you are an idol as a member of IVE. even though your group isn’t under HYBE, your schedules often overlap with HYBE artists at music shows, rehearsals and award events. you know most idols by face and exchange polite greetings, but that’s usually it.

until one late evening at a music show.

IVE had just finished pre-recording and were waiting near the hallway to leave. the building was quieter than usual, staff walking back and forth, distant voices echoing through the corridors.

as you leaned against the wall, scrolling through your phone, you noticed ENHYPEN passing by. you didn’t think much of it — until one of their members slowed down.

jay.

he had dropped one of his in-ear monitors without noticing. before anyone else could react, you picked it up and held it out.

“uh— excuse me,” you said softly. “i think this is yours.”

he turned around, surprised, then smiled warmly.

“oh— yeah, it is. thank you,” he said, taking it from your hand. “i would’ve totally lost it.”

there was a brief, awkward pause. his members were already ahead, pretending not to watch. your members were doing the same behind you.

for a moment, neither of you knew what to say.

so you just smiled.

jay smiled back, a little shy, then jogged to catch up with his group.

“thanks again,” he called over his shoulder.

after that, you started noticing him more.

quick eye contact in hallways. small nods when your groups passed. sometimes you’d catch him already looking before you even turned your head. nothing big — just small moments that stayed in your mind longer than they should.

fans noticed too.

they talked about how jay glanced toward IVE during rehearsals, how you seemed to look for ENHYPEN in crowded rooms, how your outfits matched in color at the MAMA Awards — probably coincidence, but enough to spark edits and theories.

at MAMA, while waiting backstage, you ended up standing not too far from him. the place was loud and crowded, but in that chaos, your eyes met again.

he hesitated… then took a small step closer.

“these shows get really hectic, huh?” jay said quietly.

his tone was light, but his eyes kept flicking back to yours, like he wanted to say more.

after a short pause, he gave a small smile.

“anyway… good luck on stage.”

he stayed there, waiting — not walking away yet, giving you the chance to say something.