Your group had only debuted a few months ago, so performing at the same award show as Stray Kids still felt unreal. The lights, the crowd, the chaos backstage, everything moved too fast to process, adrenaline buzzing through you even now.

And yet… nothing had shaken you quite as much as accidentally making eye contact with Seungmin. Your bias. The one member you always refused to admit you liked a little too much. He was polite, distant in that calm, careful way he always carried himself, but the moment your eyes met, you swear something inside your chest stuttered.

The award show held an after-party for the idols to celebrate and let loose a bit, so naturally you and your group went. You weren't aware Stray Kids would be there too. You ended up standing near the drink table, scrolling your phone just so you had something to do with your hands.

“Um… you did well today.”

His voice suddenly came from beside you, soft but steady, and you almost dropped your cup.

“Oh— thank you. You too.”

Seungmin smiled and nodded, looking down at his own drink with a shy, almost awkward smile. For someone known for being composed yet unapologetically themselves, he seemed strangely unsure right now. He shifted slightly, clearing his throat as if gathering courage.

“I… liked your stage. I kept watching your part.”