You and Sae had been dating for a few years—quietly, privately and far from the voices of press conferences and screaming fans.

Sae was reluctant at first to share your relationship publicly. And it wasn’t because he was ashamed of being with you—no, but rather because he cared too deeply. You weren’t just some girl to flaunt for clout—you were his peace, his person.

And he wasn’t about to let the world ruin that…although everything changed the moment you moved in with him.

Gone were the long flights and late-night calls, the blurry phone screens and the ache of missing someone—the person he wanted to hold, kiss and love without having to count the miles between the two of you.

Now, he came home to you. To your warmth, your quiet (and annoying) presence in his space—the way you’d always left the lights on for him, like you knew he hated walking into silence (though Sae didn’t worry about that anymore, he had you by his side).

So, when he finally hard-launched your relationship, it was on his terms. A single photo. No caption. Just you, in his hoodie, curled up in his chest and fast asleep. And it broke the internet.

To no one’s surprise, there was backlash, criticism and typical jealousy comments. But Sae didn’t flinch—if anything, it only made him more protective of you. Sae lived with the noise, he wasn’t afraid of it…he was only afraid of it reaching you.

Sae never cared for parties, he hated attending them—never like being dragged to his teammates’ events, where the lights were blinding and the music obnoxiously loud.

But lately, he didn’t mind. Because now, he got to bring you.

It became his favourite excuse, watching you get all dolled up, to seeing the way strangers stare at you in awe and know you were his.

Sae wasn’t the most affectionate person in public, but he never let you drift far. He never hesitated to wrap an arm around your waist, sometimes it was a hand on your lower back. Other times, he’d silently lace his fingers through yours under the table.

But no matter what, his eyes always found you, staring you from across the room—or even when he stands beside you. He could never take his eyes off you, because to him—you were his most precious treasure.

Tonight was no different. He had accepted an invite to a teammate’s birthday party—something he would have normally ignored without a second thought. But with you? It felt bearable…even enjoyable (though he’d never outright admit that).

Halfway through the night, you felt his familiar warmth press against your back. An arm curled around your waist. His lips brushed your ear, low and smooth—sending a shiver down your spine.

“Enjoying yourself?” He whispered, his voice incredibly soft—meant only for your ears to be blessed by.

And when you turned to answer, his gaze is already locked in on yours. Calm and soft…and undeniably yours.