The moment Sunghoon tells you he got accepted, his eyes light up with pure excitement, his breath shaky as if he can’t believe the words himself. “I did it,” he says, gripping your hands tightly. “I got in.”

For a second, time stands still. You always knew this day would come—he’s worked too hard, sacrificed too much for it not to. But now that it’s real, a lump forms in your throat, your heart clenching in a way you weren’t prepared for. “That’s incredible, Sunghoon,” you say, forcing a smile. “I knew you would.”

His grin is wide, radiant, but it falters slightly as he studies your face. “You’re happy for me, right?”

You nod quickly. “Of course I am.” And you are. You really, truly are. But beneath the pride, there’s fear.

He sighs, squeezing your hands like he’s trying to reassure himself as much as you. “I know I’ll be busy, but I promise nothing will change. I’ll call you every day. No matter what.”

You cling to that promise like a lifeline. “And I’ll call too,” you say, trying to sound certain. “We’ll make this work.”

A small smile tugs at your lips as you poke his chest. “And I’ll be your number one fan. No matter what happens, I’ll always be cheering you on.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “You already are.”

The day he leaves, the airport buzzes with movement—voices overlapping, announcements echoing over the speakers—but all you can hear is the pounding of your own heart. Sunghoon stands in front of you, suitcases in both hands, his expression unreadable.

“This isn’t goodbye,” he says softly, like he already knows what you’re thinking. “Just… see you later.” You let out a shaky laugh. “Yeah. See you later.”

He pulls you into a tight embrace, and you hold on just as firmly, trying to memorize everything—the warmth of his body, the scent of his cologne, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. “I’m going to miss you so much,” he murmurs into your hair, his arms tightening around you. You squeeze your eyes shut. “Me too.”

Neither of you moves, as if staying like this for just a little longer might make it easier. But the world doesn’t stop for you. His name is called. He steps back. One last look. One last smile. And then he’s gone.

You grip your phone a little tighter. Every day, you remind yourself. No matter what.

That night, just as you’re starting to feel the weight of Sunghoon’s absence, your phone lights up with his name.

Incoming FaceTime: Sunghoon

You answer immediately, and the second his face appears on the screen, a wave of relief washes over you. He looks a little tired, but there’s an undeniable excitement in his eyes.

“Hey,” he says, grinning. “Miss me yet?” You roll your eyes, but your smile gives you away. “Obviously.” Sunghoon chuckles, shifting the phone so you can see more of his surroundings. “I just finished unpacking. My room’s kind of a mess right now, but at least my bed’s made.” He turns the camera for a second, showing a neatly made bed with an open suitcase beside it. “See? Responsible.”

“I’m proud,” you tease. “I was worried you’d just live out of your suitcase for the next few weeks.”

“Hey, give me some credit.” He shakes his head before glancing off to the side. “Oh! Before I forget—meet my roommate.” He tilts the phone, and suddenly, a new face pops into view. A younger boy with dark hair and a playful grin waves at you. “Hi! I’m Ni-ki,” he says brightly. “I’ve heard a lot about you.” Your eyebrows raise as you glance at Sunghoon, who groans, already exasperated. “Don’t listen to him,” he mutters.

You laugh, waving back. “Nice to meet you, Ni-ki. Take care of Sunghoon for me, okay?”

“Oh, don’t worry,” Ni-ki says mischievously. “I plan to make his life very interesting.”

Sunghoon shoves him away playfully. “Go away.” Ni-ki just laughs before disappearing from the screen. Sunghoon rolls his eyes but smiles anyway. “Yeah, so… that’s my life now.”

“I like him,” you say, still amused.

“You would,” he mumbles, but there’s no real annoyance in his voice. He shifts on his bed, getting more comfortable. “Anyway, tomorrow’s the big day. We’re officially starting prep for the comeback.” His eyes shine with excitement. “I can’t wait.” Your heart swells at how happy he looks. “That’s amazing, Hoon. I know you’re gonna kill it.”

“I hope so.” He lets out a breath, running a hand through his hair. “It still doesn’t feel real, you know?” You nod. “It will. And I’ll be watching every step of the way.” His gaze softens. “That means a lot.”

For a while, you just talk—about his flight, his dorm, all the little things you want to know just to feel closer to him. Eventually, his eyelids start drooping, and you know he needs to sleep.

“You should get some sleep,” you tell him softly. He pouts. “I don’t want to hang up yet.”

“You have a big day tomorrow,” you remind him.

He sighs but nods. “Fine. But I’m calling you again first thing after practice.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

A sleepy smile tugs at his lips. “Goodnight, Y/N.”

“Goodnight, Sunghoon.”

The call ends, leaving your screen dark. You stare at it for a moment, then take a deep breath, holding onto the warmth of his voice. For now, things still feel okay.

Your phone buzzes just as you’re settling into bed, and when you see Sunghoon’s name flashing on the screen, you answer immediately.

The moment his face appears, your breath catches slightly. His damp hair falls messily over his forehead, water droplets still clinging to his skin. The camera angle shows just enough of his bare chest to make your face heat up.

“Hey,” he says, running a towel through his hair. His voice is slightly hoarse, and there’s a tired but satisfied look on his face. “I just got out of the shower.”

“I can tell,” you say, trying to ignore how flustered you suddenly feel. “Rough practice?”

He groans, rolling his shoulders. “Four hours straight. My whole body is dead.” He flops onto his bed, the camera shaking slightly. “But it was fun. The choreography is insane.”

“Can you tell me anything about it?” you ask, curious.

He pouts slightly. “Not really. You know the rules.” You sigh dramatically. “So unfair.”

“I know,” he says, smirking. “But trust me, you’re gonna love it.”

Even through the screen, the excitement in his eyes is clear. You can tell he’s exhausted, but the way he talks about practice makes it obvious how much he loves it.

“You should rest,” you tell him gently. “You worked hard today.” He hums in agreement, shifting under his covers. “I will. Just wanted to see your face first.”

Your heart flutters at his words. “Smooth.” He chuckles, blinking sleepily at the camera. “It’s true.”

There’s a comfortable silence for a moment, both of you just looking at each other. Then, without thinking, you lift your hand and blow him a kiss through the screen. Sunghoon grins, catching it dramatically before returning one of his own. “For good luck,” he says.

You roll your eyes, but your smile is impossible to hide. “Sleep well, Hoon.”

“You too, Y/N.”

And just like that, the call ends, leaving your heart racing just a little faster than before.

That night, you’re the one who calls first. It rings a few times before the screen lights up with Sunghoon’s face—except he’s not alone.

“Y/N!” he greets, a little louder than usual. He shifts the camera slightly, and two more faces come into view. “Say hi to my members.”

The first boy, with a soft but confident expression, waves. “Hey, I’m Jungwon.”

The other, taller with sharp features, grins. “And I’m Jay. So you’re the famous Y/N.”

You blink. “Famous?”

Jungwon nods, smirking slightly. “Yeah, we were starting to think you weren’t real. Sunghoon always talks about you but never showed us proof.”

“Thought he was just trying to sound cool and mysterious,” Jay adds, laughing.

Sunghoon groans, pushing Heeseung away from the frame. “Don’t listen to them.”

You laugh, amused at their teasing. “Well, I’m real. Sorry to ruin the mystery.”

Jungwon grins. “Nah, this is better. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

Sunghoon rolls his eyes but smiles before stepping away from the group. The background noise fades a little as he walks down a quieter hallway. “Sorry about them,” he says, adjusting the camera so it’s just the two of you again.

“They seem fun,” you say. “You guys getting along well?”

“Yeah, but honestly…” He leans against a wall, sighing dramatically. “I’m kinda jealous.”

You raise an eyebrow. “Jealous?”

He nods. “My members are too good-looking. Especially Heeseung hyung.” He scowls playfully. “It’s annoying.”

You laugh, shaking your head. “You’re literally an idol now, Sunghoon. Pretty sure you’re not losing in that department.”

He gives you a tired grin. “You’re just saying that because you like me.”

“Maybe,” you tease. “But it’s still true.”

His expression softens as he looks at you through the screen. “I wish you were here,” he murmurs.

Your heart clenches. “Me too.”

For a moment, neither of you says anything, just taking each other in through the screen. Then, he exhales softly. “I love you, Y/N.”

A small smile tugs at your lips. “I love you too, Sunghoon.”

He looks at you a moment longer, as if trying to memorize your face. Then, with a sigh, he glances back toward the practice room. “I should get back before they start roasting me again.”

You chuckle. “Go. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

“Yeah,” he says, his gaze lingering. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Hoon.”

As the call ends, you stare at your screen for a few seconds, warmth spreading through your chest.

It starts off small—just the occasional message from Ni-ki whenever Sunghoon is too busy to call.

Ni-ki [10:24 PM]: Hey, lover girl, your boyfriend’s passed out after practice. He literally wouldn’t shut up about you today.

Ni-ki [1:37 AM]: Sunghoon hyung fell asleep mid-sentence talking about how much he misses you. It was kind of gross but also kinda cute, I guess.

At first, it catches you off guard, but soon, his texts become part of your daily routine.

You [1:38 AM]: Aww, that’s sweet.

Ni-ki [1:39 AM]: Sweet? No, it was painful. He made me listen to a 10-minute rant about how pretty you are. I almost threw up.

You laugh to yourself, shaking your head. It doesn’t take long before you and Ni-ki start texting outside of just Sunghoon-related updates. He sends you random memes, blackmail videos of his members, and even the occasional voice note complaining about practice.

One day, he calls you out of nowhere, and when you answer, he’s grinning like he’s up to something.

“Okay, you need to hear this,” he says, barely able to contain his laughter. He turns on his camera, showing Sunghoon sitting at the dorm’s dining table, staring at his phone with the saddest expression ever.

“I swear she’s taking longer to reply than usual,” Sunghoon mumbles, poking at his food absentmindedly. “What if she’s busy? What if she forgot about me?”

Ni-ki snickers. “Hyung, it’s been two minutes.”

“Exactly!”

You can’t help but laugh. “Wow, is that really how he gets when I don’t text back right away?”

Ni-ki flips the camera back to himself, grinning. “Oh, you have no idea.”

From then on, Ni-ki becomes your unofficial Sunghoon monitor.

Ni-ki [6:47 PM]: Hyung just spent five minutes staring at a selfie you sent him. Is this normal behavior?

You [6:48 PM]: Let him be in love!

Ni-ki [6:49 PM]: Ew.

Despite all the teasing, you grow to appreciate your friendship with Ni-ki. He makes the distance a little easier to handle, always making sure you’re included in their world even when Sunghoon gets too caught up in his schedule.

And as much as he claims he’s sick of hearing about you, the fact that he keeps texting proves otherwise.

The next time you call Sunghoon, he picks up after a few rings, but the moment you see his face, you know something’s wrong.

His usual bright expression is missing, replaced by exhaustion. His hair is damp from either sweat or a shower, his shoulders tense, and even the way he holds his phone feels sluggish—like he barely has the energy to keep it up.

“Hey,” you say softly. “Rough day?”

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah. Long practice. We started a stricter schedule since the comeback is getting closer.”

You nod, already feeling your heart ache for him. “What does that mean?”

“More rehearsals, stricter diet, extra workouts,” he mutters, voice laced with frustration. “I barely had time to eat today. And I have to wake up early to train again.”

You bite your lip, wishing you could reach through the screen and pull him into a hug. “That sounds exhausting, Hoon.”

“It is,” he admits, rubbing at his temple. “I feel like my body’s about to shut down, but I have to push through.”

You hesitate before speaking. “I know you want to give it your all, but… don’t forget to take care of yourself too, okay?”

He offers you a small, tired smile. “I’ll try.”

You frown. “Promise me.”

His gaze softens. “I promise.”

You sit in silence for a moment, neither of you wanting to say it, but you both know the call can’t last much longer.

“I should probably sleep,” he finally murmurs.

You nod, though you hate cutting the conversation short. “Okay.”

His lips part like he wants to say more, but instead, he just exhales. “I love you.”

Your chest tightens. “I love you too, Hoon.”

Even though you don’t want to, you end the call. The screen goes dark, leaving you staring at your reflection, your heart heavy with worry.

For the first time, it feels like the distance is growing.

At first, it’s subtle. Sunghoon still picks up your calls, but he seems more distracted, his answers shorter, his laughs less genuine. You try not to think too much of it—he’s just tired, stressed. You don’t want to be another thing weighing him down.

But as days pass, the distance grows.

Sometimes, he barely looks at you through the screen, eyes darting away like he’s too exhausted to focus. Other times, the calls are filled with silence, the easy conversations you once had now feeling forced. He still tells you I love you before hanging up, but even that starts to sound distant.

And then, one night, he doesn’t pick up at all. You check the time—maybe he’s still at practice? You wait a little, then try again. No answer.

You [10:32 PM]: Hey, you okay?

No response.

You tell yourself he’s just busy. Maybe he fell asleep early, maybe he left his phone in the practice room. But deep down, something gnaws at you.

So, after another hour of waiting, you do something you haven’t done before.

You [11:14 PM]: Nikiii is Sunghoon with you?

The reply comes almost immediately.

Ni-ki [11:15 PM]: Yeah, he’s in the dorm. Why?

Your stomach sinks.

You [11:15 PM]: Oh, I just tried calling him, but he didn’t answer.

Ni-ki [11:16 PM]: Weird. He’s literally gaming on his phone right now.

Your fingers freeze over the keyboard.

He’s not at practice. He’s not asleep. He’s just… ignoring you.

Ni-ki sends another text a few seconds later.

Ni-ki [11:17 PM]: Want me to tell him to call you?

You stare at the screen, debating. A part of you wants to say yes, to demand an explanation. But another part of you—the one that’s already bracing for the worst—tells you not to.

You [11:18 PM]: No, it’s okay.

You put your phone down and take a deep breath, but no matter how hard you try, the lump in your throat doesn’t go away.

Ni-ki stares at his phone for a moment after your last message, eyebrows furrowing. He glances across the room where Sunghoon is sprawled on the couch, eyes glued to his phone screen, fingers lazily tapping away at whatever game he’s playing.

With a sigh, Ni-ki stands up and walks over, nudging Sunghoon’s leg with his foot. “Hyung.”

Sunghoon barely reacts. “What?”

“YN texted me,” Ni-ki says casually, watching for a reaction. “She called you, and you didn’t pick up.”

Sunghoon’s fingers pause over his screen for half a second—so quick that most people wouldn’t notice. But Ni-ki does.

“She asked if you were with me,” Ni-ki continues when Sunghoon doesn’t respond. “I told her yeah, you’re literally on your phone.” His voice is edged with something unreadable, waiting to see how Sunghoon will react.

Sunghoon exhales through his nose, putting his phone down beside him. “What did she say?”

Ni-ki shrugs. “Not much. Just, you know, why didn’t he pick up?” He crosses his arms. “So… why didn’t you?”

Sunghoon runs a hand over his face, looking frustrated. Not at Ni-ki, but at himself. “I don’t know,” he mutters. “I just… didn’t feel like talking.”

Ni-ki raises an eyebrow. “That’s your girlfriend, you know.”

“I know,” Sunghoon snaps, but then immediately sighs, shaking his head. “I know,” he says again, quieter this time.

Ni-ki watches him for a moment before speaking again, his voice softer. “You should call her back, hyung.”

Sunghoon doesn’t answer right away. He just stares at his phone, the screen still dark. “I will,” he says eventually, but even he doesn’t sound sure.

Ni-ki doesn’t push him further. But as he walks away, he makes a mental note.

The First Missed Call Turns Into Many

You try to be patient.

The first time Sunghoon ignores your call, you brush it off. The second time, you tell yourself he’s probably just busy. But then it happens again. And again.

At first, you keep texting him, keeping it casual.

You [10:45 PM]: Hey, hope you had a good day! Call me when you cann

No response.

You [12:02 AM]: Guess you’re asleep. Goodnight, love you :)

Still nothing.

Days pass, and the excuses you make for him start to run out.

Ni-ki doesn’t say anything else about the night you first texted him, but you can tell he’s holding back. He still sends you updates sometimes, but they feel careful—like he doesn’t want to say too much. Like he knows something you don’t.

And Sunghoon? He’s not just distant anymore. He’s gone.

So, one night, after hours of staring at your unanswered messages, you finally let yourself ask the question you’ve been too scared to voice.

You [11:57 PM]: Did I do something wrong?

The message sends. The read receipt never comes.

And that’s when it finally hits you.

You’re losing him. And he’s not even trying to hold on.

Days turn into weeks, and Sunghoon still doesn’t call.

You stop trying to convince yourself it’s just a busy schedule. If that were true, he would’ve at least tried to reach out. Even a short text—Sorry, it’s been hectic or I miss you, talk soon—would’ve been enough. But instead, there’s nothing.

You still send messages sometimes, but they’re shorter now, emptier.

You [4:24 PM]: babeee

You [9:13 PM]: Hope you’re doing okay.

You [10:47 PM]: I miss you.

The worst part is knowing that he sees them. Your texts stay delivered, but you know Sunghoon—he never lets his notifications pile up. He’s reading them. He’s just not answering.

It’s Ni-ki who finally breaks first.

Ni-ki [12:32 AM]: You okay?

You hesitate before responding.

You [12:34 AM]: Not rlly

He doesn’t reply right away, but when he does, it’s not what you expect.

Ni-ki [12:41 AM]: He’s being an idiot. Don’t take it personally.

You stare at your screen, heart twisting.

You [12:42 AM]: Hard not to.

Ni-ki starts typing, then stops. Then starts again. Finally, another message appears.

Ni-ki [12:45 AM]: Just give me some time.

You don’t know what that means. But at this point, you’re too tired to ask.

The text comes out of nowhere.

[Cousin]: Ok I’m so freaking tired but just to let you know I just gave birth to the babyyy

You blink at your phone, rereading the message twice before it actually sinks in.

You [3:17 PM]: WOAH OMG! I’m so happy for you!

Your cousin, who comes from a family so rich that money is never a concern, has always been a little over-the-top. But nothing could’ve prepared you for her next message.

[Cousin]: Also, surprise! I bought you a ticket to Seoul so you can meet the baby. You’re coming next week. No arguments.

Your heart nearly stops.

You [3:19 PM]: no way? Omg ilysm

[Cousin]: see u soon <3

You sit there, staring at the screen in disbelief. Just like that, you have a flight to Seoul.

And suddenly, an idea creeps into your mind.

If you’re already going all the way to Korea… wouldn’t it be the perfect chance to see Sunghoon? Maybe, just maybe, seeing you in real life will remind him of what you used to be. Of what he’s been ignoring.

Before you can overthink it, you shoot Ni-ki a text.

You [3:26 PM]: Crazy idea, but I’m coming to Seoul next week. Wanna pick me up?

It doesn’t take long for him to respond.

Ni-ki [3:27 PM]: wait fr?

Ni-ki [3:27 PM]: You’re serious??

You [3:28 PM]: Dead ass.

There’s a brief pause before another text pops up.

Ni-ki [3:30 PM]: Okok I got you.

You exhale, gripping your phone tightly.

Maybe this is what you and Sunghoon need. Maybe this will fix everything.

Or maybe… it’ll show you that things are already too broken to be saved.

The days leading up to your flight pass in a blur. Between packing, last-minute errands, and letting your cousin spam you with baby pictures, you barely have time to sit still. Yet, no matter how busy you keep yourself, one thought lingers in the back of your mind.

You’re going to see Sunghoon again.

It feels surreal. You haven’t spoken in weeks—not properly, anyway. The last few texts you sent were left on read, unanswered, and now, you’re flying across the world to stand in front of him. You don’t know how he’ll react. You don’t even know if he’ll react.

A part of you debates telling him you’re coming. Maybe if he knew, he’d finally call you. Maybe he’d prove you wrong, remind you that he does still care.

But deep down, you know better.

So you say nothing.

Right before takeoff, Ni-ki texts you.

Ni-ki [6:02 AM]: What time does your flight land?

You [6:03 AM]: Around 4 PM Incheon airport

Ni-ki [6:04 AM]: Cool. I’ll be there.

He doesn’t ask why you’re coming. He doesn’t even ask if you’re here for Sunghoon. Maybe he already knows.

The flight is long—too long. The entire time, you feel restless, shifting in your seat, unable to sleep for more than a few minutes at a time. Your thoughts are too loud.

What if he doesn’t want to see me? What if things are even worse than I thought? What if…

You shake your head, cutting the thought off before it spirals further. No matter what happens, you’re already on the way. There’s no turning back now.

By the time the plane lands, exhaustion clings to your body, but the moment you step off, adrenaline takes over. You’re in Seoul. For the first time ever.

And, for the first time ever, you’re about to meet Ni-ki in real life.

The thought distracts you from your nerves about Sunghoon—at least for now. You push through the crowded airport, dragging your suitcase behind you, until you finally spot a familiar figure near the exit.

Ni-ki stands with his phone in one hand, the other tucked into his hoodie pocket. He’s wearing a mask, but the moment he spots you, he pulls it down, revealing a wide grin.

“Yo,” he calls out. “Took you long enough.”

Your face lights up as you speed up your steps, barely holding back a laugh. “Ni-ki!”

The second you reach him, you take a step back to really look at him. “Damn,” you say, tilting your head. “You’re taller than I imagined.”

Ni-ki snorts, rolling his eyes. “And you’re shorter than I imagined.”

You shove his arm lightly, laughing. “Shut up.”

Still grinning, he reaches for your suitcase without hesitation, easily pulling it along as he nods toward the exit. “Come on. Let’s get out of here before fans start thinking I’m sneaking a girl out of the airport.”

You laugh again, following him outside. The moment the cool Seoul air hits your skin, you take a deep breath.

This is it.

As Ni-ki loads your suitcase into the trunk, he glances at you. “So,” he starts casually. “When are you gonna tell him?”

Your grip tightens around your bag strap. “I don’t know yet.”

He hums knowingly, shutting the trunk with a soft thud. “You really think seeing you in person will change things?”

You hesitate, because you don’t have a real answer. Instead, you swallow hard and murmur, “I hope it does.”

Ni-ki studies you for a second, then sighs. “Yeah,” he mutters. “I hope so too.”

As you slide into the car, watching the city lights blur past, your heart pounds in your chest.

No matter what happens, you’re about to find out the truth.

The car ride from the airport to the building feels like a whirlwind of excitement and nerves. The streets of Seoul flash by in a blur—neon lights, bustling crowds, and the faint hum of night-life filling the air. You’re staring out the window, but your mind is a million miles away, thinking about Sunghoon.

Ni-ki, however, doesn’t seem to be as wrapped up in the atmosphere. He’s clearly comfortable in his surroundings, casually scrolling through his phone. Every so often, he glances at you with that signature mischievous grin of his.

“So,” he starts, breaking the silence, “we just filmed our concept trailer today.”

Your ears perk up at the mention of it. “Really? How’d that go?”

He shrugs, still typing something on his phone. “It was… fun, I guess. A bit chaotic, but that’s just how things go.” He flashes you a quick grin. “You should’ve seen Sunghoon, though. He was trying so hard to look serious—like a total ‘bad boy’ type. But then he tripped over his own feet during one of the takes.” He bursts into laughter at the thought. “It was honestly the funniest thing.”

You laugh too, imagining Sunghoon in his usual stylish vibe, trying to keep up with the tough-guy concept only to completely ruin the moment with a little slip-up. “I bet he didn’t like that,” you tease.

Ni-ki gives you a playful smirk. “Oh, he hated it. But he was laughing right after, so I guess it wasn’t too bad.”

You can’t help but smile, picturing Sunghoon’s serious expression and how quickly it would turn to frustration, followed by his genuine laugh.

“We’ve been filming all kinds of stuff for this comeback,” Ni-ki continues, tapping his fingers rhythmically against the seat. “Music videos, choreography practice, photo shoots… And on top of that, we’ve all been on crazy diets. Sunghoon’s been a little moody about it, honestly. But I think he’s pushing through. He’s always been like that.”

You nod, processing what he’s saying. “Yeah, he’s always been determined. He’s got that drive.”

Ni-ki glances at you, a knowing look in his eyes. “You don’t need to tell me. I’ve seen it firsthand. But hey, I’m not gonna lie, it’s been a little tense around here. A lot of pressure. Not just for Sunghoon, but for everyone. You know how it is when you’ve got a comeback around the corner.”

You sigh softly, feeling a tightness in your chest. It’s clear that Sunghoon has been under a lot of stress. “I can imagine. It’s a lot to handle all at once.”

“Yeah,” Ni-ki agrees, his tone a little more serious now. “I mean, we’re all living together, working together, and then you throw in the media stuff—people watching our every move… it gets to you. And honestly, it’s tough sometimes. We all get a little on edge. But we’re a team. We push through it together.”

You’re quiet for a moment, absorbing his words. You’ve always known that the pressure of being an idol was intense, but hearing it from someone who’s in the thick of it, especially in such a casual conversation, makes it feel more real.

“So how’s everyone adjusting to the new schedules?” you ask, trying to keep the conversation light again.

Ni-ki shrugs. “Some of us better than others. Jungwon’s pretty good at managing everything. But Sunghoon, like I said, he’s been a little off lately. It’s the diet, the workouts, the long practice hours… It gets to him, you know?”

You nod, understanding more than ever just how much Sunghoon is pushing himself. You wonder if he’s really okay—or if he’s just too stubborn to show how hard it all is.

Before you can say more, Ni-ki cuts in with another grin, his voice playful again. “But hey, enough about all that work stuff. Are you ready for the crazy, real Seoul experience?”

You laugh, your excitement slowly building again. “Definitely. Just don’t get me lost, okay?”

He raises an eyebrow at you. “Who, me? I’m practically a pro at this city by now. You’re in good hands.”

You give him a skeptical look, but he just laughs, turning back toward the front of the car.

And just like that, the tension in your chest eases a little. The road ahead is still uncertain, but for now, you’re with Ni-ki—who’s somehow managed to make even this unfamiliar city feel just a little less intimidating.

The car finally slows down, and your eyes widen as you take in the towering building in front of you. The massive black structure looms high above, the sleek logo of Hybe glowing on the side. It’s hard to believe you’re standing right in front of it—the headquarters of the company behind so many famous artists, including Sunghoon and his group. Your heart beats faster as Ni-ki parks the car.

“Here we are,” Ni-ki says, turning to look at you with a grin. “Welcome to the Hybe headquarters.”

You take a deep breath as you step out of the car, your nerves creeping up again. This is it. No turning back now.

You follow Ni-ki into the building, your footsteps echoing in the spacious, modern lobby. It’s sleek and minimalistic, with marble floors and glass walls. The atmosphere is charged, like you’ve stepped into a world where everything is on the edge of perfection.

As you make your way through the lobby, you notice a few people lounging around, their voices hushed as they chat quietly. You can’t help but glance at them—some of them are clearly idols. A couple of guys are talking in the corner, their stylized outfits giving them away instantly. The nerves in your stomach twist even tighter.

“Don’t stare too much,” Ni-ki says, his voice low but amused as he catches you glancing at the idols. “They’re just normal people like us. Just with more cameras.”

You chuckle nervously, trying to settle your racing thoughts. As you follow Ni-ki down a long hallway, you can’t help but be overwhelmed by the sheer energy in the building. Everyone’s in a hurry, rushing to their next activity, their conversations drowned out by the hustle and bustle of a busy day in the world of K-pop.

That’s when you feel a sudden brush against your side. You turn just in time to see a figure—someone who looks familiar, yet not fully.

It’s Jay.

You freeze, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected encounter. He looks just as he does on the calls, but somehow more real, more alive. His features are sharper in person, his hair styled perfectly as usual. His smile is warm but a little reserved, a slight recognition in his eyes when he sees you.

“Oh, hey!” Jay says, his voice friendly but with a hint of curiosity. “You must be Y/N, right?”

You nod quickly, trying to hide the slight fluster creeping up your neck. “Yeah, that’s me. We’ve… talked a couple of times.”

He chuckles, taking a step back to give you a little space. “Yeah, I remember. Sunghoon talks about you all the time. It’s nice to finally meet you in person.”

You smile, the nervousness settling into a quiet excitement. “It’s nice to meet you too, Jay.”

There’s a slight pause as you both take in the awkward moment. Neither of you really knows what to say next. Sure, you’ve talked on calls, but it was always just casual, never anything too deep.

But before either of you can speak again, Ni-ki cuts in, a teasing grin on his face. “Jay here? You’re getting way too comfortable, Y/N. I thought you came here to see Sunghoon, not my other group members.”

You laugh lightly, giving Ni-ki a playful shove. “I’m just trying to get to know everyone. No harm in that, right?”

Jay raises an eyebrow, his tone suddenly more curious. “Wait—Sunghoon hasn’t told you anything, has he?”

You glance at him, not sure how to answer. “What do you mean?”

Jay shrugs, clearly not wanting to reveal too much. “Nothing, nothing. Just, uh, don’t be surprised if he’s… a little different when you see him.”

Your heart skips a beat. That sounds… unsettling. You try not to let your worry show as you nod, but the uneasy feeling creeps in again.

Before you can say anything else, Ni-ki pulls you gently along. “Come on, let’s get going. Sunghoon’s probably waiting for you.”

You follow, your mind racing with questions you’re not sure you’re ready to ask. Jay watches you go, his expression unreadable, and you can’t shake the feeling that he knows something you don’t.

You walk deeper into the building, the sounds of your footsteps fill the space, and for a brief moment, you feel like you’re stepping into a world that belongs to someone else. This isn’t the world of the quiet, comfortable calls and texts you’ve shared with Sunghoon. This is the real world—the one full of pressure, expectations, and maybe even more surprises than you’re prepared for.

You step into the practice room, heart hammering in your chest as you scan the space. The fluorescent lights cast a bright, almost sterile glow over everything, and you spot Sunghoon standing near the wall, his back to you as he talks to some staff members. The moment he hears the door open, he turns around, his eyes widening in surprise, and for a moment, everything feels surreal.

He blinks a few times, clearly caught off guard, but then his face softens as he steps forward, a small smile tugging at his lips. His gaze flickers to you, and the tension in his expression eases just a little.

“Y/N,” he says softly, almost like he’s reassuring himself. “I didn’t think you’d actually come.”

You step further into the room, trying to hide the nervous excitement that bubbles inside you. “You didn’t think I’d come?” You force a small laugh, though the words feel heavy on your tongue. “I told you I would.”

His eyes search yours, a mixture of warmth and something you can’t quite read crossing his face. “I know… it’s just a lot right now,” he admits, his voice quieter. He pauses, running a hand through his hair, looking at you with an almost hesitant expression. “But… I’m glad you’re here.”

You take a step closer to him, the space between you shrinking. The anticipation you’ve felt since the moment you decided to come here makes your heart race. You need to talk to him. There’s so much you’ve been wanting to say, so much you need answers to.

Before you can speak, Sunghoon lets out a long sigh, and his gaze shifts away. He runs a hand over his face as if he’s trying to gather his thoughts. “Y/N… I think I need to tell you something.”

Your stomach drops, the words he’s about to say hanging heavily in the air. You brace yourself, unsure if you’re prepared for what’s coming. “What’s wrong?” you ask softly, trying to keep the fear from your voice.

Sunghoon hesitates for a moment, his eyes flickering with an unreadable emotion. Finally, he opens his mouth, and the words come out in a rush. “I think we need a break.”

Your heart stops. The world feels like it’s tilting off its axis, and you can’t quite believe what you’re hearing. “A break?” you repeat, the words tasting bitter on your tongue. “From us?”

He nods slowly, his eyes avoiding yours. “It’s not that I don’t care about you, Y/N. It’s just… being an idol is tough. It takes up everything, and I think I need some time to focus on that. I don’t want to hurt you, but this… this is just too much to handle right now.”

The words sting more than you expected. You swallow hard, trying to keep your emotions in check. “But we were fine. We promised we’d make it work.” Your voice cracks slightly, but you push forward. “You said we could handle this together.”

Sunghoon looks at you then, his eyes softening, but there’s something distant in them too. “I thought so too, but… I don’t think I can give you what you deserve right now. You’ve always been so considerate, so kind to me, and I don’t want to hold you back…”

His words hit you like a wave, crashing down on you in an overwhelming flood of emotion. You try to process them, but they feel empty, like something you should’ve expected but never prepared for.

Without thinking, you take a step toward him, your body drawn to him like a magnet, needing some kind of connection. You lean in slowly, your breath shaky as you try to close the distance between you, desperate to feel the warmth of his lips against yours, to remind him of what you’ve shared.

But before your lips can meet his, he takes a step back.

You freeze, confusion and hurt flooding your chest. He looks at you, his face conflicted, and then he shakes his head gently.

“I… I can’t, Y/N.” His voice is low, strained, like he’s breaking apart just saying the words. “I’m sorry. I just… I don’t think I’m ready for this right now.”

A coldness washes over you as the realization sinks in. You take a step back, your heart heavy in your chest. All the words you want to say get stuck in your throat. He’s pushing you away, and you can’t stop it.

Tears well up in your eyes, but you blink them away quickly, refusing to let him see how much his rejection stings. Without another word, you turn and walk out, your footsteps echoing down the hall. You don’t care where you’re going, as long as it’s away from him.

The building feels suffocating now, the walls closing in around you, the weight of everything too much to bear. You walk faster, each step a reminder of how much things have changed.

Your heart aches as you exit the practice room, the door closing behind you with a finality that leaves you breathless. You don’t know how long you walk before you feel a hand on your shoulder.

“Y/N.”

You turn to see Ni-ki standing there, his eyes wide with concern. He doesn’t say anything right away, just watches you, sensing the pain radiating off of you.

“Are you okay?” he asks, his voice soft, but you can hear the worry beneath it.

You shake your head, trying to hold back the tears that threaten to fall. “No. I’m not okay.”

Ni-ki looks like he wants to say something more, but he doesn’t. Instead, he pulls you into a tight hug, his arms warm and reassuring, a silent comfort when you need it most.

“I’ll stay with you,” he says quietly. “Come on, let’s go somewhere and talk.”

You nod, letting him guide you away from the scene of your heartbreak, your thoughts swirling, the sting of Sunghoon’s words still fresh in your mind. You can’t help but wonder if he’ll ever truly come back to you.

Ni-ki leads you down a quiet hallway, his grip firm yet gentle on your wrist as he steers you toward a small vocal training room. He pushes the door open, flicking on the light, and gestures for you to sit on the small couch in the corner.

“Stay here,” he says, his voice soft but firm. “I’ll be right back.”

You hesitate, looking up at him, your throat still tight from holding back tears. “Where are you going?”

He sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m going to talk to Sunghoon.”

Your heart clenches at the mention of his name. You want to stop him, to tell him that it’s okay, that maybe Sunghoon just needs time—but deep down, you know something has to be said.

Ni-ki sees the conflicted look on your face and kneels down in front of you, his voice softer now. “Just wait here, okay? Eat something.” He reaches into his bag and pulls out a snack, placing it in your hands. “I know you probably don’t feel like eating, but trust me, it helps.”

You swallow hard and nod, gripping the snack tightly. “Okay.”

He gives you a small, reassuring smile before standing up and heading out the door. The room falls silent once he’s gone, and you’re left alone with your thoughts.

You let out a shaky breath, staring at the floor. Everything feels surreal, like a bad dream you can’t wake up from. Sunghoon’s words echo in your head, over and over again. I think we need a break.

You squeeze your eyes shut, willing the tears away.

The sound of the door opening jolts you out of your thoughts. You expect to see Ni-ki, but instead, Heeseung walks in, mumbling under his breath. His expression is grumpy, his brows furrowed in frustration as he runs a hand through his hair.

He doesn’t see you at first. “Seriously, what is his problem—”

Then his eyes land on you. He stops mid-step, blinking in surprise. “Oh.”

You shift uncomfortably, wiping at your face quickly, hoping he doesn’t notice how red your eyes are. “Uh, hey.”

Heeseung tilts his head slightly, studying you. His usual playful demeanor is nowhere to be seen—he looks more exhausted than anything. After a beat, he steps further into the room, shutting the door behind him.

“Aren’t you Sunghoon’s girl? What are you doing here?” he asks, though his tone isn’t harsh, just curious.

You let out a dry laugh, shaking your head. “Long story.”

He raises an eyebrow, then walks over and leans against the piano, crossing his arms. “I’ve got time.”

You sigh, playing with the wrapper of the snack in your hands. “Sunghoon and I… we had a fight. Or, well, not really a fight. More like… he just told me we need a break.” The words feel heavier the second time you say them.

Heeseung exhales sharply, shaking his head. “Yeah, I figured.”

Your head snaps up. “What?”

He shifts, looking almost guilty. “I mean, I’ve seen how he’s been treating you lately. It’s been… different.”

You frown, defensive. “He’s just going through a hard time. He has so much pressure on him, and I get that. I’m not mad at him for feeling overwhelmed.”

Heeseung’s expression darkens slightly, his voice laced with frustration. “Yeah, but that doesn’t mean he gets to treat you like you don’t exist.”

You feel a flare of anger rise in your chest. “You don’t understand. Sunghoon loves me. He’s just… lost right now.”

Heeseung sighs, running a hand through his hair again, looking like he’s trying to choose his next words carefully. “I’m not saying he doesn’t care about you. But, Y/N… sometimes holding onto something that isn’t working just makes it hurt more.”

Your jaw tightens. “So what, you think I should just give up on him?”

He meets your gaze evenly. “I think you deserve someone who doesn’t make you question if they still care about you.”

The words hit you like a slap. Your fingers tighten around the snack in your lap, your chest aching.

“I’m not giving up on him,” you say, voice barely above a whisper.

Heeseung watches you for a moment, then sighs and looks away, like he’s given up on trying to make you see his side. “Alright,” he says simply.

The room falls into silence. You stare at the floor, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on you.

After a moment, Heeseung pushes himself off the piano and turns to leave. But before he walks out, he pauses in the doorway.

“For what it’s worth,” he says, not looking back, “I hope he realizes what he’s losing before it’s too late.”

And with that, he’s gone.

You sit there for a while, Heeseung’s words lingering in your mind like an unwelcome echo. I hope he realizes what he’s losing before it’s too late.

You don’t want to believe it. Sunghoon isn’t losing you. You’re still here. You still love him. Isn’t that enough?

The door creaks open again, and this time, Ni-ki steps back in. His expression is unreadable, but there’s something in his eyes that makes your stomach twist.

You sit up quickly. “Did you talk to him?”

Ni-ki sighs, rubbing his face before plopping down next to you on the couch. “Yeah.”

“And?” You search his face desperately.

He hesitates. “He said he just needs space, Y/N.”

Your heart sinks. “That’s it?”

Ni-ki frowns. “I mean… he said he didn’t mean to hurt you, but he thinks this is for the best.” His voice is careful, like he’s trying to cushion the blow.

You let out a shaky breath, gripping the edge of your sweater. “He’s just confused,” you say quickly. “If I talk to him—”

Ni-ki groans, tilting his head back. “Y/N.”

You look at him.

He gives you a small, sad smile. “You shouldn’t have to beg someone to love you the way you deserve.”

Your chest tightens. You open your mouth, ready to argue, but the lump in your throat makes it hard to speak.

Ni-ki sighs again, softer this time. “Look, I get it. You love him. And I’m not saying he doesn’t care about you. But if he really wanted this, wouldn’t he be fighting for it too?”

The words hit you harder than you expect. You stare down at your lap, blinking quickly.

Ni-ki leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I hate seeing you like this,” he admits. “You don’t deserve to be treated like some afterthought.”

Your fingers tighten around the fabric of your jeans. “I just… I don’t understand how it changed so fast,” you whisper.

Ni-ki doesn’t answer right away. Instead, he reaches into his bag and pulls out another snack, handing it to you. “Eat,” he says. “You think better when you’re not running on an empty stomach.”

Despite everything, a tiny laugh escapes you. “That’s your solution for everything, isn’t it?”

He grins. “It hasn’t failed me yet.”

You take the snack, but before you can open it, the door slams open again.

Both you and Ni-ki jump as Heeseung storms in, his jaw tight, his eyes flashing with something unreadable.

Ni-ki blinks. “Uh—”

A ignores him, his gaze locking onto you. “Come with me,” he says, his voice firm.

You hesitate, looking between him and Ni-ki. “What—”

But before you can ask, Heeseung strides across the room, grabs your wrist (gently, but firmly), and pulls you to your feet.

“We’re talking,” he says, already leading you toward the door.

Ni-ki watches with wide eyes. “Should I—”

Heeseung shoots him a look. “Stay out of it.”

And just like that, you’re being dragged down the hall, your heart pounding, your mind racing.

Whatever this is, you have a feeling it’s about to change everything.

Heeseung’s grip on your wrist is firm but not rough as he pulls you down the hallway. His pace is fast, determined, and you’re practically stumbling to keep up.

“Heeseung—” you start, breathless, but he doesn’t even slow down.

Your mind is spinning. Why is he so mad? Where is he even taking you?

He finally shoves open the door to an empty practice room and pulls you inside, letting go of your wrist as he turns to face you. The door clicks shut behind him, sealing the two of you away from the world outside.

Heeseung’s jaw is clenched, his chest rising and falling sharply like he’s trying to keep himself under control.

You rub your wrist absentmindedly, still in shock. “What the hell is your problem?”

His eyes flash. “You,” he says, voice low but intense. “You’re my problem.”

You scoff, crossing your arms over your chest. “Excuse me?”

Heeseung shakes his head, pacing for a second before turning back to you. “I don’t get you. Why are you doing this to yourself?”

You narrow your eyes. “Doing what exactly?”

“Chasing after someone who clearly isn’t fighting for you.”

The words hit harder than they should. You swallow, forcing yourself to keep your voice steady. “You don’t even know me.”

Heeseung lets out a sharp breath, shaking his head. “I know enough. I know that you deserve better than someone who makes you feel like you have to beg for his attention.”

Your fingers curl into fists at your sides. “You don’t understand,” you say, voice tight.

Heeseung lets out a bitter laugh. “I understand more than you think.”

You glare at him. “How do you know? You’ve never even been in love before.”

His entire body tenses. For a second, something flickers across his face—something raw, something unspoken—but it’s gone before you can name it.

“You’re right,” he says after a moment, voice quieter now. “I haven’t.”

You think that’s the end of it, but then he exhales, running a hand through his hair. “But I do know what it’s like to give everything to someone who doesn’t appreciate it.”

You hesitate. “What are you talking about?”

He shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter.” He steps back, putting distance between you. “What matters is that you’re wasting your time on someone who won’t even look at you properly when you’re right in front of him.”

Your throat tightens. “I love him.”

Heeseung’s jaw clenches. “I know.”

Silence fills the room, thick with words neither of you are saying.

After a long moment, Heeseung sighs, glancing toward the door. “I should get back to practice.”

You nod, not trusting yourself to speak.

He hesitates at the door, then looks back at you, his expression softer now, but still serious.

“Just… think about what I said.”

And then he’s gone, leaving you standing in the empty practice room, your heart a mess of emotions you don’t know how to deal with.

You don’t know how long you stand there, staring at the door Heeseung just walked out of. His words echo in your head, looping over and over until they start to blur together.

You deserve better.

You’re wasting your time.

He won’t even look at you properly.

Your chest feels tight. You shake your head, as if that could physically dispel his voice from your mind. He doesn’t understand. He doesn’t know what you and Sunghoon have been through together. He doesn’t know how much Sunghoon means to you—how much you love him.

But then why did his words make your stomach twist like that?

A soft knock at the door makes you snap out of your thoughts. You quickly wipe at your eyes before calling out, “Come in.”

The door opens, and Ni-ki peeks his head in. His usual playful expression is replaced with something more careful, more hesitant.

“You okay?” he asks, stepping inside and closing the door behind him.

You nod automatically, even though the lump in your throat hasn’t gone away. “Yeah. Just… thinking.”

Ni-ki gives you a look that says I don’t believe you, but he doesn’t push. Instead, he plops down beside you on the practice room bench and hands you a snack.

“Here,” he says. “I don’t know if you’re hungry, but you should eat something.”

You let out a soft laugh, taking the snack. “Why do you always have food on you?”

“It’s my survival instinct,” he says, grinning. “You never know when you’ll be stuck in a long practice session with no breaks.”

You shake your head but unwrap the snack anyway. The simple act of eating gives you something to focus on, something to do with your hands.

Ni-ki watches you for a moment before leaning back against the wall. “So… Heeseung looked kinda pissed when he left. What happened?”

You sigh, looking down at the half-eaten snack in your hands. “He was just lecturing me about Sunghoon.”

Ni-ki hums, tilting his head. “Let me guess—told you that you deserve better?” You glance at him in surprise. “How’d you know?” Ni-ki shrugs. “Because it’s true.”

Your heart clenches, but before you can say anything, the door opens again.

This time, it’s Sunghoon.

Your breath catches as he steps inside, his gaze meeting yours. For the first time since you arrived in Seoul, you finally have his full attention.

Ni-ki looks between the two of you, then sighs dramatically and stands up. “Alright, I’m gonna head out before things get way too awkward in here.”

Neither you nor Sunghoon respond as Ni-ki slips out the door, leaving you alone with him.

Sunghoon exhales, running a hand through his hair. “Y/N…”

You swallow hard. “Sunghoon.”

He hesitates, then takes a step closer. “Can we talk?”

You nod slowly, bracing yourself for whatever comes next.

Sunghoon sits across from you in that quiet vocal room, the echo of everything unspoken louder than any conversation. He’s wringing his hands a little, his gaze low and unreadable, and your stomach knots as you wait—hoping, foolishly, for something different than what you already know is coming.

“I meant what I said before,” he begins, voice low, like he doesn’t want to hurt you even though the words already sting. “About the break. I still think it’s the right thing.”

You inhale slowly, nodding even though your throat feels like it’s closing up. He’s not being cold. He’s not being cruel. But that almost makes it worse. The softness in his voice feels like goodbye.

But then he adds, “I’d still like to be friends. If that’s okay.”

Friends.

The word sinks in like a weight dropping into your chest. You shouldn’t want that. It’s not enough. It shouldn’t be enough. But you can’t help it—you reach for it like it’s a rope keeping you from drifting completely away from him.

Because maybe being friends means staying close.

And staying close means little moments. And little moments could grow into something again.

You could still fix this. Still rebuild everything.

You offer him the best smile you can manage—tight, forced, but there. “Yeah. Of course. We can be friends.”

He exhales in relief, the corners of his lips lifting just slightly. “Thanks. I know it’s probably… hard. But I’m glad you came to see me.”

You nod. “Me too.” Even if it’s breaking you in real time.

You glance at your phone when it buzzes, and the screen lights up with a message from your cousin:

Outside! Baby’s asleep, lol. Don’t take too long.

You blink at the time. “Oh—my cousin’s here. I should go.”

Sunghoon nods, standing when you do. “Text me when you get home, okay?”

You pause for a moment, heart catching in your throat. Home. It doesn’t even feel like you know where that is anymore.

“I will,” you manage, then give him one last glance before heading to the door.

But when you step out into the hallway, you don’t expect to see him.

Heeseung is leaning against the opposite wall, arms crossed, one foot braced casually behind him, as if he’s been there a while.

“Done?” he asks, tone clipped.

You blink in surprise. “Were you… waiting?”

He shrugs like it’s no big deal, pushing off the wall and falling into step beside you. “Didn’t think you should walk out of there alone.”

You frown at that but don’t respond right away. The hallway feels colder than before.

“He told me he still wants to be friends,” you say after a beat. “And I said okay.”

Heeseung scoffs. “Of course he did.”

You stop walking and turn to face him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He gives you a pointed look. “Just that it’s the easy way out. He gets to feel less guilty, and you get just enough hope to keep waiting around for him.”

Your jaw tightens. “He’s not like that. He’s just going through a lot. You don’t get it.”

He raises an eyebrow, folding his arms again. “No? Try me.”

You take a breath, words tumbling out before you can stop them. “You don’t even know me. Or us. So don’t stand there acting like you know what we’ve been through. You don’t.”

“And you don’t know him as well as you think,” Heeseung snaps back. “You’re trying to hold onto something that isn’t even there anymore.”

You bristle. “How do you know? You’ve never been in love before.”

The silence that follows is immediate, thick.Heeseung looks at you, eyes darker now, sharper. “Maybe not,” he says, voice quieter. “But I know what it looks like when someone doesn’t treat the person who loves them right.”

Your throat tightens. “He does care about me. He just doesn’t know how to show it right now.”

Heeseung shakes his head, exasperated. “You’re making excuses for him.”

“And you’re judging him like you know anything about what he’s feeling,” you fire back.

He doesn’t answer right away. His jaw is clenched, his brows pulled together. And the worst part is—he does look like he cares. And that makes your stomach churn in the most confusing way.

“I’m not trying to fight with you,” he says eventually. “I just hate watching you shrink yourself down just to make room for someone who won’t even meet you halfway.”

You don’t say anything. You can’t. You’re still too angry. Still too hurt. And—deep down—you hate that part of you wonders if he’s right.

“I should go,” you mutter, turning away. “My cousin’s waiting.”

He doesn’t stop you this time. But just before you turn the corner, you hear him mutter under his breath:

“I hope he figures it out before it’s too late.”

You pretend you didn’t hear it. Because if you did, you might stop walking.

You don’t look back as you walk away from Heeseung, your heart pounding too loudly in your chest to hear anything else. The last thing you want is to get caught up in another argument about Sunghoon and the mess he’s left behind, especially when you’re not sure where you stand with it all.

You walk down the hallway, the sounds of people practicing fading into the distance, your footsteps echoing in your ears. You turn the corner, heading towards the exit, your thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and frustration.

As you reach the front door of the building, your phone buzzes in your pocket, pulling you from your spiraling thoughts. You take it out, seeing a message from Chaewon:

Chae: I’m here! Baby’s sleeping. You good?

You let out a breath, forcing a smile despite everything. Chaewon.

You type quickly: I’m good. Be right out.

When you step outside, you spot her car in the parking lot, her shiny black SUV parked near the entrance. You don’t waste any time heading toward it, eager to get away from the building, away from all of it. Your heart aches, but you can’t dwell on it right now.

You slide into the car, and Chaewon’s already got the radio on, humming along to the song that’s playing. She flashes you a quick smile as you buckle your seatbelt.

“Hey, how was it?” she asks casually, glancing over at you. “You get to see Sunghoon?”

You nod, trying to keep your voice steady, but the tightness in your throat betrays you. “Yeah, I did.”

Chaewon watches you closely, her gaze flicking to the way you’re fidgeting in your seat. “What’s wrong? You look like you’ve been crying.”

You blink, trying to push back the tears that threaten to spill over. “It’s just… it’s complicated, Chae. I don’t know what to feel anymore.”

She pulls out of the parking lot, a soft hum in the background as you zone out for a second, her steady driving calming you down a little.

“You wanna talk about it?” Chaewon asks gently, her eyes never leaving the road.

You swallow hard, feeling the weight of it all. “He said he needed a break… like, he wants to be friends. I just don’t get it. He told me he loved me, and now… now it’s like everything’s changed.”

She nods, understanding without needing to ask for details. “I get it. It’s gotta suck, being stuck in limbo like that.”

You nod, not trusting yourself to say anything else.

You’ve been so focused on trying to keep everything together, but Chaewon’s calm presence makes you realize how exhausted you are. The emotional weight of it all is finally catching up to you.

Chaewon lets you have your space for a while, the hum of the radio and the quiet rush of the air around you the only sound as she drives. When you finally reach her house, she parks, turning to face you with a thoughtful look.

“You know, you don’t have to figure it all out right now. You’re here to see the baby, not stress about him.” She grins softly. “You deserve a break too.”

You give her a small, grateful smile, the first real one you’ve had all day. “Thanks, Chae.”

You get out of the car and head inside. The moment you step into her house, you’re immediately greeted by the sounds of a baby cooing, and you can’t help but feel your mood lift just a little. Chaewon’s younger sibling is in the living room, happily bundled up in a soft, pastel-colored blanket, their tiny hands curled around their toy.

You walk over slowly, kneeling beside the crib, looking down at the baby’s peaceful face.

For a moment, it feels like a whole new world—calm, simple, untouched by all the drama and confusion.

Chaewon comes up beside you, her eyes soft as she watches the baby. “Crazy, right? Just when you think you’ve got everything figured out, life throws you a curveball like this.”

You nod, blinking quickly. “Yeah… but this is nice. This is what I needed.”

She smiles and reaches out to ruffle your hair. “You’ll get through it. You’re strong, Chae. Just gotta let things happen.”

You take a deep breath, trying to focus on the present, on this moment of peace. You glance at your phone again, seeing no messages from Sunghoon. Not that you expected anything.

You wonder if this is it. If this is the final chapter of your story with him. But a small part of you holds on to the hope that maybe, just maybe, things will turn around.

You glance over at Chaewon, who gives you a knowing smile. “Want some coffee? You could use a break from all of this.”

You nod, feeling a small flicker of comfort. “Yeah, I could really use some coffee.”

Maybe today, the world would stop spinning long enough for you to just breathe.

As you sip your coffee, the warmth of it comforting you, your mind wanders back to the mess you left behind at the building. Sunghoon’s words, Heeseung’s too, are still tangled in your thoughts. But at least, for now, you can breathe a little easier. The baby’s cooing and the soft hum of Chaewon in the kitchen make everything feel so normal, so far removed from the chaos you’ve been drowning in.

You feel your phone buzz on the table beside you. You glance at it, distracted, before picking it up and unlocking it.

It’s a message from Niki.

Niki: Hey, I know this is kinda sudden, but the guys and I are heading to Busan tomorrow for a 3-day trip to relax. There’s an odd number of people going, and I was wondering if you wanted to come with us? You can crash at my place, of course. I’ve got a spare bed, and I promise I won’t be annoying… much.

Your fingers hover over the screen as you read the message a couple of times. Busan. A trip with Niki and the others. A chance to escape, clear your mind. The timing seems almost too perfect, especially with everything still so tangled up back in Seoul. A 3-day break sounds exactly like what you need.

You quickly type back:

YN: That sounds amazing, actually. I could use a getaway. I’ll pack light and catch up with you tomorrow morning.

You hit send before your brain has time to second-guess it. You immediately feel a little lighter, like the weight you’ve been carrying for the last few days has finally shifted. A small getaway—away from Seoul, away from Sunghoon, away from the mess of your emotions—is exactly what you need right now.

The phone buzzes again almost immediately, Niki’s reply quick and cheerful.

Niki: Awesome! I’ll pick you up early tomorrow. I’ll let you know the details once we’re closer. Can’t wait to see you!

You set your phone down again, a grin tugging at the corners of your mouth. You’re going to Busan. Maybe this trip will be just the distraction you need to forget everything else for a while. Or maybe it’ll help you sort through it all with a clearer head. Either way, it’s a chance to breathe.

Chaewon, who’s been watching you closely, raises an eyebrow. “Who was that?”

You glance up, a little surprised at her knowing look. You shrug, trying to play it cool, though a tiny spark of excitement flickers in your chest.

“Niki. He invited me to go to Busan with him and his group for a 3-day break. I think it’ll be good for me.”

She grins knowingly. “I bet it will be. Sounds like a good way to get some fresh air and clear your head.”

You nod, glad she’s on the same page. “Yeah. Definitely.”

The idea of spending time with Niki and his friends in Busan feels like a much-needed break from everything. A change of scenery might be exactly what you need to hit pause on the whirlwind of thoughts about Sunghoon. Maybe, just maybe, the fresh air and new surroundings will give you the space you need to clear your head and see things from a different angle. You can’t help but feel a little excitement bubbling up inside you—perhaps this trip will even give you a chance to get closer to Sunghoon again, to reconnect, without the constant tension of being apart.

You take the last sip of your coffee, the warmth from the cup lingering in your hands as the decision settles in your mind. Tomorrow, you’ll go to Busan with Niki. It may not be the perfect answer to everything, but it’s a step forward—a chance to take a breath and figure things out. You’re ready for the change, ready to move forward with a little hope that the distance will bring you clarity.

The next morning, you meet Chaewon’s baby, and you can’t help but smile at the little bundle of joy. The baby’s so tiny and sweet, with chubby cheeks and a soft little coo that melts your heart. It’s a welcome distraction, and for a moment, all the complications and confusion about Sunghoon feel far away. You find yourself holding the baby for a while, feeling the peace of the moment wash over you.

Eventually, you hear a buzz from your phone and see Niki’s message pop up.

Niki: Hey, what’s your address? I’ll come pick you up soon.

You quickly text him your address, feeling a spark of excitement at the thought of the trip. A few minutes later, you hear a car pull up outside. You grab your bag and step out, ready for the next few days.

When you get in the car, you see Niki at the wheel, smiling at you as you slide into the backseat. Jungwon and Heeseung are already sitting back there, both greeting you with a nod.

“Ready for Busan?” Niki grins, clearly in a good mood.

“Definitely,” you reply, settling in and feeling the excitement rise again as you realize this trip is exactly what you need.

You notice there are three more guys in the back of the car that you don’t know as well—Jake, Sunoo, and Jay. You’ve heard of them, but this is the first time meeting them in person.

Jay gives you a friendly nod when you make eye contact with him. “Hey, nice to meet you,” he says, his voice warm and welcoming.

You smile back at him, feeling the calm energy of the group.

Then, Jake speaks up, and you’re caught off guard by his voice—it’s completely different than what you were expecting. There’s no thick Australian accent, just a cool, easygoing tone that matches his friendly expression.

“Hey, nice to meet you! Niki and Sunghoon has told us a bit about you,” Jake says, giving you a smile. He seems like someone who’s easy to talk to, his presence warm and easygoing.

You laugh softly. “I’m glad to finally meet you! I’ve heard about you all.”

Sunoo, who’s sitting next to Jake, smirks and looks at you with a playful grin. “I hope Niki’s been telling you the truth about us, but I wouldn’t trust everything he says,” he teases, nudging Jake.

You smile, feeling like you’re already fitting in with them. “Oh, I’m sure I’ll find out the real story soon enough,” you joke back, which makes Sunoo laugh. He’s got that mischievous charm about him, like a close friend who can tease but also has your back.

The banter between the members is easy and lighthearted, and you feel your nerves start to settle. They talk about the plans they have in Busan—some downtime, visiting a few spots, and just enjoying the break.

As you glance toward Sunghoon, you notice he’s been a little quiet, though he’s still sitting next to you. When your eyes meet for a brief moment, there’s a strange look on his face—almost like he’s lost in thought. But then, he quickly turns away, focusing on his phone, and the moment passes. You can’t help but feel a little bit of tension in the air, but for now, you push those thoughts aside. This trip is about moving forward, even if just for a few days.

With the chatter continuing around you, you lean back in your seat and let the sound of the car and the easy conversation fill the space, feeling hopeful that this break will give you the clarity you need.

The ride to Busan is filled with chatter, laughter, and the occasional teasing between the guys. It’s easygoing, comfortable, and for the first time in a while, you feel like you can breathe.

Niki is talking to you about something—probably a funny story from practice—but your mind starts to wander, your focus slipping away. His words become background noise as you stare out the window, watching the scenery blur past. You don’t mean to zone out, but your thoughts drift back to Sunghoon, to the way he looked at you earlier—distant, hesitant. You wonder if he regrets coming on this trip, if he feels uncomfortable being around you after everything that happened.

You sigh softly, shaking the thoughts away. This trip is supposed to be a break, a reset. You should be focusing on the present, on the people around you.

Just as you shift in your seat, you catch a movement from the corner of your eye. It’s Heeseung. He’s sitting a few seats away, but you can feel his gaze flickering toward you every now and then. It’s not obvious—just quick glances, like he’s trying not to be caught. But you notice.

Your eyes meet for a split second before he looks away, his expression unreadable. You frown slightly, wondering what’s going through his mind. Heeseung has always been hard to read. From the little you’ve spoken with him, he’s always carried this air of confidence, like he knows more than he lets on.

Before you can dwell on it, Niki waves a hand in front of your face.

“Hello? Earth to Y/N?” he teases, drawing your attention back to him.

You blink, snapping out of your daze. “Huh? What?”

Niki narrows his eyes playfully. “Were you even listening to me?”

You let out a small laugh, feeling a little guilty. “Uh… yeah? You were talking about—” You pause, trying to recall anything from what he said, but your mind is blank. “Okay, no, I totally zoned out.”

Niki sighs dramatically, crossing his arms. “Wow. So rude.”

Sunoo, who’s been listening in, snickers. “She’s probably thinking about her one true love,” he says in a sing-song voice, nudging you with his elbow.

You roll your eyes. “Very funny.”

Jake chuckles from the front seat. “Leave her alone, Sunoo. She’s probably just tired.”

You nod, playing along. “Exactly. Long night, you know?”

Niki side-eyes you suspiciously but lets it go. The conversation shifts back to something else, and you use the opportunity to steal another glance at Heeseung. He’s looking out the window now, his jaw resting on his hand, deep in thought.

Something about the way he looked at you earlier lingers in your mind. But you push it aside. It doesn’t matter. Not right now.

Instead, you take a deep breath and force yourself to focus on the moment—the road trip, the laughter, the feeling of moving forward, even if you’re not sure where it’s leading.

The car rolls down the highway, music humming low from the speakers while the soft sound of conversation fills the air. Everyone’s a little more settled now—half-asleep, staring at their phones, or quietly talking in pairs.

You lean your head against the window, feeling the gentle vibration of the road under the tires. The glass is cool against your skin, and the sunlight makes everything outside glow gold and warm. Despite everything going on in your head, there’s a strange sense of calm. Like for the first time in a while, you’re not spiraling—you’re just existing.

But then you feel it again. That quiet, lingering glance.

You shift slightly and glance toward Heeseung. He’s sitting diagonal from you, earbuds in, arms crossed, looking… casual. But then his eyes flick toward yours, and it’s not so casual anymore.

You don’t say anything. Neither does he. He just holds your gaze for a second longer than normal, before turning away like nothing happened.

What was that?

You bite the inside of your cheek and try to ignore the weird flutter that hits your chest. It’s not a feeling you like. Not when it’s him.

You haven’t exactly forgiven Heeseung for the last time you talked—not after the way he just said you and Sunghoon weren’t good for each other like it was some obvious truth. The way he acted like he knew you, like he knew how your heart worked. He didn’t. He still doesn’t.

You shut your eyes for a moment.

Niki leans over and nudges you with his elbow. “Hey,” he whispers. “You okay?”

You blink and look at him, surprised. “Yeah. Why?”

“You just look like you’re thinking really hard. And usually when people think that hard, it’s either about food or feelings.” He grins. “You hungry? Or are you heartbroken?”

You roll your eyes and bump his shoulder with yours. “Shut up.”

He chuckles, clearly satisfied with himself. “We’re stopping for snacks in like twenty minutes. Don’t fall asleep.”

You glance out the window again, the reflection of Heeseung faintly visible in the glass beside your own.

Heartbroken? Maybe.

Confused? Definitely.

But you’re here. You’re moving. You’re doing something new.

And maybe that’s what matters right now.

Twenty minutes later, just like Niki promised, the van pulls into a sleek rest stop on the outskirts of the highway. Everyone starts stirring—stretching, yawning, rubbing sleep from their eyes.

“We’ve got a few minutes,” Jungwon calls from the front. “Grab what you need.”

You hop out of the van, the cool breeze brushing against your face, waking you up more than you expected. The air feels fresh, and the scent of grilled meat and warm pastries from the little stalls nearby is oddly comforting. You trail behind the boys as they head toward the convenience store. Jake and Jay are already talking about what snacks they’re hunting down. Sunoo is dramatically debating between two drinks in the cooler aisle, holding them up like it’s a life-changing decision.

Niki sticks close to you, grabbing a basket and handing it over. “You pick the snacks. I trust you.”

“Bold of you,” you tease, raising an eyebrow as you start tossing in random things—ramyeon, chips, a couple packs of gummies, a bottle of iced tea.

As you’re standing in line to pay, someone moves beside you. You glance to the side and find Heeseung silently dropping a can of coffee and a chocolate bar onto the counter next to your stuff.

You blink. “Um. You know this is my basket, right?”

Heeseung shrugs. “Yeah. I figured you wouldn’t mind.” His voice is low, casual, but not exactly friendly.

You stare at him for a second, caught between being annoyed and confused. “You could’ve gotten your own.”

He finally looks at you fully. “Thought we were friends now,” he says with a slight edge of sarcasm, the same tone he used that night in the vocal room.

You clench your jaw and pay for the snacks without another word. When you step out of the store, he’s waiting by the curb, sipping his coffee like nothing happened.

You toss the chocolate bar at him without looking. “You owe me 1,800 won.”

“Put it on my tab,” he mutters.

You’re about to snap back with something witty, something sharp—but then Niki pops up beside you, full of energy as always, holding a hot bun wrapped in paper.

“Okay, tell me you’ve tried these,” he says, breaking the tension, offering you a bite. You gratefully take it, letting the warmth and sweetness melt on your tongue.

“Okay, that’s actually really good.”

“Told you,” Niki grins.

The others start heading back toward the van, and you follow, sliding back into your seat next to Niki while Heeseung takes the spot across from you again. This time, though, he doesn’t look at you.

You steal a glance at him anyway. His jaw’s tight, his eyes on the road through the window.

Whatever this thing is between you and Heeseung—resentment, confusion, whatever—it’s lingering. Heavy. Unspoken.

You turn your attention back to Niki, who’s already halfway through his snack. “Do you think the place in Busan has a view?”

“I hope so,” he says with his mouth full. “Or at least a hot tub.”

You chuckle, resting your head against the seat, letting the noise of the boys fill the air again. You’re not sure how this trip is going to play out—but you’re here now.

And whether it brings closure or chaos… at least you’re not stuck in the past anymore.

You’re the first one back in the van after the rest stop, sliding into your usual seat by the window with a quiet sigh. The plastic bag of snacks crinkles in your lap as you settle in, fingers absentmindedly toying with a bottle cap. The van is empty for now, giving you a brief moment to breathe, to think—to prepare yourself for another long ride sitting alone, lost in your own thoughts.

Because of course, Sunghoon isn’t going to sit next to you. Not when things are still awkward, not when he’s been so distant. You don’t even consider it an option.

So when the van door slides open and someone climbs in, you don’t even look up. Not until you feel the seat beside you dip.

Your heart stumbles.

You glance to the side, and there he is.

Sunghoon.

He’s sitting next to you.

It’s so unexpected that you actually freeze, your mind scrambling to catch up. He doesn’t look at you, just messes with his phone, earbuds dangling around his neck like he’s pretending this isn’t a big deal. But it is. His shoulder is close—too close—and the familiar scent of his cologne lingers in the small space between you.

Your throat feels tight, but you manage to find your voice.

“Hey.”

His gaze flicks up, surprised for a second before softening. “Hi.”

You hesitate. “Didn’t think you’d sit here.”

Sunghoon lets out a quiet breath, almost a chuckle, but there’s something guarded about it. “I figured… it’s been long enough.”

That answer doesn’t explain much. But you don’t push it.

One by one, the others start filling up the van. Jake and Jay take the seats near the back, Jungwon slides in beside them, and Sunoo claims his spot across from you with a dramatic sigh, mumbling about how his legs are sore. Niki hops in last, plopping down next to Sunoo with an energy drink in hand.

Everyone’s in.

Everyone except—Heeseung

He pauses for just a second at the door, gaze sweeping the van—and then his eyes land on you and Sunghoon. His brows furrow, lips pressing into a thin line, and something flashes across his face—something sharp, something irritated.

You don’t notice, but Niki does.

Heeseung exhales, almost like a scoff, before moving past and dropping into a seat two rows back, slamming his water bottle down a little harder than necessary. The van door slides shut.

And the ride continues.

By the time you arrive at the hotel, you’re exhausted, stretching your arms over your head as you step into the sleek, modern lobby. Gold accents line the walls, soft jazz hums through hidden speakers, and the smell of fresh linen and coffee lingers in the air. You barely have time to take it in before Niki appears beside you, smirking.

“So.” He nudges your arm. “You and Sunghoon, huh?”

You blink, taken aback. “What?”

“I saw him sit next to you. That was very interesting.”

You roll your eyes. “It wasn’t a big deal. He just—”

“And Heeseung looked like he was gonna throw hands,” Niki continues, cutting you off.

You frown. “Why would he care?”

Niki shrugs. “Maybe he likes you.”

You stare at him.

“I’m serious,” he insists, hands raised in mock innocence. “That man was pissed.”

You scoff, shaking your head. “No. Heeseung hates me.”

Niki grins. “No, you hate him.”

“Because he deserves it,” you snap, crossing your arms. “He’s the one who keeps saying I should just give up on Sunghoon. That I’m wasting my time. That I should stop trying.”

Niki hums, amused. “So you do still think you have a chance?”

You glare at him.

He just smirks, leaning closer. “You know what they say about love and hate, right?”

“Don’t.”

He laughs. “Too late.”You groan, stomping toward the elevator, choosing to completely ignore the way Heeseung’s eyes briefly meet yours across the lobby.

Completely.

As soon as you step into the elevator, you press the button for your floor and lean against the cool metal wall, exhaling slowly. Niki’s words still swirl in your head, annoying you more than they should.

Heeseung looked like he was gonna throw hands.

Maybe he likes you.

You shake your head, dismissing it. No. That’s impossible. The only thing Heeseung has ever done is criticize your relationship with Sunghoon—telling you it’s pointless, telling you to stop trying. He doesn’t like you. If anything, he thinks you’re stupid. And the feeling is mutual.

The elevator dings, and the doors slide open. You step into the quiet hallway, adjusting the strap of your bag on your shoulder. The others are still lingering in the lobby, talking about dinner plans, but you’re too drained to join them. Right now, all you want to do is lie down and not think for a few hours.

You unlock your hotel room and step inside, flicking on the light. It’s nice—spacious, with a huge bed and a view of the ocean just past the sheer white curtains. You set your bag down on the desk and fish out your phone, about to check your messages when—

Ding.

A new text.

From Niki.

NIKI: btw ur sharing a room w me remember? don’t lock the door dummy

You huff out a small laugh, shaking your head. Of course he’d call you dummy.

You shoot him a quick reply before tossing your phone onto the bed. Just as you’re about to sit down, there’s a knock at the door.

“Y/N?”

It’s Niki.

You roll your eyes fondly before calling out, “It’s open!”

The door swings open, and Niki strolls in like he owns the place, tossing his bag onto the second bed. “Damn, this is nice. We should go on trips more often.”

You flop onto your bed, stretching your arms above your head. “Maybe if your company didn’t work you guys to death, you’d actually have time to.”

He snorts, kicking off his shoes before sitting on the edge of his bed. “Fair point.”

A comfortable silence settles between you as he pulls out his phone, probably to check messages from his other members. You stare up at the ceiling, exhaustion finally creeping in. The entire day has been draining—seeing Sunghoon again, the weird tension in the van, Heeseung’s stupid reactions. It’s all too much.

And yet, despite everything… a part of you feels lighter. Like being here, away from everything, might actually help.

Niki suddenly breaks the silence.

“Oh, by the way,” he says casually, scrolling through his phone. “We’re going to the beach tomorrow.”

You turn your head toward him. “Huh?”

“The guys decided while you were zoning out earlier.” He smirks. “Figured I should tell you before you walk outside in jeans like a dumbass.”

You groan, throwing a pillow at him. “Fuck you.”

He laughs, dodging it effortlessly. “Ew, I’d never.”

You grumble under your breath, but you can’t help the small smile tugging at your lips.

Tomorrow. The beach. A day to relax, have fun, and not think about Sunghoon or Heeseung or any of the complicated feelings threatening to pull you under.

You could use a day like that.

Bam bam bam.

“Y/N, I swear to fucking god—if you don’t open this door in five seconds, I’m pissing in the hallway!”

You jump a little, nearly stabbing your eye with your mascara wand. “I’m almost done, chill!”

Niki groans from the other side of the bathroom door. “You said that ten minutes ago! What are you doing in there, summoning a whole glam squad?”

You roll your eyes, placing the mascara back in your bag and giving yourself a final once-over in the mirror. Light pink bathing suit snug beneath your white tee, jean shorts just high enough to be cute but not uncomfortable, a touch of blush on your cheeks, and lip gloss shimmering under the bathroom lights. Your hair is loosely styled—enough to look effortless, but it definitely wasn’t.

It’s not like you’re trying too hard. You just… want to look good. Specifically in case Sunghoon notices. Not that he would. Not lately, anyway.

But still.

You smooth your tee down and smile at your reflection. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

As soon as you unlock the door, Niki barrels past you with a desperate groan. “Finally! My kidneys were about to explode.”

You laugh, stepping aside as he slams the door shut behind him. “You’re so dramatic.”

His voice echoes from inside the bathroom. “You’re lucky you look kinda cute or I’d fight you right now.”

“Kinda cute?” you scoff, turning to grab your bag. “You have no taste.”

“Debatable.”

You shake your head, biting back a grin as you slip your sandals on and head toward the lobby where the others are probably waiting. You feel butterflies begin to stir in your stomach. You don’t know if it’s because of the beach, the sunshine, or the fact that you’ll be seeing Sunghoon again outside the company building, outside the tension, outside the awkward silences.

Maybe today’s the day something shifts. Maybe not. But at least you’ll look good when it happens.

You step into the hallway just as Niki comes out of the bathroom, grinning like he won. “Finally, freedom,” he says dramatically, as if he just won a grand battle.

You roll your eyes but can’t help but smile. “Such a drama queen.”

“Hey, you’re the one taking forever,” he teases, winking at you before tossing you a hoodie from the bed. “We’re about to head out, and if you get cold, this is yours.”

You give him an exaggerated look of appreciation. “Thanks, but I think I’m good.”

He shrugs, not bothered, and heads out the door first, leading the way to the lobby.

The moment you step out into the lobby, the sunshine hits your face, and the air feels warmer, fresher. It’s a perfect day for the beach. You adjust your sunglasses and pull your bag over your shoulder, suddenly feeling a lot more relaxed. The sound of waves crashing in the distance and the cool breeze against your skin are just the things you needed to forget everything that’s been weighing on you.

As you and Niki walk toward the vans, you notice the rest of the group hanging around outside, casually chatting and laughing with each other. Sunghoon is standing a little farther off with Jake, both of them engaged in some conversation, though Sunghoon’s eyes flicker toward you the moment he catches sight of you. He seems a little surprised at how you look today—probably because you’ve been so wrapped up in everything else, he’s barely seen you relaxed.

You catch his gaze, and for a second, he seems to hesitate. But then, a soft smile forms on his lips, the kind that makes your stomach flutter a little. His eyes stay on you for a few more moments before he looks away, but you can’t shake the feeling that there’s something more behind it.

Niki notices too, giving you a side glance as he throws his arm around your shoulder. “I see someone noticed how cute you look today,” he teases, nudging you.

You look at him, startled. “Shut up.”

He just grins, that mischievous glint in his eyes. “I’m just saying,” he shrugs. “I think you’re getting under his skin a little.”

You can feel your face heat up, but you quickly mask it with a smirk. “I’m not interested in that drama right now. Let’s just enjoy the day.”

Niki shrugs again, clearly not buying it. “Sure, sure. We’ll see.”

As you approach the group, Sunghoon catches your gaze once more, his smile widening a bit, but you quickly look away, pretending not to notice. It’s like a little spark is igniting inside you again—maybe it’s the way he’s looking at you, or maybe it’s the possibility of things feeling normal again. You know it’s complicated, but for today, at least, you’re determined to push those thoughts aside and enjoy the moment.

With a deep breath, you pull open the van door, letting the warm breeze sweep through your hair, and slide into one of the seats, ready for the day ahead.

You take a quiet breath as you see Sunghoon standing near the van, half-listening to Jake talk while casually scrolling through his phone. His expression is calm, but there’s a quiet sort of tension in his shoulders—like he’s present, but not really here.

Your heart does this stupid little thing in your chest, half-excited, half-nervous. You smooth down your shorts and start walking toward him, the soft crunch of your sandals on the gravel the only sound between each beat of your nerves.

He looks up just as you’re a few steps away. His eyes widen just slightly, like he wasn’t expecting you to come to him.

“Hey,” you say, your voice light but cautious. You offer a small smile, tilting your head. “Wanna come with me to grab drinks at that little stand over there?” You nod toward the beach shack just a short walk away, nestled between umbrellas and folding chairs, the smell of fresh fruit and salty air drifting over.

Sunghoon hesitates, like he’s not sure if he should, or maybe he’s thinking of an excuse. But then he pockets his phone and nods slowly. “Yeah… sure.”

The two of you start walking side by side. The silence hangs between you, thick but not unbearable. Still, you notice how he walks with a small gap between you two—not like before, when his hand would casually brush against yours or his arm would nudge you playfully.

“So…” you start, trying to fill the silence, “this is kinda nice, right? You guys don’t get many days off like this.”

“Not really,” he replies, his tone a bit tired. “It’s been a while since we had a proper break.”

You glance at him. His hair is pushed back from the wind, his expression unreadable as usual. But there’s something different today. He’s not brushing you off. He’s not completely shutting you out. He’s just… distant, but not gone.

“I’m glad you came,” he says suddenly, catching you off guard.

You blink, turning to him. “Huh?”

“I mean, to Busan,” he adds, eyes still on the sand in front of him. “It’s… nice. Seeing you here.”

You smile softly, warmth blooming in your chest despite how guarded he still seems. “Yeah. I wasn’t planning on it, but… I’m glad I did too.”

As you reach the drink stand, you step up to the counter, pointing out two cold lemonades and handing over the cash before he can even offer.

“Still your favorite, right?” you ask, handing him the cup.

He takes it, his fingers brushing against yours for the briefest second. “You remembered.”

“Of course,” you reply, sipping yours through the straw and pretending like your heart isn’t speeding up.

The silence that follows isn’t as heavy as before. There’s a bit of comfort in it, like muscle memory pulling you both back into something that once felt easy. Still, you can feel the space he’s keeping—like a line he’s not ready to cross.

But for now, you don’t push it. You just walk beside him, the ocean air whipping through your hair and the taste of citrus on your tongue, hoping that maybe this is the start of something healing… even if it’s slow.

On the walk back toward the group, your conversation with Sunghoon finally starts to feel less forced. He tells you about how early their schedules have been lately, how one of the stylists accidentally switched his pants with Niki’s during filming, and how Jake once fell asleep during practice and didn’t wake up even after the music blasted.

You laugh a little too hard at that one, nudging his arm. “He really slept through music?”

“Dead asleep,” Sunghoon says, chuckling under his breath. “We had to shake him awake.”

For a brief moment, it feels like how things used to be—easy, warm, natural. His smile is softer now, less distant, and it lingers a bit longer when he looks at you. You catch yourself holding onto those small moments like they might mean something more, something you’re afraid to hope for.

As you near the beach chairs, the others are already setting up for a volleyball game. Niki is dragging a net across the sand with Jungwon’s help, and Jay’s rolling up his sleeves dramatically like he’s about to enter an Olympic match.

“I’m gonna join them,” Sunghoon says, setting his half-finished lemonade down on the little side table. He glances at you, almost unsure. “You wanna play?”

You shake your head with a small smile. “I’ll just watch for now.”

He nods and jogs over to the others, kicking off his sandals in the sand. You watch him for a second, the wind tugging at his hair, the familiar way he laughs when Sunoo spikes the ball at Niki and hits him square in the back.

You sit down on a towel in the shade, drawing your knees to your chest, trying not to overthink everything. It’s just volleyball. It’s just Sunghoon being… Sunghoon.

A few moments later, someone drops down beside you with a soft thud.

You turn, already knowing who it is.

Heeseung leans back on his elbows, his long legs stretched out in the sand, and gives you a quick sideways glance. “Didn’t expect him to actually go with you.”

You sigh, not in the mood for another passive-aggressive comment. “Why wouldn’t he?”

Heeseung shrugs. “He’s been weird lately. Even we don’t know what’s going on in his head.”

You roll your eyes. “Well, maybe because it’s none of your business.”

He raises an eyebrow at your sharp tone but doesn’t back off. “Maybe. But I’ve known him a long time. And I’ve seen what he’s like when he’s all-in with someone. This?” He gestures vaguely toward where Sunghoon’s playing. “Doesn’t look like that.”

Your chest tightens, but you force your voice to stay calm. “You don’t get to say that.”

Heeseung lifts an eyebrow, not backing down. “Why not? Because I’m not him?”

“Because you weren’t there,” you snap, your gaze sharp. “You didn’t see what we were like before. You don’t know what it felt like to have him look at me like I was the only one in the room.”

He leans forward slightly, his tone softening just enough to make it sting. “And how long are you going to hold onto that version of him? The one that used to look at you that way?”

You suck in a breath, your hands curling in the towel beneath you. “You act like it’s so easy. Like I’m just being pathetic.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to,” you shoot back, your voice cracking just the tiniest bit. “You think I don’t know how this looks? How I look?”

He doesn’t speak for a second. Then, carefully, “I just don’t want to watch you break yourself in pieces trying to fix something he already let go of.”

You whip your head toward him, heat rising in your chest. “What would you know about that? Have you ever even been in love?”

That catches him off guard. His mouth opens, but nothing comes out right away. There’s something in his eyes now—something almost vulnerable, but fleeting.

You don’t wait for a response. You scoff and look away, blinking quickly as your heart continues to thud a little too hard. “Didn’t think so.”

The air between you crackles in silence, tension thick but unmoving. The waves crash gently in the distance, steady and indifferent. Heeseung doesn’t say anything else, but he doesn’t leave either.

He stays beside you. Quiet. Still. And even though he’s the last person you want comfort from right now, somehow… his presence doesn’t feel so bad.

Even if you still kind of hate him.

The sound of sneakers scuffing against sand and the dull thud of the volleyball echoed across the beach. Sunoo served with a surprising amount of force, and the ball flew straight toward Sunghoon’s side.

“Hyung!” Niki shouted, already prepping for a return.

But Sunghoon didn’t move.

His eyes weren’t on the ball—they were on you.

Or more specifically, on you and Heeseung, still sitting side by side under the shade. You were talking, your arms folded, expression sharp as you threw Heeseung some kind of annoyed look. Heeseung said something back, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, and Sunghoon’s jaw flexed.

The ball landed on the sand right beside him with a soft thump.

“Dude,” Niki called, jogging over and tossing the ball back up. “You good?”

Sunghoon blinked, like he was just now snapping out of it. “Yeah, yeah. Sorry.”

But Niki didn’t look convinced. His eyes followed Sunghoon’s gaze and then flicked back to you and Heeseung—still mid-conversation, still way too close for Sunghoon’s liking.

He raised a brow, lips quirking just slightly.

The sun had climbed higher, casting a warm golden glow over the sand and shimmering waves. Jungwon was the first to run into the water, yelling something about it being too cold while Jake chased after him with a splash. Laughter filled the air as the rest of the boys began to follow, peeling off shirts and diving into the ocean one by one.

You were still lounging on your towel, legs stretched out, your eyes lazily following their movements, when Sunoo suddenly popped into view—his arms dripping wet, hair slicked back, and an excited grin plastered on his face.

“Y/N!” he called out, slightly breathless. “Come swim! It’s actually not that cold!”

You laughed, shaking your head. “I didn’t even bring a towel.”

“Please?” he pouted dramatically, splashing a little water in your direction. “Don’t make me be the only one without a beach bestie!”

You rolled your eyes playfully but stood up, brushing the sand from your legs. “Alright, alright—I’m coming.”

You kicked off your flip-flops and pulled off your white tee and shorts, revealing the light pink swimsuit underneath. You weren’t sure why, but your heart started to pound a little as you walked toward the water. Maybe it was the cool breeze… or maybe it was the sudden feeling of being watched.

And you weren’t wrong.

From a few feet away, Sunghoon stood half-immersed in the water, eyes locked on you as you made your way down the shoreline. He was already soaked, his dark hair pushed back from his forehead, droplets trailing down his neck. But he wasn’t moving.

He wasn’t even pretending to look anywhere else.

His gaze lingered—on your face, your expression, the way you hesitated at the edge of the water, toes curling into the sand like you were debating whether to go all in.

You stepped into the water slowly, squealing when the cold nipped at your ankles. Sunoo splashed you immediately, laughing, and you chased after him half-heartedly.

But even as you laughed, even as you ran deeper into the water with the others, you felt that look still burning against your skin.

Sunghoon hadn’t looked away.

And a moment later, he was walking toward you through the waves. Quiet, focused, his eyes soft but unreadable.

You turned just as he reached you.

“Hey,” he said, voice low—barely audible over the splash of the waves. His gaze flicked across your face, like he was trying to figure something out.

You blinked. “Hey… You okay?”

He hesitated, swallowing. “Yeah. Just… You look nice.”

It wasn’t just the words—it was the way he said it. Almost like he regretted saying it as soon as it slipped out. His hand twitched at his side, like he wanted to do something—reach out, maybe—but didn’t.

You didn’t know what to say. And neither did he.

So, for a moment, you just stood there, half in the water, half in some blurry space between what you were and what you’re trying not to be again.

You shifted your weight in the water, suddenly hyperaware of how close he was. The ocean lapped at your thighs, but it felt like the world around you had quieted—like it was just you and him, standing in a space that used to feel so familiar, now filled with everything unsaid.

Sunghoon glanced away first, running a hand through his wet hair. “I didn’t think you’d come to Busan.”

You shrugged, trying to sound casual even though your heart was thudding like crazy. “Niki invited me. Figured… why not? Needed the break.”

He nodded slowly, eyes focused on the water. “It’s nice that you came.”

You looked at him, waiting for more. For something—anything—that might explain the way he’d been treating you lately. But all he gave you was a half-smile. Distant. Careful.

“So,” you said, forcing a little laugh, “this is us being friends now?”

His eyes flicked to yours, and there was something unreadable in them. “Yeah. I guess so.”

You didn’t reply. Not right away. Because how were you supposed to explain that you still wanted more? That you weren’t here just to “be friends,” that part of you was hoping being near him again might fix something broken?

Before the weight of silence could settle between you again, a splash hit your back, followed by Sunoo’s giggle. “You two are the slowest swimmers I’ve ever seen,” he said, floating by dramatically on his back.

You rolled your eyes, grateful for the interruption. Sunghoon chuckled quietly beside you, and even though it was small, it was the most genuine thing you’d seen on his face in days.

Then, as Sunoo splashed away to join the others, Sunghoon looked at you again. “You okay? Really?”

You paused, then nodded, lips pressing into a faint smile. “Yeah. Trying to be.”

“Me too,” he said, and something in his voice cracked just a little.

You were about to say something else, maybe ask what that meant, but before you could, the guys shouted from the other side of the water.

“Sunghoon! Y/N! Get over here—we need even teams!”

He glanced toward them, then back at you. “You coming?”

You hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah.”

He waded back toward the group, and for a few seconds, you just watched him. Trying to figure him out. Trying to figure you out.

But then, with a soft breath, you followed. Still unsure. Still hoping. And still feeling that stupid little ache in your chest that only seemed to appear when he was close.

After what felt like hours of back-and-forth in the scorching heat, the game finally came to an end. Everyone was drenched in sweat and sand, laughter and teasing filling the air as the teams broke up and trudged back toward the hotel.

Your legs were sore, your arms tired from the constant jumping and diving to save the ball, but the adrenaline was still buzzing in your veins. The beach had been fun, even if it felt like a strange mix of awkwardness and fleeting moments of normalcy with Sunghoon. Still, that nagging tension in the pit of your stomach wouldn’t go away. But for now, you pushed it down.

You reached the hotel entrance, pushing through the doors with the others, and as you stepped inside, the cool air hit you immediately, the exhaustion from the day settling over your body like a heavy blanket.

Sunghoon had already gone ahead, retreating to his room without so much as a glance back. It wasn’t unusual; he was always keeping his distance lately.

Niki, though, was beside you, his hand casually shoved into his pocket as he walked beside you, looking unusually calm for someone who had just spent the last few hours running around on the beach.

“I’m going to check the weather for tomorrow,” he muttered, pulling out his phone. “If we’re lucky, we might get some sunshine.”

You nodded absentmindedly, glancing out the large hotel windows. The sky was already dimming as the sun began to set, streaks of pink and orange fading into the dark blue of evening. But even as the view seemed serene, something was off. There was a heaviness in the air, like the atmosphere was preparing for something bigger.

Niki’s eyes darted across his phone screen, and his face twisted in confusion. “Well, that wasn’t what I was expecting…”

You raised an eyebrow. “What’s up?”

“It’s supposed to rain,” he said, glancing up at you with a grin. “Like, a full-on downpour.”

You felt the tension between you and the others starting to settle into the silence around you. The sudden storm on the forecast felt like it mirrored your mood—uncertain and heavy.

“Well, that’s great,” you muttered, your voice tinged with sarcasm. “A whole day of rain sounds like a blast.”

Niki chuckled, giving you a side-eye. “We’ll make the best of it. Worst-case scenario, we just end up staying inside and making trouble.”

You shrugged, trying to act like you weren’t bothered, but the truth was, you didn’t want the rain to stop you from clearing your mind tomorrow. You wanted something—anything—that could make sense of the mess that had been left behind. Maybe the rain could wash everything away. Or maybe it would only make it harder to breathe.

Either way, you still had no idea what you were doing here.

As you reached your room, Niki gave you a knowing look before heading off to his. “Get some rest. Tomorrow’s going to be… interesting.”

You nodded, but there was a knot in your stomach that wouldn’t go away. With a last glance at the darkening sky, you closed the door behind you and let yourself fall back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering what tomorrow would bring.

The sound of the alarm ringing in your ears felt too jarring, and when you looked at the clock, you realized you’d barely gotten any sleep. The exhaustion from yesterday’s game, combined with the unspoken tension you had with Sunghoon, was eating at you. But despite the late night and the early morning, you still made the effort to get up. It was a new day, and you weren’t going to let the rain stop you from doing something—anything—to move forward.

You groaned as you rolled out of bed, annoyed that Niki wasn’t awake. He had been staying up late, chatting and joking around with the guys last night, but you didn’t expect him to be the one to drag you out of bed this morning. You could have sworn he promised to wake you up so you wouldn’t be late for breakfast, but apparently, he’d already skipped out.

Typical.

You pulled on an oversized black zip-up hoodie and some shorts, making sure you still looked decent—comfortable but still put-together. The hoodie swallowed you, making you look small, but it was warm, and you wanted to feel like you had some semblance of control over the situation.

You ran your fingers through your hair, fixing it as best as you could, and then glanced at the clock again. There was no time to waste. You needed to get to the buffet before the rest of the group was too deep into breakfast, hoping Sunghoon would be there. Maybe you could talk to him today. Maybe things would start making sense.

You threw open the door to the room and stepped out, only to see that Niki had already left. The door to his side of the room was wide open, his bed neatly made as if he’d been up for hours. Typical again.

With a roll of your eyes, you hurried down the hallway, mentally going over what you’d say to him if you saw him. You couldn’t quite shake the feeling that there was still something unsettled between the two of you. Maybe this breakfast would be the time to get things on track—get some clarity.

When you reached the lobby, you could see the buffet area. The scent of fresh coffee, fruit, and eggs wafted through the air. You tried to stay calm as you scanned the crowd, hoping your nerves didn’t show. Your eyes searched the familiar faces.

Then, there he was.

Sunghoon stood by the coffee station, his hair still a little messy from sleep but looking effortlessly good as always. He was in a simple white shirt and jeans, and for a moment, it felt like the world slowed down as you took in the sight of him.

You took a deep breath and walked toward him, making sure you looked casual but confident. You had to. It wasn’t just about Sunghoon anymore; it was about you too. Your hand instinctively brushed your hoodie, straightening it out.

As you reached the buffet, you caught his eye. There was a moment where his gaze softened, but then he looked away quickly, as if unsure what to do with the fact that you were standing there. The distance was still there—almost palpable. And yet, you couldn’t help but hope that today might be different. Maybe he’d open up. Maybe there would be a chance to fix things.

You grabbed a plate and filled it with food, trying to keep your movements casual. But as you moved toward the seating area, you couldn’t stop stealing glances at him. Your stomach twisted as you thought about how much you missed him—the real him, not the stranger he’d been lately.

You tried to shake off the nervous energy building in your chest. You’d be fine. Maybe this was the day things would get better.

The sound of footsteps made you look up, and you realized you were right. Sunghoon was heading toward the seating area, walking toward you with a hesitant look in his eyes.

“Hey,” he said, his voice quieter than usual.

“Hey,” you replied, trying to keep your tone light. “You… you came to breakfast.”

He smiled softly, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yeah, figured I’d better.”

For a moment, neither of you said anything. Then, you sat down, taking a deep breath. “I’m glad you’re here.”

Sunghoon’s gaze lingered on you, and you swore you saw something flicker there. But before you could say anything else, Niki suddenly appeared behind you, startling you both.

“Are we doing the breakfast thing or what?” Niki grinned, clearly not aware of the tension in the air. “I’m starving.”

You couldn’t help but roll your eyes at him. “I can tell,” you muttered under your breath, giving Niki a playful nudge.

Niki ignored you and sat down at the table, but not before giving Sunghoon a quick glance. The subtle exchange between them didn’t go unnoticed, and your stomach twisted uncomfortably. You couldn’t figure out what was going on—if anything at all.

But for now, you’d focus on getting through the meal. And maybe—just maybe—figure out how to fix what was broken.

You clutch your plate a little tighter as you make your way down the buffet line, pretending to focus on the scrambled eggs and fresh fruit while your mind spins. You’d barely taken two bites earlier—too distracted by Sunghoon’s presence, by the almost-conversation that had fizzled before it really began.

You grab a mini croissant and move toward the toast station when a figure slides into your peripheral vision. You know who it is before you even turn your head—tall, broad shoulders, and that familiar energy that always feels just a little too intense.

It’s Heeseung.

You instinctively ignore him, keeping your eyes on the silver tongs as you reach for a slice of toast. Maybe if you don’t acknowledge him, he’ll just keep walking. You’re not in the mood for another judgmental comment or another unsolicited opinion about Sunghoon.

But of course, he doesn’t walk away.

“Toast again?” His voice is light, teasing.

You blink, your hand pausing mid-air. Slowly, you glance over at him, confused. “What?”

Heeseung shrugs like it’s no big deal, arms crossed over his chest as he leans against the counter. “You got toast yesterday too. I remember. Is that your thing?”

You raise an eyebrow, cautiously placing the toast on your plate. “Are you seriously making conversation about toast right now?”

“What, I’m not allowed to talk to you unless it’s about your love life?” he replies, smirking. “Damn. Harsh.”

You open your mouth, ready to argue—but then pause. You’d been so sure he was going to bring up Sunghoon again. You were ready to defend yourself, ready to be annoyed, but… he hadn’t. Not this time.

“You’re just here to talk?” you ask, a little skeptical.

Heeseung holds up his hands. “I come in peace. Promise.”

You glance at him again. His tone is relaxed, maybe even playful, but there’s something in his expression—something gentler than you’re used to seeing. It throws you off.

You clear your throat, shifting your plate in your hands. “Well… yeah. I guess I like toast. It’s kind of comforting.”

Heeseung tilts his head. “Comfort food. Got it.”

There’s a pause between you. It’s not awkward… just unfamiliar. For once, he isn’t annoying the hell out of you. He isn’t picking at old wounds. He’s just standing there, talking about nothing. And somehow, that makes your chest feel a little less heavy.

“Didn’t think you were the type to notice what someone eats,” you mutter, but the corners of your lips twitch slightly.

“Only when they ignore me like I’m invisible,” he fires back, feigning offense.

You roll your eyes, but you’re smiling now, just a little. “Maybe I thought you’d come over and start lecturing me again.”

“I’ve got range,” he says, flashing a grin. “Sometimes I’m just here for the vibes.”

You shake your head and laugh softly, turning back to finish filling your plate. Maybe—just maybe—he’s not as unbearable as you thought.

You sat down with the rest of the guys at the long table near the window, the early morning light spilling in and casting a soft glow over everyone’s tired faces. You squeezed yourself between Sunoo and Niki, your plate balancing on your knees as you tried not to stare at Sunghoon, who sat diagonally across from you, fork lazily twirling around scrambled eggs like he wasn’t really paying attention to anything.

Sunoo leaned over, whispering something about how you looked “weirdly hot for a breakfast buffet,” and you snorted into your orange juice, nudging him playfully.

Jay was halfway through a mouthful of waffles when he looked up and said, “Oh, by the way—did you guys know there’s an indoor pool and hot tub nearby?”

That got everyone’s attention. “Wait, what?” Jungwon blinked. “I thought this hotel didn’t have one.”

“It doesn’t,” Jay confirmed, chewing. “It’s not technically part of the hotel—it’s like a sister facility or something? Two minutes down the road, but it’s indoor, and super nice apparently. Hotel gave me this little card for it when I checked in.”

Jake perked up instantly. “Why are you just telling us now?”

Jay shrugged, sipping his juice. “Didn’t think we’d have time. But with the rain today, kinda perfect, right?”

Sunoo clapped excitedly. “Hot tub and gossip? Count me in.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Wait, it’s raining?”

“Pouring,” Niki said, casually tapping his phone. “Started like twenty minutes ago.”

As if on cue, you heard the gentle tap of rain start to intensify against the big windows. The cloudy sky hung low, casting a soft gray hue across the cityscape outside.

“Thank God the hotel gave umbrellas,” Jake added, stretching. “Looks like we’re making it a spa day.”

After breakfast, everyone split to their rooms to change. You threw on a simple black bikini, covering it with an oversized cream hoodie and a pair of loose shorts. You didn’t want to look like you were trying too hard, but you also… kind of were. Just a little.

You met everyone in the lobby, where a bucket of complimentary umbrellas sat by the door like the hotel knew exactly what kind of morning it was. Everyone grabbed one—except Niki, who proudly insisted on using yours so you had to share.

“C’mon,” he said, holding the umbrella with a grin, “we’ve already shared worse—like the bathroom.”

You smacked his arm but laughed, tucking closer under the umbrella as you all made your way down the street. The air smelled like rain and wet pavement, cool against your skin, but the chatter and laughter between the group made it feel warmer somehow.

As the pool building came into view, a little glass dome tucked between shops and cafés, your heart fluttered. You glanced sideways toward Sunghoon—he was walking quietly behind you, his eyes flicking up only when someone called his name.

He still wasn’t the same. But maybe today would change that.

Or maybe, this day wasn’t just about him anymore.

You were mid-conversation with Niki—something light, probably teasing each other about who would tap out of the hot tub first—when Heeseung walked in.

His hair was damp, probably from the quick dash in the rain, and he wore a black sleeveless shirt and swim trunks, a towel draped lazily around his neck. You tried not to look, you really did, but something about him pulled your gaze in for just a second too long.

Maybe it was the way he moved—like he didn’t care if people were watching. Or maybe it was the way he didn’t even glance your way, like he was completely unbothered by your presence after everything. But there was this quiet confidence in him that was… hard to ignore.

You quickly looked away, focusing back on the small bubbles swirling in the water—hoping Niki hadn’t noticed.

Heeseung stepped into the hot tub without a word, settling on the opposite side. His eyes flicked up once, meeting yours briefly, but he didn’t say anything. Still, that short glance sent a weird jolt through your chest, one you didn’t want to think too hard about.

Then, just as you were about to force yourself to say something—anything—Sunghoon appeared at the side of the hot tub.

“Y/N,” he said, voice quieter than usual. “Can we talk?”

Your heart skipped. He looked serious—like he’d been rehearsing that question in his head. He didn’t even wait for you to answer, just tilted his head toward the hallway leading to the locker area, clearly expecting you to follow.

You nodded, brushing your damp hands against your legs before standing. Niki raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything, just gave you a subtle look that said you okay?

You weren’t sure.

But you stepped out of the hot tub anyway, trailing after Sunghoon, water dripping behind you, the sound of the storm outside growing louder as you left the warmth of the others behind.

The rain was relentless.

It poured from the sky in sheets, soaking through your already wet body, your hair clinging to your cheeks, and your breath catching cold in your lungs. Thunder rolled somewhere in the distance, and the sound of it echoed like your own heartbeat—loud, fast, uncertain.

“Heeseung!” you called again, louder this time, the slap of your feet on the wet pavement mixing with the rhythmic pounding of the rain.

He finally stopped.

His back was still to you, umbrella tilted slightly to the side, barely doing its job as rain slid down his shoulders. For a moment, he didn’t move. Then, slowly, he turned to face you.

Water dripped from his bangs, and his expression was unreadable—tired, frustrated, and something else you couldn’t place.

“Why did you leave?” you asked, breathless, voice sharp with confusion. “Why were you even there?”

Heeseung stared at you for a beat too long, like he was trying to figure out if it was worth it—whatever was sitting heavy on his chest. And then, you said it. The question that had been clawing at the edge of your mind ever since he walked away.

“Why do you even care if I get back together with him?”

That was when it cracked.

He ran a hand through his soaked hair, dropping the useless umbrella to the side. It clattered to the ground and flipped inside out with the wind, forgotten.

“Because,” he said, voice low and raw, “I wouldn’t have treated you like that.”

You blinked at him.

“I would’ve called you a hundred times a day if that’s what it took. I would’ve asked how you were doing every damn morning and again every night. I wouldn’t have ignored you, or made you feel like you weren’t enough.”

Rain streamed down both of your faces now, but you couldn’t tell which drops were from the sky and which were from the ache inside your chest.

“I don’t know when it happened, okay?” He took a step closer, his tone trembling like he hated the way it all came out. “But somewhere along the way, I started looking at you and wondering why the hell someone like you was still holding onto someone who couldn’t even see you.”

You tried to look away—tried to act like his words weren’t digging straight into your chest—but he wasn’t done.

“If it were me,” he said softer, eyes burning into yours, “I’d spend every second proving it to you. That you matter. That I’d never stop showing up.”

Your breath caught, completely stolen by the sincerity in his voice.

“I don’t care if you hate me,” Heeseung added. “But don’t act like I don’t see you. Because I do. I always have.”

The rain slowed to a steady drizzle, the sky softening into a dull gray.

And all you could do was stand there, the silence thick between you—because suddenly, you weren’t sure who you were chasing anymore.

You didn’t move.

Not right away, anyway.

Your shoes were soaked through, the cuffs of your hoodie dripping cold water against your bare thighs, and your heart was pounding so hard it made your ribs ache. Heeseung was standing in front of you—drenched, unguarded, and somehow everything you didn’t expect.

“I…” you started, but the words stuck in your throat.

He just stared at you, breath shallow. It was like he was trying to rein it all in, like he regretted letting that wall crack open in the first place. But there was no going back now—not when his words were still ringing in your head. I’d spend every second proving it to you.

You looked at him. Really looked.

His hair was dripping water into his lashes. His jaw was tense. His eyes didn’t waver.

“I didn’t ask you to,” you said, quieter now, but there wasn’t any bite to it.

“I know,” Heeseung replied. “But maybe you should’ve.”

That stunned you into silence.

“I know you still love him,” he added, glancing down for a second before meeting your eyes again. “But if someone makes you feel like you have to fight that hard just to be seen… maybe they’re not the one.”

Your chest twisted.

It was too much. Too honest.

Too close.

“I never wanted to be anything to you,” you admitted. “I didn’t even like you at first.” He smirked faintly, water still dripping from his chin. “Yeah, you made that really clear.”

You exhaled, and the tension cracked just slightly between you two. Still there, but softer now. Different. “I don’t know what I want,” you whispered. “I’m not asking you to know,” he said. “Just… let me be there. Let me prove I’m not him.”

You stared at him. At the boy who used to just be another face on Sunghoon’s screen. The one you thought was arrogant. Dismissive. Cold. Now standing in the rain, offering nothing but truth. You weren’t sure what you were supposed to say. But for the first time in weeks, you didn’t feel so alone.

“Come on,” he said, reaching down to pick up the umbrella, brushing the rain from it as best he could. “Let’s get you inside before you catch a cold.”

And for once—you let him.

As you and Heeseung walked back towards the pool, the rain continued to pour down, the umbrella barely protecting both of you from the downpour. The streets were nearly empty, the storm scaring everyone indoors, but you didn’t mind. The quiet between you and Heeseung felt almost peaceful, like a brief pause in all the chaos that had been swirling around you.

As you neared the pool area, you could hear the laughter and chatter of your friends—well, mostly your friends. You hesitated for just a moment before stepping inside. The heavy wooden doors of the indoor pool area opened with a soft creak, revealing the familiar faces of the other members lounging around the pool. But as soon as you entered, the room seemed to fall into silence.

Every pair of eyes in the room was on you. The usual sounds of splashing water and light conversation came to a halt as all the members looked up—some surprised, others curious. Sunghoon, sitting on the edge of the pool, was staring directly at you, his expression unreadable. His gaze lingered a little too long, and for a second, you almost felt like you were frozen in place.

You felt a knot form in your stomach, the weight of his stare making everything in the room feel heavier. Heeseung, sensing the shift, walked ahead of you, casually making his way towards the group, seemingly unaffected by the sudden attention. You lingered behind for a moment, feeling every pair of eyes on you as you walked toward the group. It wasn’t just Heeseung’s gaze that felt heavy; it was the entire room.

Jay, sitting near the hot tub, raised an eyebrow and gave you a small, teasing grin. “Looks like someone had a little chat in the rain,” he said, voice light, though you could hear the underlying curiosity. Jake, who had been lounging nearby, chuckled and stretched, clearly trying to break the tension. “Seems like we’ve missed something interesting.”

But you didn’t even register what they were saying, your eyes fixated on Sunghoon, who was still staring at you from the poolside. His expression was distant, almost cold, but there was something behind his eyes you couldn’t quite place. Maybe it was guilt. Maybe it was confusion. You couldn’t tell. As you walked further into the room, Niki, who had been sitting by the pool with a towel around his shoulders, nudged Heeseung playfully. “You both look like you’ve just been caught in a storm,” he said with a wink. “Did you two get along out there?” Heeseung smirked and replied casually, but you could feel his gaze shift toward you. “We got a lot of things sorted out, I guess.”

The rest of the group remained quiet, though you could feel the undercurrent of tension. Sunghoon’s eyes never left you, even as he stood up, brushing droplets from his shirt as if to distract himself from the heavy silence. The moment felt strange—too quiet, too charged. It was as if all the unsaid things between you were suddenly hanging in the air, just waiting to be addressed. Heeseung, sensing the discomfort in the room, placed a hand on your back and nudged you towards the others. “Don’t worry about it,” he said softly. “You’re with us now.” But despite his words, you couldn’t shake the feeling that things were still unsettled. Sunghoon’s gaze on you lingered too long, his expression unreadable as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t. You were about to sit down when Niki suddenly leaned over and whispered, “Are you alright? You seem… off.” You nodded quickly, forcing a smile. “Yeah. I’m fine.”

But deep down, you couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed. Something had shifted in the air, and it was more than just the rain outside. As the group slowly resumed their chatter, you couldn’t help but glance at Sunghoon once more. His eyes met yours, but he quickly looked away.

You wondered if he was still thinking about what had happened earlier, if he still regretted everything, or if he was starting to pull away even more. But the longer you stayed in that pool area, the more you realized that things couldn’t just go back to the way they were. Something had changed between you two, and even if you both tried to pretend otherwise, it was impossible to ignore.

The tension in the air was thick, and as you sat down with the others, the weight of it hung over you. Sunghoon’s distant gaze didn’t help either. You could feel him watching you from the other side of the pool, but there was nothing left to say. The words had all been exhausted, the emotions too tangled to unravel in a single conversation. Niki, noticing the change in the atmosphere, nudged you playfully, trying to pull you from your thoughts. “You sure?” he asked with a soft smile. You nodded, even though you weren’t sure if you were.

Beol Na-la, or NARA, is a known singer, actress, producer, songwriter and presenter, active since 2005 after her debut in the 2nd generation group ‘Super Junior’. Even if she’s still active as a singer for the referenced group, she is mostly known nowadays for her drama “Sabbatical Serenade”, which earned her countless awards and broke MBC's viewership record. 

However, she was once one of Korea’s sweethearts. Her children’s television series Kid’s Club became the most successful children's show of it’s time, contributing to her rise to fame, especially between 2006-2009. 

During that time, many artists openly showed interest in her. Some names include Tablo, Se7en, and Won Bin. But the most famous was GONG YOO, who said in an interview for The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince:

[video transcript]

Interviewer: The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince was definitely a hit! GONG YOO: [laughs] Yes, yes, it really was. Interviewer: Your name has been appearing a lot in the media and you have gained many fans who even want to know your ideal type. GONG YOO: [blushes] I think they're confusing me with HanKyul. [laughs] I'm not that good at dating in real life. Interviewer: But if a nice girl came along, would you date her? GONG YOO: Yes, why not? [laughs] Interviewer: What would she be like? GONG YOO: I don't like too girly-girlish girls, but I don't really care about style. I actually find aegyo too burdensome, too cringeworthy. I like straightforward girls. Authenticity and inner dialogue are important in people. Interviewer: If you could choose someone as your ideal type, who would it be? GONG YOO: [thinks for a moment] Nara, that idol who hosts Kid's Club. Not necessarily because of her looks… [shakes his hands] not that she isn't pretty, everyone knows she is. But I like her personality, how she manages to be authentic even on a children's show, without acting childish or resorting to aegyo.

Another express of interest to Nara that happened at the time, which still elicits laughter and memes from Shawols today, was with ONEW. In this 2012 interview he recall the 2008 event:

[video transcript, after an hour on Rooftop Radio with Jang Yoon-ju] Yoon-Ju: Have there been any awkward situations involving your Super Junior sunbaes? Or are you as close as you appear in the media? ONEW: [laughs] I think we're closer than we appear in the media, me and the boys… [laughs more, seems to be thinking about something] but there's one member that I still can't talk to. Yoon-Ju: Really? Who? [curious] ONEW: Nara. Yoon-Ju: Why? ONEW: I think I can tell you because it's been four years, but I've never been able to talk to her [laughs]. Yoon-Ju: What happened? ONEW: When the group first started in 2008, they asked me to talk more and not let the interviews get boring. It was my duty as leader to help the group, to encourage other members to speak or change sensitive topics… So, when we were talking on one of the shows, they asked me about my ideal type [laughs, but puts his hand in front of the microphone so it doesn't sound too loud] and I said her. Yoon-Ju: Jinjja? Don't tell me you got rejected… ONEW: The thing was, she wasn't even my ideal type. I only said that because she was popular and would bring visibility to the group; it was the first thing that came to mind. Yoon-Ju: OMO! [started laughing loudly] ONEW: But I forgot that we would be seeing each other at the company. So I spent almost a month running away and avoiding her because I was embarrassed… all the Super Junior sunbaes still laugh at me to this day. Yoon-Ju: So, do you have any advice for new idols? ONEW: [looks at the camera] Never say that your ideal type is someone from the same company as you, unless you're prepared for the jokes, the news, and to face that person.

In an unusual situation, FTISLAND's HONGKI had his interest in Nara publicly announced against his will by Heechul, creating one of the most iconic Chocoballs' moments in Oh My School. See below.

[video transcript,after he challenged Heechul to change his phone wallpaper] HEECHUL: I read an article the other day that according to SsamD, Hongki has dated a famous idol… and I think it's good that he likes to date idols. HONGKI: [visibly afraid of what Heechul is going to expose] HEECHUL: In fact, it's good that you're here, since you told me that Nara was your ideal type and that if you met her in person, you would [Hongki covers his mouth to stop him from talking] HONGKI: [laughing nervously, cheeks flushed] MY BAD MY BAD… FORGIVE ME. NARA: [camera focuses on her, wide eyes] HONGKI: I GIVE UP, I GIVE UP [leaves the hula hoop and goes to sit in his seat] MC MYUNGSOO: [holds his arm] no, you come here [pulls Hongki back to the center] HEECHUL: [laughing] MC MYUNGSOO: [walks over to Nara, holds her hand and pulls her over to Hongki] MC KYUNGLIM: So, now that you've met her in person, what would you like to do? [participants look at each other, laughing softly and mischievously] HONGKI: I'm sorry [nervously laughing] NARA: It's okay HONGKI: I hate you [directed at Heechul] MC MYUNGSOO: Hold hands [they do] [romantic music starts playing] HONGKI: [takes a deep breath] Can I have your phone number? [everyone cheers excitedly] NARA: Ah… look, I'm extremely flattered, but you're kind of Heechul in a different font, so I can't see you as more than a friend [withdraws her hand] [everyone continues shouting, this time finding it funny that he got rejected] HEECHUL: [trying to lighten the mood after exposing his friends] AM I REALLY THAT BAD? NARA: You know you are. [the MCs laugh and she looks at the camera] You know what? I'm going to participate in the hula hoop game too and expose you a little. HEECHUL: I want to see that.

inspired by this game/episode

In the 3rd generation, even though Nara had some scandals and her popularity has fallen significantly, with only a few appearences in dramas and almost all her dedication to Super Junior and her solo music, some idols still cast her as their ideal type. Some examples include Jinyoung (GOT7), Ilhoon (BtoB) and Jooheon (Monsta X).

She is known in the whole k-pop industry for being a good sunbae, but to have a whole group excited to meet you? Watch INFINITE discuss NARA:

[video transcript]

SUNGGYU: We were excited to meet her when we thought we were going to meet on a variety show with Super Junior. Unfortunately, she didn't participate in the filming, so we only met her in person at one of the awards ceremonies. Interviewer: Were you excited? May I ask why? SUNGGYU: People always say she's a great sunbae. Now that we know her, she really is. MYUNGSOO: And when you're a trainee, you idealize the idols you want to meet when you debut… right, Hoya? HOYA: [nervous, blushes] WOOHYUN: We always end up talking about her in the dorm because we love how she sings, dances, act. She is an all rounder… and she's Hoya ideal type. HOYA: [gets up to slap Woohyun]

Even in the 4th generation, NARA's influence can still be seen. Many new idols claim to have watched Kid's Club when they were children, while others have described their experience of participating in the program. One of those kids was P1Harmony’s INTAK, having the chance to declare his long time appreciation calling her his ideal type in the 545 episode of Weekly Idol, when she replaced as host because Eunhyuk was absent.

[video transcript, After they showed photos of Intak, Jiung, and Theo at Kid's Club] KWANGHEE: So everyone who lived in Korea during their childhood went to Kid's Club? JONGSEOB: Not me, I was too young. I was born in 2005 and the program started airing in 2006… but I watched several reruns. NARA: He was born the year I debuted [disbelieved]. KWANGHEE: [eyes wide, jaw dropped]. NARA: Stop that face, we were born in the same year! You're going to make me look old. [P1Harmony boys laugh] INTAK: You don't look old, you're still perfect as always! [tries to correct himself] Your dancing skills are still great. We've been following you since Kid's Club and then with Super Junior… THEO: He always chose to dance like you when we went to practice Super Junior choreography. [members confirm] INTAK: You are a great inspiration [stares at her with puppy eyes] NARA: [smiles and nods] I am grateful KWANGHEE: Are you trying to flirt with her? INTAK: N-no. nO. NARA: [slap the co-host on the shoulder] Of course he's not, I'm too old for that. INTAK: [smiles] JISUNG: WHAT IS THAT SMILE? [annoying Intak] INTAK: I'm nervous, sorry [laughs more] it's just that Nara subaenim was my crush when I was a kid JISUNG: Apparently still is INTAK: [death glare at him] [sigh] I was supposed to be smooth KEEHO: [sarcasticaly] Nice job. Didn't work.

EXTRA

While Seventeen's MINGYU did not say that she was his ideal type, it is worth mentioning that is a known fact on the industry that Nara didn’t give her number to Mingyu after he tried to flirt with her. The members of Seventeen joke about it constantly, especially in live streams.

[video transcript]

SEUNGCHEOL: [reading the comments] Why isn't Hoshi here? He went to see SuJu Kyuhyun-hyung's musical in theatre. MINGHAO: If Nara hadn't refused to give Mingyu her number, we'd be going to all of SuJu's events [pretends to be disappointed] MINGYU: [hides his face] Stop talking about that, AAHHH.

The Miss A interview that caused a stir in the news, including many controversies and fake news about what SUZY allegedly said. Check out the full interview:

[video transcript, ending of the interview]

Interviewer: I actually came here to ask what “The Nation's First Love” is looking for in her ideal partner. SUZY: [blushes] I think I'm looking for someone who is mature and independent; who is relaxed, fun, and makes me feel good when I'm around them. Someone intelligent, so we can talk, and who is attentive and reliable… Oh! And who smells good! [smiles] They don't have to be perfect, just someone who is right for me and who I get along with. I think my ideal type would be someone like Nara, if she were a man. [the girls and the interviewer laugh] Interviewer: Her ideal type is so specific that she can't name any man who fits that description [laughs] SUZY: I think I watch too many dramas [nice save]

Nara herself said she received many letters and messages from other idols and actors over the years, but has never specified their names. Which artists do you think she is hiding from the public?