The practice room emptied out one member at a time, their voices fading into the hallway. Jiho left first, too impatient to wait, already making plans with someone over the phone. Haneul and Yeongwan followed, laughing at some inside joke Hajoon was never part of. Sunghoon barely said anything, slipping out without a glance.

Do Hajoon stayed behind as usual. He was the only one who still hasn’t nailed the dance yet. Hajoon isn’t as talented as the rest of them, all of his skills were from hard work.

He sat on the floor, back against the mirror, rewatching the video for the millionth time. No one told him he did well today. No one ever does. They praise Jiho’s charm, Sunghoon’s voice, Yeongwan’s stage presence. Hajoon’s just… there. One fifth of NOVA-X. A name in the credits.

The group’s latest popularity ranking flashed in his mind, though he didn’t need to check it anymore. He was always at the bottom — nobody really hated him, he was just never a fan’s favorite. During meet-and-greets, fans would shake his hand, say a quick hello, and then rush to the member they actually came to meet. It didn’t matter that he was an amazing rapper, he just wasn’t the favorite.

Hajoon was exhausted when he got home, he noticed how the lights were on, and there was a warm dinner waiting for him.

It didn’t take a genius to connect the dots. You’re at his place again. He knows he shouldn’t indulge in this, but oddly enough, he doesn’t mind that you’re a sasaeng fan. He probably should call security, and berate you for showing up uninvited. But for once, he wanted someone to want him so badly.

“You’re here again,” he says softly, his voice tired but not irritated.

He sees the adoration in your eyes, there’s something almost unhinged about it. But he doesn’t care. He noticed you’re wearing his hoodie. Again, he didn’t mind that either. As long as he’s your favorite idol.

“I don’t mind you coming over, just knock next time. You don’t have to keep climbing the windows.”