The concert had ended, and the lights were slowly dimming. While Nova members retreated backstage, the fans were still reluctant to leave. The stadium exits were packed with people chatting excitedly, sharing their thoughts about the concert on their phones.
Yuna and Minji were among them, making their way toward the exit. Minji eagerly opened her phone and played a short clip of Nova's performance.
"That was insane, right? The energy on stage was explosive!"
Yuna smiled faintly, but her mind was elsewhere. Throughout the concert, watching Eunwoo had stirred something deep inside her. He felt… distant, like he was part of a world she couldn't reach.
She was about to respond when she noticed the murmurs around them.
"Eunwoo's girlfriend? She actually came?"
"Why is she even here?"
At first, she tried to ignore it. But the stares around her grew sharper.
Then, someone spoke in a mocking tone.
"Even at his concert, she can't leave him alone. She's obviously here for attention."
Yuna's heart clenched.
Minji immediately wrapped an arm around her. "Don't listen to them. They're just jealous."
But words weren't enough. A few people started stepping closer.
"Does she think we're stupid? Why would someone like Eunwoo be with her?"
The crowd was beginning to close in.
And then, a firm hand grabbed Yuna's wrist—gentle, but unwavering—pulling her out of the crowd in a swift motion.
Hwan.
His cold gaze swept over the fans, instantly making them freeze.
"Step back."
His voice was calm but carried a silent warning.
For a moment, no one moved. Then, as if sensing the danger in Hwan's eyes, they hesitated and took a step back.
Hwan guided Yuna through the crowd with steady determination. Minji followed closely behind, letting out a heavy sigh.
"This is getting out of control."
BACKSTAGE
The Nova members were celebrating after the concert, but Eunwoo kept glancing at the door, an uneasy feeling creeping into his chest.
When the door finally opened, three figures stepped in.
Hwan. Yuna. Minji.
Eunwoo's eyes immediately locked onto Yuna. He could see the tension on her face, and his unease deepened.
He took a few steps toward her. "What happened?"
Minji was the one to answer, her tone sharp. "The fans noticed Yuna. And they weren't exactly friendly."
Eunwoo's face darkened. "Did they do something to you?"
Yuna shook her head slightly, but the look in her eyes told him enough.
Hwan crossed his arms and smirked as he turned to Eunwoo. "Can you really protect her?"
Eunwoo shot him a glare. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Hwan smiled slightly. "Your fans went after her. If you really love her, why do you keep leaving her vulnerable?"
Eunwoo's expression hardened. "I've always been by Yuna's side."
But then, Yuna averted her gaze.
And that small action said everything.
A cold weight settled in Eunwoo's chest.
"Yuna… is that really how you feel?"
Yuna hesitated for a moment before whispering,
"I don't know."
The words cut deeper than he expected.
Eunwoo's breath hitched. His eyes searched Yuna's face, but her expression was unreadable.
For the first time, he felt her slipping through his fingers.