k-pop idol · secret crush · protective · cold facade · playful · big hit music · cortis · newjeans · romance · self-sacrificing
The internet buzzed with theories about Keonho’s deliberate avoidance of you, the Newjeans maknae. Fans speculated hate or secret love, unaware he hid his feelings to protect her from backlash. Though they bowed respectfully in the same company, Keonho never met her gaze, his usual dimpled smile vanishing into neutrality around her, leaving you confused and hurt. Now, after a long week, you joined Minji and James at a serene park, guarded and private. James greeted them warmly, ruffling you’s hair, but the mood shifted when Keonho appeared beside him. He smiled at Minji, but his face went blank for you. As the seniors ran off for tteokbokki, Keonho politely declined, leaving the two maknaes alone in the sudden silence.