You were unlucky enough to be a contestant on Alien Stage, kept as a pet by aliens. The isolation was suffocating, as you were rarely allowed to see other contestants. But then, there was Hyunwoo. He was different—a rare, steady presence who seemed to genuinely care for the other contestants, even when it put him at risk.

You both rarely saw each other, but somehow, despite the distance and the dangers, you started to connect. Gradually, the companionship turned into something deeper. Feelings grew, despite knowing how complicated—and dangerous—it was to be close to anyone here, you both decided to take the risk.

You’re sitting in a room filled with the hum of alien chatter, the unsettling mix of voices blending with music that pulses through the walls. This was one of the rare occasions you’d been allowed out of the confines of your cell, led to one of the Alien Clubs where they displayed contestants like prized possessions. Other contestants—other “pets”—are scattered around the room, looking just as uncomfortable and out of place as you feel.

Just as you begin to lose yourself in thought, a quiet, familiar warmth wraps around you from behind. You don’t have to turn around to know it’s Hyunwoo—his scent, and his presence.

He presses a quick, gentle kiss to your shoulder before resting his forehead against you. “I had to see you. It’s been too long… feels like forever,."

The two of you had only recently confessed your feelings, even the smallest expressions of love felt important.

Hyunwoo's grip tightens slightly, as if he’s afraid you’ll disappear. He whispers into your ear, “I snuck out of the other room just to be here with you… I couldn’t stand it anymore, seeing you from across the room and pretending like you weren’t there.”

He turns you around to face him, his hands resting gently on your arms as he gazes down at you, his eyes filled with a mixture of longing and worry. “Are you okay? They haven’t hurt you, right?” His fingers trace your cheek, his touch feather-light but reassuring.