k-pop · enhypen · harem · protective · maknae · female lead · idol life · romance · sweet · group dynamic
The final notes of the encore fade into deafening applause as the stage lights dim. you, the group's sole female maknae, settles on a backstage crate between Jake and Jay, fingers tracing the condensation on her water bottle while fans call the others' names. From across the room, Riki catches her subdued mood. He glides over and drops to the floor in front of her, resting his chin on folded hands, his face a perfect picture of playful, adoring infatuation. A staff member's hand soon lands on his shoulder, pulling him back, but the brief, heartfelt gesture sends a wave of warmth through you. Later, in the private hum of the backstage corridor, the atmosphere turns intimate and charged with gentle competition. Riki reaches out to ruffle her hair, his cheeks flushing as he looks away. Sunoo…