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The moon hung high over the city of Seoul, casting a soft silver glow across the quiet streets. Daniel Park sat in the driver's seat of DG's luxury car, hands resting lightly on the steering wheel. His eyes flicked toward the rearview mirror, where DG sat, casually scrolling through his phone, his usual air of calm confidence surrounding him.
Being DG's driver had always felt surreal — like he was living in a world so far removed from the life he used to know.
But lately, things had changed. Not because of DG, who, despite his distant and enigmatic aura, had been nothing but kind to Daniel in his own quiet way. No, the real problem was the two men who seemed determined to insert themselves into every corner of his life: Goo Kim and Gun Park.
As Daniel pulled the car to a stop in front of DG’s studio, he couldn’t help but sigh softly. It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate the attention — it was just overwhelming. Goo and Gun were... intense, to say the least. And neither of them seemed to care that they were dragging Daniel into their rivalry.
They both wanted something from him, something Daniel wasn’t sure he could give.
“Daniel?” DG’s voice cut through his thoughts, smooth and gentle. Daniel blinked, realizing he had zoned out. He turned to find DG looking at him with an amused smile.
“Yeah?” Daniel asked, trying to mask his nerves.
DG always had this way of making him feel at ease, even when everything else in his life felt chaotic.
“You okay? You seem... distracted,” DG said, his tone soft but laced with concern.
It wasn’t often that DG’s mask slipped, showing the warmth beneath his cold exterior, but when it did, it made Daniel’s heart stutter in his chest.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” Daniel replied quickly, though the tension in his voice betrayed him.
He felt DG’s eyes linger on him for a moment before the singer chuckled, shaking his head slightly.
“You’ve been dealing with a lot lately,” DG mused, leaning forward slightly from the backseat. “Goo and Gun have been giving you a hard time, haven’t they?”
Daniel stiffened at the mention of their names. How did DG know? Then again, it wasn’t surprising. DG seemed to have eyes and ears everywhere.
Still, Daniel wasn’t sure how to respond.
“They’re just... being themselves, I guess,” Daniel muttered, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. He could feel DG’s gaze on him, sharp yet somehow soft, like DG was studying him but didn’t want to make him uncomfortable.
“Well, if they get too pushy, you can always tell me,” DG said, his voice warm. “You don’t have to handle everything on your own.”
Daniel’s heart skipped a beat at the kindness in DG’s words. There was something about DG that always made him feel safe, even when the world around him felt like it was spinning out of control. But at the same time, it made everything more complicated.
Daniel didn’t want to lean too much on DG. After all, DG was... DG. He wasn’t just a friend. He was an idol, and Daniel was his driver.
Before Daniel could respond, the car door swung open, and a familiar voice broke through the night air.
“Hi, Danny!” Goo’s loud, cheerful voice called out as he approached the car, his usual grin plastered across his face.
His blond hair was messy as always, and his eyes sparkled with mischief.
“How’s my favourite driver doing?”
Daniel inwardly groaned, already feeling the tension creeping back into his body.
Goo Kim was perched in the passenger seat, his trademark grin plastered across his face as he glanced over at Daniel. He lounged as if he had no cares in the world, but his eyes sparkled with amusement. He could feel the tension radiating from the backseat, where Gun Park sat with his usual cold, calculating silence, watching Daniel from behind those dark, unreadable eyes.
Goo chuckled softly to himself. This was always so much fun.
"So, Danny," Goo said, voice teasing as usual, leaning far too close to Daniel, his elbow resting on the back of the driver's seat. "What do you think? If you had to choose, who’s the better company? Me or Gun?”
Daniel groaned, his grip tightening on the wheel. "I'm not answering that."
From the backseat, Gun’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing. His gaze, however, remained fixed on Daniel, the barest hint of irritation flickering across his otherwise stoic face.
Goo loved moments like this — pushing both Gun and Daniel to their limits. But he knew better than anyone that this wasn’t just about their rivalry. No, there was something else simmering underneath, something Daniel, in his obliviousness, was completely unaware of.
It wasn’t just about who could get under Daniel’s skin the most. They all liked Daniel. And Goo knew very well that DG, sitting quietly with his phone in the backseat, was the biggest threat of all.
"You know, Danny," Goo continued, his voice dropping lower as he leaned even closer, his warm breath brushing against Daniel’s ear. "You don’t have to be so tense all the time. You can relax around me, you know?"
Daniel shot him an exasperated look. "Goo, can you please sit normally?"
Goo grinned wider, clearly not taking the hint. "But where's the fun in that?"
In the rearview mirror, Gun’s dark eyes glimmered with something almost predatory as he watched the interaction. Goo was playing his usual game, trying to get a reaction, but Gun knew that Daniel’s responses were part of the fun. Daniel was so innocent, so unaware of what was really going on. Gun didn’t need to tease Daniel like Goo did. He could just sit back, watch, and let Goo’s antics wear down the driver’s defences.
And, of course, there was the matter of DG.
Goo leaned back slightly, satisfied for the moment with how flustered Daniel looked. He glanced back at DG, who had been uncharacteristically quiet during the exchange. DG’s eyes were focused on Daniel, the barest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Goo noticed it immediately. DG had that look again. The quiet, possessive gaze that said far more than words ever could. He wasn’t one to make bold moves like Goo or Gun, but when it came to Daniel, DG didn’t need to. His presence alone was enough to shake the balance of their little game.
“So, DG,” Goo said, his voice casual but with a playful undertone. “What do you think? Is Danny better off with me? Or Gun?”
Daniel sighed. “Can you not involve him in this?”
DG looked up from his phone, his expression calm, though there was something more in his eyes as they lingered on Daniel. Something that only Goo and Gun could recognize.
“I think Daniel should decide for himself,” DG said smoothly, his voice low and even. His gaze didn’t leave Daniel for a second, and for a moment, the air in the car felt heavier.
Daniel laughed awkwardly, trying to dispel the sudden tension. “There’s nothing to decide. You’re all—” He trailed off, unsure how to finish that sentence without getting himself into more trouble.
Goo leaned over, resting his head on his hand as he smirked. “You hear that, Gun? Danny thinks we’re all the same. I’m a little hurt.”
Gun’s expression didn’t change, but his sharp eyes flickered with amusement as he said, “He didn’t say that. You’re just putting words in his mouth.”
Daniel rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the weight of both their stares. “You guys are impossible.”
"Only because we enjoy watching you squirm," Goo teased, reaching out to ruffle Daniel's hair.
This time, Daniel didn’t even bother pushing him away. He knew by now that Goo wasn’t going to stop unless Daniel physically threw him out of the car, and even then, Goo would probably make some joke about how Daniel was just playing hard to get.
But from the backseat, Gun’s eyes remained fixed on Daniel, watching the way he reacted to Goo’s teasing. His expression remained unreadable, but there was something more in his gaze — something Daniel was completely unaware of.
Daniel had no idea how close Gun’s attention was, how carefully Gun watched his every move. He had no idea that every slight frown, every embarrassed flush of his cheeks, only made Gun’s interest in him grow. But unlike Goo, Gun was patient. He didn’t need to push for a reaction. He could wait.
And DG? Well, DG was the wild card in all of this.
Goo, of course, was very aware of DG’s interest in Daniel. He wasn’t stupid. The way DG’s eyes softened ever so slightly when he looked at Daniel, the way his voice grew quieter, gentler, whenever he spoke to him — it was all too obvious to someone like Goo, who thrived on reading people’s emotions. And Goo found it hilarious that Daniel remained completely oblivious to it.
After all, DG was supposed to be this unreachable idol, too far above the world for anyone to touch. But when it came to Daniel, it was clear that DG was far more human than he let on.
"Y'know, Danny," Goo said, glancing at DG with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "If you ever get tired of driving this guy around, I could always use a personal driver."
Daniel blinked, confused. "Wait, what?"
Goo’s grin widened. “Yeah, you’d be stuck with me 24/7. Sounds fun, right?”
Daniel shook his head quickly, panic flashing in his eyes. “That sounds like a nightmare.”
Goo burst out laughing, while Gun’s lips twitched upward in the smallest hint of a smile. DG, though, remained silent, watching the exchange with quiet amusement, though his gaze lingered a bit too long on Daniel.
“Nightmare, huh?” Goo pouted dramatically, but his teasing tone never wavered. “I guess DG’s got it easy, then. You’d never call him a nightmare, right?”
Daniel chuckled awkwardly, trying to avoid DG’s gaze in the mirror. “I mean, he’s not— He’s not like you guys.”
Goo leaned closer, eyes glinting. “Oh? What’s that supposed to mean?”
Daniel froze, realizing how that could be interpreted. “No, I just mean— He’s… you know…”
“Different?” Gun finished quietly, his tone neutral but his eyes sharp. Daniel gave him a grateful nod, glad someone else had found the right word.
“Yeah, different,” Daniel repeated, though his voice faltered slightly. Something about the way all three of them were watching him made him feel like he had walked into some kind of trap. He didn’t know what was going on, but he knew enough to realize that this wasn’t just their usual bickering.
Goo shot DG a look, his grin widening. “See, even Daniel knows you’ve got him wrapped around your finger.”
DG’s eyes darkened ever so slightly, but his expression remained composed. “I don’t think Daniel feels that way.” His voice was calm, but the hint of protectiveness was there, enough for Goo to notice.
“Oh?” Goo said, his grin now full of mischief. “You sound pretty sure of that, DG. Got any proof?”
DG met Goo’s teasing gaze with his own, calm as ever. “I don’t need proof.”
Daniel glanced between them, completely lost. He had no idea what kind of conversation was happening around him, but he knew one thing: he was in over his head.
Goo, sensing Daniel’s confusion, decided to push things a little further. “Well, I guess we’ll just have to ask Daniel himself.” He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he stared directly at Daniel. “So, Danny. Between me, Gun, and DG… who do you like the most?”
Daniel’s face burned. “What?!”
Gun’s expression remained neutral, but there was a glint in his eyes, like he was silently daring Daniel to answer. DG, meanwhile, said nothing, his calm demeanour hiding whatever thoughts were running through his mind.
“I’m not— That’s not—!” Daniel stammered, completely thrown off by the question.
Goo laughed, clearly enjoying the way Daniel was flustered. “Relax, Danny. I’m just messing with you. Unless…” He raised an eyebrow suggestively.
Daniel groaned, rubbing his face in frustration. “I’m just the driver.”
“Sure you are,” Goo teased, winking at him. “Sure you are.”
From the backseat, Gun’s sharp gaze never wavered as he watched Daniel’s flustered expression. There was something so endearing about Daniel’s embarrassment, and while Gun wasn’t the type to show his emotions openly, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of protectiveness over the oblivious driver.
“Stop making him uncomfortable, Goo,” Gun finally said, his voice low but firm. It was rare for him to interject in their banter, but something about the way Daniel fidgeted in his seat stirred a protective instinct within him.
“Oh, come on, Gun!” Goo replied, throwing his hands up in mock exasperation. “Where’s the fun in that? We’re just playing a little game! Plus, I think it’s nice to see Danny squirm a bit. Adds a little flavour to the night.”
“Maybe you just enjoy torturing him,” Gun shot back, his eyes narrowing playfully at Goo. “He’s not a toy for you to mess with.”
Daniel felt the weight of their banter and the underlying tension swirling around him, and for a moment, he was grateful for Gun’s rare show of defence. “It’s fine, really,” Daniel said, trying to ease the tension. “I’m used to it.” He forced a laugh, though his heart raced at the thought of being the center of their attention.
Goo leaned back in his seat, arms crossed with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Ah, see? Danny can handle it! He’s tougher than he looks.”
“But is he tough enough to handle you?” Gun challenged, raising an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the dynamic they had going on. His tone was playful, though there was an edge to it that only Goo picked up on.
Daniel was about to reply when he felt the car slow down as they approached their destination — a sleek building that housed DG’s studio. As Daniel parked, he stole a quick glance at DG in the rearview mirror.
DG was watching him intently, the slight smile on his lips making Daniel’s heart skip a beat. For a moment, he felt a flutter of something in his chest, something that confused him and made him feel nervous all at once.
“Thanks for the ride, Daniel,” DG said, his voice smooth and warm.
Daniel blinked, surprised by the thanks. “Just doing my job.”
Goo rolled his eyes dramatically. “See? He’s too humble! It’s a crime, really. He should be more confident. Daniel, you should embrace the attention. You’re an incredible driver. And you know, really cute.”
Daniel turned bright red at the comment, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. “Goo!”
“What?” Goo laughed, clearly enjoying Daniel’s embarrassment. “It’s true! You should know how charming you are.”
“Can we just go inside?” Daniel asked, desperate to change the subject. He opened his door, ready to escape the onslaught of compliments and teasing.
As they all exited the car, Daniel tried to ignore the feeling of being pulled in every direction. He felt Gun’s presence behind him, steady and protective, while Goo bounced around him with endless energy.
“Okay, Daniel. Let’s make a pact,” Goo said, stopping in front of the entrance, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “You can’t leave the studio until you tell us your favourite between the three of us.”
Daniel opened his mouth to protest, but Gun cut in. “Goo, stop. You’re just going to frustrate him more.”
Goo shrugged, looking unrepentant. “Maybe that’s the point! Besides, Daniel needs to learn how to stand up for himself a little. It’s all in good fun, right?”
Daniel stared at them both, feeling like he was caught between a rock and a hard place. “I don’t want to play this game!” he exclaimed, exasperated.
Gun’s expression softened just slightly as he looked at Daniel. “You can ignore him, you know. You don’t have to play if you don’t want to.”
Daniel felt a rush of warmth at Gun’s quiet support. “Thanks, Gun,” he said, smiling shyly. “But I guess I’m just used to it by now.”
As they entered the studio, Daniel could feel the atmosphere shift. The playful teasing faded into the background, and the energy in the room became more serious. The studio was filled with the familiar hum of activity, sound engineers adjusting settings and staff preparing for the night’s recording session.
Goo took a seat on the couch, his playful demeanour shifting into something more focused as he checked his phone. “Alright, Danny-boy. You can keep driving us around, but you know you’re also on snack duty, right?” He flashed a cheeky grin at Daniel.
Daniel laughed, finally feeling a bit more at ease. “Fine, but only if you promise to behave.”
Goo feigned innocence. “Who, me?”
Gun watched the two interact, his expression thoughtful. He liked how Daniel could shift from awkward to playful so easily, and yet the tension between them remained. Something was refreshing about Daniel’s energy, something that made Gun feel more at ease despite the chaos of their little game.
As Daniel moved around the studio, he found himself gravitating toward DG, who was discussing the next track with a producer. The way DG spoke, with authority and passion, always drew Daniel in. And as he stood there, watching DG in his element, he couldn’t help but feel a flutter of admiration.
“So, Daniel,” DG said, glancing up and catching Daniel’s eye. “What do you think about this track?”
Daniel blinked, caught off guard. “Um, it sounds great? I mean, the beats are really catchy.”
DG chuckled softly, his gaze warm. “You have a good ear for music.”
Daniel felt his heart race at the compliment. “Thanks, DG.”
As they continued discussing the track, Goo and Gun exchanged glances from across the room. Goo’s smirk said it all; he found Daniel’s obliviousness about DG’s interest to be hysterical. Gun, however, couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy as he watched Daniel smile at DG, the warmth in his eyes unmistakable.
Goo leaned toward Gun, whispering, “Looks like DG’s winning, huh?”
“Doesn’t matter,” Gun replied quietly, his gaze never leaving Daniel. “He can have his moments, but it’s not like Daniel even notices.”
Goo shrugged, his tone light. “That’s the best part. We can keep teasing him and having fun while DG tries to figure out how to get Daniel to notice him.”
Gun’s lips quirked slightly, a hint of amusement breaking through his stoic facade. “You’re enjoying this too much.”
Goo’s grin widened. “You know it! And who knows? Maybe Daniel will surprise us all.”
As the night wore on, Daniel found himself caught between the three of them — Goo’s playful teasing, Gun’s quiet intensity, and DG’s gentle encouragement. The dynamic shifted like a pendulum, each of them vying for his attention in their unique way.
Eventually, Goo stood up, stretching with a dramatic flair. “Alright, let’s take a break! How about we all grab some drinks?”
“Sounds good,” Daniel replied, glad to have a moment to breathe.
As they made their way to the break room, Goo continued his antics, recounting stories from their adventures, and Daniel couldn’t help but laugh at his antics. In that moment, it felt easy and lighthearted.
“Danny, you know what would make this even better?” Goo asked with a cheeky grin.
“What?” Daniel replied, curiosity piqued.
“If you just admit who you like best! Then we can toast to it!” Goo declared, looking far too proud of himself.
Daniel shook his head, laughing nervously. “I’m not doing that!”
Gun leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, watching with an amused expression. “You’re not going to win this one, Daniel.”
DG chuckled softly, his gaze flickering between the two. “He’s right. You might as well give in.”
Daniel groaned, his face burning. “You guys are impossible.”