Chapter Text
The offline fan sign for IVE’s recent comeback was loud in that familiar, comforting way, fans lining up with albums hugged to their chests, staff moving around with clipboards, camera shutters clicking nonstop. The members were already seated when the doors opened, each of them waving as cheers filled the room.
Wonyoung smiled brightly, hands lifting to wave back. She was sitting near the end of the long table, with Liz and Leeseo closer to her side. Yujin was seated a few spots away, separated by Rei and Gaeul.
They’d talked about it beforehand.
“We’ll survive a few hours,” Yujin had joked earlier in the van.
“Of course,” Wonyoung had replied, squeezing her hand when no one was looking. “Fans come first.”
And honestly, at the start, it really was fine.
Fans came one by one, handing albums, rambling nervously, asking questions.
Wonyoung laughed easily, complimented outfits, signed pages with careful hearts. She even leaned over to whisper to Leeseo when the younger girl struggled to read a fan’s handwriting.
“What does this say?” Leeseo muttered.
Wonyoung giggled softly. “I think they’re asking you to bark.”
Leeseo’s eyes widened. “Again?”
“Again,” Wonyoung confirmed, amused.
Across the table, Yujin was just as lively, talking with her hands, grinning wide, teasing fans back. Every once in a while, Wonyoung’s eyes drifted toward her without thinking, the way they always did. Yujin caught her looking once and smiled, small and fond, before quickly turning back to the fan in front of her.
Nothing unusual. Nothing wrong.
Then came the props segment.
Staff placed a box in front of the table, filled with random items fans had brought, headbands, plushies, hats, sunglasses. The energy in the room shifted instantly, cheers growing louder.
“Ah, this part,” Rei said, peeking into the box. “I’m scared.”
Fans laughed.
Yujin reached in first, fingers fishing around. “Let’s see what fate gives me.”
She pulled something white out.
“A veil?” Gaeul said, surprised.
Before anyone could react, Gaeul reached into the box too and almost comically, pulled out another wedding veil.
The fans screamed.
“Ohhhhhh!”
“Marry each other!”
“Yujin-Gaeul wedding!”
Yujin burst out laughing. “What is this timing?”
Gaeul laughed too, already lifting the veil over her head. “The universe wants it.”
They both put the veils on, the thin white fabric resting awkwardly over their hair.
Fans went absolutely wild.
“Hold hands!” someone shouted.
Yujin glanced at Gaeul. “Should we?”
“For the fans,” Gaeul shrugged, playful.
They held hands over the table, posing as cameras flashed like crazy.
Yujin leaned in a little, smiling brightly, even pretending to look emotional.
Gaeul exaggerated wiping fake tears.
“Say ‘I do’!” a fan yelled.
“I do!” Yujin said loudly, laughing.
Wonyoung heard it all.
She didn’t turn right away. She kept her smile on, nodding as the fan in front of her talked excitedly. But her fingers tightened around her pen just a bit.
She looked over.
She saw the veils.
The hand-holding.
Yujin’s wide, carefree smile.
Her chest did something uncomfortable, tight, heavy, irrational.
She knew it was fan service.
She knew Yujin wasn’t thinking anything of it.
Yujin loved her.
She’s dating me, Wonyoung reminded herself.
Still… the image lingered.
Married, her tired brain supplied unhelpfully.
Not to you.
Her smile didn’t falter, but it felt heavier now, like it took effort to keep it there.
“Wonyoung unnie,” a fan said softly, snapping her back. “Can you wear this with Leeseo?”
The fan handed over matching cat-ear headbands.
“Of course,” Wonyoung replied sweetly, turning to Leeseo. “Come here.”
Leeseo leaned closer, whispering, “Unnie, why do you look… different?”
Wonyoung blinked, then smiled wider. “Do I?”
“A little,” Leeseo said, tilting her head. “Like… sleepy?”
Wonyoung let out a quiet laugh. “I didn’t sleep much.”
Leeseo nodded seriously. “You should eat later.”
“I will,” Wonyoung promised, even though her stomach had been empty all day.
They posed together, cheeks close, Wonyoung lifting her hand into a heart. Fans cooed at them, snapping pictures.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Yujin finally take the veil off, still laughing, still chatting animatedly with fans. The moment passed, just another playful memory for everyone else.
For Wonyoung, it stuck.
She focused on Leeseo, on the fans, on keeping her voice warm and gentle. She laughed when she was supposed to, reacted with practiced charm, never once letting the jealousy spill over.
But deep down, beneath the smiles and hearts and flawless idol composure, one thought refused to leave her mind…
She didn’t like the idea of Yujin being married to anyone who wasn’t her.
And as the fan sign continued, Wonyoung kept smiling… while quietly wishing the seats were closer than they were.
The fan sign finally came to an end.
All six of them stood in a line at the front of the venue, hands clasped together as they bowed deeply to the fans. The cheers were loud, warm, and familiar, the kind that always made Wonyoung’s chest swell despite how tired she felt.
“Thank you for always supporting IVE,” Yujin said into the mic, smiling wide.
“Please get home safely,” she added, voice bright. “And we hope to see you again at our next comeback!”
The fans screamed even louder.
They bowed again, waved until their arms ached, and were quickly guided backstage by staff.
As soon as they were out of sight, the energy shifted into that post-event haze, relief, exhaustion, and hunger all mixing together. Managers gathered them together.
“Okay, quick group photo for Instagram,” one of them said.
The girls shuffled into position. Wonyoung walked past Yujin without even glancing at her, heading straight for Leeseo.
Yujin barely noticed, still riding the high of the event. She adjusted her jacket, laughing softly at something Rei said.
Gaeul noticed.
She always did.
Wonyoung stood stiffly beside Leeseo, hands folded in front of her, smile smaller now that the fans were gone.
Gaeul quietly stepped closer and slipped an arm around Wonyoung’s shoulders in a side hug.
“You okay?” Gaeul asked softly, voice low enough that only Wonyoung could hear.
Wonyoung pouted instantly, the expression slipping out now that someone had noticed. She leaned into Gaeul and wrapped her arms around her waist.
“I’m fine,” she murmured, not sounding fine at all.
Gaeul smiled knowingly. “You haven’t eaten all day, have you?”
Wonyoung didn’t answer, just shook her head against her shoulder.
“Eat when we get back to the hotel,” Gaeul said gently. “Promise.”
“I promise,” Wonyoung replied, voice small.
“Girls, eyes here!” the manager called.
Gaeul loosened the hug but kept a hand on Wonyoung’s arm, gently tugging her forward. “Come on.”
She positioned Wonyoung between herself and Yujin, very deliberately pulling Wonyoung into place. Yujin blinked, surprised for half a second, but shrugged it off and smiled for the camera.
Click.
The photo was done just like that.
Moments later, they were escorted outside toward the van. The night air was cool, cameras gone now, staff moving efficiently.
Yujin, as always, held the van door open. “Go ahead,” she said, ushering the members in.
Liz and Rei climbed in first. Leeseo followed, then Wonyoung.
Yujin expected for Wonyoung to settle in middle, their usual seat, right beside her.
But Wonyoung walked right past it.
She climbed into the back instead, sitting beside Leeseo. Gaeul slipped into the middle seat without hesitation.
Yujin froze for a second but then got in and sat with Gaeul.
“…Wony?” she called, leaning in slightly.
Wonyoung didn’t turn around. “Did you see that fan’s phone case?” she said to Leeseo, suddenly animated. “It was so cute.”
Leeseo nodded eagerly. “Right? I want one like that.”
Yujin slowly closed the door and got into the middle seat, brows knitting together. She glanced back once more, confused, but Wonyoung still didn’t look at her.
“What did I do?” Yujin wondered.
A soft chuckle came from beside her.
Gaeul nudged Yujin with her elbow. “You’re really dense sometimes, you know that?”
Yujin turned to her, blinking. “Huh?”
“Your girlfriend is jealous,” Gaeul said calmly, like she was stating the weather. “And sulking.”
Yujin’s eyes widened. “Jealous? why?”
Gaeul raised an eyebrow. “Because you married me earlier.”
“…Oh.”
It clicked all at once, the veils, the hand-holding, the cheering.
Yujin groaned quietly and leaned back in her seat. “It was just fan service.”
“I know,” Gaeul said gently. “And she knows that too. But she’s sensitive today. She hasn’t eaten yet.”
Yujin’s expression immediately softened, guilt washing over her. “She hasn’t?”
“Nope,” Gaeul replied. “So make it up to her. Buy her whatever she wants. Tarts, steak, everything she likes.”
Yujin nodded seriously. “I will.”
She glanced back again at Wonyoung, who was laughing softly at something Leeseo said, legs tucked close, face a little too calm.
Yujin sat there quietly, already planning exactly how she was going to make it up to her girlfriend the moment they got back to the hotel.
The van pulled up to the hotel, and the girls filed out one by one, exhaustion finally settling in now that the schedule was over.
The lobby lights were warm and quiet compared to the chaos earlier, staff already guiding them smoothly toward the elevators.
“Good job today, everyone,” one of the managers said.
The group naturally split up like they always did.
“Leeseo-yah, come on,” Gaeul said, resting a hand on the younger girl’s shoulder.
Rei looped her arm with Liz’s as they headed the opposite way.
Yujin slowed her steps, falling in behind Wonyoung.
Wonyoung walked a little ahead, posture straight, face neutral, still sulking, even if she wasn’t making it obvious anymore. She pressed the elevator button and waited, arms loosely crossed.
The doors opened.
Just as they stepped inside, Yujin reached out.
Her fingers slid between Wonyoung’s without hesitation.
Wonyoung stiffened for half a second, surprised, then glanced down at their joined hands. Yujin didn’t look away, didn’t let go. She stood close, shoulder brushing Wonyoung’s, holding her hand openly as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Wonyoung didn’t pull away.
The elevator ride was quiet. Yujin kept their hands linked the entire time, thumb gently rubbing against Wonyoung’s knuckles like a silent apology.
By the time they reached their floor, Wonyoung’s shoulders had relaxed just a little.
They walked down the hallway together, hand in hand, until Yujin unlocked the door to their room.
Once they were inside and the door clicked shut, Yujin finally let go, only to step closer again immediately. She wrapped her arms around Wonyoung from behind, pulling her in until Wonyoung’s back rested against her chest.
Wonyoung let out a small breath, tired more than anything now.
“Gaeul unnie told me you haven’t eaten anything today,” Yujin murmured near her ear.
Wonyoung didn’t answer right away.
Yujin rested her chin lightly on Wonyoung’s shoulder. “You should’ve told me.”
“I didn’t want to bother you,” Wonyoung said quietly. “You were busy.”
Yujin sighed softly. “You’re never a bother.”
She tightened the hug a little. “Go wash up,” Yujin continued, voice gentle. “I’ll order room service, okay? Whatever you want.”
Wonyoung knew she’d been sulky. She knew the jealousy earlier didn’t really make sense. Yujin hadn’t done anything wrong and now, standing here, tired and hungry, she didn’t have the energy to pretend otherwise.
She leaned back into Yujin’s embrace, resting her weight against her.
“…Okay,” she said softly, nodding.
Yujin smiled, relief clear even if Wonyoung couldn’t see it. She pressed a light kiss to Wonyoung’s cheek, lingering just a second longer than necessary.
“I’ll be right here,” Yujin whispered.
Wonyoung turned slightly, giving Yujin a small look before heading toward the bathroom. The door closed gently behind her, leaving Yujin standing there already pulling out her phone, determined to make sure her girlfriend ate well and felt loved by the end of the night.
— — —
Another fan sign.
Another country.
Another week of barely sleeping.
By the time they landed, all six of them were running on caffeine, muscle memory, and sheer professionalism. Flights blurred together, hotels felt the same, and days off didn’t really feel like days off anymore.
Wonyoung was exhausted.
She hid it well, she always did. Hair perfect, posture straight, smile gentle and warm no matter how tired her eyes felt. Fans would never know. Staff would never worry.
Only Yujin knew.
And right now, that knowledge sat heavy between them.
The night before the fan sign replayed in Wonyoung’s head whether she wanted it to or not.
They’d finally had one free day.
Yujin had stretched on the bed, phone in hand. “I’m gonna head out for a bit,” she said casually. “Just meeting some friends. I won’t stay late.”
Wonyoung had looked up from where she was folding clothes, wanting, really wanting to say no.
Please rest.
Please stay.
Please think about tomorrow.
Instead, she hesitated, then nodded. “Okay,” she said softly. “Just… don’t stay late. We have an early flight.”
“I won’t,” Yujin promised easily.
But she did.
Wonyoung had waited.
An hour.
Two.
More.
When Yujin finally came back, shoes barely making a sound, she froze when she saw Wonyoung sitting on the edge of her bed, arms crossed, eyes tired but sharp.
Yujin swallowed. “You’re still awake…”
She waited for the scolding. For raised voices. For tears.
It never came.
Wonyoung just looked at her, long, quiet, disappointed. She shook her head once, stood up, and walked toward the door.
“Wony, wait,” Yujin said quickly, grabbing her wrist. “I’m sorry. I lost track of time, I…”
Wonyoung sighed, pulling her hand free. “I don’t want to argue, Yujin. I’m tired.”
She paused at the door. “Go to bed. We have an early schedule tomorrow.”
And then she left.
No good night.
No I love you.
That was how the silence started.
At the fan sign the next day, it showed but only to the people who knew them best.
Wonyoung sat at the very end of the table, as far from Yujin as possible. Her smile was flawless, her voice sweet, her reactions lively. She posed for photos, leaned forward to listen to fans, laughed at their jokes.
Professional. Perfect.
Yujin kept glancing down the table, worry etched into her face. Every time their eyes almost met, Wonyoung would look away, turning to the next fan, fixing her hair, adjusting a prop.
During one interaction, Yujin tried.
“She looks really pretty today, right?” Yujin said to a fan a little too loudly, clearly aiming it toward Wonyoung.
Wonyoung smiled politely without looking up. “Thank you,” she said simply.
That was it.
Later, another fan sat down in front of Wonyoung, excitement written all over her face.
“I asked Yujin unnie something on the previous fan sign event,” the fan said. “About IVE appearing on a dating program and what role each members will be assigned.”
Wonyoung’s pen paused for half a second.
“She put you as her situationship,” the fan continued, laughing. “What would you put Yujin unnie as?”
Wonyoung chuckled, soft, light. But there was something bitter underneath that only she could feel.
She tapped her chin dramatically. “Hmm… let’s see.”
Yujin looked up sharply from her seat.
“Ex-girlfriend,” Wonyoung said with a laugh, eyes crinkling as if it were the funniest thing in the world.
Fans gasped, then laughed, assuming it was a joke.
Yujin’s smile froze.
Wonyoung bowed her head slightly, still amused. “I’m joking,” she added lightly, signing the album. “Thank you for coming.”
The fan left, thrilled.
Yujin sat there, stunned, guilt settling deep in her chest.
When the fan sign finally ended, the girls were gathered backstage once again.
“Quick group photo,” the manager said.
They lined up.
Wonyoung deliberately took a spot far from Yujin, expression calm, pose perfect. Yujin glanced her way, lips parting as if to say something, but the camera clicked before she could.
Flash.
The photo was taken.
And Wonyoung never once looked at her.
Yujin knew.
She knew Wonyoung was joking. Knew that the “ex-girlfriend” comment wasn’t real, wasn’t serious. But it still stung in that quiet, personal way, because it came from Wonyoung, and because she deserved it a little.
Still, she didn’t like it.
As soon as the group photo was done, Yujin stepped toward her instinctively.
“Wony…” she started, voice low.
Wonyoung turned just enough to meet her eyes. Yujin probably looked exactly how she felt, apologetic, soft, a little pathetic. The kicked-puppy look she always had when she knew she messed up.
For a split second, Wonyoung’s resolve wavered.
But she held it.
She gave Yujin a small nod, eyes sharp but tired. “Later,” she said quietly.
That was it.
No coldness nor anger. Just later.
It was enough to make Yujin stop pushing.
“Alright,” she replied softly. “Later.”
The managers clapped their hands, breaking the moment.
“Okay, everyone! We’re heading out for lunch, private restaurant nearby. Then we come back for the online video call fan sign.”
The girls perked up instantly.
“Finally,” Liz said dramatically.
“I’m starving,” Rei added.
Leeseo cheered, “Food!”
They started moving toward the van. Usually, Yujin would hang back, holding the door open like the gentlewoman leader she was.
This time, she didn’t.
She stayed close behind Wonyoung, making sure she got on first. The moment Wonyoung stepped inside and moved toward the back row, Yujin followed and slid in beside her before anyone else could take the seat.
Just the two of them.
Wonyoung raised an eyebrow slightly.
Yujin glanced at her and gave a small smile, soft, dimple showing, eyes apologetic.
Wonyoung looked away again, facing the window.
The van started moving.
For a few minutes, there was nothing but road noise and quiet chatter from the other members. Between them, silence stretched, not heavy, but careful.
Yujin shifted slightly closer.
Slowly, tentatively, she reached for Wonyoung’s hand.
She didn’t grab it. Just brushed her fingers against Wonyoung’s knuckles, waiting.
Wonyoung didn’t pull away.
Yujin gently laced their fingers together, thumb softly rubbing over Wonyoung’s skin like she was asking permission without words.
After a moment, Wonyoung squeezed back, just a little.
Yujin exhaled in relief. She lifted their joined hands and pressed a gentle kiss to the back of Wonyoung’s hand.
“I’m sorry,” she murmured, leaning closer. “I love you. I’m really sorry.”
Wonyoung kept her gaze on the window, city blurring past. Yujin watched her reflection, swearing she saw the faintest curve of a smile at the corner of her lips.
Wonyoung nodded once.
That was all.
It was enough, for now.
At the restaurant, they were led into a private room. Two tables were set; one for the members, one for managers and staff. Shoes were kicked off, coats shrugged aside.
As soon as they sat down, Yujin switched fully into service mode.
She pulled Wonyoung’s chair out before sitting herself.
Placed food onto Wonyoung’s plate carefully.
Refilled her water without being asked.
“Thank you,” Wonyoung said politely each time, voice calm.
Yujin nodded, smiling softly, extending an arm casually over the back of Wonyoung’s chair, not possessive, just present.
“Eat slowly,” Yujin murmured. “You didn’t eat much earlier.”
“I will,” Wonyoung replied, taking a bite.
Across the table, Rei and Liz exchanged a quick glance but said nothing.
Gaeul simply ate quietly, pretending very hard not to notice.
Leeseo focused on her food like it was the most important thing in the world.
They all knew better.
Yujin wasn’t loud about her apology. She wasn’t dramatic. Just attentive, gentle, consistent, letting her actions speak.
Wonyoung accepted every gesture with a nod, a soft “thank you,” her posture slowly relaxing as the meal went on.
No one brought it up.
No one needed to.
For now, that quiet understanding between them was enough.
— — —
When they got back to the venue, the atmosphere was noticeably calmer.
Staff moved around quietly, setting up laptops, cameras, and headsets for the online video call fan sign. Chairs were arranged with space between each member, wires taped down neatly on the floor. Someone adjusted the lighting while another checked sound levels.
The girls were told they had a bit of time before starting.
Wonyoung sat comfortably on one of the chairs, phone in hand, scrolling through her schedule. Her brows furrowed slightly as she checked dates and notes.
“…Another fitting?” she murmured under her breath.
Yujin, sitting beside her, leaned back in her chair, doing the same thing on her own phone. “You have three solo shoots next week,” she said casually. “That’s a lot.”
Wonyoung hummed. “I know.”
Across the room, Rei and Liz were huddled together, phones tilted toward each other.
“No, no, you have to tap faster!” Rei said, laughing.
“That’s cheating!” Liz protested, giggling anyway.
Gaeul sat a little away from everyone, calmly reading an article on her tablet.
“Breathing techniques for emotional regulation,” she read aloud quietly. “Hmm… interesting.”
Leeseo was scrolling through social media when she suddenly started laughing.
“Unnie,” she said, scooting closer to Yujin. “Look at this.”
She turned her phone toward Yujin. It was a fan-edited video of Yujin trying on different outfits, some sharp suits, some playful, some outright ridiculous, with dramatic music and screaming captions layered on top.
The comments were flying by.
I’m on my knees.
STEP ON ME, LEADER.
I volunteer as your girlfriend.
Yujin watched, eyebrows lifting, then laughed. “Why is it edited like a movie trailer?”
Leeseo laughed even harder. “Everyone is losing their minds. So many people are begging to be your girlfriend.”
Yujin shrugged, amused, lips curling into a proud smile. “What can I say? Your leader is both handsome and pretty.”
“True,” Leeseo nodded seriously. Then she grinned. “Too bad for them though.”
“Why?” Yujin asked.
“Because they’re not Wonyoung unnie.”
Yujin’s smile softened instantly.
Wonyoung had heard everything. She didn’t look up from her phone, but a small smile curved on her lips anyway.
A few minutes later, staff clapped their hands softly.
“Okay everyone, let’s get seated. Online video call fan sign will start now.”
The girls took their assigned seats, spaced out to avoid overlapping audio. Headsets on. Cameras adjusted.
The calls began.
Half an hour in, Wonyoung reached for her water bottle, taking a slow sip. Her voice was slightly hoarse from nonstop talking, but her smile never wavered.
The manager gestured to her. Next call.
Wonyoung straightened, brightened her expression, and looked into the camera.
“Hi!” she greeted warmly.
The fan on the screen looked nervous, hands shaking a little. “H-Hi, Wonyoung unnie… this is my first video call.”
Wonyoung’s eyes softened. “Really? Don’t be nervous. I’m happy you’re here.”
The fan visibly relaxed. “I’ve supported you since your previous group,” she said excitedly. “IVE is my ultimate now.”
“Thank you so much,” Wonyoung replied sincerely. “That means a lot to me.”
The fan hesitated, then smiled shyly. “Yujin unnie is such a great leader. So many idols and celebrities say they have a crush on her…”
Wonyoung listened quietly.
“So I was just curious since you two are very close,” the fan continued carefully. “Does Yujin unnie have a girlfriend?”
Wonyoung didn’t pause.
“No,” she said calmly.
The fan leaned closer to the screen.
“I’m the girlfriend.”
There was a beat of silence.
Then the fan gasped. “Oh my god!”
She immediately giggled. “Are you forreal?”
Wonyoung smiled, eyes sparkling but face completely straight. “Maybe.”
They both laughed, the moment passing easily.
“Thank you for talking to me,” the fan said as the timer counted down.
“Thank you for supporting us,” Wonyoung replied, waving gently.
The call ended.
Wonyoung leaned back slightly and exhaled.
Management is not going to be happy about this when it goes viral. She thought briefly.
Her eyes drifted toward Yujin, who was in the middle of her own call, laughing softly, dimples on full display, nodding attentively as she listened to a fan.
Wonyoung felt something warm settle in her chest.
My Yujinnie.
She smiled to herself.
“Oh well,” she murmured quietly. “Worth it.”
The manager signaled again.
Wonyoung straightened, smile back in place, and greeted the next fan like nothing had happened.
—END—