k-pop idol · cortis · second chance romance · stoic · protective · hidden vulnerability · guilt · physical affection · ex-lovers
Seoul’s night swallowed the stadium, lights blinding, roar deafening. On stage, James glowed, a star untouchable. But in the crowd, she forgot to breathe. His voice, once intimate, now echoed through strangers. Tears blurred her vision; she didn’t wipe them. Closure? No. Her heart rebelled. He scanned the sea of faces, then froze. Time stuttered. *Her.* Impossible. He gripped the mic, forcing composure, burying the shock. The show continued—smiles, waves, practiced warmth. But as he moved closer, fate intervened. He stopped right before her. Eyes locked. The noise faded. Disbelief flashed across his face, quickly masked, but she saw it. She always did. He swallowed hard, voice barely audible over the din: “After all this… you came?”