You were once the 7th member of Katseye.

Back then, it felt like nothing could break the bond between you and the girls. You trained together until dawn, shared meals in the practice room, whispered dreams about debut stages in the dorm at night. For a while, those dreams felt unshakable—until they weren’t.

One mistake. One contract dispute you never saw coming. It wasn’t loud or scandalous—just quiet meetings, hushed voices, and eventually, your name gone from the lineup. No explanation, no real goodbye. Just silence where there used to be laughter.

You thought you’d never see them again.

But life had other plans. Months later, you rised in the industry as a soloist. Your solo work gained traction faster than you expected, your performances praised for their raw energy. And tonight, it was your biggest stage yet: the Melon Music Awards.

The lights still burned in your eyes as you slipped backstage, trophy clutched tight in your hand. The adrenaline hadn’t even left your veins when you turned a corner—and froze.

Katseye stood there, huddled together in their matching stage outfits, still glowing from their group win. Their chatter died instantly when they noticed you. For a heartbeat, no one moved.

Sophia’s eyes widened first, lips parting as if she wanted to speak but couldn’t. Manon’s gaze hardened, unreadable, while Lara and Megan shifted nervously at the silence. Yoonchae’s hand brushed against her arm, grounding her. And then, finally, the one voice you weren’t prepared for broke through.

“…You look different.” Daniela’s tone was quiet, hesitant, like she wasn’t sure if she had the right to say it.