#idol!addition

The set was simple, it made everything else stand out more, a clean space with soft lighting that rested gently over them without being harsh, and in the middle of it Luna and Jeonghan sat across from each other dressed in white, the color making them look even softer against the background, like they had been placed there on purpose to contrast yet match at the same time.

They were both holding small cards in their hands, their fingers lightly gripping the edges as if they already knew what was coming but were still curious about how it would unfold. They both smiled at the camera at the same time, not rehearsed, just natural.

Luna leaned forward just slightly as she spoke first, her voice calm but bright. “Hi, GQ. I'm Luna.”

Jeonghan followed right after, his tone just as steady, his eyes still lingering on her for a second longer before shifting forward. “I'm Jeonghan.”

“And today we'll be taking the Couples Quiz.” Luna finished, her voice carried a small hint of amusement, like she already knew how this would go, and when she finished she turned her head toward him, catching him already looking at her, his gaze steady and unreadable but familiar in a way that made her lips curl just a little more.

“Who's going first?” Luna asked.

Jeonghan did not answer with words, he simply lifted his arm and stretched it out toward her, his hand forming a loose fist.

Luna let out a small breath of laughter before mirroring him, her arm extending forward until their hands hovered close, the space between them filled with something light and playful.

They both lifted their hands up and down in rhythm, the movement small but in sync.

“Rock, Papers, Scissors... shoot,” Luna muttered softly.

Their hands snapped into place at the same time, and when the shapes settled it was her scissors against his paper, a clean win, and Luna’s smile widened just a little as she pulled her hand back.

“Okay. I'll go first.”

She said it like she expected to, like she had already prepared herself for this moment, and she began flipping through the cards in her hand, her eyes scanning the questions briefly before she paused and looked back up at him, her expression shifting into something teasing.

“Ready? You'll have to get all of these right or I'll be very upset.”

Jeonghan leaned back into his seat, his posture relaxing as if the warning did nothing to shake him, and he gave a small nod, a quiet hum leaving him that carried confidence more than anything else, like he had already accepted the challenge without thinking twice.

Luna watched him for a second before she let out a soft giggle, her fingers adjusting the card before she read the first question aloud. “What was I wearing when you first saw me?” She lifted her gaze again immediately, her finger pointing at him to make sure he understood exactly what she meant. “When you first saw me. Not when you first spoke to me.”

Jeonghan nodded once, his expression barely changing as he answered without hesitation. “You were wearing a black shirt and black jeans, and you had red Converses on. You were wearing a black zip up sweater over it.” He paused just slightly, like he was looking at the memory again instead of just recalling it.

“You wore black a lot when we were trainees. That was one of the reasons you stood out to everyone.” His eyes shifted to her then, softer. “But you stood out to me because you were really pretty.”

For a moment Luna did not say anything, her smile already there but her cheeks slowly turning red as she nodded, her gaze dropping briefly before she looked back up.

“That's right, I had an emo phase.” She said it lightly, brushing it off even if the reaction lingered on her face, and she quickly moved on, flipping to the next card as if to hide it.

“What is something about me that people get completely wrong?”

Jeonghan answered just as easily, his tone calm. “It used to bother you how people thought you were rude because of how you look.”

Luna nodded immediately, not even letting him finish fully. “I have a resting bitch face.”

There was no hesitation in the way she said it, and Jeonghan let out a small breath of amusement before continuing, his voice steady. “People tend to have that as their first impression of you, that you're rude or a snob, but you're not.”

Luna watched him for a second before nodding again. “Correct.” She said before glancing down at her cards, her energy picking up again as she flipped to the next one. “Next question! What is my go-to order when I'm hungry and don't want to think of what to order?”

Jeonghan tilted his head slightly, thinking for a second, not because he did not know but because he was choosing how to answer.

“Go to order? It depends on your mood…” He started slowly. “You normally go for something spicy. If you're feeling something Korean it's Jjamppong. If you're feeling Western it's pizza.”

Luna’s smile returned immediately, a little more playful this time. “What kind of pizza?” She asked it like a test, like she already knew he would get it right but wanted to see him say it anyway.

“Pepperoni pizza with stuffed crust.”

“That's correct.” Luna chuckled, clearly pleased.

Jeonghan turned his head toward the camera slightly, shifting just enough to include the viewers. “She dislikes pizza crusts and won’t eat them unless it’s stuffed.”

Luna nodded right away, her expression serious for a second as if defending herself. “I don’t like plain crust, it’s too dry, so if it’s stuffed I’ll eat it.”

She then glanced back at her card, her fingers tapping lightly against it before she read the next question “What is something I do when I'm shy or flustered? She lifted her gaze again, watching him closely. “You have to be very specific.”

Jeonghan’s lips curved slightly, like he already knew exactly what she was referring to, and he leaned forward just a bit this time as he answered. “You tuck your hair behind your ear even if it’s already tucked, your voice gets quieter without you noticing, and you blink a lot as if you’re trying to hide in your eyelids.”

Luna blinked at him, her lips parting just slightly before she let out a small laugh, her hand instinctively moving up to her hair before she caught herself halfway.

“I didn’t even know about the blinking thing…” Luna raised her eyebrow at him.

Jeonghan nodded. “You blink a lot when you’re flustered.”

Luna shook her head lightly, still smiling, and moved on. “You got all those right, I guess.” She flipped the card. “What is my most used phrase or reaction when I'm annoyed?”

Before she could even look up properly, Jeonghan was already reacting, his face shifting as he mimicked her, his eyes rolling slightly before he spoke in a tone that was clearly hers. “Yoon Jeonghan!”

Luna immediately turned toward the camera, laughing under her breath, her shoulders shaking just a little. “That's my most used reaction when I'm annoyed because he annoys me the most.”

Jeonghan muttered quietly under his breath, just loud enough to be heard. “It's because I like hearing you say my name like that.”

Luna let out another laugh at that, her eyes briefly closing as she shook her head. Her gaze back went to the cards in her hand, her fingers sliding one forward as her smile settled into something more focused, though the softness from before still lingered in the way her lips curved, and without looking up right away she read the next question.

“What did I want to be when I was younger?”

She finally lifted her eyes to him, watching him carefully, and Jeonghan did not take long to answer, his voice steady like he had gone over this before in his head without realizing it.

“You first wanted to be a prima ballerina. Then you wanted to be a psychologist at some point before you wanted to be an idol.”

Luna’s expression shifted almost immediately, her smile widening just a little as she nodded. “Correct!”

Jeonghan leaned back just slightly, his gaze still on her as he added without hesitation. “You achieved the first two dreams in some shape or form.”

For a brief second Luna did not speak, her smile softening as her eyes dropped for a moment before she nodded again, slower this time. “I did.”

There was a small pause, not uncomfortable, just enough for the weight of that to sit, before Jeonghan spoke again, his voice just as calm but softer.

“You're amazing.”

Luna looked back up at him, the compliment landing without surprise.

“Thank you.” She said, shifting in her seat slightly, as if brushing off the moment before it could linger too long, her fingers already moving to the next card.

“Next question… What is my biggest pet peeve?”

Jeonghan leaned forward this time, his elbows coming closer to his knees as he looked at her, his lips already curving with a hint of mischief. “How much time to we have?” He teased, and Luna immediately let out a laugh, shaking her head as if she already knew what was coming.

He did not stop there, his tone turning into something more animated as he went on. “You have a few, but your biggest pet peeve is when someone doesn't close the door after opening it.”

The moment he said it Luna physically reacted, her shoulders lifting slightly as she cringed, her expression tightening before she straightened up in her seat almost instinctively, like she had been waiting for an excuse to say this out loud.

“It doesn’t make sense to me when people open a door, enter, and leave it wide open as if they have a long tail trailing behind them.” She paused only to breathe before continuing, her brows pulling together. “It’s not hard to shut the door afterwards. It’s so annoying. I don’t know why, but it genuinely gets me heated.”

As she spoke Jeonghan slowly turned his head toward the camera, nodding once, his expression calm but knowing, like he had seen this exact reaction too many times before.

“You also hate people who are rude, people who lack common sense, people who walk slow, people who chew loudly… you hate being woken up by turning the lights on. You also hate when someone goes 'Tch'." He shifted slightly before continuing, adding more with the same ease.

Luna was already nodding before he even finished, her lips pressing together in agreement, and from behind the camera a voice from the producer cut in. “Why do you hate when people go 'Tch'?”

Luna turned toward the direction of the voice, her expression thoughtful for a second before she answered. “I don’t know why, but usually people make that sound when they are worrying about something or frustrated about something.” She tilted her head slightly as she continued, trying to explain it clearly. “And I feel like it’s annoying because it’s like they’re making it known they’re annoyed but won’t say anything… they just want you to know they’re annoyed. Does that make sense?”

Jeonghan let out a small chuckle under his breath, shaking his head slightly as he looked at her. “You're so passionate.”

Luna let out a quiet breath of laughter, nodding like she was aware of it herself. “I know.” She answered before quickly moving on, flipping the card again.

“Anyway, next question. What is my ideal day off?”

Jeonghan did not even need a second for that one. “Staying at home doing nothing.”

“Yup. I don't get to do that often, so whenever I can I just rot in bed.” Luna elaborated with a nod, and without lingering she moved to the next question, her eyes lighting up just a little as she read it.

“Next question... ooh this one is good—What is my favorite nickname from you?”

Jeonghan paused this time, actually thinking, his eyes drifting for a second as if sorting through options.

“You call me a lot of nicknames.” Luna said, watching him closely.

Jeonghan hummed before answering, “My moon.”

Luna’s smile returned immediately, softer this time, and she nodded. “That is my favorite, but it has to be a complete answer.”

Jeonghan let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. “Alright, my pretty moon.”

Luna giggled, she turned her head toward the camera for a second, giving a quick wink before looking back down at her cards.

“Ooh, this one is... okay,” She said before reading the next question out loud, her tone shifting just slightly. “When did I realize that I liked you more than a friend?”

Jeonghan snickered almost immediately, not even pretending to think. “That's a trick question because you always liked me more than a friend.”

Luna tried to keep her composure but it showed, the way her lips pressed together as she held back a laugh, her cheeks warming as she avoided looking at him, her eyes dropping down to the next card instead.

“You're one to talk.” She muttered under her breath, and Jeonghan only shrugged in response, a small smirk settling on his lips as he watched her.

“Moving on...” Luna said quickly, clearing her throat slightly as she continued. “What is something I always steal from you?”

“My clothes.” Jeonghan answered right away.

“You have to be specific.”

“Hoodies,” He said. “Specifically the oversized yellow hoodie.”

“That's right. It's technically mine at this point.” Luna said, lifting her chin slightly as if claiming it fully.

“What's mine is yours. It doesn't matter.” Jeonghan did not look away from her as he responded.

Luna held his gaze for just a second before she looked back down at her cards again. “How many tattoos do I have?” She asked. “Bonus points if you can name what they all are.”

Jeonghan straightened up in his seat this time, his eyes scanning over her instinctively as if the answer was written there, and he let out a quiet breath.

“Give me second...”

Luna nodded, watching him as he went quiet, his gaze moving carefully all over her body as he counted on his fingers one by one, his focus clear.

“You have seven.” He started, then continued without rushing. “The number ‘17’ on the side of your right wrist, a crescent moon on the left side of your wrist, a small letter ‘J’ inside your left ring finger, a bow at the back of your right hand, the word 'eventually' in between your right middle finger, one on your right side by your ribcage that says 'lady of the moon' and one on the back of your neck that says 'lovebug'."

Luna broke into a smile before she even spoke, her hands coming together in a small clap. “Correct.” She said, her tone bright as she nodded at him. “That was really good.” She added, clearly impressed.

Jeonghan leaned back again, satisfied but not surprised.

Luna flipped to the next card without wasting time. “What is something I do when I'm jealous?”

Jeonghan let out a small chuckle at that, his head tilting slightly. “You rarely get jealous.”

“That's true. But what do I do when I am?” Luna pressed, watching him carefully.

“You either ignore me completely or don't leave my side. There's no in between.” He answered confidently.

Before Luna could respond the producer’s voice came in again from behind the camera. “What situation do you ignore him versus not leaving his side?”

“It depends.” Luna and Jeonghan said in unison, their voices overlapping perfectly.

Luna let out a soft laugh right after, shaking her head slightly as the moment settled between them. She then lifted the next card, her fingers lightly tapping against the edge as she glanced down for a brief second before looking back up at him, her expression already hinting that she expected him to get this right without effort.

“What irrational fear do I have?” She asked, “This is really easy.”

There was a small lift of her brow, almost challenging, but the softness in her eyes gave her away, he knows this, he always does.

Jeonghan nodded immediately, not even needing a second to think as he leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow against his knee while counting off in a calm and steady tone.

“You’re scared of spiders,” he began, his voice even as if he were reciting something he had gone over many times before, “you’re claustrophobic, you hate throwing up, you’re scared of the dark because in extension you are scared of going blind,” he continued, his lips pressing together briefly as he recalled the rest, “and you’re scared of the deep sea.” He finished without hesitation, his gaze fixed on her as if confirming each one as he said it.

Luna nodded along as he spoke, her lips curling into a small smile that grew wider with each correct answer before she let out a quiet hum of agreement. “Other than those things, I’m scared of nothing else irrational,” she said.

She shifted slightly in her seat, the card in her hand flipping to the next one as her eyes skimmed over it before she read it aloud. “What movies or shows do I enjoy watching?” Luna asked Jeonghan as she watched him expectantly.

Jeonghan let out a soft breath, tilting his head as if organizing his thoughts before answering. “You watch a lot of animated shows and movies,” he started, his tone thoughtful but confident, “you prefer comedy over dramas, and you have a weird obsession with documentaries, especially crime documentaries.” He finished, glancing at her with a faint smile as if already knowing he had it right.

Luna smiled at that, her shoulders relaxing as she nodded. “I love a good documentary,” she said, her voice soft with a hint of fondness.

“She was sobbing over an animal documentary a few weeks ago,” Jeonghan said to the camera, his tone calm but carrying a quiet amusement as he turned his head slightly.

“I was,” Luna admitted without hesitation, her lips pressing together briefly before she let out a small breath of a laugh, “they’re unnecessarily sad.”

Without lingering too long, she moved on, flipping to the next card with practiced ease. “What kind of pets did I have growing up?”

Jeonghan answered just as quickly. “You used to have a lot of childhood pets, but you didn’t have anything with fur because your mom is allergic,” he said before continuing without pause, “you had two goldfishes, two angelfishes, two janitor fishes, two turtles, and two hermit crabs.”

Luna’s face lit up at that, her smile widening as she leaned back slightly. “I’m so happy you remember,” she said.

“Of course,” Jeonghan hummed softly, his lips curving into a small smile as he looked at her.

Luna tilted her head slightly, a playful glint in her eyes as she added, “I’ll give you bonus points if you can tell me why I had two of each.”

“It’s because you didn’t want them to get lonely,” Jeonghan said with a small smirk, his answer coming easily before he turned his head toward the camera, his expression softening into something more amused, “Isn’t she so cute?”

Luna let out a quiet laugh at that, shaking her head slightly as she looked down for a moment before meeting his gaze again. “You’re such a smooth talker,” she said, her tone teasing but not denying it.

She moved on quickly after that, her fingers tightening slightly around the last card as she glanced down at it. “This is the last question,” Luna said, her voice carrying a small hint of anticipation, “Out of all the gifts you have given me, what’s my favorite one?”

Jeonghan paused this time, his brows drawing together slightly as he thought, his gaze dropping for a second before lifting back up to her. “It’s either Bugs or that ring on your finger,” he said after a few seconds, his tone measured but sure.

Luna nodded almost immediately, her smile softening as she looked at him. “Those are my two favorites,” she confirmed, her voice quieter this time.

There was a brief moment where she simply looked at him, her expression filled with something warm before she let out a small laugh, shaking her head lightly. “You got all of the questions correct,” Luna said, her voice carrying a mix of surprise and admiration.

Jeonghan nodded once, leaning back slightly as a small, confident smile settled on his face. “Of course I got a perfect score,” he said, his tone playful but assured, “I’m just that good.” His eyes flickered toward her, the corner of his lips lifting a little more. “You have to get a perfect score as well now.”

He reached for his cards then, picking them up with ease as Luna straightened in her seat, her posture shifting into something more focused as she prepared herself. There was a small spark of determination in her eyes as she looked at him, ready.

“Bet,” Luna said, her voice certain, as she waited for the first question.

“Okay, first question...” Jeonghan said, scanning through his cards before continuing, “What is something I do when I want your attention?”

Luna did not even take a second to think, her answer coming out immediately as if it had been waiting. “Be extra annoying.” She said it so plainly that it made the crew behind the camera let out a quiet laugh, her tone carrying a certainty that came from experience.

Jeonghan’s lips curved into a slow smirk, his head tilting slightly as he leaned forward just a little, clearly enjoying this. “In what way?” Jeonghan smirked, asking her to elaborate, his eyes fixed on her as if he already knew what she was about to say and wanted to hear it anyway.

Luna exhaled softly through her nose, already amused as she glanced at the camera before looking back at him.

“Remember the door closing thing I mentioned earlier?” Luna looked at the camera, her brows lifting slightly as if pulling them into the moment, “That. He leaves the door open knowing it will get my attention.” Her voice held a mix of disbelief and familiarity, like it was something she had accepted long ago.

Jeonghan let out a quiet chuckle at that, his shoulders lifting slightly as he nodded, not even trying to deny it. There was something satisfied in the way he reacted, like he took pride in how well he annoyed her.

He moved on smoothly, his eyes dropping back to the card as he read the next one. “When and where was our first kiss?” he asked, his tone casual but his gaze flickering up to her with quiet interest.

Luna’s reaction was immediate, her expression shifting as a faint blush crept up her cheeks, her lips parting slightly before she let out a small breath of a laugh. “I wasn't expecting that question.” She said it softly, almost to herself, her fingers tightening slightly around her own cards as she tried to gather her thoughts.

Jeonghan raised a brow at her, watching her closely. “You don't remember?” he asked, his tone light but carrying a hint of teasing that only made her more aware of his attention.

“I do...” Luna said, her voice quieter now as she shook her head slightly as if clearing it, “It was in your car on the drive home from Wonwoo's birthday six years ago.” Her voice steadied as she spoke, her eyes lifting to meet his again.

Jeonghan’s expression softened at that, a small smile forming on his lips as he watched her. “You remember everything, don't you?” he teased gently, his tone low and amused.

“Yes! Next question!” Luna waved him off quickly, her hand making a small dismissive motion as she avoided holding his gaze for too long, already knowing the look he was giving her.

There was a quiet glint in Jeonghan’s eyes as he watched her for a moment longer before moving on, flipping to the next card. “What was the first thing I ever said to you when we first met?” He asked.

Luna’s expression softened instantly, her smile turning fond as the memory settled in her mind.

“You introduced yourself to me, asked me my name, welcomed me, and then told me if I needed anything that I could tell you.” She answered with a smile, her voice carrying a warmth that lingered in the air. “You kept me company the entire time, making me laugh because you said I looked like I needed a laugh.”

Jeonghan watched her as she spoke, something softer settling in his expression before he nodded. “Correct. Good job.”

“Next question… Oh—Who is my celebrity crush?” There was already a smirk on his face as he asked it, his eyes narrowing slightly in amusement.

Luna let out a small breath of a laugh, her lips curving as she tilted her head. “If it's not me then I don't want to hear the correct answer.” Luna joked, her tone light but her eyes watching him carefully.

“That's too bad because it's actually—” Jeonghan started teasing, his voice stretching the words just enough to make her react.

Before he could finish, Luna leaned forward and playfully poked him with the pointy end of her shoe, her expression warning but amused as he broke into laughter.

“I'm joking.” He said quickly, his laughter soft but genuine.

“I know... you're obsessed with me.” Luna said nonchalantly, her tone steady as if it were a simple fact.

Jeonghan’s smile deepened at that, his eyes lingering on her. “You get a point for that.” He said, winking at her before shifting his attention back to the cards.

“Next question...” he continued, his voice smooth as he read, “Where did we go on our first date?”

“The zoo.” Luna answered immediately, her lips curving as she leaned back slightly. “Because you said if I got bored, at least the animals would be entertaining enough to save the date.” She added, her tone carrying a hint of teasing as she looked at him.

Jeonghan let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head slightly. “That was a good reason.” He said, his voice light.

“It was a very you reason.” Luna replied, her eyes narrowing slightly in amusement.

“It worked, didn’t it?” he shot back, his brows lifting.

“It did.” Luna admitted, her smile softening as she looked at him.

Jeonghan nodded once, satisfied. “Another point for you.” he said before moving on without missing a beat. “What was I wearing when we first met? These are easy questions.”

Luna smiled back, her answer immediate. “A neon green shirt with your name written on it, the shirt they made the trainees wear.”

“Correct!” Jeonghan said, his tone bright with approval as he flipped to the next card, “What's my routine before I go to sleep?”

“Nowadays? Or before you started your service?” Luna asked, her brows pulling together slightly as she needed the clarification.

“Nowadays.” Jeonghan answered simply.

Luna straightened in her seat slightly, her expression focused as she answered, “Once you get home from work you immediately shower, then you eat dinner if you feel like it which is most of the time, then you lay in bed scrolling on your phone or we watch a movie we’ll never finish, then you brush your teeth, and go to bed and sleep.” Her voice was steady, each step coming naturally as she listed them out.

Jeonghan tilted his head slightly, his lips curving into a knowing smile. “You're missing one step.” He said it casually, but there was something in his tone that made it clear he had been waiting to say it.

Luna frowned slightly, her brows furrowing as she replayed her answer in her head. “No I didn't.” She said, her voice firm as she looked at him.

“You did.” Jeonghan smirked at her, clearly enjoying this.

“I didn't. What did I miss?” she asked, leaning forward slightly now, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Jeonghan’s smile turned more smug as he answered, “Before I go to sleep, I kiss you first. You missed the most important step.”

Luna let out a small laugh in disbelief, her head tilting back slightly before she rolled her eyes playfully, her lips still curved as she turned her head toward the camera. “He is doing too much because he knows this interview is relationship centered.” She said it with a mix of amusement and mild exasperation, her tone giving him away completely.

Jeonghan chuckled softly at her reaction, clearly pleased with himself. “You'll get a point for that anyway because I'm generous.” he said as he leaned back slightly.

“I get a point because I was right!” Luna retorted immediately, her voice quick as she looked at him, not letting him have the last word.

Jeonghan did not waste any time as he lifted the next card, his fingers sliding it forward with ease as his eyes scanned the question before he read it aloud. “What's my zodiac sign?”

“Libra.” Luna answered without hesitation. She did not even pause before adding, a small smile forming on her lips as she tilted her head slightly, “That's easy... what's my zodiac sign?”

Jeonghan’s lips curved immediately, his eyes glinting with mischief as he answered without missing a beat. “Intj.”

Luna’s reaction was instant as she reached over and smacked his arm, her brows pulling together in disbelief while her lips parted in protest. “Ya! That's correct and wrong at the same time.” she said, her tone caught between amused and mildly offended.

Jeonghan let out a quiet laugh, clearly pleased with himself before answering properly this time, his voice softer as he looked at her. “You're an Aquarius, baby.”

“Mm hmm.” she said, nodding as she settled back slightly, accepting the answer with a small satisfied hum.

He flipped to the next card, his fingers tapping lightly against it before reading, “What's something that you weren't expecting to love about me?”

Luna let out a soft chuckle at that, her eyes briefly dropping before lifting again as she answered, her voice carrying a quiet honesty. “That you’re annoying.” She said it plainly, but there was warmth in the way she spoke. “Normally that would obviously annoy me with other people,” she continued, her lips curving into a small smile as she looked at him, “but it’s one of the traits I love the most about you.”

Jeonghan watched her as she spoke, his expression softening just slightly before shifting into something more playful again. “So you’re saying I’m special?” he asked.

“You’re saying that, not me.” Luna replied immediately, though the smile on her face betrayed her words.

Jeonghan tilted his head slightly, studying her for a brief moment before nodding as if accepting her answer anyway. “Sure, sure. I’ll take that.”

He moved on, flipping the card with practiced ease as he read the next question. “What are your nicknames for me? You also have a lot.”

“Jeonghannie, Hannie, Han, Jeongie, and Angel Boy.” Luna answered confidently, her voice steady as she listed them off without missing one.

Jeonghan’s lips curled into another smirk, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at her. “Don't forget...” he said, lifting the cards up to cover his mouth from the camera as he mouthed something to her.

Luna frowned slightly, her brows knitting together as she leaned forward, trying to catch what he was saying. “Huh?” she said, her voice filled with confusion.

Jeonghan mouthed something again.

She squinted slightly, trying to read his lips again, still not getting it. “What?”

Without warning, Jeonghan hooked his foot around the leg of her chair and pulled her closer, the movement smooth as it caught her off guard.

Luna’s eyes widened in surprise as she was pulled toward him, her body shifting forward before he leaned in and whispered something quietly into her ear.

Her eyes went even wider before she pulled back and smacked him, her hand landing against his arm as he threw his head back and laughed, the sound full and unrestrained.

“You're so annoying. Read the next question.” she told him, her voice trying to sound firm but the slight shake of her head and the lingering smile on her lips gave her away.

Jeonghan gathered himself, clearing his throat lightly as he looked back down at the cards, though the grin had not fully left his face. “What's my favorite Lego set I built?” he read.

Luna’s expression brightened instantly, her eyes lighting up as she let out a small gasp. “You really enjoyed the Ferrari set,” she said, her voice animated as she leaned forward slightly, “and the Bowser one we built together.”

Jeonghan nodded at that, his expression softening again. “The cars are my favorite ones,” he said, his tone calm as he confirmed it, “but yeah, the recent one we built... Bowser is my new favorite.”

Luna nodded, her smile lingering as she turned her head toward the camera. “We both have a Lego addiction,” she said.

“What’s your favorite set you’ve built?” the producer asked from behind the camera.

Luna turned back slightly, her expression thoughtful for a moment before answering. “Hannie bought me the Hogwarts Castle that had like six-thousand something pieces. We spent three whole days building it together.” Her voice softened slightly at the memory, her eyes flickering toward him.

Jeonghan watched her as she spoke, his gaze steady and fond, the corner of his lips lifting just slightly.

Luna continued, her hands moving slightly as she spoke, more animated now. “It’s the biggest Lego set we have,” she said, her tone filled with a quiet pride, “and it was one of the reasons we bought a bigger house.” She let out a small laugh at that, shaking her head slightly. “Now we have an entire separate room filled with just our Legos.”

Jeonghan let out a soft laugh, nodding in agreement. “It got out of control.”

“You encourage it.” Luna shot back immediately, her brows lifting as she looked at him.

“That goes both ways. I encourage you, you encourage me.” he replied just as quickly.

“We’re bad for each other.” she said, teasing.

“Absolutely terrible.” Jeonghan winked at her, playing along.

He moved on to read the next question, “What is something I cannot leave the house without?”

“Phone, wallet, earphones... and your emotional support item.” She answered with confidence, her eyes flickering toward him as if waiting for his reaction.

Jeonghan’s face immediately broke into a grin, his head dipping in a small nod as he looked at her. “Correct!” he said as he flipped to the next card between his fingers. “This is another easy one. What is my favorite season of the year?”

Luna let out a soft breath of a laugh, her shoulders relaxing as she answered, “That's easy! We like the opposite sides of the season. I like spring and you like autumn.”

Jeonghan smiled at that as he nodded. “That's right. Good job.” His voice softened slightly as he said it, his gaze lingering on her for a second longer than needed.

Luna turned her head toward the camera then, her lips curving into a small smile as she added, “Basically we like it when it's not too hot and not too cold.”

Jeonghan let out a quiet chuckle at that, shaking his head slightly before looking back down at the cards, already moving on. “What were we doing when I proposed to you? Bonus points if you remember where it was.”

The moment the question left his lips, Luna’s expression shifted, her eyes dropping for a brief second as a faint blush crept up her cheeks, her fingers tightening slightly around her own cards. She took a small breath before answering, her voice softer now. “We were skipping rocks on the lake at a park in Berlin.”

Jeonghan looked at her with a small smile, his eyes soft as he nodded. “That’s correct.” His voice carried a quiet satisfaction, but there was something gentler underneath it. “You even got the bonus.” He added, his tone teasing lightly.

Luna let out a small laugh, shaking her head slightly as she looked at him. “Of course I did.”

There was a quiet confidence in her voice, but her cheeks were still faintly flushed.

Jeonghan glanced back down at the cards, though there was a hint of mischief returning to his expression as he asked her another question. “Is it true that you passed out when I proposed to you?”

Luna’s head snapped up at that, her eyes immediately narrowing as she caught the look on his face, disbelief written all over hers before it turned into a laugh. “That's not a question! Don't lie!” she said, her voice quick as she reached out instinctively to grab his cards, her hand brushing against his as he pulled them slightly out of reach, laughing.

“I didn't pass out...” Luna pointed at the camera as she clarified, her brows lifting as if addressing the viewers directly while Jeonghan continued chuckling beside her. “Almost, but I didn't.” she added, her tone firm but still laced with amusement.

There was a brief pause before the producer’s voice came from behind the camera, clear and amused. “You both got perfect scores.”

Luna’s eyes widened slightly before she turned toward Jeonghan, a bright smile breaking across her face as she lifted both her hands toward him. He mirrored her instantly, and they met in the middle with a double high five, both hands connecting at once with a soft clap.

“Good job.” Jeonghan said, his voice warm as he looked at her, his smile lingering.

“You too.” Luna replied.

“Can we end it with a kiss?” the producer asked, his tone teasing.

Luna and Jeonghan both turned to look at each other at the same time, a brief moment of shared understanding passing between them before Jeonghan reached out, his hand coming up to cup the side of her neck gently. He leaned in without hesitation and pressed a soft kiss to the tip of her nose.

Luna smiled at that instantly, her eyes crinkling slightly as she let out a small breath of a laugh.

“On the lips.” the producer teased, chuckling from behind the camera.

Luna shook her head lightly, still smiling as she glanced toward the camera. “He knows better not to kiss me when I have lipstick on.” she said, her tone amused.

Jeonghan let out a quiet laugh beside her, nodding in agreement. “She'll tear my head off if I ruin her lipstick.” he said, his voice light as Luna lifted her hand and gave a small wave toward the camera.

The moment lingered for just a second longer before it naturally faded, the two of them still smiling as the scene came to an end.

comments...

@/caratwonwoo • 17 hours ago ╰ SURPRISE DROP??? HELLO??? I OPENED YOUTUBE HALF ASLEEP AND GOT HIT WITH JEONGNA COUPLES QUIZ I AM NOT OKAY 😭😭 this is their FIRST OFFICIAL INTERVIEW AS A COUPLE and they just sat there in white looking like a wedding photoshoot like what do you MEAN?!

@/hanieloveclub • 17 hours ago ╰ when she said “When do I realized I liked you more than a friend?” and he just looked at her like that… and said ““That's a trick question because you always liked me more than a friend.” i’m actually unwell.

@/seokminsmiles • 16 hours ago ╰ the way he listed EVERYTHING she was wearing the first time he saw her down to the red converses??? sir that is not memory that is DEVOTION 😫 we’re not even a minute in!

@/cheolsversion • 15 hours ago ╰ “Yoon Jeonghan!” PLEASEEE the way he mimicked her and then admitted he likes hearing her say his name like that… i need to lie down

@/junhuicat • 14 hours ago ╰ 05:37 JIYEON’S RANT ABOUT THE DOOR NOT BEING CLOSED AND HIM NODDING AT THE CAMERA LIKE “see” IM CRYING they are literally married behavior already 😭

@/minghaosart • 13 hours ago ╰ not him casually saying she achieved all her dreams and calling her amazing and she just softly goes “I did.” like ??? THE INTIMACY ???

@/vernonfilmz • 10 hours ago ╰ 09:30 WHEN HE SAID HE KISSES HER BEFORE SLEEP AND SHE MISSED THAT STEP… the way she rolled her eyes but smiled?? yeah they’re SICK for this 🫠

@/hoshihoranghae • 10 hours ago ╰ “What's mine is yours. It doesn't matter.” JESUS FUCK YOON JEONGHAN WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM!?!

@/dkenergy • 8 hours ago ╰ “My moon… my pretty moon.” i’m done. pack it up. nobody talk to me ever again. he really looked at her like she hung the damn sky.

@/baebylunalover • 7 hours ago ╰ i don’t know who needs to hear this but LUNA IS SO PRETTY IT’S ILLEGAL. the way Jeonghan kept staring at her like she’s the only person in the room… chemistry is felt THROUGH THE SCREEN! i swear i felt like i was intruding on a date! This interview is TOO intimate 😭

@/jeonghanshalo • 6 hours ago ╰ i blinked and suddenly they’re talking about their FIRST KISS IN HIS CAR??? on the drive home??? six years ago??? after Wonwoo’s birthday??? oh they’ve been insane for each other for a long time.

@/mingyusbiceps • 6 hours ago ╰ 00:30 the way she said “Ready? You’ll have to get all of these right or I’ll be very upset.” and he just leaned back like he already KNOWS everything… yeah that man studied her like a textbook

@/nanayaluna • 5 hours ago ╰ YOON JEONGHAN PULLING LUNA’S CHAIR WITH HIS FOOT TO WHISPER IN HER EAR!!! LORD HAVE MERCY 🥵🥵🥵

@/wooahae • 5 hours ago ╰ Jeonghan: “You wore black a lot when we were trainees. That was one of the reasons you stood out to everyone. But you stood out to me because you were really pretty.” HELLOOOO?!!!

@/hoshishamster • 4 hours ago ╰ HER FACE WHEN HE GOT THE TATTOOS RIGHT??? ALL OF THEM??? even the tiny ones??? i’m actually screaming Jeonghan is a human Bae Jiyeon Encyclopedia 😝

@/dinosfuture • 3 hours ago ╰ 10:35 “What did I miss?” “I kiss you before I sleep.” HELLO??? SIR??? THIS IS A PUBLIC PLATFORM

@/scoupsleadernim • 2 hours ago ╰ i love how she kept trying to move on when he got smug like she KNOWS he’s about to say something that’ll embarrass her 😭 their dynamic is everything to me! I miss them soo much 🩷

@/caratdeul • 1 hour ago ╰ the way they both said “It depends.” at the same time about Jiyeon’s jealousy… yeah they’ve had that conversation before LMAO

@/hanieangelcore • 1 hour ago ╰ 11:50 when he mouthed something and pulled her chair closer??? and she smacked him after??? WHAT DID HE SAY I NEED ANSWERS!!!

@/moonlightbaeby • 30 minutes ago ╰ the lego room reveal??? SIX THOUSAND PIECE HOGWARTS SET??? they really built a whole life together brick by brick i’m crying

@/ot14forever • 52 minutes ago ╰ the way they both got perfect scores like of course they did… they’ve been orbiting each other for YEARS this was light work for them 😭

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࣪the roar of the crowd faded behind them as they stepped off stage, the last echoes of their final chorus still vibrating through their bones. their performance had been the finale of the night—high-pressure, high-energy, the kind that left sweat dripping down their backs and adrenaline rattling in their teeth.

heran felt the exhaustion settle into her muscles only when the corridor swallowed them from the stage lights. staff brushed around them, touching up smudged makeup and tugging at rumpled blazers. her stylist swiped a thumb under her eye, muttering something about “almost perfect but not quite,” and then hurried off.

they made their way back to the artist seating area, all seven boys collapsing into their seats as if the chairs had been sent from God. heran sunk into her own seat with a long exhale, her pulse still racing, her hands still trembling faintly from the thrill of performing.

“bro, I cannot feel my legs,” sunoo groaned, fanning himself with both hands.

“then don’t move,” jay said. “you’ll break the illusion that we’re professionals.”

ni-ki leaned forward, staring up at the huge stage where the next presenter was setting up. “are we still live right now?”

“yes,” heeseung answered without looking. “so stop looking like you’re dying.”

“I am dying.”

“quietly,” heran murmured.

they snickered, but the laughter dissolved quickly into that quiet, heavy anticipation that settled over their section like fog. the daesangs were next. just two left—Song of the Year, and Global Fan Choice.

heran’s stomach tightened.

the final two.

the big ones.

the ones they’d been quietly, secretly hoping for since the moment they debuted.

they deserved it.

God, if anyone asked her, she would say it without hesitation: they deserved it.

five years together.

five years of building something from scratch and praying it mattered.

she took a slow breath and clasped her hands in her lap to stop their shaking.

jungwon noticed. he always did. he leaned slightly toward her. “you okay?”

“yeah,” she lied, eyes fixed on the stage. “just… thinking.”

jake was the one who exposed her. of course he was.

“live footage of three-time melon Song of the Year winner lee heran absolutely sweating over a fan daesang,” he said, leaning back in his seat like a man observing a wildlife documentary.

the others snorted.

heran turned toward him, unamused.

“you know this is different,” she said quietly.

and jake’s grin softened. just a little. because she was right, and he knew it.

her solo achievements were hers—but this? this was the first time she had the chance to win something like this with them. with the group who had become home without trying.

If they won, it wouldn’t be her name on the trophy.

It would be ENHYPEN.

she felt the weight of that more than she expected.

“they deserve this,” she murmured, almost to herself.

jungwon’s head turned. sunoo paused mid-fan flutter. ni-ki glanced sideways. It wasn’t loud, but they heard her. they always heard her.

“we all worked hard,” sunghoon said, shifting his tie. “ENGENEs did too.”

“yeah, but still,” heran whispered. “I just… I want this for us.”

heeseung exhaled through his nose, his bouncing knee betraying the calm expression he tried to wear. “same.”

jay leaned forward, clasping his hands. “we’ll see. whatever happens, we’re proud. right?”

they all nodded.

It should have calmed her, but the anxiety only curled deeper in her chest. the stage lights dimmed slightly as the next presenter walked out. a hush fell across the arena—one of those rare moments where thousands of people held their breath at once.

heran’s heart thudded hard enough to shake her ribs.

“relax,” jake murmured, nudging her foot with his. “we haven’t even lost yet.”

“I swear to god,” she hissed back.

he grinned.

the presenter raised the envelope for the first Daesang of the night.

heran swallowed.

her pulse roared in her ears.

they weren’t on stage anymore, but somehow this felt even more terrifying. because in a few seconds, everything could change.

the presenter lifted the card for Song of the Year, and the arena leaned in as if gravity suddenly tilted forward. on the giant screen behind the MC, the nominations began to cycle one by one, the music snippets echoing through the venue.

heran watched each title appear, nodding slowly, thoughtful.

It didn’t bother her—at least not in the way it used to. not in the way people assumed it did. she had made peace with this category long before she arrived here tonight.

but ni-ki, apparently, had not.

“I still can’t believe you didn’t get nominated,” he said under his breath, eyes locked on the screen like it personally wronged him.

correction—she did get nominated; but just for the wrong song. sure 'whiplash' was huge—caught international attention, started trends, and saved coachella. but it wasn't the one that deserved to be up there. not this year.

heran rolled her eyes so hard they nearly squeaked. “It’s okay. I won it at the KGMA’s. 'rebel heart' wasn’t meant for the charts. It was for the arts.”

jake snorted.

so did half the group.

because of course she said that.

sunoo leaned over, lowering his voice dramatically. “right, and yet it still was, you know… on the charts.” he paused meaningfully. “the top of all the charts.”

she shot him a look, but he only smiled innocently.

“exactly!” ni-ki exclaimed in a whisper, lightly gesturing at the screen like he was presenting a case in court. “so my hate towards the winner will be valid, right?”

he turned to the others for backup. jake nodded immediately. sunghoon raised a brow but nodded too. jay didn’t even look up—he just gave a subtle thumbs up like a dad approving chaos from across the room.

jungwon sighed. “please don’t hate anybody on camera.”

ni-ki put a hand over his heart. “I’ll be subtle.”

"you don’t know what that word means,” heeseung muttered.

the final nominee appeared on screen, the drumroll swelling, lights dimming further. the arena held its breath as the envelope was opened.

the presenter beamed.

“and the winner of Song of the Year… ‘APT’ by rosé and bruno mars!”

the crowd erupted.

the stage lights burst into gold.

a video played on the LED screen.

and ni-ki, god bless him, froze. “I think my eye just twitched.”

heran didn’t think twice—she smacked the back of his shoulder. “behave.”

he rubbed the spot with an exaggerated wince. “what? I didn’t even say anything yet.”

“that’s exactly why I hit you,” she whispered. “preventative measures.”

jake leaned forward, grinning at them both. “honestly, same. I think we all had a collective twitch.”

“mine was emotional,” sunoo added.

“mine was spiritual,” jay said.

“mine was physical,” heeseung admitted, stretching his leg like he’d taken actual damage.

the members fell into soft laughter—quiet enough not to be rude, loud enough to pull heran out of her spiraling nerves.

she glanced at ni-ki again. He still looked mildly betrayed by the universe. “hey,” she nudged him gently, “it’s a good song.”

“I know,” he grumbled. “that’s the problem.”

despite herself, she smiled.

the group straightened in their seats as the video of rosé's speech played. cameras passed over ENHYPEN, and their expressions shifted instantly—professional, polite, supportive. years of training compressing chaos into camera-friendly composure.

but between the poised smiles and straightened postures, their knees still bumped. their elbows touched. their fingers tapped anxiously on thighs. they felt the moment tightening again.

because the next award—the one after this—that was the one that mattered most to them tonight.

Global Fan Choice.

heran inhaled slowly, the air suddenly too thin. she tried to breathe, but the air felt like it had been filtered through three layers of panic and static electricity.

the applause for rosé was still rolling through the arena when she whispered, under her breath but not nearly quietly enough: “voting closed like an hour ago. I’m going to throw up.”

sunghoon didn’t even try to hide his wince. “please don’t."

jay patted her knee with an overly rehearsed optimism. “we’re fine. we’ll be fine. It’s fine.”

“It’s not fine,” heran hissed. “we deserve this one. tthis was our year. If we don’t get this—”

“deep breaths,” heeseung murmured, though his leg was bouncing like it was trying to vibrate through the floor. “In and out. like meditation.”

“you don’t meditate,” jake said.

“I do when I’m stressed,” heeseung shot back, then added, “which is right now.”

ni-ki was hunched forward with his elbows on his knees, hands clasped like a teenage boy forced into prayer during detention. “If we lose,” he muttered, “I’m moving to Fiji.”

“no you’re not,” jungwon said automatically, though his fingers kept dragging along his slacks—nervous, restless, betraying him.

sunoo, on the other hand, looked like he was already halfway to fainting. his eyes were big, glassy, lips pressed together so hard they’d turned white.

heran wasn’t doing much better.

she bowed her head slightly, hands intertwined so tightly her knuckles went pale. she hardly prayed—not this hard, not like this. but tonight? tonight she was bargaining with every higher power she knew. she was begging for certainty in a world determined to give her everything but.

this wasn’t vanity.

It wasn’t ego.

It wasn’t a trophy for a shelf.

this was a year’s worth of sweat and bruises and late-night breakdowns. a year of airports and rehearsal rooms and the world spinning too fast. a year when they found something again—momentum, hope, unity.

“this was our year,” she whispered, voice cracking just enough for jungwon to hear.

he nudged her knee gently. “then trust that everyone knows that too.”

before she could respond, the lights shifted—a spotlight sweeping across the stage.

the presenter returned with an envelope, smiling with the kind of suspense that made audiences want to riot.

“and now,” she said, “the Global Fan Choice Award…”

the arena went silent, a vacuum sealed around their row. heran held her breath. sunoo clutched heeseung’s sleeve. jake mouthed something that was probably a prayer or a threat. ni-ki stared straight ahead like he was waiting for a judge to read his sentence.

the presenter opened the envelope.

a pause.

a smile.

“…ENHYPEN!”

the world exploded.

heran didn’t even hear the scream she let out. she didn’t hear jake shouting “NO WAY!” or ni-ki yelling something in japanese or sunghoon standing up so fast that him and jay nearly toppled.

she only felt it—the sheer force of all seven of them lunging into each other at once. It wasn’t a neat hug. It was chaos—arms everywhere, heads bumping, sunoo sobbing directly into jay’s shoulder.

jungwon grabbed her tightly with one arm and ni-ki with the other.

jake yelled something incoherent in her ear.

sunghoon kept saying, “we did it—we actually did it—”

heeseung was laughing like he’d been holding it in for months.

heran’s hands shook so hard she had to grip jungwon’s blazer to stay steady.

they didn’t want to let go. they could’ve stayed in that messy, tangled embrace forever.

but the stage lights beckoned, so they broke apart reluctantly.

as soon as they straightened, the boys moved without thinking—jake and sunghoon shifting aside, jay gently guiding her forward with a hand at her elbow, heeseung gesturing for her to walk ahead.

she hated walking first. tonight she didn’t. she held her head high, swallowing the wobble in her breath as they stepped into the aisle.

jungwon reached the presenter first and was handed the trophy—his fingers trembling around the gold, his smile wide but trembling. behind him, sunoo was openly crying, wiping his eyes with one hand while still applauding like a proud mom at a school recital.

heran inhaled sharply, blinking hard, trying so desperately to remain professional under the flood of cameras and lights and a cathedral of cheering fans.

this was it.

this was theirs.

and as she walked up onto the stage, heart hammering, she suddenly felt it—the universe wasn’t just listening tonight. It was answering.

they lined up automatically—muscle memory from years of training—but tonight it felt different. tonight, every movement carried weight.

jungwon held the trophy with both hands, the gold catching the lights as if it were glowing from within. jake stood tall beside him, one hand still brushing away the last of his own shock. jay, sunghoon, heeseung, sunoo, and ni-ki fanned out smoothly, leaving the middle spot open for their leader.

heran took her place between sunoo and ni-ki, her heart still thudding from the chaos of the moment. sunoo sniffed loudly beside her, and she couldn’t help the soft laugh that slipped out as she nudged him gently.

“you’re leaking,” she whispered.

sunoo wiped his face aggressively. “I know. don’t look at me.”

she squeezed his arm. “I’m not looking.”

he sniffled again, instantly ruining the moment.

the MC gave jungwon the green light to start his speech. and he didn’t hesitate. “ENGENES!!!!”

the arena detonated.

the roar slammed into them like a wave, loud enough that heran felt it vibrate all the way through her ribs. jungwon laughed a little breathlessly as the cheers rumbled back down, and the sound of it—giddy and disbelieving—made her chest ache.

“this…” he tightened his grip on the trophy. “this means so much to us. more than we can ever say.”

the members listened closely, their expressions softening—each of them wearing some variation of awe, relief, disbelief.

heran glanced at jungwon, expecting him to continue with his usual composed, steady tone.

but then—his voice cracked.

just once.

barely a tremor.

but she heard it like a glass breaking.

her breath caught. because jungwon never cried. not on camera. not on stage. not in public. he saved it for quiet places, for narrow hallways at 3 a.m., for her shoulder when nobody else was awake.

and hearing him crack now—while smiling, while clutching the award like it was both fragile and sacred—hit her so hard her knees almost buckled.

sunoo reached for another tissue. ni-ki blinked rapidly, pretending he wasn’t emotional. heeseung covered his mouth with his hand, shoulders shaking.

jungwon cleared his throat and pushed on. “ENGENES… thank you for giving us this moment. for believing in us this year. we worked so hard, and you—” his breath trembled again. “you made it worth everything.”

the crowd roared. somewhere in the front section, someone was already screaming his name.

heran’s hands curled into fists at her sides. she wanted so badly to reach for him—grab his hand, rub his back, steady him. but cameras were everywhere, thousands of eyes locked on them. she bit the inside of her cheek, holding the line between idol and girlfriend with painful precision.

jungwon finished his part with a bow of his head and a trembling smile. then he stepped back for jay.

jay started smoothly, launching into his thank-yous with his usual eloquence. he always balanced jungwon’s emotion with calm clarity, and tonight was no different.

as he began speaking, jungwon drifted sideways to stand next to heran. he kept his eyes down, wiping under them quickly with the back of his hand—hoping the cameras didn’t catch it.

she angled her body just slightly toward him, giving him enough space to compose himself while still shielding him from the direct glare of the audience.

he gave her a tiny smile. a brave one. a practiced one.

the kind that tried to say I’m okay even though he wasn’t.

heran reached out and placed a gentle hand on his back—slow, grounding, careful. and that was all it took.

he exhaled sharply.

his shoulders dropped.

and then he stepped into her—just an inch, just enough that his forehead brushed her temple, just enough that his hands gripped her forearm, just enough that the composure snapped completely.

he broke. It was quiet and soft, but undeniable.

heran caught him instantly, her other hand coming up to brace his arm, her body angled subtly to block the view. It was a careful, practiced choreography—comfort disguised as stage presence.

jungwon inhaled shakily against her shoulder, trying to keep silent, trying not to shake.

she whispered without moving her lips too much, “you did well. you always do.”

he nodded, swallowing hard, tears slipping down before he could stop them.

on the other side of the line, heeseung was blinking too rapidly to hide anything. sunoo was pretending to air out his face with his hands. jake had the most unhelpful watery grin in history.

jay continued speaking smoothly, unaware—or pretending to be unaware—of the tiny storm happening behind him. sunghoon subtly shifted his posture, creating a visual buffer between the two and the nearest camera.

It was teamwork born from years of knowing each other’s limits and tells.

heran held jungwon steady as he forced one more deep breath, straightened his posture, and nudged her softly to signal he was okay enough to stand on his own.

but the imprint of his weight lingered.

and as the applause rose again for jay’s speech, she realised:

this moment—this exact crack, this exact collapse—was the one she would remember forever.

and she kept her hand braced gently against jungwon's back even as the other members took turns with the mic. It wasn’t obvious—nothing dramatic, nothing that would be caught by a careless camera sweep—but it was steady.

sunghoon spoke next, voice warm but tight. then heeeseung followed, blinking rapidly between sentences. ni-ki cracked a joke through his own watery voice that made the crowd cheer.

the longer she listened, the more heran felt her throat close.

her chest tightened with a slow, familiar ache—the kind that came right before she cried. and she knew she wasn't going last.

which meant she had no choice but to get herself together.

heran breathed in slowly through her nose, fixing her posture, relaxing her jaw. she blinked up at the lights, pretending they weren’t what made her eyes sting.

you’re fine. you’re okay.

five years. five years to get here.

but when ni-ki finished his speech, when she stepped forward in front of the mic—the roar hit her like a full-body wave.

the crowd didn’t just cheer. they screamed.

high-pitched. wild. Immediate.

the kind of reaction she still wasn’t used to, even after half a decade.

It made her laugh—breathless, overwhelmed, teetering on the edge of tears again. she wiped at her eyes quickly with the sleeve of her stage outfit, muttering, “oh god—sorry,” even though nobody could hear her yet.

“uh—” she laughed again, switching instinctively to English. “uhm… my mind just went blank.”

the crowd screamed louder.

someone shouted her name.

she had fans sobbing already, which did not help her emotional stability in the slightest.

she exhaled shakily. "this is… this is crazy.”

behind her, she could feel the boys smiling. sunoo patted her arm encouragingly. to be honest, the only thing keeping her stable was seeing ni-ki bouncing on his heels out the corner of eye.

she steadied her breath—and her voice softened.

“the last five years for us…” she paused, swallowing, “…have been nothing but ups and downs. a lot of learning. a lot of growing. a lot of moments where we wondered if we were doing enough, if we were giving enough.”

jay nodded behind her.

jake hummed quietly in agreement.

“and jake made a joke earlier,” she continued, voice trembling just a little, “about me stressing over this award—even though I’ve won others.” she shot him a playful glare and he mouthed facts with hands raised.

the crowd laughed. she breathed.

“and I told him that this one means more.” her voice wavered. “so much more." she blinked hard, trying to keep the tears at bay, but her vision blurred anyway.

“there’s nothing I’ve wanted more than winning a daesang with my group. as a soloist… it’s an honor. It’s special. but this?” she pressed a hand to her chest without thinking. “this was something I wanted with them. with the seven boys I debuted with. with the people who saw every version of me.”

she paused—and she heard sunoo sniff softly beside her. he wasn’t even trying to hide it anymore.

heran smiled through the tears slipping down her cheeks.

“we’re all… so overwhelmed right now.” soft laughter rippled through the group behind her. “we really are. and I just want to say thank you. to ENGENES—for putting in the effort, for your love, your passion, your endless support. this award is just as much yours as it is ours. probably more, honestly.”

the crowd screamed again.

she wiped her cheek with the back of her hand. “I’m so grateful to everyone who helped us get here—staff, producers, dancers… our families.” she hesitated, voice thinning. “…my members.”

they all turned toward her at once.

“and I’m so proud of them,” she whispered. “because they deserve this. every single one of them deserves this moment.”

jake reached out and squeezed her wrist—subtle, but just enough to keep her at bay.

heran inhaled, steady but trembling. “we’re going to continue to put out music next year,” she said with more strength, “and do everything we can to show everyone how grateful we are. we’re going to work hard—and with passion, and with love in our hearts.”

the arena erupted.

but she didn’t even make it to the last sentence before her voice cracked—loud enough that the mic caught it, clear enough that the whole arena reacted with one collective awwhh that only made it worse.

she tried to laugh it off, but it came out watery. her eyes were already glossed over; now they overflowed completely, tears slipping down her cheeks faster than she could wipe them. she let out a tiny, embarrassed groan and hid her face with her hand for a second.

the members behind her all flinched in sympathy. and that was all it took for jungwon to move.

he stepped forward from the line—not hesitating, not thinking about camera angles, not thinking about the live broadcast. he just went straight to her, slipping one arm around her shoulders and tugging her into his side, leaning towards the mic.

the crowd screamed.

the boys laughed.

heran buried her face in his shoulder because now she was definitely crying.

jungwon laughed into the mic, still holding her close. “okay—” he sniffed, his tear-soaked voice already making sunoo choke out another sob, “we need to get her offstage.”

even the industry seniors laughed at that.

heran hit his chest lightly, still crying, still smiling. but he only hugged her tighter, shaking with a quiet laugh of his own. his eyes were glossy again, but he didn’t bother hiding it.

“thank you, ENGENES!” he shouted brightly, though his voice cracked halfway through and he winced. the audience collectively melted. “we love you! please get home safely!”

the boys joined in with the final chorus of goodbyes—waving, bowing, forming hearts, ni-ki nearly tripping into sunghoon because he was wiping his eyes too aggressively.

and then, as soon as they turned away from the microphones, it hit them all at once.

the high.

the realisation.

the we actually just did that.

they made it down the stairs of the stage with semi-professional composure. but the second they stepped into the pit—out of camera view—it was over.

jay broke first with a full-body exhale, head tipping back as tears spilled down his face.

sunoo launched himself at heeseung, who caught him with both arms and immediately started crying too.

ni-ki grabbed jake’s shirt and tugged him down into a rib-crushing hug, mumbling in a way that he was trying not to sob but failing miserably.

and jungwon—jungwon finally let go.

he turned toward heran, breath shaky, and before she could say anything he pulled her straight into his chest. no hesitation this time. no gentle side hug. he wrapped both arms around her and held her like everything inside him had been waiting for this release.

heran froze for half a second—then melted.

she wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her forehead to his collarbone as her own tears restarted, stronger than before. his hand came up to cradle the back of her head, fingers threading through her hair instinctively.

around them, the boys were a mess—laughing and crying, hugging the staff, hugging each other again, shouting things like:

“WE DID IT!!!”

“I CAN’T BREATHE—WHY ARE WE ALL CRYING—”

“SUNGHOON, ARE YOU CRYING?”

“NO.”

“he’s crying.”

heran pulled back just enough to look up at jungwon, cheeks flushed, mascara slightly smudged, eyes shining.

he laughed through his tears, thumb brushing the corner of her eye before he remembered himself and lowered his hand. but he didn’t let go of her waist.

“see?” he whispered. “told you we’d be okay.”

she shook her head, choking on a soft sound that was half-sob, half-laugh. “I didn’t believe you,” she whispered back.

“I know,” he said. “but that’s alright. I believed enough for both of us.”

behind them, sunghoon yelled something celebratory in a cracked voice, jay declared he needed “ten gallons of water,” and ni-ki announced loudly that he was going to “brag about this every day until I die.”

heran wiped her nose with her sleeve—classy—and leaned into jungwon’s shoulder again.

five years.

seven debutmates.

one daesang, finally theirs.

and in the chaotic, weeping, laughing pile of them backstage—

heran felt it fully for the first time: this was everything she wanted.

this wasn't just their fourth daesang of the year—this was the daesang, from the award show.

when she finally pulled back enough to see his face—nose pink, lashes damp, skin flushed from the adrenaline and crying. he was still smiling, but that smile had cracks in it, trembling at the edges.

she wiped under her eyes and sniffed, then frowned up at him with a tiny pout. “wait—no,” she said, pointing a finger at his chest. “I’m supposed to be comforting you. you were crying first.”

It was such a ridiculous thing to say, so heran, that jungwon barked out a laugh—wet and breathless, the sound of someone who had been holding everything in for far too long.

“sorry,” he said softly, even though he had nothing to apologise for. “I’ll… cry in the right order next time?”

she swatted his arm weakly. “shut up.”

but her smile softened, and her throat tightened again as she looked at him properly—really looked. jungwon, their leader. jungwon, who carried storms inside his chest and still shielded all of them from the rain.

“hey,” she whispered, tugging lightly at the front of his blazer so he’d meet her eyes again. “I’m so proud of you.”

his breath caught. just barely—but she heard it.

“this year was… it was hard on all of us,” she continued, voice softening into something raw. “but you… you had it the worst. there were days when the rest of us were falling apart, and somehow you still found a way to keep us together. to keep us moving.”

his eyes flickered down, as if the praise physically overwhelmed him.

“thank you for being our leader,” she said, and her voice broke. “for being our rock when we’re miserable. for scolding us when we start acting up. for loving us even when we make it impossible.”

he let out a helpless laugh at that, shoulders shaking as he tried to blink back fresh tears.

“we’re so grateful for what you do for us,” she whispered. “we’d be nothing without you. really. I mean it.”

his hands came up to cover his face for a moment, overwhelmed, wiping quickly like maybe he could hide how much her words were getting to him—but the tears still slipped through his fingers.

she smiled in that soft, teasing way she only used for him—equal parts affection and mischief.

“come here,” she murmured, hooking a finger into his sleeve. “they don’t need to see you cry.”

he laughed, sharp and broken and relieved—and then he gave up fighting it entirely.

he stepped right into her arms, burying his face in her shoulder as he wrapped both arms around her waist, holding her so tightly it almost knocked the breath out of her. his body trembled from the leftover adrenaline and emotion, and she cradled the back of his head, fingers running through his hair.

heran held him close, eyes slipping shut. “I’m so proud of you, baby,” she whispered against his ear.

his grip tightened—just for a second, just enough to say everything he couldn’t speak out loud yet.

jungwon let out this half-scoff, half-hiccup. “you’re gonna make it worse,” he mumbled, lips twitching, voice still thick. “If you keep talking like that I’m gonna actually break down and they’re gonna write articles about me sobbing like a toddler.”

heran snorted, actually snorted, cheeks blotchy from crying. “as if they don’t already have that drafted,” she teases, nudging his chin up so he’ll look at her. “ENHYPEN jungwon breaks down after member, and alleged best friend lee heran comforts him backstage. very dramatic. very clickbait. ten out of ten.”

he rolled his eyes but he was smiling—one of those watery, helpless smiles he only ever showed when he was too tired to pretend. “you’re unbearable,” he muttered, and then quieter, like he was scared the moment might shatter if he spoke too loudly: “I missed you so much this year.”

that one hit her right in the chest.

she froze. just for a beat. just long enough for the truth of it to hum between them—everything they didn’t say, everything they swallowed, everything they pretended didn’t hurt.

then she grabbed him by the shoulders. “hey,” she whispers. “I know. me too. we had a rough year of pretending to be okay.”

he huffed a laugh, shaky. “yeah. except you’re better at pretending than I am.”

“duh,” she said immediately, trying for lightness. “I’m the most emotionally repressed member. everybody knows this.”

he laughed—really laughed this time, head tilting back—before leaning forward and pressing his forehead to hers.

and then, softer: “I’m proud of you too, you know.”

she smiled.

“you think you're the only one who watches everyone and holds us together? You think we don’t see what you do?” he continued, voice steadying as he talks, conviction building. “you had one of the most insane year and didn't get a break, yet you still showed up. you give people strength without even noticing. you push yourself so hard it scares me sometimes. and you still… you still manage to be everyone’s safe place.”

heran blinked a few times too quickly. “you’re not supposed to say things that make me cry harder,” she protested weakly.

“too late,” he deadpanned, even as he thumbed a tear off her cheek with a gentleness that contradicted every joke. “you look like a raccoon.”

“wow,” she gasps, offended. “never comforting you again.”

but she was already tucking herself into his chest again, arms wrapping around him, his chin resting on her shoulder. he laughed into her hair—quiet, breathy, exhausted. then, muffled, he added, “I’m really happy we did this together.”

she squeezed him, so tightly he lets out a tiny squeak. “me too,” she murmured. “side by side, remember?”

he nodded against her shoulder.

“and,” he added, lifting his head just enough to meet her eyes, “for the record… baby? really? in public?”

she shrugged, unapologetic. “what? you cried first.”

he groaned, pulling her in again. "please stop talking."

and in the chaos around them—boys yelling, staff clapping, trophies clinking—heran and jungwon stood steady in the center of it all.

two people who had survived five years of noise, storms, growing pains, and victories—and loved each other through all of it.

He claps excitedly, turning slightly all around the set as if hyping up everyone. 

“As you can see,” he continues, looking around and gesturing at the set up behind him, “our studio had a bit of a glow up for today.” 

A montage clip of the set from different angles roll in. Unlike the usual setup with a dining table and a few pieces of furniture, today’s space feels a little bit warmer. The lighting feels softer, and the set is arranged like an actual living room. 

“Our staff really has favouritism these days…” he said, half-joking, half-accusing as he looked around again. “Look at this. They prepared all of this just for today.” 

[Today’s Guest: A total homebody]

A short laugh escapes him before finally shifting back to the main point. 

[The host is too excited]

“Today’s guest…” he paused for a while, building the viewer’s anticipation. “Is someone I’ve been trying to invite for months now.” 

He shook his head and exhaled, as if introducing the guest still feels unreal. 

“As far as I know, she’s been busy up until this month.” he continues, “so the moment I saw her schedule finally cleared up… I just went for it and kept bothering her”

The camera cuts to the side, where Jihyun was waiting, laughing at what Seungkwan just said. 

“She ranked first as someone idols would like to share a meal with! The most in-demand songwriter of this generation!” He paused for a while to tease Jihyun by directly looking at her. 

She pressed her lips together and hid her face with her hand, trying not to laugh and hide herself from embarrassment. Then, she looked directly at the camera and mouthed “What on earth is he saying?”, while waving her hand dismissively. 

“And the producer for the top global group SEVENTEEN!” he exclaimed while nodding proudly. 

“Jihyun, please come out!” 

[SEVENTEEN’s Jihyun is here!]

Applause and cheers from the staff immediately fills the studio. Seungkwan stepped back a bit to welcome her in. 

Jihyun walks in shyly, still embarrassed in the way he introduced her. Bowing slightly as she greeted the camera calmly, “Hello, everyone! This is SEVENTEEN’s Jihyun.” 

She settles onto the sofa across from him, while Seungkwan continues to stare at her while smiling; like he’s still processing the fact that she’s actually there. The set went silent for a second as Jihyun ended her greeting. 

The staff broke into soft laughter as Seungkwan quickly snapped out of it, clearing his throat first before resuming where he left off. “This feels unreal to me honestly.” he said, while letting out a subtle laugh. 

Jihyun quickly cut him off, defending herself. “Yah! If you say it like that, people are going to think I’ve got celebrity disease!” 

Seungkwan burst into laughter and stumbled to the side, his left hand quickly landed on Jihyun’s shoulder to steady himself. 

“Wait—wait…” he says, shaking his head while laughing. “You didn’t have to say it like that! That’s not what I meant!” 

Jihyun looks at him, as she helps him stand properly. “Then don’t say things that make me sound weird.” She said, pouting. 

Seungkwan quickly fixed his stance as he continued, “What I mean is, you rarely appear on these kinds of shows, that's why  it’s really exciting.”

Jihyun nodded in agreement and smiled. “That’s right.” 

Seungkwan hums in agreement as he continues, “Honestly, the only variety show you constantly appear on is Going Seventeen.”

“Exactly,” Jihyun answered without hesitation while looking at him. “I think the only time I appear on shows like this is when I’m with the members. Other than that…” She paused for a moment as she shrugged lightly. “There’s really nothing.”

There was a brief pause as they both nodded in agreement. 

“To tell you the truth,” she continued, as she remembered something. ‘The company was really worried about this schedule.”

Seungkwan’s expression changes immediately, his browns pulling together. “Worried? Why?” he said in a worried tone. 

Jihyun lets out a small laugh, already shaking her head and waving her hand to prevent him from worrying. “They said I might just stay silent the whole time… and you’d end up doing all the talking.” 

Seungkwan stares at her for a while before letting out a disbelieving laugh. 

“Wait, that’s not even wrong.” he says, tilting his head like he was thinking of the possibilities of it happening. “That might actually happen…” 

“Yah!” Jihyun exclaimed. 

“But,” he quickly continued, still smiling. “You’re actually funny in your own way.” 

Jihyun narrows her eyes and tilts her head, clearly unconvinced. “What does that even mean?” 

“I mean you’re not the type to force it,” he explains. “Like, even if you just say things casually, it’s actually effortlessly funny.”

Jihyun sighs as her expression softens. “...Is that a compliment or what?” 

“It is,” Seungkwan insists immediately. 

She lets out a quiet laugh anyway, nodding her head in agreement. “Okay then, I’ll take it for now.”

Seungkwan watches her for a while, narrowing his gaze towards her.”...But you didn’t back out on the way here, right?” He suddenly asks. 

Jihyun’s eyes widened, caught off guard by what he said. “What?” 

“I’m serious,’ he continued, leaning towards her slightly. “You didn't like… stand outside and think ‘Should I just go home?’, right?” 

Jihyun burst into laughter, immediately shaking her head. “No, of course not.”

“Really?” he teases her more, clearly not convinced with her answer. “Not even for a second?” 

She went silent for a while and switched her gaze to something else but him. 

Seungkwan gasps while pointing at her. “You did! You definitely did!” 

“I didn’t leave, though!” she quickly defends herself, still laughing. “I still came in!” 

“That means you thought about it!” Seungkwan fires back. 

Jihyun covers her face for a second, her shoulders shaking from laughing. “Just for a moment I swear!” 

“Ha… so the company was right to worry,” Seungkwan says, nodding at himself like he’s just proven his point. 

“Yah!” 

“But then again.. At least you’ve made it here.” he adds, the teasing tone softening just a bit. “That’s what matters.”

Jihyun lowered her hand and nodded while smiling. “Of course… If it’s for you, I’ll always show up.” 

For a brief second, Seungkwan looks at her again, like he wants to say something. But instead, he just exhaled and let out a small laugh. He then clasped his hands together, shifting the mood back into something more casual. 

“Okay, okay! Before this gets too emotional,” he says, half-joking, glancing towards the staff. “We should probably do this properly.” 

Jihyun nodded as she straightened slightly in her seat. 

“Wait,” she suddenly adds, turning back to him, “Should I speak formally or just comfortably?" 

Seungkwan answered without hesitation. “You can speak informally. Just be comfortable~” 

She paused for a while before answering completely straight faced. “Then, I’ll just speak formally.” 

Seungkwan answered while side-eyeing her. “Then why did you ask me?”

Jihyun breaks into laughter, shoulders shaking slightly as she leans back at the sofa’s backrest. “I was just joking!” she defended. 

“Ah, seriously…” he mutters, while pouting and shaking his head, though his smile never left his face. 

He glances at her again, this time with his eyes full of curiosity. 

“But really,” he continues, slightly tilting his head, “what made you come today?”

Jihyun hums and tilts her head like she;s thinking about it, but her answer comes almost immediately. “My schedule finally cleared this week and I have no other plans so..” 

Seungkwan nods slowly, as if expecting her to continue, lingering for a second like there might be more to her answer. 

Jihyun just looks at him, before bursting into laughter. “No because, you kept asking me to come.” she adds, a little more playful this time. 

“Ah.. so it’s my fault?” He fights back playfully. 

“No, like, really!” she insists, turning her gaze directly at the camera. “Everyone, hear me out! Like..” she said, defending herself. 

Seungkwan leaned back, stomping his feet, knowing what story she’s about to tell. “Oh god, here we go..”

“We had a team dinner last week,” she starts, trying to keep a straight face. “And they asked the members to have a little speech since all the staff was there.” 

Seungkwan nods slowly, already anticipating where this is going. 

“And then he suddenly goes–” she points at him, and proceeds to mimic his voice, “Our Jihyunie, please come to Bibabu at least once..” 

Seungkwan immediately drops his head, laughing so hard at her story. 

“And! It’s not just that!” she continues, getting more hyped up. “Another time, I was waiting in the practice room while you and Dokyeom oppa were rehearsing for serenade concert—”

“Ah…” Seungkwan mutters, already knowing what she’s about to say. 

“You suddenly came up to me out of nowhere,” she said, already standing up walking towards Seungkwan as she reenacts it, “and you went–” her voice softens as she copies his tone, “Jihyun-ah… When are you coming to Bibabu..?”

She even tilts her head a little while pouting, copying his expression that day. 

Seungkwan stumbles back a step, covering his face as he laughs. “Did I really do that?”

“Yes!” Jihyun laughs, nodding. “You were being so persistent!”

“Ah, this is bad…” he groans, still laughing.

“So how is this my fault?” she finishes, crossing her arms with a small, satisfied smile.

Seungkwan shakes his head, still smiling to himself as the laughter lingers for a moment longer. “Ah, seriously… this is already so chaotic.”

Jihyun exhales softly, the corners of her lips still lifted as she settles back into her seat. “You started it.”

“Me?” he scoffs, straightening up slightly, though the grin never quite leaves his face. Then, almost like he suddenly remembers where he is, he claps his hands together once. “Ah—wait. I’m supposed to be hosting.”

She lets out a small laugh at that, watching him switch modes in real time.

“So,” he continues, turning back to her properly this time, tone a little more composed but still light, “is there anything you want to promote today?”

Jihyun immediately shakes her head. “Nope, there’s nothing.” 

“That was fast,” he replied. 

“But.. You know it too, right? I really don’t have anything.” she says casually. 

Seungkwan nods in agreement, as he looks towards the camera. “Our Jihyunie is a baker and a chef these days. She has nothing to do most of the time so she often cooks and shares it with the members.” 

“I’m basically unemployed these days.” she added. “These days I’ve also been working as a road manager..” 

They both looked at each other and burst into laughter. “Because I’ve been tagging along with you and Dokyeom oppa on tour.”

Seungkwan lets out a small laugh while nodding, “Right, she’s our unofficial staff these days.” 

“Well.. I get to support you guys on tour and I also get to travel. It’s a win-win situation for me.” she added, acting cute as the camera focuses on her.

He glances at her, amused. “You’ve been enjoying it a little too much, though.”

“Of course,” she shrugs. “Free travel.”

“Pledis Staff-bun deul,” he starts, his tone suddenly formal, “you heard that, right?”

Jihyun’s eyes widened. “Wait—”

“Our Jihyun just said she has nothing to do these days,” he continued, gesturing toward her. “Please give her lots of work—”

“No, no, no, no!” she quickly cuts in, waving her hands in front of her. “I’m a happy unemployed person right now! It’s fun!”

Seungkwan bursts into laughter, leaning slightly back in his seat.

“Look at how fast she took that back.”

“Because you’re making it sound serious!” she shoots back, still laughing.

[Surprisingly, they haven’t ordered anything yet]

[All the talking is making us hungry]

As if on cue, the staff called Seungkwan’s attention and pointed out the order form papers on the trolley beside him. He suddenly sits up straight and grabbed one, “Oh, right! We haven’t ordered anything yet!” he says urgently. 

“What were we doing up until now?” he added, slightly laughing. 

Jihyun’s eyes widened, like she remembered something, then looked at Seungkwan. “Oh! Right! The Food!” she exclaimed excitedly. 

“I’ve actually been looking forward to this!” she added.

“Right?” he echoes, already reaching to grab something from the table beside him. “This is actually one of the best parts of the show.”

He holds up a sheet of paper and a marker, sliding both toward her.

“This,” he says, tapping the paper, “is the order form.”

Jihyun leaned forward to check what he was showing her, curiosity written all over her face as she took it from him. Her eyes scanned the page for a second and looked back at him again, a little unsure. 

“Wait.. So, I just write whatever I want?” 

“Anything you want.” Seungkwan reassured her. “Whatever you write, the chef here will make it for you.” 

She paused for a while, tilting her head. “...Anything?” she repeats. Her tone rose a bit, as if testing how far the limits should be. 

“Anything.” he says more firmly, directly looking at her. 

Jihyun looks back down at the paper, then up at him again, visibly trying to process the scale of it. “No, but—like, anything, anything?” she presses, eyebrows raising. “What if I write something weird?”

Seungkwan leans back, completely confident. “Then they’ll still make it.”

She gasps in amusement as she turns her gaze on the staff. “Wow, the scale here is huge huh.” she added as she looked back at the form. 

He watches her, clearly amused, resting his chin against his hand. “See? I told you. You should’ve come earlier.”

Jihyun hums absentmindedly, already uncapping the marker. “Maybe I should have…” she murmurs, eyes focused on the paper as she hesitates for a second—then starts writing.

Seungkwan immediately leans in, trying to sneak a look. “What are you writing?”

“Don’t look,” she says quickly, turning the paper slightly away from him.

“Ah—why not?” he protests, trying to peek anyway. “This is my show!”

“And this is my order,” she shoots back, not even looking up, her tone playful but firm.

He bursts into laughter, pulling back as he raises his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay—keep your secrets.”

Jihyun tilts her head slightly, like she’s thinking it through. “Wait… this show is Bibidi Babidi Boo, right?”

Seungkwan hums, already catching on, a smile slowly forming as he nods. “Right…”

“Then I can just wish for whatever I want,” she continues, completely serious.

There’s a split second where he just looks at her and then exhales a laugh, already knowing where this is going. “Ah… I don’t like this.”

Jihyun finally puts the pen down and looks at him properly, a small, playful glint in her eyes. “Then my request is…”

She pauses just enough to build it up.

“…you should cook for me instead.”

There’s a beat of silence and Seungkwan immediately stumbles back into the sofa, laughing in disbelief as he points at her. “Why am I the one getting dragged into this?!”

Jihyun just shrugs, completely satisfied. “You said anything.”

[The rules have officially been rewritten 😭]

He shakes his head, still laughing as he picks up the order form like he’s trying to regain control of the situation. “No, no—this is not how the system works.”

“But it’s more fun this way,” she replies easily.

Seungkwan glances at the camera like he’s asking for help. “Did you hear that? She’s trying to change the entire concept of the show on her first appearance.”

Jihyun only smiles, sliding the paper fully toward him now. “You said anything.”

Seungkwan takes it slowly, like he’s bracing himself, before looking down and immediately breaking into laughter.

Jihyun smiles to herself, continuing to write, occasionally adding a small doodle on the side without realizing it.

Seungkwan notices immediately.

“Look at this everyone~” he said softly, as he pointed out what she’s doing. 

She paused for a little and glanced up at him with a subtle smile. “Oh, isn’t this how you do it here?” 

“Yes, but..” he answered while staring at the page, clearly impressed. “Not to this extent. I think it’s my first time seeing the guest put this much effort on the sketch.”

Jihyun lets out a small laugh as she continues filling up the order form. “No~ This is just a doodle everyone~” 

“See?” Seungkwan exclaimed as he looked at the camera. “She says that, but she’s actually really good at it!” 

Jihyun exhales softly, trying (and failing) to hide her smile. 

“Ah! This reminds me of something!” Seungkwan suddenly says, perking up as he looks at her. “We go to local cafes and restaurants a lot during the tour, right?”

Jihyun hums in agreement, already smiling faintly. 

“She would often draw the food we ordered like this!” he continued, pointing at her paper. “And there was this time where the owner of the place noticed her work, and came up to us, asking if they could have it,”

Jihyun tilts her head a little, like she’s reconsidering the story. “I mean… I don’t know if it was because of the drawing,” she says, trying to sound reasonable. “Because they also asked me to sign it.”

There’s a brief pause, and then Seungkwan bursts into laughter.

“Then that might be part of it, yeah!” he shoots back, still laughing. “But still—”

He gestures toward her paper again, shaking his head.

“—you’re actually really good at it. You can’t just ignore that part.”

Jihyun presses her lips together, clearly unconvinced, but there’s a small smile forming anyway. “I’m just saying, the signature might’ve been the main point…”

“And I’m saying,” Seungkwan counters immediately, pointing at her with a grin, “it’s both.”

She exhales a quiet laugh, finally giving in just a little as she looks back down at her drawing.

Jihyun lets out a small breath as she finishes the last detail, placing the marker down. “Okay… I’m done.” 

Seungkwan immediately leans forward, his eyes lighting up. “Finally,” he said, reaching for the paper. “What did you order?” 

Jihyun leans back slightly, a smile forming in her lips, like she was proud of what she ordered. “No, because.. I’ve been on a diet for the longest time, right?” she started. 

Seungkwan looked up at her, still holding the order form. 

“So I’m grabbing the chance to eat whatever I want here,” she said, smiling. 

Seungkwan’s expression softens almost immediately, the teasing melting into something more genuine. “Ahh, that’s right,” he says, nodding in understanding.

He proceeds to put the paper on the stand given by the staff. “Then you should order properly,” he adds, almost encouragingly. “Don’t hold back here—this is the place to eat whatever you want.”

Jihyun glances at him for a second, a small smile forming at the way he says it. “Really?” she asks, half-teasing.

“Of course,” he replies without hesitation. “Consider today as a cheat day~”

Jihyun lets out a quiet laugh, nodding as she introduces the dishes she ordered. “That’s why I ordered Pasta and Steak~” 

Seungkwan hums in agreement as he looks at her. “What kind of pasta, though? Anything?”

“Eung! Anything! Because I’ve been craving noodles for the longest time.”

“Right! Our Jihyunie really likes noodles, everyone! I think she likes them more than rice”, Seungkwan shared, as he looked at the camera. 

Jihyun nods in agreement, as she continues to mention what else she ordered. “And lastly! For dessert, I requested Ube Cake~” 

“Ube cake?” he repeats, glancing up at her.

Jihyun nods immediately, a little more animated now. “We tried it when we were in the Philippines, remember?” she says. “It was my first time I’ve tried this flavor, and it was really good.”

Seungkwan’s expression shifts into recognition almost instantly. “Ah—right,” he says, nodding as a smile spreads across his face. “That one.”

He let out a soft laugh, and continued, “We ordered that because it looks really pretty, turns out it was really good.”

Jihyun smiles to herself, as she nods her head. “That’s why I really want to eat it again.”

Seungkwan looks at her, still smiling. “Good choice,” he adds, tapping the paper lightly.

Jihyun smiles as she rings the bell beside the paper stand, and a montage of her order with her sketch in it appears on screen. 

[In no time, the table is filled to the brim]

A montage of the table being filled with the food Jihyun has requested fills the screen. Plates were carefully set down one after another. 

The Aglio Olio pasta glistened under the warm lights of the studio, the steak was perfectly cooked according to her liking, and finally, the ube cake was placed at the center of the table. 

Jihyun’s eyes widened as she looked at the dishes in front of her. “Wow..” 

Seungkwan watches her reaction with a proud smile, already leaning back like he had nothing to do with it—but also like he’s been waiting for this exact moment.

“See?” he says, gesturing toward the table. “I told you. Our chef here is really good.”

He points toward her plate in particular. “Look! They even made oil pasta exactly how you like it.”

Jihyun leans in a little, studying the dish more closely, like she’s genuinely impressed. “I noticed that too,” she says, glancing up at him. “No, but… how did you guys know?”

Seungkwan lets out a small laugh, shaking his head as he leans back slightly. “I think someone informed them,” he says casually.

Jihyun looks up at him, eyebrows lifting a little. “Someone?”

He shrugs, trying to play it off. “You know… your fans are everywhere.”

There’s a tiny pause and then he adds, almost as an afterthought, “Hyundaengies are everywhere.”

Jihyun narrows her eyes at him, clearly not fully convinced, but amused. “That’s kind of scary…”

Seungkwan just grins, unfazed. “What? It just means they know you well.”

She glances back at the pasta, still a little suspicious, then back at him. “Or someone here knows a little too much…”

“Ah—why are you looking at me?” he immediately shoots back, pointing at himself with a laugh. “I didn’t do anything!”

Jihyun lets out a quiet laugh, shaking her head as she picks up her fork. “Okay… I’ll just accept it.”

Seungkwan nods, satisfied, like he got away with it. “Yeah, just enjoy it.”

The studio became silent as the two started eating, with Jihyun taking a bite of her pasta as Seungkwan cuts into the steak. 

[This is: Mukbang Show] 

When suddenly, the staff’s voice cuts in from behind the camera. “Seungkwan-ssi, Jihyun-ssi, please tell the viewers how’s the food~” the first voice said, when suddenly, someone cuts off, “Wah, looking from here, it seems like you guys are on a date..” 

The both of them freeze suddenly, as their gaze met, eyes widening. 

“...What?” Seungkwan says, at the same time Jihyun slightly choked, surprised by what she heard. 

“Eyyy, no, noo!” she says quickly, shaking her head, drinking from her glass of water right after. 

Seungkwan waves his hand, already laughing it off. “What kind of date is this?” he defended. “This is almost.. Mukbang program, right!” 

“Exactly!” Jihyun agrees a little too fast, nodding as she picks up her fork again. 

Seungkwan clears his throat, suddenly very focused on his plate. “…Anyway,” he says quickly, cutting into his steak a little more aggressively than necessary.

Jihyun presses her lips together, already holding back a smile.

He points at her plate without looking up. “How’s the pasta?” he asks, like nothing happened.

The shift is so abrupt it’s almost suspicious.

Jihyun lets out a quiet laugh before answering, playing along. “It’s really good,” she says. “You should try it.”

“Ah, really?” Seungkwan nods immediately, grateful for the change in topic as he reaches over slightly. “Okay, I’ll try it.”

He takes a bite and reacts a second later.

“Oh! this is good,” he says, eyes widening a little, fully committing to the new conversation. “This is really good.”

Jihyun smiles, watching him. “I told you.”

He nods quickly, like he’s proving a point. “Yeah, yeah… this is why we’re here. For the food.”

Jihyun laughs softly, clearly amused.

“…Right,” she agrees.

[Topic successfully changed]

Seungkwan took another bite, clearly enjoying the food as the mood finally settled. 

Jihyun was busy cutting the steak on her plate when something suddenly crossed her mind. 

“Ah, wait—” she says, as she looks up at Seungkwan. “I just remembered something.”

Seungkwan glances at her mid-bite. “What is it?” 

“I have to contact eomma soon.” she says casually, like something she does regularly. 

“My mom?” he repeats, blinking. 

Jihyun nods before going back to her food, “She said she was going to send me some banchan, so..” she explains. “And, we were supposed to meet up soon too.” 

“Eh? You’re going to Jeju? When?” he said, eyes widening in surprise. “Wait— Why are you guys making plans without me?” he added, already pouting. 

Jihyun shrugs, completely unfazed. “Eonni and I saw each other at the concert the other day, and she told me Eomma wanted to have a little girls day out together with the four of us.” she explained. 

“Like… just us.” 

Seungkwan stares at her for a second then lets out a laugh, shaking his head in disbelief.

“Wow,” he says, placing a hand on his chest. “So now I’m getting left out of my own family?”

Jihyun laughs softly, glancing at him. “You’ll be busy anyway.”

“Ah, that’s not the point!” he shoots back immediately, though he’s still smiling. “At least invite me as a plus one or something.”

Jihyun tilts her head, pretending to consider it. “…We’ll see.”

Seungkwan scoffs, but there’s no real complaint in it, just amusement. “Unbelievable.”

He takes another bite, still shaking his head, then mutters under his breath with a grin, “My mom likes you too much.”

Jihyun presses her lips together, trying to hide her smile as she looks back down at her plate.

Seungkwan scoffs lightly, still shaking his head as he takes another bite. “This is unbelievable.” he mutters, though a slight smile can still be seen on his face. 

The two of them resumed eating, when Seungkwan suddenly paused. “Wait–”

Jihyun looked up at him mid-bite. “What?”

Seungkwan slowly reaches for the phone in his pocket and proceeds to unlock it. “Let’s actually confirm this. I’m going to call mom.”

Jihyun’s eyes widened as a slight laughter left her. 

He dials his mom’s number and places the phone down on the table. 

Jihyun drops her head while laughing in disbelief. 

A second later, the call finally connects. 

“Hello? Adeul~” his mom’s voice comes through. 

“Mom~,” Seungkwan says softly, trying to sound calm but failing slightly. “I’m filming right now.”

“Oh? You’re filming?” she replies, her tone brightening.

“Yes,” he nods, even though she can’t see him. “And I have a question.”

Jihyun is already covering her face, shoulders shaking from laughter.

“Why are you making plans with Jihyun without me?” he asks, straight to the point.

There’s a brief pause, then his mom answers, completely unfazed.

“Oh, we’re just going to meet up soon,” she says casually. “I told her I’d send her some banchan too.”

Seungkwan freezes for a second.

“See? I told you.” Jihyun said, like she successfully proved her point. 

“Wah… Really unbelievable.” he said in disbelief. 

His mom’s voice comes through again, a little more excited this time. “Jihyun-ah, are you there?”

Jihyun straightens up immediately, leaning a little closer to the phone. “Yes, eomma~ Hello!” she says, suddenly polite.

“Aigoo, my lovely daughter,” his mom says warmly. “I’ll see you soon, okay?”

Jihyun’s expression softens right away. “Yes, of course,” she replies, smiling. “I’ll message you later.”

Seungkwan just stares between them, completely dumbfounded. “…My lovely daughter?” he repeats under his breath.

Neither of them pays him any attention. “Eat well, okay?” his mom continues. “And take care.”

“Yes, eomma too~” Jihyun answers sweetly.

Seungkwan finally cuts in, half-offended. “Mom, what about me?”

There’s a small pause, then his mom laughs. “You’re with her, aren’t you? Then you’re fine.”

Jihyun bursts into laughter, immediately lowering her head again.

Seungkwan lets out a disbelieving laugh. “Wow. Okay.”

“Alright, eomma, I’ll call you later,” he adds quickly, still shaking his head. “We’re currently eating.”

“Alright, alright,” she replies. “Have fun.”

The call ends.

Seungkwan slowly puts his phone down, still processing everything. “…I actually just witnessed that happen in real time,” he says.

Jihyun tries to compose herself, but she’s still smiling. “What?”

He points at her, still in disbelief. “I think my mom actually likes you more than me.”

Jihyun laughs, shaking her head. “That’s not true…”

“It is,” he insists immediately. “She called you her daughter.”

Jihyun presses her lips together, trying to stay calm—but the smile gives her away.

Seungkwan sighs dramatically, picking up his fork again. “Unbelievable.”

Jihyun takes another bite, still smiling to herself from the call, before glancing at Seungkwan again.

“Since we’re already talking about your mom…” she begins, trailing off slightly.

Seungkwan looks up. “Mm?”

She tilts her head a little, like she’s digging through an old memory. “I suddenly remembered something from our trainee days.”

Seungkwan pauses mid-motion, already reacting. “Oh! This is a good topic! When Dokyeom hyung was here, we also talked about our trainee days too.”

Jihyun lets out a small laugh. “Right? Every time we’re on talk shows like this, the topic of our trainee days often gets mentioned.” 

She hesitates for a while before continuing softly, “Back then, my parents were in Canada, right? So I really missed home-cooked meals.”

Seungkwan’s expression shifts, listening more closely. 

“And I didn’t really have the money to cook either,” she adds, almost casually. “So I just ate convenience store food most of the time.”

She smiles faintly. “I think that’s why that period felt especially hard for me.”

Seungkwan sets his utensils down slowly, nodding as if he remembers it clearly. “There was a time I came back from Jeju,” he says. “My mom packed a lot of banchan for me to share with everyone.”

Jihyun lets out a small laugh, already knowing where this is going.

“But we weren’t in the same dorm back then, so I couldn’t give her anything,” he continues, glancing at the camera as he shares the story. “So, during breaks, I would often see her looking at our table during lunch breaks.”

Jihyun immediately covers her face, laughing. “Ah—don’t say it like that.”

“I’m serious,” he insists, though he’s smiling now. “You were just sitting there, eating your kimbap—”

“I was on my third one, okay?” she cuts in, laughing harder. “And you guys were eating gejang at the other table!”

Seungkwan bursts into laughter. “See? You remember it exactly!”

“How could I not?” she shoots back, still laughing. “I was struggling over there.”

He shakes his head, still amused—but there’s something softer in his tone when he speaks again.

“That’s why my mom always sends us gejang now,” he says. “She knows how much Jihyun likes it.”

Jihyun’s expression softens almost immediately.

“No, but really…” she says, quieter this time, a small smile on her lips. “Eomma’s gejang is the best.”

Seungkwan nods without hesitation. “For real.”

There’s a brief, comfortable silence as they both finish their food, the mood warmer now, filled with something more familiar than before.

Jihyun sets her fork down with a small, satisfied breath, leaning back slightly into the sofa.

Seungkwan watches her for a moment, a faint smile on his face. “So,” he says gently, tilting his head a little. “How was it?”

Jihyun looks at him, eyes soft, then nods. “It was really good,” she says. “I ate well.”

“Mm,” he hums, clearly pleased. “That’s good.”

She lets out a small laugh, patting her stomach lightly. “I could eat more…” she admits, a little sheepish. “…but I’ll hold back for now.”

He leans back into his seat, almost smug. “Actually… we still have dessert time after this.”

Jihyun’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh, really?”

“Yeah,” he nods. “It’s not over yet.”

She smiles, nodding to herself like she’s made a decision. “Then I’ll hold back for now,” she says again, a little more determined this time.

They both shifted slightly as they settled more comfortably into the sofa as the table in front of them cleared. 

The vibe shifted as the staff asked Jihyun, “So, Jihyun-ssi, what would your actual wish be?” 

Jihyun clasped her hand as she looked at Seungkwan, “Oh, right! Bibidi Babidi Boo!” she said excitedly. 

Seungkwan couldn’t help but smile at her cuteness. 

Jihyun blinks as she thinks carefully. “My wish..?”, she repeated softly. 

Seungkwan’s gaze hasn't left her as he waits for her answer. 

“Actually.. This one isn’t just my wish,” she begins. “I’ve been seeing it on my feed recently, and I think this is something our Carats would like to see as well.” 

Seungkwan’s expression shifts, anticipating what she’s going to say, “Oh?” 

She glances at him briefly before finishing her wish, “Since your collab with Gummy Sunbaenim came out recently,” she says as a small smile forms on her face, “I thought it would be nice if we could do a cover of it together.” 

Seungkwan’s eyes widened in excitement as he heard her request, “Oh! Wah, that would actually be really nice!” 

“Right? And also, it would also be a nice promotion for it.” she answered, smiling softly at him. 

“Wah. our Jihyun really is the best, everyone!” he said, as he walked towards her to give her a hug. 

Jihyun smiled as she hugged them back. 

“Then, we will let you guys hear ‘Like Spring’”Seungkwan introduced as the scene transitioned from the living room set into a more empty studio without the sofa and table. 

They settled back on the sofa right after the special performance, as the next segment started. Seungkwan clapped his hands slightly, shifting the mood. 

“Alright!” he says, signifying the start of the last segment, turning slightly towards the camera. “It’s now time for our last segment.” 

Jihyun smiles beside him, anticipating what’s coming next. 

“Actually, we asked the fans in the community to send in questions for Jihyun,” he explains. “Because we feel like they’re really curious about what you are up to these days.”

Jihyun’s eyebrows lift in surprise. “For me?” 

Seungkwan nods, grinning. “Yes. And the questions are very recent ones too.” he said. “Since someone has been really inactive lately”

Jihyun lets out a small laugh, already looking a bit shy because of guilt. “Ah…” 

“A lot of people were curious,” he continued, picking up a card from the stack. “So we gathered some of them.”

He glances at her. “Are you ready?”

She exhales softly, nodding. “I’ll try.”

[Catching Up with Jihyun 📬]

Seungkwan looked at the screen in front as the first question flashed. Jihyun was already smiling beside him while reading the question. 

“Okay! First question.” he started. “Jihyun-ah, it’s been a while since the Encore Concert and we haven’t heard from you at all… not even a single post 🥺 Are you resting well? We miss you a lot, we hope you’re taking care of yourself too~” 

Jihyun lets out a small, embarrassed laugh, lowering her head for a second. 

“I’ve been.. Resting really well lately. There’s no need for you guys to worry~” she answered honestly, her tone soft. “And I’ve been spending time with people I haven’t seen in a while.” 

Seungkwan nods knowingly. 

“Ah, right! I’ve also been to Canada recently to visit my parents~” she said softly. “I have a lot of pretty pictures from the trip that I haven’t uploaded yet so, please look forward to it~” 

“So you were a bit busy,” he said.

“A little,” she smiles. “Just quietly.”

He hums, like he expected that. The screen flashed the next question and Seungkwan proceeded to read it out loud, grinning slightly, already intrigued.

“Jihyun Eonnie, are you planning any solo activities soon? We’ll be cheering for you as always~ Looking forward to everything you’re working on, love you!” 

Jihyun exhales softly, thinking for a second. “I’d like to,” she says. “I’ve been trying a few things here and there…”

Seungkwan leans in slightly. “Like what?”

Jihyun immediately waves her hands. “Nothing big! Just—small things.”

“That sounds suspicious.” He narrows his eyes, clearly not convinced. 

She glances at him, then away again with a small smile. “You’ll see.”

He lets out a laugh. “Ah, she’s keeping secrets again.”

[Next!]

“We’ve seen you travelling a lot lately… are you enjoying it?” 

Jihyun nods immediately as she answers excitedly.”Very much!” she says. “It’s been a while since I could just go around without a tight schedule.” 

Shen then smiles faintly. “It’s nice. I feel like I get to live in our Carats perspective because I get to watch your concert and travel around the city.” 

[FLEX~]

Seungkwan watches her for a moment, then nods. “You look more relaxed these days.”

Jihyun glances at him, and smiles.

The next question flashes on the screen, and Seungkwan pauses for a bit upon reading the question. Jihyun also couldn’t help but to laugh slightly at it. 

He looks up at her, already smiling. “This one is… interesting.” he clears his throat before reading. “Have Jihyunie and Kwanie gotten closer recently? You two seem really close these days!” 

For a second, they just look at each other, then both break into laughter, like they’re in on the same unspoken joke.

Jihyun leans back slightly, still smiling. “No, actually…” She starts casually, “I don’t really like him these days.”

Seungkwan turns to her immediately, caught off guard. “…What?” he says, side-eyeing her, visibly (and playfully) offended.

She keeps a straight face for a moment longer. “He annoys me too much these days,” she adds, nodding as if she’s completely serious.

Seungkwan lets out an incredulous laugh, throwing his hands up slightly. “Yah—what is this?” he complains, shaking his head. “Why are you saying it like that on camera?” There’s a small pout on his face, like he’s genuinely sulking.

Jihyun finally breaks, laughing. “Nah, I’m just kidding!” she says quickly.

Seungkwan exhales in relief, placing a hand on his chest. “Ahh, seriously…” he mutters, shaking his head, though a smile is already forming. “You scared me.”

“Why are you so serious,” Jihyun teases, still laughing.

“You were convincing!” he shoots back, still half-pouting.

After a moment, Jihyun softens, glancing at him again. “But really,” she says more gently, “We’re very comfortable with each other.”

Seungkwan nods, his expression easing. “Yeah, that’s true.”

“We can joke like this,” she continues, a small smile on her lips, “and we still take care of each other.”

Seungkwan looks at her for a brief second before nodding again, quieter this time. “We do.”

A small pause lingers between them—comfortable, but just enough to shift the mood.

Then Seungkwan straightens slightly, clapping his hands once as if to reset the energy.

“Alright,” he says, picking up the stack of cards again. He flips through them, then slows down, pulling one out.

He glances at it, then back at the camera with a small smile.

“Now, for the last question.”

Jihyun turns toward him, her expression already softening a little.

Seungkwan looks back down at the card and reads, “‘What do you want to say to fans who have been waiting for you?’”

Jihyun’s playful expression fades into something gentler as she looks toward the camera. “…Thank you for waiting,” she says softly. “I know I’ve been a little quiet these days, but I’m doing well.”

Her lips curve into a small, sincere smile. “And I’ll come back properly soon.”

Seungkwan glances at her, his expression soft, then gives a small nod, like he’s silently approving.

“See?” he says, turning to the camera. “She’s been doing well lately, you guys really have nothing to worry about.” he added softly.

Jihyun lets out a soft laugh beside him.

“Alright,” he says, shifting slightly in his seat as he turns more toward her. “That brings us to the end of today’s episode.”

He gestures lightly toward Jihyun. “Jihyun-ssi, thank you for coming today. It’s been a while, and I think a lot of people really miss seeing you like this.”

Jihyun smiles, a little shy but warm. “Of course,” she says softly. “Anytime.”

She glances at him briefly before looking back at the camera. “I had a really good time today,” she adds. “The food was really good too.”

Seungkwan lets out a small laugh. “I told you.”

Jihyun smiles, then straightens slightly, her tone becoming a bit more earnest. “And to everyone watching… Thank you for waiting for me.”

She pauses for a second, choosing her words carefully.

“Please look forward to the things I’m preparing,” she continues, a hint of excitement in her voice. “I’ll make sure to come back and greet you all properly.”

Seungkwan nods beside her. “You heard her.” He turns back to the camera with a bright smile. “Please continue to give Jihyun lots of love and support.”

Jihyun bows her head slightly. “Thank you.”

“Alright,” Seungkwan claps his hands lightly, slipping back into host mode. “This has been—”

He gestures between the two of them.

“—Bibidi Babidi Boo with Seungkwan and Jihyun!”

Jihyun laughs softly at the cue, then follows along. “Thank you for watching!”

They both wave toward the camera, smiles lingering as the scene fades out and transitions to photos of the two together. 

© JIHYUN-VERSE 2026 [ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ]

╰┈➤ˎˊ˗ for taglist: feel free to comment or message me 🦫

╰┈➤ˎˊ˗ requests: always open .ᐟ

He wanted her to have something to hold.

They had spotted this plushie shop a while before they had gone to the soundcheck with Mingyu promising they’d come back to look after the concert. It only felt right to get her something from there.

The shop was too bright.

Mingyu stood in front of the rows and rows of plushies, eyes skimming through each section until his eyes caught on to the ridiculous shark. It was sitting awkwardly in the midst of other sea creature themed stuffed animals with its mouth stitched like a crooked grin.

It was huge. Ridiculously huge.

Riko would love it.

And she did.

She hugged it tight when he gave it to her. Held it close each time the nurse came in to check on her. 

The worry set in the next day when they came in to remove her chest tube. 

She asked for Seungcheol.

He wasn’t upset that she chose Seungcheol, he knew why.

Seungcheol has always been for them, Seungcheol comes with this warmth that feels like a long hug in times of need. A grounding figure in a storm.

But he also knew she chose seungcheol because she was scared. 

She was scared of the procedure but even more worried about Mingyu.

She didn't want him to see her in pain.

She’s always done that.

Hiding away until it has passed then finally admitting to her struggles.

He had spent most the night looking through videos and articles about collapsed lungs and rib fractures to the point that he could possibly do the procedure himself. The videos gave him this horrible feeling of dread especially knowing that Riko would be going through that made him feel even more helpless.

He stood outside the room with the other members, waiting patiently for the procedure to be done. 

“Don’t stress Mingyu…it’ll only make her feel worse” Wonwoo pushed him to sit on the bench next to him and Seokmin. 

Riko’s aunt and brother patted his shoulder then told him they’re going to look for something Riko would like to eat .

When Seungcheol came out of the room, Mingyu was relieved, getting up from the chair eager to know everything.

“She’s okay, they’re dressing her wound and getting her a new gown” he continued “She cried but there were no other complications” Cheol gave him a small smile before going to find her brother.

When he went in the room again she was fitted with a brace over her clothes. For a minute all he wanted was some time alone. Just the two of them but he knew it wasn't possible now, just hold on a little longer. 

That night, Mingyu stayed overnight instead of Riko’s Aunt and brother. She was fitted with her vest, laying while watching something on the television.

They hadn't talked much.

Just pleasant silence.

Until he heard sniffling.

Mingyu got up immediately, going to stand next to her as she looked up at him with tears filling up her eyes. 

“I’m sorry” she mumbled, gripping her shark plushie so tight. Her shoulders trembled slightly, breath uneven in a way that made his chest ache

“No, what are you sorry” his voice softer than he intended as he sat down slowly on her bed, giving her time to push him away if she wanted to. 

She shook her head, tears streaming down her face now. He put his arms around her, careful not to hurt her more. 

“I ruined everything. The tour and and all the plans I–” a sob cut her off, she turned her face away covering it with her hands. 

“Baby” Mingyu tried even more gently, hands pausing before around her wrists “Can..you look at me?”

Her breathe hitched again before her voice broke “You’re supposed to be enjoying our last night here, but now you’re stuck here because of me” 

He frowned immediately. 

“Hey. No, look at me please ” he said firmly. She lowered her hands, her eyes were with lashes clumped together and her lip caught between her teeth so tight he worried it’d draw blood.

“You didn’t ruin anything” he said quietly, hands cupping her face

“Bu—” 

“I want to be here” He insisted, the helpless ache sitting deep in his chest. 

“I want to be with you” 

Her gaze dropped, trying not to look him in the eye but Mingyu knew better tilting her face.

“I’m serious, you think I'd rather be at the hotel? Knowing you’re here hurting” 

He leaned slowly, resting his forehead against hers.

“I want to be here with you…I’m worried because I love you” giving her a quick kiss on her nose then laying down, pulling her as well.

“I just..I hate feeling like this” she admitted “like I can’t even breathe without help”

He tightened his grip slightly

“I know,” he said quietly. “But you’re still getting through it”

She let out a shaky breath, the tension leaving her shoulders as she leaned on to him properly.

The room fell into a quiet silence as she drifted off to sleep, one arm around the shark while the other held on to his.

Bangkok February 2026

It hasn’t been long since her accident but it feels like eternity since he last saw her. 

Riko had been staying at her family home in Japan with her brother and aunt, going through recovery. She face timed Mingyu every night, her head peeking from the blanket as she dozed off when he spoke. 

But

The past week was rough, they barely texted each other with his energy drained from touring and hers from physio.

He had gotten a “fighting” from her in the group chat before the concert.

The cheers from fans kept his adrenaline going jumping up and down, spraying the water on carats all filled him with joy. But he loved the idea of flying home to Riko even better.

To help take care of her

Wake up with her in his arms or vice versa

Making her breakfast and accompanying her to physio

It all filled him with eagerness but also unease

Would she be okay? 

How long till her lungs are strong again?

Would she want him to help?

All the thoughts flooded into him in the changning room after the final stop but it all halted when he stepped out to absolute ruckus.

Members talking over each other all crowded giving hugs asking questions

“When did you get here?”

“Are you okay!?”

“Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Did you come alone?”

He heard a small laugh 

Her laugh.

Riko stood in the middle, slightly pale and tired.

“I’m okay, I promise” she reassured, nodding quickly. “I just got here, I wanted to surprise you guys” 

“You flew?” Wonwoo asked, voice gentle but face worried

She nodded.

“I got cleared” she added quickly “I wouldn’t have come, if I wasn't"

Seungcheol came forward giving her a hug “ You’ll tell us if you feel worse yeah?” 

She gave him a hum before her eyes locked onto Mingyu, moving away from Seungcheol

“Hi” she giggled standing infront of him, slightly nervous from the look on his face. 

“Let’s give them a minute” and the members left, leaving the two of them alone. 

“What are you doing here?” asking, his tone mixed with worry but sounding a lot harsher than he intended.

Riko’s smile dropped slightly, “I wanted to see you guys..”

 Mingyu’s jaw tightened slightly, running a hand through his hair as he looked at her properly.

Up close, he could see it.

The faint shadows under her eyes, the way she was holding herself just a little too carefully, like every movement was measured.

“You flew,” he repeated, quieter this time. Not angry. Just…processing.

Riko shifted her weight, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve.

“I missed you,” she said simply.

“How..What are you doing here?!? You should be resting?”  his voice wasn’t loud but it wasnt soft either, more controlled and on edge

“My doctor” her smile completely gone, looking more worried 

“And he thought it was a good idea?” 

“ I thought you’d be happy” she admitted, voice slightly shaky

He froze.

“I..I am happy” he said finally, but the words came out unevenly, like they got caught somewhere on the way out.

Riko’s brows pulled together slightly.

“That doesn’t sound like it,” she said quietly.

Mingyu shut his eyes for a second, exhaling through his nose. His hand dragged down his face before he looked at her again.

“I missed you,” she repeated, quieter. “And I didn’t want to sit at home feeling useless anymore.”

His jaw tightened slightly at that.

“You’re not useless.”

“That’s not how it feels,” she admitted, her voice small but steady. “Everyone’s moving on and I’m just… stuck trying to breathe properly.”

That hit him harder than anything else she’d said.

For a moment, he didn’t respond.

Didn’t argue.

Just looked at her.

“And you think pushing yourself like this is going to fix that?” he asked, softer now.

The door opened before she could respond.

“Okay lovebirds enough chatting, the cars have arrived” Hoshi beamed, putting his arm around Riko’s shoulder walking towards the door. 

She got into the car taking the seat next to the window and Mingyu joined her soon after.

The car ride was quiet.

Not the comfortable kind. The silence was filled with tensions, questions and guilt with the hint of frustration. 

He glanced at her again.

“You’re sitting weird,” he muttered.

Riko blinked, turning her head slightly. “I’m not—”

“You are,” he cut in, softer this time. “Does your side hurt?”

She hesitated for a second too long.

“…a little.”

Mingyu exhaled, looking away, his hand coming up to rub the back of his neck.

“You should’ve told me.”

“I didn’t want to start another lecture,” she said lightly, trying to ease it.

He didn’t smile.

“It’s not a lecture if I’m right.”

That made her go quiet again.

At the hotel, the members naturally split off, voices fading into the hallway until it was just the two of them.

Mingyu opened the door first, stepping aside to let her in.

“Sit,” he said immediately, nodding toward the bed.

Riko let out a small breath, half amused, half tired.

“Yes, doctor.”

He didn’t react to the joke.

She noticed.

Slowly, she sat down, easing herself onto the edge of the bed. The movement was controlled, but not effortless.

Mingyu’s eyes followed the entire thing.

“You’re exhausted,” he said.

“I’m fine.”

“You’re not.”

“ I said I’m fine” she let out a huff of frustration resisting the urge to roll her eyes at his insistent behaviour. 

It didn’t sit right with him

But he didn’t push again.

Instead, he turned away slightly, grabbing a bottle of water and handing it to her.

“Drink.”

She took it without arguing this time.

“Thank you.”

Another silence.

Thicker now.

Riko glanced toward the bathroom after a moment.

“I’m going to shower,” she said softly. “I feel gross after the flight.”

Mingyu nodded.

She stood carefully before making her way inside, closing the door behind her.

The room felt too quiet without her.

Mingyu stood there for a moment, running a hand through his hair again.

He hated this feeling.

The distance.

Even when she was right here.

He sat on the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor.

He was happy she came.

He just…couldn't get past how fragile it all still felt.

Like one wrong move and she’d end up back in that hospital bed.

He heard heavy breathing and then sniffling making him stand up, worry flooding his veins making his way to the bathroom. He gave a knock

“Riko, you okay?” 

She didn’t respond but he could hear her breathing getting worse like she was struggling. 

“Can I come in?” his hand was already on the door knob waiting for an answer but it didnt come. 

“I’m coming okay?” his voice was soft, all the guilt building up in him

He paused for a minute before opening the door. 

Riko stood there, tears streaming down her face. Her hands were trembling as she struggled with the strap of her brace, tugging at it in frustration.

“This stupid thing won’t come off—” her voice broke, breath uneven.

Mingyu’s expression fell instantly.

He knew it wasn’t just the brace.

It was everything.

“Hey… hey,” he said softly, stepping toward her. “Come here.”

He reached for her hands, gently stopping them from pulling at the strap.

“Let me help, okay?”

His fingers worked more carefully this time, loosening the tension instead of forcing it.

The strap gave way.

Riko let out a shaky breath.

And that was it.

Mingyu didn’t think twice.

He pulled her into his chest, one arm wrapping around her carefully, the other steadying her.

“Hey… it’s okay,” he murmured, his voice softer than before. “I’ve got you.”

Riko didn’t say anything at first.

She just clutched onto him, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt as her breathing came in short, uneven bursts.

Mingyu felt it immediately.

“Hey… slow down,” he murmured, one hand coming up to cradle the back of her head gently, guiding her closer against him. “You’re okay, I’ve got you.”

Her breath hitched again, a quiet sob slipping out before she could stop it.

He held her tight, swaying slightly giving her occasional peckson the top of her head.

“Come on..let’s slow down okay” he murmured into her hair and she gave a tiny nod. 

“In… slow,” he whispered.

He exaggerated his own breathing, steady and controlled.

“…and out.”

Riko tried to follow, but it came out shaky at first.

“That’s okay,” he reassured immediately. “Again.”

His thumb brushed small, grounding circles against her arm.

“In…”

A little better this time.

“…and out.”

The panic didn’t disappear all at once.

But it softened.

Her breathing evened out enough that the sharp edge of it faded, turning into quiet, uneven inhales instead of gasps.

“I’m sorry” she whispered

“Dont do that” he pulled away just enough to look at her properly, cupping her face. 

“You have nothing to apologize for baby, if anyone it should be me apologizing” 

She moved away hiding her face in his shirt hugging tighter “I get why you were angry,maybe it was a bad idea to come here” 

Mingyu let out a sigh “It was wrong of me to yell at you,especually after you came from a flight just to see me” 

He rubbed her back slowly “Do you want to shower?” he asked, loosening her brace when she hummed.

And that’s when he saw it.

Properly.

Not just a glimpse.

Not something half-hidden.

Everything.

The bruising along her ribs.

Faded in places, darker in others. The way it spread wider than he expected. The small, healing scar where the tube had been, still angry against her skin.

And how her frame had changed.

Subtly.

But enough.

His chest tightened so suddenly it almost hurt.

“Riko…” his voice dropped, barely above a whisper.

She stilled.

Immediately aware.

“It looks worse than it is,” she said quickly, instinctively trying to cover it with her hand.

Mingyu gently caught her wrist.

“Don’t.”

Not firm.

Just… soft.

Careful.

She hesitated.

Then let her hand fall.

His fingers hovered for a second before resting lightly against her side—avoiding the worst of the bruising like it was instinct.

“You are the strongest person I know…” he said quietly.

Her eyes filled instantly.

“And I am so, so proud of you.”

Riko’s breath caught.

Like something in her chest had been pulled too tight for too long—and finally snapped.

Her lips parted, but nothing came out at first.

Then—

A sob.

Not sharp like before.

Softer.

Quieter.

But heavier.

“I feel like I've done nothing, everyone is moving on while I’m still stuck” words just tumbling out messy and rushed. 

“I couldn’t breathe on my own, I couldn’t move properly, I needed help for everything. I hate it. I feel so useless”

“Riko.”

Her name, gentle but firm.

That made her stop.

Mingyu tilted her face up slightly, forcing her to look at him—not harshly, just enough that she couldn’t hide.

“You survived something scary,” he said quietly. “That’s not nothing”

She shook her head weakly.

“It doesn’t feel like it.”

“I know,” he said immediately. “I know it doesn’t.”

His thumb brushed under her eye, wiping away tears carefully. 

“You went through all of that and you’re still standing here”

 Her breathing hitched again.

“And you got on a plane,” he added, softer now, almost in disbelief. “Just to come see me.”

That broke her all over again.

“I missed you,” she cried quietly.

He pulled her into him again, one hand cradling the back of her head, pressing her gently into his shoulder.

“I know,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss into her hair. “I know, baby.”

She clung to him, fingers bunching in his shirt, her body shaking slightly with each quiet sob.

“I felt so stuck,” she admitted into his chest. “Like everything just stopped and I was the only one not moving forward.”

“You’re not behind,” he said softly. “You’re healing.”

She let out a shaky breath.

“It doesn’t feel that nice.”

“It will,” he murmured. “Just… not all at once.”

His hand moved slowly up and down her back, steady, grounding.

“You don’t have to rush this,” he continued. “You don’t have to prove anything to anyone.”

A pause.

“Not even to me.”

After a few minutes, her breathing started to calm again, settling into something softer.

Tired.

Drained.

Mingyu pulled back slightly, just enough to look at her.

Her cheeks were flushed, lashes damp, but her expression wasn’t as tight anymore.

“Still want that shower?” he asked gently.

She let out a small, breathy laugh.

“…yeah.”

He smiled faintly, reaching up to brush her hair back from her face.

“Okay.”

They showered together, he helped wash her hair and hold her when her side hurt too much. Mingyu stepped out quickly, rushing to get towels and bundling her up quickly then going to help her get dressed.

He moved slowly,careful hands reaching for her clothes, unfolding them, bringing them closer.

“Arms up a little,” he said quietly.

Riko obeyed, wincing just slightly as she lifted them.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered immediately.

“It’s okay,” she shook her head. “It’s not you.”

When the shirt brushed over her side, he paused instinctively.

“Does that hurt?”

“Just a bit…keep going.”

He nodded, continuing carefully until it settled properly.

“There,” he murmured, smoothing the fabric down like it mattered more than it should.

It wasn’t perfect.

But she looked more comfortable.

More like herself.

Next was the brace.

Mingyu hesitated for a second, then glanced at her.

“Okay if I fix this?” he asked.

Riko gave a small nod.

“Yeah.”

He stepped closer again, his hands slower now—more confident than before, but still gentle.

He adjusted the straps, checking the tension, making sure it sat right without pressing too harshly against the bruising.

“How’s that?”

She took a breath.

“…better.”

“Too tight?”

“No.”

“Too loose?”

She shook her head slightly.

“It’s good.”

Mingyu nodded, but still ran his fingers lightly along the edges, double-checking like he didn’t fully trust it.

Only when he was satisfied did he step back.

By the time they made it back to the bed, Riko looked like she could barely keep her eyes open. MIngyu let out a small chuckle “come on time for bed”

She didn’t argue this time.

Just eased herself down carefully, letting out a small breath as she settled against the pillows.

Mingyu adjusted them behind her without being asked, one hand steady at her shoulder.

“Too high?” he asked.

She shook her head slightly.

“It’s okay.”

He moved around to the other side of the bed, climbing in beside her more carefully than usual.

There was a brief pause.

He glanced at her before shifting closer, slow and deliberate, sliding one arm around her.

Not pulling her in right away, just resting there, giving her time.

Riko moved first.

Carefully, she leaned into him, her head finding its place against his chest like it always did. The moment she settled, she let out a quiet breath.

Like she’d been holding it in all day.

Mingyu’s arm tightened slightly around her, his hand resting gently along her side, thumb brushing small, absentminded circles.

“Are you comfortable?” he murmured.

“Mm,” she nodded faintly. “Don’t move.”

He huffed softly, the corner of his lips lifting.

“Wasn’t planning to.”

The room fell quiet.

Not heavy.

Not tense.

Just… still.

Riko’s breathing started to slow again, evening out as she relaxed further into him.

Her fingers, still curled loosely in his shirt, softened their grip little by little.

Mingyu stayed still.

Completely still.

Like even shifting an inch might disturb her.

But his mind didn’t quiet as easily.

His eyes flicked down every few seconds.

Watching.

Listening.

Counting without meaning to.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

After a while, Riko shifted slightly, her breathing catching for just a second.

Mingyu tensed immediately.

“Riko?” he whispered.

No response.

A small sound as she pressed closer, her hand tightening weakly in his shirt.

“…I’m here,” he murmured, softer this time.

Her breathing steadied again.

Slow.

Even.

He let out a quiet breath he didn’t realize he was holding.

Taglist : @rosemary-luvs @ami-kay-01 @aevenfics @socksfirst1 @paulina15

i hope thats everyone...i realized someone deactivated the account im guessing? not sure

All pictures are from pinterest, Dividers from @saradika-graphics

please not everything is fictional

Soft music plays over clips of the SMTOWN stage slowly fading in and out. Fans waving their lightsticks, and all the artists joining the stage as they greet the crowd.

Hi Everyone! 

"SMTOWN 2026 gave us far more Jaena interactions than anyone expected... and fans caught every single one.”

“Here's every moment you might've missed between Hana and Jaehyun that had everyone rewatching their fancams.”

So now.. let's kick things off with the first moment.

THE ENDING FAIRY

and of course.. we have to start with the moment.

..we all know the one.

As the final notes of Hope echoes throughout the stadium, with every artist pouring onto the stage greeting fans, and beginning the traditional ending. Confetti drifted through the air, the loud excited noises from fans, and idols scattered across the stage, waving toward every section of the audience.

Hana found herself toward the left side of the stage alongside her members. She smiled brightly as she greeted fans, both hands raised as she enthusiastically waved toward the upper sections of the stadium.

Completely focused on the audience of fans..

..or at least she was.

Because someone else certainly wasn’t.

Several meters away, Jaehyun had clearly forgotten there were forty thousand people in front of him. 

One fancam,  taken from the lower area, catches Jaehyun already looking in Hana’s direction.

Another angle from the opposite side of the stadium shows the exact same thing.

Then a third fancam confirms it once again. 

Jaehyun wasn’t waving, or looking around. He’s simply watching her.

[WHY IS HE JUST STARING😭]

[Sir.. the fans paid to see YOU.]

[He is NOT beating the lover boy allegations.]

As Hana continued greeting fans, she suddenly turned her head.

Their eyes met instantly.

The moment she noticed him staring, the corners of her lips curled into a smile before she let out a quiet laugh under her breath. She pointed at him, then toward the audience with one finger, silently remind him—

“The fans.” She mouths.

[HELP SHE REALLY SAID “DO YOUR JOB”

[SHE CLOCKED HIM BYE]

Jaehyun blinked as though he’d just been caught. He laughed to himself before finally turning toward the crowd and dramatically waving with both hands.

[he folded immediately omfg]

Hana watched him before shaking her head, trying to hide her smile.

Within minutes, every angle of this single interaction had gone viral online.

Fans counted how long he’d been looking. Some said eight seconds.. Others said twelve.

No one was looking at the fireworks anymore.

They were looking at him look at her.

CONFETTI DISASTER

just when everyone thought the ending stage for Hope couldn’t get any cuter..

The confetti cannons go off.

Thousands of silver and pink pieces of confetti exploded into the air, drifting down over the artists as they continued making their way around the stage greeting fans and singing the final song. Some idols immediately started throwing handfuls of confetti into the crowd, others laughed as it stuck to their outfits while trying to remove confetti, and a few dramatically tried catching it midair.

Hana, meanwhile, remained completely oblivious

As she waved toward fans along one side of the stadium, a single piece of silver confetti floated down.

[SHE LOOKS LIKE AN ANGEL IM SOBBING]

And landed perfectly in Hana's hair. 

Right on top.

She continued smiling and greeting fans, not having the faintest idea that the piece of confetti was still sitting there on her hair.

[someone please tell her]

A few moments later, Jaehyun walks past her, and without stopping he gently reaches over, and removes it in one smooth motion before continuing to greet fans like nothing happened.

There wasn’t an ounce of hesitation. 

No attempt to get her attention.

He just simply reached over, carefully plucked the piece of confetti from her hair and walked away.

[EXCUSE ME??!?!?]

[THAT WAS SO CUTE???]

Hana froze for a split second, clearly surprised.

Her hand instinctively lifted toad where the confetti had been before she glanced over her shoulder at him. Realizing what had just happened, a small smile spread across her face.

One fancam zoomed in just enough onto her face to catch her expression, which appeared to show her mouthing a small, “Thank you.”

Jaehyun only looked back for a second and smiled. Then turned back toward the fans.

That was it.

Just a few seconds.. That resulted in millions of edits across TikTok, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

[ Three seconds and Three million edits!!! ]

[I have watched this clip an unhealthy amount of times]

[I LOVE THEM YOUR HONOR!!!]

LOST IN THE CROWD

One thing about SMTOWN endings..

There are a lot of idols on stage.

With so many artists from different groups moving around at the same time, the final moments can quickly turn into complete chaos. Everyone is greeting fans, taking pictures, finding their members, and trying not to get lost among the sea of people.

And somehow..

Hana managed to do exactly that.

As artists continued walking around the stage, Hana looked around while still smiling and waving at fans. It seemed like she was simply looking for a better angle to greet another section of the audience.

 But after a few seconds.. It became obvious she was searching for her members.

Her eyes moved from one side of the stage to the other, her expression became slightly confused as she tried to find the familiar faces she arrived with.

[HELP WHERE DID THEY GO]

[SOMEONE HELP HER SHE LOST HER GROUP]

The stage was filled with artist moving in every direction. Members were separated, people were crossing paths. And somehow, in the middle of all that chaos..

Someone noticed. 

Jaehyun noticed.

From across the stage, he caught sight of Hana looking around. He didn’t call her name and he didn’t try to walk all the way over. Jaehyun simply lifted his hand and pointed toward the opposite side of the stage.

There.

The aespa members were standing just a few sections away. Hana followed his direction, her eyes immediately landing on them. Her expression changed instantly, “Oh.”

[THE REALIZATION I CANNOT]

She let out a small laugh, shaking her head before looking back toward Jaehyun. With the tiniest smile, she mouthed a “Thank you,” followed with a small wink.

[MS. KIM HANA HELLO?]

[THE WINK?!]

Jaehyun only smiled back before turning his attention toward the fans again.

While the interaction lasted maybe ten seconds in the middle of a stage full of artists. But somehow.. Fans still managed to find it and post it everywhere.

[BOYFRIEND BEHAVIOR BUT MAKE IT SUBTLE]

Even in a crowd full of idols, they still somehow manage to find each other.

THE FINAL BOW

this is one of my favorite jaena moments, they're just so cute idk.

As the SMTOWN concert comes to an end, all of the artists begin to gather toward the edge of the stage for the final goodbye. The once chaotic stage slowly becomes organized as everyone lines up together, preparing for the ending bow.

Artists reach for each other’s hands, forming a line across the edge of the stage. Among all of the idols standing side by side..

Hana and Jaehyun end up next to each other.

[THE TIMING???]

At first, neither of them seems to notice. They’re both focused on the audience, smiling and waving as the crowd continues cheering. Then, as everyone prepares to bow, their hands naturally meet.

There was no hesitation or awkwardness.

Just a simple gesture as they hold hands with the artists beside them.

[THEY’RE SO NATURAL ABOUT IT]

A few moments later, everyone bows together.

And for a brief moment, the two of them are captures side by side, hands linked, heads lowered, thanking fans for the night.

It only lasts a few seconds.

But fans immediately notice and immediately redirect their camera's view toward them.

As they stand back up, Hana and Jaehyun exchange a quick glance followed by a small smile before retraining their attention to the crowd, continuing to wave until the very last second.

And somehow, another Jaena moment is born and replayed by fans a thousand times.

DURING “HOPE”

so can we all agree that they always find each other

As the familiar melody fills the stadium, all of SM’s artists gather together for the final performance. At first, Hana and Jaehyun are separated by several members, both focused on 

But fans began noticing something. As the song progresses and the artists are moving across the stage, the two of them somehow end up a little closer. Not intentionally, just naturally.  A few steps here, and a small shift there, until they're standing shoulder to shoulder.

[THEY’RE LIKE MAGNETS]

Neither of them does anything obvious. They don’t even interact, they simply stand beside each other, comfortable as they continue waving to fans and singling along.

Fans later post side-by-side fancams from different sections of the stadium, showing that neither of them moved away for the entire song.

[MY PARENTS!!]

And maybe that's what made the moment so viral. Among all the fireworks, confetti, and thousands of fans screaming their names, one of the sweetest Jaena moments was them simply choosing to stand beside each other.

THE HAND HEART

no one can tell me that this wasn’t intentional 

As fans were waving their lightsticks wildly while screaming at the artists spread out across the stage. Among the countless cheers echoing through the venue, one chant slowly began growing louder in one section of the stadium, where both Hana and Jaehyun were nearby.

“JAENA! JAENA! JAENA!”

Then another.

“HEART! HEART! HEART!”

[HERE WE GO]

[I LOVE OUR FAMILY JAENAAAA]

Hana heard it first. 

She laughed before looking toward the section of fans chanting their names. Instead of acknowledging the request directly, she simply smiled and lifted one hand, forming half of a finger heart toward the audience.

[GIRL?? HALF A HEART OKAY.]

A few feet away, Jaehyun was still greeting fans until he heard the chanting coming from the section. Without turning to look at Hana, he casually lifted his own hand, and made the other half.

[THE TIMING OH MY GOSH.]

From the audience's perspective, the two halves lined up into one complete heart stretching across the stage. Neither of them looked at each other, or moved closer.

They simply continued waving to fans as though absolutely nothing had happened. The fans however lost their minds. The screams became so loud several artists nearby turned toward the section trying to figure out what had just happened.

Meanwhile, Hana and Jaehyun continued acting like two innocent people who definitely hadn’t just formed a heart together. 

[THEY ARE SO GUILTY]

After that, fans had already started stitching fancams of the moment together from multiple angles, proving that the heart had lined up almost flawlessly  from the audience's view.

Later, when fans brought up the clip during fancalls and fansigns, they both insisted the timing had been accidental. There was no planning, or a signal. It was just luck.

[I JUST KNOW NO ONE BELIEVED THEM]

[I DON’T]

To this day, the clip remains one of the most replayed Jaena moments from SMTOWN.

THE FAN THAT SCREAMED WHAT EVERYONE WAS THINKING

now.. to whoever this fan was we all just want to say thank you.

As the concert was beginning to wind down and all of the artists were gathering across the stage for the ending. Members and artists began waving to the fans and taking in the sea of lightsticks before saying goodbye. The atmosphere was loud, emotional, and just a little chaotic, with fans shouting their biases names from every direction in hopes of getting one last reaction.

[SMTOWN ENDINGS ARE THE BEST]

Hana stood comfortably beside the aespa members, smiling as she waved with occasional heart poses here and there toward the upper sections of the crowd. A few meters away, Jaehyun was doing the same with the NCT members, occasionally bowing and sending small waves to fans calling his name.

Everything was perfectly normal. Until one fan decided to shoot their shot, and from somewhere in the crowd, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear, the fan suddenly screamed—

“JAEHYUN! HANA! WE LOVE YOU!”

[WHOEVER YOU ARE.. THANK YOU!!!!!]

[THEY DID WHAT WE ALL WANTED TO DO]

One fancam immediately catched Hana’s reaction.

She pauses for the briefest second before pressing her lips together, clearly trying not to laugh. She glances down at the stage, takes a small breath, and shakes her head ever so slightly before looking back toward the audience.

She almost keeps it together. Almost.

[SHE WAS TRYING SO HARD NOT TO LAUGH]

[THE SMILE SHE WAS TRYING TO HIDE]

[SHE FAILED CLEARLY]

Another fancam catches Jaehyun at that same moment as well.

As soon as he heard their names together, the corners of his mouth lifted into the tiniest smile. You can see him press his lips together, and looking down for a moment trying to compose himself before returning his attention to the fans. The same way as Hana.

[HE WAS FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE.]

The best part of this clip is that neither of them looked at each other. Not once. It’s almost as if they both knew that if they made eye contact, they’d both lose it.

Oh, and one other thing, they weren’t the only ones who heard the fan. Several artists standing nearby glanced in their direction after hearing the fan scream both of their names before grinning, clearly having caught exactly what the fan had shouted.

[THE MEMBERS DEFINITELY HEARD]

[I JUST KNOW AESPA TEASED HANA AFTER THAT]

Fancam from multiple angles, including a fancam from the fan who shouted were making rounds online. With everyone going crazy about how they both gave the same reaction, fully confirming that they heard it.

THE HEART-SHAPED CONFETTI

this clip is just so fucking cute I LOVE THEMMM

By this point in the concert, the stage was completely covered in confetti. Everywhere you looked, tiny pink, white, and silver pieces of confetti littered the floor as everyone continued making their way around the stage. Some idols kicked it around as they walked and others picked it up to throw into the crowd or onto their members. 

Hana, well she found something a little cuter than just a plain piece of confetti. As she wandered across the stage, she spotted a small heart-shaped piece of pink confetti near her feet. Without thinking much of it, she bent down, picked it up, and smiled to herself.

[AW SHE’S SO CUTE]

A few moments later, with the heart shaped confetti still in her hand, she crossed path with Jaehyun. He had that familiar calm expression on his face as he greeted fans, waving toward different sections of the stadium.

Hana took one look at him, and without saying a word, she reached over gently and pressed the tiny heart shaped confetti onto his cheek.

“There.”

[PLEASE 😭]

Jaehyun immediately glanced at her, while reaching up to his cheek, trying to figure out what she had just done.

“What is this?” he asked with a small laugh.

Hana simply shrugged, “You looked too serious.”

[THEY’RE SO CUTE IT MAKES ME SICK.]

Jaehyun took the tiny paper heart from his cheek to look at it for a second before smiling to himself.

Then, he put it back on his cheek. There was no dramatic reaction or teasing. He simply continued greeting fans with the little pink heart still stuck to his face. As if it belonged there.

[HE DIDN’T TAKE IT OFF]

He left it there for the rest of the concert and fans later noticed he never removed it. Fans began to spread the fancams everywhere, along with screenshots of the interaction.

Some may see it as a tiny moment, but Jaena fans? They were ecstatic, they now have another piece of evidence.

THE TINY WAVE

now for the next one i present my parents, y'all why are they perfect omg

Hana and Jaehyun had again ended up on opposite sides of the stage, both busy with fans. At one point, Hana glanced across the stadium and caught jaehyun looking her way.

Instead of sending him a normal wave, she simply lifted her hand and wiggled two fingers. 

It was just a tiny wave, almost impossible to notice.

A second later, Jaehyun smiled and copied the exact same tiny two-finger wave before turning back to the crowd.

That was it. 

[🥹🥹🥹]

No one had caught it during the concert. It wasn’t until fans rewatched clips they had recorded at 0.25x speed that someone noticed the matching waved from each side of the stage by them.

[genuinely how did y’all even see this]

After the discovery of the small wave, edits were everywhere. 

THE SURPRISE PHOTO

now onto a small but clear moment

As all of the SM artists gathered together for one final photo. Staff quickly directed everyone into place as the idols squeezed together, laughing and trying to fit dozens of people into a single frame. As the photographer counted down.. Three. Two. One. 

Just before the camera clicked, he quietly leaned forward from behind Jaehyun and held up two dingers over his head.

Bunny ears.

[OF COURSE SHE DID]

It wasn’t until later that night, when the official SMTOWN group photo was uploaded, that fans immediately spotted Hana’s tiny photobomb. 

The photo quickly became a fan favorite, with almost every repost zooming in on the tiny bunny ears hiding in the back. Sometimes the best Jaena moments are the ones hiding in plain sight.

THE “ACCIDENTAL” MATCHING RINGS

this all started with a single photo, then a zoomed in screenshot, and then another. and before anyone knew it.. Jaena fans had begun to dissect that one photo.

Halfway through the concert, fans began noticing something neither Hana and Jaehyun were drawing attention to. Hana was wearing a simple silver ring, nothing flashy, just a clean, minimal band resting on her finger. 

At first, no one noticed it, not until another fancam of Jaehyun surfaced of him wearing one too. The exact same silver band.

[HELLO???]

After discovering that they were in fact wearing the same rings, within minutes side by side photos began flooding social media. Fans compared the rings in close up shops from the performances, with different angles and even different cameras.

Later in the night, as the artists gathered during the encore, Hana and Jaehyun found themselves standing beside each other, and as the broadcast camera panned across the lineup of artists, that was all it took for fans to fully lose it.

Because the rings were finally visible on the big screen. 

Within the hour, screenshots of the rings, slowed down fancams, and side by side comparisons had taken over every timeline.

[NEVER UNDERSTIMATE K-POP FANS]

THE “YOU’RE TOO FAR”

this clip just shows how downbad jaehyun is for her and lowk im not surprised just look at her

During the ending song, all the artists are spread out across the stage. All the idols were directed where to walk and stand so they’re captured on camera. Unfortunately for Hana and Jaehyun..

They ended up on complete opposite sides.

[SM COUNT YOUR DAYS.]

Hana noticed almost immediately.

As she waved toward one side of the crowd, she glanced across the stage and spotted Jaehyun several rows away, completely surrounded by other artists. She stared for a second, and then catched his eye to turn his attention onto where she was. 

The moment he looked over, Hana stretched both of arms out before repeatedly motioning for him to come closer. 

[SHE WAS NOT SUBTLE AT ALL]

[SHE’S LITERALLY SUMMONING HIM]

Jaehyun is seen laughing, shaking his head, and pointing to the staff members standing below them where they were watching everyone, silently telling her, “I can’t.”

[HE REALLY SAID ‘“THEY’RE WATCHING.”]

Hana looked over at the staff member, and then back at Jaehyun where she let out the tibet pout before throwing her head back in defeat.

[THE POUT]

About thirty seconds later, when no one's looking, he slowly works his way a few spots closer.

Fans immediately noticed, Jaheyun had somehow… 

Moved.

He didn’t move all the way over, he was just closer. He kept moving closer, until by the time the song ended, he’d quietly worked his way several spots neared to where Hana was standing. 

He didn’t make it close enough to make it obvious, but just enough. But we know how fans get, especially Jaena fans, because they noticed instantly. Clips of him tracking his position throughout the song spread quickly.

Comments like: 

“There is no way he actually got closer throughout the song.”

“She asked and he delivered… oh he loves her bad.”

It wasn’t a grand gesture, but sometimes moving just a few steps closer was.

THE SURPRISE SPIN THAT HAD EVERYONE QUESTIONING JAEHYUN

no because somebody explain this clip please. gosh i remember how crazy twitter went over this clip.

The atmosphere during the encore was completely different from the earlier performances. The pressure was gone, the stage lights felt warmer, and for the first time all night, the artists were simply enjoying themselves.

No choreography to perfect.

Just idols running around the stage, laughing with each other, waving at fans, and soaking in the final moments of a night that had gone by way too quickly.

[I LOVE WHEN THEY JUST HAVE FUN 🥹]

The stadium was glowing beneath thousands of lightsticks, the sound of fans singing along filling every corner as the artists spread out across the massive stage. 

And then...

Hana happened.

Standing near the edge of the stage, Hana was busy greeting fans, her attention completely focused on the crowd in front of her. She smiled brightly as she waved, laughing at something a fan had shouted before turning around.

And in true Hana fashion...

She decided to add a little extra drama.

With the music playing and the crowd cheering, she spun around effortlessly, her skirt moving with her as the fabric flared out around her.

Just Hana being Hana.

[princess behavior 👑]

[MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY]

And while most people watching were focused on Hana herself...

One fancam caught something happening in the background.

Jaehyun was watching.

[OH???]

From a few steps away, Jaehyun happened to glance in her direction at the exact moment she turned.

And for a second...

He just smiled, he didn't have a big reaction or an exaggerated expression. Just this small, almost unconscious smile that appeared on his face before he quickly looked away and returned his attention to the fans.

[WAIT WAIT WAIT]

[THE LITTLE SMILE???]

[NO BC HE LOOKS SO IN LOVE😭]

The original fancam barely caught it.

But you already know what happened next.

Fans went frame by frame.

Zoomed in.

Slowed it down.

Analyzed every millisecond of his expression like they were solving a crime.

[the FBI investigation has begun]

[NCT fans 🤝 aespa fans]

[EVERYONE became detectives]

And as more people watched it...

The more obvious it became.

Because it wasn't the kind of smile you give when you're performing or the kind of smile you give because a fan did something funny.

It was just... a quiet little smile.

Within hours, the clip was everywhere.

People commenting:

"That smile wasn't for us."

"Everyone was watching Hana. Jaehyun was watching Hana too."

"The way he looked at her like she was the best part of the encore."

And honestly?

After watching the clip...

Can anyone really blame fans for losing their minds?

Because among all the fireworks, confetti, and thousands of people screaming around them...

Jaehyun's attention somehow still found its way back to Hana.

[Jaena nation we survived another day 🫡]

THE LOOK

and last but not least...

As the final song faded into the night, the atmosphere across the stadium began to change.

The lights began dimming as everyone headed toward the stage exit. The fireworks ended, and the confetti had nearly settled. 

One by one, the artists slowly began making their way toward the exit, offering the crowd one last wave before disappearing backstage.

Hana had already started walking toward the exit alongside the other aespa members. Just before reaching the stairs, she paused.

She turned back around one last time, lifting both of her hands high as she gave the audience one final wave.

The crowd erupted once again.

[SHE’S SO SWEET 🥹]

At that exact moment..

One fancam caught something else.

While nearly every artist around Jaehyun was looking toward the audience, waving at the fans and soaking in those final moments of the concert. Jaehyun wasn’t looking at crowd.

Instead he was looking at Hana. He didn’t look for long, but it was just long enough for fans to catch him watching her from several feet away.

Another fancam from the upper level of the stadium captured the exact same moment.

Before Hana had even finished her wave, she turned slightly in his direction.

Their eyes met and that second she noticed, he quickly turned back to the fans lifting his hand to wave.

But it was too late..

She’d caught him, and he knew that.

Every fancam caught it.

[HE GOT CAUGHT]

Hana couldn’t help the smile that appeared on her face before she turned back toward the crowd, finishing her final wave as if nothing had happened.

Seconds later, the lights dimmed completely and the artists disappeared backstage.

Within an hour, edits began to appear online flooding every social media platform.

Captions like: 

"The way he looked at her before anyone else."

"He wasn't watching the fireworks."

"He was watching her."

And just like that.. 

The final Jaena moment of SMTOWN became one of the most replayed fancams from the entire concert.

[IM GOING TO CRY]

[WHOEVER FILMED THIS THANK YOU]

Well everyone, that’s the end to our Jaena SMTOWN moments compilation!

And just like that…SMTOWN came and went, but somehow these two still managed to become one of the biggest talking points of the entire concert.

I love how none of these moments were huge or dramatic, they were just small glances, quiet smiles, tiny gestures, and somehow they ended up being the moments everyone remembered.

Also, a huge shoutout to the fancam community and stan twitter because I genuinely don’t know how you all spotted half of these. 

If I missed any Jaena moments from SMTOWN, let me know in the comments! Comment down below what your favorite Jaena moment was!

Thank you so much for watching, and I'll see you in the next video!

feel free to send in requests ! — nomi ᨳଓ .

comment to be added to my taglist !

©ae-hana

Over time, meeting BTS had become less nerve-racking, especially after Isa and RM started seeing each other. Still, at the end of the day, BTS were BTS. Their seniors. Yet Isa felt anxious. Not in a bad way, but more like butterflies settling restlessly in her stomach.

Being around Namjoon tended to do that to her.

The last time they had seen each other was back in Korea during the promotions for Pinky Up, around two weeks ago. They already knew they’d run into each other again at the AMAs eventually, but that was about it. Both of them had been busy enough that they barely texted properly lately, at least until Namjoon casually gave KATSEYE a shoutout during one of his Weverse lives with the members.

Naturally, Isa had to make fun of him for it, and ever since then, they’d slowly started texting again. Then, eventually, their manager showed up with the news that the girls had been given VIP tickets for the concert.

Isa hadn’t asked for them, neither did the girls, but she understood the message anyway. So, there she was.

They showed their wristbands, 'VIP - HYBE Artist' written across them, to the security guard standing outside the dressing room. The man glanced at the bands, then down at the list in his hands, back to the wristbands, back to the list.

For a second, Isa wondered if they’d somehow ended up at the wrong entrance. Megan shifted beside Sophia, already looking amused.

"Imagine if he says no." Megan joked, looking at Isa. "I'd have to call your man."

Isa let out a quiet laugh, arms still linked with Yoonchae's.

"He’s not my man, girl. Don’t say that out loud ever again." she muttered. "He might think we’re getting married or something."

The girls and their manager laughed, before being interrupted by the guard nodding and stepping aside.

"Thank you!" Sophia said politely as the girls walked in.

And immediately got hit by the familiar chaos of backstage. Staff moving quickly from one side to the other, clothing racks pushed against walls, makeup stations crowded with products, half-open cases of equipment scattered around.

Isa barely had time to properly take the room in before her eyes instinctively searched for him. He was in the other corner of the room, talking something with some staff, his back turned at the entrance.

"Hello, everyone!" the girls said, almost together.

"Oh, KATSEYE's in the house!" J-Hope greeted first, clapping dramatically as the girls walked in.

Jimin and V sat sprawled across a leather couch, both distracted by their phones before looking up and smiling at the girls. Nearby, Suga rested a guitar on his lap while Jin complained loudly about something nobody seemed to be listening to. Meanwhile, Jungkook had his phone raised, recording something immediately as they entered.

Sophia and Isa pointed at him at the exact same time.

"Are you staff?" Isa joked.

"Kinda!" Jungkook answered easily, still filming as everyone laughed.

Isa laughed quietly, finally letting go of Yoonchae’s arm as the girls spread out around the room, greeting everyone properly.

"Hi, girls!" RM greeted warmly, shaking each of their hands.

He took his time with Isa’s. Not enough to look suspicious, just enough for her to notice. And somehow, he ended up standing beside her afterward like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"This is such a fun surprise!" he added casually.

Isa looked up at him immediately, narrowing her eyes. How sarcastic could one man possibly be? Because there was absolutely no way those VIP tickets had appeared out of nowhere.

Isa still had no idea how much his members knew, or if they knew anything at all, so she wasn’t about to risk saying something stupid right there in the middle of BTS backstage. Still, Namjoon could be absolutely sure she’d get revenge for this later.

"We brought you some gifts." Sophia said, stepping forward with a smile as the girls gathered the bags they had carried in. "It’s from our new merch for the comeback. We picked our favorite pieces for each of you."

"We hope you like it!" Megan added, excitedly.

Immediately, the room shifted into a little mess. Jungkook abandoned filming to look inside the bags, Jimin gasped dramatically over one of the hoodies, and Taehyung held up a shirt with genuine interest.

"Oh, this is nice." Yoongi nodded approvingly from the couch.

Meanwhile, Jin had already put something against himself dramatically.

"Be honest. Does this make me look young?"

"No!" Namjoon answered immediately.

Jin looked betrayed. Yoonchae and Isa, the ones who understood that right away, burst out laughing with the boys.

Eventually, everyone settled into a loose circle around the room.

The girls talked excitedly about finally seeing the concert live while the members asked them about tour preparations, comeback schedules, and how they’d been handling everything lately after Pinky Up.

"Are you sleeping properly at least?" Yoongi asked at one point, looking mildly concerned.

Yoonchae translated it to Megan and Sophia, the girls collectively starting to laugh.

"That means no." Jimin concluded instantly.

"We sleep emotionally." Megan answered.

Then, naturally, the conversation shifted toward BTS' new album.

"Isa-yah," Jin suddenly called out. "what’s your favorite track?"

Isa pouted slightly, pretending to think hard about it.

"Hm…" she hummed. "I’ll have to say FYA. FYA and 2.0 are on my workout playlist. I listen to them literally every day."

"Oh, I forgot she’s a rapper." Jin joked, making them laugh once again. "Rap line’s daughter for real." he refereced the constant fan comments comparing Isa’s flow to BTS’s rap line.

The conversation eventually split into smaller groups around the room. Jimin and Sophia argued about which song had the best choreography, Megan and Jungkook were somehow already talking comfortably, while Yoonchae chatted with Jin, Yoongi, J-Hope and Taehyung about the things she missed from Korea.

Isa, quietly watching all of it unfold, just tried to act normal. She had just grabbed her phone when she felt someone lightly tug at the sleeve of her jacket. Isa looked up immediately and Namjoon tilted his head subtly toward the hallway outside the room.

A few seconds later, she quietly slipped outside anyway.

The hallway was much calmer than the dressing room. Distant concert noise echoed faintly through the stadium walls while staff members hurried past every now and then without paying them much attention.

Namjoon leaned casually against the wall beside one of the doors, arms crossed loosely. The space between the wall and the equipamento cases was small, barely enough room for the two of them.

The second Isa approached him, he spoke first.

"I loved the merch."

"That’s not a hello." she teased softly. "But thank you for the tickets. You really didn’t have to do that."

He laughed softly.

"You came, though."

Isa scoffed.

"I don't ever reject free concert tickets."

"You can have as many as you want. You just have to ask." he answered easily.

For a second, neither of them spoke, and annoyingly enough, the silence didn’t feel awkward anymore. Namjoon looked down at her for a moment before speaking again.

"You look pretty."

Isa instinctively glanced down at herself.

She was wearing a tiny Hello Kitty baby tee she’d borrowed from Megan, low-waisted flare jeans, pointed heels, and an oversized leather jacket thrown over everything. A baguette bag rested under her arm while her sunglasses sat pushed into her hair. Nothing too flashy, but casual enough in case someone took pictures.

Isa blinked once before smiling lightly, looking away almost immediately.

"Thank you." she said softly before finally looking back at him. "Came prepared to catch a certain someone’s attention."

Namjoon laughed, shoulders shaking slightly.

"That was smooth." he whistled. "Did you rehearse it?"

"Who said it was you?" she shot back immediately.

"Ouch!" he placed a hand over his chest dramatically. "That was harsh coming from someone who’s been ignoring me all week."

Isa looked genuinely offended.

"Oh, Kim Namjoon. Don't do this with me." she scoffed. "You're part of one of the most popular groups in the world right now, and somehow I'm the busy one?"

"You replied to my message twelve hours later, Isabelí Torres."

The way he pronounced her full name with his accent made her giggle despite herself.

"I was asleep!" she defended herself.

"At three in the afternoon?"

"That’s between me and God." she held him a finger.

Namjoon smiled again, dimples appearing instantly, and Isa hated how easy it had become to make him laugh lately. Then, without thinking much about it, he reached for her hand, their fingers laced together naturally.

"I missed you." he admitted quietly.

And somehow, that caught her off guard. Not because of what he said, but because of how simply he said it. Like it wasn’t a big deal, like it was just true. Isa stared at him for a second too long before recovering.

"You saw me, like, two weeks ago."

"And?"

She opened her mouth to answer, but footsteps suddenly echoed from the other side of the hallway. Isa stepped apart a little too quickly, Namjoon standing still.

A man, probably one of the managers, stopped the second he noticed them standing there. His eyes moved slowly between the two before a knowing smile spread across his face.

Isa immediately wanted to disappear.

The man looked at Namjoon, completely ignoring her now.

"We’re going up in ten."

"Thanks, hyung." Namjoon answered casually, almost dismissing him.

The manager walked away still smiling to himself. Another silence settled between them after that.Somewhere deeper in the stadium, the crowd roared loudly enough for the walls to vibrate slightly.

Ten minutes. Maybe less now.

Isa finally looked away first, adjusting the strap of her bag on her shoulder before forcing a lighter tone back into her voice.

"You should probably go be a global superstar now."

Namjoon huffed a quiet laugh.

"Yeah, unfortunately."

She nodded toward the dressing room behind them.

"The girls are probably wondering where I disappeared to."

"Hm."

But neither of them moved immediately. Isa hated that part lately too, how leaving him had started feeling strangely difficult. Namjoon looked at her for a second longer before taking a small step closer instead.

His hand came up naturally, warm against her cheek as he cupped her face gently, and before Isa could even properly react, he kissed her. Quick but intense enough to leave her momentarily stunned anyway.

Isa’s fingers instinctively curled slightly against the sleeve of his performance jacket before he pulled away first.

"I should go before somebody else starts smiling at us like they know something." he said, smiling slightly. "And, by the way, I’ll perform FYA extra dramatically for you today."

Isa tried not to smile too obviously.

"That sounds threatening." she laughed softly under her breath.

Then Namjoon tilted his head slightly, voice quieter this time.

"Meet you at the hotel after?"

Her fingers tightened slightly around the strap of her bag before she answered.

As their manager explained, four members would be more than enough, so Jade genuinely didn’t mind not participating. She had actually been looking forward to a rare day off.

But somehow, later that same day, after the final four had already been decided, her phone practically exploded with hundreds of messages from other JYPE artists, mostly juniors. All of them practically begging her to come.

Lily from NMIXX even offered to buy her coffee for a month straight. Jade had to remind her she’d already debuted and didn’t need to bargain her way into survival anymore.

Changbin from STRAY KIDS, on the other hand, was less diplomatic, texting Jade letting her know he'd break into her house and haunt her in her sleep.

Between the threats, the bribes, and the suspicious amount of enthusiasm from everyone else in the company, Jade eventually gave in. After all, what better thing would she be doing that day, other than resting in her far too comfortable bed with her far too hot boyfriend?

"Wow, look at you, Jade-yah. You’re such a senior now." JYP’s voice carried from the other side of the room. "You guys are basically part of the senior lineup."

The girls burst into laughter.

"We are part of it!" Nayeon shot back immediately.

"Unbelievable..." he said, still amused.

"Of course we are, Jinyoung." Jade joined in, tilting her head slightly. "Do you think Jihyo unnie learned how to walk in JYPE’s garage for free?"

Jihyo let out a loud laugh before lightly slapping Jade’s arm in mock offense, while the other artists laughed too.

It didn’t take long before the girls were called to get into position for their entrance, just as STRAY KIDS’ song was coming to an end. The members quickly lined up, and one of the staff handed Jade a small flag with TWICE’s logo on it.

"Now, let’s welcome TWICE!" they heard Na PD shout through the megaphone. "Music, please!"

The moment they stepped out, the TWICE song blasted through the speakers, making Jade burst into loud laughter.

As previously arranged between them, the girls struck their poses for the camera. Jade lifted the flag high while forcing an exaggerated, overly serious smile, a running joke between them whenever they had to do "grand entrances."

Too immersed in following the camera’s direction, they nearly missed their mark and had to shuffle quickly into the correct spot, trying, and failing, to look composed.

When Jade finally glanced behind them and saw ITZY and STRAY KIDS standing there, she gasped dramatically.

"You’re seniors?" she asked, eyes wide. "No way!"

The idols burst into laughter.

"Wait," Na PD interrupted, looking confused. "DAY6 debuted before TWICE?"

"By a month!" Jihyo, Nayeon, and Jade answered in perfect unison.

"So you don’t really see them as that far ahead of you, then?" he asked.

Jade tilted her head thoughtfully.

"No, not really." she replied honestly, making the producer laugh at how straightforward she was.

Time passed as members of DAY6 and 2PM made their entrances, each one louder than the last.

But before JYP could even appear, Jade was already cracking, hiding her face behind the TWICE flag she was holding. She just knew he was going to do something. And she was right.

The second “Who’s Your Mama” started blasting through the speakers, Jade let out a strangled noise. JYP turned around dramatically, swaying his hips shyly before breaking into a playful run like an awkward schoolboy. Jade genuinely felt like she might collapse.

After he finally reached his spot, slightly ahead of everyone else, Jade was still shaking with laughter, unable to compose herself.

"Jade, are you okay?" Na PD asked, zooming in on her.

That only made her laugh harder.

"She hates when I do this!" JYP announced proudly. "She’s like that teenage daughter who gets embarrassed by everything her parents do."

The entire field erupted. Jade finally lowered the flag just enough to glare at him.

"Because why are you like this?" she protested, still laughing. "There are cameras!"

"That’s the point!" JYP shot back.

Dahyun leaned into Jade, whispering loudly.

"You are acting like a daughter right now."

"I am not!" Jade insisted, immediately hiding her face again as JYP did one more unnecessary hip sway for the cameras. "See?!"

"Jade unnie, control your father!" Yeji teased.

Jade laughed, shaking her head, before their attention was called.

“Please, face forward everyone.” Na PD instructed.

The idols obediently turned toward the stage, where banners and two mic stands were set up.

As the producer read from his script, mentioning the forty-one idols present and how there had never been an event like this on the show before, Jade found herself genuinely settling into the moment. It felt rare each day.

Now that Jinyoung wasn’t actively serving as CEO anymore and had shifted into his beloved “CCO” role, full-company gatherings like this barely happened. Back in the days of JYP Nation concerts, they’d constantly reunite on one stage. Now she was lucky if she ran into her juniors in the hallway.

"But we have an interesting piece of data here." Na PD continued. "Jade, is it true that you worked with Jinyoung in helping form most of the groups here today?"

Jade blinked. That she wasn’t expecting.

A wave of applause erupted immediately especially from the idols she had once spent long nights training with. Her ears turned red.

"Yes… somehow." she admitted shyly, but still with her strong posture.

"How many groups?" Na PD pressed.

Jade turned to Jinyoung like she was silently begging for backup. She genuinely had no idea.

"I think I started mentoring around the time of STRAY KIDS? So… four, maybe five groups?" she asked uncertainly.

"Yes. From Stray Kids to NiziU, Jade served as the final mentor for the trainees. She helped with team formations and the last stages of their training." Jinyoung nodded proudly.

There was a louder reaction this time. Some of the juniors were clapping harder than before.

"She stopped because she was convinced they hated her." Jinyoung added casually.

"I was SURE they did!" Jade corrected immediately, whipping her head toward him. "They wouldn’t smile! They just stared at me!"

From the back, Changbin shouted.

"We were scared of you, noona!"

After the laughter finally settled and the teasing died down, Na PD clapped his hands to regain control.

"As today we'll be playing various sports and games and our bodies are out greatest assets, we could get injured if we move too hastily, right?" he asked, the idols nodding and murmuring in agreement. "So we’ll take some time to warm up first. For this quest, I’ll need a few of our scouts. If I call your name, please come forward."

A chorus of curious coos spread across the field.

"Jihyo of TWICE, and Young K of DAY6."

The two stepped forward confidently, earning cheers from their groups as they climbed onto the small stage.

"We’ll be warming up with some basic dance moves." Na PD announced.

At first, their reaction was polite but then realization hit. Those basic dance moves. The very first routine every trainee under JYPE had to learn. The infamous warm-up choreography designed to 'teach swag and presence', as Jinyoung loved to phrase it.

A collective gasp turned into laughter.

"No way!" Jade grabbed Jeongyeon's arm.

"You remember it, don’t you?" her member accused.

"Unfortunately."

The instrumental began, simple, rhythmic, almost nostalgic.

Jihyo and Young K demonstrated the first counts. And like muscle memory being unlocked, bodies all across the field began moving. Shoulders rolling. Steps sliding. Hands snapping into place.

One by one, the idols fell into formation without even thinking about it. Years melted away in seconds. The synchronization was instinctive, with clean angles, sharp timing, confident expressions.

Staff members exchanged stunned looks and Na PD blinked.

"Wait… they’re actually good."

Over thirty idols moving like they had just walked out of the same practice room. As the final pose hit perfectly in sync, cheers erupted from both the idols and staff.

Jihyo raised her arms dramatically and shouted, voice ringing across the set.