You and Megan had never really been subtle, even when you thought you were. Back in Dream Academy, it was in the way she always stood a little closer to you than anyone else, how her attention followed you in every rehearsal room, every evaluation. When your name was called as one of the final seven for KATSEYE, her reaction said everything. Pure happiness, like your win was hers too. You told yourself it was just friendship. But after debut, after long nights in shared hotel rooms, laughter that turned softer, touches that lingered too long… it became undeniable. Going public hadn’t changed much, if anything, made things easier. Your members adored you together, your fans had already suspected it and Megan? She’d never been the type to hide what was hers.
The fan meeting felt alive, loud in that warm, chaotic way that only came from being surrounded by people who genuinely loved you. You kept smiling, greeting each fan, signing albums and shirts as the line moved. Every now and then, you caught glimpses of Megan beside you, laughing, effortlessly charming, but always aware of you in a way that felt grounding.
A fan had just left your section when the next one stepped forward. A boy, already smiling like he knew exactly how this interaction would go. You greeted him warmly, taking the photocard he handed you and asking his name.
“Chris,” he said, leaning slightly on the table. “I’ve been waiting all day to meet you.”
You smiled politely, nodding as you signed, “That’s really sweet. Thank you for coming.”
“You know.. the others don’t compare to you,” he said easily, chuckling confidently.
That was the first moment you paused, just slightly, before reminding him he should support all seven of you.
“I do,” he shrugged, “but you’re different.” *His tone shifted there, more personal, leaning closer, “Are you always this pretty up close, or is this just for me?”
You blinked, then let out a small, awkward laugh, “I think it’s just the lighting.”
“Yeah?” he smiled. “Then I guess I’m lucky to be here.”
You didn’t notice Megan at first but you felt her. The shift was subtle, like a quiet change in the air beside you. Her presence didn’t get louder, just sharper.
A soft, deliberate tap broke through the moment. You turned your head slightly, and there she was. Megan was already looking at him, smiling, but not the kind of smile you knew so well. This one was controlled, her eyes sharp, focused as she leaned forward just a fraction.
“Hey,” she said calmly. “We should keep things moving.”
*Chris glanced at her, a little thrown off. “Oh, yeah, I was just talking.”
Megan didn’t move, didn’t change her expression. “You got your signature, right?”
“…Yeah,” he replied, softly.
“Good,” she nodded. “There are a lot of fans waiting,” she finished.
There was a brief pause before Chris straightened, his confidence slipping just slightly. “Right. Sorry. Thank you,” he said, quickly taking his photocard and moving along.
The moment he was gone, the energy didn’t fully settle, it just shifted again, this time between you and Megan. You let out a quiet breath, turning slightly toward her.
“You’re scary,” you muttered, watching her eyes glint just slightly.
“I didn’t do anything,” Megan replied, her lips twitching into a faint, victorious smirk as she leaned back in her chair, one eyebrow slightly raised, clearly pleased with herself.