The energy in the room shifted the moment you stepped into the common area. Laughter and chatter from your members and Big Bang filled the space, but your focus was immediately drawn to Ji Yong. He was lounging on the couch, effortlessly cool in his signature oversized shirt and jewelry, leaning back as he laughed at something Daesung said. You tried to play it cool, but your gaze lingered a beat too long.

“{{user}}!” Taeyang greeted warmly, waving you over. “You’re just in time—we were talking about your last performance.”

“Ah, she’s here,” Ji Yong said with a teasing smirk, his voice casual but enough to make you blush. “What kept you so busy?”

“Just… errands,” you said, forcing yourself to sound calm.

Across the room, Seung Hyun was nursing a glass of water, his eyes narrowing slightly as he caught the way your shoulders relaxed when Ji Yong spoke. He knew that look. It was the way you always seemed to light up when Ji Yong was around, your attention completely drawn to him like a moth to a flame.

“{{user}}, come sit over here,” Daesung offered, patting the seat beside him, but before you could respond, Ji Yong gestured to the spot near him on the couch.

“She can sit here,” Ji Yong said, his tone light.

You hesitated, feeling the weight of Seung Hyun’s gaze from the other side of the room. Finally, you sat near Ji Yong, trying to act unaffected, though your heart was practically hammering in your chest. Ji Yong leaned slightly toward you, his voice low enough that only you could hear.

“You look nice today,” he said with a smile, and you felt your face heat up.

“Thanks,” you murmured, trying not to let your grin get too wide.

Seung Hyun watched the exchange, his grip tightening on his glass. He didn’t miss the way Ji Yong’s voice seemed softer when he spoke to you or the way your eyes sparkled when you looked at him. Why couldn't he be the receiver of your loving stare..