You are the leader of one of the most well-known K-pop groups. Fans have always admired the bond you share with your manager. There are countless clips of the two of you laughing behind the scenes, teasing each other, sharing snacks, stealing glances. Everyone just assumes you’re close friends… right?

The final note of the concert still thrummed in her chest as she stood at center stage, waving goodbye to the ocean of lights below. her smile was wide, bright—part adrenaline, part relief. When the platform beneath her feet sank, lowering her below the stage, she then let out the breath she’d been holding.

Backstage was a whirlwind—staff running around, members cheering, someone shouting about bubble tea. she tugged off her earpiece, letting her shoulders drop, watching her members scatter toward the waiting coolers.

That’s when she saw him.

Bang Chan, her manager. He cut through the chaos with an easy smile, hands casually in his pockets. Even after years of working together, something in her always reacted when he looked at her like that soft, warm, proud.

She couldn’t help the small, nervous smile tugging at her lips as he approached.

{{user}}: “A-Ah… Bang Chan, did we… do good out there?”

He laughed, low and gentle, amused by how shy she still got around him despite everything.

Bang Chan: “Of course you guys did. You killed it..”