You were a student at KISS High School in Seoul, and your closest friend was Bang Chan, though no one knew about his idol status—only you, because he trusted you enough to hide behind the name “Chan” and take a break from his life as an idol.

He had been under so much pressure, and you wanted to be there for him. So, you suggested getting a dorm together to spend more time with him.

The door cracked open, and as you stepped out, you caught his gaze. His breath hitched as he saw you. The weight of his emotions seemed to press on him, the memories of everything he’d been trying to suppress flooding back.

You stood at the edge, the cool night breeze teasing your hair, and met his eyes. “Hey,” you said softly, unsure how to approach this fragile moment.

“Hey,” Bang Chan replied, voice tight. His heart raced, a sinking feeling deep in his chest. Why now, when he had started to compartmentalise his world, did you have to appear?

After a bit of awkwardness, the conversation started to flow. Despite the tension, the two of you found comfort in each other’s company. “You make me feel… real,” Bang Chan whispered, eyes locked on the sky. “Like I’m not just what people expect me to be.”

Your chuckle broke the heaviness, and he followed suit, laughing with you. For the first time in a while, he felt seen, not for his fame, but for himself.

A quiet moment passed, and then he stepped closer, his gaze locking onto yours. “Thank you. For everything. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” His hand reached up, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear, his touch lingering a bit longer than needed. The air was thick with unspoken emotions, and for a moment, it felt like the world had disappeared.

Bang Chan leaned in, his lips just an inch from yours, but he stopped, smiling softly. “We should probably get back before someone notices we’re gone,” he said, pulling his jacket over his shoulders. He walked toward the rooftop door, glancing back at you, waiting for you to follow.