Chapter Text
The first time Annie laid eyes on Youngseo was when she and the other members chosen for the ALLDAY PROJECT were placed in a dance practice room together. Youngseo looked soft almost fragile with a bright aura about her. She wore a sweatshirt dotted with little hearts and a pair of loose sweatpants.
Annie being a very punctual person, arrived fifteen minutes early. She settled onto the couch in the corner of the practice room, waiting for rehearsal to begin. As Annie settled into the couch, she instinctively pulled out her phone, thumb flicking across the screen to see if anyone had texted. She tapped the top message on her phone—one from her close friends Gawon, whom she’d met when she first started training in person. Gawon was part of the group MEOVV. Annie had been this close to debuting with MEOVV along with Bailey, before plans shifted. Not that she was complaining.
Gawon: Annie how's it going? are you excited
Annie quickly replied back
'I got here early there's nobody here yet! not even bailey'
Before Annie could set her phone down, she heard another ping and saw Gawon had already replied.
'LMAO? what did I tell you about arriving early'
Annie let out a soft laugh as she typed her out her response
'I was just nervous okay'
Gawon's reply was instantaneous 'I know I know im teasing you got this unnie have fun okay!'
Before Annie could type out a reply, she heard the door to the room crack open. She lifted her head peeking over the side of the couch, a small part of her hoping it was Bailey.
It wasn’t.
A slim girl with long, light brown hair with cat features walked in. She wore light makeup—just enough to brighten her features and her hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, her side bangs framing her face. The sweatshirt dotted with little hearts and the loose sweatpants made her look soft, almost delicate.
Annie was captivated. She knew it was wrong to stare, but she couldn’t help it.
Before she even realized it, the girl was walking straight toward her. Annie quickly set her phone down and rose from the couch, extending her hand.
“Hi, I’m Moon Seoyoon. You can call me Annie if you want though.”
The girl hesitated for a moment before shyly offering her hand in return.
“Hi I’m Youngseo.” she said softly, her voice betraying how nervous she clearly was.
Annie gave her hand a gentle shake hoping to put her at ease.
“It’s nice to finally meet you” she said, offering a small smile.
Youngseo nodded, though her eyes flicked away for a moment as if she wasn’t sure where to look. She shifted her weight, clutching the strap of her practice bag a little tighter.
“You’re here early too?” Annie asked, trying to break the awkward tension settling between them.
Youngseo let out a tiny laugh. “I… didn’t want to be late. First day and all.”
“Same” She replied, relieved they had at least that in common. “I thought I’d be the only one.”
Youngseo’s lips curved into a shy smile—brief but warm. She stepped a little closer, her aura just as soft up close as it had been from across the room.
“Do you want to sit?” Annie asked, motioning to the couch she’d been occupying.
Youngseo nodded grateful that Annie was kind and moved to join her. For a moment neither of them spoke, but the silence felt surprisingly gentle—almost comfortable.
“Um… I’m a little nervous” Youngseo admitted quietly, barely above a whisper.
Annie glanced over at her, amused and oddly touched. “Me too.”
Before the silence could grow any more awkward, the door suddenly burst open. The rest of the members spilled into the room—led of course, by Tarzzan.
“Wassup team!” he shouted, bursting with his usual energy.
Bailey and Woochan trailed in behind him, laughing at his over-the-top entrance.
Tarzzan dropped his bag onto the floor with a dramatic thud, already bouncing on his feet like he’d chugged two energy drinks on the way here.
Bailey spotted Annie and immediately lit up. “Annie! You’re early—again” she teased, walking over to pull her into a quick side hug.
“I’m not the only one this time” Annie said, glancing toward Youngseo.
Youngseo gave a tiny, polite wave from the couch. Bailey waved back enthusiastically her smile big enough for both of them.
Woochan looked around the room as he set his water bottle down. “So this is everyone, right? We’re not missing anybody?”
“Pretty sure this is it,” Bailey said.
Tarzzan clapped his hands together, grinning. “Nice. First day of AllDay project—let’s make it iconic.”
Youngseo straightened a little at that, shoulders still tense. Annie noticed and nudged her knee gently against hers, a quiet “you’re okay” gesture.
Youngseo’s posture softened.
And just like that, the room swelled with chatter—introductions overlapping, jokes flying, and that electric mix of nerves and excitement that only comes with the first day of something big… and something rare. A co-ed group wasn’t common and everyone knew it. Including the fact that everyone here was already known. Youngseo had made a name for herself on the hit survival show Run EXT. Woochan was a former Trainee A member. Bailey was already recognized as a rising choreographer with viral credits under her belt, and Tarzzan—well, he was a model and an award-winning contemporary dancer.
It wasn’t just a new project. It was a lineup people were already watching.
During their short break, the five of them settled into a loose circle on the floor sipping water and easing into casual conversation.
“How old are you Youngseo?” Bailey asked suddenly, leaning forward with curiosity.
Youngseo, who had seemed shy at first, stretched her arms over her head with an easy confidence that caught Annie off guard. Extroverted—surprisingly so.
“I’m 19 born 2005” she answered with a bright smile.
“Woochan is too!” Bailey added, nudging him with her shoulder.
“I’m older, I have to be.” Woochan cut in, acting offended but clearly enjoying the attention.
Annie watched the three of them banter, her eyes moving from face to face as she quietly observed the dynamic forming between them. Their energy bounced off each other so naturally bright, loud, comfortable. It made her feel both included and a little out of her depth.
Youngseo laughed softly beside her, and Annie found herself glancing at her instead, wondering how someone could look so calm in a room full of such big personalities.
"So, when's your birthday Youngseo?" Tarzzan asked, curious.
Youngseo took a quick sip of her water before clearing her throat. "November 13th"
"Wow Woochan you're older!" Tarzzan shouted, patting woo on the back.
Woochan threw his hands up with a triumphant cheer.
“Let’s go! I’m older and NOT the maknae!” he shouted, practically vibrating with pride.
The others burst into laughter, his energy always boosted whenever Tarzzan was around and it makes sense.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of practice, laughter, and first-day nerves. By the time they wrapped up, everyone had already exchanged numbers with Youngseo—the last one to join the group of four but somehow fitting in like she’d always been there. They were all so different from each other but got along just fine and that was okay with Annie.
When practice finally ended, everyone began packing up still filled with that first-day adrenaline. Tarzzan was joking loudly with Woochan near the mirrors, Bailey scrolling through her phone while humming some melody she’d probably choreograph to later.
Annie was slipping her notebook into her bag when she realized Youngseo was still beside her, moving a little slower than the others tying the strings of her hoodie with quiet focus.
“You heading home?” Annie asked gently.
Youngseo looked up, eyes soft, scratching her head nervously. “Mm I think so, my house is like almost 15 minutes from here.”
In all honesty, Annie looked intimidating—she knew it, and so did everyone else. Youngseo couldn’t help feeling a flutter of nerves whenever she was near her, even if Annie never meant to come off that way.
Annie nodded, then noticed the way Youngseo kept glancing at the others—like she was making sure she wasn’t missing a cue, not slowing anyone down. That familiar first-day uncertainty.
“You did well today” Annie said, surprising herself with how natural it came out.
Youngseo blinked, then gave a tiny shy smile. “You think so?”
“I know so.”
Youngseo’s shoulders relaxed, the tension melting a bit. “You too.”
They both stood there for a moment, neither moving, the hum of the room fading behind them. Annie wasn’t sure what she expected—maybe a goodbye, maybe nothing at all but Youngseo suddenly held out her phone.
“Um… can I have your number too?” she asked, voice barely above a whisper.
Annie’s heart did a strange warm flip.
She took the phone carefully. “Yeah. Of course.”
As she typed, she caught Youngseo watching her—not intensely, not boldly, but with a quiet curiosity that made Annie feel seen in a way she wasn’t used to.
When she handed the phone back, their fingers brushed. Only for a second.
But long enough that both of them felt it.
Youngseo cleared her throat. “Thank you for… being nice today.”
“You don’t have to thank me” Annie said softly.
Youngseo smiled—this time a little wider. “Still. I wanted to.”
Bailey called Annie’s name from across the room, breaking the moment. Youngseo stepped back, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“I’ll see you tomorrow?” she asked.
“Yeah.” Annie replied. “Tomorrow.”
Youngseo waved once and bowed before slipping out the door. Annie watched her go longer than she meant to.
Bailey appeared beside her, following her gaze with a knowing smirk.
“So… you like her or something?”
Annie nearly choked. “W—what? No. I just met her I'm just interested she's different!”
“Sure” Bailey teased. “Whatever you say.”
Annie rolled her eyes and shoved her gently, but she couldn’t stop the smile tugging at her lips. It's not untrue that she was interested I mean who wouldn't be its Youngseo.
She went home that day, filled with excitement for what was to come. She had been waiting for her debut for years—it's what she always wanted. She knew she lacked in some areas, but she didn't get into an Ivy League for nothing. She wanted to prove to her parents that she was determined and wouldn't give up.
After feeding her dogs Annie was getting ready to take a shower, a sudden ringing pierced the quiet of the bathroom. Startled, she glanced over to her phone resting on the counter and saw an unfamiliar phone number flashing on the screen, indicating an incoming call. Curious she picked up.
'Hello?" She answered hesitantly
A familiar voice responded from the other end. "Hi It's Youngseo I wasn't sure if I should text or just call, I chose the latter."
Annie froze for a second suddenly remembering she did indeed give her number to Youngseo but didn't receive hers.
A soft smile spread across Annie’s face as she absorbed the voice on the line. “Hey Youngseo” she said gently. “I’m glad you called.”
Youngseo’s shy laugh crackled through the phone. “I was a little nervous to text, so I thought I’d just call instead. I hope that’s okay.”
“Of course it’s okay,” Annie replied, feeling a weird warmth blossom inside her. “I’m happy you did or else I would've forgot.”
There was a brief pause on the line, and then Youngseo spoke again, her voice quieter but sincere. “I just… I wanted to say thank you again for today. You were really kind and I really appreciate it.”
Annie’s heart fluttered. “Yeah of course, honestly I was nervous too but I’m glad we met I think we’re going to have a lot of fun working together.”
Youngseo hesitated, then softly replied “Me too I hope… maybe we can hang out sometime? Outside of practice?”
Annie’s smile grew wider. “I’d like that,” she said without hesitation. “Let’s definitely do it.”
“Okay” Youngseo whispered, a hint of relief in her voice. “Goodnight, Annie unnie.”
“Goodnight, Youngseo,” Annie replied, feeling a thrill of anticipation as she gently placed her phone back on the counter. She leaned against the wall, a soft contented sigh escaping her lips. She pulled herself together before getting into the shower and getting ready for bed.
Meanwhile, Youngseo ended the call, her mind swirling with conflicting feelings. She was an extrovert, usually confident around people she knew, but something about Annie made her nerves spike—her presence, her poise, that air of effortless elegance. Youngseo had always been quick to warm up to new friends, to show her true bubbly self, but with Annie she felt like she was walking on thin ice.
When she had first entered the practice room, her heart had thumped unexpectedly hard. She hesitated at the door, eyes briefly locking onto Annie, who was sitting on the couch completely absorbed in her phone. Youngseo took a few deep breaths, trying to steady herself before stepping inside. As she finally entered, she made eye contact with Annie. For a moment, she couldn’t tell if Annie just had a resting face that looked serious or if she was annoyed. That uncertainty scared her more than she liked to admit.
Youngseo’s steps were tentative, and she felt her palms grow sweaty as she approached. She had expected to feel confident—after all, she wasn’t shy or reserved in general but around Annie everything felt different. Still she pushed through her nerves determined to make a good impression, even if her heart was pounding in her chest.
Annie was surprisingly much softer than people made her out to be. She was nice, made jokes, and most importantly, made Youngseo feel welcomed. Youngseo wasn't sure how things would go since she was the last person to be added to the lineup but hearing the reassurance in Annie's voice made the weight on her shoulders fade. That was until she gathered up the courage to ask for Annie's number at the end of practice, when she finally got her number Youngseo hurried out of the practice room, trying to keep her composure, but her heart was pounding so loudly she was sure everyone could hear it. In her flurry of nerves, she completely forgot to give Annie her own number in return.
As soon as she was home, she sat on her bed, eyes glued to her phone, debating fiercely—should she call or just send a text? What if she was asleep? What if she was busy? Excuses tumbled one after another in her mind, each more convincing than the last. Finally, driven by a mixture of hope and anxiety, she took a deep breath and decided to call.
It was now Friday a week flew by, and the members got closer including Youngseo and Annie. Woochan had come up with a new nickname for Youngseo: "Zero" zero meant young in Korean which is where the nickname came from. The members occasionally started calling Annie by her real name, a sign that everyone was becoming more comfortable with each other. Despite the newfound camaraderie, Youngseo and Annie still hadn't hung out outside of practice and today seemed likely to be the same. That was until Annie magically summoned up the courage to ask Youngseo if she wanted to go out and eat after practice and do a little shopping—of course, inviting Bailey along too.
She came up with the idea after hearing Youngseo complain that she was hungry, Annie was looking at the mirror when it happened fixing her hair and Youngseo was laying on the floor next to Woochan and Bailey sitting next to them laughing at how cute the younger member was.
"We only have an hour left, so better find something quick to snack on," Woochan said, his tone teasing with a mischievous glint in his eyes, hinting that he knew they wouldn’t want to waste a second.
"I'm too lazy" Youngseo replied with a playful roll of her eyes, then lazily pushed herself up to grab her water bottle.
Annie watched them from the corner of her eye, a faint sting of something she couldn’t quite name stirring inside her as she pretended to be busy, her gaze lingering just a little too long on Youngseo’s carefree smile.
Annie quickly looked away, pretending to focus on stretching, but her mind kept drifting back to Youngseo’s laugh and the effortless way she moved. She wondered if Youngseo even noticed how she watched or if she was just too comfortable to care. A strange mix of feelings swirled inside Annie—happiness for their newfound closeness, but also a quiet, almost stubborn jealousy that she couldn’t quite shake.
She took a deep breath, trying to push the fluttering sensation down and reminding herself that it was only friendship... or at least that’s what she told herself.
After a moment of silence, Annie finally decided to break the tension. She hesitated for a second, then mustered up her courage and turned to Bailey with a shy smile.
“Bailey do you wanna go grab something to eat after practice? Maybe go shopping too or something?” she asked hesitantly, glancing at her friend.
Bailey tilted her head, slightly confused before realizing what annie was doing and her face lit up with enthusiasm.
“Omg yes! That sounds fun I think?"
Annie nodded, feeling a bit more confident from her friends support. Then after a quick breath, she added. “And... maybe Youngseo wants to come too? Don't want her to feel left out and all.”
Bailey looked at her friend knowingly with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Right good idea let’s ask her.”
Annie hesitated for a moment before turning toward Youngseo, who was still nearby, pretending to be busy but clearly listening. Summoning her courage once more, she called out, “Hey zero we're going out after practice—food, shopping, the usual. Do you want to come with us?”
Youngseo turned her head a little too quickly at the invitation, a surprised but bright smile spreading across her face. "Sure, of course!" she replied, her voice warm and genuine. Her eyes sparkled with a hint of excitement, and Annie felt a flutter in her chest at how effortlessly she agreed.
After practice wrapped up, Annie hurriedly grabbed her things, slipping them into her bag. She threw the strap over her shoulder and stepped out of the room, heading to meet the girls. They had left a little earlier while she was busy perfecting a move, but she was determined to catch up. She agreed to meet them in the lobby downstairs a little before they left to quickly get changed at the dorms.
Annie hadn’t moved into their dorm yet; she was still training and preferred to live at home since it was closer, and she was able to do so since she typically lived closer than the other girls did to the company. Youngseo's hometown was Seoul, but she decided to stay at the dorms due to her busy schedule. Bailey, being from America, also found it practical to stay there. Annie had originally planned to move in once her debut drew closer, but lately, she’s been reconsidering—maybe it was time to move in sooner.
Annie took the elevator down, and as soon as she reached the first floor she caught sight of Youngseo and Bailey snapping photos together. She paused for a moment, a soft smile spreading across her face as she watched them then quietly stepped out of the elevator. Just as she did Youngseo noticed her from the camera and instantly turned around, waving cheerfully with a bright, small smile.
"Annie unnie! We're over here!" she called out excitedly.
"Annie, hey!!" Bailey chimed in, waving enthusiastically.
Annie grinned, waving back happily, feeling a warm surge of happiness as she headed toward her friends.
"Hey guys, do you mind if we stop by my place really quick?" she asked, her voice a mix of nervous anticipation and worry.
Bailey and Youngseo exchanged a quick glance, then nodded with smiles.
"Of course you need to change anyway, maybe take a shower while you're at it." Bailey joked, looping her arm around Youngseo's.
Youngseo grinned, her eyes sparkling. "Yeah, let's go! I've been wanting to see your place."
Annie couldn't help but feel nervous about bringing them to her place as they walked out together, I mean everyone knew how wealthy she was and she didn't want them to see her differently after seeing her house. As her mind flooded with thoughts Bailey suddenly broke her out of it.
"So... your house its really big right?" She asked, genuinely curious.
Annie scratched her head but couldn't help but awkwardly smile "I wouldn't say it's that big"
"Bailey unnie you can't just ask people that" Youngseo added, playfully shoving the other girl.
Annie let out a little laugh before pulling her car keys out "it's okay I get asked that a lot"
The three girls climbed into Annie’s car, heading toward her house. Youngseo took the front seat after enough convincing, while Bailey happily settled into the back. Of course, Bailey insisted to Youngseo with a grin that she should sit in the back instead. Youngseo chuckled, shaking her head, but eventually relented. Once she agreed Bailey shot Annie a wink while taking her seat in the back, Annie jokingly rolled her eyes in exchange. The car quickly filled with laughter and light chatter as they headed off onto the road.
The three of them pulled up to Annie’s place not long after they left. The gates slid open automatically as her car approached, the security system recognizing her plates. The circular driveway curved around a softly lit fountain, and the mansion stretched out in sleek, modern lines—glass, stone, and warm golden light spilling through the windows.
Youngseo’s jaw dropped before she could stop herself. She snapped it shut the moment she noticed Annie glancing at her from the outside mirror. She’d known Annie’s house would be big—bigger than most—but the beauty of it still caught her off guard. And in that moment, she knew she needed a tour. No matter what.
Annie suddenly turned off the main drive, circling around and heading downward. She stopped at a keypad embedded in the wall and typed in a code. A soft beep sounded, and the underground garage door lifted smoothly.
Bailey unbuckled, leaning forward between the seats.
“I did not expect your house to have an underground garage, Yoon.”
Annie rolled her eyes playfully. “It’s not… uncommon.”
Bailey snorted. “Right, and I’m not Korean American.”
Youngseo said nothing. She was too busy taking in the space—the clean concrete floors, the slick lights that flicked on as they walked, the way everything felt like a scene straight out of a drama. She hugged her bag a little tighter, not intimidated, just… impressed. This was her first time seeing Annie’s world up close.
They stepped out of the car and Youngseo stayed close, not wanting to get lost in the maze-like layout. Annie led them toward a private elevator tucked neatly into the corner.
“You have an elevator straight from the garage?” Bailey asked, eyes wide.
Annie sighed. “Please don’t make this a thing.”
Youngseo glanced at her, noticing the faint embarrassment coloring her expression. It was strangely soft—seeing someone usually so composed look shy in her own home.
“It’s very Annie” Youngseo said quietly.
Annie turned to her. “What does that mean?”
“Structured,” Youngseo replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. “And very rich.”
Bailey burst out laughing. Annie just exhaled.
The elevator doors slid open, and the three stepped inside. Bailey hummed dramatically, clearly restraining herself from commenting on every square inch of the interior. Meanwhile, Youngseo stayed quiet, studying the polished steel walls and mirrored panels.
Annie pressed the button for the first floor.
“We’ll only be here for like twenty minutes” she said, glancing between them. “I just want to shower and change before we go eat.”
“No rush,” Bailey said immediately. “I’m already having fun.”
Youngseo watched Annie’s reflection in the mirrored wall—the way she ran a hand through her hair, how her shoulders subtly dropped once she was home. She looked different here.
Softer. More real.
When the elevator opened, the mansion revealed itself: high ceilings, warm ambient lighting, a sweeping staircase leading to the second floor, and a chandelier made of thin glass strands hovering like suspended starlight.
Youngseo didn’t gasp—not her style—but she did take it all in with quiet appreciation. It suited Annie perfectly. Clean. Elegant. Serious. A little intimidating.
As they walked toward the living room, Annie slipped off her shoes and turned back, noticing how quiet Youngseo suddenly was.
“You okay?” Annie asked.
Youngseo nodded, cheeks warming. “Yeah. Your house is just… nice. Different.”
Annie held her gaze a moment longer than necessary before giving her a soft grin.
“Well,” she said gently, “you’re welcome here.”
Youngseo’s stomach flipped, a small laugh slipping out before she could stop it.
“Okay, well—make yourselves at home” Annie said, turning to Bailey before heading down the hallway. “I’ll be quick.”
Bailey threw herself onto the couch without hesitation. “We will!”
Youngseo chose the armchair across from her, sitting with a calm she didn’t entirely feel. Being here—in Annie’s space—felt intimate. More intimate than she expected.
As Annie disappeared down the hallway toward her room, Bailey leaned toward Youngseo with a smirk.
“She moves differently when she’s home.”
Youngseo fought a smile. “What do you mean?”
“She relaxes,” Bailey whispered. “It’s cute.”
Youngseo looked back toward the hallway, warmth pooling quietly in her chest.
“…Yeah” she murmured. “It is.”
A couple minutes passed before Bailey brought her legs up to her chest and grabbed the remote, flipping through channels aimlessly. “So… how’s it feel?” she asked without looking away from the screen.
Youngseo blinked. “How’s what feel?”
“Being in your crush’s mansion.”
Youngseo’s head snapped around so fast the chair creaked. “She’s not—Bailey.”
Bailey just smirked, unfazed. “Right. Totally. You only stare at her like she’s a limited-edition handbag.”
Youngseo groaned and leaned back, covering her face with both hands. “I don’t stare.”
Bailey paused. “Girl… you hover.”
Youngseo lowered her hands slowly. “I don’t hover.”
“You hovered in the garage.”
“That was because it looked like the Batcave.”
“And at the elevator.”
“That was because it was an elevator in a garage.”
Bailey raised a brow. “And right now.”
Youngseo opened her mouth—then closed it. Because Bailey wasn’t wrong.
Before she could argue further, a faint sound echoed from down the hallway: the shower turning on.
Youngseo froze.
Bailey noticed immediately. “Wow. Your ears are perking up like a puppy.”
“I hate you,” Youngseo muttered, sinking into the chair.
But she couldn’t help it—she was listening. Imagining Annie washing the day off, hair wet and pushed back, slipping into something soft and comfortable. The idea made her heart beat faster in a way she absolutely refused to admit out loud.
Bailey smirked knowingly and went back to flipping through channels. “I’m just saying, if you don’t make a move soon I’m filing a formal complaint.”
Youngseo stared at her. “To who?”
“To myself. Someone has to hold you accountable.”
Youngseo threw a pillow at her. Bailey dodged it without looking.
Ten minutes passed.
Then fifteen.
Finally, footsteps padded softly down the hallway, and Youngseo’s breath caught before she could stop it.
Annie appeared—hair damp, tied loosely at the nape of her neck, wearing a cropped white tank top with a pair of black denim baggy jeans. Clean white sneakers, a thin gold necklace, and the faintest hint of perfume she only wore on days she cared to look nice.
Casual. Effortless.
And somehow even more unfairly pretty.
Bailey let out a low whistle. “Miss Moon, you look like a celebrity.”
Annie rolled her eyes, though her cheeks warmed faintly. “Shut up.”
Youngseo didn’t say anything at first—she was too busy staring. Annie looked… relaxed. Warm. Like this was the real version she only showed to people she trusted.
Annie noticed the staring almost instantly.
“You good?” she asked, stepping closer, one eyebrow lifting.
Youngseo swallowed, heart tripping. “Yeah. You just look… different.”
Annie tilted her head. “Different good or different concerning?”
Youngseo answered without thinking, voice soft. “Good.”
The word settled in the air between them—quiet, warm, intimate.
Bailey, sensing the atmosphere shift, stood up and stretched theatrically. “Sooooo. Should we go? I’m starving, and we need to leave before you two combust.”
Annie blinked, tearing her gaze away from Youngseo. “Yeah—let me just grab my jacket.”
As she turned down the hall again, Bailey leaned over and whispered, “She definitely paused.”
Youngseo tried to fight the smile tugging at her lips. “…Shut up.”
Bailey just grinned, smug as ever. “You’re doomed.”
This time Youngseo didn’t deny it. Because maybe just maybe it was true.
Annie came back with a cropped black puffer jacket draped over her arm, keys in hand.
“Alright. Ready.”
Bailey pushed herself up from the couch, slipping her phone into her back pocket.
“Good. I was starting to get hungry enough to chew furniture.”
Annie snorted. “Always dramatic.”
“Someone has to be” Bailey replied smoothly.
Youngseo lingered near the entryway to put on her shoes, and Annie slowed her steps so they naturally walked side by side. Youngseo noticed—she always noticed—how Annie matched her pace without comment.
When they reached the door, a cold breeze pressed in. Annie instinctively placed a gentle hand on Youngseo’s back to guide her through the doorway.
It was the lightest touch.
Youngseo’s breath caught, and Annie pulled her hand back quickly, clearing her throat. “Sorry. Habit.”
“It’s fine” Youngseo said quietly. “You can… guide me anytime.”
Annie paused mid-step, the smallest smile curling at her lips. “Careful. I might take that seriously.”
Youngseo felt heat rise up her neck. “…Maybe you should.”
Bailey, already halfway down the front steps, glanced back with raised brows.
“Are you two… good? Just checking.”
“We’re fine!” Annie answered a little too fast.
Youngseo bit back a smile.
The three headed toward the garage doors—until Bailey suddenly stopped in her tracks, brows raised.
“…Wait. Why didn’t we just take the elevator?”
Annie halted mid-step, blinking as if the question physically hit her.
“Oh. Right. I… forgot about that.”
Youngseo let out a soft, surprised laugh beside her. “Are you serious?”
“What?” Annie shot back, her voice higher than usual as a flush crept into her cheeks. “I got distracted.”
Bailey crossed her arms, amused but subtle.
“Clearly.”
Youngseo shook her head with a grin. “Only you could forget you have an elevator.”
Annie muttered something under her breath, turning away quickly—but not fast enough to hide the deeper shade of pink warming her face.
Youngseo saw all of it.
And for some reason, her heart felt a little too full.
The three of them entered the garage and walked towards the car, Bailey slid into the passenger seat this time while Youngseo took the back.
Annie adjusted the mirror—barely, subtly—but not subtle enough.
Youngseo caught it, eyes flicking up just in time to see the shift. Annie looked away quickly.
Bailey noticed too, but her tone stayed casual.
“So. Where are we thinking? Something warm?”
“Well actually,” Annie said. “I kind of want street food”
“Wait that sounds good” Bailey replied. “We can get exercise that way plus it's cheaper.”
Youngseo hummed in agreement. “I’m okay with anything.”
Annie glanced at her through the mirror again. “…Cool.”
The car settled into a comfortable rhythm—soft music, city lights passing by, Bailey making quiet comments about the day, Youngseo giving calm answers, and Annie listening more than she spoke.
Every few minutes, Youngseo felt Annie’s gaze flick to the mirror.
And every time she met it, not shy, just aware.
The street was alive when they arrived—warm lights strung overhead, vendors putting out their menus, the smell of tteokbokki and grilled skewers drifting through the cool night air. Annie parked in a quieter alley, and the three of them blended effortlessly into the busy walkway.
Bailey walked between them, hands in her pockets, scanning the vendors.
“Alright, where are we starting?”
“Fish cakes,” Annie said confidently.
“Tteokbokki,” Youngseo countered at the same time.
They looked at each other and paused.
Bailey nodded toward them. “Then both.”
And that’s exactly what happened.
They moved from stall to stall, sharing bites the way friends did—but with a different kind of awareness brewing quietly between Annie and Youngseo.
Annie handed Youngseo a skewer, holding the stick up for her without thinking.
Youngseo leaned in, took a bite, and smiled around the food.
“That’s good,” she said.
Annie swallowed—hard. “Yeah.”
Bailey raised a brow. “You two are weirdly in sync tonight.”
Neither of them responded.
Later, they dipped into shops—trying rings and sunglasses, holding sweaters up to each other, laughing when Annie insisted Youngseo looked “too good” in everything she tried on.
“Too good?” Youngseo teased.
“That’s not what I meant,” Annie muttered, ears turning the familiar shade of pink.
Bailey shook her head fondly. “Unreal.”
After a couple hours, Bailey’s phone buzzed. She glanced at it then at them.
“That’s Tarzzan. He’s already out with some friends and wants me to join for drinks.”
"Wow you're ditching us?" Annie gasped, her tone full of sarcasm.
"It was already planned! this was last minute okay?"
Annie laughed then nodded. “Go ahead be safe.”
Youngseo smiled. “And Don’t get too crazy.”
Bailey smirked. “No promises.” Then softening her voice “Text me when you guys get home.”
She waved and disappeared into the stream of people.
The moment she was gone, an entirely different kind of quiet settled between Annie and Youngseo. Being alone together was different it rarely happened and now they didn't know how to act.
"So... what should we do now?" Youngseo suddenly asked breaking the tension.
Annie thought about it and didn't have any ideas
"You can choose" she replied
"Karaoke?" Youngseo suggested, pointing at the bar down the street.
"Sure"
They ended up at the tiny karaoke booth down the street tucked between two clothing stores. One of those neon-lit, cramped spaces with a sticky table and terrible acoustics.
As the two of them sat down to read the menus given to them Annie suddenly put hers down, leading to Youngseo to turn her head towards her.
"Do you drink?" She asked glancing at Youngseo.
Truth was Youngseo only ever drink alcohol once on her birthday, never again. She wasn't a big fan but starting today yes. yes she does drink.
"Yeah I do"
Annie nodded before ordering two soju bottles and handing one to Youngseo.
“Thanks” Youngseo said, fingers brushing Annie’s for a second too long.
Annie grabbed the mic. “Pick something.”
Youngseo smirked. “You go first you're the one paying.”
Annie rolled her eyes but complied, selecting a soft pop ballad.
She wasn’t showing off—just singing quietly, comfortably, the way she did when she wasn’t trying to impress anyone.
Youngseo watched her openly.
Halfway through the chorus, Annie’s gaze drifted to her.
Her voice softened.
And suddenly the song felt… different.
They traded the mic back and forth after that—singing badly, loudly, dramatically. They laughed so hard Annie nearly spilled her drink, and Youngseo clutched her stomach, tears in her eyes.
Time didn’t exist.
And when they finally stepped out of the booth, the street lights had dimmed and most shops were closed.
Youngseo blinked at her phone. “It’s already past midnight?”
Annie checked her watch. “Yeah… it got late.”
“I can just grab a taxi” Youngseo said, though she sounded unsure.
Annie hesitated—just for a beat. “Your house is far from here, right?”
Youngseo nodded slowly. “Pretty far.”
Annie’s voice softened. "Do you want to sleep over instead?”
Youngseo’s heart skipped—not subtly, not quietly.
“Are you sure?” she asked, though her eyes were already warm.
Annie nodded. “Yeah. It’s cold, it’s late… and I’d rather know you got home safe.”
Something flickered between them.
Something neither of them tried to hide anymore.
Youngseo tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “…Okay I’ll stay.”
Annie smiled—small, but undeniably real.
“Good,” she said quietly. “Let’s go.”
And they began walking back to the car—shoulders brushing, hands almost touching, the night suddenly feeling much warmer than before.