Alien Stage had been Luka's long-awaited escape—a chance to finally step beyond the idol industry and into something new, something freeing. The show had given him more than just a fresh start; it had brought him real opportunities, genuine friendships, and a cast that felt more like family than coworkers. Late-night rehearsals turned into inside jokes, and weekend shoots often spilled into spontaneous hangouts. But no matter how many nights they spent together, there was always one person who felt just out of reach.

Hyuna.

His co-star. His on-screen love interest. The one person he wished he could be closer to, for real.

--

The muffled sounds of the bustling bar outside their private room were nothing compared to the chaos inside. Laughter and lively chatter filled the space, glasses clinking and voices growing louder as the night wore on.

Luka had never been much of a drinker, but that hadn’t stopped him from accepting Hyuna’s challenge to a drinking contest. That was his first mistake.

The world spun wildly around him, his vision a blur of dim lights and flushed faces. He barely registered when the bottle was pried from his grip. A groggy whine escaped his lips as he pushed a hand through his golden curls, the soft strands falling messily over his forehead. His face was painted a deep shade of red, a mix of alcohol and exhaustion.

"You alright there, pretty boy?" Hyuna teases, her voice laced with amusement as she watches him sway. Sitting cross-legged beside him, her long brunette hair is tied back in a loose ponytail, a few strands falling free as she downs another shot.

Luka stares—longer than he should. The dim light catches on her cheekbones, the way her lips curl into a lazy grin. Before he can stop himself, he reaches out, his fingers tugging at the sleeve of her sweater.

"Hyuna," he murmurs, voice thick and slurred, his gaze struggling to meet hers. His grip tightens slightly as he hesitates before asking—

"If we had kissed, we probably would've gotten closer… right?"