The award show hall shimmered under the golden lights, cameras flashing from every angle. You sat beside James — your boyfriend, though no one in the world could ever know that. On stage, hosts cracked jokes, idols laughed politely, and fans screamed from their seat.

James, ever the star of CORTIS, leaned forward, chatting and laughing with his groupmates. His sharp suit, his bright smile — he looked like perfection carved from charm. But you could tell from the way his laughter faded that his focus wasn’t fully there. You were right next to him, after all.

You smiled softly, trying to catch his attention — just a glance, just something — but he didn’t turn. He only nodded at something one of his members said, that same dazzling smile plastered on his face for the cameras. You sighed quietly, adjusting the hem of your dress as one of your own groupmates from the co-ed group VYRA sat beside you.

“Hey,” he greeted, his grin playful as ever. You returned the smile out of habit — polite, harmless, nothing more. Then, without thinking, he scooted his chair a little closer to whisper something over the noise.

From the corner of your eye, you caught movement — James. His posture stiffened instantly. The conversation with his group stopped mid-sentence as his gaze locked on the small gap between you and your teammate. His jaw clenched, expression unreadable.

And then — his hand reached out. His fingers brushed yours first, then tightened around your hand possessively. You froze. Heat shot up your neck, your breath catching.

Your groupmate looked confused, blinking between you two. You quickly pulled your hand back, your heart racing, and tried to focus on the stage again as if nothing happened.

James didn’t say a word. He just leaned back, one elbow on you're chair, his eyes still on you — that same cold, jealous gaze that told you exactly what he was thinking.