deeply this had shattered her, how the weight of her sorrow pressed heavily on her heart. “I’ve been so lost without you, Y/N,” she whispered, her voice cracking under the strain of her confession, each word trembling like a fragile leaf in the wind. “Every day, every performance—it’s like I’m just going through the motions, playing a role in a story that feels utterly hollow. None of it means anything without you; it’s just noise, just lights and distractions that can’t fill the void you’ve left behind. I don’t care about fame, success, or anything if I can’t have you by my side.”

As she spoke, her emotions poured out in a flood, raw and unfiltered. The world around them faded into a distant blur—the bustling crowd, the bright lights of the venue, the murmurs of fans—all of it dimmed in the face of her truth. The air between them felt thick with unspoken words, and Dami took a step closer, a desperate attempt to bridge the chasm that had formed between them. She searched Y/N’s eyes, hoping for a flicker of understanding, a glimmer of the love they once shared that had been clouded by silence and distance.

“I’ve realized that without you, all the accolades and applause are just echoes of emptiness,” she continued, her voice trembling but laced with unwavering sincerity. “You are my heartbeat, my muse. Please, just tell me there’s still a chance for us.”

Dami’s voice cracked under the weight of her emotions, each syllable tinged with desperation. Before she fully grasped what was happening, she found herself kneeling on the cold, hard floor, her palms pressed against the worn surface as if it were the only thing anchoring her to reality. Tears burst forth, streaming down her cheeks, glistening in the soft light that barely illuminated the room. They pooled on the floor before her, a silent testament to her pain and regret—unrestrained, unfiltered, a stark contrast to the fortress of composure she had built around her heart.

“Please… please give me another chance,” she begged, her breath hitching in her throat. Her eyes, once fierce and confident, now shimmered with vulnerability and longing. Each word was laced with a raw sincerity, a plea that echoed in the silence like a haunting melody. “I’ll do anything to make it right...” The tremor in her voice betrayed the storm of emotions swirling within her, a tempest that had raged for far too long. “…I’d even leave the group.”

The weight of her offer hung heavy in the air, a sacrifice she had never imagined making, yet it felt necessary, as if it were the only way to bridge the chasm that had widened between them. With every heartbeat, the truth of her feelings clawed its way to the surface. “Please, Y/N, I love you so much,” she choked out, her heart aching with the words. The pain of their separation was a fierce reminder of what she had lost, and the thought of losing Y/N again was unbearable. “I can’t lose you… I can’t.”

Her gaze locked onto Y/N's, searching for a flicker of hope amid the uncertainty that hung thick in the air. In that moment, nothing else mattered—only the possibility of redemption and the chance to reclaim the love that had slipped through her fingers like sand. Dami was all in, willing to sacrifice everything, driven by an all-consuming need to rewrite their story, to craft a future where they could be together, undeterred by the past.

Y/N’s eyes filled with tears as she watched Dami, her heart aching at the sight of the woman she had cared for so deeply reduced to this, pleading before her. Dami's shoulders trembled, her once vibrant spirit seemingly crushed under the weight of despair. Shadows danced across her features, highlighting the dark circles under her eyes that spoke of sleepless nights and endless worry. The sight sent a fresh wave of grief surging through Y/N, as memories of their laughter and shared dreams faded into the background, swallowed by the current moment of raw vulnerability.

Slowly, as if moving through water, Y/N knelt down in front of Dami, her knees sinking into the cool ground. With an almost reverent touch, she reached out and cupped Dami’s tear-streaked face in her hands. The warmth of Dami’s soft skin was a painful reminder of the warmth that had once filled their time together. Y/N brushed her thumb across Dami’s cheek, tracing the path of the tears that had flowed freely, her heart aching to erase the hurt that was etched upon her beloved's face.

“Yubinnie,” Y/N whispered, her voice thick with emotion, each syllable carrying the weight of the love and promises left unsaid. Her gaze softened, a profound tenderness glimmering in her eyes as the dim light of the room cast delicate shadows against the walls. “You know I’d never ask you to give up your dream,” she continued, her eyes searching Dami’s, filled with a mix of admiration and longing.

Every word she spoke was layered with understanding and a love that transcended time, reaching through the scars of their past pain. The air between them felt electric, humming with unspoken emotions and shared memories. Laughter, late-night conversations, and stolen moments flickered like echoes between them. “All I’ve ever wanted was to stand by your side,” she confessed, her voice trembling under the weight of her sincerity. “I forgave you a long time ago. The heart has a way of healing, even when the mind still struggles to let go.”

With a gentle motion, Y/N reached out, her arms open, offering a sanctuary amidst the storm swirling between them. “Come here,” she urged softly, her heart racing, every beat echoing with anticipation. In that moment, the outside world faded into insignificance. All that remained was the undeniable connection between them—the unbreakable bond that had weathered every storm and still bloomed in the warmth of their shared vulnerability.

Dami let out a shaky breath, her tears morphing into quiet sobs as Y/N enveloped her in a tight embrace, their bodies fitting together like two pieces of a long-lost puzzle. In that moment, the weight of months of separation finally began to lift, transformational air filling the space between them.

“I missed you so much,” Y/N said softly, her forehead resting against Dami’s, their breathing synchronizing in an intimate rhythm as they relished the warmth of each other. “I never stopped loving you.”

“Me too,” Dami whispered back, her heart pounding in her chest like a thunderous drum as she leaned in slowly, their foreheads brushing together. With a gentle, tentative touch, she pressed her lips against Y/N’s in a soft kiss, a kiss filled with every unspoken word, every unshed tear, and every ounce of love they had held for each other through the trials of their separation.

As they lost themselves in that brief moment of togetherness, the rest of the world faded away, leaving only the echoes of their heartbeats and the unbreakable bond they shared. In that nightmarish practice room, surrounded by mirrors that reflected every inch of their vulnerability, they discovered the truth that had eluded them for so long: love, once shaken, could always be rebuilt stronger, and with every trembling heartbeat, they were ready to start anew.

-----

Over the next few days, she seemed to shed her previous inhibitions, transforming from the gentle, reserved member of her group into someone radiating vitality and joy. The change was so marked that it became impossible for her fans to ignore. During interviews and livestreams, Dami’s once-sad demeanor was replaced with an effervescent brightness that shimmered through the screen, captivating audiences both old and new.

Gone were the days of her subtle smiles and lowered eyes; now, her laughter danced through every segment, filling the air with a buoyant lightness that had been missing for months. There was a newfound spark in her eyes—a flicker of happiness that hinted at transformative moments of her life. The fans, ever attuned to the nuances of her expression, began to speculate energetically about what had contributed to this newfound joy.

Social media buzzed with excitement as fan forums lit up with threads bursting with theories.

Dami’s glowing lately. I'm so glad she's happy and healthy 👀 one fan posited, their words laden with both hope and curiosity.

“What happened to make Dami so happy? And can I please have some?” queried another. “We all know why Dami’s smiling—InsomniacGirl is BACK in her life! #DreamcatcherLove”, they chimed in, connecting the dots of Dami’s recent uplifted spirit to the rumored return of the enigmatic figure from her past.

“JiU didn’t follow up on that VLive secret mission… Something’s happening behind the scenes 👀👀 #InsomniacGirl,” speculated another fan, whose excitement reflected a collective eagerness to learn more. They poured over past streams, hunting for any hidden clues or references that could shed light on the mystery surrounding Dami’s uplifted mood.

Despite the flurry of speculation and the narratives swirling through social media, Dami remained quiet about any personal changes in her life. After all the ups and downs she had faced in the public eye, she had learned to keep her private world tucked safely away from the relentless scrutiny that came with fame. While she was undeniably a star, she was also a young woman trying to find her own happiness away from the spotlight, especially after everything that had unfolded in recent months.

It was during one of Dreamcatcher’s biggest concerts of the year that the weight of this contrast—between her public and private self—seemed to blur. The anticipation in the venue was palpable, crackling like static electricity as the fans packed the arena to capacity. The air buzzed with excitement, a sea of passionate energy that rose to a crescendo as the lights began to dim. The crowd erupted, chanting the names of their beloved members in unison, their voices forming a wave of love and anticipation.

Amidst the flashing lights and thundering music, something deeper simmered within Dami, something unexpected that resonated beyond the show. It was a moment that would linger in the memories of fans long after the night had ended, marking a shift in the air, both on and off the stage.

In the front row, a familiar face stood out amidst the sea of ecstatic InSomnias. Y/N was there, cheering and waving her light stick with a joy reminiscent of her earlier days as one of Dreamcatcher’s most devoted supporters. 

A fellow fan, an avid Twitter user, caught sight of her and couldn’t believe their eyes. Y/N was back! They swiftly snapped a photo and posted it online with the caption, “Wait, is that InsomniacGirl in the front row?!? Omg, she’s BACK!” The tweet spread like wildfire, racking up retweets and likes at an astonishing pace.

“GUYS, IT’S HAPPENING! Y/N IS BACK AT DREAMCATCHER CONCERTS! Dami looks SO HAPPY! 😭😭,” another post chimed in, accompanied by a blurry but clear image of Dami beaming at the sight of Y/N.

Multiple fans joined in, their excitement palpable across social media. “I can’t believe Y/N is back, this is the cutest thing ever. #Dreamcatcher #InsomniacGirl,” one user tweeted, complemented by a flurry of joyful emojis. The digital atmosphere was electric, as pockets of fans around the globe celebrated the return of a beloved figure who had taken a hiatus.

Little did they know that Y/N's night was about to take a heartwarming turn. After the concert concluded, and after the euphoric chants of “Encore! Encore!” had subsided, the staff quietly escorted Y/N backstage. Confounded yet excited, her heart raced with a mix of nerves and anticipation as she navigated through the dimly lit corridors lined with posters of the band and photos from past performances. The electrifying vibe of the concert still hung thick in the air, but Y/N's focus narrowed down to what was ahead—seeing Dami again.

Suddenly, amidst the chaos of post-concert festivities, Dami spotted her. The world around them faded as she rushed over, her eyes sparkling with disbelief and joy. Without hesitation, Dami scooped Y/N into a warm embrace that felt like a cozy blanket. “I’m so happy you’re here,” she whispered softly, a tremor of emotion threading through her words. “This all started because I was selfish. I thought the band would get in the way, but now… I want to merge my life with yours. I don’t want to hide anymore.”

When the girls returned to the stage for their encore performance, Dami took the mic again, her heart pounding. The crowd quieted down, sensing something big was about to happen.

“I want to share something important with all of you,” Dami began, her voice steady but emotional. “Some of you might have guessed, but I want to say it out loud.”

In a moment that felt like a scene straight out of a fairytale, Dami rushed backstage, her heartbeat echoing the excitement of the thousands of eager faces waiting just beyond the curtain. Her eyes sparkled with determination as she grasped Y/N’s hand, pulling her into the spotlight. The crowd erupted into an uproar, recognizing Y/N as “InsomniacGirl,” a moniker that symbolized unconditional love and support in the vibrant world of fandom.

As the spotlight illuminated their faces, Dami momentarily paused, her gaze piercing through the sea of fans. “This person standing beside me,” she began, her voice trembling with emotion, “and I have shared our lives since childhood. We laughed, we cried, and we became each other’s rock, even when the biggest troubles we faced were as minor as spilling a juice box on a summer’s day.”

The crowd laughed and listened with rapt attention, their excitement simmering into something deeper. Dami turned to Y/N, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, mirroring the sentiment cascading from her heart. “She is the reason why so many of you Insomnia’s look up to me,” Dami continued, her voice thickening with emotion. “She helped mold me into who I am today, and I could not be more thankful for her presence in my life.”

Y/N’s smile widened, tears brimming in her eyes as she looked at Dami, the love that anchored her soul shining brightly in that electrifying moment. The warmth radiating from their connection was palpable, and the audience shared in their joy, holding their breath as Dami prepared to share a more intimate truth.

Dami took a deep breath, her voice growing more certain as she spoke to the crowd. “Some of you might know her as InsomniacGirl, the passionate fan who would brave every crowd and never miss a single stage. Others might recognize her as the incredibly talented graphic designer who breathes life into art,” she said, her gaze locking onto Y/N’s with unwavering tenderness.

“But to me, she is so much more,” Dami continued, her voice softening, each word carrying a deeper weight. “She’s my rock when everything feels too heavy. She’s the one who knows every part of me—the good, the bad, and everything in between—and still chooses to stand by my side. To me…” Dami paused, her breath catching as the emotion swelled in her chest. She took a shaky breath before continuing, her eyes never leaving Y/N’s.

“To me… she’s my girlfriend, my partner, and the love of my life.”

The words hung in the air, charging the atmosphere with raw emotion. The crowd erupted once again, louder than every before, not just for a beloved artist revealing a personal side, but for the beautiful love story playing out live on stage. In that moment, in front of thousands, Dami and Y/N became symbols of hope, love, and unwavering support.

Dami’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she shared this part of her life, her vulnerability radiating like a beacon. Y/N reciprocated with a warm smile, her heart breaking and mending all at once as the affection echoed throughout the crowd. The sight of Dami, filled with joy yet trembling slightly, only endeared her more to the audience, tightening the bond between idol and fan.

The moment ignited a frenzy on social media—clips from the performance quickly circulated, capturing the rawness of Dami's declaration. It was an iconic moment in pop culture history, one that solidified their love and showcased the undeniable connection they shared.

As the night continued, the group graced the stage one last time for a series of encores, launching into their beloved song “Silent Night.” The ending instrumental rushed through the crowd like waves, harmonizing with the still-echoing happiness from Dami’s heartfelt confession. Every familiar note felt imbued with a sense of solidarity and joy that only enhanced the collective elation in the arena.

When the lights finally dimmed, the crowd began to disperse, each fan leaving with memories of a magical, love filled night etched in their hearts. Y/N and Dami walked side by side into the post-concert haze, ready to face the world together. With fingers intertwined and spirits lifted, they stepped out of the limelight — both excited and apprehensive about what lay ahead. Love had become their greatest anthem, echoing louder than any song, a melody they would share wherever life took them next.

-----

In a heartwarming yet controversial turn of events, multiple clips featuring Dami of Dreamcatcher and her partner Y/N have taken South Korea by storm. It quickly gained traction, becoming a trending topic across various news outlets, blogs, and social media platforms. The duality of public reactions has resulted in a fascinating discourse surrounding love, acceptance, and culture in the conservative nation.

From the moment the clip aired, social media erupted with reactions that were as polarized as they were passionate. Fans and skeptics alike engaged in spirited discussions about the implications of Dami’s revelation. While many flooded timelines with support, expressing admiration and pride, others hurled insults, criticizing the couple for their openness. The social media landscape mirrored the nation itself, reflecting both progress and resistance to change.

Among the supportive messages were a slew of shockingly hateful tweets that laid bare the harsh realities of online discourse, especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ representation.

"Absolutely disgusting. She just destroyed her career. Good riddance. #BoycottDreamcatcher," one user raged, clearly unwilling to accept the couple’s relationship.

Some comments were even more brutal in their homophobia:

“Keep that filthy lifestyle away from us. Dreamcatcher is ruined now. Hope they lose all their fans. #BoycottDreamcatcher,” another tweeted viciously.

Others didn’t hold back their disdain, attacking not just the relationship, but their very existence:

"Of course another one of these idols is gay. What a freak. Hope she disappears. #DreamcatcherCancelled."

And in a particularly cruel attack, one user wrote:

"No one cares about your gay love story. You both should just stay in the closet or leave Korea altogether. #DreamcatcherOver."

Despite this wave of negativity, not only international fans but many Korean fans took it upon themselves to counterbalance the hate. As the news of Dami and Y/N’s relationship spread across social media, waves of support surged from both local and global fanbases. Hashtags like #DreamcatcherLove and #SupportDami began trending as fans expressed their unwavering loyalty to the duo.

"This is SO rare in Korea. My respect for Dreamcatcher just shot through the roof! #DreamcatcherLove 🌈❤️," one fan tweeted, encapsulating the sentiments of many who were proud to see representation manifest in such a high-profile way.

Some Korean fans highlighted the importance of their voices in this discussion, calling out others for their harmful views:

"We need more of this in our country. Dami and Y/N are brave, and we should support them. If you can’t, just stay silent. #SupportDami 🏳️‍🌈," one tweet read, signaling that support for the couple was growing even at home.

Support wasn’t limited to just the InSomnia fanbase. People from all walks of life and even outside the K-pop community voiced their admiration for Dami and Y/N’s story.

"I don’t even listen to K-pop, but their story is so beautiful! Love is love. #SupportDami #LoveIsLove ❤️🌈," wrote one user, showing how their relationship resonated with a much wider audience.

The emotional responses only deepened as more context about their relationship came to light.

"Dami met Y/N when they were kids?! This is some movie-level romance 😭❤️#DreamcatcherLove #SupportDami." gushed another fan, highlighting the endearing childhood connection that had evolved into a beautiful love story.

The flood of nostalgic memories and shared history only added layers to their relationship, compelling many to see it as a testament to true love.

"Y/N was always there from the beginning ... WHY AM I CRYING??? #DreamcatcherLove 💖," shared a user who felt genuinely moved by the authenticity of their bond.

Despite the barrage of negative comments and calls for a boycott, Dami's supporters remained undeterred. The backlash, instead of silencing them, only strengthened their resolve. Fans, especially the fiercely loyal InSomnias, rallied together, determined to drown out the hate with even louder voices of love and acceptance. Rather than allowing the negativity to dominate the conversation, they flooded social media with messages of solidarity, turning the controversy into a movement.

“If you’re mad about Dami’s announcement, you were never a true fan. ✌️ Love is love! #DreamcatcherLove #SupportDami🌈,” one tweet encouraged, reinforcing a culture of acceptance and inclusivity.

Some fans even took the homophobic criticism and flipped it into a call for action:

"If you're angry, how about streaming all of Dreamcatcher's songs instead? Let's go, InSomnia! #DreamcatcherForever 🏳️‍🌈💿," a passionate fan replied.

Moreover, InSomnia had no intention of backing down. They rallied under hashtags like #DreamcatcherForever and urged others to support the band in even greater numbers.

"Boycott?? More like buy all their albums! #DreamcatcherForever 🏳️‍🌈💿," one fan stated, turning a critique into a celebration of Dami and Y/N’s strength.

Others chimed in with playful confidence, saying:

“Dami coming out of her glass closet 😂 girl we BEEN knew 🌈#DreamcatcherForever ” affirming that the relationship was not a surprise to devoted fans.

The Dami and Y/N clip has not only sparked a dialogue about love and acceptance in Korea but has also fostered a sense of unity among fans, showcasing the powerful role that social media can play in shaping conversations around controversial topics. Much like their music, Dami and Y/N's story resonates on multiple levels, presenting a mixture of joy and resistance.

As discussions about gender identity and love continue to evolve, the world is watching to see how Dreamcatcher—and their inspired fans—navigate this cultural moment.

-----

Now, sitting at the same café where their hearts had once broken, Dami and Y/N found themselves in a moment that felt worlds apart from the past. The golden afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing them in warmth. The sounds of the bustling café faded into the background as their eyes met, a tender smile curling on Y/N’s lips.

“I still can’t believe you took me back,” Dami said softly, her voice fragile with emotion. “After everything I put us through... I thought I’d ruined everything.” Her eyes dropped to the table, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup nervously. “Breaking things off with you... it was the biggest mistake I’ve ever made. I’m so sorry for all the pain I caused.”

Y/N gazed at her for a moment, her eyes full of understanding, before a gentle laugh slipped from her lips. She reached across the table, taking Dami’s hand in hers, the warmth of the touch instantly soothing. “You don’t need to keep apologizing,” she said softly, giving Dami’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “It hurt at the time, yeah, but... that’s in the past. What matters is that we found our way back. And now we’re here—stronger than before.”

Dami’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she looked up, her heart full of emotions she wasn’t used to sharing so openly. But with Y/N, it felt safe. It felt right. “You make it sound so simple.”

Y/N smiled, reaching out to brush a stray hair from Dami’s face, her touch light and full of affection. “Because it is simple,” she replied, her voice as gentle as a whisper. “We went through something hard, but we came out the other side. We’re better for it. And honestly...” She gave a playful shrug. “I kind of like that I made Dreamcatcher’s Dami come crawling back to me.”

Dami let out a breathy laugh, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “Well, the fans certainly didn’t let me off easy.” She grinned, the lightness in her expression matching the joy in her heart. “But they’ve been amazing. They’ve had our backs the whole time. It’s overwhelming, really, to see how much love we’ve gotten.”

“#DreamcatcherForever,” Y/N teased, her voice full of warmth. “They’re incredible. It’s like they knew we’d find our way back before we even did.”

“They really did,” Dami chuckled. “I guess I wasn’t as subtle as I thought.”

For a moment, they sat in the quiet comfort of each other’s presence, no longer weighed down by the past. The pain they’d once carried had melted away, leaving only a shared future to look forward to. The world around them seemed to fall away, leaving just the two of them—here, now, in this perfect moment.

Dami’s gaze softened as she looked at Y/N, her heart swelling with a wave of gratitude so strong it almost took her breath away. “I’m so lucky to have you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I know I don’t say it enough, but I am. Thank you... for giving us another chance.”

Y/N’s smile widened, full of love and understanding, as she leaned forward. “There was never a doubt,” she whispered back. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Y/N leaned forward, her eyes soft and full of love, and Dami’s heart raced in her chest, warmth flooding through her as their faces drew closer. In that moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them surrounded by sunlight, as if the universe had conspired to make this moment perfect. Y/N’s hand cupped Dami’s cheek with a familiar tenderness, her thumb brushing lightly across her skin, and a soft breath escaped Dami’s lips.

Their kiss was immediate, full of a quiet, unspoken understanding that they had found their way back to each other. Their lips met with certainty, not rushed, but full of deep affection, each touch expressing all the words they didn’t need to say. The kiss was sweet, unhurried, but intense in the way it overflowed with love. Dami felt herself melt into it, her fingers intertwining with Y/N’s as she leaned in, their connection so complete that it felt as though no time had ever passed between them.

Y/N’s lips were soft and warm, and as they kissed, Dami felt the familiar closeness wash over her like a gentle wave, filling every empty space that had once been. The gentle rhythm of their breaths became one, the soft brush of Y/N’s lips against hers grounding her, bringing a peace she hadn’t felt in months. Dami’s hand slid to the back of Y/N’s neck, pulling her just a little closer, their foreheads almost touching as they both deepened the kiss, lost in the love that had carried them through so much.

When they finally parted, it was with a slow, tender retreat, their noses brushing together for just a moment longer as they stayed close, reluctant to let go. Dami’s eyes fluttered open, her heart swelling as she met Y/N’s gaze, the warmth of their kiss still lingering on her lips, a quiet promise that this time, they were truly home.

In a world that didn’t always understand or accept their kind of love, Dami and Y/N had found their way back to each other. Sitting together in the café where their story had once unraveled, their fingers intertwined, and their hearts beating in perfect sync, they knew that the path ahead wouldn’t always be easy. But whatever lay before them, they would face it side by side—stronger, unshaken, and bound by a love that had endured against all odds.

The quiet hum of life buzzed around them, the distant conversations of other customers and the clinking of cups barely registering as they sat, lost in the warmth of each other’s presence. For so long, they had been navigating separate lives, torn apart by the weight of fear and uncertainty. But now, in this moment—hands clasped, hearts full—they were whole again. Their love, once fragile and tentative, was now unbreakable, strengthened by the time and distance that had tested them.

And as Y/N’s thumb gently brushed over Dami’s hand, they shared a look that said everything words couldn’t. They didn’t need to be loud or visible for the world to know what they meant to each other. Their love existed quietly but fiercely, and in finding their way back, they had discovered something far more important: that love, when true and steadfast, could weather any storm.

In that simple, beautiful moment, they realized that they had already won. Not because their love was perfect, but because it had endured. They had fought for it, protected it, and found their way home to each other. And in a world where love like theirs was often questioned or hidden, that was the greatest victory of all.

It didn’t matter what challenges the future held. As long as they had each other, they had everything.

Y/N felt her heart skip a beat, a mix of confusion and dread building in her chest. She tried to meet Dami’s eyes, but Dami kept staring at the floor, as if the truth she was about to share was too heavy to face head-on.

"What do you mean?" Y/N’s voice was gentle, cautious, though she already knew the answer.

Dami took a deep breath, still not looking at her. "Minx disbanded. The company... they want to rebrand us, start over as a completely new group. Dreamcatcher."

Y/N’s heart sank. She had been with Dami through every high and low of her career. She remembered the sleepless nights when Minx struggled to gain any traction, and how Dami would come home, drained and disheartened but still determined. They had dreamed together, shared in the belief that one day, things would turn around.

Y/N swallowed hard, trying to stay strong. "But that’s a good thing, right? A fresh start?"

Dami finally looked up, her expression pained. “It is. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted, but... it also means I have to give it my all this time. I can’t afford any distractions. I can’t afford to... to split my focus.”

Y/N felt her stomach tighten as the meaning of Dami’s words sank in. "You’re calling me a distraction?"

Dami shook her head quickly, her voice breaking. "No, that’s not what I mean. You’re not a distraction, Y/N. You’re... you’re the most important person in my life. But that’s the problem. I keep thinking about you, worrying about us. And if I don’t give this rebranding everything I’ve got, I’ll lose this chance too."

There was a long pause, the silence heavy between them.

Y/N blinked away the tears that were threatening to fall. "So, what are you saying? You want to break up?"

Dami’s lips trembled, and she turned her gaze back to the floor, unable to face Y/N’s pain. "I don’t want to... but I think we have to."

Y/N’s world felt like it was crumbling. She wanted to scream, to tell Dami she was wrong, that they could make it work, that they’d always found a way before. But deep down, she knew Dami wasn’t saying this lightly. She was doing it because she believed it was the only way.

"So that’s it?" Y/N asked quietly, her voice barely steady. "You’re just... giving up on us?"

Dami’s eyes were glassy as she finally looked up. "I’m not giving up. I’m trying to save us. If I don’t give this rebranding everything I have, there won’t be a future for me—or us. This is my second chance Y/N, I can’t fail again."

Y/N’s heart ached at the sight of Dami, so full of guilt and fear. She had always known how much Dami’s career meant to her, how she had poured every ounce of herself into becoming an idol. Y/N had seen her at her lowest, and now she was watching Dami trying to protect something she believed was slipping away.

"But what about me?" Y/N’s voice was quiet, but the emotion behind it was heavy. "What am I supposed to do while you’re out there giving everything to this new group? Just... wait for you?"

Dami shook her head, tears finally spilling over. "I don’t want you to wait for me. That’s not fair to you. You deserve someone who can give you all the attention you need, all the time. And right now, I can’t. I don’t know when I’ll be able to again."

Y/N felt her chest tighten, the weight of the inevitable crushing her. She had always known that being with an idol would be hard—late nights, missed dates, constant separation—but she never thought it would come to this. She had been willing to fight for them, to stick it out. But now, it felt like Dami was asking her to let go.

"So... you’re choosing your career over me," Y/N whispered, her voice cracking.

Dami’s face crumpled at the words. "It’s not like that. I’m doing this for both of us. I need to prove to myself, to everyone, that I can succeed. And I need to do it without any distractions. I need you to understand."

Y/N wiped away a stray tear, biting her lip to keep from sobbing. She stood up slowly, the realization settling in like a cold weight in her chest. "I understand, Yubin, I just wish... I wish it didn’t have to be like this."

Dami stood too, her hand reaching out instinctively, but she stopped short of touching Y/N. Her fingers hovered in the air before she pulled them back. "I wish it didn’t either."

For a long moment, they just stood there, the space between them feeling wider than ever. Y/N looked into Dami’s eyes one last time, trying to memorize the way they looked, so full of love and regret.

"Good luck with Dreamcatcher," Y/N said, her voice barely audible.

Dami nodded, her throat too tight to respond. She watched as Y/N turned to walk away, her heart shattering with every step. Just as Y/N was an arms length away, Dami called out, her voice a soft, desperate plea. 

"Y/N... I’m sorry."

Y/N paused for a moment, her back still to Dami. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before replying, her voice calm but broken. "Me too."

And with that, Y/N made her way back home, leaving Dami standing alone in the quiet, her heart heavy with the weight of the choice she had made.

Y/N sat at the edge of her bed, her fingers tracing the edges of a small, framed photo of her and Dami from when they weren't even dating, just a pair of childhood friends that grew into something more. It was taken years ago—before Minx was even a thing, before the pressure of fame began to pull Dami in directions Y/N couldn’t follow.

She set the photo down with a heavy sigh, glancing at her phone. The Dreamcatcher debut was today.

It had been two months since the breakup, and the wound still felt fresh. Some mornings, Y/N woke up thinking for a split second that everything was fine, only for the harsh reality to crash down around her. Dami was gone, and she had made it clear that Y/N wasn’t part of this new chapter in her life.

But as much as it hurt, Y/N couldn’t bring herself to stay away. She still believed in Dami, believed in her dream. So when she saw the announcement for Dreamcatcher’s debut stage, Y/N had impulsively bought a front-row ticket. She wasn’t sure why. Maybe a part of her hoped that being there, watching Dami shine on stage, would help her understand why she had to let go.

The lights were blindingly bright as Y/N stood in the concert hall, surrounded by eager fans waiting for Dreamcatcher’s debut performance. The energy in the room was electric—people cheering and chanting in anticipation.

Y/N adjusted her mask, trying to blend into the sea of excited faces. She had come to support Dreamcatcher, to support Dami, even though being here felt like walking a fine line between pride and heartbreak.

When the lights dimmed and the opening notes of Dreamcatcher’s debut song filled the air, Y/N’s heart raced. She felt a strange mixture of excitement and dread bubbling in her chest. And then, there she was—Dami, standing at the far left, her gaze fierce and focused, looking more powerful than Y/N had ever seen her.

Y/N swallowed hard, her eyes drifting from one member to the next, trying not to linger on Dami for too long. The girls moved with precision, their dark, intense choreography perfectly aligned with the haunting melody of their debut track.

A bittersweet pride surged through Y/N. This was what Dami had worked for—this moment, this fresh start. The group was incredible, their stage presence undeniable, and Y/N couldn’t help but feel that same old tug of admiration. But underneath the pride, there was an ache, a constant reminder of what she had lost.

As the performance ended and the members took their final poses, the crowd erupted into applause. Y/N clapped along, her heart pounding as Dreamcatcher stood there, basking in the spotlight. It was a new beginning for them—and for Dami.

But despite the cheers, Y/N felt a hollowness settle in her chest. This wasn’t where she was supposed to be. She should have been beside Dami, sharing in this moment, but instead, she was just another face in the crowd.

As the girls spoke to the audience, Y/N’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and saw a flood of notifications from social media—tweets, photos, and videos of the show already circulating online. Her eyes landed on one post in particular, a tweet with a photo attached.

"Who’s that girl in the front row? She looks like she hasn’t slept in days... #DreamcatcherDebut 

Y/N frowned, glancing at her reflection in her phone’s dark screen. The exhaustion had crept up on her in the past few weeks—sleepless nights spent thinking about Dami, about the decision she had made, about the future that seemed so uncertain. She hadn’t even realized how obvious it was.

She quickly put her phone away, trying to shake off the comment. This wasn’t about her.

Y/N found herself returning to every Dreamcatcher performance, like clockwork. Every time stage performance, new song, or a new album, Y/N was there, standing in the same spot, close to the stage. It became a ritual, something she couldn’t stop, even as the exhaustion built inside her.

The late nights started catching up to her, she wasn't rich so she had to work extra hours just to afford to go to their showcases. Y/N found herself falling into restless sleep after each show, her dreams always haunted by the same question—why hadn’t she been enough for Dami? Why had their love, once so strong, crumbled under the weight of a dream?

Despite the sleepless nights, Y/N kept going, drawn to the performances as if they were the only thing grounding her. She didn’t come for recognition, or even for Dami, specifically. It was the whole group now. She was proud of all of them—the way they grew, the way their music evolved, and the way their fan base grew larger with every comeback.

But the fans... they noticed her. Every time.

Her presence at every stage didn’t go unnoticed by the Dreamcatcher fanbase. Y/N had unintentionally caught the attention of fans who recognized her familiar face at every show. She had become a regular in the crowd, always in the front, always looking exhausted but determined.

The comments and speculation started flooding social media again.

"She’s literally at every comeback! Front row every time. Someone give this girl some sleep 😂 #Dreamcatcher #Number1Fan"

"Has anyone else noticed how she's always there, girl get some rest?? #InsomniacGirl"

"I think we found Dreamcatcher’s number one fan! #InsomniacGirl #Dreamcatcher"

At first, Y/N laughed off the comments. But as the weeks passed, the term "Insomniac" began to stick. Fans started to call her the "Insomniac Girl," a mysterious figure who was always present no matter where the performance was. Eventually, the word took on a new meaning.

When the time came for Dreamcatcher’s fanbase to choose a name, the word "InSomnia" quickly emerged as the clear favorite. The name resonated deeply with fans, as it not only fit perfectly with the group's haunting, ethereal and nightmare concept. While the name was undeniably fitting, a significant factor behind its popularity was Y/N’s unwavering commitment to the group. Her tireless efforts and passionate support inspired countless fans, leading them to rally behind the hashtag "InsomniacGirl” and spin it so it became a symbol of their shared journey with Dreamcatcher. As votes poured in, it became evident that the name was not just a reflection of the group’s identity but also a tribute to the special connection between Y/N and the fanbase.

It was strange, seeing herself become a meme or symbol for something bigger than she had intended. But Y/N didn’t mind. If anything, it distracted her from the constant ache in her chest that came from being so close to Dami, yet feeling further away than ever.

Dami noticed her immediately at the debut stage.

How could she not? Y/N, standing right in front of the stage, face partially hidden behind a mask but unmistakable, even with the exhaustion etched on her features. Dami had forced herself to look away during the performance, to focus on the choreography, the music, anything but Y/N’s familiar presence.

At first, Dami convinced herself it was a fluke—maybe Y/N was just there to support her debut. After all, they had been together for years. But when Y/N showed up again for the next comeback, and then the next, Dami started to question why.

Each time she spotted Y/N in the crowd, a knot of guilt tightened in her chest. She had asked for space, and had made the decision to focus on her career. So why was Y/N still coming? What was she trying to prove?

But what frustrated Dami the most was that Y/N never made it obvious she was there just for her. She didn’t try to meet Dami’s gaze, didn’t wave, didn’t do anything to draw attention to herself. Y/N blended into the sea of fans, clapping along, cheering for all the members. It made Dami wonder—was she imagining the connection between them? Or had Y/N truly moved on, simply supporting the group as a fan?

Still, every time Y/N showed up, it stirred something in Dami. It was a reminder of the life she had left behind, of the person who had been her anchor when everything felt unstable. And as Dreamcatcher’s popularity began to grow, so did the weight of seeing Y/N in the crowd.

It was after one particularly exhausting comeback stage when Dami finally snapped. She had just finished performing, the adrenaline still pulsing through her veins, when she spotted Y/N again—same spot, same tired eyes. She looked as if she hadn’t slept in days, her dedication unwavering despite the toll it was clearly taking on her.

It frustrated Dami to no end. Why was she still coming? Why hadn’t she moved on?

As the stage lights dimmed and the members were escorted backstage, Dami grabbed her manager’s arm. “I need to talk to someone,” she said, her voice tight with determination.

Y/N was escorted backstage, clearly surprised by the sudden request. She had been about to leave, thinking tonight would be like all the others—a night spent watching Dreamcatcher from afar. But now, standing face to face with Dami, her heart pounded in her chest.

Dami’s expression was unreadable, a mix of exhaustion and frustration. She took a deep breath, struggling to keep her emotions in check.

“Y/N,” she started, her voice lower than usual. “Why are you still here? Why do you keep coming to the shows?”

Y/N blinked in surprise, unsure of how to respond. “I... I came to support Dreamcatcher.”

Dami shook her head, her eyes narrowing. “Every time? You haven’t missed a single stage. You look like you haven’t slept in days. Why?”

Y/N felt her throat tighten at Dami’s words. “Because I want to support you. All of you. It’s not about just you, Yubin. I’m here because I believe in Dreamcatcher, in what you’re all doing.”

Dami’s frustration faltered, replaced by confusion. “Then why do you look like you’re killing yourself to be here?”

A heavy silence enveloped them as Y/N searched for the right words, her heart aching with every breath. “I’m here because I care, Dami. And if that’s a problem, I’ll stop coming. But… I just want you to know that I’ll always be here for you.”

Dami looked at her, a storm of emotions swirling in her chest. She wanted to argue, to push Y/N away to protect herself, but the sincerity in her eyes made her heart tremble. Yet, despite the warmth of Y/N’s intentions, a cold reality settled in.

“It is a problem, Y/N,” Dami finally said, her voice breaking. “You know me better than anyone. You know I can’t just move on. Every time I see you, it reminds me of everything I’ve lost, and it makes me feel like I can't move on” She swallowed hard, the weight of her confession hanging in the air like a heavy fog. “That’s why I need to stop seeing you. I can’t keep pretending this doesn’t hurt.”

Y/N’s heart plummeted, the truth of Dami’s words hitting her like a physical blow. “If that’s what you want, then… okay,” she whispered, tears brimming in her eyes. “I’ll stop coming. But I don’t want you to think I don’t care. I really do wish you happiness… even if it means being apart.”

With a shaky breath, she turned away, each step feeling like a fracture in her heart. Dami stood frozen, watching Y/N walk away, the distance between them stretching endlessly. Conflicted emotions twisted within her—relief that she wouldn’t have to face the pain, yet an overwhelming sense of loss for the warmth and light Y/N brought into her life. 

As Y/N disappeared from sight, Dami felt a part of herself vanish with her, leaving an aching void that echoed with the memories they had shared. She closed her eyes, tears slipping down her cheeks as she whispered into the silence, “I wish things could be different.”

---

After the conversation with Dami backstage, something inside Y/N shifted. The exhaustion that had built up over the months, the sleepless nights spent traveling to every Dreamcatcher show, the weight of unspoken emotions—it all finally caught up with her. She realized she couldn’t keep doing this. She couldn’t keep showing up, trying to support from a distance, pretending it didn’t hurt to be there.

So, Y/N stopped going.

It wasn’t a decision she made lightly. The first comeback stage she missed, Near the end of Dreamcatcher’s "Boca" era, left her feeling like she had abandoned something important. She had become so accustomed to standing in the front row, her presence becoming a constant even when her heart had broken. But showing up wasn’t helping either of them, and after her last conversation with Dami, Y/N knew it was time to let go.

The weeks after that decision were hard. Her nights were quieter now, no more traveling from city to city, no more fan chants ringing in her ears. There was a strange void where Dreamcatcher’s music and Dami’s presence had once filled her life. But as the months passed, Y/N found herself slowly adjusting to the silence, to the space Dami had left behind.

She threw herself into work, looking for something to fill the emptiness that had settled in her chest. She had always been passionate about design, and after a few months of freelance work, Y/N landed a job as a graphic designer for a growing video game company. It was a fresh start—something she could pour her energy into, something that didn’t remind her of what she had lost.

The work was good. It kept her busy, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Y/N began to feel like she was building a future that wasn’t tethered to Dami. Growing up together, Dami had always been by her side, sharing dreams and aspirations, making it hard for Y/N to envision a path that didn’t include her. But now, surrounded by friendly coworkers and engaging projects, she found a newfound sense of independence. The challenges ahead excited her, making her eager to wake up every morning. There were even moments where she found herself genuinely happy, enjoying the small victories that came with her new role. Still, deep down, she occasionally felt the weight of Dami's absence, realizing just how much her friend had shaped her world.

Life was moving forward.

But even as Y/N found herself again, pieces of her past remained. She still followed Dreamcatcher’s career from a distance. No longer in the front row, no longer standing under the bright lights, but always quietly supporting. Every time they had a comeback, Y/N would buy their albums, her collection growing steadily over the two years she had spent apart from Dami. She would listen to their songs late at night, wondering how Dami was doing, but never letting herself get pulled back into the life she had left behind.

She told herself it was enough. That buying the albums, streaming their music, and watching their MVs was the best way to show her support now. But sometimes, in the quiet moments, Y/N would catch herself thinking about the shows she no longer attended, the smiles she no longer saw in person, and the space in the crowd where she used to stand.

Still, she was healing. She was finding herself again, slowly, piece by piece. It wasn’t perfect, and there were days when the ache of missing Dami felt sharper than usual, but Y/N had learned to live with it. She had her new job, a new sense of purpose, and she was proud of the person she was becoming without Dami by her side.

---

Dreamcatcher had gone through several eras—each one more successful than the last. From "Boca" to "Odd Eye" and beyond, they had continued to grow, their fanbase becoming more devoted with each comeback. And Y/N, from afar, had watched their rise with a mixture of pride and sadness.

But something was different now.

The announcement of Dreamcatcher’s new comeback for their "Maison" era sent a familiar wave of excitement through the fandom. Y/N felt the usual pang of anticipation when she saw the teasers, the promotional photos showing Dami and the others looking stronger than ever. But this time, something lingered in her chest longer than usual.

The years of separation hadn’t erased what Y/N had once felt. She had been doing well, finding herself again, but seeing Dreamcatcher’s continued success made her think back to all the stages she had missed, the moments she had chosen to stay away from. Part of her wondered how Dami was handling it all—whether she ever thought about Y/N, whether she missed her in the way Y/N sometimes missed the comfort of the past.

And now, with the "Maison" era approaching, it felt like a turning point—not just for Dreamcatcher, but for Y/N too.

She held the newest album in her hands, fresh from its delivery. She hadn’t stopped buying them, not once. Flipping through the photo book, she smiled softly at the images of Dami, Siyeon, and the other members. She could see the growth in their eyes, the determination. It was beautiful, but it also hurt in a way she couldn’t quite explain.

Because even though Y/N had moved on—gotten a new job, started a new chapter of her life—she had never fully let go. Dreamcatcher would always be a part of her, and so would Dami. But as she stared down at the album in her hands, Y/N realized that sometimes, moving on didn’t mean forgetting. It just meant finding new ways to live with the memories.

She didn’t need to be in the front row anymore. She didn’t need to stand in the crowd, waiting for Dami’s eyes to meet hers. Because even though that chapter had ended, she was still proud—of Dreamcatcher, of Dami, and of herself.

While Y/n seemed to be healing, the other half of the broken relationship wasn't doing so well these past few years. The absence felt louder than any applause for Dami, It wasn’t obvious at first. The stage lights were still blinding, the energy from the crowd still infectious, and Dreamcatcher was in the middle of one of their most intense eras—“Boca.” Their sharp choreography demanded full focus, and the booming music drowned out every other thought. But something gnawed at Dami from the moment she stepped on stage.

She scanned the front rows between transitions, eyes flickering over the sea of faces illuminated by lightsticks and phone screens. But there was no familiar figure standing near the barricades. No tired eyes, no mask hiding a weary face.

Y/N wasn’t there.

Dami’s chest tightened in a way she hadn’t expected. It was irrational—Y/N had said she’d stop coming. She had made it clear during their last backstage conversation that she wouldn’t be there anymore, especially if it was causing tension. So why was Dami’s heart sinking, her breath catching in her throat?

She didn’t want to admit how much she had gotten used to seeing Y/N at every show. It had started to feel like a routine—a comfort, even. But tonight, without her, the stage felt... emptier.

As the lights dimmed and the performance wrapped up, the other members laughed and shared excited smiles, but Dami’s energy lagged behind. She forced herself to smile as they waved to the fans, but her mind was elsewhere.

Backstage, the energy was buzzing with adrenaline. Their manager congratulated them, reminding them how well they were doing with each new comeback. Dreamcatcher was gaining momentum, their fanbase growing every day. The chatter from the crew, the cheers from fans outside—it all blended into the background as Dami sat down, her legs feeling heavier than usual.

“Hey, you okay?” Siyeon asked, plopping down beside her. “You’ve been kinda quiet today.”

Dami blinked, pulling herself back to the present. She forced a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Yeah, just... tired.”

Siyeon gave her a knowing look. “You’ve been saying that a lot lately. Take care of yourself, okay? The fans will riot if you collapse.”

Dami chuckled weakly, nodding. But her mind wandered again, back to the audience. To the empty space where Y/N used to stand.

The fans noticed, too. Y/N’s absence had not gone unnoticed by the **InSomnia** fanbase. It started with a few scattered comments on social media:

"Where’s the Insomniac girl? Haven’t seen her at the last couple of shows…"

"Did anyone else notice? She was always in the front row, but she’s been gone lately."

"Did she finally get some sleep? 😂 #InsomniacGirl"

"Wait... is something wrong? She hasn’t been at any of the stages lately."

Even the other members began to wonder. After all, she had become a constant presence at their shows, even more noticeable because of her dedication despite looking exhausted. JiU mentioned it casually during rehearsals one day, making a lighthearted joke about how their "biggest fan must’ve finally gotten some rest." But the joke fell flat for Dami, and she found herself staring at the floor, guilt gnawing at her from the inside out.

The absence grew heavier with each passing show. Every time Dami stepped on stage, she couldn’t help but search the crowd, hoping to see that familiar face. But Y/N was gone, just like she had promised.

At first, Dami tried to tell herself it didn’t matter. She was doing this for Dreamcatcher, for her career, just like she had always planned. They were on the rise, gaining fans with every comeback. They had sold-out shows, charting songs—everything she had dreamed of when they rebranded from Minx. But somehow, the excitement didn’t feel the same anymore.

She had pushed Y/N away to focus on this, but now that Y/N was truly gone, Dami couldn’t help but feel the growing emptiness. She had thought distance would make things easier—that without the distraction of their past relationship, she would be able to give all of herself to Dreamcatcher. But the distance only made her realize how much she had relied on Y/N’s presence—how much seeing her at the front row had kept her grounded.

As the weeks blurred together, Dami’s performances began to change. There was still precision in her movements, still professionalism in every step, but the fire that once fueled her seemed to flicker. Her fellow members noticed. Fans noticed. And deep down, Dami felt it, too.

The fanbase was quick to speculate, their theories running wild on social media.

"Dami looks different lately... like her energy’s lower. Anyone else notice?"

"Maybe she’s just tired from all the schedules? #DreamcatcherFighting"

"Where’s Insomniac Girl? Dami hasn’t looked the same since she stopped coming to the shows…"

Every time Dami saw one of those posts, her heart sank a little deeper. The connection was there, even if no one understood why. She did. She missed Y/N—missed the silent support, missed seeing her in the front row cheering for all of them, missed knowing that no matter what happened, someone she cared about deeply was always there, even if they were no longer together.

But admitting that felt like betrayal. She had made this decision, she had chosen this path, and now she was suffering the consequences.

One night, after another draining performance, Dami sat alone in her hotel room, scrolling mindlessly through her phone. The glow of the screen was the only light in the room as she stared at a fan-taken video of their latest stage. The comments below were filled with excitement for their comeback, praise for their growth—but also comments about her.

"Why does Dami look so... off? She’s not smiling as much."

"Our Panda is still killing it! But our girl needs rest!"

And, of course, more speculation about Insomniac Girl.

"She really hasn’t been at any of the comeback stages… I kinda miss seeing her in the crowd."

"Maybe something happened to her? #InsomniacGirl"

Back to “Maison” the atmosphere in the venue buzzed with anticipation as Dreamcatcher arrived, their hearts racing with excitement. The familiar scent of stage makeup and the electric hum of soundchecks filled the air, creating a whirlwind of emotions. Each member took a moment to soak it all in—the fans, the lights, the moment they had been waiting for.

Backstage, the girls huddled together, nerves fluttering in their stomachs. Dami’s heart pounded as they ran through the final touches of their performance. She caught sight of the colorful light sticks glowing in the dark, a wave of energy washing over her as she thought of all the supporters who had believed in them. “We can do this,” she said, her voice steady despite the excitement coursing through her.

“Let’s give them a show they’ll never forget!” JiU cheered, her infectious enthusiasm sparking smiles around the group. They exchanged determined looks, each of them silently promising to pour their hearts into this performance.

As the lights dimmed, the atmosphere shifted. The roar of the crowd surged, drowning out any lingering doubts. As the intro music started, Dami’s nerves transformed into exhilaration. She positioned herself at the front, channeling the energy of their fans into her movements. The choreography flowed seamlessly, each beat resonating through her body, and for those few minutes, nothing else mattered.

After their performance, as they stood backstage, the members were still riding the high of the show. Dami could hardly breathe from the adrenaline. They had done their best, and she felt proud. But amid the excitement, there was a whisper of doubt that nagged at her. “Do you think we actually have a chance at winning?” she asked, half-joking.

“Honestly? I doubt it,” Handong replied with a light laugh. “But even if we don't, we are getting closer and closer. It's only a matter of time”

The girls nodded in agreement, sharing laughs and teasing each other about their performances. They had worked so hard, and in the end, they were just grateful to be there, soaking in the cheers from the crowd. The host began announcing the nominees, and Dami felt a sense of calm wash over her. 

As the countdown began on the screen, the members gathered in a tight huddle, oblivious to the suspense building in the audience. . She glanced around at her members, their expressions a mix of excitement and disbelief, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that they weren’t winning this time.

When the countdown reaches zero, the host’s voice echoed through the venue: “And the winner is… Dreamcatcher!” The room erupted into cheers, but for a moment, the girls stood frozen in shock. Dami’s heart stopped as the reality of the words sunk in. 

Confetti rained down from above, and it took a moment for the cheers to break through the shock. “Wait, did we really win?” Dami exclaimed, eyes wide as she looked around at her members. The disbelief turned into tears of joy for most of the members as they all embraced each other tightly, the moment finally sinking in. They had done it—against all odds.

The stage lights bathed them in a golden glow as the confetti fell around them. The members hugged each other tightly as the crowd cheered in celebration. Their fans had worked so hard to make this moment possible, and Dreamcatcher had finally achieved something they had dreamed of for years.

But as Dami stood there, microphone in hand, all she could feel was the absence of someone who wasn’t there to see it.

Her eyes scanned the audience, a habit she couldn’t break, searching for a face she knew wouldn’t be there. Y/N had promised to stop coming, and she had kept that promise. And now, as Dreamcatcher stood victorious on stage, Dami realized just how much she had depended on Y/N’s presence to keep her grounded.

When they moved backstage for the celebratory photos and interviews, Dami went through the motions—smiling, thanking the fans, posing for pictures—but her heart wasn’t in it. The happiness that filled the room felt distant, like something she was watching from the outside.

Later, when they went live to thank their fans, the other members laughed and celebrated, sharing the joy of their first win with InSomnia. But Dami stood at the edge of the screen, quiet and distracted. Her phone buzzed in her hand, and she glanced down, hoping it was just another congratulatory message from a staff member or friend.

It wasn’t.

It was from Y/N.

Congratulations on your first win, Yubinnie 🎉 I can't put into words how proud I am of you and the entire team. I remember all the late nights and hard work you put into this, and it’s incredible to see it all pay off. You’ve always had this fire inside you, and you’ve carried Dreamcatcher to new heights with your passion and talent. 

This moment is just the beginning, and I hope you take a moment to soak it all in. You deserve every bit of this victory and more. I want you to know that no matter where you are or what happens, I’ll always be cheering you on from the sidelines. Please take care of yourself, okay? Remember to rest and find joy in all that you do. Your happiness means everything to me.

You’ve got this, Yubin. Always rooting for you! 💖

As Dami read Y/N’s message, her heart swelled with emotion. The words wrapped around her like a warm embrace, and for a fleeting moment, the weight of everything lifted. She could almost hear Y/N’s voice in her mind, filled with encouragement and love. Tears prickled at the corners of her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away, not wanting the other members to see her vulnerable state during such a joyous occasion.

The message was unexpected, but it hit Dami like a wave of emotion. Her fingers tightened around the phone, and before she could stop herself, tears began to blur her vision. She hadn’t cried when they announced their win. She hadn’t cried when the confetti fell, or when her members hugged her tightly on stage. But now, alone with the weight of Y/N’s words, the tears came.

She turned her head away from the camera, trying to hide the sudden rush of emotion as her fellow members continued to chat excitedly with the fans. She quickly wiped her eyes, hoping no one noticed the sudden shift in her expression. But the truth was clear—this win, this moment of triumph, felt empty without Y/N.

Dami glanced down at the message again, rereading it, her heart aching with regret.

She had pushed Y/N away because she thought it was the only way to succeed. But now, standing on the other side of that decision, she realized that she had lost something far more important and she knew what she had to do.

---

The next day, Dami found herself standing outside a quiet café, her heart pounding in her chest. It was the place they used to come to when they had free time, a place full of old memories—before everything became so complicated. Dami’s hands were shaking as she stepped inside, her eyes scanning the familiar space.

Y/N was already there, sitting at a small corner table, her hands wrapped around a cup of coffee. She looked... different. Not in a drastic way, but in a way that made Dami’s chest ache. There was a quiet strength in her posture, a peacefulness that hadn’t been there the last time Dami had seen her.

Dami approached slowly, her nerves getting the best of her. When Y/N looked up and their eyes met, Dami’s breath caught in her throat. It was like seeing her for the first time all over again. 

“Hey,” Y/N said softly, giving her a small smile.

“Hey,” Dami replied, sliding into the seat across from her. The air between them was thick with tension, but not the kind that came with anger. It was the weight of everything left unsaid.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Dami’s eyes wandered, taking in the familiar setting that now felt so foreign. The sounds of other people chatting, the clinking of coffee cups, felt distant. All she could focus on was Y/N, sitting just a few feet away but feeling miles apart.

“I didn’t know if you’d want to see me,” Dami admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Y/N looked down at her cup, tracing the rim with her finger. “I didn’t know if I wanted to, either. But... I think we both needed this.”

Dami nodded, the words hitting harder than she expected. “I’m sorry, Y/N. For everything. I thought pushing you away was the right thing to do—that I needed to focus on my career, and that we’d both be better off if I... let you go. But I was wrong.”

Y/N didn’t respond right away. She took a deep breath, her gaze still focused on her cup as if searching for the right words. When she finally looked up, her eyes were calm but sad.

“I know why you did it, Dami. I understand,” Y/N said quietly. “I saw how much pressure you were under. I saw how much Dreamcatcher meant to you, and I didn’t want to get in the way. But it still hurts. You didn’t give me the chance to be there for you, and that... that’s what hurt the most.”

Dami’s heart ached at Y/N’s words. She had been so consumed with her own fear of failure, of losing her career, that she hadn’t realized she was shutting out the one person who had always been there for her.

“I thought I was protecting you,” Dami whispered, her throat tight. “But I was just protecting myself. I was scared of dragging you down with me if Dreamcatcher didn’t make it. But now... we’ve made it, and I’ve realized none of it feels right without you.”

Y/N smiled sadly, shaking her head. “Dami, you didn’t drag me down. I wanted to be there with you, through everything. But... we can’t go back. Too much has happened, and I think we’ve both changed.”

Dami felt her heart sink. The words she had dreaded, the ones she knew were coming, finally hit her like a wave. “So... there’s no chance?”

Y/N looked at her with soft eyes, full of understanding but also full of finality. “I’ll always care about you, Dami. I’ll always be your biggest fan. But I think we both need to move on.”

The silence that followed was heavy, filled with all the things Dami wished she could change but knew she couldn’t. Y/N had moved on. She wasn’t waiting in the front row anymore, and Dami had to accept that.

Tears burned in Dami’s eyes, but she blinked them away, trying to keep her voice steady. “I don’t know how to do that,” she admitted, her voice small. “I don’t know how to move on from you.”

Y/N’s expression softened, and for a brief moment, Dami thought she might reach across the table to take her hand. But Y/N didn’t. She just smiled, a quiet, sad smile that told Dami everything she needed to know.

“You’ll find a way,” Y/N said softly. “You have to.”

Dami bit her lip, nodding, though her heart felt like it was shattering. She had spent so long convincing herself that letting Y/N go was the right choice, and now, standing on the other side of that decision, she realized just how wrong she had been.

But it was too late.

Y/N stood up, her chair scraping softly against the floor. Dami stayed seated, her hands clenched in her lap, watching as Y/N prepared to leave. It felt too soon, too final, but Dami knew this was it.

“Take care of yourself, okay?” Y/N said, her voice gentle but firm.

Dami nodded, her throat too tight to speak. She watched as Y/N gave her one last look—a look filled with the kind of love that never truly fades, but knows it can’t stay. And then, Y/N turned and walked out of the café, leaving Dami sitting alone at the table.

The café felt colder now, quieter. The sound of the door closing behind Y/N echoed in Dami’s mind, a finality that settled deep in her chest.

She had made her choice, and now she had to live with it.

Dami sat there for a long time, staring at the empty seat across from her. She had Dreamcatcher, she had her career, she had everything she had worked for. But none of it felt the way she thought it would.

Siyeon’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wait, Y/N? I remember her. She was supposed to debut in G-IDLE, right? "

"Exactly!" her manager replied, sounding almost giddy. "She suddenly stopped training and went ghost, but now she’s acting, and this is her first lead role. And the production team specifically requested you for the OST! They wanted someone who could really capture the emotion of the story."

Siyeon’s curiosity grew. The transition from trainee to actress was a big one, especially for someone who had been in the industry’s training system for so long. "Wow, that’s amazing for her," Siyeon said, a smile tugging at her lips. "I’ve got to hear this."

Her manager laughed. "I thought you’d be interested. The USB with the sample just arrived. I'll be there to give you the USB soon."

The rest of Siyeon's morning flew by in a blur of anticipation. When the USB finally arrived, she was in the studio within the hour. As she plugged the drive into her laptop and settled into her seat, she felt a familiar tingle of excitement. OSTs were something special—an opportunity to convey emotion and elevate a story. She couldn't wait to hear what they had in store for her.

The opening notes of the song flowed through her headphones, and her breath caught. It was beautiful, with a haunting melody that rose and fell in waves, perfectly balancing sadness and hope. She let it wash over her, eyes closed, picturing the kind of scene it might accompany. Every note, every chord, felt perfect, like it had been crafted just for her voice. Siyeon’s heart swelled with excitement; this song was a masterpiece.

After a few more listens, she couldn’t help but wonder what kind of drama it belonged to. Pulling up a browser, she searched for the title her manager had mentioned earlier—"Beneath the Starlit Sky." The synopsis appeared, but it wasn’t the storyline that caught her attention—it was Y/N’s name in the lead role. Siyeon clicked on her profile and smiled, recognizing her face, she was glad that she was doing good for herself.

"So this is her debut as an actress," Siyeon muttered, leaning back in her chair. "I always wondered what happened after she disappeared from the media" She didn't want to admit it but she always had a small crush on her, but it went away when she disappeared

Her manager’s voice broke through the studio speakers. "What do you think? Exciting, right? She’s perfect for the role, and with your voice on the OST… it’s going to be incredible."

Siyeon’s eyes sparkled as she removed her headphones, a grin spreading across her face. “It’s perfect,” she said, her voice breathless with excitement. “I can’t wait to record it.”

Her manager chuckled. "I knew you'd like it. You'll be recording in a few days."

With a nod, Siyeon pushed the chair back, the wheels making a soft sound against the polished floor. Her fingers absently twined in the cord of her headphones as she pulled them off, her mind still swirling with thoughts of the melody and Y/N’s transition to acting. There was something thrilling about singing for someone who had a past in the industry but was now venturing into something new.

---

Siyeon sat in the dim recording booth, the soft glow of the console lights blinking rhythmically in front of her. The walls, thick with layers of soundproof padding, seemed to press in on her, trapping her in the heavy silence after the last note of the instrumental had faded away. Her fingers absently twined in the cord of her headphones as she pulled them off, her eyes locked on the console as if it held the answer to what was wrong. But it didn’t. 

Behind the glass, the producers exchanged those quiet, unreadable glances she had grown to dread. They didn’t need to say anything—the silence spoke volumes. It was the kind of stillness that carried more weight than words ever could. Siyeon could feel it, like a stone in her chest: another take, another failure.

"Siyeon," the lead producer’s voice crackled through the intercom, breaking the tense quiet with hesitation, "it’s... technically perfect."

The words hung in the air, dragging her sinking mood even lower.

Technically perfect. She had heard those words too many times today, and each time they sounded more hollow. Siyeon leaned back in her chair, trying to quell the frustration bubbling under the surface. “What do you think it’s missing?” she asked, her voice steady, though she already knew the answer.

“Emotion,” the producer replied, his answer too swift, too practiced. “It’s a love song, Siyeon. We need to feel it. Right now... it feels flat.”

Flat. Like her emotions were just out of reach, skimming the surface but never quite breaking through. Siyeon clenched her jaw, her fingers drumming restlessly against the arm of her chair. “I’ve been trying,” she muttered under her breath, more to herself than to anyone listening.

The silence in the control room was palpable, and Siyeon could feel the weight of their expectations pressing down on her. She wanted to scream, to tear her frustration out, but instead she kept it locked away, deep inside.

“Can I take a break?” she finally asked, her voice coming out softer than she intended, almost defeated.

The producer’s response was immediate, as if he had been waiting for her to ask. “Of course. Take all the time you need.”

His words felt empty, a polite gesture rather than a real understanding of her struggle. Siyeon stood, slipping out of the booth with a heaviness in her chest, her mind swirling with a storm of thoughts. She needed air. She needed space.

Wandering through the labyrinth of the studio, her feet carried her toward the quieter hallways where the constant noise from the film set dulled into the background. Passing by the filming schedule pinned to the wall, her eyes skimmed over the details—romantic scenes, a confession, the emotional climax of the drama. 

It felt strange, knowing that her song was supposed to be the emotional heartbeat of these scenes, yet she couldn’t even find that feeling within herself. 

Siyeon wasn’t much of a drama watcher, but she recognized the names of the actors, before skimming over one name Y/N, the shy, soft-spoken actress making her debut, had caught Siyeon’s eye more than once around the set. There was something about her quiet demeanor—always lingering at the edges of the action, like she was more comfortable in the shadows—that intrigued Siyeon. Y/N didn’t seem to crave the spotlight like others did, but when she was on screen, she lit up in a way that was hard to ignore.

She shook her head, trying to push the thought aside. She had her own problems to focus on. Like why she couldn’t connect with the song, why every note felt more forced than the last.

---

Y/N hadn’t intended to eavesdrop. She had been wandering the hallways after a particularly tough scene, trying to shake off the exhaustion that always clung to her after playing someone so different from herself. Pretending to be someone confident, someone bold—it took more out of her than anyone realized. She had been in her own head, lost in her thoughts, when she heard the faint sound of a piano drifting from one of the nearby rooms. The melody was soft, almost melancholy, and it made her pause.

She didn’t know what drew her to the slightly open door, but before she realized it, she was standing in the doorway, peeking inside. 

Siyeon was seated at the piano, her back slightly hunched as her fingers moved across the keys with a kind of quiet precision. Y/N hesitated, torn between the instinct to turn around and leave and the pull of the music. There was something about the way Siyeon played—so different from the polished performances she’d heard during recording. This was raw, unfiltered, and for a moment, Y/N forgot herself. She leaned against the doorframe, listening.

And then Siyeon began to sing.

The sound wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t the flawless, controlled voice Y/N had heard earlier. It was something else, something more vulnerable. Every note seemed to hang in the air, wrapped in emotion that felt both fragile and powerful at the same time. Y/N found herself holding her breath, her heart aching with the sincerity of it.

When the song ended, the silence felt heavier than before. Siyeon let out a soft sigh, her fingers hovering over the keys, as if she wasn’t ready to let go of the music just yet. 

Y/N shifted slightly, her foot scuffing the floor, and Siyeon’s head snapped up. Their eyes met, and for a moment, neither of them moved.

“Oh—I’m sorry!” Y/N blurted out, her face flushing crimson. She felt her stomach twist with embarrassment. “I didn’t mean to... I was just—”

“It’s fine,” Siyeon said quickly, standing from the piano bench, her own surprise evident. “You’re... Y/N, right?”

Y/N nodded, biting her lip nervously. “Yeah. Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just... I heard you singing.” She glanced at the piano, then back to Siyeon. “It sounded amazing.”

Siyeon blinked, her brow furrowing slightly. “You heard that?” Her gaze flicked to the piano, and she let out a short, disbelieving laugh. “That wasn’t even good .”

Y/N shook her head, stepping forward just a little. “No, really,” she said, her voice soft but earnest. “I’ve been a fan of yours for a while now, actually.” She paused, her blush deepening slightly. “Especially your cover of Speechless. That song... it really moved me.”

The sincerity in Y/N’s voice left Siyeon momentarily speechless. Out of all the things Y/N could have said, the fact that she had been listening to Siyeon’s music—really listening—caught her off guard. “You’ve heard that?” Siyeon asked, a little incredulous. 

Y/N nodded again, her smile small but genuine. “I’ve probably played it a hundred times. It felt... real. The way you sang it, like you were pouring your heart into every note.” 

The word “real” hung between them, heavy and significant in a way neither of them had anticipated. Siyeon’s heart skipped a beat. All day she’d been told her singing lacked heart, that there was something missing—but here, standing in front of her, was someone telling her the opposite. Someone whose opinion, for some reason, mattered more than the producers’.

“Thanks,” Siyeon murmured, her voice quieter now, more vulnerable. “I’ve been... struggling with this new song. It’s a love song, and I—” She trailed off, her fingers brushing the piano keys absently. “It’s harder than I thought.”

Y/N’s gaze softened, her eyes full of understanding. “I think... sometimes it’s easier when no one’s watching.”

Siyeon blinked, taken aback by the depth in Y/N’s words. There was something in her voice, something that resonated with Siyeon in a way she hadn’t expected. She glanced at Y/N, feeling a strange sense of connection—a feeling like they were both fighting the same invisible battles.

“Yeah,” Siyeon said softly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. For the first time in days, she felt a small weight lift off her shoulders, as though she wasn’t completely alone in her struggle.

Y/N smiled back, but the moment was brief, and she shifted nervously. “I should probably get back to set...” she said, her voice trailing off.

“Yeah, I should get back too,” Siyeon replied, though she found herself reluctant to leave.

Y/N took a step toward the door, but before she could leave, Siyeon called after her, her voice more tentative than she intended. “Hey, Y/N?”

Y/N turned, her wide eyes full of curiosity.

“If you ever need someone to run lines with or... you know, anything like that, I’m around. If you want.”

Y/N’s face flushed a deeper shade of pink, and she smiled, flustered. “Oh. Sure. Thanks.”

With a quick wave, Y/N slipped out of the room, leaving Siyeon standing by the piano, feeling lighter than she had in days. There was something about Y/N—something that stayed with her long after she left the room.

---

The next day, Siyeon found herself drifting back to the set. She told herself it was just to clear her head, but deep down, she knew that wasn’t the whole truth. She couldn’t stop thinking about Y/N—the quiet understanding in her voice, the way her presence had eased some of the tension that had been building inside Siyeon.

From her spot in the shadows, Siyeon watched as the cameras rolled. Y/N was on set, her co-star standing beside her as they prepared to film what was clearly a pivotal scene. Siyeon wasn’t expecting much—she had seen Y/N’s shy, flustered demeanor off camera, and it was hard to imagine that same person transforming into someone else entirely.

But as soon as the director called “Action,” it was like watching a completely different person. Y/N’s character came to life in a way that left Siyeon breathless. She moved with confidence, her smile warm and flirtatious as she delivered her lines, her eyes full of emotion. The way she looked at her co-star—Heo-hyun—was so real, so convincing, that it made Siyeon’s chest tighten.

The scene was a confession—one of those quintessential drama moments where everything boiled down to a single look, a single word. Y/N stepped closer to Heo-hyun, her voice soft but steady as she confessed her character’s feelings. There was a quiet intensity in her gaze, a kind of vulnerability that felt almost too real. Siyeon couldn’t look away.

And when the director called “Cut,” the tension evaporated, and Y/N’s usual shy smile returned as Heo-hyun casually teased her about the scene. Siyeon felt a strange twist in her stomach, an unfamiliar tightness she didn’t quite understand. *Was there something between them? Or was it just good acting?*

Before she could slip away, Heo-hyun’s voice called out, “Siyeon? wow long time no see”

She turned, her face carefully neutral. “Hey,” she said, crossing her arms as Heo-hyun approached, his expression more thoughtful than teasing.

“You were watching?” he asked, his eyes flicking back toward Y/N, who was now chatting with the director. There was no playful glint in his eyes, just curiosity.

“Something like that,” Siyeon replied, trying to sound casual, but she felt a strange flutter in her chest.

Heo-hyun’s gaze lingered on her for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly. “What did you think?”

Siyeon’s heart skipped a beat, her response coming out a little too quickly. “You two have great chemistry.” Her voice was flat, almost cold.

Heo-hyun’s expression shifted, something like realization flickering in his eyes. “Yeah,” he said slowly, his tone measured. “Y/N’s really easy to work with. But...”

Siyeon raised an eyebrow, her pulse quickening as Heo-hyun’s words trailed off. “But what?”

Heo-hyun hesitated, glancing between Siyeon and Y/N, who was still oblivious to their conversation. “But- never mind, just remember that she's a great actress.

Siyeon blinked, caught off guard by his sudden shift in tone. “What are you talking about?”

Heo-hyun shrugged, though his eyes were more serious now, his teasing gone. “Just... an observation. You should talk to her.” 

Before Siyeon could respond, Heo-hyun gave her a pat on the shoulder and walked away, leaving her standing there, her mind racing. Was he onto something? Did he know something she didn’t? The possibility gnawed at her, sending her thoughts spiraling.

---

That afternoon, Siyeon found herself pacing outside the recording booth, her mind still reeling from her conversation with Heo-hyun. Was it really that obvious? She hadn’t even thought about her feelings to herself yet, and now she couldn’t stop thinking about what he’d said. Was Y/N into girls? Did she have feelings for someone else?, Maybe I have a chance.

With a frustrated sigh, Siyeon slipped into the booth, sliding the headphones over her ears. She adjusted the mic, trying to push everything out of her mind and focus on the song. The familiar instrumental began, but this time, something was different. She wasn’t just thinking about hitting the right notes—she was thinking about a certain person.

Her smile. The way she transformed on set. The way she had listened to Siyeon play, her eyes wide with admiration. And the way Siyeon had felt so connected to her in that moment, as though Y/N understood something no one else did.

Siyeon closed her eyes, letting the emotions rise to the surface. She didn’t hold back this time. She let herself feel the jealousy, the uncertainty, the longing—and when the cue came, she sang.

The notes flowed out of her, filled with the depth and vulnerability she hadn’t been able to reach before. For the first time, the song felt real. It wasn’t just notes on a page anymore—it was a confession, a release of everything she had been holding back.

In the control room, the producers exchanged glances, but this time they weren’t the usual looks of frustration. They were wide-eyed, surprised.

When the song ended, the silence that followed was different. Siyeon opened her eyes, her heart racing, and looked toward the producers behind the glass. They were staring at her, their expressions a mixture of awe and relief.

The lead producer pressed the intercom. “Siyeon, that was way better.”

Siyeon let out a long breath, relief washing over her. She had finally found the emotion she needed—but she knew exactly why. It wasn’t just the song. It was because of Y/N. 

---

Later that evening, Siyeon found herself wandering back to the set, her steps lighter than they had been in days. The crew was packing up for the day, the equipment being hauled away as the last scene wrapped up. Siyeon spotted Y/N sitting on a bench off to the side, her script in her lap as she absentmindedly flipped through the pages. 

Y/N looked up when she saw Siyeon approaching, her smile soft and welcoming. “Hey,” she said quietly, closing the script.

Siyeon smiled back, sitting down beside her. “Hey. How did the scene go?”

Y/N shrugged modestly, though a small glimmer of pride shone in her eyes. “It went well, I think. How did the recording go?”

Siyeon grinned, unable to hide the excitement bubbling inside her. “I think I finally nailed it. They said it was my best take yet.”

Y/N’s face lit up, her eyes sparkling. “That’s amazing, Siyeon! I knew you could do it.”

Siyeon’s heart fluttered at the warmth in Y/N’s voice. There was something so genuine about the way she spoke, as if she truly believed in Siyeon, and that meant more to her than she could express.

For a moment, they sat there in comfortable silence, the hum of the studio fading into the background as the world seemed to slow around them. Siyeon’s thoughts swirled with everything she wanted to say but couldn’t quite find the words for.

Y/N shifted slightly, her voice soft. “I didn’t really do anything, but I’m glad it helped,” she said, her gaze dropping to the script in her lap.

Siyeon shook her head, turning toward her. “You did more than you realize,” she said, her voice quieter now, more sincere. “Talking to you... it helped me figure things out. You made me see things differently.”

Y/N’s cheeks flushed, and she bit her lip, a shy smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “I’m glad,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

They sat there for a moment longer, the air between them filled with something unspoken but undeniable. Siyeon’s heart raced, her thoughts swirling with emotions she wasn’t sure how to express. But before she could find the words, Y/N cleared her throat, her voice tentative.

“Would you... maybe want to grab coffee sometime?” she asked, her eyes glancing up at Siyeon nervously. “If you’re free, I mean.”

Siyeon’s breath caught in her throat. She hadn’t expected the question, but the answer was immediate. “I’d love that,” she said, her heart pounding in her chest.

Y/N’s face brightened with a soft, relieved smile. “How about tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow sounds perfect,” Siyeon replied, her smile widening. 

---

The next afternoon, Siyeon and Y/N found themselves sitting in a cozy corner of a small café, tucked away from the bustling streets. The air was warm, filled with the quiet hum of conversations and the clatter of coffee cups. They talked about everything—about work, about music, about life—and the conversation flowed easily, punctuated by moments of laughter and quiet smiles.

Siyeon found herself watching Y/N, her heart swelling with warmth every time Y/N smiled. There was something so effortless about being with her, something comforting and familiar, like they had known each other far longer than they actually had.

Y/N sipped her coffee, her gaze drifting out the window for a moment before she turned to Siyeon, her expression soft. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course,” Siyeon replied, setting her cup down and meeting Y/N’s eyes.

Y/N hesitated, then asked, “That song… I didn’t get a chance to listen to the whole thing. I know it’s a love song, but what’s it about?”

Siyeon paused, her heart skipping a beat. She hadn’t expected the question, but she knew the answer instantly. She smiled, glancing down for a moment before meeting Y/N’s gaze again. “It’s about… letting yourself feel something real. Even if it’s scary.”

Y/N’s gaze softened, her lips parting slightly as if she wanted to say something, but instead, she smiled—a soft, genuine smile that spoke louder than words could.

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of unspoken thoughts hanging between them. Then Y/N, her voice softer now, asked, “Do you think… it’s something we can have? Here? Us… in Korea?” Her eyes flickered with uncertainty, the weight of societal expectations heavy in her tone.

Siyeon’s heart clenched. She knew what Y/N was asking—not just about them, but about the world they lived in, a place where tradition still held strong and where the relationships that they want to have wasn’t always accepted. Siyeon had asked herself the same question countless times.

She took a deep breath, her voice steady but quiet. “It won’t be easy.” She reached out, gently taking Y/N’s hand in hers. “You know how things are here. People aren’t always kind. And… we might have to keep it quiet. At least for now.”

Y/N’s fingers tightened around hers. “I’ve thought about it a lot. Sometimes I wonder if it’s even worth trying.”

Siyeon looked into her eyes, feeling the weight of those words. “It is,” she whispered. “If this is real—if we’re real—it’s worth everything. I know we are still getting to know each other but I have never felt this attracted to anyone, ever and I hope you feel the same”

Y/N’s expression softened, a flicker of hope in her eyes. “ I feel exactly the same, I really really like you Siyeon, I just hope one day i can show off how much do and not hide.”

“For now, yes, we have to hide it. But not forever.” Siyeon’s voice grew stronger as she spoke, conviction settling in. “We take it one step at a time. People are starting to change. Not everyone, but some. And maybe someday, we can be open like any other relationship.”

Y/N smiled, a little wistfully. “You really believe that?”

Siyeon nodded, her thumb brushing lightly against Y/N’s knuckles. “I do. And even if it’s hard, we don’t have to go through it alone. We’ll figure it out… together.”

Y/N’s smile grew, and there was something stronger behind it now—something resilient. “Together,” she echoed.

For now, sitting there, sipping coffee and sharing quiet smiles, it was enough. Maybe, just maybe, it was the start of something real. Even if the world wasn’t ready for them yet, they were ready for each other.

---

A few days later, the final recording session for the song was scheduled. Siyeon arrived at the studio with a sense of calm she hadn’t felt in a long time. She had already nailed the song, but this time, it wasn’t about perfection. It was about putting all of herself into it—the emotions, the connection she had found with Y/N.

As she stepped into the booth, she caught sight of Y/N standing outside, watching through the glass. Their eyes met, and Siyeon smiled. Y/N smiled back, Lifting her arm halfway with a clenched fist giving her a sign of encouragement.

Siyeon put on her headphones, the familiar melody filling her ears as the instrumental began. She closed her eyes, letting herself get lost in the music. But this time, she wasn’t just singing the notes. She was singing for Y/N—for everything they had shared, everything that was still unfolding between them.

The song flowed out of her effortlessly, every note filled with the raw vulnerability she had been afraid to embrace before. But now, with Y/N in her life, it all felt so natural. She let herself feel everything—the uncertainty, the longing, the connection. And when the song ended, there was a quiet sense of fulfillment that settled over her.

When she stepped out of the booth, the producers were all smiles. “Siyeon, that was incredible,” the lead producer said, his voice full of admiration. “You’ve really brought this song to life.”

But Siyeon’s attention wasn’t on them. It was on Y/N, who was waiting for her just outside the control room. 

As soon as Siyeon stepped out, Y/N was there, her smile bright and proud. “You were amazing,” she said softly, her eyes full of warmth.

Siyeon’s heart swelled at the compliment, but it wasn’t just the words—it was the way Y/N looked at her, like she had known all along that Siyeon could do it.

“I couldn’t have done it without you,” Siyeon admitted, her voice just as soft as she reached for Y/N’s hand.

Y/N’s fingers intertwined with hers, and she gave Siyeon a gentle squeeze. “I think you had it in you all along.”

Siyeon smiled, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Y/N’s cheek. “Maybe. But you helped me find it.”

They stood there for a moment, the weight of everything they had shared finally settling in. This—whatever it was between them—was just beginning, but it already felt like something real, something solid.

“I’m glad we met,” Y/N whispered, her voice full of quiet sincerity.

“Me too,” Siyeon replied, her heart full.

JiU, meanwhile, stood by the door, her bag slung over her shoulder as she carefully slipped into her shoes. She tried to be as quiet as possible, hoping to make a discreet exit. She had perfected this routine over the past few weekends—leaving the dorm after promotions to spend time with Y/N. But just as she was about to turn the knob, her luck ran out.

“Where are you off to this time?” Handong asked, her voice cutting through the quiet like a bell. She didn’t even look up from her book, but JiU could feel the curiosity behind the question.

JiU froze, her hand gripping the doorknob tightly. “Uh…” She smiled, trying to sound casual. “Just out for a bit. I’ll be back later.”

Handong’s brow lifted, though she still didn’t lift her gaze from the page. “Out where?” she pressed, her tone light but laced with playful suspicion. “You’ve been disappearing every weekend lately. You’re hiding something.”

Before JiU could come up with an excuse, Yoohyeon chimed in from the couch. “Yeah, seriously,” she said, turning her attention away from her phone. “You’ve been sneaking off a lot. Is there something we don’t know?”

A blush crept up JiU’s neck, betraying her attempt to appear nonchalant. She shifted her bag to the other shoulder, laughing nervously. “No, no. It’s not like that. Just...taking some me time.”

SuA’s voice joined the mix, slightly groggy but filled with mock suspicion. She lifted her head from where she’d been lounging, her eyes narrowed. “ Me time... every weekend? Are you thinking of moving out of the dorm? I get it, we have been together for a while, if anyone was gonna move out first it would be you.”

JiU felt her cheeks flush even deeper, her eyes darting toward the door as if planning a quick escape. “It's not that, you guys know how much I love you all ” she said, trying to brush it off, but the smile tugging at the corners of her lips and the sparkle in her eyes told a different story.

The members exchanged knowing glances. JiU wasn’t exactly the most secretive person, but the past few weekends had made them suspicious. Her sudden disappearances and vague explanations weren’t doing her any favors.

“All right, all right,” Gahyun said, waving her off with a grin as she stuffed another chip in her mouth. “We’ll let it go… for now. But you owe us details soon.”

JiU laughed, grateful for the out, and quickly opened the door. “Thank you, Don’t wait up for me.” She slipped out into the hallway, her heart racing.

As soon as the door clicked shut behind her, JiU let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. Her heart was pounding, a mixture of nerves and excitement thrumming in her chest. Sneaking off to see Y/N had become her little weekend ritual, and though her bandmates had started to get suspicious, she wasn’t quite ready to share the details of her relationship yet.

The cool evening air hit her as she stepped out onto the street, a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the dorm. She walked briskly, her steps light as she made her way through the city. Her thoughts drifted to Y/N, as they always did during these quiet moments alone.

They’d been officially together for about four years now, but have known each other for way longer, ever since they met during JiU’s Minx days at a fan event. Y/N, studying to become a vet at the time, her quiet demeanor and a love for animals, had caught JiU’s attention immediately. What started as a casual conversation had blossomed into something much more, and now, their weekends together were the highlight of JiU’s hectic schedule.

She smiled to herself, remembering the early days when they would sneak out for late-night coffee or strolls through quiet parks, always careful not to draw attention. Those stolen moments, filled with laughter and whispered confessions, had laid the foundation for what had grown into something real—something JiU cherished more than she could express.

The city buzzed around her as she made her way to Y/N’s apartment, the neon lights casting colorful reflections on the pavement. JiU found herself lost in thoughts of their relationship, the countless little things she loved about Y/N. The way she always had a smile for JiU, even after a long day at the clinic. The soft sound of her laugh when JiU tried to be funny (and usually failed). How Y/N’s presence alone could make her feel grounded, no matter how chaotic her schedule became.

By the time JiU reached Y/N’s apartment, her heart was fluttering with anticipation. She eagerly typed in the passcode and unlocked the door with excitement. The familiar scent of home-cooked food greeted her as she stepped inside, the warmth of the apartment wrapping around her like a comforting embrace.

Y/N was at the stove, dressed in an oversized Dreamcatcher tour T-shirt and shorts, her hair wrapped in a towel. She didn’t even turn around when she heard the door open—she didn’t need to. She knew exactly who it was.

“About time you got here,” Y/N called over her shoulder, her voice teasing. “I thought I’d have to eat this dinner all by myself.”

JiU laughed, her mood instantly brightening. She kicked off her shoes and walked over, slipping her arms around Y/N’s waist from behind. “You wouldn’t dare,” she murmured, resting her chin on Y/N’s shoulder. “I’d fight you for every bite.”

Y/N chuckled, leaning back into JiU’s embrace. “You’re lucky I love you.

They stood like that for a moment, wrapped up in the warmth of each other’s presence, the scent of simmering garlic and tomatoes filling the air. It was in these small, quiet moments that JiU felt the world truly disappear, leaving only the two of them in their little bubble of peace.

After a few minutes, Y/N gently nudged her away with a smile. “Come on, dinner’s almost ready. You can’t just stand here and distract me.”

JiU grinned, giving her a playful squeeze before stepping back. “Fine, but only because I’m starving.”

The dinner spread was simple but delicious—pasta with homemade rosé sauce, garlic bread fresh from the oven, and a crisp salad. As they sat down at the small dining table, JiU’s eyes lit up, and she eagerly dug into her plate.

“You spoil me,” JiU said between bites, her voice filled with admiration.

Y/N smiled softly, shaking her head as she took a sip of her water. “I just know keeping you happy keeps me happy.”

For a while, they ate in comfortable silence, the sounds of forks scraping against plates the only noise filling the cozy apartment. It wasn’t until JiU was halfway through her second helping that she finally spoke again.

“You know,” JiU started, her voice quieter now, “I’ve been thinking… about us.”

Y/N glanced up, her expression soft but curious. “What about us?”

JiU hesitated, swirling her fork around her plate before setting it down. “I mean, I’ve been thinking about telling the girls… about you, about us. I’m tired of sneaking out all the time, of making up excuses.”

Y/N stayed quiet, watching JiU carefully, waiting for her to continue.

“I just… I don’t know,” JiU admitted, her voice wavering slightly. “It’s not that I don’t want them to know. I do, but I also like how it’s just been… ours. No outside pressure, no questions. Just us, in our own little world.”

She paused, taking a deep breath. “I know it was my idea to keep things hidden, and I thank you so much for being so patient with me. You’ve never pushed, and I appreciate that more than you know.”

Y/N gave her a gentle smile, squeezing her hand softly. “You don’t have to thank me for that. I understand why you wanted to keep it between us, and I don’t mind. Whether we keep it private or make it public, I’m okay with whatever makes you feel comfortable.”

JiU’s heart warmed at Y/N’s words. “I just don’t want to mess anything up,” she whispered, her gaze dropping to their intertwined hands. “I don’t want the attention on us to change anything.”

“It won’t,” Y/N assured her, her voice calm and steady. “What we have isn’t something that can be changed by anyone else. It’s ours, no matter what.”

JiU let out a soft breath, nodding slowly. “You’re right,” she said, her voice steadier now. “I guess I’m just overthinking it.”

Y/N smiled warmly. “That’s okay. It’s a big thing to think about. But remember, whatever you decide, I’m with you. Whether you want to keep this between us a little longer or tell them tomorrow, I’ll support you.”

JiU felt the tension in her chest ease. She looked into Y/N’s eyes, feeling a wave of gratitude for her unwavering support. “Thank you,” she murmured. “For being so patient with me.”

“You don’t need to thank me,” Y/N said softly. “I’m just happy to be with you, however you want to handle this.”

JiU smiled, her heart lighter. The decision didn’t feel so daunting anymore, not with Y/N’s reassurance and steady presence by her side.

A couple of days later, JiU found herself accompanying Yoohyeon to the vet. Yoohyeon’s dog, Pie, had been acting a little strange, and after some encouragement from the girls, Yoohyeon finally decided to bring her in for a check-up. JiU had volunteered to come along with Cherry, her own dog, under the guise of a routine check. But the real reason? Y/N was working today, and JiU couldn’t help but seize the opportunity to see her—though, she tried to keep that fact hidden.

As they sat in the waiting room, Yoohyeon kept fidgeting nervously with Pie’s leash. “I hope she’s okay. She’s been sleeping a lot lately,” she murmured, her brow furrowed.

JiU glanced over, trying to reassure her. “It’s probably nothing serious. She’s just a little sick, Yooh.” She reached down, giving Cherry a gentle pat as her dog lounged comfortably in her lap.

Yoohyeon nodded, but her anxious energy was palpable. “Yeah, I hope so.”

JiU, on the other hand, was distracted. Her heart was racing, knowing that Y/N would be coming through the door any minute. She hadn’t mentioned to Yoohyeon that this was the clinic she usually went to for Cherry’s check-ups, mostly because she didn’t want to deal with the teasing that would inevitably follow if Yoohyeon found out why she frequented this particular clinic.

Just as JiU was trying to focus on keeping herself calm, the door to the exam room opened, and there she was—Y/N, dressed in her light blue scrubs, clipboard in hand. JiU’s heart skipped a beat, and she had to force herself to remain composed.

“Yoohyeon and Pie?” Y/N called, her voice professional, though her eyes flickered ever so briefly to JiU. The smallest of smiles touched her lips, but it was gone as quickly as it came.

Before Yoohyeon could respond, Cherry suddenly perked up, her little ears twitching in excitement. Without warning, the small dog jumped off JiU’s lap and ran straight toward Y/N, her tail wagging happily.

Yoohyeon’s mouth dropped open in surprise. “What’s she doing?”

JiU’s face flushed bright red as she quickly stood up, her words stumbling out. “Oh, uh, sorry! Cherry, come back here!”

But Cherry wasn’t listening. She reached Y/N and circled her feet, letting out a soft bark of excitement as if greeting an old friend. Y/N crouched down, her smile a little more visible now as she scratched behind Cherry’s ears. “Hey, you,” she said softly, her voice full of affection.

Yoohyeon, meanwhile, was watching the interaction with growing confusion. She tilted her head, her brow furrowing. “Why does Cherry seem so comfortable with her? She's not even like that to some of the members” she asked, more to herself than anyone else.

JiU quickly tried to cover up her growing embarrassment. “Oh, well… she’s been here before for a few check-ups,” she mumbled, hoping that would satisfy Yoohyeon’s curiosity. But judging by the way Yoohyeon was staring at her with narrowed eyes, it was clear she wasn’t buying the explanation.

Y/N stood back up, giving JiU a subtle, knowing smile before turning her attention back to Yoohyeon and Pie. “Let’s get you both into the exam room,” Y/N said, leading the way.

As Yoohyeon followed Y/N into the room, JiU was left in the waiting area, feeling the weight of Yoohyeon’s suspicious look still lingering in her mind. She couldn’t help but wonder how long it would be before Yoohyeon started asking more questions—and if she’d be able to keep her secret for much longer.

Inside the exam room, Y/N moved efficiently, examining Pie with gentle hands and a professional demeanor. Yoohyeon, still a bit unsettled by Cherry’s earlier behavior, watched the vet closely. “So… you’ve seen JiU-unnie here before?” Yoohyeon asked, her voice casual, but her eyes sharp with curiosity.

Y/N, unfazed, glanced at Yoohyeon with a calm smile. “Yeah, she brings Cherry in every now and then. She takes good care of her.”

Yoohyeon nodded, her suspicions deepening. “Right…it's weird that she seems to come here but she's never mentioned this clinic before.”

Y/n smiled at her, “I used to work at another location but I recently opened up this place, Minji came in once because my old place would be open large at night, and now that I have my own business both her and Cherry followed me.”

Yoohyeon's ears perked at the mention of her leader's real name, not many people call her Minji. She decides to keep it to herself for now and focus back on her pet.

When the exam was finished and Y/N had declared Pie in decent health, she just needed to be on medicine for a couple weeks. Yoohyeon stepped out of the room, her mind still swirling with questions. As they walked out of the clinic, Yoohyeon shot Jiu with a knowing look. “You and that vet… something’s going on, isn’t it?”

JiU’s eyes widened, her face flushing red once again. “W-What? No! She’s just… a really good vet!”

“Mhm,” Yoohyeon replied, grinning now. “Right. A good vet in a clinic that cherry would walk around like she knows the place and the vet. She said you've only gone to her a couple of times. And she called you Minji”

JiU groaned, covering her face with her hands. She could already feel the teasing that was bound to come. But deep down, she knew that Yoohyeon had only scratched the surface—and it was only a matter of time before the rest of the girls figured it out too.

Many weeks later, JiU found herself unwinding after another long day of promotions by doing a casual live stream for her fans. She loved connecting with them, especially when things weren’t too hectic with the band’s schedule. It was late evening, and the mood was relaxed. JiU sat cross-legged on her bed, chatting with her viewers about their recent performances, her favorite snacks, and the cute antics of her dog, Cherry.

As she answered questions, laughing at some of the playful comments, she glanced over at her personal phone to check the time. It was 11:11. Having her guard down, JiU smiled and decided to share the moment with her fans. “It’s 11:11—make a wish!” she exclaimed, holding up her phone to the camera.

She hadn’t thought much of it at first. The live stream continued as usual, with fans sending in messages, some asking random questions, while others flooded the chat with heart emojis. It wasn’t until JiU lowered her phone that she realized her mistake.

Her lock screen—the one she had impulsively forgotten to change—was a photo of her and Y/N. The image was from one of their many weekend dates, this time outside a small café near Y/N’s clinic. JiU was smiling brightly, her arm wrapped around Y/N, who was still in her vet scrubs, a cap perched on her head, partially hiding her face.

At first, JiU didn’t react, oblivious to the significance. But then the chat exploded.

“Wait, who’s that?”  

“Is that JiU with someone??”    

“She's with a girl?????”

“I ship iiittt they are so cuuute”

"who's got our leader smiling like that"

JiU’s heart sank. She stared at the chat in horror, the reality of what she had just done hitting her like a freight train. Quickly, she pulled her phone back from the camera, trying to laugh it off. “Oh, uh, yeah... just... that’s, um, my friend,” she stammered, but it was too late. The fans were already putting two and two together.

The chat became a flurry of comments, questions, and theories, and no matter how much JiU tried to steer the conversation back to safer topics, the fans weren’t letting it go.

She quickly wrapped up the live stream, her hands trembling slightly as she ended the broadcast. Her mind was racing. She had just revealed Y/N to thousands of fans without even realizing it. And worse, her bandmates were probably watching.

As soon as she ended the stream, her phone buzzed with messages. Sure enough, SuA was the first to text her:

SuA: “So… about that ‘friend’ in your lock screen... care to explain?”  

Yoohyeon: “Is it the vet?! Omg, I KNEW IT!”  

Dami: “JiU-Unnie you’re busted…”

Gahyun "AAAHHH WHAT IS HAPPENING"

JiU groaned, burying her face in her hands. This was going to be a long night.

By the following weekend, JiU knew there was no avoiding it. After her accidental reveal during the live stream, her bandmates had been relentless with their teasing. Every day, someone would bring up “the vet” with a sly grin or an innocent question, making JiU squirm. Finally, she caved and agreed to introduce them to Y/N.

“I’m telling you guys, she’s shy,” JiU warned as she led them toward Y/N’s apartment. “So please, don’t overwhelm her.”

Dami, SuA, Gahyun, and Handong walked with her, the rest slightly behind them but all barely containing their excitement. “We’ll be good,” SuA promised, though the mischievous glint in her eyes said otherwise.

When they reached Y/N’s apartment, JiU hesitated for a moment outside the door, her nerves getting the better of her. She had told Y/N they were coming, of course, but that didn’t make it any less nerve-wracking. Taking a deep breath, JiU unlocked the door and stepped inside.

“Hey, love!” Y/N’s voice floated out from the kitchen before JiU could even announce her arrival. “I missed you. I heard about the livestream, ‘I’m sorry, Come here I'll give you a kissy, It always makes you feel better”

JiU froze in the doorway, her face flushing red as her bandmates all stopped dead behind her. She glanced back at them, wide-eyed and panicked. SuA’s grin was impossibly wide, Siyeon was trying (and failing) to stifle her laughter, and Gahyun had her hand over her mouth, her eyes sparkling with amusement and Handong pretends to gag at the cuteness

Clearing her throat awkwardly, JiU called out, “Uh… Y/N? We have… company.”

The kitchen went silent. A moment later, Y/N appeared in the doorway, her cheeks flushing bright pink when she saw the rest of Dreamcatcher standing in her living room. She was still wearing JiU’s hoodie, and her hair was a little messy from being tied up in a bun.

“Oh... hi,” Y/N said shyly, wiping her hands on her apron. She looked between JiU and the other girls, her eyes wide with uncertainty.

“Surprise!” Siyeon chirped, stepping forward with a bright smile. “We decided it was time to meet JiU’s mysterious ‘friend.’”

JiU cringed, covering her face with her hands. “I’m so sorry,” she muttered through her fingers. “I tried to stop them.”

But Y/N, despite her initial shock, managed to smile. She wiped her hands on her apron and stepped forward, her voice soft but warm. “It’s nice to meet you all,” she said. “I’ve heard a lot about you guys and I think it goes without saying that I'm a big fan of each of you.”

“And we’ve heard a lot about you too,” Gahyun teased, her grin widening. “You’re the famous vet who stole JiU’s heart.”

Y/N laughed nervously, glancing at JiU for reassurance. JiU quickly stepped forward, taking Y/N’s hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. “It’s okay,” JiU whispered. “They’ll love you.”

The evening turned out much better than JiU had expected. The girls quickly warmed up to Y/N, peppering her with questions about her job, her life, and—of course—how she met JiU. Y/N answered each question with a mix of humor and humility, and as the night wore on, her nervousness slowly melted away.

By the time they were all sprawled across Y/N’s cozy living room, laughing and chatting like old friends, JiU couldn’t help but feel relieved. Everything had gone better than she could have hoped.

“So,” Handong said, breaking the comfortable silence as they all lounged on the couch, “I think we approve.”

JiU rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips. “Gee, thanks.”

Y/N chuckled softly, leaning her head on JiU’s shoulder. “I’m glad to hear it.”

After the night wore on and the girls finally said their goodbyes, JiU and Y/N were left alone in the quiet apartment once again. JiU sighed, leaning back against the couch as Y/N snuggled into her side, the soft glow of the dimmed lights making the room feel cozy and intimate.

“Well, that wasn’t how I planned for tonight to go,” JiU said with a laugh, gently brushing a strand of Y/N’s hair behind her ear.

Y/N smiled, pressing a soft kiss to JiU’s shoulder. “It wasn’t so bad. Besides, now we don’t have to hide anymore.”

JiU looked down at Y/N, feeling a surge of warmth and affection fill her chest. “No more hiding,” she whispered, pressing a kiss to Y/N’s forehead. “Just us.”

Y/N glanced up, her eyes sparkling in the low light. “Just us,” she echoed, her voice soft and full of love.

They stayed like that for a moment, the comfortable silence wrapping around them like a blanket, the only sound being Cherry’s soft snoring at Y.N’s lap. JiU smiled at the sight of her little dog curled up so peacefully.

“You know,” JiU started, her voice gentle, “I never thought I’d find someone who makes me feel this… safe.”

Y/N shifted slightly, her head resting on JiU’s chest now. “What do you mean?”

JiU paused, her hand idly playing with Y/N’s hair. “With my schedule, the constant traveling, the craziness of being in the spotlight, I guess I just never thought I’d find someone who could be my calm in the storm.” She smiled softly. “But you are.”

Y/N’s heart swelled at JiU’s words. She sat up a little, turning so she could face JiU fully. “You’re my calm too,” she said quietly, her hand resting gently on JiU’s cheek. “No matter how busy things get, when we’re together, it feels like the world just… fades away.”

JiU smiled, her eyes softening as she gazed at Y/N. “I love you my Y/N” she whispered, her voice tender and full of sincerity.

“I love you too my Minji” Y/N replied, her voice equally soft as she leaned in to press a kiss to JiU’s lips.

The kiss was slow and sweet, filled with all the love and affection that had grown between them over the years. When they finally pulled apart, JiU couldn’t help but laugh softly, her heart feeling lighter than ever.

“What’s so funny?” Y/N asked, smiling as she tucked herself back into JiU’s arms.

“I was just thinking about how lucky I am,” JiU said, resting her cheek against the top of Y/N’s head. “I get to do what I love with the people I love, and then come home to you.”

Y/N’s heart fluttered at JiU’s words. “You make me feel like the luckiest person in the world,” she whispered, her voice full of warmth.

They stayed there, wrapped up in each other, the room filled with the kind of peace that only comes from being with someone you love deeply. The worries of the world felt far away, and in that moment, it was just them—JiU and Y/N, their little piece of happiness.

As the night grew quieter, JiU found herself lost in the comforting silence of the apartment. The soft glow from the streetlights filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle, warm light across the room. She could feel Y/N’s steady breathing against her, the rise and fall of her chest, a quiet rhythm that JiU found herself sinking into. It was peaceful—almost too peaceful, as if the world outside had paused just for them.

She glanced down and saw Cherry, her small dog, nestled against Y/N’s lap. Cherry was asleep, her tiny snores barely audible, but JiU could see the way her little body twitched from time to time, likely dreaming of something happy. JiU smiled, her heart warming at the sight. The three of them, safe and content in this little bubble.

As her eyes drifted from Cherry, she noticed that Y/N had also fallen asleep. Her head rested gently against JiU’s shoulder, her face soft with the calmness that only sleep could bring. JiU studied her, taking in the small details she loved so much—the way her lashes cast shadows on her cheeks, the peaceful curve of her lips, the way she fit so perfectly in JiU’s arms.

For a long moment, JiU just stared at them—her two most precious companions. She couldn’t help but feel a swell of gratitude, a wave of emotion that made her eyes glisten with unshed tears. In the quiet, as Y/N and Cherry slept soundly beside her, JiU felt a sense of peace she hadn’t known was possible.

It was in these moments, in the stillness of the night, that JiU realized just how lucky she was. She didn’t need grand gestures or fancy words to understand what she had. It was right here, in the simplicity of the quiet, the warmth of Y/N’s body pressed against hers, the soft snores of Cherry at their side.

JiU’s heart swelled as she leaned her head back against the couch, her gaze still fixed on the two of them. She was thankful—thankful for the love she had found, thankful for the way Y/N had effortlessly become her safe place, and thankful for Cherry, who had brought so much joy to her life.

She smiled to herself, feeling the weight of all her emotions settle in her chest, not as a burden, but as something warm and full. "Thank you," she whispered into the stillness, her words meant for the stars, for fate, for whatever had brought Y/N and Cherry into her life.

JiU let out a soft sigh, but instead of settling into sleep, her eyes flicked toward her bag resting at the side of the sofa. Gently, so as not to disturb Y/N or Cherry, she reached over, her fingers brushing against the soft leather of her bag. She unzipped it quietly and slipped her hand inside, pulling out a small, velvet box.

Her heart skipped a beat as she opened the box to reveal the engagement ring she had been carrying with her for the past few weeks. The ring shimmered faintly in the low light, delicate and beautiful, just like Y/N. JiU stared at it for a long moment, her mind racing with thoughts of the future—of the life she wanted to build with Y/N, of the promise she was ready to make.

As she looked at the ring, a sudden wave of emotion hit her. The thought of a life with Y/N, waking up beside her every day, sharing all the little moments and big milestones—JiU felt overwhelmed with love and happiness. Her eyes began to tear up, the weight of her contentment settling deep in her heart.

She realized that she had everything she had ever dreamed of—more, even. In this quiet apartment, with Cherry sleeping peacefully and Y/N resting so comfortably in her arms, JiU felt a sense of completeness she had never imagined. The ring was a symbol of their future together, and as she held it in her hand, the tears that welled in her eyes were tears of pure joy.

She glanced back down at Y/N, her heart swelling with love. Y/N’s peaceful face made JiU smile through the tears, and in that moment, she knew—without a doubt—that this was the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

With a soft, teary-eyed smile, JiU gently closed the box, placing it back into her bag. She wasn’t ready to propose tonight, but soon—very soon.

Carefully, she shifted back into the warmth of the sofa, wrapping her arms around Y/N again and pulling her closer. As Y/N instinctively snuggled into her, JiU rested her head against hers, closing her eyes with a contented sigh.

The time would come when she would ask Y/N the biggest question of her life, but for now, JiU simply let herself enjoy this moment—the calm, the love, and the certainty that their future was bright.

With her heart full and her mind at peace, JiU let the quiet of the night carry her into sleep, knowing that when they are together like this, nothing can damage their own little world.

She untied the ribbon and carefully unfolded the first note, the familiar handwriting bringing a wave of nostalgia. Her eyes skimmed the words, the same ones that had once filled her with confusion, excitement, and longing.

Gahyun chuckled softly, remembering the first time she had found one of these notes. It had been a typical day at the practice room, like so many others. She had just finished a grueling rehearsal, surrounded by her members. The exhaustion from preparing for their upcoming tour was hanging heavy in the air. 

Years Earlier

The members were scattered across the space—some stretching, others chatting. Gahyun, always the playful and energetic maknae, sat cross-legged on the floor, scrolling through her phone during a rare moment of downtime. She reached for her water bottle, but as her hand closed around it, she felt something crinkly underneath.

Frowning, she pulled out a small, folded piece of paper. 

“What’s this?” she mumbled to herself, glancing around. Everyone seemed occupied—no one paying her much attention. Y/N, Dreamcatcher’s social media manager, stood nearby, seemingly lost in her phone.

Curious, Gahyun unfolded the note, her eyes widening at the familiar handwriting. Dear Gahyun, it began, the words sweet and simple, yet carrying a weight she hadn’t expected.

You’re more amazing than you know. Your energy lights up every room, and I can’t help but smile whenever I see you. Keep being your wonderful self.

A blush crept up Gahyun’s cheeks as she read the words again. It wasn’t a long message, but it felt intimate, like the person who wrote it knew her better than she even knew herself. She glanced around the room, trying to figure out who could’ve written it, but no one met her eye. Everyone seemed lost in their own world.

"Hey, Gahyunie, you good?" Siyeon called from across the room, her voice pulling Gahyun from her thoughts.

Gahyun quickly stuffed the note into her pocket, offering a smile. “Yeah! Just… stretching.”

She smiled to herself as she took a sip from her water bottle. Whoever had written the note knew how to brighten her day.

It had been a few days since Gahyun had found the first letter. She hadn’t mentioned it to anyone, unsure of what to say or how to even bring it up. Was it a joke? A one-time thing? Part of her hoped she’d get another note, but she didn’t want to get her hopes too high.

After practice, Gahyun stayed behind in the dressing room to gather her things. As she zipped up her bag, she noticed something slipped under the edge of her jacket. Her heart skipped a beat as she picked it up—a familiar folded note.

She quickly opened it, her pulse quickening as she read the words inside:

Dear Gahyun,

Watching you laugh makes the hardest days a little easier. You remind me that there’s joy even in the little things. You’re truly special, and I hope you know that.

Gahyun’s hand trembled slightly as she held the note. There it was again, that warmth blooming in her chest. Whoever was writing these clearly saw her in a way that made her feel appreciated and cared for.

“Who could it be?” she muttered under her breath, glancing at the closed door. The mystery was beginning to gnaw at her.

She thought back to practice, trying to recall if anyone had been acting strange. Her eyes lingered on the memory of Y/N, who had been quiet during most of practice. But that didn’t mean anything, did it? She shook her head, unsure.

Sliding the note into her bag, Gahyun knew one thing for sure—she needed to find out who was behind these sweet letters.

Weeks had passed, and the letters continued to arrive in secret places—tucked in her jacket pocket, slipped into her notebook, and even hidden in her makeup case. Gahyun was touched by every single one, but her curiosity was driving her crazy.

She needed to talk to someone about it.

After a morning of filming for a variety show, Gahyun approached Jiu in their dorm living room. The eldest member was lounging on the couch, flipping through a magazine.

“Unnie, do you have a minute?” Gahyun asked, nervously rubbing her hands together.

Jiu looked up, her face softening. “Of course, Gahyun. What’s on your mind?”

Gahyun hesitated for a moment before taking a deep breath. “So… I’ve been getting these anonymous letters. They’re really sweet, and I’m pretty sure it’s someone in the group, but I have no idea who it could be.”

Jiu raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing on her lips. “Love letters, huh? Sounds like someone’s got a secret admirer.”

Gahyun blushed, sinking into the couch next to her. “I guess so. But it’s driving me crazy not knowing who it is! Every time I think I have a clue, I end up second-guessing myself.”

Jiu leaned back, tapping her chin thoughtfully. She knew exactly who was behind the letters. She had caught Y/N slipping one under Gahyun’s jacket during practice just last week. But rather than spoil the surprise, Jiu decided to keep that little detail to herself.

“Well,” Jiu said with a teasing smile, “whoever it is, they clearly have good taste. You’re a catch, Gahyun.”

“Unnie!” Gahyun groaned, burying her face in her hands.

Jiu laughed softly before her tone became more serious. “In all honesty, Gahyun, maybe it’s best to let this unfold naturally. Pay attention to the people around you. You’ll figure it out when the time’s right.”

Gahyun sighed, her hands fidgeting in her lap. “ What if it gets complicated? I mean, what if it turns into something more? Wouldn’t dating be a bad idea for the group? Everyone knows idols dating is risky, and I don’t want to mess anything up.”

Jiu smiled kindly, setting her magazine aside. “I know dating as an idol can be tricky, and there’s always pressure to keep up a “perfect” image. But you’re a person first, Gahyun. You deserve to be happy, just like anyone else.”

Gahyun looked up, her brow furrowed. “But what if it’s bad for us? For Dreamcatcher?”

Jiu shook her head. “If you find the right person—someone who respects you, your career, and the group—then nothing else should matter. It won’t hurt Dreamcatcher if you’re happy. In fact, if anything, being with someone who makes you feel loved, will only make you shine brighter.”

Gahyun thought about that, biting her lip. “I don’t know... It’s just scary. I’ve never really thought about it seriously before.”

Jiu reached out, placing a comforting hand on Gahyun’s shoulder. “It’s okay to be scared. But don’t close yourself off to something beautiful just because of what people might say. You’ll know when you find the right person, and when that happens, you deserve to enjoy it.”

Gahyun smiled softly, feeling a little more at ease. “Thanks, unnie. That... actually helps a lot.”

Jiu gave her a warm smile. “Anytime. And just remember, you don’t have to rush things. Let it happen naturally. Whoever this person is, it sounds like they already care about you a lot.”

Gahyun nodded, feeling reassured by Jiu’s advice. Even though she still had no idea who the letters were from, she decided to take Jiu’s words to heart. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to let things unfold at their own pace.

Gahyun continued to find letters, each one more heartfelt than the last. Her curiosity had turned into a soft obsession—she found herself daydreaming about her secret admirer, wondering who could possibly know her so well. But no matter how much she pondered, the answer remained elusive.

Today, Dreamcatcher was in the studio again, practicing a new routine. The air was filled with the sound of music, but Gahyun was distracted. Her eyes kept flickering over to Y/N, who was taking photos of Dami in the corner of the room. Y/N’s presence had been lingering in Gahyun’s mind more and more lately. It wasn’t just because of her unfathomable instinct for their well being or her warm, easy going personality. No, it was something else.

After practice ended, Gahyun took her time packing up. She noticed that Y/N was also moving slowly, sticking around longer than usual, chatting with Jiu and Siyeon. Gahyun found herself observing every small detail—the way Y/N’s fingers fidgeted with her necklace, the subtle glance she cast in Gahyun’s direction.

Gahyun bit her lip, her heart thudding. Could it be her?

As she opened her locker, her breath caught. Another letter. Neatly folded, the familiar envelope had been slipped into her bag’s side pocket. The handwriting was the same as always, elegant but simple. Her heart raced as she looked around the room, her mind buzzing with questions. She had been near her locker the whole time... except when Y/N had gone to get a drink.

Coincidence? Maybe. But the timing was too perfect.

Dear Gahyun,

I've seen you practice and can’t help but admire your passion. You always give your all, and it’s one of the many things I like about you. I hope one day I’ll have the courage to tell you in person, but for now, these letters will have to do.

Gahyun felt her face flush as she read the words. This letter was different. It was more vulnerable, more revealing. Whoever was writing these had deep feelings for her, and the confession was practically spelled out in the note.

She held the envelope in her hand for a moment longer before tucking it away. She wasn't ready to confront her suspicions, not yet. There was something thrilling about the mystery, about the possibility that someone she admired could feel the same.

Later that night, she sat in her room, reading the latest letter under the dim light of her bedside lamp. it carried a warmth that made her heart flutter. Whoever this was, they knew how to make her feel special, loved even. And for the first time, she allowed herself to truly consider that it could be Y/N. The more she thought about it, the more things started to make sense—the lingering glances, the way Y/N was always nearby, the soft smiles exchanged during practice.

But how could she be sure?

The next day, Dreamcatcher had another busy schedule, with photo shoots and interviews lined up. Gahyun couldn’t help but feel distracted. Her mind kept drifting back to the letters, to Y/N, and the nagging question that wouldn’t go away.

As the group gathered backstage before the shoot, Gahyun noticed something out of the corner of her eye. Y/N was sitting by herself, casually scrolling through her phone, but there was something about her posture that caught Gahyun’s attention. It was almost like she was... waiting. Waiting for something, or someone.

Gahyun hesitated, but her curiosity got the better of her. She moved toward Y/N, trying to act casual as she sat down next to her. “Hey, Y/N.”

Y/N looked up, her usual bright smile lighting up her face. “Hey, Gahyun. What’s up?”

Gahyun fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve, feeling her cheeks warm. “Oh, nothing much. Just... wanted to talk.”

“About?” Y/N asked, her tone light but with a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

Gahyun searched for the right words. “You know... I’ve been getting these letters. They’re... really sweet. Thoughtful.”

Y/N’s smile didn’t falter, but there was a brief flicker of something in her eyes—surprise? Amusement? Gahyun couldn’t tell. “Oh? Letters, huh? From who?”

“That’s the thing,” Gahyun said slowly, gauging Y/N’s reaction. “I don’t know. But they’ve been... really nice.”

Y/N tilted her head, her expression carefully neutral. “That sounds exciting. A secret admirer?”

“Yeah,” Gahyun said softly. She bit her lip, wondering if she should say more. But something held her back, a little voice in her head telling her not to push it just yet.

Before she could say anything else, they were called for the shoot, and the moment passed. But as they posed for the camera, standing close to Y/N, Gahyun couldn’t help but feel like she was missing something obvious.

It was unusual for Y/N to miss any scheduled activity. As the team’s social media manager, she was always around, hovering near the edges of Dreamcatcher’s practice sessions, sometimes snapping candid photos or checking in with the members. But today, Y/N wasn’t there.

"Y/N’s sick," Siyeon had said nonchalantly when Gahyun asked about her absence. "She texted Jiu unnie this morning."

At first, Gahyun nodded, trying not to overthink it. It was just a regular day. People got sick all the time. But as practice dragged on, she found herself feeling... off.

She wasn’t used to Y/N not being around. Her quiet presence had become a comforting backdrop to their daily routine, and now the studio felt strangely empty without her.

Gahyun tried to focus, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Y/N. A part of her—one she barely wanted to admit—had been secretly hoping that Y/N was the one leaving her the letters. It wasn’t just because Y/N was always around, but there was something else. The way Y/N would smile at her, the thoughtful glances she’d catch during practice... it was easy to imagine that maybe, just maybe, Y/N was the one behind the sweet, anonymous words.

But today, Y/N wasn’t here. So, there couldn’t be another letter, right?

As the day wore on, Gahyun couldn’t shake her disappointment. She tried to push the feeling away, to ignore the nagging thought that maybe she was getting her hopes up too much. But it lingered, coloring her mood as she moved through practice.

When they finally wrapped up for the day, Gahyun headed to the dressing room to grab her things. She took her time, lingering behind the others as they packed up and left one by one. Her eyes flicked toward her bag, half-expecting to find it untouched.

But then she saw it.

A small, folded piece of paper, neatly slipped into the side pocket of her bag.

Her heart skipped a beat. It was another letter.

Gahyun quickly glanced around the empty room. No one else was there—certainly not Y/N. Her hand trembled slightly as she pulled the letter out, carefully unfolding it.

Dear Gahyun,

Even when the day feels tough, your smile makes everything brighter. Your presence alone can turn the darkest moments into something warm and hopeful. Thank you for being you, and I hope this note makes you smile the way you’ve made me smile countless times.

Gahyun’s heart fluttered, the words as sweet as ever. But this time, instead of feeling pure happiness, there was something else—a tinge of confusion.

Y/N wasn’t here today. She hadn’t been anywhere near the studio. So how could this letter have appeared?

Her thoughts swirled in a mix of emotions. On one hand, the letter made her smile, as it always did. But on the other hand, she felt a strange sense of disappointment. She had hoped—almost expected—that Y/N was behind these sweet words. But if Y/N wasn’t here today, It must be someone else.

Gahyun sighed, tucking the note into her pocket. She didn’t want to admit how much she had been hoping Y/N was her secret admirer. But now, the mystery feels even more complicated.

Later that evening, Gahyun sat on her bed, the letter still tucked under her pillow. She couldn’t stop thinking about it. If it wasn’t Y/N, then who? And why did the thought of it being someone else leave her feeling a little empty?

As Gahyun lay awake that night, she had no idea that the person she had been hoping for was, in fact, the one behind every letter.

Unbeknownst to Gahyun, Y/N had texted Jiu that morning, asking her for a favor. Y/N didn't want to break the streak of letters just because she was sick, so she had asked Jiu to deliver it in her place.

The days passed by in a blur, and just when Gahyun thought she could let go of the mystery, another letter appeared, this time slipped into her locker at the studio.

As she approached her locker, the familiar sight of a folded paper nestled between her practice clothes caught her eye. Her heart raced. Hadn’t she just told herself she wouldn’t get her hopes up again?

She glanced around the empty hallway, the sound of her teammates’ laughter echoing in the distance. With trembling fingers, she pulled the letter out; it felt thicker than normal, heart pounding as she unfolded it.

Dear Gahyun,

I can’t help but think about you today. Your energy and spirit always bring life to the studio, and the joy you spread. You have an incredible ability to make everyone feel valued and seen, and I am grateful to know you.

There’s something magical about the way you carry yourself, the way you turn even the most ordinary moments into something extraordinary. Every time you smile, it lights up my world, and I just want you to know how much I admire you for that. Your determination and passion inspire me daily.

I often find myself reflecting on our time together—the laughs, the shared stories, and those moments when we simply understood each other without saying a word. I cherish our friendship more than you know. I hope you realize how special you are to those around you and how deeply you impact my life.

Thank you for being the incredible person you are and keep shining your beautiful light.

Gahyun’s heart fluttered as she read the words, each line wrapping around her like a warm embrace. But this time, instead of feeling pure happiness, confusion clouded her mind. Y/N wasn’t here—she hadn’t been anywhere near the studio. How could she have written this letter?

She took a deep breath, folding the letter and tucking it into her bag. The words lingered in her mind, but they also brought a wave of uncertainty. Who could possibly know her so well? Her gaze drifted across the studio, landing on the familiar faces of her teammates, laughing and joking as they wrapped up practice. They all seemed so carefree, so different from the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.

Finally the day came that Gahyun had been waiting for, Y/Ns inevitable return from her sickness and Gahyun found it harder to concentrate. Each glance at Y/N, looking a bit pale but still managing a bright smile—sent a jolt through her. Y/N was usually the embodiment of energy, her laughter infectious, and her presence uplifting. Now, there was a softness in her demeanor, a vulnerability that tugged at Gahyun’s heart.

During a break, Gahyun leaned against the wall, watching as Y/N chatted with Siyeon. There was something so natural about the way they interacted, but Gahyun couldn’t shake the feeling that something deeper was at play. She bit her lip, pondering the letters, the words that felt like they were meant for her but now seemed so distant.

“Hey, you okay?” JiU asked, breaking through her thoughts. Gahyun turned to find her friend’s concerned gaze fixed on her.

“Yeah, just… thinking, can I ask you something?” Gahyun replied, 

“Of course” Gahyun takes a deep breath and looks down, fidgeting with her fingers.

“Is it possible to like someone you've never met?” she asks quietly hearing the question out loud made her think that her question is stupid

JiU raised an eyebrow. “Is this about the letters you've been getting?”

Gahyun nodded, glancing back at Y/N. “I found another letter today,” she admitted quietly.

JiU’s eyes tracked Gahyun's eyes and internally smiled seeing her looking at Y/N. “Another one? What did it say?”

“It was sweet. Really sweet, it made me feel all warm inside” Gahyun said, her voice barely above a whisper. “But it just… it feels so confusing. If Y/N is sending these, how is she writing them when she’s not even here?”

JiU tilted her head, clearly intrigued. “Maybe she’s more dedicated than you think? Or perhaps she has someone helping her.”

“Someone else?” Gahyun felt her heart drop at the thought. “But what if it’s not Y/N at all?”

“Isn’t that what you want to find out?” JiU pressed, a teasing smile forming on her lips. “Maybe it’s time to confront her.”

“What if it's not y/n though?” Jiu pauses thinking about the maknae’s question. Then counters with one of her own

“Do you want it to be her?” Gahyun swallowed hard, the idea sending her heart racing. What if Y/N really was behind the letters? What would she say? Would she confess how much she admired her too? Or would it be too much?

As practice continued, Gahyun couldn’t focus. Every time Y/N laughed or caught her eye, her heart raced, a mixture of anticipation and dread bubbling within her. The weight of the letters felt heavier now, and she found herself wishing for clarity.

Finally, as practice wrapped up, Gahyun decided she couldn’t hold back any longer. She approached Y/N, who was sitting on the edge of a bench, sipping water and looking a little tired. The moment felt monumental.

“Hey, Y/N,” Gahyun started, her voice trembling slightly.

Y/N looked up, her eyes brightening. “Hey! How are you feeling?”

“Um, I'm good, but…” Gahyun took a deep breath. “I wanted to talk to you about something important.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow, curiosity dancing in her eyes. “Sure! What’s on your mind?”

Gahyun opened her mouth to speak, but suddenly all the words felt tangled in her throat. The moment hung heavy with possibility. She took another deep breath, feeling the weight of the letters in her bag, and realized this was her chance to discover the truth.

“Can we talk somewhere private?” she finally managed.

Y/N nodded, a hint of concern in her expression as she followed Gahyun to a quieter corner of the studio. As they settled into the space, Gahyun could feel the anticipation building inside her, her heart racing as she prepared to unravel the mystery that had captured her thoughts.

Gahyun fidgeted with her hands, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. Her mind raced, trying to find the right words.

“I… I’ve been getting these letters,” she began, her voice low but steady. “Sweet letters. Ones that feel really personal. And, I thought… maybe they were from you.”

Y/N’s expression shifted slightly, her smile faltering for just a second before she caught herself. “Letters?” she repeated, her voice softer now, almost hesitant. “From me?”

Gahyun nodded, pulling the latest note from her bag, unfolding it slowly. “This one… I found it today. The words… they felt like they came from someone who knows me really well. And I thought…” Her voice trailed off as she looked up into Y/N’s eyes, her heart racing. “I thought it was you.”

There was a long pause, the air thick with tension. Y/N’s eyes flickered down to the letter, scanning the words, before she finally let out a quiet sigh. 

“It is me,” Y/N admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I wrote them.”

Gahyun’s heart skipped a beat, a whirlwind of emotions flooding through her all at once—relief, disbelief, and an overwhelming sense of vulnerability. “You… you wrote them?” she repeated, her voice trembling slightly. “But… why? Why didn’t you just say something?”

Y/N looked down at her hands, fidgeting with the edge of her shirt. “I didn’t know how,” she confessed. “I wanted to tell you how I felt, but every time I tried, I got scared. Scared that it would change things between us. So, I wrote the letters instead. It felt easier to express everything I couldn’t say in person.”

Gahyun stood there, speechless, her mind reeling. “But… why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

Y/N’s eyes met hers, and for the first time, Gahyun saw the raw vulnerability in them. “Because I didn’t know how you felt and I shouldn't have these feelings, I'm a staff member for god's sake but I couldn’t keep it to myself any longer. So I wrote. And I hoped that maybe, just maybe, you’d feel the same way.”

Gahyun’s heart raced as she processed Y/N’s words. All this time, the letters had been from her—Y/N, the person she admired and cared for more than she’d allowed herself to admit. She swallowed hard, her emotions bubbling to the surface.

“I didn’t know what to think,” Gahyun said softly. “I wanted it to be you, but I was scared, too. I didn’t know if I was just imagining things.”

Y/N gave a small, tentative smile. “You weren’t imagining things.”

Gahyun felt her chest tighten as a wave of emotion surged through her. She took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly. “I don’t know what to say,” she admitted. “But I do know that I’ve always felt something special with you. I just… I didn’t realize it until now.”

Y/N’s eyes softened, the tension between them easing as they stood there, both unsure of what came next but knowing that something had shifted.

“You don’t have to say anything right now,” Y/N whispered, her voice gentle. “I just wanted you to know how I feel. And whatever happens… I’m okay with it.”

For a moment, Gahyun was silent, her heart racing as she looked into Y/N’s eyes, seeing the vulnerability and hope that mirrored her own. Then, with a shaky breath, she took a step closer.

“I think… I feel the same way,” Gahyun said softly, her voice trembling but sincere. “I’m scared, too. But I think we should figure it out. Together.”

Y/N’s eyes brightened, her smile returning as she took Gahyun’s hand, the warmth of the gesture filling the space between them. “I’d like that.”

In that quiet corner of the studio, with the mystery of the letters finally unraveled, Gahyun realized that while she hadn’t been sure before, the truth felt right. Y/N had always been the one she wanted to be closer to. And now, they both had the chance to explore what that meant.

Present Day

Gahyun smiled fondly as the memory washed over her. That letter had been the first of many, each one more heartfelt than the last. At the time, she hadn’t known it was Y/N, hadn’t realized that her now best friend and the person she had grown closest to was the one behind all the kind words. It had taken months—months of secret notes, stolen glances, and lingering questions—before she finally figured it out. And even longer before she had the courage to confront Y/N about it.

She chuckled to herself, remembering how nervous she had been back then. How every word, every interaction had been charged with the unspoken emotions swirling between them.

“Found something interesting?” Y/N’s voice pulled her back to the present.

Gahyun looked up to see Y/N leaning against the doorframe, a soft smile on her lips. “Just some old letters,” Gahyun replied, holding them up.

Y/N’s smile grew wider, a playful glint in her eyes. “Ah, those. I remember them well. Took me forever to work up the courage to write that first one.”

Gahyun’s heart warmed at the confession. “I still can’t believe it was you the whole time. I was going crazy trying to figure it out.”

Here's an extended version of that passage, adding more depth to the moment:

Y/N came over, sitting behind her on the floor. “And look where it brought us,” she said softly, wrapping an arm around Gahyun’s torso and placing a light, affectionate peck on her cheek from behind. The warmth of her touch felt like a quiet reassurance.

Gahyun leaned into her, the letters now resting in her lap like forgotten relics. “Yeah,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “Look where it brought us.”

The idol turned her head slightly, her eyes meeting Y/N’s. There was something unspoken between them—something deeper than words could convey. Their gazes locked, and time seemed to halt. Slowly, they began to lean in

Their lips met in a gentle kiss, a fleeting moment that carried the weight of everything they have endured to get here. It was quick, yet tender, leaving them both breathless as they pulled away. Gahyun’s heart raced, her mind spinning as she tried to process the rush of emotions, but all that mattered was the closeness they shared.

As they lingered there, Y/N’s forehead resting lightly against Gahyun’s, a soft sigh escaped her. “I never expected us to end up here,” she whispered, her fingers lightly tracing the lines of Gahyun’s arm.

“Neither did I,” Gahyun admitted, her voice tinged with vulnerability. “But I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world., I love you Y/N"

Y/n smiles and gives her cheek another kiss "I love you too Gahyun"

The letters had been the beginning of something beautiful—a quiet, slow-burning love that had grown over the years. Now, sitting in their new home together, Gahyun realized that their journey had been just as much about the little moments—the unsaid things, the secret notes—as it had been about the big milestones.

The room was silent except for the faint hum of the air conditioning and the occasional distant sound of a passing car. SuA’s heart felt heavy with a mix of guilt and frustration. She had always considered herself to be in tune with her members' needs, but this time, the signs had eluded her. The pang of guilt settled in her chest like a stone. She replayed conversations and interactions in her mind, searching for clues she might have missed.

Her phone buzzed on the bench beside her, snapping her out of her thoughts. It was a message from the company, reminding her of the upcoming schedule changes due to Siyeon's absence. SuA sighed, her shoulders slumping. She felt like she was being crushed under the weight of responsibilities and emotions that she couldn’t seem to manage. 

With a sense of frustration, she stood up and paced the room. The usual energizing atmosphere of the studio now felt stifling, the walls pressing in on her as if they were closing in with every step. SuA needed a distraction, something to take her mind off the turmoil that was consuming her.

She grabbed her bag and decided to visit a local art supply store. Art had been her new sanctuary, a place where she could express emotions that words couldn’t quite capture. Maybe losing herself in the world of sketches and colors would offer some respite from the relentless anxiety she was feeling.

As she walked out of the studio and into the crisp evening air, SuA hoped that immersing herself in drawing might help her process her feelings. She found herself walking faster than usual, driven by an urgency to escape her own mind and the suffocating silence of the practice room. The art supply store was only a short drive away, but it felt like a journey toward a semblance of normalcy.

The store was a cozy haven, filled with shelves of colorful materials and bathed in the warm glow of overhead lights. The gentle instrumental music playing in the background added to the store’s serene atmosphere. The smell of fresh paper and paint hung in the air, offering a sense of calm.

SuA entered the store, the soft chime of the bell signaling her arrival. She paused for a moment to take in the comforting environment, hoping that the act of picking out new supplies would provide a temporary escape from the turmoil she felt over Siyeon’s hiatus.

She wandered through the aisles, her mind preoccupied. As she reached for a set of high-quality graphite pencils, she accidentally bumped into a display of sketchbooks. The resulting clatter drew the attention of Y/N, a young woman who was arranging some supplies behind the counter.

Y/N looked up from her work, her eyes bright with curiosity. “Oh, are you alright?” she asked, her voice warm and friendly. She moved toward SuA to assist, her smile never wavering.

SuA, slightly taken aback, glanced at Y/N with a mix of surprise and irritation. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a bit clumsy,” she replied tersely, trying to brush off the incident.

Y/N, unfazed by SuA’s curt tone, continued to approach with a helpful demeanor. “No worries. If you need any recommendations or help finding something, just let me know. I’m Y/N, by the way.” she says pointing at her name tag

SuA gave a small, non-committal nod, her gaze returning to the pencils she had initially been interested in. “Just looking for some supplies,” she said, her voice lacking warmth.

Y/N’s cheerful persistence remained undiminished. “I can totally help with that! We have a great selection of sketchbooks and pencils. Are you working on a particular project or just stocking up?”

SuA, feeling a bit of her frustration softened despite herself, replied, “Just stocking up. It’s been a long day.”

Y/N picked up on the subtle hint of weariness in SuA’s voice. “I hear you. Art can be a good way to unwind, though. Sometimes it’s nice to just focus on creating and forget about everything else for a while.”

SuA glanced at Y/N, surprised by her genuine empathy. Despite the store’s calming atmosphere, she found it hard to fully relax. She continued to browse, trying to ignore the fact that Y/N’s friendly demeanor was starting to chip away at her emotional walls.

As Y/N continued to assist other customers, she made sure to periodically check on SuA, offering helpful tips and engaging in brief conversations about different art supplies. Though SuA tried to maintain her distance, Y/N’s unwavering kindness began to create a small, unexpected sense of comfort.

The interaction was brief but left a mark on SuA. The warmth of Y/N’s presence, though initially met with resistance, began to offer a glimmer of solace amidst her turbulent emotions.

The days had passed, each blending into the next, with moments of quiet reflection and subtle healing. The late afternoon sun now cast a serene glow over the art supply store, a stark contrast to the storm SuA had weathered. Y/N moved with practiced ease, arranging a fresh shipment of sketchbooks on the shelves, her movements rhythmic and calm.

As she placed the last sketchbook on the display, the soft chime of the doorbell broke the stillness of the store. Y/N glanced up, expecting another routine visit. Instead, she saw SuA standing in the doorway.

The warm light filtering through the windows caught on her tired features, highlighting the vulnerability that had become part of her recent days. Y/N’s heart ached at the sight, recognizing the depth of the struggle that lingered behind the idols weary eyes.

Y/N greeted her with a warm smile. “Hey, It’s nice to see you. Are you looking for more supplies today?”

SuA returned a faint, tired smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yeah, just picking up a few things. I’ve got a lot going on right now.”

Noticing the strain in SuA’s voice and the weariness in her posture, Y/N gently extended her offer. “If you need any help finding something or just want to talk, I’m here. Sometimes, talking can be a good distraction.”

SuA hesitated, her eyes scanning the art supplies but not really focusing on them. Finally, she sighed deeply, a sound filled with heaviness. “Actually, I could use someone to talk to. It’s been… really tough lately.”

Y/N led SuA to a quieter corner of the store, away from the usual traffic. As they stood by a shelf lined with art materials, Y/N spoke softly, “I’m here to listen. What’s been going on?”

SuA’s composure began to crack as she spoke, her voice trembling. “My friend, is taking a break from work. She’s been struggling with stress and exhaustion, and it’s been taking a toll on me, I feel like I’ve failed her. I should have been more aware, more supportive.”

Y/N listened with empathy, her heart aching for SuA. “It sounds like you’re carrying a lot of responsibility. It’s hard when you feel like you haven’t done enough for someone you care about.”

SuA’s eyes filled with tears as she continued, her voice breaking. “I’ve always been the mood maker at my job, the one who lifts everyone’s spirits. I feel like I’m supposed to be strong and keep everyone positive, but now… now I’m the one who feels like I’m falling apart. It makes me feel like I’ve lost my value as a person. If I can’t even support my friend when she needs me the most, then what good am I?”

Her voice trembled with raw emotion, and Y/N gently placed a comforting hand on her arm. “You’ve been doing your best, and that’s all anyone can ask for. Sometimes, even when we try hard to help, we can’t control everything. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and to admit that you’re struggling.”

SuA looked at Y/N, her face a mixture of sadness and relief. “I feel so guilty for not being able to handle everything. I’ve always been the one everyone relies on, It’s hard to accept that I can’t always be the strong one.”

Y/N’s voice was soft but reassuring. “It’s important to remember that you’re human, too. You have limits, and it’s okay to acknowledge that. Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean you’re failing anyone. It means you’re being honest about what you can handle.”

SuA’s tears finally spilled over, and she wiped them away with the back of her hand. “Thank you for listening. I didn’t expect to break down like this, especially not to someone I barely know. But it helps to have someone who’s willing to listen and understand.”

Y/N smiled gently, her eyes full of understanding. “Sometimes, just sharing what you’re going through can make a huge difference. I’m glad I could be here for you. If you ever need to talk more or just need a distraction, don’t hesitate to come by.”

As Y/N rang up SuA’s supplies, the atmosphere between them felt lighter, though SuA still carried the weight of her struggles. SuA offered a small, appreciative smile. “Thanks, Y/N. I really needed this. It feels like a weight has been lifted, even if just a little. I'm SuA by the way, I should have mentioned it sooner, I'm also an idol”

Y/N chuckles, "Ah that's why you look so familiar, I've probably seen you on TV or something, Thank you for trusting me with that information."

She watched SuA leave, feeling a deep sense of fulfillment. The connection they had made, even in such a brief encounter, was significant. Y/N was glad to have offered some comfort and understanding during SuA’s difficult time.

A few weeks had passed since SuA’s last visit to the art supply store. The rain had been replaced by crisp autumn air, and the store had a fresh, vibrant feel with seasonal displays. Y/N was busy arranging new canvases when the doorbell chimed, signaling SuA’s arrival.

Y/N looked up and smiled warmly. “Hey, SuA! It’s good to see you again. How have you been?”

SuA returned the smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Hi, Y/N. I’ve been okay. Just… trying to manage. I came by for some more supplies and, well, I guess I could use a bit of company.”

Y/N guided SuA to the art supplies, noting the tiredness in her eyes and the way her shoulders seemed to carry a heavy burden. “Of course. Feel free to take your time. If you want to talk, I’m here.”

As they walked through the aisles, SuA seemed to be seeking a moment of normalcy amidst her ongoing struggles. Y/N watched her with concern, sensing that SuA was wrestling with something deeper.

SuA finally picked out a few items, her hands lingering on a set of pastels. “I’ve been performing and doing interviews without Siyeon, and it’s been really hard. It feels like a part of me is missing.”

Y/N listened intently, giving SuA the space to share her feelings. “I can imagine how difficult that must be. Siyeon must have been such an important part of your performances and interviews. How are you managing without her?”

SuA’s gaze was distant as she spoke. “It’s not just the performances or interviews; it’s the little things too. The inside jokes, the shared glances that we used to have. It’s like a void that nothing can fill. When we’re on stage or in interviews, it feels like a piece of me is left behind.”

Y/N nodded, trying to empathize with SuA’s experience. “It must be incredibly tough to navigate those moments without her support. It’s hard when someone who understands you so well isn’t there by your side.”

SuA sighed deeply, her frustration evident. “I feel like I’m constantly putting on a brave face, but it’s exhausting. The fans expect us to be the same as always, but behind the scenes, it feels like everything is falling apart. I’m trying to hold it together, but it’s hard to ignore the emptiness.”

Y/N reached out, placing a reassuring hand on SuA’s arm. “It’s okay to acknowledge that it’s hard. You don’t have to be perfect all the time, and it’s understandable to feel a sense of loss when someone so important isn’t there.”

SuA’s eyes welled up with tears, her vulnerability surfacing. “I’ve been trying to stay strong for the group and for the fans, but inside, I’m struggling. I miss the comfort and support that Siyeon brought into my life. It’s like I’m performing half of myself.”

Y/N gave SuA a comforting smile. “It’s important to take care of yourself too. It’s okay to grieve the changes and feel the loss. Your emotions are valid, and expressing them is a great start to heal.”

SuA’s shoulders relaxed slightly as she absorbed Y/N’s words. “Thank you for understanding. It’s hard to find someone who really listens and gets what I’m going through. Talking with you helps me see that I’m not alone in this.”

Y/N’s voice was gentle but encouraging. “I’m glad I can be here for you. My door will always be open, feel free to come by. You don’t have to face this alone.”

SuA nodded, her expression softening. “I really appreciate your support. It means more than you know.”

As SuA prepared to leave, Y/N felt a renewed sense of connection. The bond they had forged was deeper, and Y/N was grateful for the opportunity to offer comfort and understanding during SuA’s challenging time.

With a final smile and a promise to stay in touch, SuA left the store, feeling a bit lighter. Y/N watched her go, hoping that their conversation had made a meaningful difference.

Raindrops beat steadily against the window, creating a soothing rhythm that contrasted with the warmth inside the store. SuA stepped in, her rain-drenched coat clinging to her, and the gentle jingle of the doorbell marked her arrival. Y/N glanced up from behind the counter, her eyes lighting up at the sight of SuA.

“Hi, SuA,” Y/N greeted with a smile. “It’s really coming down out there. What brings you in today?”

SuA attempted to sound casual, though the anxiety in her voice betrayed her. “Just needed to pick up some art supplies. I’ve run low on a few things and thought I’d get them now.”

Y/N nodded, setting aside her tasks to help. “Sure thing. Let me get that for you.”

As Y/N gathered the requested items, SuA watched the rain streaming down the window, feeling a mix of nervousness and determination. She wasn’t really here for the supplies; she was here to see Y/N. The past few conversations they had made SuA realize just how much she had come to rely on their interactions for comfort and distraction from her mounting stress.

Once Y/N had prepared the supplies, she offered, “We still have some time before closing. How about a cup of tea? It’s been a quiet day, and it might be nice to relax for a bit.”

SuA smiled faintly, feeling a flicker of hope. “I’d like that. Thank you.”

They moved to the small kitchenette, the aroma of brewing tea mingling with the sound of rain. As they sat together, the warm tea in their hands, SuA felt a rising tide of emotions. The cozy ambiance of the store was a stark contrast to the turmoil she was feeling inside.

“You know,” SuA began hesitantly, “I’ve been feeling a lot of things lately, and talking with you has become one of the few things that helps me deal with everything.”

Y/N’s eyes softened. “I’m glad to hear that. Sometimes just having someone to talk to makes a big difference.”

SuA took a deep breath, her heart pounding. “It’s more than just talking. I didn’t realize how much I’d come to look forward to our time together. It’s been comforting, but it’s also made me realize something more...”

Y/N leaned in, her heart racing as she hoped that SuA's words would reveal something she had been longing to hear. “What is it?” she asked softly, her voice tinged with a mixture of anticipation and hope.

SuA’s voice wavered, and she looked away, unable to find the right words. “I... I don’t know how to say this. I’m normally good at expressing my feelings, but when it comes to you, it’s different. I’ve been feeling something more, but I can’t...”

Before she could finish, SuA felt overwhelmed. Her emotions were swirling, and she felt like she was on the verge of breaking down. She stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. “I’m sorry. I can’t do this right now.”

With that, she hurried out of the store, the rain soaking her through as she dashed into the stormy night. Y/N was left standing in the kitchenette, her heart racing and her mind reeling from the abrupt end to their conversation.

As Y/N prepared to close up the shop, she noticed the rain outside had intensified. She was finishing up her tasks when she heard a knock at the door. She opened it to find SuA, drenched and holding her art book. The sight was both surprising and heart-wrenching.

“SuA?” Y/N called out, her concern evident. “What are you doing here?”

SuA, shivering from the cold and wet, stepped inside. “I had to come back,” she said, her voice trembling. “I’ve been thinking about what I wanted to say, and I realized I needed to be honest.”

Y/N led her to the counter, quickly grabbing a towel to help dry her off. SuA took a deep breath, her emotions laid bare.

“I’m usually good at talking to people,” SuA began, her voice steadying. “But with you, it’s different. I didn’t want to admit it, but I’ve been struggling with how to express my feelings. I think I’ve developed feelings for you—feelings that go beyond just friendship.”

She opened her art book, revealing a sketch she had made earlier. It was a drawing of the two of them, their figures intertwined with delicate lines and soft shades, a visual representation of the bond she felt.

“This drawing,” SuA said softly, “is my way of showing how much you mean to me. It’s not just about the art. It’s about how you’ve come to occupy such a special place in my life, and how much I care about you.”

Y/N looked at the drawing, her heart swelling with emotion. “SuA, this is beautiful. I’m really touched.”

SuA took Y/N’s hand in hers, her eyes filled with sincerity. “I know it’s been confusing, we've only talked a handful of times but I wanted you to know how much you’ve come to mean to me. I hope we can find a way to navigate this together.”

Y/N smiled, her own feelings mirroring SuA’s. “I’m glad you came back and shared this with me because, I feel the same about you.

Y/N and SuA walked side by side, their hands brushing gently against each other as they left the store. The rain poured down heavily, soaking their clothes and making their skin cling to the fabric. Yet, despite the chill of the downpour, they felt warm inside, comforted by the closeness they shared and the warmth in their hearts.

The lights dimmed, and the roar of the crowd surged like a wave. As the opening notes of their first song filled the venue, SuA stood center stage, her heart pounding with exhilaration. The moment was more than just a performance; it was a celebration of perseverance, friendship, and a return to something deeply cherished. Siyeon had finally returned.

SuA’s movements were filled with a vibrant energy, her passion shining through every step. Her smile was radiant, and her voice carried the strength of someone who had overcome obstacles and rediscovered her joy in performing. The stage lights illuminated her with a warm glow, and the connection she shared with the other members was palpable.

In the front row, Y/N watched with a mixture of pride and awe. As SuA danced and sang with renewed vigor, Y/N’s eyes sparkled with admiration and her heart swelled seeing SuA so alive on stage. The bond they had forged was significant, though the nature of their relationship remained somewhat veiled.

As the concert reached its peak, SuA’s gaze swept over the crowd. Amidst the sea of fans, her eyes caught sight of a poster being held up. The poster depicted an intricate, beautifully detailed drawing of the seven Dreamcatcher members, capturing their essence and the vibrant energy of the group. The drawing was stunning, and SuA was struck by the familiarity of the style.

She followed the line of the poster to its source, and a smile slowly spread across her face as she recognized the person holding it. There, in the front row, stood Y/N, holding the poster proudly. The drawing was Y/N’s work, a testament to their shared journey and a visual echo of the connection they had.

During a brief pause in the performance, SuA’s eyes met Y/N’s across the crowd. The recognition and silent communication between them spoke volumes but remained subtle and open to interpretation. SuA’s smile widened, and a wave of emotion surged through her. The support and love from Y/N had been a constant source of strength, though the nature of their relationship was left to the imagination of the audience.

As the adrenaline of the concert faded, the energy backstage remained electric. Amid the buzz, SuA and Y/N found themselves tucked away in a quiet corner. The distant hum of staff moving equipment and fans screaming from outside the venue created a backdrop to their own world, one where everything else melted away.

SuA’s eyes locked onto Y/N's, her gaze soft but filled with an intensity that sent Y/N's heart racing. There was a tenderness there, but also something deeper—an affection that had grown over the weeks they spent together, a longing neither of them had dared to voice aloud. SuA’s lips parted slightly as if she were about to say something, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she simply smiled, the kind of smile that could break a thousand hearts.

"I can't wait any longer," SuA murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, almost drowned out by the distant sounds of the post-concert chaos.

Y/N’s breath hitched, unsure whether SuA’s words were meant for her to hear. But before she could respond, SuA took a step closer, closing the already minimal distance between them. The next thing Y/N knew, SuA leaned in, her warm breath brushing against Y/N's skin. And then, their lips met.

It was a soft, tentative kiss at first, both of them testing the waters, as if asking for permission without words. But as the seconds passed, the kiss deepened, becoming a sweet, heartfelt affirmation of everything they had shared—every late-night conversation, every stolen glance, every moment they had secretly cherished.

The world seemed to fall away entirely, leaving only the two of them wrapped in the glow of this long-awaited moment. SuA’s hand gently cupped Y/N's face, her thumb brushing softly against her cheek. Y/N responded, her fingers curling into the fabric of SuA’s jacket, pulling her just a little closer.

But just as they pulled apart, breathless and wide-eyed from the kiss, the door to the backstage room swung open with a loud creak.

"Oh," a voice gasped.

Both of them whipped their heads around, startled, to find the rest of Dreamcatcher standing frozen in the doorway. JiU was the first to react, her eyes widening comically as she took in the sight of SuA and Y/N standing so close, their faces still flushed from the kiss. Siyeon blinked, visibly confused, while Handong’s gaze shifted back and forth between SuA and Y/N, trying to process the scene. Gahyun’s jaw dropped open, and Yoohyeon exchanged a wide-eyed look with Dami.

“Uh… what’s happening here?” Yoohyeon finally blurted out, breaking the stunned silence, her voice filled with disbelief and curiosity.

SuA’s face turned crimson, her embarrassment as palpable as the tension hanging in the air. But beneath the blush was a flicker of resolve. She inhaled sharply, steeling herself for what was about to come.

"This isn’t how I planned to tell you all,” she began, her voice trembling slightly but growing stronger with every word, “but since you’re here…”

Y/N's heart pounded in her chest. She shot SuA a glance, silently asking if she was sure. SuA gave a small, reassuring nod before turning back to her bandmates.

"Everyone,” she said, her voice clear and firm now, “I’d like you to meet Y/N. She’s... she’s my girlfriend."

The room fell into a momentary silence as the members absorbed the information. JiU was the first to break it, her surprise melting into a wide grin. “SuA, seriously? You’ve had a girlfriend this whole time, and you didn’t tell us?” She let out a playful huff but then immediately stepped forward to embrace SuA. “I’m so happy for you.”

Siyeon, recovering from her shock, smirked. “You’re sneaky, SuA. I didn’t think you could keep a secret like this.” She crossed her arms but the warmth in her eyes was unmistakable. “But if Y/N makes you happy, that’s all that matters.”

Handong stepped closer, her smile soft and genuine. “It’s nice to meet you, Y/N,” she said warmly. “We’re happy for both of you.”

Gahyun, still a little dazed, finally spoke up, her voice full of excitement. “This is amazing! I had no idea, but… you two are so cute together!” She giggled, her joy contagious.

Yoohyeon grinned widely, nudging SuA with her elbow. “You really surprised us! But to be fair I kind of had an idea you had someone”

Dami, who had been quietly observing, gave Y/N a small, genuine smile. She stepped forward and extended her hand. “Hi, Y/N. I’m Dami. Welcome to our little family.”

Y/N smiled shyly, shaking her hand, appreciating the warmth in Dami's gesture. “Thank you… it's really nice to meet all of you.”

The group exchanged supportive glances before JiU spoke again, her tone serious yet gentle. “SuA, this is your life. Whether you want to keep this between us or tell the world, we’ll stand by you. You don’t have to decide now, but just know we’ve got your back no matter what.”

SuA’s eyes glossed over with emotion as she took in her members’ words, the overwhelming sense of support filling her heart. “Thank you… all of you,” she whispered, her voice thick with gratitude. She turned to Y/N, her hand squeezing hers tightly. “I don’t know what I want yet, but it means the world to me to know that whatever I decide, you’re all here.”

Siyeon stepped forward, placing a hand on SuA’s shoulder. “We’re your family. And Y/N’s part of that family now too. Whatever you choose, we’ll help you through it.”

Y/N, touched by the girls' support, smiled shyly. “Thank you… really. I wasn’t sure how this would go, but… I’m so glad you’re all okay with it.”

Gahyun beamed, practically bouncing on her toes. “Okay with it? We’re excited! You’re one of us now, Y/N.”

Handong laughed softly. “No pressure though. Just take your time.”

SuA chuckled, the tension finally melting away completely. She turned to Y/N with a loving gaze, her heart swelling with warmth. “I don’t know what the future holds,” SuA whispered, her eyes never leaving Y/N’s. “But whatever happens, I’m glad we’re in this together.”

Y/N smiled, her eyes reflecting the depth of her feelings. “I’m excited for whatever comes next.

Later that evening, as they walked back to their cars, SuA paused and took Y/N’s hand in hers, gazing up at the starlit sky. “No matter where we go from here, we’ve made it through so much together,” SuA said softly. “And that gives me so much hope for the future.”

Y/N squeezed SuA’s hand, her heart brimming with love and hope. “I feel the same way,” she replied, her voice filled with warmth. “I’ve never felt so supported and understood. Thank you for letting me be a part of your world.”

SuA smiled, her eyes shining with a mix of relief and affection. “I want to thank you too, Y/N. When we first met, you were my comfort when I needed it most. Your kindness and understanding helped me through some of my toughest moments. I’ll always be grateful for that.”

Y/N’s heart swelled at SuA’s words. “I’m just glad I could be there for you. You’ve given me so much in return—love, friendship, and a place where I truly belong.”

SuA leaned in, resting her forehead against Y/N’s. “We’ve come so far together,” she murmured. “And whatever comes next, we’ll face it together, with the same strength and love that got us here.”

Y/N nodded, her eyes closing as she savored the closeness. “Together,” she agreed softly.

The sound of distant laughter and the soft hum of the city around them created a comforting backdrop as SuA and Y/N stood in their own little bubble of happiness. The challenges and uncertainties of the future seemed distant and manageable, overshadowed by the love and support that surrounded them.

As they finally parted, a sense of peace settled between them. They both knew that no matter how the world changed, their bond would remain a source of strength and joy. 

With their hearts intertwined SuA and Y/N walked towards their future with confidence and hope. The night air was crisp and refreshing, a promise of new beginnings and endless possibilities.

As they approached their car, SuA turned to Y/N, a playful smile on her lips. “So, how about we celebrate tonight? We can get some food, just the two of us.”

Y/N laughed, the sound full of happiness and anticipation. “That sounds perfect. I’d love that.”

The autumn air greets her like a crisp, refreshing slap, a sharp contrast to the warm, bustling atmosphere she’s just left behind in South Korea. The familiar scent of this season, mingled with the distinct aroma of the airport, stirs a nostalgic thrill within her. As Handong breathes in deeply, she can’t help but feel a rush of exhilaration mixed with the pang of uncertainty. 

Being back in China, a place that was once her whole world, now feels like stepping into a dream—a vivid flashback to a life she left behind. The vibrant cityscape stretches out before her, a sprawling canvas of memories and possibilities. With every step she takes, Handong feels both the comfort of home and the exhilarating thrill of rediscovery. The familiar streets, the bustling crowds, and the distant echoes of her past make her wonder if she’s walking back into a chapter of her life that’s not quite finished yet.

As she navigates through the airport, memories of Y/N flood her mind. The last few months in South Korea have been a whirlwind—constant rehearsals, tight schedules, and the unrelenting pressure of her career. Despite the success and the applause, there’s been an emptiness that she can’t shake. The void that Y/N once filled in her life seems to have grown larger with time.

Handong’s suitcase feels heavier than usual, not from its physical weight but from the emotional baggage it represents. Each step she takes through the bustling airport echoes with the hopes and fears she has about reconnecting with her past. She’s both eager and apprehensive about seeing Y/N again, wondering if their reunion will bring closure or if it will open old wounds.

Siyeon, her close friend and bandmate, notices Handong’s distracted demeanor. “You’re spacing out again,” Siyeon says, her tone a mix of concern and playful annoyance. She pats Handong’s shoulder, trying to ground her in the present.

Handong forces a smile. “Just… feeling a bit overwhelmed,” she admits. “It’s strange to be back.”

Gahyeon, carrying her own suitcase with practiced ease, chimes in from behind. “You’re not getting all sentimental on us now, are you? You still have to show us around unnie.”

Handong nods, though her thoughts remain elsewhere. The city of her youth—the streets, the buildings, the people—all seem to blur together. Her memories of Y/N surface with each familiar landmark. There was a time when every corner of this city held a special significance because it was shared with someone she loved deeply.

As they make their way to the car waiting outside, Yoohyeon glances at Handong, her eyes filled with understanding. “You’ve been really quiet. Are you sure you’re okay?”

Handong nods, though her smile doesn’t reach her eyes. “I’m fine. Just thinking about the past,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s hard to explain.”

Siyeon and the others exchange concerned glances but respect Handong’s wish for space. They talk among themselves as they drive through the city, discussing their upcoming schedule and various other topics. Handong, however, is lost in her own world, her thoughts drifting back to Y/N.

The memories come rushing back with vivid clarity. She remembers walking hand in hand with Y/N through the lively streets of their favorite neighborhood, exploring quirky shops and cozy cafés. They had spent countless afternoons in a small park nearby, their laughter mingling with the sounds of the city. One particular day stands out: a street vendor selling handcrafted trinkets. Y/N had picked out a delicate bracelet for her, a small, meaningful gift that had captured Handong’s heart. “I saw this and thought of you,” Y/N had said shyly, her eyes sparkling with affection. Handong had been deeply touched, feeling like she had found a rare gem in Y/N’s eyes.

Lost in these memories, Handong barely notices when the car pulls up to their hotel. They check in and head to their rooms, and Handong finds herself alone with her thoughts. She sits by the window, gazing out at the cityscape, trying to piece together the fragments of her past and present.

As the evening approaches, Handong decides to visit the café where she and Y/N used to spend their time. The café, with its warm ambiance and comforting aroma, holds so many memories for her. The familiar jingle of the doorbell as she enters brings a bittersweet smile to her face. She takes a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.

Handong orders a tea and sits at the table where she and Y/N once shared countless conversations. The space feels both comforting and poignant. She gazes at the empty seat across from her, imagining Y/N sitting there, her laughter filling the air. The memories are both a balm and a torment, a reminder of what once was and what can never be again.

A few minutes later, Y/N walks in, her presence strikingly familiar yet somehow different. The years have added a touch of sophistication to her appearance, but her essence remains the same. Y/N’s eyes meet Handong’s, and for a moment, time seems to stand still. Handong’s heart races as she stands up, trying to summon the courage to speak.

“Hi,” Handong says, her voice trembling slightly. “It’s been a while.”

Y/N’s smile is polite but distant. She gestures to the empty seat. “It has, do you want to have a seat?”

Handong nods and sits down, the weight of their shared history pressing down on her. The silence between them is palpable, a stark contrast to the easy conversations they once had. Handong tries to find the right words, but everything feels inadequate.

Y/N finally breaks the silence. “How have you been?” she asks, her tone polite but detached.

Handong’s mind races as she tries to gather her thoughts. “I’ve been… busy,” she says, her voice barely more than a whisper. “With the group and everything. It’s been a whirlwind.”

Y/N nods, her expression unreadable. “I’ve seen you on TV. You’re doing really well.”

Handong can’t discern if Y/N’s words carry genuine admiration or a subtle bitterness. The distance between them is palpable, a reflection of the time and experiences that have separated them. “Thank you,” Handong says, her voice tinged with sadness. “It’s been a dream come true, but it’s not without its challenges.”

There’s another pause, and Handong’s mind drifts back to their past. She remembers a particular evening when they had lain on a picnic blanket under a starry sky, their heads resting on each other’s shoulders. They had talked about their dreams, their fears, and their future. The warmth of Y/N’s presence had been a constant source of comfort and joy. Handong had whispered, “I could stay like this forever.” Y/N had responded with a soft kiss on her forehead, “Me too. As long as we’re together, it’s perfect.” The memory is both beautiful and heartbreaking, a reminder of what they had and what they’ve lost.

“Do you ever think about the past?” Handong asks suddenly, her voice trembling with emotion.

Y/N’s eyes widen slightly, but her expression remains carefully neutral. “Sometimes,” Y/N admits quietly. “I think about the good times and the bad. It’s hard not to.”

The conversation feels heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Handong’s heart aches as she realizes how much has changed between them. She feels a deep sense of regret for not having fought harder to keep their relationship intact.

“I’m sorry,” Handong says softly, her voice breaking. “I should have made more of an effort to stay in touch. I thought I’d be able to manage everything better.”

Y/N’s gaze softens, though her expression remains guarded. “Dont, You don’t need to apologize,” she says gently. “You were following your dreams. I understand that. It’s just… sometimes I wonder how things might have been different if we’d stayed in touch.”

The conversation continues, filled with a mixture of nostalgia and awkwardness. Handong and Y/N share stories of their lives since they last spoke, though each story feels like a small piece of a puzzle that no longer fits together. The connection they once had is now a distant memory, overshadowed by the years that have passed.

After their tea, Handong and Y/N part ways much to Handong’s dispare. The goodbye feels strangely final, a recognition that their paths have diverged beyond repair. Handong walks through the city streets, her heart heavy with a mix of sadness and acceptance. She finds herself at a small park, the same park where she and Y/N used to spend their afternoons. The empty swings and the soft rustling of the leaves bring back a flood of memories.

Sitting on a bench, Handong lets her tears flow freely. She cries for the love they once shared, for the time that has passed, and for the realization that their lives have moved in different directions. The park, once a place of joy and connection, now feels like a symbol of their lost future.

The next day, Handong decides to visit the café once more, her heart carrying a secret hope. As she approaches the familiar storefront, she clutches the delicate bracelet Y/N had given her years ago, a symbol of their shared past. The café’s warm ambiance and comforting aroma wrap around her like a memory, and she finds herself wishing—perhaps foolishly—that Y/N might be there, just as they once were.

Handong steps inside, the familiar jingle of the doorbell greeting her. She takes a deep breath, scanning the room with a mix of longing and trepidation. The café, though unchanged, feels both comforting and poignant. She orders a tea and chooses the table where she and Y/N once shared countless conversations.

As she sits down, Handong’s eyes wander to the empty seat across from her. She places the bracelet on the table, its delicate beauty catching the soft light. The bracelet glints softly, a quiet reminder of the love they once had. Each glimmer feels like a whisper of their past, and she allows herself to indulge in the bittersweet hope that Y/N might walk through the door, their reunion a dream come true.

The moments pass, and Handong’s heart sinks a little with each new customer that enters, only to leave without a familiar face. Still, she holds onto the fragile hope, feeling the weight of both the past and the present in the simple act of waiting.

As the sun begins to set and the café’s lights cast a gentle glow, Handong finally lets go of her hope. She gathers her things, the bracelet a poignant symbol of what was and what can never be again. With a heavy heart, she leaves the café, knowing that while her past with Y/N remains a cherished memory, it’s time to embrace the future she has ahead of her.

Back in South Korea, Handong throws herself into her work and personal growth. She finds solace in her routines and embraces the new experiences that come her way. The memories of Y/N are still present, but they no longer define her life. Instead, they serve as a reminder of the love and connection she once had, and of the strength she has gained in moving forward.

One evening, while wandering through a bustling market, Handong comes across a small shop selling lanterns. She remembers a gift Y/N once gave her and smiles. The lantern seems like a fitting symbol of the light and warmth that love brought into her life. She buys one and places it in her home, a symbol of the enduring light of her memories.

More time passes and Handong begins to find moments of peace in her new chapter. The ache of the past no longer consumes her, though it lingers in quiet corners of her mind. She learns to embrace her future with resilience and hope, even if certain questions remain unanswered. The lantern’s warm glow in her home represents the light of her memories, casting a soft reminder of the love she once had, and the promise of new beginnings that await her.

Yet, despite the progress she’s made, Handong can’t fully shake the lingering thought of Y/N. The memories are cherished, but there’s a part of her that still wonders—what if? What if their paths were to cross again? What if the chapter they thought had ended still had unfinished lines, waiting to be written?

Each day, Handong continues to push forward, her heart growing lighter with time. She focuses on her music, her friendships and the life she’s built. But every now and then, a familiar song, a fleeting moment, or a quiet evening spent by the lantern stirs something deep within her—a possibility she can’t quite ignore. 

She looks to the future, not with certainty, but with the knowledge that life has a way of surprising her. Maybe, just maybe, there’s more to the story than she’s let herself believe. And if Y/N were to appear again, would they find that their shared light still shines as brightly as it once did?

Handong feels a surge of hope as she embraces the endless possibilities that lie ahead. The lantern in her home flickers softly, not only a testament to the enduring light of her past but also a symbol of the new horizons awaiting her. The warm glow of the lantern stands as a beacon, guiding her towards the exciting chapters yet to unfold.

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The winner of the poll is none other than our lovely Dongie, thanks to everyone that voted. Sua's fic will be posted in a couple of days. Also let me know if you guys want a part 2 to this story.

Her first few games after a long time were a disaster. Losses piled up, and her teammates were quick to hurl toxic insults her way. The frustration bubbled beneath her calm demeanor, but Yoohyeon remained composed, deciding to give it one last try before calling it a day.

She queued up, this time paired with a stranger named Y/N, who was assigned to support her as she played ADC. Despite their best efforts, they still lost the game. Yet, in stark contrast to her previous experiences, Y/N was different. As the other players in the chat began blaming Yoohyeon, Y/N defended her, calmly reminding everyone that it was an unranked match and the score didn’t matter. 

Yoohyeon felt a wave of relief. Someone was on her side. She appreciated the kind gesture and, on impulse, sent a friend request to Y/N. To her delight, Y/N accepted, and from that moment on, they started playing together almost every day. It became a routine—a comforting part of Yoohyeon’s otherwise busy schedule. Slowly but surely, they began to open up to each other. They shared little details about their lives, like their names, the cities they lived in, and favorite foods.

One evening, as usual, Y/N headed to the local PC bang with a grin on her face, anticipating her nightly gaming session with Yoohyeon. But just as she was settling in, a message popped up on her screen. It was from Yoohyeon: Sorry, I have a fan meeting tonight. I won’t be able to play.” Y/N’s heart sank, but she smiled to herself and shrugged. She decided to solo queue instead.

Meanwhile, Yoohyeon was at her fan meeting, greeting fans and signing autographs. But her mind kept wandering back to her regular gaming time with Y/N. Once the event ended, she glanced at the clock—only an hour and a half had passed since their usual playtime. Feeling restless, she headed to the nearest PC bang, hoping to squeeze in a quick game before the night was over.

By sheer coincidence, Yoohyeon sat down next to Y/N, though neither recognized the other. They had never seen each other’s faces, only knowing each other as voices in the game. Y/N felt the presence of someone beside her and turned her head slightly, her eyes widening in surprise. The woman sitting next to her was stunning, causing Y/N to fumble her game and unintentionally lose it for her team. Her mood sank briefly, but it instantly lifted when a message from her gaming friend—Yoohyeon—pinged on the screen.

Feeling bold, Y/N typed back, asking if Yoohyeon wanted to transition to a voice call. They had never used voice chat before, so it was a big step. To her relief, Yoohyeon agreed. At first, it was awkward, but soon, the conversation flowed naturally, and they chatted easily about everything from game strategy to life. Y/N casually mentioned how she loved grabbing fried chicken, takoyaki, and jjajangmyeon with cheese on top, when she came to the PC bang, and Yoohyeon laughed, teasing her about the amount of food. Y/N proudly declared she could finish it all.

As they continued to play, Yoohyeon began to notice something strange. Whenever she died in the game, the girl sitting next to her reacted at the same time, as if they were playing together. Her suspicions grew when she saw the same dishes Y/N had mentioned being delivered to the girl beside her. Then, to confirm her hunch, Yoohyeon casually suggested over voice chat that they take a stretch break after playing for a while. The moment she said it, the girl beside her stretched too.

Yoohyeon’s heart raced. She leaned toward the girl and tapped the girl's shoulder, "Are you playing League of Legends?" Y/N, caught off guard, nodded without thinking, her headset still on. In the next second, she heard Yoohyeon’s voice through the headset and in real life at the same time.

The realization unfolded slowly, each moment deepening their astonishment. They locked eyes, the initial shock gradually transforming into shared laughter. The weight of the coincidence settled over them, making the night feel even more special. Setting their game aside, they moved their chairs closer, immersing themselves in conversation. They talked and laughed late into the night, reveling in the remarkable twist of fate that had led them to sit side by side in that PC Bang.

When they eventually left the PC bang, they stood outside awkwardly, neither wanting to say goodbye. After a brief pause, Yoohyeon broke the silence. "Here, take my number," she said, handing her phone to Y/N. The gesture left Y/N in stunned silence. "If I’m ever around again, I’d love to meet up. Oh, and by the way…" Yoohyeon hesitated before continuing, "I realized you never recognized me. When you get home, search up what I’m about to text you."

With that, Yoohyeon hurried off, leaving Y/N standing there, baffled. The curiosity was too much to bear, so Y/N immediately checked her phone. The message read, Yoohyeon of Dreamcatcher. 

Y/N stood there on the sidewalk, staring at her phone in disbelief. She had looked up Yoohyeon of Dreamcatcher just like her friend had suggested, but none of it made sense. She’d never heard of Dreamcatcher before. The images that popped up showed Yoohyeon on stage, dazzling in elaborate outfits and surrounded by screaming fans. It was hard to reconcile this with the down-to-earth gamer she’d spent so many late nights with. Still, famous or not, Yoohyeon was just… Yoohyeon.

As she made her way home, a soft smile spread across Y/N’s face. It didn’t really matter if Yoohyeon was part of some famous group; to her, she was just her gaming friend—the person who laughed at their losses and shared funny stories in between matches. That was all that mattered.

Later that evening, as Y/N sat in her room, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Yoohyeon.

Yoohyeon: “So, did you look me up? 😆”

Y/N laughed to herself, her fingers hovering over the keyboard.

Y/N: “I did… but I gotta admit, I have no idea what Dreamcatcher is. I feel like I’m missing something big?”

The reply came quickly, and she could almost hear Yoohyeon’s amused chuckle.

Yoohyeon: “Haha, that’s okay! Honestly, it’s kinda refreshing that you didn’t know. It makes it easier to just be me when we hang out.”

Y/N smiled, a warmth spreading through her chest.

Y/N: “Well, whoever you are on stage, you’re still the same person I carried through all those League games. That’s all I care about.”

A moment passed before her phone buzzed again.

Yoohyeon: “And that’s exactly why I’m so glad we met. Next time, let’s hang out in person. No screens, no games. Just us.”

Y/N’s heart fluttered at the thought.

Y/N: “I’d love that.”

From that night on, their bond deepened. They still played League of Legends regularly, but now they also video called after their games, chatting late into the night. Yoohyeon often called from her dorm or hotel rooms while traveling for work, and Y/N from the comfort of her home. Though they lived in different cities, these virtual hangouts felt like their way of closing the distance.

On those calls, they’d talk about everything—from small moments in their day to their dreams for the future. Sometimes they ate together too, sharing their meals over video as if they were sitting across from each other, while Yoohyeon playfully teased Y/N about her massive portions, usually with her own simpler snack in hand.

For Y/N, Yoohyeon wasn’t an idol; she was just her friend, her partner in the game, and someone she could trust. It didn’t matter that they didn’t live in the same city or that Yoohyeon was constantly busy with her Dreamcatcher schedule—what mattered was that their connection was real. Even across the miles, they had found a way to be part of each other’s everyday lives.

Months after months have passed since that fateful night at the PC bang, and Y/N and Yoohyeon continued their gaming sessions, effortlessly strengthening their bond. They became inseparable online, chatting about life, sharing laughs, and enjoying each other’s company without the pressure of Yoohyeon’s idol life looming over them. Y/N still didn’t fully grasp Yoohyeon’s fame as part of Dreamcatcher, but it never really mattered. Yoohyeon was just her friend—fun, kind, and easy to talk to.

One day, Y/N received a message that caught her off guard.

Yoohyeon: "Hey, guess what?"

Y/N:"What’s up?"

Yoohyeon: "I’m coming to your city again soon! We have a fan meeting there in a couple of weeks."

Y/N: "Oh, really? That’s awesome! Wait, is that what you meant by ‘work stuff’? 😆"

Yoohyeon: "Yep! And I have a surprise for you… I saved some tickets for the event. You should come!"

Y/N: "Me? At a fan meeting? I wouldn’t even know what to do! 😅"

Yoohyeon: "Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you feel right at home. I promise it’ll be fun."

Curiosity tugged at Y/N, so she agreed. A couple of weeks later, she found herself standing in line at a Dreamcatcher fan meeting in her city. She felt out of place among the die-hard fans, who excitedly chatted about their favorite members and shared stories of attending concerts. Y/N, still unfamiliar with the world of K-pop, smiled nervously as she moved closer to the front.

Finally, it was her turn. When Y/N stepped up to Yoohyeon’s table, the moment felt surreal. Yoohyeon, sitting there in full idol mode, saw her and her face lit up instantly with a warm smile.

“You made it!” Yoohyeon said, her voice soft but full of excitement. Y/N couldn’t help but grin back.

“Yeah, I didn’t want to miss this,” Y/N replied, still in awe of the setup—the stage, the flashing lights, the adoring fans waiting to meet Yoohyeon. It was a world Y/N hadn’t fully understood until now.

As Yoohyeon greeted Y/N, a few of the other Dreamcatcher members, who were observing from a nearby table, couldn’t resist teasing her. Jiu, with a sly smile, remarked, “Yoohyeon, I see you’ve got a special guest today. Did you make sure to save her a front-row spot?”

Sua added, with a hint of mischief, “You’ve been talking about this one quite a bit. Is she your new favorite?”

Yoohyeon’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she laughed nervously. “Oh, stop it! She’s just a friend who’s been really supportive.”

Siyeon chimed in playfully, “Just a friend who seems to get all the insider info. I’m sure you’re not giving her special treatment or anything.”

Yoohyeon tried to laugh it off, though her smile lingered longer than usual. “I just wanted her to see what I do when I’m not gaming.”

Y/N, oblivious to the underlying teasing, felt a mix of embarrassment and amusement, her nerves easing as she saw the playful interaction between Yoohyeon and her bandmates. It added a layer of warmth to the experience, making her feel more at ease.

“I know this is probably all really weird for you,” Yoohyeon whispered, leaning in slightly. “But I’m glad you came. I wanted you to see this part of my life.”

Y/N smiled, feeling a little more at ease. “It’s definitely different from the PC bang.”

Yoohyeon giggled. “A little, yeah. But no matter where we are, I’m still me.”

The brief interaction ended, and Y/N moved aside, watching Yoohyeon continue to greet her fans with the same warmth and energy she always brought to their gaming sessions. It was a strange feeling, seeing Yoohyeon in this setting—a world where she was a star to so many people—but Y/N still saw her as the same person she had laughed with during late-night games.

After the fan meeting wrapped up, Yoohyeon spotted Y/N waiting near the exit. With a grin, she made her way over, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

“I told you it would be fun,” Yoohyeon teased.

Y/N laughed, shaking her head. “It was definitely an experience! I had no idea so many people loved you.”

Yoohyeon smiled, her expression softening. “It’s a little overwhelming sometimes, but it’s nice. They support me, and it means a lot.” She paused for a moment before adding, “But you… you make things feel normal, and I really appreciate that.”

Y/N’s heart warmed at her words. Even in the midst of all the fame, Yoohyeon was still just her friend.

“So, now that you’ve seen me in action,” Yoohyeon began, nudging Y/N playfully, “how about we celebrate? Fried chicken, takoyaki, and jjajangmyeon with cheese, just like when we first met.”

Y/N’s eyes lit up. “You remembered my order?”

“Of course!” Yoohyeon said with a grin. “Best duo, remember?”

“Best duo,” Y/N agreed, laughing. “And next time I’m in town, the food’s on me.”

As they walked out of the venue together, Y/N realized that despite the spotlight surrounding Yoohyeon, their friendship remained unchanged. It didn’t matter that Yoohyeon was a star on stage—she would always just be the friend who shared late-night games, funny banter, and their favorite meal combo.

Seven pairs of eyes turned toward her.

"Ah, you must be Y/N!" Jiu, the leader, exclaimed with a radiant smile. "We've been waiting for you."

Y/N bowed deeply. "Hello, I'm Y/N. It's an honor to meet you all."

Sua bounced over, her energy infectious. "No need to be so formal! We're going to be sisters from now on."

Siyeon grinned. "Welcome to the family. Don't mind Sua; she's always this excited."

Handong approached with a gentle expression. "If you need help with anything, just let us know."

Yoohyeon winked playfully. "Especially if it's about avoiding extra practice."

Dami chuckled softly. "Don't listen to her. Hard work is key."

Gahyun smiled brightly. "Come on, we'll show you around!"

As they led her through the building, pointing out various studios and rooms, Y/N felt a mix of nerves and excitement. The members' warmth eased her anxiety, and she began to believe she might truly belong here.

Weeks flew by as Y/N immersed herself in intense training. Early mornings blended into late nights filled with dance rehearsals and vocal lessons. The other members were supportive, often staying behind to help her perfect challenging routines.

One evening, after a grueling practice, Y/N collapsed onto the dorm's living room couch. Curiosity nudged her to check the group's official social media. Her debut had been announced that day, and she eagerly read through the comments.

At first, the messages were encouraging:

"Can't wait to see what Y/N brings to Dreamcatcher!"

"Welcome to the family!"

But soon, the tone shifted:

"She doesn't fit their image."

"Why add someone who isn't as pretty as the rest?"

"Dreamcatcher was perfect without her."

Her chest tightened. The words blurred as tears welled up in her eyes. She quickly locked her phone and stared blankly ahead.

Jiu entered the room, noticing her distress. "Hey, Y/N, everything okay?"

Y/N forced a smile. "Yeah, just a bit tired."

Jiu sat beside her, concern evident. "You sure? You seem upset."

After a moment's hesitation, Y/N sighed. "I was reading some comments online. Some people think I don't belong."

Jiu gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't pay attention to them. People are often harsh behind screens. What matters is that you're here because of your talent and hard work."

"I know, but it's hard not to let it get to me."

Jiu nodded understandingly. "I've been there. But remember, we're a team. Lean on us when you need to."

Despite her efforts to ignore the negativity, the hurtful comments became a constant shadow. During interviews, she could feel the unspoken questions. At fan events, she noticed subtle glances.

One afternoon, the group gathered for a photoshoot. As the photographer adjusted his lens, he murmured, "Y/N, tilt your head slightly to the left."

She complied, but he frowned. "Hmm, let's try a different angle."

Heat rushed to her cheeks as insecurity gnawed at her. Were the others noticing? Did they think she was ruining the shoot?

Afterward, in the dressing room, Sua noticed her silence. "You were great today!"

Y/N mustered a small smile. "Thanks."

Siyeon exchanged a glance with Handong. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine," Y/N insisted, quickly gathering her things.

As she exited, she overheard staff members whispering:

"She doesn't have the typical look."

"Maybe the company made a mistake."

Her steps quickened, the words echoing in her mind.

Back at the dorm, Y/N secluded herself in her room. The walls felt like they were closing in. She opened her laptop, hesitating before diving into online forums.

Threads upon threads criticized her:

"She's dragging the group's visuals down."

"Her talent doesn't make up for her looks."

"Why did they even pick her?"

A tear slipped down her cheek. The weight was becoming unbearable.

A soft knock interrupted her spiral. "Y/N? It's Yoohyeon. Can I come in?"

She hastily wiped her face. "Sure."

Yoohyeon entered, holding two mugs of hot chocolate. "Thought you might like some."

"Thanks."

They sat in silence for a moment before Yoohyeon spoke. "You know, when I first joined, I felt out of place too."

Y/N looked up. "You did?"

"Absolutely. I was convinced I wasn't good enough. But the others helped me see my worth. Let us do the same for you."

Y/N's gaze dropped to her mug. "It's just... hard to ignore what people say."

"I get it. But remember, those people don't know the real you. We do. And we think you're amazing."

A faint smile tugged at Y/N's lips. "Thank you, Yoohyeon."

"Anytime. And if you ever need to talk, I'm here."

Despite her bandmates' support, the negativity continued to consume Y/N. During rehearsals, she became increasingly withdrawn.

"Let's take it from the top," Dami suggested after Y/N missed a step.

Y/N nodded absently, her mind elsewhere.

As the music played, she stumbled again.

Gahyun paused the track. "Maybe we should take a short break."

"I'm fine," Y/N snapped, surprising everyone.

Sua approached cautiously. "We're just worried about you."

"Well, you don't need to be," Y/N retorted before storming out.

She wandered the city streets, the bright lights contrasting with the darkness she felt inside. Her phone buzzed with messages from the members, but she ignored them.

Finding herself at a quiet park, she sat on a bench, pulling her knees to her chest. Doubt and despair swirled within her.

"Maybe they'd be better off without me," she whispered.

Returning to the dorm late at night, Y/N found the lights off. Relieved, she headed to her room but paused when she heard hushed voices from the living room.

"She's not herself," Siyeon said softly.

"I wish she'd open up," Handong added.

"We need to find a way to help her," Jiu concluded.

Feeling a mix of guilt and isolation, Y/N retreated. Sleep evaded her as she tossed and turned, the voices in her head growing louder.

Unable to bear it, she grabbed her car keys and slipped out. The cool night air greeted her as she got into her car and started driving aimlessly.

Rain began to patter against the windshield. The city's neon signs blurred past as tears clouded her vision.

"Why am I not enough?" she cried, gripping the steering wheel tightly.

A sudden honk jolted her. Headlights blinded her as a truck veered into her lane. She swerved, but the wet roads betrayed her. The car skidded violently, crashing into a barrier.

The world went silent as darkness enveloped her.

Birds chirped outside the window as sunlight warmed Y/N's face. Her eyes fluttered open. Disoriented, she sat up, realizing she was in her room.

"But how?" she murmured. "Was it all a nightmare?"

She swung her legs over the side of the bed and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Stunned, she approached slowly.

Her reflection was different. Her features were refined, embodying every aspect of the societal beauty standards she'd been told she lacked.

"What... happened to me?"

Her phone buzzed with a message from Gahyun:

"Excited to meet you today! Welcome to Dreamcatcher!"

Confusion washed over her. Checking the date, she realized it was the day she was first introduced to the group.

"This can't be real."

Arriving at the company building, everything felt both familiar and new. The members greeted her with enthusiasm.

"Welcome, Y/N!" Sua cheered.

"Ready to embark on this journey together?" Dami asked.

Throughout the day, Y/N noticed subtle differences. Staff members were more attentive, fellow trainees offered compliments, and the photoshoot went seamlessly.

"You're a natural," the photographer praised.

During breaks, fans outside the building waved banners with her name. "We love you, Y/N!"

Her heart swelled. The acceptance she'd longed for was finally hers.

Weeks turned into months as Y/N embraced her new reality. Performances were met with overwhelming praise, endorsements flooded in, and her social media following skyrocketed.

"You're the talk of the town," Siyeon remarked during a rehearsal break.

Y/N laughed lightly. "It's all thanks to you guys."

Handong shook her head. "Don't be modest. You've worked hard."

Yet, amidst the success, a lingering unease settled in her chest. Memories of the crash and the pain she once felt began to surface.

One evening, she confided in Jiu while overlooking the city from the rooftop.

"Have you ever felt like something's not quite right, even when everything seems perfect?" Y/N asked.

Jiu pondered. "Sometimes, we chase after what we think we want, only to realize it's not what we needed."

Y/N sighed. "I thought that changing... everything... would make me happy. But I still feel empty."

"Maybe happiness comes from within, not from how others perceive us."

Y/N nodded slowly, her thoughts clouded with uncertainty.

As the date of her previous accident approached, Y/N's anxiety grew. She began experiencing vivid nightmares and moments of dizziness.

During a dance practice, she suddenly felt faint.

"Are you okay?" Yoohyeon asked, rushing to her side.

"Just a bit lightheaded," Y/N murmured.

"Maybe you should rest," Dami suggested.

"I'm fine," she insisted, pushing through.

But her condition worsened. Back at the dorm, she secluded herself, staring at her unfamiliar reflection.

"Who am I?" she whispered.

A knock on her door startled her. "Y/N, it's Gahyun. We haven't seen you all evening."

"Just need some time alone," she replied.

"Alright, but we're here if you need us."

Hours passed as she grappled with her thoughts. Overwhelmed, she decided to step outside for fresh air.

As she walked along a quiet street, the world around her began to blur. The dizziness intensified, and her heartbeat thundered in her ears.

The last thing she saw was the night sky spinning above her before everything went black.

The darkness was cold, heavy, and suffocating. Y/N felt herself floating, weightless and disconnected from reality. Faint whispers echoed around her, but she couldn't make out any words.

Suddenly, a light pierced through the void, and she found herself standing in an empty, endless white space. It felt dreamlike, yet unnervingly real.

"You’ve arrived," a voice spoke.

Y/N turned, her heart skipping a beat. A figure stood before her, shrouded in mist. Their form wasn’t human—an otherworldly presence emanated from them, something ancient and incomprehensible.

"W-What is this?" Y/N stammered, her voice trembling.

The figure stepped forward, their face obscured but their voice smooth and calm. "You’ve been living a lie, Y/N."

Her pulse quickened. "What do you mean?"

"You’ve been seeing what you want to see. What you think you need to see."

Y/N swallowed hard, fear creeping into her chest. "I don’t understand."

The figure raised a hand, and the mist swirled around them. "You wished to be beautiful, to be accepted. So, we granted you that wish. But it wasn’t real."

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat. "What do you mean? My face—"

The figure’s voice turned sharper, cutting through her thoughts. "The face you see is an illusion, a reflection of your deepest desire. In reality, nothing has changed."

Her mind raced, unable to process the words. "So… all this time, I’ve been… the same?"

"Yes," the figure replied. "To everyone else, you’ve always looked the way you did before. The only thing that changed was your perception of yourself."

Y/N’s legs felt weak, and she collapsed to her knees. "No… that can’t be true. People have treated me differently. I’ve been more confident. Everything’s been better."

"Confidence, Y/N," the figure said, almost gently now. "That’s what changed. Your belief in yourself gave you the strength to rise above the hate. Not your face."

Y/N sat there, her mind a storm of emotions. The hate, the despair, the constant doubt she had carried—it had been for nothing? Her reflection hadn’t changed. It was her belief that had carried her forward, not some supernatural transformation.

"But why… why did you do this?" she asked, her voice breaking.

The figure remained silent for a moment. "Because you needed to learn. You needed to see that beauty does not define worth. That your strength comes from within."

Tears brimmed in Y/N’s eyes. "So, all this time… I was the same person?"

"Yes," the figure whispered. "And now, the choice is yours. You can continue this illusion, or you can return to reality—with the knowledge that you were always enough."

Y/N’s heart pounded in her chest. The weight of the decision was crushing. Could she truly accept herself as she was? Could she go back to being the person she had been—the one who didn’t fit the mold?

"I…" she hesitated, the fear of facing the world as her true self rising like a tidal wave.

But then she thought of her members—Jiu, Sua, Siyeon, Handong, Yoohyeon, Dami, and Gahyun. They had always supported her, loved her, not for what she looked like, but for who she was. They had seen her pain, her struggle, and had been there, through it all.

"I want to go back," Y/N whispered, her voice trembling but resolute. "I want to be me. The real me."

The figure nodded slowly. "Very well. But remember, the hardest battle is with yourself. Confidence doesn’t come from others. It must come from within."

The world around her began to fade, the bright light dimming until Y/N was enveloped in darkness once more.

Y/N jolted awake, her body drenched in sweat. Her heart raced as she sat up, gasping for breath. The soft light of the early morning sun filtered through her bedroom window.

She blinked, looking around in confusion. Was it all a dream?

Her reflection in the mirror caught her eye, and she hesitated, fear creeping up her spine. Slowly, she rose from the bed and approached the mirror.

The face staring back at her was… her own. The same face she had always seen before the "transformation." Her original features, unaltered by the illusion she had lived with for months.

A small, bittersweet smile tugged at her lips. It was her—truly her.

There was a knock on the door, and Yoohyeon’s voice called out, "Y/N, are you up? We’ve got practice soon."

Y/N wiped her eyes and took a deep breath. "Yeah, I’m up. I’ll be out in a minute."

She glanced at the mirror once more, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. For the first time in a long while, she wasn’t afraid of what she saw.

At the practice room, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. The members were warming up, stretching and chatting, but Y/N could feel a slight tension in the air.

"How are you feeling?" Jiu asked, walking over with a concerned expression.

Y/N smiled softly. "Better. I… I’ve been thinking a lot."

Sua raised an eyebrow. "Thinking? About what?"

Y/N hesitated for a moment before speaking. "About everything. About how I’ve been feeling lately. I’ve been really insecure, and I let the hate get to me."

Gahyun frowned. "But that’s understandable, Y/N. It’s hard not to let it affect you."

"I know," Y/N nodded, "but I realized something. I’ve been looking for validation in the wrong places. I thought that if I looked a certain way, people would accept me. But… that’s not what really matters."

Siyeon, who had been listening quietly, smiled. "You’ve always been enough, Y/N. We all knew that."

Yoohyeon chuckled. "You’re one of us, no matter what anyone says. Dreamcatcher isn’t complete without you."

Dami nodded in agreement. "We’ve got your back, always."

The warmth of their words wrapped around Y/N like a comforting blanket. She had been so consumed by the negativity that she had forgotten the love and support that had always been there.

"Thank you," Y/N said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "I don’t think I could’ve made it without you all."

Handong placed a hand on her shoulder. "You’re stronger than you think. And you’ve always had it in you."

Y/N smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude. "From now on, I’m going to try to see myself the way you all see me. No more illusions."

As days passed, Y/N found herself adjusting to her new reality. No more hiding behind an illusion. Every time she faced the mirror, she reminded herself of her worth. It wasn’t easy—old insecurities still whispered in the back of her mind—but she fought them with the strength she had gained.

The world outside hadn’t changed. Online hate still existed, and the standards of beauty in the industry were still demanding. But Y/N no longer felt crushed by those expectations.

During a fan meet, as she greeted fans with her bandmates, she noticed a group of fans holding a sign that read, "Y/N, we love you just as you are."

Her heart skipped a beat. She had seen so much negativity, but in this moment, she realized that there were also people who supported her, who saw her for who she truly was.

"Thank you," she whispered to the fans, her smile genuine and full of warmth.

As the event went on, she felt a new sense of freedom. She no longer feared judgment. She no longer sought validation from strangers. Instead, she embraced her imperfections and her uniqueness.

One night, after a long day of schedules, the members gathered in the dorm's living room. They lounged in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company.

Y/N broke the quiet with a soft voice. "I never got to properly thank you all."

Jiu glanced over, confused. "Thank us for what?"

"For standing by me. For reminding me that I’m more than what people see on the outside," Y/N said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Sua grinned. "Well, duh! You’re our Y/N. We’re a family."

Siyeon added with a teasing smirk, "Besides, you’re stuck with us now, whether you like it or not."

Yoohyeon laughed, throwing a pillow at Siyeon. "Forever Dreamcatcher!"

Dami smiled softly. "You’ve always been enough, Y/N. We just helped you see it."

Gahyun nodded enthusiastically. "And we’ll keep reminding you if you ever forget."

Y/N’s heart swelled with emotion. She looked around at the faces of her bandmates, her friends, and her family. They had always seen her true worth, even when she couldn’t.

And now, she finally saw it too.

"Thank you," Y/N said again, her voice barely above a whisper. "For everything."

---

Many months passed, and Y/N continued to grow both as an artist and as a person. She had faced her demons, confronted her insecurities, and come out stronger on the other side.

The world outside was still the same, but Y/N was different. She no longer feared the opinions of others. She had learned to love herself for who she truly was.