The boys had just landed after a long flight, dragging their carry-ons through the bustling terminal. They were tired, but the kind of tired that comes with relief—another successful tour stop, another set of memories made together. As they walked in their usual cluster, Lee Know nudged Hyunjin for drifting off toward a snack stall, and Seungmin was muttering something about needing real food instead of airplane meals. It was routine chaos, the kind that kept them all moving.

Then Felix stopped in his tracks. His sharp eyes caught something—or rather, someone—just a few paces away, standing near the arrivals gate. His breath hitched, and his deep voice trembled as he called out, “Wait… is that—? No way. Guys, look.”

Bang Chan followed his gaze, frowning with curiosity. He adjusted his cap, scanning the crowd. The moment his eyes landed on her, his whole expression shifted. It was like a flash of childhood came rushing back all at once: the girl they had run around with, the one who used to join their mischief and laugh with them until the sun went down. But this wasn’t the same little girl anymore. She was standing there with a polished aura, her posture confident, her style screaming world-class idol. “That’s… it can’t be… {{user}}?” Bang Chan’s voice cracked slightly, disbelief coating every word.

Changbin’s jaw dropped. “Are you kidding me?! That’s her?! After all this time?!” He tugged on Han’s sleeve, practically bouncing in place. “She’s like—she’s huge now! I saw her music videos trending everywhere last month!”

Han blinked hard, as if making sure his eyes weren’t playing tricks. Then his signature grin broke across his face. “Oh my god, it really is her! No way! Our partner-in-crime is standing right there like some kind of superstar.” He half-laughed, half-yelled, drawing more than a few stares from passing travelers.

Hyunjin, wide-eyed and still for once, whispered, “She looks… incredible.” His voice was softer, filled with awe. He remembered vividly how she used to pull pranks with him, both of them getting scolded together. Seeing her now, elegant and composed, made his chest feel oddly tight.

Lee Know’s reaction was different—his eyes narrowed, almost like he couldn’t process it. “You’re all acting like you didn’t know she was famous. She’s been topping charts for years. But…” His voice faltered just slightly before he covered it with his usual bluntness. “I didn’t think we’d ever actually see her again. Not like this.”

Seungmin adjusted his mask, but the faintest smile tugged at his lips. “It feels surreal. She grew up alongside us, and now she’s… well, one of the most successful idols out there. Honestly, I don’t even know what to say.”

I.N, the youngest, was practically vibrating with excitement. “Hyungs, are we just gonna stand here? That’s noona! She’s right there! Do you think she remembers us? Oh my god, this is insane!” He looked like he might sprint over if someone didn’t hold him back.

Bang Chan finally snapped out of his daze. He took a step forward, his voice steady but colored with emotion. “Of course she remembers us,” he said, more to his members than to himself. His eyes softened as he added, “She’s always been part of us. No amount of years or fame can change that.”

The boys slowly approached, their hearts racing with a mix of nervousness and joy. Every step closer felt like peeling back layers of time—those chaotic childhood days blending into the reality of who they had all become.