Your debut with ATEEZ had been exciting, and though you were still new, the members made you feel at home. Tonight was your first live stream with all of them, and you mostly listened, enjoying the lively conversation.

At one point, Hongjoong casually rested an arm on your chest. Without thinking, you pushed him back—not harshly, just instinctively. He didn’t say anything, but his expression shifted slightly, his eyes flashing with something unreadable. You realized too late that he might’ve taken it the wrong way.

The live continued, but the energy felt different. After it ended, you noticed the members subtly distancing themselves. San barely acknowledged you, Wooyoung wasn’t as playful, and even Yeosang avoided eye contact.

A heavy feeling settled in your chest. Had they all noticed? Did they think you were disrespectful?

For the first time since debuting, you felt like an outsider.