Mal♥

1) When she was recorded smoking outside a hotel in Paris in 2021, she never publicly addressed it. Most fans brushed it off, saying she was a grown woman and free to make her own choices, though some criticized her and said she should take better care of her health. In recent years, she has confirmed that she no longer smokes.

2) After photos of her wearing a scandalous outfit at a party circulated online, fans went into a frenzy. While some accused her of seeking attention and behaving inappropriately, others rushed to her defense, reminding everyone that she was 28 and free to dress how she liked. She was obviously unbothered and posted this to her Instagram a few hours later.

3) Over the years, she’s been caught in countless dating rumors, mostly for being spotted hanging out with male idols/actors, leading fans to assume she was secretly dating almost everyone she was seen with.

4) A few matching Instagram posts with Mingyu were enough to ignite a full-blown fan war, as Carats and Blinks clashed over alleged “lovestagram” hints.

5) A behind-the-scenes clip from a brand sparked a “diva” scandal when fans noticed her looking irritated, with some accusing her of mistreating stylists and staff. The situation was later addressed by her stylist, who defended her and said that despite the pressure, Mirae had never once made anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected.

6) Dating rumors with an overseas producer sparked controversy, as fans began claiming that her closer collaboration with him was the reason she was suddenly getting better songs and significantly more promotion in the West.

7) When she was rumored to be bisexual due to these photos of her being very close with a female friend, but nothing came out of it, and she hasn't addressed any of these rumors.

Mingyu was casually chatting with some senior actors and idols, when one of them, a well-known actor in his late 30s, leaned in with a curious smile.

"Hey, Mingyu-ssi," he started, voice light and casual. "I was just wondering…is Mirae single?"

Mingyu, mid-sip of his drink, nearly choked. He coughed lightly, clearing his throat, before turning to face the older man. His lips curled up into an amused smile.

"Why do you ask, hyung?" he teased, already knowing where this was going.

The actor chuckled, shrugging. "Just curious. She's stunning, and she seems like a great person. Thought maybe I’d ask. You’re friends with her, right?"

Mingyu let out a short laugh, his dimples deepening. Friends. Right. He nodded slowly, playing along.

"Yeah, we’re close," he said, the amusement in his voice unmistakable.

"Good, good," the actor nodded, encouraged. "Then maybe you could put in a good word for me? Maybe even pass along her number?"

Mingyu bit the inside of his cheek to keep from exposing everything right there. The sheer irony of it all. He nodded, lips twitching.

"Yeah, sure, hyung," he said easily, clapping the older man on the shoulder. "I’ll let her know."

And with that, he walked away, shaking his head and chuckling under his breath.

Like hell he was going to do that.

He moved through the crowd looking for her, his thoughts lingered on the conversation he’d just had, the actor’s words ringing in his ears. She’s stunning, and she seems like a great person.

Of course, she was. Mirae always was. She had this effortless grace about her, a beauty that left everyone in awe. It wasn’t just her looks, it was how she carried herself, how she made even the smallest moments feel like something special. But damn… why him? Why did he have to be the one to witness this? To watch as other men openly admired her, throwing their advances her way like it didn’t bother him one bit?

His eyes finally found her across the room, laughing lightly at something Jisoo had said. Her smile was enough to stop his heart. Don’t stare too much, he reminded himself, shifting his gaze quickly back to the ground. He couldn’t afford to let anyone see how much it all affected him.

He let out a slow breath. He wasn’t a jealous guy, at least he didn’t think he was. But there was something about the way others looked at Mirae, something about seeing her get attention from people who didn’t know her like he did, that twisted in his gut. And then there was the actor, shamelessly asking for her number, like she wasn’t already taken, like she didn’t already have someone who was him.

He quickly glanced at her again, this time allowing himself to take in the full picture, Mirae in her elegant dress, laughing with ease, completely unaware of the ripple of jealousy simmering in him. His gaze softened. Yeah, she was stunning. But why the hell did it have to annoy him so much?

"Get it together, Mingyu," he thought, trying to shake the thoughts off. And yet, despite his best efforts, his legs moved straight toward her.

Sliding up beside her, he leaned down, his lips barely brushing her ear. His voice was low, teasing, but there was an edge to it.

"Some sunbae just asked if you were single," he murmured, watching for her reaction. "Wanted me to put in a good word. Even asked for your number."

Mirae turned to look at him, her brows raising in amusement. She could hear the slight tension in his tone despite his attempt to play it off.

"And?" she prompted, biting back a smirk.

Mingyu scoffed lightly, tilting his head. "What do you mean 'and'? Like hell I’d pass your number."

That’s when Hoshi, standing nearby, caught on to the conversation. "Wait, wait," he grinned, nudging Mingyu. "Some guy just tried to hit on Mirae, and you're telling her here? What did you say?"

Mingyu rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "I laughed and walked away. What else was I supposed to do?"

Mirae chuckled, eyes twinkling as she leaned into him slightly. "Are you jealous?" she teased, voice just loud enough for him and the others to hear.

Mingyu scoffed, looking down at her, then over at Hoshi and the others, who were all clearly enjoying the conversation.

"I'm not jealous," he said, but the way his jaw tightened said otherwise.

Mirae giggled, reaching up to adjust his collar just to mess with him. "It’s okay, pretty baby," she whispered. "You don’t have to be jealous. I only have eyes for you."

Hoshi groaned. "Okay, we get it, you two are in love. But also, who was it? I wanna know."

Mingyu just shook his head, pulling Mirae a little closer to his side, not planning on sharing that detail anytime soon.

Mirae’s eyes playfully scanned the room, curiosity sparking as she tried to figure out who had asked about her.

Hoshi, Seungkwan, and even Jennie were already throwing out guesses.

"Wait, was it that actor from that one drama?" Hoshi mused, eyes darting around.

"No, no," Seungkwan interjected. "What if it was that actor from the table near the front? He kept glancing over here earlier."

Jennie laughed. "Or maybe it was one of the MCs? They did introduce her name with a little too much excitement."

Mirae, amused, tilted her head slightly, her lips pursed as if she was considering the options.

That was when Mingyu groaned lowly beside her, his fingers itching to reach for her, but he knew they were in public, too many cameras, too many eyes. He settled for leaning in slightly, voice firm but teasing.

"Don't look," he muttered. "Only look at me."

Mirae turned back to him, laughing softly. She reached up and patted his arm soothingly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Calm down, baby," she whispered, her voice warm and affectionate.

Mingyu exhaled dramatically, shaking his head. "I am calm," he grumbled, but his pout gave him away.

Jennie smirked. "He's so whipped."

Hoshi nodded. "It's honestly fun to watch."

Mirae just grinned, knowing full well that no matter how much Mingyu acted possessive in moments like this, he loved her attention just as much, if not more.

She sighed dramatically, tilting her head as she looked at Mingyu with faux exasperation. The conversation shifted to something else now, and he was still standing there thinking. 

"If you were gonna be like this, you could’ve just told him no instead of coming here all pouty," she teased, crossing her arms.

The group immediately burst into laughter.

"Exactly!" Hoshi pointed at Mingyu. "You act all cool, but now look at you."

Seungkwan smirked. "Big, tough Mingyu, completely defeated by one harmless question."

Jennie added with a playful grin, "Maybe we should find out who it was and actually give them her number. Just to see what happens."

Mingyu shot them all a glare before looking back at Mirae, eyes narrowing. "You think you’re funny, huh?"

Mirae smiled sweetly, reaching up to lightly pinch his cheek. "A little bit."

He groaned, shaking his head. "You guys are the worst."

But even as they laughed at his expense, Mingyu couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips because at the end of the day, Mirae was his, and nothing could change that.

*Timeskip*

Later on that night, Mirae and Jennie were deep in conversation, sipping on their drinks, when somebody approached. It was a senior actor, many years older than them and they greeted him politely, chatting for a while. 

"I’ve been meaning to introduce myself properly to you guys," the actor said smoothly, eyes settling on Mirae. "You’re even more stunning up close. I wanted to ask earlier, but I figured it’s better to do it in person. Can I get your number?"

Jennie immediately side-eyed Mirae, and in perfect sync, they exchanged the look, that knowing glance that screamed, Ohhh, so it was this guy.

Jennie smirked, clearly entertained, while Mirae kept her expression polite, offering a small, courteous smile.

"Ah, I really appreciate it," she said, tilting her head slightly. "But for any professional inquiries, you can reach out to my manager. I can give you their number instead."

The rejection was smooth, respectful, and effortless.

The actor chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly not expecting that. "Ah, I see. Well, no pressure, of course."

Mirae nodded, still pleasant but unmoved, and Jennie’s smirk only deepened.

Meanwhile, across the room, Mingyu, Hoshi, and a couple of other Seventeen members were watching everything.

"That’s him?" Hoshi asked under his breath, nudging Mingyu.

Mingyu, who had already been staring holes into the scene, let out a small, amused scoff. "Yeah. That’s him."

"He’s trying hard," Wonwoo observed, sipping his drink.

"Not hard enough," Mingyu replied, smirking slightly as he saw Mirae effortlessly deflect the advance. His shoulders relaxed as she moved further away from the senior actor, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

"She handled that well," Seungkwan noted, grinning.

"Of course, she did," Mingyu said, still watching as Mirae turned back to Jennie with a knowing look, the two women breaking into quiet laughter.

Hoshi leaned in with a teasing grin. "You still jealous?"

Mingyu rolled his eyes, but the way his lips twitched betrayed him. "Not at all," he said, before adding under his breath, "She’s coming home with me anyway."

As Mirae made her way back to Mingyu and the others, she couldn’t help the smirk playing on her lips. Jennie was right beside her, still giggling under her breath as they approached the group.

The moment she got close, Hoshi was already leaning forward, eyes wide with curiosity. "What happened? What’d he say?"

Seungkwan, just as nosy, chimed in. "Did he really ask for your number?!"

Even Wonwoo, usually quiet, raised a brow in amusement.

Mingyu, on the other hand, didn’t say a word, just watching her intently, arms crossed, waiting.

Mirae sighed dramatically, shaking her head. Muttering a small ‘shibal’ under her breath

That one word sent the whole group into laughter.

Hoshi clapped his hands. "No way, it was that bad?"

Jennie, ever the instigator, grinned. "Let’s just say, he tried."

Mirae turned to Mingyu, finally meeting his eyes, her smirk deepening. "I told him I can give him my manager's number if he needs anything."

Mingyu exhaled through his nose, shaking his head with a knowing look. "Of course, as you should."

Hoshi nudged him playfully. "Feeling better now, lover boy?"

Mingyu scoffed but couldn’t hide his smugness as he casually pulled Mirae a little closer. "I wasn’t even worried."

Mirae just laughed, leaning into his side. "Sure, babe."

As the night went on, despite her smooth turning down, Mirae could feel it, the occasional glances from the actor. Every now and then, when she turned her head, she’d catch him looking, like he was still contemplating another approach.

Jennie, ever the troublemaker, leaned in with a teasing whisper. "He’s still looking. Should I go tell him you’re very, very taken?"

Mirae groaned under her breath. "Ugh." She wasn’t trying to make a scene, but this was getting annoying.

Without thinking too much about it, she shifted closer to Mingyu, subtly letting their arms brush. It wasn’t obvious, nothing that would spark attention, but enough to send a message. Mingyu, always quick to pick up on her cues, instinctively moved in, letting his presence wrap around her like a shield.

She could feel the weight of mingyu’s stare now, slightly more protective than usual.

"Everything okay?" he murmured near her ear, his voice sending a little shiver down her spine.

She nodded but tilted her head slightly in the direction of the actor. "He’s still looking."

Mingyu’s jaw flexed. He wasn’t the type to cause a scene, but damn if he didn’t want to. Instead, he exhaled slowly, before reaching for his drink and taking a long sip, as if to keep himself from saying something reckless.

Jennie, watching it all unfold, stifled a laugh. "This is hilarious."

Mirae shot her a look. "It’s not."

Jennie just winked. "Just saying, a little PDA could solve this real fast."

Mirae rolled her eyes, but without even thinking, her fingers found the inside of Mingyu’s wrist, just barely holding onto it. Not enough to be noticeable, but enough for him to feel.

And that was all he needed.

Mingyu didn’t say anything, just gently turned his wrist so he could hold her hand properly, thumb brushing softly against her skin. No one else could see, but she felt it.

And the actor? Well, the next time she glanced his way, he finally looked away.

Mirae exhaled in relief. "Thank god."

Jennie grinned, nudging her. "Told you PDA works wonders."

Mingyu just chuckled, squeezing Mirae’s hand one last time before letting go. "You owe me for keeping my cool."

Mirae smirked, leaning in just enough for only him to hear. "I’ll pay you back later."

Mingyu groaned. "Now I really need to keep my cool."

The rest of the night went by in a breeze. The event was fun for the most part, with Mirae surrounded by her favorite people and her lover boy, who had settled into a calmer state now that the actor had clearly gotten the hint. He didn’t approach Mirae, Mingyu, or any of their friends again, seeming a little embarrassed that he had read the situation so completely wrong.

Mingyu still kept a protective edge to him, an arm lingering at her lower back when they moved through the crowd, a glance her way every so often just to check in, but he wasn’t tense anymore. And Mirae, despite the earlier irritation, found herself relaxing into his presence.

“Okay, but for real,” Jennie piped up when they finally left the venue and piled into their ride. “That was so funny. I swear he looked like a kicked puppy by the end of it.”

Mirae rolled her eyes, kicking off her heels as she settled into the seat. “You’re too entertained by this.”

Jennie smirked. “Oh, absolutely. Mingyu was this close to throwing hands.”

Mingyu, who was coming with them as he was spending the night at Mirae’s, scoffed, stretching his arm across the back of the seat, resting it behind her. “I wasn’t gonna throw hands.” He paused, then shrugged. “But I was definitely ready to look like I would.”

Mirae chuckled, nudging his side playfully. “Well, thanks for keeping your cool.”

He looked down at her, his expression softening. “Always.”

Jennie made a gagging sound. “God, you two are disgusting.”

Lisa, who had been scrolling through her phone, finally looked up with a grin. “But, like, in a cute way.”

Rosé hummed in agreement. “Mingyu’s kinda like an overgrown golden retriever who thinks he’s a guard dog.”

Mingyu groaned. “Can we not?”

Jisoo smirked. “Nah, you’re part of the Blackpink family now. We get to roast you forever.”

Mirae laughed as Mingyu sank further into his seat resting his forehead against her shoulder, groaning dramatically. But she knew he didn’t actually mind, not when he was surrounded by her girls, the people she loved. And not when, at the end of the night, she’d be the one going home with him.

And that thought alone was enough to make her smile as she leaned into his side, letting the warmth of his presence settle around her.

The second the door shut behind them, Mirae wasted no time. She turned to Mingyu, eyes gleaming with mischief, her fingers already toying with the collar of his shirt. "You were so good tonight, baby."

Mingyu let out a deep breath, his hands sliding over her waist, his grip tightening just slightly. "I had to be. But Everything was testing me."

Mirae smirked, tilting her head. "And you didn't let it show."

He narrowed his eyes, watching her closely, his hands already creeping lower. "So what do I get as a reward?"

She didn't answer right away. Instead, she took a step back, her fingers tracing slow patterns down his chest before undoing the first button of his shirt. Then the second. The warmth of her fingertips against his skin made him shiver.

"Let me show you," she murmured, stepping even closer, her lips barely grazing his.

Mingyu groaned, his grip on her waist tightening as he pulled her against him. "You're dangerous."

"Only for you."

With that, she kissed him, soft at first, teasing, like she wanted to drive him crazy. And it worked. He chased after her lips, deepening the kiss, hands pressing her closer until there was no space left between them.

Mirae let out a soft hum, pleased with how easily he gave in, and then she pulled away, slipping out of his grasp with a playful grin. "Come on."

Mingyu followed her without hesitation as she led him further into the apartment, past the warm glow of the living room and into her bedroom. The second they stepped inside, the air shifted.

She turned to him, her gaze softer now, but still just as teasing. "Did you really think I didn't notice?"

"Notice what?" His voice was already lower, rougher.

She smirked, lifting her hand to run through his hair, nails lightly scratching against his scalp. "You watching me all night. The way you kept looking at me whenever he came around."

Mingyu scoffed, catching her wrist and pulling her hand away, only to press a kiss to her palm. "Can you blame me?"

Mirae smiled, leaning in to brush her lips against his jaw. "I liked it," she whispered, and she could feel the way he tensed at her words. "I liked knowing you were watching."

Mingyu groaned. "You're gonna kill me."

She laughed softly. "No, I'm gonna make it up to you."

And she did.

That night, she made sure Mingyu had no reason to doubt where she belonged. She took her time, pressing soft kisses along his neck, dragging her fingers down his chest, whispering sweet things between heated moments. She let him hold her, let him take his time with her too, both of them moving in sync, hands grasping, bodies molding together perfectly.

At one point, with her pinned beneath him, her legs wrapped around his waist, Mirae brushed his hair back and looked up at him through half-lidded eyes, her voice breathless. "Tomorrow morning, I’m gonna complain again," she said, referring to how she usually grumbles the day after he’s rough with her.

Mingyu let out a low chuckle, leaning down to kiss her slow and deep. "I know," he murmured against her lips. "And I’m still not going easy on you."

Mirae only grinned, pulling him closer. "Good."

In that moment, with nothing but the sound of their bodies coming together and the soft, breathless sounds filling the air, Mingyu knew one thing for sure: there was no way he was ever letting her go.

By morning, she was exactly where she knew she would be, sore, sleepy, and curled up against Mingyu’s chest. She whined softly, as expected, and he laughed at her predictable complaints. But even as she pouted, she clung to him, burying her face in his neck, a silent reminder that, despite her complaints, she was his and always would be.

Mirae had always longed for someone like her father, a kind soul, a musician, someone who gave everything for the people he loved. In Mingyu, she saw all those traits. She admired how he could connect with anyone instantly, forming a sense of comfort effortlessly. He was the kind of person who made everything better just by being there.

Initially, Mirae felt so different from him, her introverted nature clashing with his extroverted energy. However, over time, Mingyu’s openness began to rub off on her. He helped her break out of her shell and see life in a new light, while she grounded him, showing him the beauty of quiet, intimate moments. It felt as though they were puzzle pieces finally coming together, perfectly fitting for the first time.

Despite their differences, their similarities deepened their understanding of each other. Both had spent their youth chasing dreams, and now they were living them. They understood the devotion required to achieve their goals and how to support each other through their demanding careers. They knew when to prioritize their groups and fans but also when to remind each other to take a break and relax, finding balance in both their work and relationship.

As they spent more time together, Mirae realized she had never felt such ease before. It was as if they had been together for years, even though it had only been a short time. Mingyu saw her, truly saw her. Normally, this might have frightened her, but instead, he embraced every flaw and imperfection. He never made her feel like there was anything wrong with her, which made her feel validated.

Despite her efforts to seek help, Mirae carried a lot of baggage. These issues affected her daily life, accompanied by a nagging voice that told her no one deserved to deal with her struggles. She preferred to write out her feelings and leave them behind, a habit that negatively impacted her relationships since she struggled to express her emotions directly. Though she was working on it, Mingyu’s open expression of his feelings made her worry about her own inability to do the same.

Being an idol, she had an unrelenting drive for perfection. She pushed herself hard, always striving to meet impossible standards, as if achieving excellence could somehow make up for the absence of her father. The immense pressure she placed on herself stemmed from a desire to make him proud and live up to an ideal she had constructed.

She hated being vulnerable and crying in front of others, yet she was someone who cried easily, whether it was from seeing someone else in distress, frustration, or being yelled at. Her mind urged her to maintain a tough exterior, but her heart remained vulnerable, causing her eyes to betray her emotions.

One night after a cozy café date, she opened up to Mingyu about her fears and insecurities. He listened silently, deeply understanding the weight of what she was revealing. It was clear that opening up was a challenge for her, but he felt a profound sense of gratitude that she was willing to be vulnerable with him.

Mingyu didn’t care about her flaws; in fact, her imperfections only made him like her more. To him, her struggles were not obstacles but parts of her that he wanted to embrace completely. He was determined to support her through them, and when he conveyed this to her, it brought her a deep sense of safety and the realization that he was the one who could truly make her feel safe.

As summer was ending, their relationship grew serious very rapidly. Mirae, usually cautious about moving too quickly, felt herself drawing closer to the idea of love with Mingyu.

Their first kiss happened after their fourth date, inside his car as he dropped her off. The dim lighting, soft music from the radio, and the lingering warmth of their date created the perfect setting. As they sat there, sad their evening was ending, Mingyu leaned in slowly, his gaze locked with hers, asking a silent question. Mirae gave a gentle nod, and they shared a soft, sweet kiss.

When they pulled away, both were blushing, their smiles widening as they made eye contact and said goodbye. Mirae hadn’t expected to feel like a blushing teenager again, but the kiss with Mingyu reminded her of the excitement and giddiness of kissing someone for the first time. It was a small kiss, yet it left her yearning for more. As the days passed, they grew more comfortable with each other, and soon, they were in a committed relationship.

The changes in Mirae were noticeable to those closest to her. She seemed happier and brighter, a stark contrast to her past relationships where she kept everything private. Mingyu was different. She couldn’t stop talking about him, whether it was a sweet gesture he made or a funny moment they shared. He was a constant presence in her mind and conversations. Her friends and family often teased her about it, but they were genuinely happy for her. It was clear to everyone that she was smitten, and it was a rare and wonderful sight.

Mingyu was equally smitten, and his members playfully teased him about it. They’d play Blackpink songs, dance along, and sing her parts, which always made him blush and smile. He was thrilled to be with her after admiring her from afar for so long. Now that she was his, he took every opportunity to brag about her and praise her. While his members sometimes found his constant adoration a bit much, they were mainly just happy to see him so content.

Mirae wasn’t sure when she realized she loved Mingyu; it just happened naturally. She never pinpointed the exact moment, but somehow, she was the first to say “I love you.” One cozy night, she invited him over for dinner. As they sat quietly watching a movie, she felt an overwhelming sense of contentment and looked over at him.

He was gently petting her dog Luna, who had adored him from their very first meeting. Luna rested comfortably in his lap, while Mingyu’s arm stroked the dog, and his other arm was wrapped around Mirae’s waist, giving her soft circles.

Noticing her gaze, Mingyu looked back and smiled, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her. She returned his smile and leaned in to kiss him softly, making him giggle.

“What's up?” he asked.

“Mhmmm, nothing,” she replied softly, leaning her head into his neck and letting it rest there.

“Now you have to tell me,” he said, giggling as he gently pulled her away so he could see her face.

“Mhm,” she whined, trying to nestle back into his neck to feel his warmth.

“Stoppp,” he said, softly grabbing her face with his hands. “Tell me.”

She looked up at him, and he leaned closer to her lips. “I love you,” she whispered.

Mingyu paused for a moment, his eyes widening before breaking into a grin. Luna, sensing the shift, hopped off his lap as he moved.

“You love me?” Mingyu asked, still holding her face with one hand and giggling.

She nodded, her cheeks puffing out as she waited for him to say it back.

“Thank you,” he said.

“Uh!” she said, playfully pushing his arm away and giggling as he grabbed her back, laughing.

“You didn’t say it back, wowww,” she said sarcastically, pretending to move his arms away and leave.

“I’m kidding,” he joked, pulling her close again.

As they settled down, she looked at him once more. He pushed her hair behind her ears and said, “I love you too,” before kissing her deeply.

After their first “I love you,” their lives sped up. Weeks turned into months, and despite their busy schedules, they made time for each other. Mingyu flew out to see her during her tour and supported her at Coachella. Mirae used her limited free days to visit him. Their efforts to stay connected despite their hectic lives demonstrated their commitment and reassured them both that their relationship was serious and worth every effort.

Their first anniversary fell on one of her concert days in Australia, and Mirae was saddened by their inability to celebrate together. Both were very busy, but Mingyu reassured her that they could celebrate another day. True to his word, they found a weekend when they were both free and spent it away in Paris, the city of love.

Their first actual vacation together was both extravagant and wonderful. Mingyu, being the romantic he is, ensured every detail was perfect, and his efforts made Mirae swoon. She didn’t care about the expense; she just wanted to be with him and relax. Yet, seeing him put in so much effort to make everything special made her feel truly loved.

The trip felt like a scene from a movie, a story she would one day share with her future children. They went sightseeing, explored various bars, and connected with locals. They slow-danced to street musicians at night, spent their days wrapped up in bed, and cherished every moment together.

As her tour came to an end and she returned to Korea, Mirae found herself increasingly immersed in Mingyu’s world. His members became her friends, and she enjoyed joining in on the playful teasing of Mingyu. Wonwoo, who lived with him, became a big brother figure to her. She often saw him during her visits, often cooking for him, and would invite him to join them for shows and games.

Mingyu also became more involved in Mirae’s life, growing close to her siblings and mother, as well as their significant others. She loved watching him laugh with her brother and sister and help her mother with cooking. His presence was refreshing, and her mother often praised him to Mirae, appreciating how he seamlessly fit into their family.

Their circles began to intertwine effortlessly, and both of them loved how seamless the transition had been. Her friends adored him, and his friends embraced her, all recognizing how well they complemented each other. It was clear to everyone around them that they were truly good for one another.

However, their growing closeness did not go unnoticed online. Observant fans and followers began to remark on how Mirae seemed particularly close with some of Mingyu's band members at various events. Speculation and curiosity about their interactions sparked discussions, with many wondering about the nature of their relationship.

Additionally, fans noticed how Mirae and Mingyu often wore similar clothing and posted similar styles, which fueled more speculation about their connection. While she tried not to let it bother her, the constant scrutiny and unfounded rumors occasionally made her resent her life as an idol.

At times, She longed for the freedom to stroll down the street with Mingyu without worrying about paparazzi. The only moments they could truly roam freely were when they were out of the country.

Though they loved each other deeply, the fear of their relationship being discovered loomed over them. She wished it didn’t have to be this way, but the reality was harsh, male idols who sought happiness and the women they chose to be with often faced judgment and scrutiny.

It wasn’t everyone, but even small rumors and fan ships had brought unwarranted hate her way in the past, simply for being close to someone. Despite her efforts to stay unaffected, seeing such negativity was disheartening. While she was content within her private bubble with Mingyu, the constant fear of their relationship being exposed weighed heavily on her.

Both of them worried about the potential exposure of their relationship, but they knew that if it ever came to that, they would never let others’ opinions force them to break up. They were deeply happy and in love, and they both had a strong sense that this was it, that they had found their forever person. Their hearts were irrevocably intertwined, and they knew they would never let go.

This was the love she had waited for, a love that had not only lifted her off her feet but had also left her heart soaring in a way she had never imagined. It was the kind of love that felt both exhilarating and comforting, the kind that made every moment with him feel like a dream come true. He was her forever boy, the one who had come into her life and made her believe in the magic of true love. With him, every day felt brighter, every challenge seemed manageable, and every moment was filled with a sense of deep, unshakeable happiness. This was the love she had always yearned for, and now that she had found it, she knew it was worth every wait, every tear, and every heartache she had ever experienced.

Or, more accurately, waltzed back into it. He'd always been there, lurking on the edges of her world, a friend of a friend. Someone familiar but distant, never someone she'd ever imagined in that way.

Yet, there was something different this time. Every time Mingyu was around, Mirae felt an unexplainable sense of comfort and ease that she hadn’t felt in a long time. It was as if his presence was a balm for her weary heart, a soothing reminder of simplicity and genuine connection.

She found herself looking forward to their interactions, enjoying the effortless conversations and the way he seemed to bring a sense of calm to her chaotic world. It wasn’t that she wanted to ask him out or even entertain the idea of starting a new relationship—she just liked being around him.

"Why’s there a little sparkle in your eye?" Yugyeom said teasingly as he watched Mirae walk toward him, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips. She had been socializing with a few of the other guests, including Mingyu, at the gathering, but clearly, he had noticed something more.

"What do you mean?" she asked, giggling slightly, though she knew exactly what he was hinting at. Yugyeom always had a way of seeing right through her, no matter how hard she tried to act nonchalant.

"Mhmmm, acting like you don’t know what I’m saying, huh?" he teased back, leaning in slightly as if they were sharing a secret. "I saw the way you were looking at Mingyu. And don't even try to deny it."

She rolled her eyes, but her smile gave her away. "You're being ridiculous, I wasn’t—"

"Please," he interrupted, chuckling. "You were practically glowing every time you guys were near each other. Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you’ve been orbiting around him all night."

Mirae bit her lip, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. "It’s not like that," she muttered, though even she could hear how weak her protest sounded.

"Yeah, sure," Yugyeom drawled, his grin widening. "Listen, Mirae, I’ve known you long enough to know when you're smitten. And from what I know... Mingyu's been waiting for you to notice him for a long time."

She blinked, thrown off by the sudden revelation. "Wait, what?"

Yugyeom nodded, a sly grin tugging at his lips. "You heard me. The guy’s been into you for ages. He just never had the guts to say anything because, you know... you guys were never around each other enough. But trust me, he’s had a crush on you forever."

Mirae blinked, trying to process what he was saying. "Wait, Mingyu? You’re joking, right?"

Yugyeom’s chuckle made it clear he wasn’t. "Come on, Mirae, don’t act so surprised. You really didn’t notice? He lights up like a Christmas tree every time you’re around. He’s been keeping it low-key, though, probably because you’ve been through a lot. But it’s pretty obvious to everyone else.'

Mirae felt a warmth creeping into her cheeks. Mingyu? The same Mingyu she’d only ever thought of as just another person who floated around in the same circles? She’d always assumed they were friendly because of their mutual connections, never once considering that there might be anything deeper there. He was familiar, yes—comfortable, even—but never someone she had really considered in a romantic light.

"I had no idea," she admitted, feeling a mix of confusion and disbelief. She looked across the room, where Mingyu stood laughing with some of their friends, completely unaware of the conversation happening about him.

"Yeah, that’s kind of the point," Yugyeom said with a laugh. "He never pushed because he knew you were focused on other things—your career, your past relationships. But believe me, that guy has had his eyes on you for a long time."

Mirae’s heart started to race as her mind replayed the moments she’d shared with Mingyu recently—the casual smiles, the effortless conversations, the way she’d started to notice how his presence brought her comfort she hadn’t expected. Was that why things had felt different with him lately? She thought she was just being paranoid, reading too much into things, but now it all made sense.

"I just... I don’t know," she muttered, suddenly feeling nervous. "I’ve always thought of him as just... there. A friend. Someone in the background."

"Exactly," Yugyeom said, leaning in with a teasing glint in his eye. "But he’s not just a background character, is he? Not anymore."

Mirae bit her lip, torn between the safety of keeping things the way they were and the thrill of exploring something new. "But what if I’m not ready? I’ve been through too much, and I’m not sure I can handle putting myself out there again."

Yugyeom softened, giving her a supportive smile. "Mirae, you deserve happiness. You’ve been guarding your heart for so long, but maybe it’s time to let someone in—someone who’s been waiting for you to see him. Mingyu’s not just anyone; he’s someone who’s always been quietly there for you. Maybe this time, it’s worth taking the risk."

Mirae glanced back at Mingyu, watching him from across the room as his laughter filled the air. She had spent so long thinking of him as just another face in her world, but now she was starting to wonder if he was meant to be something more—someone she could finally let in.

Maybe Mingyu was worth the leap.

As the night progressed, Mirae found herself quietly watching as Mingyu made his way over to Yugyeom, joining in on the laughter and easy conversation. She leaned against the wall, eyes following him, taking in how effortlessly he fit into the group. His laughter was infectious, his smile bright, and for a moment, she caught herself staring—really staring. He was undeniably handsome, but it was more than that. There was a warmth to him that drew people in, including her.

They had known of each other for a long time, always moving in similar circles, but never quite connecting like this. And now, with that new knowledge from Yugyeom—that Mingyu had liked her for ages—it complicated everything. She couldn't deny that there was something different between them now, something she hadn't felt before.

But Mirae had been down this road before. She had felt this spark with others, only to have it fizzle out or crash in a mess of hurt and regret. The fear of ruining what they had—this easy, natural friendship—was gnawing at her. What if this went wrong? What if she misread the signs or rushed into something that would only leave them both feeling broken?

Mirae sighed softly, pulling her gaze away from Mingyu and back to the drink in her hand. It was safer to leave things as they were, to pretend this pull toward him wasn’t growing stronger with every smile he flashed her way. But deep down, she knew it was already too late. The feeling was there, and it wasn’t going anywhere.

But Yugyeom, well, he was never someone to let things slide. He’d known both of them for years and could see the way their eyes lingered on each other, the way their conversations flowed with an ease that went beyond friendship. To him, it was obvious—they had something special. And being their mutual friend, he couldn’t help but feel it was his duty to give them that push in the right direction. He could tell that neither of them would take the leap on their own.

Yugyeom knew that despite Mirae now being aware of Mingyu's long-held feelings, she would never make the first move. Her hesitation, her fear of repeating past mistakes, held her back, and honestly, it frustrated him. He could see how well they fit together, how perfect they could be if they just let themselves take the risk. He had seen it time and time again, the subtle glances, the moments of quiet understanding between them.

He was tired of waiting for them to figure it out.

So, when the opportunity arose, he took matters into his own hands. Mingyu needed to know that this wasn’t one-sided, that Mirae wasn’t oblivious. Pulling him aside as the party wore on, Yugyeom wasted no time in spilling everything—Mirae's recent reaction to hearing about Mingyu's crush, the way she seemed torn between fear and interest.

“You’ve got to just go for it, man,” Yugyeom urged. “She’s scared, yeah, but she’s into you. You’re never going to know if you don’t try.”

Mingyu, caught off guard by the sudden push, looked over at Mirae, who was talking to someone across the room. He hesitated for a moment, nerves creeping in. "I don't want to make things awkward between us. What if it changes everything?"

Yugyeom shook his head. "You guys are already at that point. Trust me, it’s not going to get better if you sit around wondering. Just talk to her. You’ve liked her for ages, right? So go and tell her."

Mingyu stood there, listening to his own thoughts swirl, contemplating if he should take the risk. He trusted Yugyeom—after all, Yugyeom was closest to Mirae, and if anyone knew her true feelings, it was him. Still, doubt lingered. What if she didn’t feel the same way? What if their connection wasn’t as deep as he had hoped? He didn’t want to ruin the comfortable, unspoken bond they’d always had.

But he couldn’t keep standing on the sidelines.

Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself and started walking toward her. With every step, his nerves surged, but he forced himself to stay calm. She didn’t notice him at first, lost in a conversation with one of her friends. But when she glanced up and met his gaze, her expression softened into a smile that made his heart race even more.

“Hey,” he said, trying to sound casual, though his voice betrayed a hint of nervousness.

“Hey,” Mirae replied, her smile widening slightly. “What’s up?”

Mingyu hesitated for a brief second, then shoved his hands into his pockets, trying to appear relaxed. “I was just wondering... Do you want to maybe get out of here? Go for a walk or grab some air?”

Mirae blinked, a little surprised by the sudden offer, but nodded. “Sure, that sounds nice.”

They stepped outside into the cool night air, walking side by side. The sounds of the party faded behind them as they found a quiet spot, away from the crowd. For a while, neither of them spoke. The silence wasn’t awkward, but it was heavy with unspoken words, with things they had yet to say.

Mingyu glanced over at her, noticing how comfortable she seemed despite the quiet. He could feel the words bubbling up inside him, but his nerves kept tugging at him. Still, he knew this was it—if he didn’t say it now, he might never get another chance.

“So, uh... I’ve been meaning to talk to you,” he started, his voice softer now. “For a while, actually.”

Mirae turned to him, curiosity in her eyes. “About what?”

He stopped walking, and she did too, facing him now. He could feel his pulse quicken, but he couldn’t back down. Taking another breath, he finally let it out.

“I’ve liked you... for a long time,” he said, his gaze locking onto hers. “I didn’t know if I should say anything because I didn’t want things to get weird between us, but I can’t keep pretending it’s not there. You don’t have to say anything, and I don’t want you to feel awkward, but... I needed to tell you.”

Mirae’s eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, the world seemed to pause around them. Mingyu’s heart was in his throat as he waited for her reaction, unsure of what would happen next. But then, Mirae’s lips parted, and her expression softened in a way that made his heart skip.

“Mingyu…” she started, her voice barely above a whisper. She looked down, biting her lip as if trying to find the right words. When she finally looked up at him again, her eyes were filled with something tender and real.

“I… I like you too,” she admitted, her voice trembling slightly, but there was no hesitation in her words. “I don’t know when it started, but I’ve been feeling it too. I guess I was just scared… scared to ruin what we have, and maybe scared to admit it to myself.”

Mingyu blinked, a wave of relief and disbelief washing over him. He had spent so long convincing himself that his feelings for her would always be one-sided, that this moment almost felt surreal. “You do?” he asked, his voice quieter now, as if he needed to hear it again, just to make sure.

Mirae nodded, her smile growing a little wider, a little more confident. “Yeah, I do. I guess I’ve been trying to push it down because I’ve been hurt before, you know? After everything… I wasn’t sure if I was ready to feel like this again. But with you…” She paused, taking a deep breath, her eyes never leaving his. “With you, it feels different. I feel safe.”

Mingyu’s heart swelled at her words. All the doubt, all the fear that had been gnawing at him moments before seemed to melt away. He took a step closer to her, his hand instinctively reaching for hers. When their fingers brushed, it felt like everything clicked into place.

“I don’t want to rush you,” he said softly, his voice steady now. “We can take this slow, whatever you need. I just… I’m glad I finally told you.”

Mirae squeezed his hand, a smile playing on her lips as she looked up at him. “I’m glad you did too. I think I’ve been waiting for this, even if I didn’t realize it.”

For a moment, they just stood there, the tension and uncertainty between them replaced by a quiet understanding. The night air wrapped around them, but all Mingyu could feel was the warmth radiating from her. He didn’t know where this would lead or what the future held, but for the first time in a long time, everything felt right.

“I guess we should thank Yugyeom,” Mirae said with a soft laugh, breaking the silence. “He always knows, doesn’t he?”

Mingyu chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah, that guy… He’s always been a step ahead of us.” He paused, then added, “But I’m glad he gave me the push I needed.”

Mirae smiled again, her eyes twinkling. “Me too.”

And with that, the weight of their unspoken feelings finally lifted, leaving behind only the thrill of what could be—the beginning of something new.

She knew she could never be with him romantically, especially after all that had happened between them, but her heart ached to just talk to him, to be like they were before their relationship. They truly had the purest friendship, always being each other's biggest cheerleaders, and often talked about having their own companies one day. Seeing him accomplish that dream tugged at her heartstrings and brought back all the memories she had hidden in the back of her mind.

"A little message wouldn't hurt, right?" she asked her sister on the phone as the topic of his return came up. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" her sister questioned, concern evident in her voice. She knew of the massive heartbreak her sister had experienced all those years ago and feared that reopening communication with him might lead to getting attached to him again.

"I'm not going back to him. Whatever we had is in the past. I just miss my friend," she explained sadly. She knew they would never get back to those ways again, but a little message wouldn't hurt. Besides, they never got the closure they needed. She needed this to finally let those feelings go.

"Alright, if you think that's the best idea, go ahead," her sister conceded, knowing that once Mirae made up her mind, it was hard to sway her. As their phone call ended, Mirae decided to contact him on Instagram.

Her hands shook slightly as she stared at his profile. After all these years, she didn't even know what to say. Should she send a long message, or was that too much? Should she just start with a hello? No, that's too short. She pondered it for many moments until finally, she sent the message and closed her phone, throwing it onto the couch.

M: Congrats on the label and new EP :)

Her message was small and to the point, and she hoped that he would respond. However, she also didn't know what she would do if he did. She waited patiently for a response, and it wasn't until a couple of hours later that she got one.

H: Thank you. It's been a while. How has everything been? :)

She smiled slightly at the message, happy to finally be talking to him again, and responded quickly.

M: Things have been amazing right now. Preparing for a comeback soon! How is everything for you? Family doing alright?

H: Family is amazing, and I've been doing great as well. Haven't been this happy in a while. It's nice to be back.

M: That's so nice to hear. I'm so happy for you, you know that, right? Truly, it makes me so happy that you have put that stuff behind you and are back doing what you love.

H: I kept a promise to you, didn't I? It was so tough, I'm not gonna lie, but it feels like it's paid off now that I can make the music I want on my own label.

M: The luxury of having your own label lol. I'm jealous.

H: It'll be you one day, don't worry, Mirae. Anyways, I would love to meet you one day just to catch up in person? I do have a lot of things to say to you, but it all depends on you. I understand if you wouldn't want to.

M: I'm free on Sunday? Before practice if you're available then?

H: Sunday sounds good. I'll see you then.

Their chat ended quickly, leaving Mirae feeling both ecstatic and anxious. On one hand, she was finally going to meet the man she had waited years to see. She was nervous about the conversation they were going to have, yet excited to see Hanbin—her Hanbin, her goofy, charming Hanbin who used to make her laugh on days when she wanted to cry. The Hanbin who would write her little songs, turning her insecurities into the most amazing poetic verses.

She was finally going to see him again, but was she ready to possibly reopen those feelings? She didn't know. But she did know that she needed to go and finally find some type of closure.

The anticipation made her heart race. Memories of their time together flooded her mind—the way he used to serenade her with his guitar, how they would stay up late talking about their dreams, and the countless moments they shared that made her feel cherished. Could they ever go back to being friends, or would the past continue to haunt them?

Mirae took a deep breath, determined to face whatever came next. She knew that confronting these emotions was the only way to move forward. As Sunday approached, she prepared herself to meet Hanbin, hoping to find closure and perhaps rekindle a friendship that once meant the world to her.

February 6th 2022

Sunday had arrived, and her nerves were kicking in. She was so anxious she couldn't even sleep the night before. She hadn't told anyone about the meeting, knowing they would probably say it was a bad idea to meet him so quickly. But she didn't care. She needed this desperately. She needed to see him.

Their breakup had been over the phone, so the last time she really saw him was when they were a couple. How could she not take up the chance? The thought of seeing him again after all these years was overwhelming, but it was also something she had to do for herself. She needed closure, and perhaps a new beginning—one way or another.

As she got ready, she could barely keep her hands steady. Every part of her was filled with anticipation and dread. Would he be the same? Would he have changed? She wondered if he felt the same way, if he was just as anxious to see her. The clock seemed to tick louder with each passing minute, and before she knew it, it was time to leave.

With one last look in the mirror, she took a deep breath and stepped out of her apartment. This was it—the moment she had been waiting for. No matter what happened, she was ready to face it head-on.

The pair decided to meet up at a restaurant near her place and had booked a private room to ensure nobody could be around and possibly see them together.

She walked into the room and saw his face, instantly starting to tear up as the emotions from all those years ago resurfaced, threatening to spill from her eyes. Hanbin noticed immediately and had to hold back his own tears as he saw her standing there, eyes glistening with emotion.

"Hey," he whispered, coming toward her as she stood frozen in place, unable to move. "Hi," she said softly, patting her under-eyes, embarrassed by how easily she started to tear up upon seeing him. All Hanbin wanted to do at that moment was hug her, but he knew he couldn't. She was already emotional just from seeing him, and he didn't want her to start crying into his chest. If that happened, he knew he wouldn't be able to let her go.

He knew he had to keep his distance, at least for now, so he gently rubbed her shoulder as she gathered herself. He led her to their table, pulling out her chair for her to sit, then took a seat in front of her. His heart was racing; he never expected this conversation to happen, yet here it was. The love of his life, whom he had lost because of his own mistakes, was sitting right in front of him, and all he could think about was apologizing for how it all ended.

She sighed, finally gaining control over her emotions, and offered him a small smile as she noticed the solemn look on his face. She knew he felt terrible, and that wasn't what she wanted at all. Seeing him for the first time in years and knowing that he was okay—after all he had endured—was so reassuring for her that she couldn't help but tear up. He looked amazing, healthier than he was when they were together. His face appeared more mature, and he seemed so much older, which tugged at her heart a little. But she was grateful that he was here and doing well.

The pair stared at each other, unsure of what to say. They had yearned for this moment for so long that now that it was here, they were at a loss for words.

After a few moments of silence, Hanbin finally cleared his throat and said, "I never would have expected this to happen, but I'm so thankful you decided to come out today. There are so many things I want to get off my chest, and I truly want to apologize for everything that happened between us and how horribly it ended."

Mirae nodded at his words and said, "Honestly, I've been waiting for this moment for so long, and I'm so glad it's happening. Truly, seeing you here today makes me so happy. Regardless of how it ended, just knowing you're okay makes me so grateful that it all turned out well for you."

The pair then ordered their food and began to talk about what they had been up to since their breakup. Hanbin shared about his trial and everything that went down, and he talked about his little sister, who Mirae was close with in the past, and how much she had grown and was becoming her own little person. Mirae discussed all the things Blackpink had accomplished, how she was preparing for their next comeback, and her own family life, as Hanbin was also close with her siblings.

As they talked about their families, a wave of sadness overcame them. Once, they had been so intertwined with each other’s lives, sharing everything and knowing each other's families like their own. It was hard to believe how much had changed, and now they found themselves as exes, catching up on the years they had missed. The intimacy they once took for granted now felt distant, and the realization of how much they had drifted apart hit them both deeply.

Hanbin also talked about his return to music and how he nearly gave up on it until he remembered the promise he made to her all those years ago. He decided not to let his fears stand in the way of the thing he loved most—his craft.

"I honestly want to thank you for that," he said to her. "I was ready to quit and leave it all behind, but knowing you were waiting made me push forward. I wish I could have talked to you about it, because you were always that person for me. We shared that dream of starting our own companies and doing things our own way, free from interference together."

"I'm just so happy that you did it," she said, smiling brightly for the first time. "131 is so clever and fits you perfectly. Although I wish I could have been there, seeing you achieve everything despite all those setbacks makes me incredibly proud and happy, truly, Hanbin."

Hanbin smiled and thanked her, his heart racing as he stared at her. She looked almost exactly the same, but there was a new sense of maturity about her. Her eyes no longer twinkled as they once did, and her cheeks had lost some of their roundness, likely due to her demanding schedule. Her nails, which used to be adorned with cute designs, were now painted a plain baby pink. Her ears, once lined with numerous earrings, now only had two, leaving the other holes bare.

He felt a wave of sadness as he thought about everything she must have endured over the years. He imagined the tears she had shed and the pain she must have felt when he called her during her tour to end things abruptly, leaving her to handle it alone. Hanbin had his own challenges, but he couldn't help questioning if he had handled things the right way. She would never blame him for it, but all Hanbin could do was blame himself. She deserved the world, and all he had given her was heartbreak.

Mirae noticed his silence and the deep thought etched on his face. She knew he must be feeling a lot of remorse for how everything had unfolded that day, but she didn’t want him to dwell on his own anger and regret. It had been a horrible situation, but she was grateful that it was all behind them now.

Time passed as they caught up on the past few years. The conversation flowed smoothly, which was a pleasant surprise for both of them, as the awkwardness they had expected was absent.

"So, have you dated anyone since then?" she asked, cringing slightly at her own question as soon as it left her lips. Hanbin smiled at her question and replied, "Honestly, no. There was one person, but nothing really came of it."

"What about you?" he asked softly.

"There were a few people," she said, nodding as she spoke. Then she made a small frown. "But honestly, besides one person, they didn't really last long."

Hanbin nodded and asked, "What about that one person? Are they still in your life?"

"No, we broke up," she said. "It was a nice relationship, but we wanted different things and were in different places in life."

Hanbin nodded, appreciating her openness. If he was honest with himself, it stung a bit to hear she had been happy with someone else, but he couldn't bring himself to be angry. She deserved so much love and happiness, and it was only right that she moved on.

"I know its not nice to hear about these things" She said wanting to change the topic away from their love life instantly, regretting ever bringing it up.

"No, it's not," he said truthfully, then continued, "But it makes me happy that you moved on. I never wanted you to be hung up on me. You deserve to find love, and I know I can never be that person for you anymore."

Mirae frowned, not expecting his comment to affect her as much as it did. She knew he was right, but now that he was sitting in front of her, having dealt with all his past mistakes, was she wrong to wish they could start again? To pick up where they left off and continue their relationship?

"Speaking about our love lives," she said before pausing for a moment. She took a deep breath and looked into his eyes. "I just want you to know that I don't have any ill feelings about our breakup at all."

Hanbin nodded, looking down slightly. He sighed, appearing as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

"Do I hate the fact that it was on the phone? Yes. But do I hate you for that? No, absolutely not. How could I? You went through the most horrible time and had to let go of so many things. Everything you worked for was in jeopardy. How could I feel angry at you for doing that?" she said, her eyes tearing up once again as she thought about the past.

"You may not blame me for that, but I do," he said, noticing her sadness. "I shouldn't have done it like that, and I know it may not affect you, but I saw those clips of you on tour crying, and I felt horrible. Yes, I decided to leave everything and everyone, but none of you deserved to be told like that. I was just worrying about your careers that I didn't think about how it would affect you mentally, especially because after that phone call, I blocked you and erased you completely from my life." Hanbin started to tear up before continuing.

"I thought I was protecting you guys without thinking about how much I was hurting you and myself. I wanted to unblock your number and message you every day, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I couldn't imagine you ever talking to me again, especially after the mess I made of things. I was so shocked to even see your message on Instagram. Never would I have thought you would forgive me for any of that, and honestly, you don't have to. I apologize, Mirae, so much for all of that, and I don't want your forgiveness. I just want you to know that I feel so much remorse for all of that." His tears were falling freely now, and he tilted his head down, apologizing profusely.

Her tears were falling down her face now too. Though she had moved on and forgiven him for it all, it felt nice to hear him apologize. He shouldn't have had to, but he did, and it just showed how much of an amazing person he was.

"You know what the hardest part of all this was?" she said, wiping her tears and gently reaching for his hand on the table, holding it softly and prompting him to look up at her.

"It was not being able to talk to you. I knew you needed someone there, and I saw how stubborn you were about letting anyone in. I just wished I could have been that person for you. I’m so glad you got through it all, and I’m incredibly proud of you for that, but I just wish you could have still talked to me, because I needed it too."

"You were my best friend," she said, her voice choking up. "There were times when I’d forget everything that had happened and think, 'Oh, let me text Hanbin about this.' And then I’d remember, and it would hit me all over again that I could never talk to you."

Hanbin frowned and looked down, unable to meet her gaze as he couldn’t bear to see her tears.

"And I asked everyone about you and how you were doing. Just hearing that you were okay would make my whole day so much better," she added softly.

"Im sorry" He said softly and she sighed and shook her head at that and let go of his hand.

"No truly" He said looking up and reaching for her again. He grabbed her fingers lightly.

“Stop apologizing,” she said, wiping the tears from her face.

“I can’t,” he said truthfully, wiping his own tears. “How can I, after hearing all that?”

"It wasn’t to make you feel bad," she said, her voice trembling. "It was me telling you that despite everything, I just wanted my best friend back. I missed you—I missed us. We had eight years of friendship, Hanbin. Eight years, and even though it ended in a breakup, I still hoped you wouldn’t cut me off completely. I thought we’d still be able to confide in each other. We were each other's go-to people, and instead, I had to hear from everyone else about what you were doing when I used to be the first to know."

“What else can I say except ‘I’m sorry’?” he said softly.

She sighed, frustration evident on her face. She didn’t need more apologies; she needed him to acknowledge what had happened and commit to being different. Was she foolish to hope for their friendship to be rekindled? To believe that they could put the past behind them and move forward as friends? Or was she asking for too much?

“What do you want me to say?” he asked, releasing her hand and leaning back in his chair. He found it hard to read her now, something that used to come so easily. It was strange how much time had passed and how different she had become.

"I just," she said, pausing to take a deep breath before continuing, "I just wish you would stop apologizing and just listen. I don’t need an apology, Hanbin. I know you feel remorse; I know it. But I’m sick of the ‘I’m sorrys.’ I just want you to never shut me out like that again. Until that happens, I won’t know that you’re truly sorry.”

"So you wish to be friends?" he asked, shock evident in his voice.

"Of course. Why wouldn’t you want to be?" she replied, a mix of surprise and embarrassment colouring her tone.

"I just didn’t expect you would want that," he said honestly.

She smiled at him softly and replied, "Hanbin, before it all, you were my best friend. I just need you back in my life. Everything has changed so much since you’ve been gone, and I need some stability again. It won’t be the same as it was, and I don’t think either of us can handle that, but I do need you around, even if it’s just to chat sometimes."

Hanbin smiled at her, his mood instantly lifting. "That was the one thing I wasn’t expecting, but I’m so happy you wish for that. And as much as I may wish to go back to how it was, I know we can never be like that again. I’m just grateful to even be a little bit back in your life," he said.

The pair then smiled and continued to chat, eventually turning to the topic of their music. Mirae decided to share the various songs she had written about him, each one capturing a different moment in their relationship.

She played the different songs she had recorded on her phone and silently watched as she payed attention to his face and how he reacted towards them.

"The Other Side" was being played, and as Hanbin listened to the lyrics, his heart beat faster and faster. The emotions she had poured into the song tugged at his heartstrings, and it felt as if he couldn't breathe while listening to it. The song was so raw and saddening to hear that he bowed his head, trying not to tear up as the song hit the chorus. She was brilliant, he thought, as the two-minute recording ended, leaving a heavy silence between them.

"That's the one I had the most difficulty recording," she said softly before closing her phone and watching him as he raised his head and stared at her.

"It was beautiful," he said, smiling sadly. "It truly is a great song, and I can't wait to hear it one day," he added with more conviction, and Mirae smiled at that. His approval was what she needed to hear.

Hanbin then played his own song "Take Care" for her, explaining how he wrote it while thinking about her and his former group members. He played a minute of the recording he had so far, his fingers lightly tapping the table to the beat.

Mirae listened intently, her expression changing as she absorbed the lyrics. He was talking about how they should take care and release all their memories of him, but how could they? After everything they’d shared? Kim Hanbin was someone they could never forget, and it saddened her to hear the song and imagine how he must have felt while recording it.

As the song ended she looked at him sadly, "You really thought we could just forget you?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Mirae shook her head, reaching across the table to touch his hand. "You were never a burden. You meant so much to us, and you still do," she said, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity. "I hope you know that."

Their eyes met, and in that moment, a silent understanding passed between them. Hanbin then nodded, and the pair gently let go of each other's hands. Though the sadness lingered in the air, they chose to push it aside and focused on finishing their meal while talking about other things happening in their lives.

As they finished up their meal and parted ways, both looked back on their conversation with a smile.

A sense of peace settled over them as they made their way outside and headed in their own directions. The conversation had been a whirlwind, allowing them to reflect on their past while finding solace in the present and realizing that, despite everything, they had made it through.

The air was crisp, and though their past had left its mark, it no longer held them captive. They were moving forward, their paths diverging from what had once been, embracing the new possibilities ahead. Both felt a bittersweet clarity: the love they once shared would always be a part of their history, but it was the future that now beckoned them.

With a final glance back, they understood that while the past would always linger as a gentle echo, it no longer overshadowed their present or future. As they stepped into new beginnings, they carried with them the lessons of the past, looking forward to what lay ahead, free from the shadows that once defined them.

After hastily finishing the cake and placing it in the fridge, Mirae rushed to get herself ready, ensuring she had ample time to reach Mingyu's house and surprise him. With a quick text to Wonwoo, letting him know she was on her way, she grabbed the cake and hurried out the door.

Navigating through the apartment complex with a mix of excitement and nerves, Mirae couldn't help but smile at the thought of Mingyu's reaction. As she approached his doorstep, her heart raced with anticipation, eager to see the joy on his face when he saw the cake she had lovingly prepared just for him.

She grinned as Wonwoo opened the door, only five minutes left till midnight. Quietly, she asked him where Mingyu was. "He's in his room," he replied softly, following behind her as she headed straight to the kitchen to quickly prepare the cake for the surprise.

With deft hands, Mirae placed the candles on the cake and lit them up, the warm glow adding to the excitement in the air. They then made their way outside his door and waited in the hall, their anticipation mounting as the clock ticked closer to midnight.

When the clock struck midnight Wonwoo, opened the door and let Mirae go first as the pair sang happy birthday. Mingyu who was laying on his bed with his phone in his hand got up quickly shocked at the surprise.

"What the hell" he said laughing as he made his way over, he smiled at the pair and said thank you before blowing out the candles. Mirae smiled and placed the cake on his nightstand as he hugged and thanked Wonwoo before coming to her and hugging her tight.

"I thought you were busy tonight?" he said softly nestling his head between her neck and shoulder and holding tight to her waist, "I can always make time for you gyu" She said softly before pulling away remembering that Wonwoo was still in the room.

The trio made their way into the kitchen, chatting and indulging in cake until Wonwoo excused himself to his room, leaving Mingyu and Mirae alone. With Wonwoo's departure, Mingyu pulled Mirae onto his lap, planting a sweet kiss on her lips.

"Thank you so much," he whispered against her neck, peppering it with gentle kisses. Mirae responded with a soft smile as Mingyu continued to shower her with affection.

"Hey, it's your night tonight, baby," she murmured, gently pulling away and taking his hand. Leading him towards his room, they disappeared into the quiet confines, ready to celebrate his special day together in their own intimate way.

11:30 AM April 6

As sunlight filtered through the window, Mirae stirred from her slumber, greeted by the soft sound of Mingyu's snoring and the warmth of his arm wrapped around her waist. With a contented smile, she shifted slightly and turned towards him, nestling into the comforting curve of his chest, relishing in the intimacy of the moment.

Aware of the day ahead and the plans awaiting them, Mirae knew they should rise from bed and start their activities. However, as she lay enveloped in Mingyu's embrace, she found herself torn between the allure of their shared warmth and the demands of the outside world. In that fleeting moment, all she desired was to linger in his arms a little while longer.

Reluctantly pulling away from Mingyu's embrace, Mirae gently disentangled herself from his arm, placing a tender kiss on his cheek before softly calling his name into his ear. With a gentle caress of his head, she whispered his name again, coaxing him awake. As he stirred beneath her touch, she leaned in to kiss his lips, his eyes fluttering open in response.

"Hey, baby," she greeted him with a soft smile, giggling at the adorable expression on his face as he rubbed his eyes and stretched. "Good morning," she chuckled, sitting up beside him as they welcomed the new day together.

The pair got up and dressed before heading out to a nearby cafe for a cute little brunch date, savoring each other's company over coffee and pastries. Afterwards, they returned to Mirae's house, where she had his gifts prepared.

As they entered her home, she ushered Mingyu to the couch, where he settled in comfortably. Mirae hurried off to her room to retrieve the gifts she had carefully chosen for him, leaving Mingyu to play with her dog, Luna. Returning with five beautifully wrapped gifts in hand, Mirae couldn't contain her excitement as she presented them to Mingyu, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"All of these?" he exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise as he looked at the array of gifts in front of him. With a grateful smile, he eagerly began unwrapping each one, discovering a couple of items of clothing in one, some shoes from his favorite brand in another, followed by new headphones, and finally, his favorite item: a new watch from his preferred brand. Mingyu couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by Mirae's thoughtfulness and generosity.

"You didn't have to do all this," he whispered, his voice filled with appreciation as he pulled her into a tight hug and kissed her deeply. "You deserve it so much," she replied, returning the hug warmly.

Taking the watch out of the packaging, Mirae placed it on his wrist with care. "Let's see how it looks," she said, clasping it securely. Mingyu smiled as he admired the watch. "It's perfect," he declared, before pulling her onto the couch and showering her with kisses once again.

The pair spent the rest of the day cocooned in each other's arms, savoring the warmth of their togetherness. Eventually, Mirae decided it was time to break away and prepare a homemade dinner.

With care and love, Mirae prepared a delicious meal, delighting in the opportunity to spoil Mingyu on his special day. They shared a cozy dinner, filled with laughter and sweet moments, before settling in to watch movies and TV shows for the remainder of the evening.

As they enjoyed each other's company, they also took the time to respond to the flood of birthday messages Mingyu received, adding to the warmth and joy of the day. For Mirae, there was no greater pleasure than being able to spend such a perfect day with him, ensuring that every moment was filled with love and happiness.

She felt incredibly blessed to have his presence in her life every day. He was her safe haven, her rock, and she cherished every little thing about him. The thought of spending more birthdays by his side filled her heart with joy and anticipation. She looked forward to growing old with him, experiencing new adventures, and creating countless memories together. With him by her side, she felt ready to take on whatever the future held, knowing that their love would guide them through it all.

As the clock neared midnight and his birthday drew to a close, she gently cupped his face in her hands and pulled him close. With a soft smile, she whispered, "I hope you had the best day, baby. Happy birthday once again." Then, she leaned in and pressed her lips to his in a tender, heartfelt kiss just as the clock struck midnight, marking the end of his special day.

Mirae Finsta

@ Lunaloverr

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Lunaloverr Special day for a very special person🤍🧸💐

@Min97gyuu Thanks for making it the best birthday ever my darling girl🥰🤍

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April 7, 2024

"Hello?" he said into his phone, sounding very sad and serious. "Hey baby," she said softly, sensing his sad tone. "Mirae ah," he said shakily. "Mhm?" she replied back, slightly worried about what he was going to say. "I'm leaving," he announced after a couple of moments of silence between them. "What?" she said sitting up, "What do you mean you're leaving?" she asked.

Hanbin paused, taking a deep breath before saying "I took some substances back in 2016, and it's all been exposed now. I have a drug test coming up, and a trial, and by tomorrow, I'm sure everyone in the world will find out. I can't let this jeopardize the group or you, so I'm leaving," he explained shakily. Mirae was shocked; she expected news, but not this. She knew he was struggling back in the day, but never to this extent. She could tell he was trying not to cry; this was undoubtedly mentally challenging for him, and she knew he needed her there to help calm him down and figure things out.

"Okay, hey, let's just breathe," she said into the phone, her eyes starting to tear up as she thought about the situation he was in. She loved him; she really did. However, in that moment, all she could think was, "Kim Hanbin, how were you such an idiot?" Knowing him, though, she understood how much he regretted it. She knew he would do anything to go back and change his mind, and that pained her immensely. The damage had been done, and now, she worried about what this would do to him mentally.

After hearing him breathe into the phone and calm himself down, she said, "Okay, now explain everything again slowly, what do you mean your going to leave?" She asked. "I talked to the boys, I confessed everything, apologized to them, and told them I'm leaving the group to prevent them from being caught up in this trial," he said, his voice cracking as he spoke.

She sighed into the phone, wishing she could be there with him and hold him. "Okay, if that's what you think is best," she said sadly, a tear running down her face. "What about us?" she asked a moment later, already anticipating what he was about to say but not wanting to believe it until he said so himself.

Hanbin was quiet for a moment, his heart breaking as he mustered the courage to say the words he desperately didn't want to. "It's over between us, it has to be. I will protect you with every fiber of my being and make sure that no one will even think of you being involved in this mess," she listened to his words and let her tears fall freely. She truly couldn't believe any of this was real.

"Baby, please," she said, her voice cracking as she held back sobs, "I love you. I'll stand with you and will be here no matter what the decision is," she pleaded into the phone. She could hear him break down, his sobs echoing through the phone, and it hurt— it hurt so bad.

"No, no, you can't. This is my mess, and I'll deal with it myself. The boys said the same thing, but I have to do this on my own. You all worked too hard for this to be the reason for all of you to get shunned from the industry," he said, sniffling and wiping his tears.

"Hanbin, please. How do you think this is going to go down? You're just going to leave us behind and try to forget us? We all love you, and no matter what, we will be here. Don't leave us like this" she said, her heart aching.

"This is my battle, Mirae, mine, and I will never drag you all into this mess. Anyway, you know even if we did continue this, how long could we hide? The media will be watching me like a hawk; they will find out instantly about our relationship, and you will come down with me. I cannot let that happen. This is your dream, and I've seen you work so hard for it," he explained.

Mirae was silent, listening to him. Her body ached, and she felt like she couldn't breathe. This was supposed to be her happy ending. After so many years of liking each other, they had finally gotten together. This was supposed to be the happiest time of her life. How could it go so wrong?

"How will we ever move on? We are in love, and my heart only beats for you, Hanbin. Only you. Do you think that you're doing me a favor by leaving like this? No, you're not. Even if you leave, I will always be wondering if you're eating, if you're sleeping, if you're taking your vitamins, if you're stressed. I'll always be wondering these things because I know you. I know this will mentally mess you up. So, even if you decide to block me and never pick up my phone again after this, you know I'll always be worried."

"I'll be fine. Don't worry about me, please. You know I hate it when you worry," he said, leaning into his bed—the bed where they spent countless nights cuddled up and laughing about stupid things, the bed where they had their first times, the bed where she used to hold him when everything was going wrong, the bed where they wrote stupid songs and confessed their love for each other.

If it were any other situation, he would laugh at himself. When would he ever have the courage to break up with her? She was way too good for him anyway; everyone always said that. She was like a ray of sunshine that lit up every room she walked into. Her smile, with that deep dimple, made anyone with a heartbeat swoon as she smiled at them. She was the epitome of beauty, and here he was, breaking up with her? How stupid was he?

The pair sat in silence, only hearing sniffles through the phone, and though their hearts ached, they knew it was over. "It's getting late," he sighed, leaning his head against his pillow, "you must have had a long day, with the tour and everything."

"Don't you dare try and hang up this phone, Kim Hanbin," she said, her frustration at the situation coming out. Hanbin chuckled slightly at this, the first time in the day that he let out any sort of laugh or smile.

"I'm gonna miss you, you know?" he said softly, having no strength left to even speak clearly anymore. "I'll miss you too," she whispered and then slowly said, "So much."

"You know, one day we will have moved on from this. I hope you find someone that will be way better than I ever was." He said sadly. "There will never be anyone like you, Hanbin, ever. Even if, for some magical reason, I do find someone, I'll always be sitting there thinking about how it would have been with you," she said, sighing slightly.

"I'll always be cheering you on. Even if I never show it, even if you never hear from me again, I will. You are the brightest star, Mirae, the brightest, and don't you ever let anyone diminish you." He said.

"I know I messed up. I'm so sorry that this mistake led to all of this, and I hope you know that I would take it back in a heartbeat. I'm so sorry to break your heart, but just know that I love you and that this is for the better," he said after a couple moments of silence between them.

Mirae sat there listening to his words, not wanting to say goodbye, she knew that after this was over, Hanbin would remove her on everything and never contact her again to make sure that she is protected from any false allegations.

"Just promise me this," she said softly after their quiet moment. "Hm?" he said. "Promise me that you'll come back, no matter how long it takes. Just come back and make music, music that you love. Do what you love, Hanbin. Just promise me that. Promise me that once this mess is over, you'll truly find happiness and move on with your life. You did a stupid thing, we know, but don't let that ruin everything you've worked for. Come back and be happy, okay?"

Hanbin smiled at her words. He didn't know if he would ever come back to the public eye after this. His allegations were big, and he worried that nobody would ever truly like him again. However, her words touched something in him. He would try to find happiness, for her. She meant the world to him, and if she wished him to promise that to her, then he would fulfill it 100 percent.

"I promise" he said softly. Mirae smiled at that, for the first time since this call started and was proud of him. "We should probably end the call now right?" he said sadly. Mirae sighed and said "I guess"

Neither of them proceeded to move, feeling frozen in the moment. They didn't want this; of course, they didn't. However, they knew that it was over, and the world had to move on, even if they wished it stayed in place.

"I love you," he said, "Thank you for being one of the best things to come out of all of this. You are so, so special, Mirae, and I wish that one day, when we are both moved past this, we can talk and laugh at the memories and be proud of ourselves for getting through this."

She laughed at his words, tears starting to fall again. "I love you too," she said shakily before continuing, "Please take care of yourself, eat and sleep well, and just know that one day this too will pass. Thank you for all these beautiful memories, thank you for being there and being my constant throughout it all. It hurts to say goodbye, but let's meet one day and chat like old times."

"Alright, Goodnight," he said sadly, and she replied, "Goodnight, Hanbin," and with that, their call was over. As the call ended, Mirae sat in her room and just sobbed for what felt like hours. They were meant to head to Sydney the next day, and here she was, wanting to leave this all behind and go to him.

She knew she couldn't, though. Nothing could get Kim Hanbin out of this mess, and he knew it too. She felt sad for him, realizing how harshly the media judged and how even one mistake could jeopardize everything.

Regrets flooded her thoughts; perhaps if she had been there for him back then, he wouldn't have been compelled to resort to something like that. Maybe things would have been different, and iKON would still have had their loving leader who always put them and their needs above himself. The weight of "what-ifs" pressed heavily on her heart.

Thinking about the boys, she sent them all individual messages, asking them how they were doing and letting them know that she was there for them whenever they needed. Bobby responded immediately, asking her if she was alright and if Hanbin had contacted her. She let him know that they had broken up, and he called her, chatting with her and expressing how sorry he was.

He blamed himself, feeling that he could have helped Hanbin more during that time as the older one between them. Mirae reassured him that nothing could have been changed, and they all needed to find time to forgive him and move on. She knew he didn't want to put them in this position and that he was likely filled with remorse.

Ending the call with Bobby, she decided she needed to see her girls; only they could help her right now. She went to each of their doors and knocked, hoping they all came out together so she could tell them what was happening. Jisoo and Jennie made their way out from their doors first, she saw them and broke down, crying loudly into their arms. The pair looked at her confused, brought her into Jennie's room, and asked her what was going on.

Lisa and Chaeyoung came out a little while later and saw Mirae sobbing. They frantically asked what was going on, as it was very rare for the girl to be a crying mess. She explained what happened, and the girls all comforted her, held her, and helped calm her down.

As she finally fell asleep in Jennie's bed, the girls all huddled and messaged the iKON members, checking in on them before heading to their own rooms. They were shocked, as they never could have expected this to happen. They were all worried for the girl. They had two more tour dates happening, and they didn't know if she was well enough to perform, having just had her heart broken.

Jennie frowned seeing Mirae looking so sad, even in her sleep. The girl tucked her in and cuddled her, hoping to give her some warmth, knowing that this was her first breakup, especially from someone that was also her best friend.

June 13th 2019

5 days had passed, and slowly but surely, Kwon Mirae was starting to get better, attempting to shift her focus to the concert instead of what was going on back home. She turned off her phone and only allowed calls from her family and close friends, deciding against going on social media as everyone had figured out about the scandal, and she couldn't bear seeing his name being dragged through the mud.

Everyone knew how close the girls were to iKON; they all grew up together, so she knew that the others were just as sad as she was, as they all cared for Hanbin and wished him the best.

As they got their makeup done for the concert, she turned to her members and said, "I'm gonna try my hardest tonight, you guys. Thank you so much for being here for me the past couple of days. I don't know what I would have done without you." She said and tried to stop her tears from falling as she spoke; she just felt so grateful for them. They truly were her family, and she was so thankful they were there for her through it all.

"Hey, stop that," Jisoo said, hugging the girl. All of the girls then gave her a group hug, knowing that these next two shows would be hard, but then she could have a little break to finally rest and deal with the situation.

The concert went on with full swing, and Mirae tried her hardest to give her best despite the turmoil going on in her personal life. She was energetic and smiling through songs, interacting with fans, and even joking around with them throughout the night.

She thought she had made it in the clear until they decided to sing their final song for the night, 'Stay.' She sighed and tried to control her emotions as the song started up. She was seated between Lisa and Jennie, attempting to control her voice as she sang the intro. 'Stay' was a song she wrote when she was a trainee, a song with deep meaning, but the lyrics hit her super hard that day as they resonated with her situation.

"Stay, stay, stay with me," she sang, her voice breaking slightly, and the tears came flowing out before she could stop them. She put her hand over her eyes in an attempt to halt them, but as the song progressed, and Lisa whispered in her ear that it was okay, the tears kept flowing. Soon, everyone in the audience was awing at her, wondering why she was so emotional.

She tried her hardest to control the tears, but the more she heard the lyrics, the more she thought of him. He was everything to her, the reason why she became who she was. Before anything else, they were friends, and she truly respected and loved him for always being there for her, supporting her through it all.

The bond they shared was beyond just a romantic relationship; it extended to the connections they had with each other's families. She was so close to his mother and sister. She had witnessed her grow up from a baby to a beautiful young girl. The thought of not being able to see them and call to check in was unimaginable for her.

Despite being surrounded by so much love from her fans and members, she felt incredibly alone. In that moment, she only craved one person's love – his. She wanted him back, needed him back, and yet deep down, she knew he would never return to her. The ache of that realization added to the weight on her heart.

She finally gained some control during the ending part of the song and finished it strongly. However, she knew that now everyone would be discussing why she was crying online.

As she made her way through the backstage area, she spotted her mother and rushed into her arms, sobbing. Her mom had come from New Zealand to support her daughter, aware that she was going through a rough time. She was saddened when she saw Mirae struggling to control her emotions during the final song.

"You did amazing, baby, don't worry," her mom assured her, rubbing her back and holding her daughter as she sniffled. "I know, it's just so hard, Mom. Everyone will start wondering why I'm crying now, and I have no clue what to say," Mirae said as she lifted her face, and her mother wiped away her tears.

"Hey, who cares? They will never know the truth anyway. Don't do this to yourself, baby; it's okay," her mom said, comforting her. They made their way to the hotel, and her mother's love helped her feel much better.

A couple days later:

During their first night in Sydney, Australia, Rae was observed being highly energetic and vibing well with the audience. However, as the night progressed, she appeared visibly emotional during the performance of their song 'STAY'. Numerous speculations have surfaced regarding the reasons behind her emotional state, but as of now, nothing has been officially confirmed. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

Comments:

Username: Wasn't she super close with Hanbin? Maybe it could have been that?

Username: ^They have been friends since their trainee years apparently and even their mothers are close so yes I do assume that was the reason

Username: Regardless of what may have happened, can we just say that she is such a pretty crier? And did you guys hear her voice? Even through the tears, she sounded like an angel.

Username: Hanbin this, Hanbin that, can you guys just assume that maybe the song was just sad, and she felt the emotions of it while being around her fans? And didn't she write this song? Obviously, you get emotional when singing something, especially a song like "Stay." Everyone, just leave her alone.

Username: The members comforting her was so nice to see; they truly are a family. I hope that everything is okay, and she is better for their next shows.

Username: What if she was dating him and now they have to break up? I heard so many rumors that these two were a thing.

Username: ^If neither of them confirmed it, don't assume anything, especially now with the trial going on.

A/N- Just wanted to write this sad breakup chapter for my Oc and Hanbin and will be doing many more (Hopefully happier ones)

2) When she was the talk of the town after their "So hot" Cover at SBS Gayodaejun 2017.

3) When she opened up her own Instagram and immediately got 500k followers in a day (A record during that time) and now is the most followed Korean in the whole world.

4) When her hairstyles went viral

Ddu du ddu du

How you like that

Shut Down

5) When multiple idols were in awe when she was accepting her award

6) When the LA air hit and a whole new side of hers came out

7) When her Calvin Klein photos came out and everyone went wild as she showcased her flawless body

8) When she went to the met gala for the first time and wore this beautiful dress

9) When they went to coachella and she stole the hearts of all the locals and became the most searched person of the night

10) Lastly, her iconic outfits and the way she always looks flawless everywhere she goes

@Astraeaa.K

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Astraeaa.k 🖤🤍

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February 12, 2023

@Astraeaa.K

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Astraeaa.k Meet my darling girl Luna!!🎀

Jennierubyjane Cutest girls in the whole world!!

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May 8, 2020

@Astraeaa.K

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Astraeaa.k So grateful for 25 years! Cheers to many more!!💐💐

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January 9, 2022

@Astraeaa.K

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Astraeaa.k Recents🧸

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July 11, 2021

@Astraeaa.K

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Astraeaa.k Late nights in Seoul

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April 10, 2023

@Astraeaa.K

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Astraeaa.k Had the loveliest time in Hawaii🤍

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February 20, 2024

@Astraeaa.K

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Astraeaa.k Pinkchella🎀

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