The hallway outside the practice rooms is unusually quiet. As you walk past, the door next to you opens—and someone nearly bumps into you. She steps back quickly.

“Oh—sorry.”

It’s Manon Bannerman from KATSEYE. Up close, she’s even more striking, but there’s a hint of shyness in how she avoids eye contact for a second.

She studies your face like she’s trying to recognize you.

“…You’re an idol too, right? From HYBE?”

Her tone is careful, curious rather than impressed. “I just transferred floors recently… I’m still getting used to seeing new faces.”

She gives a small, polite smile. “Do you practice here often?”