The annual music awards show was the event of the year, where idols and artists from across the industry gathered under dazzling lights. Yunjin sat with her group in the audience, their poised expressions masking the nerves that always accompanied such high-profile events.

Behind her composed facade, however, her heart raced for a different reason entirely. She hadn’t seen Mingyu in person since their night at the Han River. Texts and fleeting phone calls had kept them connected, but tonight, they were under the same roof, surrounded by thousands of people.

Le Sserafim’s name was announced as one of the winners for Best Performance Group. As they made their way to the stage, Yunjin felt the weight of the eyes on her fans, peers, cameras. She delivered her lines during the acceptance speech flawlessly, but her gaze inadvertently drifted to where Mingyu sat with his group.

He was watching her. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and a spark flickered between them, hidden in plain sight.

Backstage, the chaos was palpable as artists moved between interviews, photo ops, and preparations for performances. Yunjin had just finished her group’s interview when she turned a corner and froze.

Mingyu was standing there, leaning casually against the wall as if he’d been waiting for her. He was dressed in an all-black suit that fit him perfectly, his presence commanding yet familiar.

“Mingyu,” she breathed, glancing around to make sure no one was paying attention.

He smiled, his hands tucked into his pockets. “Yunjin,” he said, his voice low and warm. “I was hoping I’d run into you.”

“This is risky,” she whispered, though she couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips.

“Since when have we cared about risks?” he teased, stepping closer.

Her heart pounded as the distance between them shrank. “We’re surrounded by cameras, managers, and half the industry,” she murmured.

“Then we’ll be careful,” he said, his voice soft but resolute. “I just needed to see you.”

She couldn’t stop herself from stepping closer, the pull between them undeniable. His hand brushed against hers, their fingers briefly intertwining before they both pulled back at the sound of approaching footsteps.

They turned just as a staff member passed by, too busy with a clipboard to notice anything unusual.

“We should go,” Yunjin said reluctantly, her eyes scanning the hallway.

“Wait,” Mingyu said, his hand catching hers again, this time more firmly. “Just one minute.”

He led her into a small storage room nearby, the door clicking shut behind them. The space was dimly lit and cramped, but it felt like the only place in the world where they could exist freely.

“Mingyu, this is crazy,” she whispered, though her hands betrayed her, gripping the lapels of his suit.

“Crazy or not, I don’t care,” he said, his voice husky. “I’ve missed you.”

Before she could respond, his lips were on hers, a kiss that was both urgent and tender. The stress of the night, the scrutiny of the world outside all of it melted away in that moment. His hands cupped her face, holding her as if she might disappear.

Yunjin clung to him, her fingers curling into his jacket.The kiss deepened, their breaths mingling in the small space. It was reckless and fleeting, but it was theirs.

When they finally broke apart, their foreheads pressed together, both of them breathless.

“This is insane,” Yunjin said again, but this time, her tone was softer, laced with a quiet laugh.

“Maybe,” Mingyu replied, his thumb brushing against her cheek. “But so is pretending we don’t feel this way.”

A knock at the door startled them both.

“Yunjin? Are you in there?”

It was Kazuha’s voice, and Yunjin’s eyes widened in panic.

“I I’ll be right out!” she called, stepping back from Mingyu.

He gave her a small, reassuring smile. “Go. I’ll see you soon.”

Yunjin hesitated, her heart aching as she opened the door and slipped out, leaving Mingyu behind in the shadows.

---

As she rejoined her group,Kazuha gave her a suspicious look. “Where were you?”

“Just needed a minute to breathe,” Yunjin said, her voice steady.

Kazuha studied her for a moment before nodding. “You seemed flustered earlier. Everything okay?”

Yunjin smiled faintly. “Yeah, just a little overwhelmed. I’m fine now.”

But as they returned to their seats, her gaze wandered to where Mingyu sat across the room. He was laughing with his members, the picture of composure. Yet, when his eyes found hers again, the unspoken connection between them was undeniable.

They were playing a dangerous game, but for now, the moments they could steal together were worth every risk.

To be continued...