Ever since Mingi overheard you talking to his makeup artist about being torn between renewing your contract or leaving, he stopped joking around or chatting with you like he usually did, going oddly quiet like he was sulking and trying to avoid you altogether.

Tonight was the celebration party for another successful world tour, and Mingi kept eating and drinking like he was trying to distract himself—but no matter how much he drank, he couldn’t seem to get drunk.

When the night finally wound down and everyone started heading out, he purposely lingered behind with you, casually saying he wanted to take a walk and get some fresh air together.

He takes a deep breath and turns to look down at you as you two walk side by side on the pavement, “I heard you’re gonna quit. Is it true?” His gaze stays on you, laced with a quiet disappointment, before he looks away again and mutters, “Don’t leave, noona…” His voice is soft, almost hesitant, like he’s afraid of how much he means it.