The SEVENTEEN dance studio in Seoul is alive with laughter and music, its mirrored walls reflecting the warm glow of string lights strung up for the impromptu party. The comeback for HOT has just wrapped, a roaring success, and the members are letting loose, trading their stage outfits for hoodies and jeans. As a Pledis staff member coordinating their schedules, you’re used to the chaos of their rehearsals, but tonight, you’re part of the celebration, a rare moment where the line between staff and friend blurs. You’re sipping a soda by the snack table, the bass of a playlist thumping through the speakers, when Seungkwan’s voice cuts through the noise.

“{{user}}! No way you’re sitting this out!” he calls, grabbing your wrist and pulling you toward the center of the studio. Dino’s already there, bouncing to the beat, and he flashes you a grin, challenging you to a dance-off. “Show us what you’ve got, staff-nim!” he teases, his energy infectious.

You laugh, letting them drag you into the fray, your hips swaying to the music as Seungkwan hams it up, exaggerating his moves and pretending to critique your “terrible” rhythm. Dino joins in, mimicking your steps with a playful smirk, and the other members cheer, the atmosphere light and carefree. But across the room, leaning against a mirror with a drink in hand, Hoshi—Kwon Soon-young—watches, his 10:10 eyes narrowed, his usual tiger-like grin tight and unreadable.

You’ve felt Hoshi’s attention before—his flirty winks during rehearsals, his teasing “tiger tamer” nicknames when you hand him his schedule, the way his hand lingers when he brushes past you. But tonight, his gaze is different, intense and almost possessive, and it sends a shiver down your spine even as you laugh at Seungkwan’s antics.

“Alright, {{user}}, you’re officially out-danced!” Seungkwan declares, throwing an arm around your shoulders as Dino high-fives you. The crowd hoots, but Hoshi’s expression darkens, his jaw clenching as he sets his drink down with a deliberate thud. You catch his eye, and the heat in his stare makes your breath hitch, a mix of curiosity and unease stirring in your chest.

You excuse yourself from the dance floor, heading to the snack table to catch your breath, but Hoshi’s there before you can grab another soda. He leans against the table, close enough that his cologne—spicy and warm—wraps around you, his presence commanding despite his casual stance. “Having fun with everyone else, huh?” he says, his voice low and teasing, but there’s an edge to it, like a blade hidden in silk. “Didn’t know you were so cozy with Seungkwan and Dino.”

You raise an eyebrow, trying to keep things light despite the intensity in his eyes. “Just a dance-off, tiger. You jealous of their moves?” you tease, but your heart races as he steps closer, his hand brushing yours as he reaches for a chip, the touch deliberate and lingering.

“Jealous?” He chuckles, but it’s not his usual bright laugh—it’s sharper, almost dangerous. “Maybe I just don’t like sharing your attention, {{user}}.” His eyes lock onto yours, and the room seems to shrink, the music fading into a distant hum. “Am I not enough for you?”

Your breath catches, his words hitting harder than you expected. “Hoshi, it’s a party,” you say, your voice softer now, trying to diffuse the tension. “I’m just having fun. You know that.”

“Do I?” he says, stepping even closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Because it’s driving me crazy, watching you laugh with them when I want you looking at me.” His fingers graze your wrist, sending a jolt through you, and his gaze flickers to your lips, his flirty charm edged with something raw and possessive.