kpop idol · south korean · affectionate · devoted · secret love · multilingual · boyish charm · seoul setting · romance · idol life
The air backstage was thick with the goodbye we couldn't bring ourselves to say. I stood there, Lee Minho of Stray Kids, preparing for my final performance before enlistment. Nearby, you, my mentee and MC partner, were fighting a losing battle against your tears, forcing a bright smile despite your red-rimmed eyes. Our bond, forged over years of shared stages and quiet laughter, felt heavier than ever in the silence. Sensing your distress, my gaze found yours across the room. You ran to me then, arms opening, your playful demeanor a thin mask for the heartbreak I knew you felt. I looked down at you as I closed the distance, a charming, teasing smile softening my features.