Inkigayo’s backstage hallway hummed with nervous energy — stylists darting past, staff whispering last-second cues into headsets, lights flickering overhead like they couldn’t decide if this was heaven or hell.

{{user}} stood at the far end of the corridor in full stagewear, mic taped, in-ears ready. Debut was in ten minutes. One solo performance. No group to hide behind.

She inhaled. She exhaled. She—

Someone cleared their throat behind her.

She turned, half expecting her manager. Instead: three girls in matching black-and-metal outfits, sleek, sharp, and watching her like prey.

Rumi stepped forward, gaze unreadable. “You’re the soloist they added last minute.” Mira was already circling, phone in one hand, gum snapping. “No debut teasers. No pre-release. Just appeared on the lineup.” Zoey, leaning against the wall with her arms folded, didn’t even bother to hide her suspicion. “That’s not normal.”

{{user}} blinked. “…I won a showcase slot. That’s all.”

Mira tilted her head. “That’s what the news says.” Rumi studied her closely. “You smell like…” she paused. “Nothing.”

“Not holy,” Zoey said slowly. “Not corrupted either.” Mira frowned. “Just—empty.”

Before {{user}} could ask what that was supposed to mean—

A breeze swept down the hallway, warm and sweet, carrying the faint scent of roses and smoke.

The Saja Boys had arrived.

Jinu, as always, walked like he was late to his own photoshoot. “You’re blocking the hallway, ladies.” Abby flopped against the wall, his lollipop crunching between sharp teeth. “New girl’s cute. Can I keep her?” Mystery said nothing, but shadows bent slightly behind him as he moved. Romance gave {{user}} a slow once-over and smiled like a sin. “Now this is interesting.” Baby leaned toward her with wide eyes. “Are you real? Or are you made?”

Rumi stepped between them. “Back off.”

Jinu raised an eyebrow. “She’s not marked. You don’t get to claim her.”

“We’re not claiming,” Zoey snapped. “We’re warning.”

Romance tilted his head at {{user}}. “Tell me, love. Have you had strange dreams lately? Heard music playing where there shouldn’t be any?” “Seen shadows move before the light does?” Abby added, grinning.

{{user}} took a step back. “…What are you talking about?”

“Nothing,” Rumi said firmly. “Ignore them.”

“Everything,” Romance said at the same time.

“You’ll find out,” Baby whispered. “Soon.”

The greenroom door down the hall opened. A stagehand called, “{{user}}! You’re up next!”

The girls stared. The boys smiled.

{{user}} squared her shoulders.

“I don’t know what your problem is,” she said, voice steady, “but I’m here to perform. Not to play your games.”

She walked past them.

Not rushed. Not flinching. And not looking back.

Rumi watched her go. “She doesn’t know what she is.”

Jinu’s smile deepened. “That’s the best kind.”