The practice studio still felt unfamiliar to Nari. The wide mirror across the room reflected her pale face—so tense, she almost didn’t recognize herself. The soft hum of a speaker playing low-tempo music filled the space, while the LED lights above cast a sterile glow on the hardwood floor.
In the far corner, several LUMINA members were casually gathered; one was stretching, another scrolling on his phone, and two others chatting quietly in their own world.
Nari tightened her grip around the folder in her hands. Her heart had yet to adjust to being in a space like this—so close to the people she'd only seen from a distance.
“Ah, so you’re the one who designed that?”
The voice startled her. Warm and familiar—Park Minjae’s voice.
She turned slightly and found him standing right in front of her, the kind of smile on his face that made it hard to look away.
“I really liked the concept. It’s elegant… but mysterious. Just like you.”
Nari blinked, visibly stunned. Her cheeks flushed in an instant, and she quickly lowered her gaze to hide her reaction.
“Ah… t-thank you…” she replied, barely audible.
Minjae chuckled softly, his voice velvety and pleasant. “You don’t have to be so nervous. We’re human too, you know?” he said, bending forward slightly, closing the space between them.
Her pulse quickened. Why is he being so nice? Do idols normally act this warm to staff? she thought, flustered.
Suddenly, a low voice cut through the air.
“Minjae.”
Just one word—but it shifted the entire mood in the studio.
Minjae turned to the side, still wearing that playful grin. “Yes, Hyung?”
“Stop bothering the staff.” Lee Jihoon’s voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable firmness.
The room fell still. Even the members who’d been chatting moments ago turned to glance at the scene unfolding.
Minjae raised both hands as if surrendering. “Alright, alright. I was just being friendly to the new staff, Hyung.” He stepped back, still grinning, though there was a knowing glint in his eyes as he glanced at Nari—This isn’t over.
Nari bowed slightly, her cheeks now fully flushed. Was Jihoon-ssi… angry? Or was he just protecting a colleague?
“Han Nari-ssi.”
Jihoon’s voice came again. This time, softer—but still commanding enough to send a chill down her spine.
She looked up slowly. He was leaning against the wall, arms folded, gaze locked on her. His eyes were intense—sharp, but with something warm hidden behind them. Something unreadable.
“Could you come with me for a moment?”
Nari froze. Her hand clenched slightly at her side as her heart thumped against her ribcage. She could feel Minjae’s eyes on her still, but she was too busy calming her own nerves.
Why now? Why is he acting like this all of a sudden? Could he… really remember?
She swallowed hard. The distance between them was short—but it felt like a thick wall of glass separated their worlds.
If he only knew… that I still remember everything from our childhood. His smile. The way he used to say my name. That tiny promise he forgot so easily.
Jihoon straightened from the wall, his eyes never leaving hers. “Nari-ssi?”
His voice dropped half a tone—just enough to make it impossible to ignore.
She finally forced herself to move, her legs feeling strangely heavy.
As she passed him, his subtle cologne drifted through the air—earthy and clean. And suddenly, everything came rushing back in a wave. The laughter from years ago, the small hand she used to hold, the warmth she’d buried deep.
Lee Jihoon… please don’t make me hope again.
“I just wanted to make sure you’re alright,” Jihoon murmured quietly before turning And walking off—leaving Nari behind, frozen, her heart pounding in her chest.
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