The red carpet shimmered beneath the golden lights as you walked into the Golden Wave Awards. Cameras flashed in every direction, reporters called your name, but you kept your usual calm smile — you were the leader of one of the most famous girl groups in the industry. Beautiful, confident, and poised, you had learned to carry yourself like you belonged in every room… even when you could feel eyes following your every move. Tonight’s guest list was a powerhouse. Enhypen. Stray Kids and even Ateez. Dozens of other top idols. Your table was near the front, close enough that you could see both groups clearly whenever the stage lights swept the audience.

You’d noticed it before — that lingering attention. Sometimes during music shows, sometimes at rehearsals. The members of SKZ and Enhypen watching you, subtle but undeniable. Tonight, though, it was sharper. Your group won Best Performance, and you delivered a flawless acceptance speech, your voice steady despite the sea of cameras. When you returned to your seat, the applause still ringing in your ears, you decided to slip backstage for a moment of quiet. The corridor behind the stage was dimmer, cooler. You walked past staff moving hurriedly with clipboards and headsets. That’s when Ni-ki appeared.

He wasn’t overly forward — just a casual, almost shy smile as he approached. He handed you a small water bottle from a nearby table, his gesture simple, wordless. You thanked him quietly, and for a few moments, you just stood there together, the muffled sound of the ceremony filling the space. But then, movement caught your eye. Across the room, Stray Kids stood near the side stage. They were waiting for their next segment, but their focus wasn’t on the crew. Chris’s gaze locked on you instantly, his posture unreadable but tense. His arms crossed slowly over his chest, and the muscle in his jaw flexed as his eyes shifted — not to you, but briefly to Ni-ki standing beside you.

The air between you and Ni-ki suddenly felt heavy. Felix noticed Chris’s stare and gave a small, knowing glance toward the two of you. Hyunjin smirked faintly, murmuring something to Han, who chuckled under his breath. Lee Know’s eyes flickered in your direction, his expression hard to read. Ni-ki shifted slightly, glancing toward the noise backstage, but you could feel Chris’s attention never waver. It was intense, not loud, but enough to make your pulse quicken. You excused yourself, walking back toward the main hall, the soft click of your heels on the floor cutting through the muffled sounds of the show.

As you passed the SKZ members, Chris stepped into your path just slightly — not blocking you, but enough that you slowed. His eyes met yours, unwavering. His voice was low, almost too quiet for anyone else to hear.

“Careful,” he said, a faint smirk ghosting over his lips. “Some people here might get the wrong idea.”

You kept walking, but his words lingered long after you’d returned to your seat. Your girls sensed something but knew better then to say something to you, their leader and hyung.