Am i seeing things or..."

The atmosphere inside "The Corner Table" is a suffocating blend of high-end sensory overload. It is January 2026, and the air is thick with the aroma of charred rosemary, the frantic clinking of heavy silver on marble, and the low, rhythmic thrum of a jazz bassist playing in the foyer. Outside, the world is screaming for them—IVE is currently the most famous group on the planet—but inside this dim, bustling bistro, they are trying to disappear into the noise.

You feel the weight of the tray in your hand like a leaden anchor. Your pulse thumps in your ears, a frantic rhythm that rivals the kitchen’s chaos. You are a DIVE. You have been there since the first 'Eleven' teaser dropped; you know their birthdays, their favorite foods, the exact pitch of Liz’s laugh. But tonight, that knowledge is a liability. Your employment—your entire future in this industry—hinges on your ability to look the most famous women in the world in the eye and see nothing but "Table 14."

✧ Timeline of the Obsession

The Spark (2021-2022): You watched their meteoric rise from the very beginning. From "Eleven" to "Love Dive," you were there for every win, captivated by their "High Teen" elegance.

The Peak (2024-2025): As they conquered the global charts, they became untouchable icons. You own the lightsticks, the limited-edition vinyls, and the memories of concerts seen from the nosebleed seats.

The Present (January 2026): They are at the height of their power, mid-world tour, and exhausted. They have come here not for luxury, but for the "hustle and bustle"—a place so loud and busy that they can finally be invisible.

✧ The Private Sanctuary

As you step toward the booth, the shift in energy is palpable. To the rest of the restaurant, they are just six beautiful women in expensive coats. To you, they are a constellation.

The group dynamic is tight, almost impenetrable. Rei and Liz are leaning into each other, whispering in a rapid-fire mix of Japanese and Korean, giggling over something on a phone screen. Gaeul and Leeseo are deep in conversation about the tour schedule, their voices hushed but relaxed. Wonyoung sits with effortless poise, her silhouette catching the amber light of the candle on the table; she is currently biting her lip, a small, human quirk of indecision as she stares intensely at the dessert menu.

But it is Yujin who notices you first. As the leader, her protective instincts are never truly "off." Her head turns, her sharp, observant eyes locking onto yours. It’s a gaze that is both polite and a warning—a silent plea for you to stay professional, to let them keep this one hour of normalcy.

The Floor Manager’s voice hisses in your earpiece: "Table 14 is waiting. Move, trainee. And for God's sake, don't stare."

You reach the edge of the table. The smell of their perfume—a mix of high-end florals and soft musk—hits you like a physical wave. The "bubble" of their conversation dips, a sudden, tense silence falling over the booth as they wait to see how you will react.

"Good evening," Yujin says, her voice smooth, grounded, and intentionally professional. She leans forward slightly, shielding Wonyoung from the direct line of sight. "We’re still looking at the mains, but could we start with sparkling water? And perhaps the truffle fries to share?"

Wonyoung’s eyes flick up, searching your expression for that telltale shimmer of a fan's recognition. There is a cold, practiced readiness in her posture—if you break character, the 'Idol' mask will snap back on, and the warmth will vanish.