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Day 1 of the fan concert had been circled, highlighted, and practically worshipped on every calendar the girls owned.
For weeks, IVE had been running on a cycle of practice rooms, recording studios, and quick meals in between. Their recent second full album had only just been released, and yet there was no slowing down; variety show appearances, interviews, solo schedules, and on top of all that, preparations for a fan concert that meant everything to them.
It wasn’t just another stage.
It was for the fans.
Backstage buzzed with a kind of controlled chaos that only came with live performances. Stylists rushed with last-minute fixes, in-ears were checked, microphones tested, and the low hum of anticipation settled in the air like static.
In the center of it all stood Yujin.
“Okay, everyone, circle up!”
Her voice cut cleanly through the noise, warm and commanding in that effortless way she had. The members gathered quickly, forming their usual tight huddle. Hands stacked one over the other, familiar and grounding.
“Today’s the first day,” Yujin said, her eyes scanning each of them, soft but determined. “Let’s have fun, okay? No regrets. Let’s show them everything we’ve worked for.”
A chorus of “아이팅 (i-ting)” followed, laughter bubbling out as nerves loosened.
Beside her, Wonyoung smiled brightly, though her eyes lingered just a second longer on Yujin than usual. It was subtle, something only she would notice, but there was a faint stiffness in the way Yujin shifted her weight.
“Yujinnie, you good?” Wonyoung murmured under the noise.
Yujin gave her a quick grin. “Perfect.”
And maybe it wasn’t a lie.
Not entirely.
The lights dimmed.
The roar of the crowd surged like a wave crashing into the venue, loud enough to rattle bones and electrify every nerve. As the opening VCR ended, the stage lit up, and just like that, they were on.
From the very first note, everything clicked.
The choreography flowed, vocals rang steady and clear, and the connection with the audience was immediate and powerful. Thousands of lightsticks flickered like a galaxy, chanting their names, singing along to every lyric.
Yujin thrived in it.
She always did.
Even with the faint, nagging ache in her left leg.
At first, it was manageable, a dull tightness she could ignore. Years of training had taught her how to compartmentalize pain, how to tuck it neatly away behind smiles and sharp movements.
But as the set progressed, the ache sharpened.
Then came Blackhole.
The energy shifted instantly, intense, dark, powerful. It was one of their most physically demanding performances, filled with sharp transitions, heavy footwork, and dynamic stage elements.
Yujin exhaled slowly before her cue.
Just one song.
The music hit.
She moved.
It happened mid-performance.
A single misstep, barely noticeable, and then a sudden, sharp shooting pain tore through her left leg as she climbed onto the table prop.
Her breath hitched.
For a fraction of a second, her vision blurred.
But the music didn’t stop.
The crowd didn’t stop.
So neither did she.
Yujin pushed through it, every movement calculated now, adjusting just enough to compensate without making it obvious. Her expressions remained flawless, her presence unwavering.
To anyone else, she was perfect.
But not to Wonyoung.
From across the stage, Wonyoung saw it.
The slight hesitation.
The uneven landing.
The way Yujin’s weight shifted subtly to her right side.
Her heart dropped.
No…
Wonyoung kept performing, she had to, but her focus split, one half locked onto the choreography, the other entirely on Yujin.
Every time Yujin turned.
Every time she stepped.
Every tiny wince she tried to hide.
Wonyoung noticed.
She always did.
By the time the song ended, the applause was deafening.
The members gathered at the front of the stage, waving and greeting fans, catching their breath.
Yujin smiled, lifting her mic. “Did you guys enjoy that?”
Cheers exploded.
But Wonyoung wasn’t looking at the crowd.
She was looking at Yujin’s leg.
And this time, it was undeniable.
A limp.
Small, but there.
The moment they stepped offstage for intermission, everything shifted.
Yujin’s composure slipped just enough for the pain to show more clearly in her steps.
“Yujin.”
Wonyoung was at her side instantly.
Before Yujin could brush it off, Wonyoung slipped an arm around her waist, steady and firm. “Lean on me.”
“I’m fine…”
“You’re not.”
It wasn’t said harshly.
But it wasn’t optional either.
Staff quickly noticed, concern spreading as they ushered them toward the dressing room. The other members followed, glancing back anxiously.
Managers were already waiting.
“What happened?” one of them asked, eyes scanning Yujin.
“Just a cramp,” Yujin replied quickly, forcing a smile. “It’s nothing serious…”
Wonyoung turned to the manager. “Can someone check her leg, please?”
Yujin hesitated. “Wony, really, I…”
One look.
That was all it took and Yujin went quiet.
The medical staff moved efficiently, guiding her to sit down.
“Tell me where it hurts.”
Yujin pointed to her left leg, jaw tightening as they applied gentle pressure.
The reaction was immediate.
A sharp inhale.
A wince she couldn’t hide this time.
Wonyoung’s grip on her hand tightened.
The room fell silent for a second.
“I can’t fully say if it’s more than a muscle cramp,” the staff member said carefully.
They didn’t have time for a full diagnosis.
Only minutes.
“Can you continue?” a manager asked.
Yujin didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
“Yujin…”
“I can manage it,” Yujin added, softer now, glancing at Wonyoung. “I won’t overdo it. I’ll adjust.”
Wonyoung searched her face.
She knew that look.
The leader.
The responsibility.
The refusal to let anyone down.
After a long moment, Wonyoung sighed quietly.
“…Okay.”
But her hand didn’t leave Yujin’s.
Outfits were changed quickly and touch-ups done in record time.
The call came, they were needed back on stage.
One by one, the members headed toward the platform lift.
Yujin and Wonyoung lingered just a few steps behind.
“Hey,” Yujin said gently.
Wonyoung looked at her.
“I’m okay,” Yujin reassured, her voice softer now, meant only for her. “Really. And… thank you.”
Wonyoung’s expression softened, but the worry didn’t disappear.
“I’m watching you,” she said, a hint of teasing slipping into her tone. “Don’t think you can get away with anything.”
Yujin huffed a quiet laugh. “Yes, ma’am.”
For a second, she really wanted to kiss her.
Right there. Just a quick one.
But the hallway was full, staff, cameras, members just ahead.
So instead, Yujin reached down and intertwined their fingers.
She squeezed gently.
A silent promise.
I’ll be okay.
Wonyoung squeezed back.
Not fully convinced.
But there.
With her.
Always.
The platform began to rise. The roar of the crowd returned.
And hand in hand, they stepped back into the light.
The second half of the fan concert carried on like nothing had gone wrong.
From the outside, it was seamless, polished, energetic, everything fans had come to expect from IVE. The girls laughed during ment segments, played games, teased each other, and responded to fans with the kind of warmth that made the entire venue feel intimate despite its size.
And at the center of it all, Yujin stood tall.
Her smile was bright, convincingly bright. She bounced lightly during talk segments, her voice steady as she spoke, her laughter easy and genuine.
If someone didn’t know her well, they would’ve believed she was completely fine.
But Wonyoung knew better.
Still, as the minutes passed, her chest loosened just a little.
Yujin was adapting.
Subtly shifting her weight onto her right leg, minimizing strain during choreography, adjusting transitions so smoothly that even trained eyes would struggle to notice. It was impressive, frustratingly so, but also reassuring.
Wonyoung stayed close.
Luckily, or maybe not by coincidence at all, their formations kept them side by side more often than not. During group songs, during talking segments, even when they walked across the stage to interact with fans, they ended up within arm’s reach of each other.
Wonyoung silently thanked whoever was responsible for that.
Because it meant she could watch.
Stay ready.
Be there.
At one point during a talk segment, Yujin shifted slightly, just enough for her balance to falter for half a second.
No one else noticed.
But Wonyoung’s hand brushed against her back instantly, light but steady.
Yujin didn’t even turn her head, just let out the tiniest breath of relief and continued speaking as if nothing happened.
That was enough for Wonyoung.
Because injury or not, nothing was going to change one simple truth:
She would always stand by Yujin.
By the time the final ment came around, emotions were high.
The members stood in a line, each taking turns speaking.
When it was Yujin’s turn, she stepped forward, gripping her mic with both hands.
“Today… really meant a lot to us,” she said, her voice softer now, more sincere. “We worked really hard to prepare for this, and seeing all of you here… it makes everything worth it.”
The crowd responded with cheers, some fans already tearing up.
Yujin smiled, eyes glistening under the stage lights. “We’ll keep doing our best. So please continue to stay with us, okay?”
A roar of agreement filled the venue.
Wonyoung watched her, heart swelling.
That’s why she didn’t stop.
And honestly?
Wonyoung couldn’t even argue with it.
Because deep down, she knew…
She would’ve done the exact same thing.
After the final bow and goodbye, the moment the girls stepped offstage, the energy shifted again.
Staff applauded, congratulating them. Managers checked in. Stylists rushed forward.
And right in the middle of it, Yujin did what she always did.
“Everyone worked so hard today,” she said, her voice carrying through the room. “Thank you for taking care of us. The stage looked amazing.”
It didn’t matter that she was tired.
Or hurting.
She made sure everyone else felt appreciated first.
Wonyoung watched her quietly, a small, fond smile tugging at her lips.
Unbelievable.
About thirty minutes later, the chaos had settled.
The members changed into comfortable clothes, hoodies, sweatpants, slippers replacing stage outfits and heels. Makeup was mostly removed, hair loosened.
One by one, they began heading out toward the waiting company vehicles.
The dorm was calling.
Rest.
Food.
Sleep.
But not for Yujin.
“Yujin-ah, you’re coming with the medical team,” one of the managers said gently. “We’ll do a proper check at the clinic.”
Yujin nodded without protest this time.
Before anyone else could say anything…
“I’m going with her.”
Wonyoung’s voice was calm.
Firm.
Non-negotiable.
The manager blinked. “Wonyoung-ah, you should probably head back and…”
“I’ll go with her.”
There it was again.
That look.
Yujin knew it. The managers knew it.
There was no point arguing.
After a brief glance exchanged between staff, one of them sighed. “Alright. Just… make sure you both rest when you get back.”
Wonyoung nodded once. “We will.”
The van ride was quieter than usual.
Dim lights.
Soft hum of the engine.
The kind of silence that only came after a long, exhausting day.
Yujin sat near the back, her posture relaxed but clearly drained.
Wonyoung slipped into the seat beside her without a word.
“Here, rest for a bit.” she murmured gently.
Before Yujin could respond, Wonyoung guided her head down, resting it carefully on her shoulder.
Yujin let out a soft exhale, not resisting.
Their hands found each other naturally, fingers intertwining like they had earlier.
“Still hurts?” Wonyoung asked quietly.
“A little,” Yujin admitted. “But it’s not as bad.”
Wonyoung hummed, unconvinced. “You pushed yourself too much.”
“I managed it.”
“That’s not the point.”
Yujin smiled faintly against her shoulder. “You sound like a doctor.”
“I had to be,” Wonyoung shot back softly. “Since someone refused to act like a patient.”
Yujin let out a quiet chuckle, the vibration warm against Wonyoung’s arm.
“…Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For staying.”
Wonyoung didn’t hesitate. “There was never a question.”
Yujin’s grip tightened slightly.
The van continued forward.
And for a moment, everything felt still.
When they arrived at the agency’s clinic, the atmosphere shifted into something more clinical, more focused.
Yujin was guided to a treatment room, and this time, the examination was thorough.
Range of motion tests.
Pressure checks.
Careful observation.
Wonyoung stood close by, arms crossed but eyes sharp, following every movement, every reaction.
When Yujin flinched slightly during one test, Wonyoung’s brows furrowed immediately.
“Is that bad?” she asked.
The physical therapist smiled reassuringly. “Let’s finish checking first.”
A few more minutes passed.
Then finally…
“It’s just a muscle cramp,” the therapist concluded. “No tear, no strain. Just overuse and tension.”
The words settled into the room.
Wonyoung exhaled. A long, relieved breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.
Yujin leaned back slightly, rolling her shoulders. “Told you it was just a cramp.”
She turned her head toward Wonyoung with a small smirk.
Wonyoung rolled her eyes, though the tension in her face softened. “I’m still not sorry that I care about your well-being.”
Yujin laughed quietly.
But Wonyoung wasn’t done.
She turned back to the therapist, fully attentive.
“What should we do for aftercare?”
The therapist nodded approvingly. “Good question.”
Wonyoung listened closely.
“Light massage on the affected area, apply heat or cold depending on comfort, and make sure she stays hydrated, water or electrolytes.”
Wonyoung nodded after each point.
Massage.
Heat or cold.
Hydration.
She repeated it in her head, mentally locking it in place.
“Got it.”
Yujin, meanwhile, wasn’t listening as closely anymore.
Because she was watching Wonyoung. Really watching her.
The way her brows furrowed slightly in concentration.
The way she nodded seriously, committing every detail to memory.
The quiet determination in her posture.
All of it.
Yujin felt something warm settle in her chest.
“…You really care a lot,” she said softly.
Wonyoung glanced at her, as if the answer was obvious.
“Of course I do.”
Simple.
Certain.
Unshakable.
By the time they finished at the clinic, the night had deepened.
The exhaustion from the day finally began to settle in fully.
They headed back to the dorm together, the earlier tension replaced by something softer, calmer.
Yujin walked carefully, but steadily.
And Wonyoung stayed right beside her.
Not because she had to. But because she wanted to.
By the time they reached the dorm, the night had settled into a quiet stillness.
The van doors slid open, and as soon as Yujin stepped out, with Wonyoung just a half-step behind her, the living room lights flicked on.
They weren’t alone.
The rest of the IVE girlies were already there, gathered on the couch and floor, still in their comfy clothes, hair loose, faces bare of stage makeup.
The moment they saw Yujin, all of them stood up at once.
“Unnie!”
“Are you okay?”
“What did they say?”
Voices overlapped, concern written all over their faces.
Yujin blinked in surprise before breaking into a soft smile. “Hey, hey…relax. I’m okay.”
That didn’t stop them from crowding around her anyway.
“It’s just a muscle cramp,” she continued, lifting a hand as if to physically calm them down. “No injury. I’ll be fine for tomorrow.”
There was a beat of silence.
Then a collective sigh of relief.
“Really?” Leeseo stepped forward, eyes wide with concern.
“Really,” Yujin reassured.
Leeseo didn’t hesitate, she wrapped her arms around Yujin in a tight hug. “You scared us…”
Yujin laughed softly, returning the hug just as tightly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”
“Make sure you rest,” Leeseo added, pulling back slightly. “If you need anything, just tell us, okay?”
Yujin nodded, her expression warm. “Thank you.”
Then, with a small grin, she tilted her head toward Wonyoung. “But I think this one’s got it covered. She’s making sure I’m taken care of.”
All eyes shifted.
Wonyoung, who had been standing just behind Yujin like a quiet guard, blinked once before giving a small shrug.
“Girlfriend duties,” she said simply.
“Wow,” Rei snorted. “She’s not even hiding it anymore.”
“She’s been hovering all night,” Liz added with a teasing smile. “Like a bodyguard.”
Wonyoung crossed her arms, unfazed. “Someone has to make sure she doesn’t do anything reckless.”
Yujin huffed. “I’m right here, you know.”
“That’s exactly why I said it.”
The room filled with light laughter.
Even Gaeul shook her head with a fond smile before clapping her hands once. “Alright, alright. Enough teasing. Everyone should rest, we have another show tomorrow.”
She looked at Yujin briefly, her tone softening. “You too, leader.”
Yujin nodded. “Yes, Unnie, thank you.”
“Goodnight,” Gaeul added, already ushering the others toward their rooms.
One by one, the members said their goodnights, some lingering just a second longer to give Yujin reassuring pats or smiles, before disappearing down the hallway.
Soon, the dorm quieted.
Wonyoung didn’t leave.
Of course she didn’t.
She followed Yujin into her room like it was second nature, because, in many ways, it was. It had long since become their space, even if unofficially.
“Go wash up first,” Wonyoung said, slipping into a more practical tone. “And run hot water on your leg.”
Yujin raised a brow, amused. “Yes, Doctor-nim.”
“I’m serious.”
“I know,” Yujin said softly, her tone gentler now.
She didn’t argue.
By the time Yujin came back out, freshly changed and slightly damp-haired, the room already felt more relaxed.
She settled onto her bed with a quiet sigh, stretching her left leg out carefully. Two water bottles sat neatly on the side table, placed there by Wonyoung, of course.
Moments later, Wonyoung appeared again, holding a heating pad.
“Lift your leg a bit,” she instructed.
Yujin obeyed, watching as Wonyoung carefully positioned the pad over the cramped area, adjusting it with surprising gentleness.
“Stay still,” Wonyoung added. “I’ll go wash up.”
Yujin tilted her head, a small smile forming. “I will… but not before I get a kiss.”
Wonyoung paused.
Then, without hesitation, she leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Yujin’s lips.
“Happy?” she murmured.
“Very.”
“I’ll be quick.”
True to her word, Wonyoung returned in less than half an hour, dressed in comfortable sleepwear, hair slightly damp, face clean and relaxed.
Yujin was exactly where she left her.
“Come here,” Yujin called softly, patting the space beside her.
Wonyoung did, but instead of curling into her usual spot against Yujin’s side, she sat closer to Yujin’s extended leg.
Yujin blinked. “What are you…”
The heating pad was gently removed.
“Hey…”
“Relax,” Wonyoung murmured.
And then…
Her hands.
Careful.
Warm.
She began massaging Yujin’s leg, slow and deliberate, pressing just enough to ease the tension without causing pain.
Every few seconds, Wonyoung glanced up, watching Yujin’s expression closely.
“Does it hurt?” she asked quietly.
Yujin shook her head, her lips curling into a soft smile, dimples appearing.
“No,” she said, voice softer now. “It actually feels good. You’re very good with your hands, Wony.”
Wonyoung paused.
One brow lifted.
Yujin froze.
A second passed.
Then…
“Oh. Uh, no…no, that’s not what I meant…I mean the massage, not that you’re not good with the other, you know…hand thing…you are, very much so, but this…uh…”
Her words tangled over each other, her cheeks flushing a deep red as she tried, and failed, to recover.
Wonyoung stared at her for a beat.
Then burst out laughing.
“Yujinnie.”
Yujin groaned, covering her face. “Don’t…please”
“It’s fine,” Wonyoung said between soft laughs. “I know what you meant.”
Yujin peeked at her through her fingers.
“And,” Wonyoung added, a playful glint in her eyes, “I also know what I’m capable of.”
“Jang Wonyoung!”
That only made her laugh more.
But she didn’t tease her any further.
Instead, she continued the massage.
Slow.
Steady.
Her hands working carefully over the muscle, easing the tension bit by bit.
The room grew quiet again.
Comfortable.
Yujin’s breathing slowed.
Her body relaxed under Wonyoung’s touch, the earlier exhaustion finally catching up to her.
Her eyelids grew heavy.
“…You should do this more often,” Yujin mumbled sleepily.
Wonyoung glanced up, a small smile forming.
“Go to sleep.”
“Mm…”
Not long after, Yujin’s voice faded completely.
Her breathing evened out.
Soft.
Steady.
Asleep.
Wonyoung’s hands slowed, then stopped.
Carefully, she pulled the blanket up over Yujin, making sure her leg was still properly supported.
Then she shifted, moving up to lie beside her.
This time, she curled in close, fitting naturally against Yujin’s side, like she always did.
She leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Yujin’s temple.
“Goodnight, Yujinnie.” she whispered.
And just like that, with her girlfriend safe and resting beside her, Wonyoung finally allowed herself to relax.
Her eyes closed.
And the room fell into quiet.
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