An agreement

The hectic world of K-pop allows for no stagnancy. Immediately after their break was over, the members of St6rlight were thrusted back into the whirlwind of preparations and recordings, with barely a moment to catch their breath. The company’s ambitious agenda had them jumping from one event to the next, their schedules filled to the brim with rehearsals, interviews, and fan meetings. The pressure was intense, but the rewards were there too—increased exposure, climbing chart positions, and a growing, fervent fanbase that seemed to multiply by the day.

Finally, Haeun managed to complete a day's schedule while the sun was still up. Exhausted, she struggled back to the dorm, eager for a brief respite.

Jihoon was in the dorm kitchen when Haeun entered, quietly setting her bag down near the door. He glanced over his shoulder and gave her a small smile. “Hey, you’re back. Good job today, but the rest are still out on some endorsement engagements. If only SM would let me get in on some of that action.” He trailed off wistfully, thinking about all the money he was losing out on.

Haeun hesitated in the doorway, fiddling with the strap of her top. “Hey. I... uh, needed to talk to you about something.”

Sensing her seriousness, Jihoon dried his hands on a towel and gestured for her to sit at the table. “Alright. What’s on your mind?”

She sat down slowly, looking at him across the table. “It’s about Minjae... and you.”

His brows furrowed slightly, but he stayed calm. “Okay. What about us?”

She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “Minjae and I talked. He apologized, and we’re trying to work things out. But... we decided on some rules, and wanted to continue in a safer, more controlled environment.”

Jihoon leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. “Go on.”

“He thinks... he thinks the we could explore having a relationship,” she said, her voice soft, unsure of how he’d react.

Jihoon stared at her as if she’d just spoken a foreign language. “Are you serious?”

“Yes,” she said, her voice unwavering. “I told him I’d talk to you about it before making any decisions.”

He shot to his feet, pacing the room. “Haeun, do you even hear yourself? Do you even listened to what I said? You want me to be part of some... some arrangement where I’m what? The side guy? The backup?”

“It’s not like that,” she insisted, standing up to face him. "I’d take this seriously, Jihoon. I wouldn’t treat it as casual, you deserve much more than that.”

Jihoon’s laugh was bitter. “Serious? With him still in the picture? Don’t lie to yourself, Haeun. You love him. You always have. You’ve made it pretty clear where I stand.”

“I do love him,” she admitted, her voice soft. “And I won’t leave him, no matter what. But that doesn’t mean I don’t care about you. Or that I can’t love you too.”

Jihoon stopped pacing, turning to her with an incredulous expression. “And what’s his role in this? Does he just sit back and watch? Or are we all supposed to sit around the table and have dinners together?”

She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “Minjae should be involved, somehow. Perhaps by listening in, or... the occasional video.”

Jihoon’s face twisted in disbelief. “Videos? Haeun, are you crazy? After everything he did, you’re still okay with sending him things like that? How can you even trust him with it after what happened?”

She shrugged, a faint, sad smile on her lips. “Maybe I’m just as fucked up as he is. Maybe it’s not just him, Jihoon. Maybe there’s something broken in me too.”

He stared at her, his eyes searching hers, looking for a clue to the turmoil he knew she must be feeling. His eyes softened, taking in her vulnerability and sadness.

“You’re not broken, Haeun,” he said quietly. “You’re just... trying to figure things out. We all are.”

She nodded, grateful for his understanding. “Thank you. And I know this isn’t exactly normal. But... would you be willing to try? With me?”

He looked at her, his expression conflicted. “If I agree to this—if—then I want rules too. You have to promise me that you’ll love me equally when we’re together. No holding back because of him.”

“I promise,” she said softly.

“And I get a say in what I’m comfortable with,” he added.

“Of course,” she agreed. “I’ll talk to Minjae about it. He’ll understand.”

Jihoon sighed, his shoulders sagging. “I don’t know how you convinced me to even consider this, Haeun. But if you’re serious about this... I’ll give it a shot. For you.”

She smiled, relief flooding her features. “Thank you, Jihoon.”

As she reached out to hug him, Jihoon wrapped his arms around her tightly, his voice low. “But if he messes this up again, I’m done. And so should you.”

“I understand,” she whispered.