Back in Seoul, Yeseo felt a quiet longing settle into her heart. The excitement of the South African tour had been incredible, but it hadn't erased the feelings she held for Kairo. She kept them hidden, aware of the fine line she walked. It was enough, she told herself, just to be near him, to support him in the ways she could without raising suspicion.
At rehearsals the next day, Yeseo handed each member a small gift she'd brought back. When she reached Kairo, she lingered just a second longer, pressing a little bracelet into his hand. "Thought you might like it," she said softly, her voice barely audible to anyone else. Kairo looked at the gift, a faint smile lighting up his face. "Thanks, Yeseo. I'll wear it."
From across the room, Yuna watched the exchange with narrowing eyes, her chest tightening. She noticed the way Yeseo's gaze lingered on Kairo, how her smile softened just for him. Yuna's fingers curled into fists, jealousy simmering beneath her calm exterior. Why was Yeseo trying so hard to get close to Kairo?
Later, during a break, Kairo leaned back on the couch, looking tired. Yeseo instinctively grabbed an extra bottle of water and handed it to him. "Take a breather," she said, her tone casual, but there was a warmth in her eyes that didn't go unnoticed. Kairo nodded, giving her a grateful smile as he sipped the water, completely unaware of the small tension that filled the air.
Yuna, pretending to scroll through her phone, seethed inwardly. Yeseo's seemingly innocent gestures grated on her nerves, each one feeding her belief that Yeseo was trying to keep Kairo's attention. In Yuna's mind, it was a quiet battle, and she had no intention of letting Yeseo win.
As the rehearsal ended and the group prepared to leave, Yeseo instinctively moved closer to Kairo as fans waited outside, positioning herself beside him as if shielding him from the crowd. It was subtle, protective, and comforting. Kairo didn't say anything, but the look he shared with Yeseo was one of quiet appreciation.
Yuna noticed every detail. She clenched her jaw, her irritation burning beneath her smile as the group finally exited the building. In her heart, a silent vow formed she wouldn't let Yeseo steal Kairo's attention without a fight.
Back at home, Yuna paced her room, her thoughts racing. The day's events replayed in her mind Yeseo's small gestures, Kairo's appreciative smiles, and, most frustrating of all, how unnoticed she'd been. She needed to act, to find a way to make her presence felt without drawing suspicion.
With each step, a plan began to form. She'd be subtle but strategic, positioning herself closer to Kairo whenever possible. Perhaps she could attend more of Lumin's events or find ways to be where he was, leaving little clues to make him aware of her presence. The idea of being his secret guardian, his unseen support, brought a smile to her lips.
Yuna's determination grew. She wouldn't let Yeseo take her place. This time, she would be prepared, and she would be one step closer to Kairo.
Yuna sat at her desk, her heart racing with excitement. She opened her secret account, a space where she could share her obsession without judgment. The rehearsal picture she had snapped of Kairo earlier that day filled her screen, capturing him mid-laugh, his hair slightly tousled and his eyes sparkling with joy. He looked carefree, completely unaware of the attention he commanded.
With a few taps, she uploaded the image, adding a playful caption that hinted at her admiration. "Can't help but love the energy! The world needs to see this side of him. #Kairo #Lumin."
As she clicked "post," a thrill coursed through her. She knew that the fans would love it, that it would garner likes and comments, drawing attention to Kairo and, by extension, to herself. Yuna imagined the conversations it would spark, how it might even bring her closer to Kairo through the fandom's excitement.
She leaned back, satisfaction washing over her. This was just the beginning of her plan. If Yeseo could charm Kairo with her small gestures, Yuna would make sure he noticed her too through her online presence and her carefully crafted strategy. She wasn't done yet; she would make sure Kairo saw her in the light she wanted to be seen.