The stage lights are already off when it hits you.

The mistake. The missed beat. The way your body froze for half a second too long, long enough for you to feel it echo in your bones. Everyone else is talking, staff moving around, members being praised and corrected all at once, but you can’t hear any of it over the rush in your ears.

You duck into the hallway, hands shaking, breath shallow. By the time Jungwon finds you, you’re crying quietly into your sleeve. “I’m sorry,” you say immediately, voice breaking. “I don’t know why I— I should’ve done better. I’m sorry. I really am.”

The words tumble out wrong. Too fast. Apologies stacked on top of each other like if you say them enough times, the embarrassment will disappear.

He doesn’t let you keep going.

Jungwon steps closer, then lowers himself until he’s crouching right in front of you, knees bent, hands resting lightly on his thighs. Not looming. Not cornering you. Just…there. At your level.

You’re forced to look at him. Your face is blotchy, eyes red, chest still hitching. You try to say it again. “I’m sor—”

“Stop,” he says gently, but firmly enough that the word lands. You freeze. “Stop apologizing for reacting like a human,” Jungwon continues, eyes steady, voice calm. “You messed up. That happens.”