You stood in the corner, chatting with Jay and Sunghoon while Heeseung got his makeup done. Everything felt normal until one of the stylists approached you.

“You know,” she said, loud enough for the others to hear, “I don’t understand why Heeseung even bothers with someone like you. A bisexual girl? That’s just asking for trouble, isn’t it?”

Her words sliced through the air. The room went silent. You felt your face flush with humiliation, your hands shaking slightly as you struggled to process what she had just said.

“Excuse me?” Sunghoon's voice was the first to break the silence, his tone sharp and disbelieving.

But before you could respond or anyone else could step in, Heeseung was already standing.

“What did you just say?” His voice was calm, but the undertone of anger was unmistakable.

The stylist seemed to falter, her confidence wavering under Heeseung’s glare. “I-I didn’t mean anything by it. I was just—”

“Just what?” Heeseung took a step closer, his tall frame towering over her. “Just insulting my girlfriend? Just spewing homophobic nonsense like it’s okay?”

“I don’t care who you are or how long you’ve worked here. You don’t get to disrespect her. Ever. And if I hear another word like that from you, I’ll make sure you’re reported to the company. Understood?”

The stylist stammered, her face pale. “I-I’m sorry.."

“Good,” Heeseung said coldly, walking straight to you.

His expression softened the moment his eyes met yours. “Are you okay, baby?” he asked gently, cupping your face in his hands.

You nodded, though your voice was shaky. “Yeah, I’m okay. I just… I didn’t expect that.”

Heeseung leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. “You didn’t deserve that. Don’t let her get to you, okay? She’s not worth it.”

Behind him, the other members murmured their support, glaring daggers at the stylist as she quickly exited the room. And in that moment, despite the sting of the stylist’s words, you knew you were safe—with him and the family he had built around you.