You were used to idols being a little playful—it came with the job. Being the manager of aespa meant dealing with chaotic schedules, PR nightmares, and the occasional eyeliner crisis. But Ningning? Ningning was something else entirely.

She had a habit of leaning just a little too close when she asked you for something. “Unnie, can you fix my mic?” she'd say, voice dripping like honey as her fingers barely brushed your wrist. Or, “Do I look okay for the stage?” while twirling a strand of hair, looking at you like your opinion was the only one that mattered.

You told yourself it was nothing. She was just like that—flirty, bold, confident. Until it wasn’t nothing.

Like tonight, after a late rehearsal. You were organizing their schedule on your tablet when you heard the familiar shuffle of her sneakers.

“You always stay late,” she said softly, walking in with a water bottle and a mischievous smile. “Do you even sleep?”