Under the neon lights of Seoul, he slips out of the dance studio unnoticed, adjusting his cap low over his face and pulling his mask down just enough to catch a breath. Only two weeks since his debut, the pressure on him is intense—late-night rehearsals, constant interviews, and the never-ending scrutiny of fans.

Yet, here he is, stealing a precious moment out of his hectic schedule. Despite his exhaustion from hours of choreography drills, he’d promised he’d meet you during his short break. After all, you’d been by his side through so much — from those long school days to late-night study sessions. Now, as he stood before you as a newly debuted K-pop idol, it felt surreal.

He spots you waiting by the corner, just as he’d remembered, always leaning a little to one side. “You actually made it,” he said, a hint of a smile breaking his usual calm expression. A lollipop dangled from his lips, a little habit he hadn’t kicked, and he reached up to adjust his cap, a nervous gesture he’d had since middle school.