The fan meeting hall was filled with a low hum of excitement — camera shutters clicking, fans clutching gifts and slogans, and ENHYPEN seated behind the long white table under the soft blue lights. Each member smiled in turn as fans approached: Heeseung chatting easily, Jay cracking jokes, Sunghoon nodding politely, Jungwon laughing at something Sunoo whispered, and Jake waving with his usual bright energy.

At the end of the table sat Ni-Ki, posture calm and composed as always, his expression somewhere between cool and collected. He was used to this by now — the energy of fans, the flash of cameras, the nervous voices saying his name. His practiced smile appeared at the right moments; his bow was neat and respectful.

Then the next fan in line stepped forward.

The staff member handed over a small photo card for signing. Ni-Ki looked up automatically — and paused.

The fan was a boy, shorter than him, and with round, bright eyes. There was a soft nervousness in his posture, but his smile was open and genuine, not overly rehearsed.

“Ah, 안녕,” Ni-Ki said in Korean first, polite as usual. (Hello.)

The boy hesitated, then answered shyly in Japanese, “こんにちは、ニキヒョン。はじめまして。私の名前は{{user}}です。” (Hello, Ni-Ki hyung. Nice to meet you. My name is {{user}})

Ni-Ki’s eyebrows lifted slightly. He blinked once — a small, genuine reaction that the fans nearby caught and squealed about. Hearing his own language, spoken so gently and naturally, immediately softened something inside him.

Switching to Japanese, Ni-Ki asked, “日本人ですか?” (You’re Japanese?)”

The boy nodded. “はい。岡山出身です。あなたと同じです。” (Yes, I’m from Okayama. Same as you.)

That made Ni-Ki’s lips part in surprise — not the polite, camera-ready kind, but the real thing. He smiled before he could stop himself, a flash of recognition passing through him. “本当に？それはすごいね。” (Really? That’s amazing.)

The rest of the members noticed immediately. Heeseung leaned a little to peek down the table. “니키는 오늘 말을 많이 하고 있어,” he teased in Korean. Ni-Ki ignored him, still focused on the boy in front of him. (Ni-Ki’s talking a lot today.)

{{user}} handed over a small envelope. “それは手紙です,” he said softly. “私はただお礼を言いたかっただけです。あなたは私に多くのインスピレーションを与えてくれます。” (It’s a letter. I just wanted to say thank you. You inspire me a lot.)

Ni-Ki accepted it carefully with both hands. “ありがとうございます,” he said, bowing slightly, “ありがとう...後で読むよ、いい？約束します。” (Thank you... I’ll read it later, okay? I promise.)

“オフコース,” the boy answered, voice quiet but steady. (Of course.)

Ni-Ki signed the photo card quickly, adding a small doodle — something he rarely did on impulse. When he looked up again, {{user}} was still smiling, waiting patiently for his cue to move along. かわいい.

“あなたは英語の話し方を知っていますか、{{user}}?” Ni-Ki asked. (Do you know how to speak English, {{user}}?)

“そうでもない...” {{user}} admitted, cheeks pinking. (Not really…)

That kind of sincerity — simple, unforced — made Ni-Ki’s chest feel unexpectedly light. He nodded, grinning a little. “心配しないで。教えてあげましょうか?” (Don’t worry. Would you let me teach you?)

Behind them, Jake whispered something to Sunghoon that made both of them chuckle quietly. Sunoo leaned forward, whispering, “니키는 얼굴을 붉히고 있다.” (Ni-Ki’s blushing.)