Haeun moves in to the dorms

Haeun clutched her small suitcase as she stood outside the sleek apartment building owned by the company. It was intimidatingly modern, all reflective glass and sharp lines, situated in an affluent area of Seoul. She took a deep breath before stepping inside, her new life as a member of St6rlight beginning now. She was told that there were two floors, the first floor for the guys and the second for the girls.

The girls' floor was pristine, its minimalist decor making it feel more like a luxury hotel than a dorm. She was greeted by the other two female members, who had arrived earlier and were already unpacked.

“Hey, you’re finally here!” exclaimed Mina, a bubbly 20-year-old with short, choppy hair dyed ash blonde. Her round face and infectious smile immediately put Haeun at ease. Mina had been one of the standout trainees, known for her powerful voice and natural charisma on stage.

The other girl, Eunseo, gave her a polite nod. She was 22, the oldest female member, with long, dark brown hair and an elegant demeanor. A former model, her sharp features and reserved personality gave her a sense of quiet authority. “Your room’s the last one down the hall. Welcome,” she said, her voice soft but warm.

“Thanks,” Haeun replied, trying to steady her nerves as she dragged her suitcase down the hallway. Her room was small but comfortable, with a single bed, a desk, and a wardrobe. She set her things down and took a moment to let it sink in. This was her new home.

After unpacking, she joined the others for dinner in the shared dining area. The three boys from the group had brought food up from the convenience store downstairs, and the atmosphere was lively as they all sat cross-legged around a low table. The staff had left, leaving them to their own devices over the weekend so they can bond before reporting to the HQ on Monday to begin their duties.

Jihoon was, of course, there. He was as effortlessly charismatic as ever, sitting at the center of the group, cracking jokes that had everyone laughing. The other two male members, Taemin and Hyuk, were equally welcoming.

Taemin, 21, was the second-youngest, with dyed silver hair and a mischievous glint in his eyes. A former street dancer, he had an edgy vibe but was surprisingly sweet once he started talking.

Hyuk, 24, was the oldest and the leader of the group. His calm and composed nature made him the perfect counterbalance to Jihoon’s bold personality. With his tall frame and deep voice, he had an almost paternal presence.

As they ate, the teasing began.

“So,” Mina said, grinning as she looked between Haeun and Jihoon, “are you two gonna make it official now? You’ve been practically dating since the competition.”

Haeun nearly choked on her rice. “What? No, we’re not—”

“Why not?” Taemin cut in, smirking. “You two were like the perfect couple on screen. Fans are already shipping you like crazy.”

“Yeah, St6rlight's first couple!” Mina added, clapping her hands together dramatically.

Before Haeun could protest further, Jihoon leaned back with a sly smile. “Who says it’s not real?”

The table erupted into laughter and applause, with even the reserved Eunseo cracking a small smile. Haeun’s face burned as she frantically shook her head. “It’s not true!” she insisted, glaring at Jihoon.

But Jihoon only shrugged, his grin widening. “If you say so.”

The conversation drifted, much to Haeun’s relief, each of them eager to know more about the people they are going to spend the next few years with. Favorite foods, hobbies, hometowns—their lives laid out between mouthfuls of food.