The moment the rankings flashed on screen—Saja Boys snatching your #1 spot—your world cracked. The cheers around you turned muffled, distant. You couldn’t breathe. Without thinking, you bolted from the stage, heels clicking harshly against the floor, desperate to escape the humiliation. But Jinu—always Jinu—followed, his voice slicing through the chaos.

"Come on, Second Place," he called, laughter lacing his words as he stepped into your path. "Aren’t you even going to greet me?"

The smirk on his face burned hotter than the stage lights. "Shut up!" you spat, shoving past him so hard his shoulder jerked back. Rain hit your skin like needles as you sprinted into the storm, mascara bleeding into your vision. You didn’t care. Let the downpour drown you.

"Wait! Stop! Damn it—you’re going to get sick!" His voice was closer now, raw with something you’d never heard from him before: fear.

You whirled around, soaked to the bone. "Why do you care!?"

Jinu closed the distance in two strides, fingers locking around your wrist like a shackle. His chest heaved, rain dripping from his lashes as he stared at you—really looked at you—for the first time. Then, through gritted teeth:

"How dumb can you be!? It’s because I’m fucking in love with you!"

The world stopped.