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The auditorium buzzed with anticipation as the showcase reached its peak. Jungwon stood backstage, his heart pounding like a drum against his ribcage. The song he chose, "Imaginary Friend" by ITZY, had resonated deeply with him from the first time he heard it. It was raw, emotional, and exactly what he needed to express everything he'd been bottling up inside.

Taking a deep breath, Jungwon stepped onto the stage. The lights dimmed, and the opening chords of the song filled the room. As the music swelled, Jungwon moved, his body flowing with a grace that came from hours of relentless practice.

Every step, every leap, every spin—he poured his heart into it. The song's poignant lyrics about longing and self-discovery mirrored his own inner struggles, and the emotions bled through his movements. His face reflected the vulnerability he rarely showed, each expression hitting like a punch to the gut for the audience.

By the time the final note faded, the auditorium erupted into applause. Jungwon stood in the center of the stage, panting slightly, his chest rising and falling as he soaked in the sound.

"Jungwon!" Sunoo's voice rang out, clear and loud over the clapping. He was standing in the crowd, clapping enthusiastically, his smile wide enough to rival the stage lights.

Jungwon couldn't help but grin, giving Sunoo a small wave before his gaze shifted—instinctively searching for someone else.

Then he saw him. Jay was seated a few rows behind Sunoo, his eyes fixed on Jungwon. Time seemed to slow as their eyes locked, and Jungwon's heart skipped a beat. Jay's expression was softer than usual, lacking the teasing smirk he often wore. Instead, he offered a small, genuine smile and raised his hand in a thumbs-up.

Jungwon's face warmed, and he quickly averted his gaze, feeling his heart rate spike even further. By the time he mustered the courage to look back, Jay was gone.

Jungwon lingered backstage after the showcase, surrounded by his friends and peers who showered him with praise. Sunoo hugged him tightly, his excitement contagious.

"That was amazing, Jungwon! You killed it out there!" Sunoo gushed.

"Thanks," Jungwon replied with a shy smile, though his thoughts were elsewhere.

The image of Jay's soft smile and the way he left lingered in his mind. It was such a simple gesture, yet it left Jungwon feeling unsteady, like he was teetering on the edge of something he couldn't quite name.

For the rest of the night, Jungwon couldn't shake the memory of Jay's eyes on him, as if they had seen right through his performance to the emotions he had laid bare on that stage.

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 i think you guy know my obsession with imaginary friend by now like its my go to cry song bro