Chapter Text
Eyes filled with awe and curiosity fall on you the moment you step into TeSTAR's dorm.
The atmosphere shifts almost instantly.
“…..”
“….?”
It's subtle, but you catch it—the brief lull in conversation, the faint rustle of someone lowering their phone, the collective attention turning toward you all at once. Seven pairs of eyes study you with varying degrees of curiosity, caution, and exhaustion only idols drowning in schedules could wear so naturally.
You straighten your posture anyway.
“Hello.” Your smile comes easily, polished through months of handling clients and executives alike. “I'm [Name]. Starting today, I'll be working as TeSTAR's assistant manager. It's nice to meet all of you.”
The introduction settles over the room.
Seon Ahyeon's eyes brighten almost immediately, quiet interest flickering across his gentle expression. Lee Sejin and Cha Eugene lean forward from the couch, openly observing you with amusement dancing in their eyes, as though already entertained by whatever chaos your arrival might bring. Kim Raebin greets you with a polite nod. Meanwhile, Bae Sejin barely lifts his gaze from his phone, though the slight pause in his scrolling makes it obvious he's paying attention. Near the kitchen counter, Park Moondae remains silent, unreadable eyes resting on you without a word.
“Thank goodness,” someone mutters under their breath. “I think you can finally take it easy now, Chungwoo.”
Your attention shifts toward the speaker.
Ryu Chungwoo releases a long sigh, his shoulders visibly loosening as though an enormous weight had just been lifted from them.
“Seriously,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck with a tired laugh. “Welcome. Please save us.”
A few members burst into quiet laughter.
You join in politely, though a small question mark has already begun forming in your mind.
Save them from what exactly?
Unfortunately, you get your answer far sooner than expected.
The introductions barely end before TeSTAR's manager, Kim Jun, suddenly appears beside you carrying an alarming stack of folders.
Before you can react—
Thump.
The files land directly in your arms.
Your eyes widen as the pile nearly slips from your grasp. Papers slide everywhere, forcing you to hurriedly catch them before they scatter across the floor.
“W-Wait—”
“Take care of it, [Name].” Kim Jun flashes you a bright thumbs-up paired with a smile far too carefree for the situation. “I'm leaving everything to you.”
You blink once.
Then twice.
“…Huh?”
But he's already walking away.
“Manager-nim?” you call weakly.
He waves without even turning around.
The front door clicks shut.
Silence follows.
Slowly, your gaze drops to the mountain of paperwork in your arms.
Schedules. Broadcast confirmations. Brand meetings. Transportation arrangements. Emergency contacts. Promotion requests.
Your soul nearly leaves your body.
You've got to be kidding me.
The rest of the day descends into chaos. Complete chaos.
You spend hours driving across the city, rushing from broadcasting stations to agency buildings to filming locations without pause. Your phone rings so often the vibration alone begins haunting your ears.
“Hello, this is TeSTAR's assistant manager speaking—”
“Yes, we can confirm that schedule.”
“No, Thursday at four conflicts with another appearance.”
“Yes, I'll send the revised document right away.”
“Please give me a moment—”
You barely have enough time to breathe.
Some meetings don't even feel like meetings.
They feel like ambushes.
The second you arrive at one building, a producer drags you into an office to discuss variety show appearances while another person calls asking if Cha Eugene can guest on a radio program next week. Someone else requests a dance challenge collaboration. Another wants a magazine shoot.
You initially thought these things required proper discussions and scheduling.
Instead, everything happens instantly.
Decisions.
Calls.
Adjustments.
Again and again and again.
And through all of it—
Kim Jun is nowhere to be found.
Not a text message. Not even a call.
By noon, hunger gnaws painfully at your stomach.
You still haven't eaten.
Your feet ache from nonstop running, and every passing reflection in glass windows makes you look progressively worse.
Messy hair. Wrinkled blazer.
Dark circles slowly appearing beneath your eyes.
At some point, you genuinely begin wondering if this entire situation is some elaborate prank.
When you finally finish your last appointment for the day, exhaustion crashes over you the moment you step outside.
Your shoulders sag immediately.
Cool afternoon air brushes against your overheated skin as you drag yourself toward the company vehicle. The second you climb inside, the door shuts with a heavy sigh escaping your lips.
“…I'm going to die.”
You lean forward until your forehead rests against the steering wheel.
For several minutes, you stay completely still.
Your hands ache. Your head pounds.
Even now, phantom ringtone vibrations continue ringing inside your ears.
Eventually, you draw in a slow breath and lift your head.
No matter how exhausted you are, work is still work.
And idols notice more than people think.
So by the time you arrive back at TeSTAR's dorm—
You look perfectly composed.
Your hair is neatly fixed.
Your clothes properly smoothed out.
Your expression calm and professional, as though you hadn't spent the entire day sprinting across Seoul surviving purely on stress and caffeine.
The members are gathered in the living room when you walk in.
You offer them a warm smile before handing out neatly printed schedule copies.
“Please take a look,” you say. “I prepared individual copies for everyone. All confirmed schedules for next week are listed there, including pickup times and appearance details.”
Silence fills the room.
Then—
“…Oh.”
The reactions come one after another.
Eyes widen. Mouths slowly part in disbelief.
Ryu Chungwoo flips through the pages, shock written clearly across his face.
“You already organized all of this?”
“And the promotions as well,” you reply casually. “I contacted several programs directly, so there are additional appearance opportunities near the back.”
Cha Eugene stares at you like you've just performed magic. “She did,” he says immediately, turning toward the others with sparkling eyes. “She really did! This is seriously new.”
Lee Sejin grins brightly. “You worked hard!”
Something about the sincerity in his voice eases the exhaustion weighing heavily on your chest.
The others bow almost instinctively, gratitude evident in their expressions.
For a brief moment, the misery of your day doesn't seem quite as terrible anymore.
You let out a small laugh, waving a hand dismissively. “Oh, dear. It's my job.”
Still, warmth spreads through you nonetheless.
“Well then,” you continue with a polite bow, “please get some rest. Tomorrow's schedule starts early.”
They echo their goodbyes as you turn toward the door.
You're just about to leave when—
“Wait.”
A hand reaches out from behind you.
You stop.
A paper bag appears in your line of sight.
“…Uh?”
You glance back.
It's Park Moondae.
Standing quietly beside you, he holds out the bag without another word.
“It's red ginseng,” he says simply.
For a second, you only stare at it.
Red ginseng?
Then realization slowly clicks into place.
Your exhaustion. The state you probably failed to hide completely.
The fact that despite your composed appearance—
Someone noticed.
Your expression softens immediately.
“Oh.” Carefully, you accept the bag with both hands. “Thank you… though you really didn't have to.”
Moondae shakes his head once.
Short.
Quiet.
Yet somehow sincere enough to convey everything he leaves unsaid.
This time, your smile reaches your eyes despite the lingering exhaustion behind them.
“Thank you.”
He gives a small nod in return.
And even after you leave the dorm, Park Moondae's gaze remains fixed on the closed door long after you've gone.
As early as five in the morning, TeSTAR is already on the move.
The city outside remains wrapped in darkness, streetlights glowing faintly against empty roads while the company van cuts through the quiet streets of Seoul. The atmosphere inside the vehicle is calm—comfortably silent in the way only people used to exhausting schedules could understand.
Most of the members are still half-asleep.
Ryu Chungwoo sits with his hood pulled low over his head, arms crossed as he dozes lightly against the window. Bae Sejin scrolls through his phone. Somewhere in the back, Lee Sejin quietly watches videos with the brightness turned all the way down while Seon Ahyeon struggles to stay awake beside him.
Meanwhile, Park Moondae occupies the passenger seat beside you.
The dim glow of his phone reflects faintly across his face as he scrolls silently, expression as unreadable as ever. Beside him, you keep your attention focused on the road ahead, fingers loosely curled around the steering wheel.
“♪♪”
A faint hum reaches your ears.
You glance sideways for only a second before returning your eyes to the road.
The sound comes from Moondae.
At some point, he's already put his phone away, head slightly tilted toward the window as he hums under his breath. The melody is quiet and smooth, blending naturally with the low rumble of the engine.
Something about it feels strangely comforting.
Your tense shoulders loosen little by little, weariness from the early schedule easing slightly at the sound.
A faint smile tugs at your lips.
How nostalgic. The thought slips into your mind unexpectedly, warm and distant all at once.
You shake your head subtly afterward, almost amused with yourself.
The ride continues peacefully after that.
Before long, the company van pulls into the underground parking lot of the magazine shoot venue. Bright lights reflect against polished concrete walls as staff members hurry in and out carrying garment racks and equipment despite the early hour.
You place the vehicle into park and glance toward the back seats.
As expected—
Cha Eugene is completely knocked out.
Beside him, Kim Raebin isn't much better, head tilted awkwardly against the seatbelt while fast asleep.
The rest of the members are awake enough to gather their things.
Swallowing down a sigh, you unbuckle your seatbelt and turn around carefully.
“Wake up, Eugene. We're here already.” you say, gently shaking Eugene's shoulder. Then you lean slightly toward the other side. “Raebin. We've arrived.”
Eugene stirs first.
“...Uhh.” His eyes blink open, unfocused and glassy with sleep.
Raebin wakes a second later, letting out a tired groan before rubbing the back of his neck with a small grimace.
Meanwhile, Eugene simply stares at you blankly.
Still dazed.
Still clearly not fully awake.
You pause. Is he still out of it?
Concerned, you wave a hand lightly in front of his face. “Eugene?”
Without warning, Eugene suddenly reaches forward—
And grabs your hand.
“...Um?”
Your eyes widen as he shakes your hand firmly with complete seriousness despite looking seconds away from falling asleep again.
Across the van, Lee Sejin bursts into laughter almost immediately.
“Are you still asleep, Eugene?” he wheezes, clutching his stomach. “What's with the handshake?!”
The entire vehicle erupts into noise after that.
Raebin lowers his head with a tired laugh while Ahyeon covers his mouth, shoulders trembling from suppressed laughter. Even Chungwoo cracks up from the front row.
Eugene, still holding your hand, blinks slowly.
“Oh.”
Realization finally catches up to him.
His eyes widen in horror as he immediately lets go.
“I-I'm sorry!” he blurts out, face flushing bright red. “I thought... I don't know what I thought—”
Another round of laughter explodes inside the van.
Even you can't stop yourself from laughing softly at the sight of Eugene burying his burning face into his hoodie while the others continue teasing him relentlessly.
The members head inside the studio one after another while you remain near the vehicle, pulling several documents from the folder tucked beneath your arm.
The morning air is cold enough to nip at your skin.
You hardly notice it.
Your attention stays fixed on the tightly packed schedule printed across the pages—broadcast appearance at nine, interview at eleven, dance practice afterward, then another meeting squeezed somewhere in between.
You already feel a headache coming.
Flipping through another page, you quickly jot down several notes on the corner with a pen held between your fingers.
Time adjustments. Transportation route.
Meal arrangements.
Potential traffic delays.
The entertainment industry truly never sleeps.
Nearly an hour goes by when the studio doors finally open again.
The members begin filing out one by one, now fully styled for the photoshoot.
Eugene dramatically stretches his arms above his head the second he steps outside, with Chungwoo adjusting the sleeves of his outfit. Beside them, Ahyeon carefully avoids wrinkling his clothes while walking, and Lee Sejin immediately complains about how hungry he is.
You trail after them, still scanning through the documents in your hands.
“Manager-nim, are we dying after this schedule too?” Lee Sejin whines.
It's assistant manager. Without looking up, you answer immediately.
“Yes.”
“Wow.”
“Condolences.” Bae Sejin mutters from beside him.
By seven, the photoshoot finally wraps up.
The members return toward the vehicle looking visibly drained despite their professionally perfect appearances. Makeup untouched. Hair immaculate. Souls completely gone.
The second they approach the van, however, you hand out coffee cups one by one.
Instantly, the atmosphere changes.
“You're a lifesaver, manager-nim!” Lee Sejin beams brightly as he accepts his drink.
It's assistant manager.
“T-thank you...” Ahyeon says softly.
Raebin nods in appreciation while Eugene practically clutches his coffee like it's oxygen itself.
“I figured everyone would need caffeine after today's shoot.”
Warmth briefly spreads through the exhausted group as they settle into their seats.
Once everyone climbs inside, you move toward the driver's seat, already preparing to leave for the next schedule.
But before you can start the engine—
Click.
The passenger door suddenly opens.
You blink in confusion. Huh?
Moondae unbuckles his seatbelt and steps out of the van.
“I forgot something,” he says simply. “I'll be back.”
The door closes without giving you the chance to respond.
You stare blankly after him.
“...What?”
Several minutes pass.
Then Moondae finally returns carrying a small plastic bag in one hand and a coffee cup in the other.
Sliding back into the passenger seat, he shuts the door quietly.
Your gaze drops toward the items. “You didn't like the coffee?” you ask instinctively.
Moondae shakes his head once and holds both items out toward you.
“You bought coffee for everyone except yourself.”
Your movements pause entirely.
“Oh.” You blink, caught off guard. “I was thinking that I could just drink something later—”
He nudges the items closer cutting off your explanation midway.
Wordlessly insisting.
A little stunned, you accept them with both hands. “...Thank you. I appreciate it, Moondae.”
From the backseat, Eugene suddenly speaks up.
“Moondae's right,” he says, frowning slightly. “You take care of us all the time, but you barely take care of yourself.”
Chungwoo nods immediately beside him.
“We're really grateful,” he says sincerely. “But don't make us worry too.”
“Exactly!” Lee Sejin chimes in. “At this rate, our manager-nim is going to collapse before we do!”
Ahyeon nods in agreement while Bae Sejin glances up from his phone long enough to mumble—
“You seriously look tired lately.”
The sudden concern directed entirely at you leaves you momentarily speechless.
Overwhelmed, you hastily nod your head. “I-I'm fine, really—”
You attempt to place the coffee and plastic bag down beside you.
But Moondae beats you to it.
“We're not leaving until you eat first.”
You freeze.
“...What?”
He gestures toward the bag calmly. “We have another schedule after this, right?” he points out. “I doubt you'll have time later.”
“Yeah, but I can just—”
Crinkle. Without another word, Moondae pulls a sandwich from the bag and tears open the wrapper.
The sound echoes oddly loud inside the quiet vehicle.
“Moondae—”
Before you can finish protesting—
He suddenly pushes the sandwich toward your mouth.
Your eyes widen in complete shock as soft bread presses against your lips.
“I know,” he says flatly. “Eat.”
Silence.
Absolute silence fills the van.
The members stare at the scene in utter disbelief.
Even Bae Sejin's mouth slowly falls open.
Because somehow—
The action feels far too natural for Moondae.
Too effortless.
Like feeding you without hesitation is something his body decided before his brain even caught up to it.
Meanwhile, Moondae himself doesn't seem remotely aware of why everyone is staring at him.
He only raises the sandwich slightly again, expression unreadable as ever.
“...Hurry up. We're going to be late.”
With all of TeSTAR's attention fixed entirely on you, the inside of the van suddenly feels far too small.
Seven pairs of eyes follow your every movement as you reluctantly take a bite of the sandwich still held in Moondae's hand.
The silence is unbearable.
Eugene openly stares with wide eyes, still trying to process what just happened. Lee Sejin, on the other hand, looks seconds away from bursting into laughter. Beside him, Ahyeon averts his gaze out of consideration, though the obvious twitch at the corner of his lips betrays him completely. Even Chungwoo watches with poorly concealed amusement glinting in his eyes.
The person responsible for this entire situation, however, remains completely unfazed.
Moondae simply waits patiently for you to finish chewing, expression calm as though feeding the group's assistant manager inside a packed vehicle at seven in the morning is perfectly normal behavior.
A bead of sweat slowly trails down your back.
I think I'm going to get indigestion...
The thought crosses your mind miserably as the pressure of everyone's stares threatens to suffocate you more than the sandwich itself.