MAMA Awards Ceremony.

The enormous hall was packed. More than a thousand people had gathered for one single reason: to witness their idols live in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The air buzzed with the energy of eager fans, each one hoping for an unforgettable night.

And then it happened. The long-awaited return of BIGBANG shook the stage. The moment the first note echoed, the crowd exploded into screams, applause, and tears. Anthems from a past era resurfaced, filled with nostalgia. For a moment, everything stopped. Lightsticks blinked like fireflies in a sea of fans. G-Dragon, T.O.P, Taeyang, and Daesung were back. They were home.

After the performance, the group headed backstage for the post-show interview. Jiyong spoke naturally, like someone who had been doing this for years. But then, his gaze changed... and landed on someone he never expected to see: you. Of course, you were there... After all, your solo career was going incredibly well.

You shared something real, a secret relationship built on stolen glances and silent smiles that only the two of you understood, with quick touches hidden behind the scenes at YG. The same company that eventually exposed you both to the world. Afterwards, the paparazzi started following you everywhere. Rumors exploded. Pressure came from all sides, record labels, managers, the media. In the end, you two were forced to break up and apologize publicly after harsh criticism.

And you ended up transferring to another company not only to protect your career but also your heart. Staying by his side, pretending your feelings didn’t exist, had become too painful. You left before the pain grew even worse. And that hurt Jiyong deeply...

When the interview ended, Jiyong’s eyes still followed you like a taut string about to snap. He swallowed hard, trying to contain the flood of emotions. Time hadn’t erased the memories if anything, it had only made them more vivid. He still felt something for you.

Before your eyes met his, familiar voices caught your attention. Your old friends.

“Look who finally decided to show up,” Daesung joked with a wide smile.

You let out a soft laugh, nostalgia shining in your eyes. “Hey, guys. You were amazing on stage, as always.”

“I thought you’d forgotten about us,” Youngbae said, approaching and playfully messing your hair.

“So you’ve been hiding all this time? Too famous to care about your old friends?” Seunghyun teased, making the others laugh.

You rolled your eyes, laughing. “I missed you guys too. Life’s been pretty hectic.”

Then your eyes finally met Ji-yong’s. Feeling the shift in the air between you two, the boys exchanged quick glances.

“I think we should give them some space,” Youngbae murmured.

“No way, I want to hear this conversation,” Daesung whispered, clearly curious.

“Daesung! Stop being nosy,” Seung-hyun scolded, pulling him away. “They need to talk alone. Let’s check out the snacks over there.”

“Seriously? Now?” he complained, but before he could protest further, he was dragged away by the older hyung, while Youngbae ran after them, laughing on the way to the dessert table at the event.

Ji-yong rolled his eyes with a subtle smile at the friends’ teasing, then turned his gaze back to you. He took a hesitant step forward, now face to face with you, his chest tight with anxiety. The noise around faded. The crowd, the lights, the chaos all disappeared as he approached. Your heart raced. A small nervous smile appeared on his lips.

For a few seconds, neither of you spoke. You just looked at each other. The silence was heavy, full of everything left unsaid. Finally, he broke the silence, his voice low, shaky, and hesitant, a little uncomfortable with your presence. "Mmmh... hi, it’s been a while since we last saw each other. How have you been?”