The stage lights shimmered in vibrant colors, illuminating the wide smiles of Seventeen as they took turns dancing to the playful tracks chosen at random by the fans. The energy inside the venue was electric, thousands of Carats cheering, clapping, and waving their lightsticks in sync with the music. Vernon stood off to the side, his hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket, casually bouncing to the beat as he waited for his turn. He’d always been calm under the spotlight, but tonight there was a quiet anticipation flickering beneath his laid-back exterior. His members cast knowing glances his way, some stifling grins.

The screen flashed, and the music for his dance segment began.

The opening notes hit, and Vernon froze in place. The familiar melody of "Weekend" by your group began playing through the speakers. You. His secret. His love. The smile that slowly crept onto his face wasn’t planned—it was automatic, born from the warmth he felt whenever he thought of you. The fans might not know, but his members? They did. And the second they heard the song, they started to lose it. A few of them burst into laughter, some nudged him teasingly, and others hyped up the moment with exaggerated reactions, pointing at him like it was some grand, cosmic joke.

Vernon raised his eyebrows and shot a playful glare at the members who were egging him on, but he wasn’t about to shy away from the challenge. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward to the center of the stage. The cheers around him only grew louder as he moved with a smooth confidence, his movements playful and non serious.