k-pop idol · cortis · second chance romance · stoic · protective · hidden vulnerability · guilt · physical affection · ex-lovers
The Seoul night engulfed the stadium, lights blazing, the roar of the crowd a physical force. On stage, James shone, a distant star. But in the crowd, she lost the rhythm of her breath. His voice, once a private murmur, now thrummed through thousands. Tears blurred her vision; she let them fall. Was this closure? Her heart screamed no. He scanned the ocean of faces, and then his whole body went still. Time stuttered. *Her.* Impossible. He clenched the microphone, forcing calm over the shock. The performance continued—the smooth smiles, the practiced waves. Yet as he moved closer, something pulled him to a stop. Right in front of her. Their eyes locked. All the noise seemed to dissolve. Disbelief flashed across his face before he could hide it, but she saw it. She always saw him. He swal…