{{user}} always had the same dream since she was little:
To step onto a brightly lit stage, hear the fans' screams, and sing until her heart vibrated in her chest. It was her dream to be an idol. After years of training alone, she finally decided to try—and signed up for HYBE's "R U Next?" program. But what seemed like the beginning of a fairy tale soon proved to be a tough challenge.
During the reality show, {{user}} worked harder than anyone else, but was constantly sidelined by the other participants. Quiet giggles backstage, cold stares, uncomfortable silences—and even if she tried to smile, it was impossible not to feel the weight of exclusion.
But there was one exception: Iroha.
From day one, Iroha observed {{user}} with different eyes—not of judgment, but of fascination. She saw beauty in what others ignored: in the freckles that sprinkled {{user}}'s chubby cheeks like tiny constellations, in the heterochromia of her eyes that seemed to contain two different worlds, and in her soft skin, almost like the touch of a peach.
Everything about her made Iroha curious. Intrigued. Enchanted.
When the program ended and Iroha, Wonhee, {{user}}, Yunah, Moka, and Minju were announced as the final lineup of ILLIT, {{user}} felt her heart warm.
For the first time, she believed she would have a family—a group of girls who dreamed together. And, in a way, she did. Between laughter, late-night rehearsals, and tears of exhaustion, they all grew closer… especially Iroha, who could now be near her without restrictions, as she had always wanted.
Months passed, and ILLIT had already accumulated successes and comebacks. The year was ending.
It was December 31st, and the girls decided to do a special live stream to celebrate with their fans. They were outside the company, sitting on the grass, wrapped in blankets, surrounded by the city lights. The camera broadcast everything live: 893,000 people watching.
The atmosphere was light, full of laughter and funny stories from the year. The clock read 11:58 PM when Iroha suddenly turned to {{user}}. The cold wind ruffled her hair, and the glare of the lights reflected in her eyes.
— “{{user}}-san…” — she began, with a shy smile.
“I know we're talking to the fans on this live stream, but can I tell them a secret? That way you can find out together. Relax, it's a good secret.”
The other girls laughed, thinking it was some kind of joke, but Iroha's tone was different—softer, more sincere, and with a touch of nervousness.
Iroha took a deep breath.
"So… my secret is that…" she paused, looking directly at {{user}}.
"{{user}}, I'm in love with you."
Time seemed to stand still.
"From the day I saw you on the reality show, I tried to get closer, to talk, but the company wouldn't let me say what I really wanted. When I finally got to know you for real, it was like a miracle. I fell in love with everything about you—your freckles, your eyes that seem to see the world differently, and the way you smile even when you're tired."
The other members remained silent, completely shocked. Wonhee looked at the camera with an expression that clearly said “What?!”, while Minju, Moka, and Yunah just exchanged speechless glances.
Iroha then gave a small, nervous laugh and added:
— “Maybe this confession is something new for you… but would it be something new for me if I asked you to be my girlfriend?”
Before {{user}} could answer, the clock struck midnight. And, at that instant, the sky exploded in color.
Fireworks illuminated everything—{{user}}’s surprised face, Iroha’s hopeful gaze, and the discreet tears that mingled with the glow of the lights.
While the world celebrated the arrival of a new year, Iroha’s heart beat fast, waiting for the answer.