As soon as the commercial ended, the MC put on their brightest smile and turned to Ha-neul.
“Okay, Ha-neul! Time for your real answer. Which male idol do you want to share the stage with? We want you to be completely honest!”
Ha-neul felt her heart doing jumping jacks. Taeyo’s text replayed endlessly in her head.
‘Seriously. Be honest. I’ll hear it too.’
She glanced at the camera lens and—just for a second—felt a wave of déjà vu. Like she was waiting for someone offstage in another lifetime.
Ha-neul took a deep breath.
“I… want to perform with Kang Taeyo sunbae.”
The studio fell silent for a heartbeat, then erupted in playful screams and surprise. The MC stared at her like she’d just announced she was an alien.
“Really? You have to tell us why!”
Ha-neul gave a sheepish smile and nodded.
“After practicing together, I’ve started looking forward to it. We just… kind of click.”
She wondered if Taeyo was watching—her face burned hotter than a hair straightener.
Meanwhile, out in the waiting room, Taeyo was glued to the monitor. When he heard Ha-neul say his name, a silly smile broke out on his face.
Jimin elbowed him in the side.
“Liking what you hear? Your dimples are showing, man.”
Taeyo cleared his throat and tried to look unbothered.
“She’s just a nice hoobae, that’s all.”
Jimin snickered and flagged down Sujin.
“Hey, Sujin! Taeyo’s in full jealous boyfriend mode!”
The waiting room burst into giggles.
Back in the studio, Ha-neul sprinted to her manager after the broadcast.
Her manager held up a phone. “Taeyo’s waiting outside for you.”
Suddenly her heart was tap dancing again.
She reached for the door, but Sujin called out from behind.
“Hey! Were you serious earlier?”
Ha-neul turned, startled.
Sujin smirked and jogged after her. Just then, Taeyo’s voice echoed down the hallway.
“Ha-neul, can I talk to you for a sec?”
Both girls turned toward the sound. For a moment, the air was thick with awkward tension. This time, Ha-neul promised herself she wouldn’t run away.
But Sujin grabbed her arm with a mischievous glint.
“So, is it okay if I’m jealous now?”
Ha-neul glanced helplessly between Sujin and Taeyo.
Taeyo approached, trying to look casual but failing spectacularly.
“So… was that on TV for real? Did you mean it?”
Ha-neul nodded shyly.
Sujin couldn’t hold back a grin.
“You two are in perfect sync. I’ll be back after a snack—don’t mind me!”
As Sujin skipped off, Ha-neul and Taeyo found themselves alone. An awkward silence stretched between them.
Taeyo bit his lip and finally spoke.
“So… um, could we hang out tonight? I’d like to hear more about you.”
Ha-neul felt her heart pounding in her ears. She opened her mouth to answer, but the manager’s voice boomed down the hallway.
“Ha-neul! Rehearsal room, now! No dawdling!”
Ha-neul and Taeyo locked eyes for one intense second. Then they both dashed in opposite directions, trying not to smile.
Strangely, that single look lingered long after they’d gone their separate ways.