Backstage, Haneul’s heart was pounding so loud, she wondered if everyone could hear it. The confession mission was over, but Taeyo’s eyes hadn’t looked like he was acting.
Taeyo leaned in, lowering his voice.
“Was that… real?”
Haneul fidgeted, glancing away for a moment before whispering back.
“Were you real, too? On stage?”
A thick silence landed on them—until Sujin burst in.
“Seriously, you two! Stop making my heart race; I’m the one blushing here!”
Wooseok strolled in, grinning.
“Come clean! Is this really a mission or are you guys just dating with subtitles?”
Flustered, Haneul waved her hands.
“Don’t be silly! It’s all for the show—really!”
Taeyo laughed along, but his eyes kept sneaking back to Haneul.
The manager poked his head in.
“You’re not done yet! Everyone to the stage, now.”
Sujin and Wooseok headed out first, leaving a bubble of awkwardness between Haneul and Taeyo.
Taeyo scratched his neck.
“Have you ever… you know, wondered if it could be real?”
Haneul jerked her head up, eyes wide. At that moment, Jimin’s loud voice echoed from the hallway.
“Hurry! They say the next mission rule changed!”
With one last, loaded glance, the two dashed toward the stage. Their hearts full of questions and anticipation. Will they finally be honest—on stage or off?