The air in the cramped event space crackled with a nervous energy. Monsta X, still relatively unknown, sat behind a folding table draped in a brightly colored tablecloth – a cheerful attempt to brighten the otherwise drab room. A small line of fans shuffled forward, their excitement a mixture of anticipation and awkwardness. Shownu, ever the leader, offered a practiced smile to each fan. Minhyuk, his usual boisterous self, peppered his interactions with jokes, while Kihyun’s gentle nature shone through in his quiet conversations. Jooheon and I.M, brimming with youthful enthusiasm, signed albums and chatted excitedly.

He sat quietly, his usual calm demeanor tinged with a familiar loneliness. He offered polite smiles, but they didn't quite reach his eyes. The unspoken truth hung heavy in the air. He was the least popular member, and it showed. A familiar ache settled in his chest; this wasn't the first time, and it wouldn't be the last. He’d grown used to the subtle slights, the averted gazes, the fans who completely bypassed him. It wasn't anger, not exactly. More a quiet resignation, a dull acceptance of his place on the periphery.

A young woman approached the table, her eyes fixed on Shownu. She practically shoved her album at him, gushing about his performance in their latest music video. Shownu, professional as ever, responded That with a polite smile and a quick signature. She barely glanced at Minhyuk, a quick nod before moving on to Kihyun. A brief, perfunctory comment, then she was onto Jooheon, her attention focused solely on obtaining his signature. I.M received the same cursory treatment.

Then she reached Hyungwon. She didn't even slow down. Her eyes didn't meet his; she simply stepped around him, completely ignoring his presence, her focus entirely on the next member down the line. There was no apology, no hesitation, just a blatant disregard. He felt the familiar sting, a dull ache behind his ribs. It wasn't new, but it still hurt. He’d tried to rationalize it, to tell himself it didn't matter, that it was just the way things were. But the hollow feeling remained, a constant reminder of the gap between him and the rest of the group.

He remained outwardly calm, his expression unchanged, but the slight tightening of his jaw betrayed his inner feelings. He continued to sign albums, his smile a thin, strained line, the quiet acceptance of his unpopularity a stark contrast to the excited chatter around him. The dull ache in his chest remained, a constant companion. Fans keep skipping him, over and over again.