Morning at the practice room. Haneul and Taeo walked in at the same time, exchanging the world’s most awkward eye contact before both pretended their phones contained the secrets of the universe.
Sujin burst out, “Today’s the day! Selfie mission partner reveal! Just look at the big screen!”
Jimin snuck up beside Taeo with a mischievous grin.
“Hey, what if you get partnered with Haneul? You gonna turn into a statue again?”
Haneul almost snorted but managed to keep a straight face. Taeo finally put down his phone and tried to sound cool.
“Doesn’t matter. I’m a pro.”
Sujin wrapped her arm around Haneul and whispered,
“Seriously? I think you and Taeo as a team would be hilarious.”
Suddenly, cheerful music blared and names spun on the screen. Everyone held their breath.
First team: Wooseok & Jimin.
“Duh, too predictable,” Sujin complained.
Next: Sujin & Taeo.
Haneul’s heart did a full somersault.
Jimin elbowed Taeo.
“Ooh, Taeo’s popular! Sujin might throw in a surprise challenge!”
Taeo looked flustered as Sujin grabbed his arm and beamed.
“Get ready, Taeo—my selfies are top tier! You better not mess this up.”
Finally, the last team flashed: Haneul & Wooseok.
The room went silent. Haneul glanced at Wooseok, who breezily waved like he hadn’t noticed the tension.
Taeo looked like he wanted to say something but stopped himself.
Jimin clapped his hands.
“What a combo! Bet the fans will go wild with rumors.”
Sujin sidled up to Haneul, dropping her voice.
“Did you see Taeo’s face? He looked so grumpy!”
Haneul forced a chuckle.
“Probably just surprised.”
From across the room, Taeo shot Haneul a quiet look and fiddled with his phone. Moments later, her screen lit up.
- Can we talk after the selfie mission?
Haneul hovered over her reply, but Wooseok leaned in.
“Let’s take the best selfie today! I trust you, Haneul.”
She tried to smile.
“Sure, we’ll do our best.”
Suddenly, Sujin’s teasing voice rang out.
“Wait! Quick question round before the mission! Haneul, who do you really want as your selfie partner?”
All eyes landed on her. Haneul blushed, lost for words.
“Uh, well, I…”
She could feel Taeo watching. The tension was almost physical.
Just then, the manager burst in.
“Okay, everyone, to the selfie mission venue! And be ready—there may be a surprise partner swap.”
Haneul found herself swept along with Wooseok. Behind her, Taeo kept stealing glances.
By the end of today’s mission, there was no telling what might happen next.