Seonghyeon’s changed.

Not on stage. Not in interviews. Not in front of flashing cameras where Seonghyeon from Cortis still smiles like he belongs to the world.

Just with you.

He used to text first. Random selfies from the practice room. Late-night “Did you eat?” messages. He used to make time, even if it was just an hour between schedules.

Now? Less messages. Less calls. Less effort.

And if you don’t text him first, your phone stays silent.

You know he’s busy. Comebacks, rehearsals, recordings. But today is his day off.

So why does it still feel like you’re begging?

You stare at the chat before typing:

Hey… Sean? Are you free today? Can we go out? It’s been a while since we hung out.

You delete it. Rewrite it. Add a smiley. Delete that too.

Finally, you send it.

The reply takes forever.

Sorry, I’m busy today.

Busy.

On his day off.

You don’t even respond. Instead, you go out alone and end up at a nearby restaurant.

Halfway through your meal, you hear a laugh you know too well.

Your heart drops. You look up—And there he is, Seonghyeon. No mask. No rush. Sitting across from another girl.

He’s leaning in slightly, smiling at something she said. That soft, attentive smile you haven’t seen in weeks.

He doesn’t look busy, he looks free. His eyes then meet yours across the room. For a second, everything freezes, but instead of guilt— His expression hardens — like you’re the problem.