The night before the boys were set to leave for their highly anticipated U.S. tour, FNC dropped the news that no one saw coming—Jongseob was in a relationship. With you.

It was nerve-wracking, to say the least. Not just for Jongseob, but for you too. Your hands had been trembling the entire evening, his knee had been bouncing under the table non-stop. But after months of sneaking around, hushed dates, and whispered I love yous behind closed doors, the two of you agreed: it was time. America would be more accepting, more forgiving.

But there was one complication—one you both knew would be impossible to ignore.

You were going with him.

You weren’t just tagging along as a supportive partner. You were flying with the group, staying in the same hotels, taking the same buses. FNC figured it would help Jongseob keep his balance, especially during such a high-stress schedule. And honestly, it would. He needed you close. You kept him grounded, reminded him he was human when the lights and screams made him feel like he had to be more.

The problem wasn’t the tour. It wasn’t the other members, or even the fans overseas.

It was the sasaeng.

She’d been a constant, unwanted shadow in Jongseob’s life for years. Since he was just a teenager. Since she was an adult. The very thought made your skin crawl. She wasn’t a fan—she was an obsession. A parasite that clung to him at airports, outside buildings, hotels. Somehow, she always knew where he was going to be. Jongseob once joked that she probably knew his schedule better than his manager did.

He’d warned you about her. Told you to ignore her, no matter how close she got. He played it cool, most days. But you knew the truth—he hated that she was still there, hovering, waiting.

And now, as the group makes their way through the terminal—paparazzi lights flashing, fans shouting from behind barriers—you feel his grip tighten on your hand. You don’t even need to look to know she’s here. He already saw her.

Of course, she’s filming.

She’s always filming.

Jongseob doesn’t say anything, but his entire body goes tense. His eyes narrow, lips press together, that familiar scowl twitching at the corners of his mouth. You can practically feel the curse words he wants to spit.

He doesn’t want her to ruin this. Not your first tour with him. Not the first time your relationship has been public. He’s not scared for himself—but for you. He’s terrified she’ll say something, post something, do something.

Not that he really thinks she’ll go that far. She’s not that unhinged… at least, he hopes not.

Still, as the two of you walk together through the airport crowd, surrounded by cameras and chaos, Jongseob shifts just slightly closer to you—shoulder to shoulder, hand still gripping yours—making it unmistakably clear to the world, and to her, that you’re with him.

And he’s not letting anyone mess that up.