#aespa reader

“I’ll always be proud of you,” the woman announces while caressing her child’s shoulders. Her neck was laced with large champagne pearls, and her body was adorned with a lengthy blue Balmain gown as her friends surrounded her. Her husband, Hangjil, wrapped one arm around her waist as his other rested on his son’s shoulders.

Daewan sat in the plush chair with his parents behind him, the family's attire silently screaming thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, you sat in the dimly lit corner. Your plain white ballet flats, ugly sundress, and sad high bun didn’t bother anyone since you were out of their way.

It was as if the people everyone praised in front of them weren’t your own family. You looked like a child without a family—young, yet shunned by her parents.

You were used to it, though. 

Your life felt like torture every day. It always felt as if you were waiting for the perfect moment to run away, or they were waiting for you to turn old enough so that they wouldn’t go to jail for abandoning you.

It came with the cost of being the only female offspring of the Jeup family. The lifestyle was the classic, “Men are the future for this family, and women are merely nothing.”

You first noticed this at the age of four, quickly realizing your brother would always get the most incredible toys while you were left with ‘new’ clothes. 

…Maybe you could’ve even thanked them. It was one of the reasons why you were so emotionally intelligent at such a young age.

Then again, they wouldn’t understand something like that. It would be deemed as a “useless skill” to them. 

The quick realization was that kids in your class, who were the youngest siblings in their family, were adored, spoiled, and well-loved while you had… nothing. Nothing that you could think of, at least.

It made you feel empty inside, but from then on, you never let it bother you.

…That’s what you thought for the majority of your life.

Until the day you turned 18, the sight of your parents towering over you as you sat on the concrete pavement. Their eyes filled with a sense of hatred that you never understood. The downpour of the rain had your hair drenched and sprawled all over your face.

“You're such a disgrace to this family,” your dad spat out as you tried to gather the trash bag of items you could have gathered. “I can’t believe we had a daughter like you,” your mom tears up, her acting being put to good use.

As you stand up properly, the black plastic bag weighing your body down, you see a glimpse of your older brother peering behind them. He leans on the wall, a smirk drawn on his face as he scoffs at the sight of you.

His ‘pathetic little sister,’ something he would always say to his friends. The treatment got even worse when he got into SOPA.

All you ever wanted was to be an actress and make it in the world. Yet when it came to high school applications, you seemed to luck out with every top school that has something to do with the entertainment industry. You full-on had a mental breakdown while your parents practically berated you.

 While it was your dream to make it in, your parents' connections got Daewan in.

That was your parents' final straw, and they would kick you out on your 18th birthday. 

And today was the day… best birthday ever huh?

You didn’t have the energy to argue, knowing full well that this day would come. “You're never welcomed in or near this family,” he declares, shoving you a bit and then wiping his hands. It was like you were some dirty trash to him.

You shake your head at the sound of your mother’s awful sobs, making you chuckle with pure venom dripping in your voice. “You guys never cared about me. Just because I wouldn’t be carrying the family name.”

You stared at them right in their eyes, feeling sick to your stomach while remembering everything they put you through all your life. 

“You both should be ashamed of being parents. You even raised that entitled piece of shit of a monster,” as you laugh with sarcasm, your hand points at your brother, whose face shifts from that cocky grin to an uneasy look.

“What? The first time someone ever called you out, oppa?” You asked sarcastically, grinning as you wanted just to let it out. “Without money, you would be nothing. A spoiled brat who uses appa and eomma’s money to get his way in life. You wouldn't even be able to function.”

“I was waiting for this day,” you looked up, spreading your arms out with a happy smile for the first time in their lives. “I’m finally free,” you whisper, loud enough for your parents to hear.

A wave of guilt flashed through your mom’s eyes, feeling like a terrible mother while she saw you happy in the rain despite your circumstances. That ends quickly when Daewan whisks her away while your dad slowly shuts the door. 

“Don’t listen to her, eomma, she’s clearly mentally unwell,” he harshly spoke, but you couldn’t care less.

Life would likely be harder outside of the large mansion that barely sheltered you, but you were going to make the best of it.

The cramped apartment you called home was a relentless reminder of the hardships you’d endured, yet you clung to the belief that it would all pay off one day. It had been two years since your family disowned you, and the last thing you heard was your brother being possibly part of the Korean Basketball League… likely due to your parents' connections again. 

The sagging twin bed creaked beneath you as you sat on its edge, awakened from a brief late afternoon nap.

The clock on the wall ticked insistently, signaling it was time for your night shift at the convenience store a few blocks away. With a heavy sigh, you slipped into a pair of worn jeans, scuffed sneakers, and a plain T-shirt. 

Grabbing your uniform vest on the way out, you hustled toward the store, shoving your arms through the vest in the back room to avoid another of your manager’s long-winded lectures about being an ‘exceptional employee’.

The shift unfolded predictably in the same way as always. Some shelves to stock, customers to ring up, and long stretches of waiting. It was a straightforward job, and while it didn’t pay much, it covered the essentials—for now. Glancing at the clock, you noted the time: 3 a.m. 

The dull hum of the flickering lights added to the store's stillness, and your boredom kicked in quickly. Your coworker, Gyoungbu, was arranging boxes in one of the aisles.

“Gyoungbu, can you cover the register for a bit? I’m taking my break,” you called over to him. He responded with a casual salute, and you made your way to the snack section. Grabbing a pack of melon cream bread and a cup of instant noodles, you filled the container with steaming water from the dispenser before heading outside.

The air was cool and crisp, and the streets were empty except for the occasional passing car. Across from the store, a small basketball court stretched out under dim lights, its faded bleachers offering a quiet reprieve. Settling onto one of the benches, you lit a cigarette from the box in your pocket. 

As you exhaled slowly, the warm smoke filled your lungs, easing the tension in your shoulders with every puff. You took a bite of the bread, the sweet, creamy flavor mingling with the lingering taste of tobacco. For a brief moment, everything felt calm—simple, even—as the city’s restless energy faded into the background.

You had a peculiar habit: unwrapping the bread while puffing on a cigarette, juggling the two as if it were an everyday routine. Taking a bite, you let the quiet seep in, appreciating the silence of the night. 

Despite the neighborhood or the hour, the sky always seemed beautiful. Whether sprinkled with stars or painted in a solid, dark blue, it calmed the edges of your thoughts.

Another bite filled your mouth with the sweet, airy taste of melon bread, and a small hum of satisfaction escaped your lips. You savored the moment, as short as it was, until a sudden movement drew your attention. 

A girl had appeared, sitting at the far end of the bleachers. She tore into a crinkled bag of chips at a fast pace, her hunger evident as she stuffed a handful into her mouth.

The sight was almost mesmerizing. 

She alternated between sipping from a carton of a milky drink and tossing back flavored chips, her hands moving with urgency. You found yourself pausing mid-bite, your gaze lingering on her. Something was alarming about how she peered into the nearly empty bag, her expression falling ever so slightly at its contents—or lack thereof.

Your eyes flickered down to the bowl of ramen resting beside you. A sigh escaped, the hint of reluctant kindness messing with your mind. Finishing the last bite of your melon bread, you stood and crossed the small distance to where she sat. 

Without a word, you placed the cup of ramen next to her, the quiet gesture laden with more meaning than you cared to acknowledge.

She blinked up at you in surprise, her lips parting. “Wait—” she began, but you simply lifted a hand, dismissing her concern with a wave. Her gratitude was unnecessary. You keep walking, headed back to the store, the faint warmth of her shocked gaze trailing after you.

Inside, Gyoungbu gave you a knowing nod as he resumed restocking shelves, his movements as casual as if the scene outside hadn’t happened. Another customer strolled through the entrance, the bell chiming softly, signaling the return of your routine.

Stepping behind the counter, the repetitiveness of the job settled over you like a familiar weight. As boredom began to creep in, you leaned on your elbow, propping your head up with a hand. 

Out of the corner of your eye, you caught sight of the girl from the bleachers. She stood by the trash can just outside the store, tossing away the empty bag of chips and her drained carton. Her movements were hurried, almost restless, as if she had somewhere important to be—or somewhere she was trying to escape.

She walked away quickly, her figure fading into the dimly lit street beyond the store’s windows. 

There was something about her in your mind, but before you could follow the thought, a customer approached the counter, placing a handful of snacks down with a tired expression.

You snapped back to reality, scanning their items with practiced efficiency, but the girl lingered like an annoying buzz in your mind. 

Would you see her again? The thought hovered unanswered as you handed the customer their change and returned to leaning on the counter.  Yet, your thoughts wandered to her—her hasty movements, her hunger, and the way she’d looked at you earlier, startled but not ungrateful.

Shaking your head slightly, you refocused on the store, pushing the fleeting curiosity aside—for now.

Then Friday night rolled around, and you found yourself back at your usual shift. The exhaustion clung to you like a heavy coat, and your second job earlier in the day left you more drained than normal. As you leaned against the counter, Gyoungbu swept the floor nearby, his broom scraping softly against the tiles.

“You hit rent today?” he asked, his tone light but curious.

“Just by a few buckeroos,” you replied with a sarcastic wave of your fingers, the mock enthusiasm earning a chuckle from him.

“Your lunch is on me tonight, noona,” he said with a grin, and you perked up instantly, throwing your hands in the air in a small cheer.

“Make sure it’s one of those full heated meals, okay?” you teased, pointing at him as you headed to the back room.

Once there, you rummaged through your bag and pulled out an extra pack of crackers you’d brought along—just in case. The memory of the previous night lingered in your mind, and the single melon cream bread you’d eaten then had been far from enough to keep you fueled for a long shift.

Satisfied with your preparation, you returned to the counter, settling into the familiar seat behind the register. The store was quiet, the kind of stillness that made the ticking clock on the wall seem louder than it was, and time to go by at the pace of a snail. For some reason, Friday nights always seemed the slowest.

Most nights, you’d see ten or so customers trickling in and out. But on Fridays, the numbers dwindled to a mere handful. 

Three customers, maybe five at most, if you were lucky. The emptiness of the store felt almost eerie, the usual hum of the refrigerator and the faint buzzing of the lights filling the silence.

You propped your chin on your hand, your gaze drifting to the windows. Finding yourself counting the minutes between customers, wondering if tonight would be another slow grind—or if something unexpected might happen to break the cycle.

After a few slow hours, the clock ticking down to your lunch break, the door chimed softly as a girl walked in. 

Her mask and hat concealed most of her face, giving her a sense of mystery that made her stand out. You watched her closely—not out of suspicion, but with a habit born from long shifts and the occasional need to be cautious. Still, something about her attempt at incognito mode piqued your curiosity more than your concern.

The oversized sweater she wore swallowed her frame, the thick hem nearly brushing her thighs, but the zipper was pulled slightly down, letting the cool air hit her skin. 

She moved in a hurry, grabbing a bag of corn turtle chips and a can of Korean pear drink. Her movements were unhurried, but she did her best not to attract anyone's attention, trying to avoid Gyeonbu, who worked there in the same asile.

As she approached the counter, you noticed her eyes widening slightly as they landed on your face. There was a flash of recognition in them, one that made your brows knit in confusion. She stood there, unmoving, as though caught in a trance.

Her arm stretched out, holding a small amount of cash for her snacks, and you caught a glimpse of her delicate collarbone peeking through the loose neckline of her sweater. She was thin—almost worryingly so—but what stood out more was her hesitation.

“You’re the girl from yesterday?” you asked, your voice breaking the silence between you. The question startled her, snapping her out of whatever thoughts had been swirling in her mind.

“Yeah… Thank you for last night, by the way,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. You simply nodded, watching as she turned and made her way back outside.

Your eyes followed her to the bleachers across the street, the exact spot where she’d sat the night before. She wasted no time tearing into the bag of chips, her hunger evident in the way she ate quickly, almost desperately.

“Let me take that break now, Gyoungbu,” you muttered, and he nodded, handing over your usual prepped meal with a small smile.

In the back, you slid open the plastic lid of the lunchbox tray, revealing a hearty meal: thick tonkatsu, kimchi, steamed rice, tteok, eggs, and a medley of vegetables. Splitting the portions carefully, you set aside the larger serving of protein and a bit of everything else on the tray.

By the time you stepped out, your hands and pockets full, she was staring blankly at the empty chip bag in her lap. A hopelessness in her eyes struck you, and without a word, you walked over and stood beside her.

“Here,” you said, gently placing the tray of food on her lap. She blinked up at you, startled by your presence.

“W-What?” she stammered, glancing between you and the tray. The fragrant smell of spices wafted up, and her expression shifted to disbelief.

“You clearly need it more than I do,” you replied simply, holding on to the smaller lid portions you’d kept for yourself.

She hesitated, her fingers brushing against the tray as she lifted her gaze to meet yours fully for the first time. And in that moment, you felt yourself freeze.

Her face was striking. She was free of makeup; her almond-shaped eyes, framed by thick lashes, held an intensity that contrasted with her quiet demeanor. Soft, natural brows curved delicately above them, and her skin was smooth and clear, a light flush coloring her cheeks from the cool night air. Her lips, plain and slightly chapped, had a natural charm that made her beauty feel effortless.

You found yourself momentarily stunned, caught off guard by how pretty she was, especially in such an unpolished state. She seemed oblivious to the effect she had on you, her eyes dropping back to the food as though trying to process the unexpected kindness.

You settled yourself at the opposite end of the bleachers, climbing to the top row. The cool night air wrapped around you as you dug into your pocket, pulling out a cigarette pack. Not wanting the smoke to bother her, you sat far enough away to give her space and placed the lid of your meal beside you. The flick of your lighter broke the quiet, and the cigarette glowed as you inhaled deeply, releasing a plume of smoke into the air.

The girl noticed the wisps floating into the air from the corner of her eye. Her gaze flicked toward you, a faint crease forming between her brows. The sight seemed to make her uneasy, her lips parting slightly before she finally spoke.

“Are you, uhm… not concerned about your health?” she asked, her tone cautious but tinged with curiosity. The words could’ve come across as rude, but an awkward sincerity in her voice made you chuckle softly.

You shook your head, the cigarette resting lazily between your fingers. “Never had anyone care much about my health,” you replied with a shrug, exhaling another cloud of smoke. The joke was meant to lighten the mood, but her expression shifted, guilt flickering in her eyes.

“Hey, don’t let it bother you,” you added, noticing her reaction. “Doing this helps me relax. Besides,” you said with a mocking smile, “we all die at some point, right?”

She scooted a little closer, careful to stay far enough that the smell wouldn’t reach her. Her fingers fidgeted with the tray in her lap as she mulled over your words, eventually nodding slowly. “I guess that’s… one way to look at it.”

There was a quiet moment before she spoke again, her voice softer this time. “I didn’t mean to offend you or anything,” she said, glancing up with shy eyes.

“It’s fine,” you reassured her, waving your hand dismissively. Taking another deep pull from the cigarette, you leaned back slightly, letting the smoke drift lazily upward.

“Well, since we’re open to strangers,” you began, your tone lighthearted. “Mind if I ask why you’re always eating this late?”

She hesitated at first, her gaze dropping to the tray of food in her lap. She picked up a piece of tonkatsu, chewing slowly as if stalling for time. Eventually, she swallowed and gave a small, almost embarrassed laugh.

“I’m a trainee,” she admitted, her voice barely above a mumble. “The company I’m at… it’s nearby, but they don’t have much money. Honestly, it works in their favor when it comes to my team’s diet.”

Your brows furrowed slightly. “So, you barely eat throughout the day?”

She chuckled again, but this time, it was dry and almost bitter. “If you count a baked potato, an apple, and tea as enough food to last an entire day,” she said, her tone laced with sarcasm.

Her words hit you harder than you expected, stirring something deep and uncomfortably familiar. Memories you’d buried started to surface—your father’s critical comments about your weight, your brother’s constant remarks, the restrictive diets they’d forced you on. Those years had been suffocating, and you could still remember the ache of hunger and the sting of their words.

You clenched your jaw, feeling an odd mix of anger and empathy. “That’s not right,” you muttered under your breath before looking back at her.

She tilted her head slightly, curious but silent, as you reached for a pack of crackers from your pocket. “I’ll give you my meals every night,” you said firmly, breaking the seal on the pack. “Just make sure you’re here at three.”

Her eyes widened, her expression caught somewhere between shock and disbelief. “But… you don’t even know me,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

You met her gaze, your tone unwavering. “I may not know you, but I know what it feels like to suffer.”

The weight of your words hung in the air, and she looked down at the tray, her fingers tightening around its edges. A tear slipped down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away, sniffling softly.

The two of you sat there in silence after that, the cool night breeze wrapping around you both. The occasional sound of footsteps passing by filled the gaps, but neither of you said a word. You finished your cigarette, stubbing it out on the bleacher before gathering your things.

As you stood, you gave her a small wave. “Remember—three a.m.,” you called over your shoulder, a faint smile tugging at your lips.

She looked up, her tear-streaked face illuminated by the faint streetlights, and nodded.

As you stepped back into the store, the soft chime of the door announced your return. Gyoungbu glanced up from where he was sweeping near the counter, his eyebrows raised in mock disbelief.

“Just gonna make a girl cry and leave her out in the streets?” he teased, leaning on the broom handle with a smirk.

You shot him a quick glare before flicking him off, earning a hearty laugh. “Relax,” you muttered, pulling your jacket tighter around yourself. “I’m pretty sure those were happy tears.”

Gyoungbu shook his head, still grinning. “Happy tears, huh? Sure, noona, whatever helps you sleep at night.”

Ignoring his sarcasm, you found your gaze drifting to the large window at the front of the store. She was still there, her back turned as she leaned forward slightly, finishing the last of the food on her tray. Her movements were unhurried, savoring every bite.

Something about the sight made your chest tighten—a mixture of relief that she was eating and guilt for how little she had to begin with. You let out a soft sigh, brushing your hair away from your face as you lingered by the counter.

“She’s lucky you’re soft,” Gyoungbu added, resuming his sweeping with a chuckle.

“Yeah, yeah,” you replied, rolling your eyes but unable to stop yourself from glancing out the window one last time. The dim light cast a soft glow around her, and despite the harshness of the world outside, she seemed momentarily at peace.

Satisfied, you turned away, feeling a small flicker of warmth as you made your way to the back room.

Since that night, you found yourself feeding the hungry trainee who seemed to escape the nightmare she’d ironically call a fairytale. Yet, despite all the days that had passed and the hours spent together, neither of you had ever talked about the subject of names or past lives.

It made you wonder—how did she end up in a life like this? You were sure she had questions about you, too. The way she would sneak glances at you, curiosity flitting across her features before quickly looking away as though caught red-handed, was becoming a recurring sight.

As if summoned by your thoughts, she sat closer to you than usual on the bleachers that night. Her eyes flicked briefly over your fingers, her attention subtle yet noticeable. When you caught her staring, she quickly diverted her gaze, returning her focus to the lunchbox you’d given her.

You couldn’t help but chuckle at her now-familiar habits. By your count, this was probably the fiftieth time she’d done something like this in the past two weeks.

“What?” she mumbled defensively, her cheeks puffing out like a squirrel stuffed with rice.

“If you’re curious about something,” you said with a teasing grin, “you know you can just ask, right?”

She paused, setting down her chopsticks. Her eyes shifted nervously, but it seemed like she was finally ready to speak—at least as prepared as she’d ever been.

“You… why do you help me?” she began, her voice tentative. “I mean, you said you understood what it’s like to suffer. W-what did you mean by that?”

You let out a long sigh, your shoulders slumping slightly as you crossed one arm over your figure. As always, your fingers tapped lightly on the glowing stick in your other hand, sending a faint trail of ash to the ground.

She watched you inhale deeply, exhaling a plume of smoke she’d grown accustomed to over the days.

“Have you heard of the Jeup family?” you asked, breaking the silence.

She tilted her head, thinking for a moment before shaking it. “I don’t know any Jeups, not that I’m remembering at least.”

You chuckled softly, the cigarette nearing its end. With a flick of your wrist, you tossed it to the ground. “How about the app, Seamless?”

Her eyes lit up with recognition, and she nodded. Everyone knew about Seamless—the app that had taken Korea by storm five years ago. It wasn’t just an app; it was a lifestyle tool that merged everything from calendars and fitness trackers to banking and search engines into one.

“My father made that,” you said, your tone casual.

Her head snapped up at your words, her jaw slightly agape.

“Then… why are you here?” she asked, her confusion evident.

You chuckled, pointing at her, amused by her sharp observation. “Let me guess—you’re wondering why I’m here, working at a convenience store, instead of living like a princess, right?”

She nodded slowly, her expression expectant.

You leaned back slightly, your gaze steady as you continued. “I was… the black sheep of my family. My mom? She’s one of the top dermatologists in the country. My dad? A wealthy CEO. And my older brother? He’s a snotty, overachieving golden boy who’s just good enough at sports to keep the family connections intact.”

Your chuckle carried a tinge of bitterness as you glanced at her, waiting for her reaction.

She seemed to piece things together, her brow furrowing before her eyes widened in recognition. “Your brother… is Jeup Daewan? The basketball player?”

You nodded, a faint, melancholic smile tugging at your lips. “The one and only.”

You paused for a moment, a scowl slowly forming on your face, “They… pretty much were a family without me. My birthday was on the same day as Daewan’s graduation and they rented an entire all out.”

“To celebrate your birthday and his graduation?” She asked looking at you, but you shake your head, “Just for his graduation. They made me stay home and left me with maids that were basically told to feed me. My parents basically paid them to only watch Daewan… so I stayed home locked in my room while eating some meatloaf,” you scoff, a sad chuckle following after.

“Little ole Y/n was just a girl that was a thorn on their side,” you say, making your fingers like quotation marks. “They abandoned you?” She questions sadly, and you nod. 

“My family did the same thing,” She whispers, her head hanging lowly at the reminder. “Well then what’s your story…?”

She looks up at you, turning her bum on the bench as she hugs her knees. The same old hoodie she wore did its best to keep her warm. “Aeri, Uchinaga Aeri.”

You stare at her and think, what a pretty name. “All my life… I wanted to be a singer. My father was never around and as an only child, my mom wants me to be the breadwinner of the family. ‘Be a lawyer!’ that's what she said all the time.”

“So when you found a company… she wasn’t so happy, huh?”

Aeri nods sadly, “I wanted to make her happy, but that seemed to come along with the price of my own dream. For the sake of my happiness I… I chose myself. Safe to say she was so angry and just kicked me out.”

“Well, you and I are more similar than I thought,” She looked at you curiously. “I wanted to be an actor,” you admitted, and the look on Aeri’s face was telling.

“You? An actor?” Aeri’s eyebrows shot up, her expression toeing the line between surprise and disbelief. The sight stirred a flicker of offense in your chest, but it was quickly overtaken by the sound of her nervous laughter.

“You can’t believe it???” you teased, raising an eyebrow.

“No, no, it’s not th—”

“I’m just messing with you,” you interrupted, shaking your head with a soft chuckle. 

The tension in her shoulders eased, and her lips curved into a small, sheepish smile.

“Honestly,” you continued, your tone growing softer, “I’ve wanted to be an actress ever since I was a kid. It was my grandma’s dream, you know? She used to talk about it all the time—being on the big screen, sharing her passion with the world. She made me fall in love with the idea of performing, of showing the world what I loved to do.”

Aeri’s gaze lingered on you, her usual playful demeanor replaced by something quieter, more curious. You leaned back against the bleachers, staring at the distant city lights that blurred into the dark sky.

“She passed away when I was five,” you admitted, your voice tinged with a tinge of sadness. “It was… sudden. I didn’t really understand how to handle it back then, but I held onto her dream. It became my dream, too. Something I could carry for her.”

Aeri didn’t say anything at first, but the way her eyes softened spoke volumes. Her quiet presence felt comforting in a way you hadn’t expected.

The night stretched on, and despite the conversation shifting to lighter topics, the memory of your grandmother lingered in the back of your mind. It was a quiet ache, one you had grown used to carrying, but tonight, it felt a little less heavy.

Another night came, the cool breeze of the late hours settling around you as you sat beside Aeri once more. She was closer this time, her shoulder almost brushing yours. You didn’t mind. If anything, you found yourself oddly drawn to her.

She looked different tonight—maybe it was the way the moonlight played against her features, highlighting her sharp cheekbones and the softness of her lips. Or perhaps it was the faint glow in her eyes as she spoke, her excitement bubbling over as she told you about her favorite songs and the small victories in her training.

You couldn’t stop yourself from staring, though you tried to be discreet. There was something about her tonight, something that made your heart skip in a way you weren’t ready to admit.

“What?” she asked suddenly, her lips quirking into a knowing smile.

“Nothing,” you said quickly, glancing away, though the heat rising to your face betrayed you.

“Liar,” she teased, nudging you playfully with her elbow. Her laugh was light, and it pulled a hesitant smile from you.

You shook your head, chuckling softly. “You’re just… different tonight.”

“Different, how?” she pressed, her tone teasing but her gaze curious.

You hesitated, searching for the right words. “I don’t know. You seem… more pretty. Or maybe I’m just noticing it more.”

Her laughter faltered, her cheeks tinting pink as she quickly looked away. “You’re terrible at compliments,” she mumbled, though the shy smile tugging at her lips told you she didn’t entirely mind.

As the night wore on, you found yourself falling deeper into her presence—the way she laughed, the way her eyes lit up when she spoke, the way she seemed to understand the parts of you you hadn’t even shared yet.

It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once. And as you sat there, the world quiet around you, you realized you didn’t mind falling.

As the bleachers had become your unspoken meeting place. Each night, Aeri showed up like clockwork, her presence a new outlook on your otherwise mundane life. But tonight felt different.

You sat in your usual spot, waiting with the tray of food you’d prepared earlier when Aeri bounded in with an energy that made her seem lighter than usual. She wasn’t the shy, guarded trainee you’d met weeks ago. No, this Aeri was different.

“Guess what?” she announced, plopping down beside you with a grin that seemed to light up the dimly lit lot.

“What?” you asked, curious but amused by her enthusiasm.

“They finally let me write for a routine!” she said, practically bouncing in place. “It’s not official or anything, but I got to lead today’s rap practice. It was so much fun!”

“Look at you, future producer in the making,” you teased, nudging her with your elbow.

Her grin widened. “You wanna see it?”

You blinked, caught off guard. “Here? Now?”

“Why not?” she said, standing up and brushing off her oversized sweatpants. “It’s late, no one’s around, and besides…” She turned to look at you, mischief glinting in her eyes. “You’ve been feeding me. The least I can do is give you a free show.”

Before you could respond, she was moving, pulling her phone out to play a track she’d clearly rehearsed a hundred times. As the beat filled the air, Aeri transformed. Gone was the playful girl who had been shy about even making eye contact when you first met. In her place was someone confident, precise, and utterly captivating.

Her movements were fluid but sharp, every step and wave of her arms synchronized perfectly with the rap she also flowed with. You watched in awe as she let herself go, completely immersed in the routine. It wasn’t just the dance—it was the way she carried herself, the way her expressions shifted with the music, the way she seemed to shine brighter with every move.

When the song ended, she struck a final pose and looked at you expectantly, her chest rising and falling from the exertion.

“Well?” she asked, a teasing smirk tugging at her lips.

“Holy crap,” you said, still processing what you’d just witnessed. “That was… insane. You’re amazing.”

Her cheeks turned pink at the compliment, and she waved it off with a laugh. “Stop, you’re just saying that.”

“I’m not,” you insisted. “You’re seriously talented, Aeri.”

Hearing her name roll off your tongue seemed to catch her off guard. Her playful demeanor softened, and for a moment, the two of you just stared at each other, the air between you thick with unspoken words.

“Thanks,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

From that night on, something changed. Aeri grew more comfortable, more open. She would dance for you, laugh with you, and share little pieces of herself that she’d kept hidden before. 

She evem started teasing you more, her quick wit always keeping you on your toes.

Over the next three weeks, you found yourself looking forward to the nights more than you cared to admit. You caught yourself smiling at the thought of her, replaying her laughter in your head, or the way her eyes sparkled when she talked about her dreams.

And then, one quiet night as you watched her attempt to teach you a few of her moves—her laughter ringing out every time you messed up—you felt it.

Love.

It wasn’t a thunderous, all-consuming realization. It was quiet, like a steady hum that had been building for days, weeks. It was in the way your chest felt lighter when she smiled, the way you wanted to hear her talk for hours, the way her presence made everything else seem… insignificant.

You were in love with Aeri.

And though you hadn’t told her, you knew there would come a time when you’d have to. For now, you let the feeling sit in your chest, warm and terrifying all at once, as you watched her dance under the moonlight, completely unaware of the way she’d stolen your heart.

But unbeknownst to you, the feelings had already started to flutter in Aeri’s heart long before that. 

It started since the first time you’d fed her—when she hesitated, unsure, but you’d simply handed her a lunchbox like it was the most natural thing in the world. She’d stared at you for a long moment before slowly accepting it.

It had been a small, simple gesture. But Aeri had never been one to let the little things slip by unnoticed.

It had started innocently, really. She’d started showing up earlier, sitting closer, waiting for you to bring her those meals she couldn’t quite afford on her own. And each time, her eyes would linger a bit longer than they should, as if she was trying to decipher something about you. 

At first, you thought it was just curiosity, a girl who’d been burned by the world trying to find something real to hold onto.

But by the second time you handed her food, you noticed something had changed. She had this way of looking at you—so different from the way she looked at others—that made you feel like she was seeing something that no one else had.

The quiet acknowledgment hung in the air that day but was clear between you two.

“Y/n,” she murmured, barely looking up as she unwrapped the lunchbox, “do you know what it’s like to feel so... lost?”

You paused mid-step, taken aback by her heavy tone. “I think I have an idea,” you said quietly.

She didn't respond right away, but you could feel her eyes on you like she was reading you in a way that made you feel exposed. And when she finally met your gaze, there was a softness in her expression that you hadn’t seen before.

“Thanks,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “You always know when I need something.”

It wasn’t just the food she needed. It was the small, simple act of someone showing up for her, day after day, even when the world didn’t seem to care. And even though you didn’t realize it yet, it was in those small, quiet moments that Aeri began to fall for you—without either of you even knowing it.

And so, in the following days, you’d begun to notice the way her smile would reach her eyes whenever you were around. The way she would pause just a little longer than usual when she spoke to you, her voice just a bit softer, like she was afraid you might slip away.

But Aeri, for all the walls she’d built up around herself, had learned early on to hide her heart behind a wall. It was the only way she knew how to protect herself because she knew in the industry she was shooting so hard for… it wouldn’t be accepted easily. 

So, while she had already started to fall for you, she hadn’t yet found the courage to admit it—whether to herself or to you. She wasn’t ready.

She couldn’t be. Not yet.

But what she didn’t know, what neither of you could have known, was that the feelings you both were trying to hold back were only going to be held with a long pause.

The day was dreary as if the sky itself mirrored your mood. 

Rain pattered softly against the windows of the store, the faint sound mingling with the low hum of the refrigerator cases. You stood behind the counter, aimlessly fiddling with a stray pen, your mind heavy with worry. It had been weeks since you last saw Aeri.

She always showed up, no matter how tired she looked or how late her practice ran. 

But now… nothing.

A thousand thoughts had plagued you since her absence. Maybe she got sick. Maybe she got caught sneaking out. Or maybe—your stomach churned—maybe the brutal idol world she was trapped in had finally taken its toll.

The bell above the door jingled, snapping you out of your spiral. You glanced up to see Gyoungbu entering, shaking the rain from his jacket. He gave you a sad smile before walking over with something in his hand.

“Noona,” he said softly, holding out a small, slightly crumpled envelope. “This was left by a girl earlier today. Not her, but she said to make sure you got it.”

Your heart sank, your chest tightening as you stared at the envelope. It was plain, the paper slightly damp from the rain.

“Did the girl say anything else?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

Gyoungbu shook his head, giving you a worried glance. “No… just that it was important.”

You hesitated, fingers weak as you reached for it. The paper felt heavier than it should, but you needed to know.

The store was quiet—no customers, just the faint sound of rain tapping against the glass. With a deep breath, you carefully unfolded the envelope and pulled out the note inside.

The handwriting was unmistakably Aeri’s, her neat but slightly slanted script staring back at you. The words blurred momentarily as your vision clouded, but you blinked quickly and began to read.

Y/n, I don’t even know how to start this letter. I’ve rewritten it so many times, but nothing feels good enough. So, I guess I’ll just say it. I had to leave. The company… it’s been unbearable. I thought I could handle it, that maybe if I just worked harder, they’d see my worth. But I was wrong. The constant yelling, the insults.  It was breaking me, piece by piece. And a few days ago… they hit me. I can still feel the sting, not just on my skin, but I felt it break my heart for once. That was my breaking point. I had to go. I’m moving to another company. One that seems kinder and more supportive. But leaving means I’m further away and had to leave you. I hate this. I hate leaving like this. But I need you to know something. You were the only good thing I had during these past few months. You made me feel like a person again, not just some trainee who wasn’t good enough. You made me laugh, you fed me when I couldn’t even take care of myself, and… you made me feel seen. I love you, Y/n. Thank you for being my friend and for being there for me when no one else was. Please don’t hate me for this. I’ll never forget you. -Aeri

The note slipped from your fingers, fluttering to the counter like a dead leaf. The world around you seemed to stop, the sounds of the rain and the humming refrigerators fading into nothingness.

Your knees felt weak, and you gripped the counter for support as her words echoed in your mind. She was gone. Gone from your life, from the late-night conversations and the quiet moments where you swore she was the only thing keeping you grounded.

And she’d been suffering. All that time, smiling and laughing with you, she’d been carrying this unbearable weight. And you never noticed.

Tears blurred your vision, but you didn’t bother wiping them away. The cold from your damp hair seeped into your clothes, but it was nothing compared to the ache in your chest.

She was gone, and all you had left was her note and the hollow realization that you’d fallen in love with someone who had no choice but to walk away.

The sharp chill of the evening air bit at your skin as you trudged home, the fatigue from juggling three jobs weighing heavily on your shoulders. It had been a month since Aeri’s letter. A month of trying to find meaning in the chaos she’d left behind.

You’d thrown yourself into work, clinging to the routine as if it could fill the void she left.

You passed by a sleek building with a bold sign outside: “OPEN AUDITIONS: WALK-INS WELCOME.” 

Your pace slowed, and you found yourself standing in front of the glass doors, staring at the posters advertising some upcoming drama.

The thought came impulsively, but it burned bright. What do I have to lose?

Your grandmother’s voice echoed in your mind, her dreams of you on the big screen rekindling a spark you thought had gone out. Before you could overthink it, you stepped inside.

The audition room was a blur of nerves and adrenaline. The casting directors asked questions, handed you a script, and had you read a scene. Somehow, the emotions you’d been suppressing poured out, lending raw authenticity to your performance.

When it was over, they simply nodded and told you they’d be in touch. You left, your heart pounding—not just from the audition but from the sheer fact that you had taken a leap for yourself.

So ,four years later, everything had changed.

That’s how you found yourself here, seated in the makeup chair as stylists buzzed around you like bees. The room hummed with energy, the kind of excitement that seemed to follow you ever since Mask Girl had catapulted you to stardom. Tonight was no different—the premiere screening of your latest drama, Fake Halo, was mere hours away, and the anticipation felt electric.

You stared at your reflection in the mirror as one of the stylists pinned back a stray strand of hair. Your thoughts, however, were elsewhere, spiraling into the tangled mess of what-ifs that had been clouding your mind lately.

A sharp knock on the door pulled you back to the present. Hana, your secretary and one of the few people who truly knew you, stepped inside, clutching her ever-present tablet. Her usual calm smile greeted you, but the spark in her eyes hinted at something more.

“Y/n,” she began, her tone light but professional, “your manager just messaged me. You’ve been invited to present the ‘Female Group of the Year’ award at the MMAs this weekend. It’s a last-minute thing, but they’re tying it into the popularity of Fake Halo. Great publicity, honestly.”

Your eyebrows shot up as you swiveled slightly in your chair to face her. “The MMAs? As in, the music awards?”

“Yup.”

You frowned. “I don’t even follow the K-pop scene, Hana. You know that.”

She chuckled, leaning casually against the doorframe. “You don’t have to. It’s not about the music for you. It's about visibility, exposure, and keeping your name out there. You’re not performing or anything—it’s just an award announcement. Easy.”

Letting out a resigned sigh, you turned back to the mirror. “I guess. But no sparkly dresses. I’m serious, Hana. I want to look professional.”

“Noted,” she teased, typing something onto her tablet with a grin. “But let’s be honest, you could wear a potato sack, and the media would still fawn over you. Relax, you’ve done scarier things.”

Her words were meant to be reassuring, but the tension bubbling in your chest refused to dissipate. You clapped your palms against each other—an old nervous habit you hadn’t quite shaken to try and dry off the sweat. Something about this felt weirder than it should have as if the universe was quietly nudging you toward something.

Hana’s smile faltered as she stepped closer, setting her tablet down on the counter.

Her voice softened. “Hey, what’s going on? You’ve been fidgety ever since I mentioned it.”

You hesitated, unsure how to put your unease into words. Finally, you muttered, “I don’t know. It’s just... what if someone I know is there?”

Hana tilted her head, her curiosity  wasevident. “Like an ex or something?”

“Not exactly,” you said quickly, heat creeping up your neck. “Just... someone from my past. It’s complicated.”

She studied you for a moment, her expression thoughtful. “Okay, well, even if that happens, then what? You’re Y/n. You’re successful, talented, and confident. You’ve worked so damn hard to get here—don’t let old ghosts haunt you now.”

Her words struck a chord, and a small, grateful smile tugged at your lips. “You’re way too good at this, Hana.”

“Damn right I am,” she said, patting your shoulder with a playful grin. “Now stop overthinking and focus on tonight. You’re going to kill it out there.”

By the time you stepped onto the red carpet, every trace of nervousness had been replaced by the polished confidence you’d mastered over the years. Cameras flashed from every direction as reporters called your name, their voices eager to capture even a sliver of your attention.

You wore a sleek black suit that exuded elegance and authority, a look you’d insisted on despite Hana’s gentle teasing. Judging by the buzz in the air and the admiring glances sent your way, you’d made the right choice.

Pausing to pose for photos, you let yourself relax into the rhythm of it all. The lights, the crowd, the energy—it had become your world, and you thrived in it.

Whatever the MMAs had in store, you were.

The MMA stage was a dazzling spectacle, the lights and screens shimmering with every color imaginable. You stood backstage, the hum of the crowd vibrating through the floor beneath your heels. The stage manager gave you a cue, and you walked out, the applause washing over you like a tidal wave.

“Good evening, everyone,” you began, your voice steady despite the nerves bubbling beneath the surface. “It’s an honor to be here tonight to present the award for ‘Female Group of the Year.’”

The nominees flashed across the massive screen behind you, and each group met with cheers from their respective fandoms. The envelope in your hand caused the audience to go silent, everyone's eyes currently on you.

“And the award for ‘Female Group of the Year’ goes to…” You paused for dramatic effect, a smile creeping onto your lips. “AESPA!”

The arena erupted in cheers, the crowd chanting the group’s name as the four members made their way to the stage. You stepped to the side, clapping along with the audience as they approached the mic.

And as your eyes skimmed the group, your heart stopped at the sight of a girl with pink hair. She resembled her… the woman you tried so hard to forget.

Aeri.

Her hair was longer now, styled normally to frame her face but the bright color of light pink made her stand out. She moved with the kind of confidence you didn’t remember, her smile radiant as she waved to the crowd. But it was her eyes that caught you—a seductive gaze hidden behind shades, but they were the same eyes that used to glance at you shyly during those late-night conversations.

Your breath hitched, and for a moment, the world seemed to slow. She looked at you, and you could see the moment recognition dawned on her face. Her smile faltered just slightly, but she recovered quickly, turning back to the mic.

You barely registered their speech, your mind spinning as memories flooded back. The note, the bleachers, the quiet nights of shared laughter and vulnerability. It was her. 

Aeri. Now, Giselle, standing before you as if the universe had brought her back into your orbit.

The speech ended, and the group bowed gracefully before making their way off the stage. You plastered on a professional smile, exiting in the opposite direction, your heart racing. 

Backstage, you leaned against the wall, trying to catch your breath.

“Get it together,” you muttered, running a hand through your hair.

The sound of hurried footsteps made you glance up. Giselle stood there, her chest rising and falling as if she’d run to catch you.

“Aeri,” you breathed, the name slipping out before you could stop it.

Her lips parted, her expression a mix of disbelief and longing. “Y/n,” she whispered, taking a hesitant step forward.

Neither of you spoke for a moment, the tension thick enough to suffocate. Finally, she broke the silence.

“I… I had to see you,” she said, her voice trembling. “I couldn’t just… let this moment pass.”

Your heart ached at the vulnerability in her eyes, the same eyes that had haunted your dreams for years. “You’re here,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper. 

She nodded, swallowing hard. “I saw you on stage, and I—” She paused, looking away for a moment before meeting your gaze again. “I didn’t know if you’d even want to talk to me.”

You took a shaky breath, your emotions threatening to spill over. “You left,” you said, the words heavier than you intended. “You left, and I didn’t know if you were okay. I didn’t even know if I’d ever see you again.”

Her eyes glistened, guilt etched into her features. “I know,” she said softly. “And I’m so sorry, Y/n. I never wanted to hurt you.”

The vulnerability in her voice cracked something inside you, and you found yourself stepping closer, your voice softening. “You didn’t hurt me, Aeri. You just… disappeared. And I didn’t know how to move on from that.”

The two of you stood there, the hum of the event fading into the background. It was just you and her, the weight of years apart pressing down on both of you.

Aeri was so close now that you could hear the soft hitch of her breath and feel the warmth radiating from her. There was no more crowd, no flashing lights, no noise—it was just the two of you, wrapped in the silence of a reunion long overdue.

Aeri’s hand slowly lifted, brushing against your arm as if she were afraid to make the first move. But when she met your eyes, there was something in her gaze—an openness, a longing—that made your heart skip a beat. She swallowed, eyes flickering between yours as if she were reading you, trying to understand the tension in the air.

“I—” She stopped herself, her voice trembling ever so slightly. “I never meant to leave you, Y/n.”

Her words hung in the air, fragile and tender and something about the way she spoke them made your heart ache. You wanted to reach out, to hold her, to ease the distance that had stretched between you both for so long.

And then, without warning, she stepped closer, closing the gap. Your breath hitched, and your chest tightened as she gently cupped your cheek, her thumb brushing along your jaw. You could feel her pulse racing, matching your own, as she leaned in, her lips hovering just inches from yours.

‘Is this really happening? We just saw each other after so many years,’ were the thoughts running through your mind. But were you going to let it happen? Yes. You met her at your worst, and you're finding each other at your best. It felt like complete fate took its course.

It was the kind of moment that felt as if time itself had paused as if the world was holding its breath. The warmth of her skin, the soft scent of her hair, and the undeniable pull between the two of you—it was all-consuming. You had no words to offer her, no witty remark or clever line because all you could think about was the space between you and how badly you wanted to close it.

Aeri’s eyes fluttered shut as she gently pressed her lips to yours, and everything else in the world melted away. The kiss was soft at first, tender, as though she was savoring the moment. Her hand slid to the back of your neck, pulling you in closer, and the kiss deepened, both of you surrendering to the pull of years of unspoken feelings of what had been lost and was now found again.

When you finally pulled apart, your breath coming in shaky gasps, Aeri rested her forehead against yours. The moment felt like it could stretch on forever, the world around you disappearing completely.

“I want to make it up to you,” she whispered, her voice soft but steady. “I want to take you out. Dinner, just the two of us. To make up for all the time I lost.”

Your heart raced, still reeling from the kiss, but her words were all you needed to hear. It was everything you hadn’t known you needed and more.

“Yeah,” you whispered back, your voice shaky but filled with something you couldn’t quite name. “I’d like that.”

Her eyes sparkled as she gave you a small, content smile. And in that moment, with the two of you standing there together, you knew that all that time you lost, would all be found.

Choi Y/n, the oldest member of Aespa, was known for many things. Her dance skills, rap skills, composing, and even music production. She’s even the older sister of TXT member Choi Yeonjun.

But if you were to ask the K-pop community and idol industry what she was known for, it was her visuals. Y/n had a powerful gaze, sharp jawline, plump lips, and currently, oxford blue hair that cascaded down her back, ending right above her hips.

One dull day, Karina and Y/n were in SM’s dance studio. It was their day off, and despite being happy about that, the two members didn’t know what to do with their day, so they just decided to go to the company building and chill there.

The two girls wore similar outfits: grey sweats, a basic cropped hoodie, and sneakers. They lay on the black couch, just staring at the ceiling.

"Unnie~, I’m bored~"

"Jimin-ah... so am I."

The two looked at each other as Karina laid her head on Y/n’s lap, trying to figure out how to make time go by faster.

“Wait, what if we do a live?” Karina jumps into action, going to get the company phone, “you finally came up with an idea after so long.”

“You could’ve thought of it yourself!” Y/n chuckles as the girl sticks her tongue out, returning with another phone.

They take a tripod phone stand, attach it, and begin the V-live. After waiting a few minutes for MY to join, they finally had about 5k viewers, so they decided to start.

“Hello, guys,” Y/n stares at the chat while her and Karina wave.

“AESPA’S VISUAL LINE?”

“What did we do to deserve your guy’s grace today?”

“Y/n and Karina’s duo is something I didn’t know I needed.”

“Clap twice if you wanna leave SM.”

Y/n laughed at the several comments she saw, especially the English ones. “You guys know how to make me laugh.”

“We were bored, so we just decided to go on V-live to talk to you guys,” the younger stated, and spam of hearts came from the chat. The two keep reading and begin to read some questions.

“What song are you guys obsessed with at the moment?”

“Spicy by Aespa,” Karina said, making Y/n look at her like she was crazy, “Okay, self-promo.”

“Unnie, that’s how it should be. We’re idols, man,” Y/n laughs at Karina’s statement, hitting her lightly as it was a habit when she found things funny. “Anyways, for me, it would probably have to be Unforgiven & Fire in the Belly by Le Sserafim. They killed it on their album.” Karina nods in agreement.

“Dance Unforgiven? Guys, I haven’t learned the choreography.”

“She’s lying~ She knows it from TikTok,” Karina exposes her in a tattle-tale tone. “Wha~, no way you outed me like that,” the younger shrugs, followed by a giggle. “Do it, unnie.”

“Fine,” Y/n gets up to go to the computer. She ensured everything was connected before playing a few seconds before the chorus. “You guys ready for unnie to slay?” Karina says, and Y/n begins to dance the chorus. Effortlessly, she jumps with a bunny-like hand, then turns her fingers into horns and repeats, doing the same steps.

Once she finishes, the leader goes, “See, I told you she’s a liar. She knew the dance.” Y/n sits back down next to her, slapping Karina’s shoulder, which causes the girl to act like it hurts.

The live went on for 3 hours, and a lot happened. The girls talked, danced, and even sang songs. Now fans had a compilation of them dancing to ‘Kick It’ by NCT 127, ‘Wannabe’ by ITZY, ‘Hype Boy’ by New Jeans, ‘Hey Mama’ by the SWF dance challenge, and more.

Nearing the end, they decided to take one final request, “Psycho by Red Velvet sunbaenim?” When Karina read the comment, Y/n rushed to the computer and played the instrumental version. “Wait, we’re singing to it as well?”

“Yes! I love this song way too much to not sing it.”

The two got in place, and once the song began, Karina focused on dancing while Y/n did the adlibs perfectly. Comments start to go wild over her voice.

“Y/n drank the SM water again.”

“Ain’t no way she hitting Wendy’s notes????”

“Sub-vocal of Aespa, everyone!”

Y/n joins in on the dance now, and the two begin switching lines back and forth, creating a live vocal performance of the song. The second verse begins to hit, Y/n gets hyped and raps, “Hey trouble 경따윈 없이 오는 너, I’m original visual, 우린 원래 이랬어 yeah.” Karina joins her in singing the iconic one-liner. Then the comments go crazy again.

“4TH GEN ORIGINAL VISUALS YUH.”

“Wha~ the rap suits her.”

“I need a collab with Aespa’s visual line and Irene.”

As the song ends, the two are out of breath and fall to the ground. The echoing dance studio now echoed with their heavy breathing, “Sorry guys, we went a bit overboard,” Y/n tells them as the two drink their waters.

“No, you didn’t. It was amazing!”

“I need a live stage version stat.”

“Joohyun-ssi would be proud.”

“I think that’s it for us, you guys. We’ll do a V-live soon with the other members,” Karina tells the chat, and as fans spammed bye, she ended the stream.

“I’m pooped, man.”

“Same.”

The two get up and prepare to head back to their dorms. Once in the van, Y/n stays on her phone while Karina takes a quick nap. She then gets a notification from Instagram, which she questions. That would only mean an idol was texting her, but it would mean they’re an idol she never spoke to before since they didn’t message her regularly.

Looking at her DMs, shocked was an understatement. The Bae Joohyun had texted her, and once she opened the chat, she wanted to throw her phone out of the car.

Irene texted, ‘Wow, Y/n-ssi, you're a beautiful dancer. Thank you for rapping my lines and doing justice to our song.’

...

BEAUTIFUL DANCER?!

Y/n and the Aespa members were reasonably close to certain SM idols, mainly female idols, due to Y/n, Karina, and Winter being in Got The Beat. One specific idol she never got the chance to interact with was the one who was texting her right now.

‘It’s an honor, sunbaenim. I’m glad it got your approval,’ Y/n sends. She was frantic, not knowing what to say, ‘An honor? Your sound so corny, c’mon.’ Before she could even unsend the message, texting bubbles began to pop up.

Oh dear, she saw it. ‘Y/n-ah. No need to be so formal. Just call me Joohyun-unnie.’

If you thought this couldn’t make it any worse for Y/n, it did. She freaks out and has to do breathing exercises to calm herself down.

‘Okay, unnie! May I ask how you knew about the cover?’

‘Ah, the clips circulated very fast, lol.’

Y/n smiled to herself. She was texting someone she thought was untouchable in the industry. The car stops, and she notices they’re in front of their dorm. “Jimin-ah, wake up, we’re here,” she wakes the younger in a delicate tone.

At another dorm, the older woman lay in bed watching the Psycho cover multiple times. “Unnie, do you have my sweater? The red one?” Irene heard Seulgi’s voice.

“Yeah, it’s in here on my chair!” She hears the dancer’s footsteps, and as Seulgi enters the room, she hears the Psycho clip, catching her attention as well.

“What are you watching?” The younger lay on her paid, peaking at her phone to see the familiar girls. “Y/n and Jimin did a cover of Psycho, even singing to it,” Irene shows her the phone, and Seulgi smiles at the two girls.

“I’m not surprised. They’ve always been excellent,” she stands up and takes her sweater. “That reminds me to text them soon.”

Irene says, “You think I can have Y/n’s number?” Seulgi looks at her leader with suspicious eyes.

“Sure,” Seulgi sends your number to Irene, but before she leaves, she asks the latter, “Can I ask why?”

“I just want to get to know her. Is that so bad?” Irene says as she adds your number to her contacts and in a sarcastic tone, “Right, that’s the reason, unnie.”

Irene rolled her eyes as Seulgi left. She wasn’t lying when she said she wanted to get to know you, but Seulgi knew her unnie too well to know that that wasn’t the only reason. Irene thought you were gorgeous, sexy, and very charismatic.

She’d never admit that to her members, though. Maybe she would after she and Y/n establish a bond.