A month later

The conclusion of St6rlight's promotions coincided with the end of this semester's exam week, and she had promised to visit me once they were dismissed for a short break. I had looked forward to this for a long time, eager to see her again after months of separation, finally an opportunity to spend some alone time with my Haeun.

She arrived at my place just before sunset, her duffle bag slung over her shoulder. She looked effortlessly stunning despite being dressed casually in a loose hoodie and joggers. It was rare to see her like this, away from the spotlight, with no stage makeup or extravagant outfit. For the first time in weeks, she was just my girlfriend, free of her obligations and expectations.

"Welcome back," I said, pulling her into a tight hug, before stepping aside to let her in.

She smiled softly, gazing lovingly into my eyes. "It feels like forever since I’ve been here."

We settled into a comfortable rhythm as the evening unfolded. I cooked dinner—grilled salmon and roasted vegetables, one of her favorites—while Haeun set the table. She teased me about my choice of apron, a faded one with cartoon characters printed on it, but I didn’t mind. The lightness in her voice felt like a gift after everything she'd been through lately.

As we ate, Haeun told me stories of life on the road: backstage hijinks, fan encounters, late-night bus rides, and all the other things that came with being a K-pop idol. I hung on to every word, trying to picture her in those situations, imagining having to perform on stage under a dazzling light, before a sea of adoring fans, without any room for mistakes.

In return, I told her about my own mundane struggles, the stress of exams and the pressure of academic life, and she listened intently, nodding along, understanding even though our lives are so different.

And when she paused to eat, I could not bear to take my eyes off her, even for a second. She had a habit of chewing with her mouth half open, and if it was anyone else it might have been gross. But somehow, it made her even cuter, like watching a deer graze peacefully on leaves.

After dinner, we moved to the couch, snuggling up together with a blanket wrapped around us.

"You wouldn’t believe how strict they’ve been with us," Haeun said, shaking her head as she sipped on her cup of tea. "Even on days where we don't have to perform, they schedule photoshoots or interviews. This is the first real break I’ve had in weeks."

"Sounds exhausting," I said, trying to mask how much it pained me to hear. "I don’t know how you keep going."

She smiled wistfully. "You just do. But thinking about being with you makes it easier. This feels... normal."

My chest tightened at her words. I reached across to hold her hand, and she grasped onto me tightly.

"I'm so proud of you," I said, rubbing the back of her hand with my thumb. "You deserve a rest."

She hummed in agreement. She looked so ethereal in the soft glow of the room's light, and my heart swelled with love for her, feeling like I was the luckiest man in the world.

We shared a kiss, my heart beating faster, and I wanted to stay in that moment forever. Her soft lips locked onto mine as she breathed deeply, relaxing herself. Her perfume filled my nose, making me intoxicated and drunk on her presence.

We broke apart, our foreheads touching. Our eyes met, and I knew what we both wanted. The passion between us burned as hot as the sun, consuming me completely, my body aching for her touch.

She leaned back in and we shared another kiss, this one deeper, hungrier. We made out, our tongues swirling, saliva mixing together in a lewd harmony.

I reached down and ran a hand along her side, feeling her curves beneath the soft fabric of the hoodie. My fingers trailed upwards until they found her chest, cupping her breasts, my palm brushing against her nipples.

She moaned into my mouth, her body arching into mine, encouraging my touch. We continued kissing, lost in the moment, her hands exploring my chest and stomach, moving steadily to my pants.

Suddenly, she broke away from me, her eyes wide with concern.

"Wait, Joonie. I stopped taking the pills, so it's best if we use a condom." She looked almost guilty for making the request.

"No, of course. I will go get it."

She smiled at me as I disentangled myself from the blanket, standing up. I rushed to my bedroom, cursing at my lack of foresight as I rummaged through my nightstand. I had stashed them somewhere, but it was a mess and in my excitement my fingers felt like they were moving through tar.

I finally found the box, hidden underneath a bunch of batteries, and I pulled it out with a triumphant smile. I practically skipped back out, eager to continue where we left of.

But when I returned, Haeun was standing up, my phone in her hands, the earlier lightheartedness replaced by confusion, then anger.