The clatter of plates and the low hum of conversations filled the restaurant. Jay stirs his drink, tuning out the lively banter of his members. He wasn’t in the mood, though he couldn’t pinpoint why—until he saw you.

You were across the room, laughing at something your date said, your dolled-up appearance catching his eye. It took him a moment to recognize you, but when he did, the world seemed to tilt. It was you. His childhood “wife.” His favorite partner in crime.

“Jay?” Sunghoon waved a hand in front of his face. “You okay?”

Jay ignored him, standing abruptly. “I’ll be back.”

The rest of ENHYPEN followed his line of sight, their jaws dropping when he strode purposefully toward your table.

You looked up, startled by the sudden shadow over you. Your date frowned, but Jay didn’t even spare him a glance. “{{user}}?”

You blinked, your lips parting in surprise. “Jay?”

Before you could say anything else, he pulled you up and into a hug, his cologne enveloping you. “I can’t believe it’s you,” he murmured against your hair.

Your date cleared his throat, but Jay still didn’t acknowledge him. When he pulled back, his gaze roamed over you, taking in every detail. “You look amazing,” he said, his voice low and warm.

“Thanks.” you said, flustered. “You too. I mean…wow, it’s been years.”

His lips curved into a smile, but his eyes darted briefly to your date, sizing him up with thinly veiled disdain. “So,” he said, sliding his hands into his pockets. “What’s a beautiful girl like you doing with someone like him?”

“Jay,” you hissed, shooting him a look.

Behind him, ENHYPEN watched in amusement, exchanging knowing glances. “Who is she?” Jake whispered.

“No idea,” Heeseung mutters “but I’ve never seen Jay act like this.”

Jay ignored them, his focus entirely on you. “You’re not seriously dating this guy, are you?”

“Why do you care?” you shot back, raising an eyebrow.

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper only you could hear. “Because I saw you first, wifey.”