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Haewon always believed there were moments in life that deserved to be frozen. Not because they were grand. Not because history would remember them. But because sometimes, someone looked at you in a way that made the entire world stop. She just didn't expect today to become one of those moments.
"Unnie!" Jiwoo's voice echoed through the hotel hallway as the six members made their way toward the dressing rooms prepared for the Korea–UK Friendship Reception. The Four Seasons Hotel buzzed with diplomats, journalists, translators, and security personnel. Everyone walked with purpose. Except Haewon. She was busy trying to pin the tiny pearl earrings her stylist insisted matched her white dress.
"Can someone help me?"
Kyujin laughed. "You've been an idol for years and still can't put earrings on?"
"I panic under pressure."
"You panic breathing."
"Exactly."
Everyone chuckled. The atmosphere remained light despite how important today's event was. Meeting diplomats was one thing.
Meeting royalty? That was another. Their stylist disappeared into another room before returning with a grin.
"Haewon."
"Hm?"
"Your girlfriend is ready."
Haewon blinked. "My—" Before she could finish. Lily stepped out. And Haewon forgot how to breathe. She had expected Lily to look pretty. Lily always looked pretty. No— Pretty wasn't enough anymore. Today...
She looked devastating. The tailored brown three-piece suit hugged her perfectly. The vest cinched her waist just enough to make her look elegant without trying. Her cream striped shirt softened the masculine tailoring. With her sleeves rolled to her elbows and her hair falling in perfect, sleek lines, Lily looked less like a modern idol and more like the quiet, wealthy lead of a classic mid-century romance film. The kind where the heroine accidentally falls in love with the quiet woman wearing expensive suits.
Haewon stared. And stared. Lily tilted her head. "...Why are you looking at me like that?"
No answer. Instead— Haewon slowly walked toward her.
"..."
"..."
Until they were standing face-to-face. Lily smiled nervously.
"Did they mess something up?"
Still no answer. Haewon simply reached out...
...and fixed Lily's tie. Her fingers lingered longer than necessary.
"So handsome..."
"What?"
"So..."
She swallowed. "...ridiculously handsome."
Lily laughed. "I thought something was wrong."
"There is."
"Oh?"
"You."
"...Me?"
"You can't walk around looking like this."
"...Why?"
Haewon looked genuinely offended. "Because everyone will fall in love with you."
Jiwoo nearly spit out her water. Bae burst into laughter. Sullyoon dramatically covered Kyujin eyes.
"Don't look. I’m protecting your innocence."
Kyujin rolled her eyes. "Too late."
Lily scratched the back of her neck. "You like it?" Haewon slowly nodded.
"I love it."
"...Really?"
"You look..." She searched for the right word.
"...safe."
Lily blinked. "Safe?"
"You know those people..."
"...who just make you feel like everything will be okay?"
"..."
"That's what you look like."
Lily's expression softened. Without thinking...she reached over. Brushed a loose strand of hair behind Haewon's ear.
"You always say the sweetest things."
"No." Haewon smiled. "I'm just honest."
Their manager interrupted. "Five minutes!"
The room came alive all at once. Stylists hurried from one member to another, smoothing wrinkles that no one else would’ve noticed. Someone adjusted the hem of Jiwoo’s dress. Kyujin was still trying to smooth down a stubborn strand of hair, earning a laugh from Bae.
Haewon took one last look at herself in the mirror. Then, almost instinctively, her eyes wandered. Lily was standing a few steps away, chatting with one of the staff members while adjusting the cuffs of her brown suit. Even doing something as ordinary as rolling her sleeves neatly somehow looked unfairly attractive. Haewon quickly looked away before anyone caught her staring.
Too late.
Jiwoo caught the tiny smile on her leader’s face and quietly nudged Kyujin. “She’s doing it again.” Kyujin didn’t even have to ask who they were talking about.
>★<
Reality returned. The members lined up. Names rehearsed. Their manager gathered the six members near the entrance of the hallway.
“Everyone, one last briefing before we head down.”
The chatter immediately settled. A protocol officer stepped forward, holding a clipboard with a calm smile.
“Thank you for being here today. We’ll go over the reception procedure one final time.”
The members listened attentively as staff quietly stood by, making final adjustments to their outfits. Protocol explained. No selfies during official meetings. No sudden hugs. Proper greetings. Maintain posture. Smile naturally.
Haewon nodded through everything. But every few seconds, Haewon’s eyes drifted back to Lily. Watching the casual way Lily stood with one hand in her pocket made a quiet, warm flutter rise in Haewon’s chest.
The briefing ended with a round of quiet nods. One by one, the members followed the staff through the hotel’s elegant hallway. Large crystal chandeliers reflected against polished marble floors while diplomats and hotel personnel passed by with practiced composure. Despite the calm atmosphere, Haewon could feel the excitement building with every step. They were really about to meet British royalty.
On the elevator ride down…Haewon leaned closer.
"So."
"Hm?"
"You did this on purpose."
"What?"
"The suit."
Lily looked confused. "It was assigned."
"Liar."
"It literally was."
"You requested it."
"I didn't."
"You wanted to kill me."
"..."
Lily smiled. "I mean..." She leaned close enough that only Haewon could hear. "...if that's the effect it had..."
"..."
"...maybe I would've requested it."
Haewon froze. Jiwoo immediately looked away. "I didn't hear anything."
Kyujin nodded. "Neither did I."
Sullyoon sighed. "They're flirting again."
The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime. For a brief second, no one moved. Then the staff motioned for them to follow. As they stepped out, quiet conversations echoed through the corridor leading toward the ballroom. Every few meters stood another member of security. Photographers adjusted their cameras. Guests in elegant evening attire greeted one another in several different languages.
The closer they walked, the more surreal everything began to feel. The reception hall sparkled beneath elegant chandeliers. Soft classical music drifted through the ballroom, blending with the low hum of conversations. Waiters carrying silver trays moved gracefully between diplomats, ambassadors, and invited guests. Crystal glasses caught the warm lights overhead while journalists quietly prepared their cameras near the designated greeting area.
For a moment, Haewon simply looked around. It felt less like attending an event…
…and more like stepping into a scene from one of the historical films Lily loved watching.
Conversations floated in English, Korean, and several languages Haewon couldn't identify. Foreign officials. Business leaders. Ambassadors. Representatives. Then came the announcement.
"Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne." Everyone stood straighter. Haewon quietly inhaled. Lily noticed.
"Nervous?"
"A little."
"You'll do great."
"You think so?"
"I know so."
Haewon smiled. "You always make me brave."
---------
The protocol officer walked over once more, clipboard tucked against his arm. "Your Royal Highness will greet the members from left to right. Please remain in one line."
As soon as he left, the six members instinctively looked at their leader. Haewon clapped her hands softly.
"Okay, formation."
Jiwoo immediately shuffled closer. "Unnie, where do you want us?"
Haewon looked around as if she were carefully calculating the most natural arrangement. "Hmm..." Her eyes briefly landed on Lily.
‘I need to stand next to her.’ Haewon thought
"...Lily."
Lily looked up.
"You stand at the far right."
"The end?"
"Mm."
Lily nodded without questioning it. "Okay."
Haewon continued, pretending to think.
"Then..." She pointed one by one.
"Kyujin here." Haewon gently guided Kyujin toward the far left of the line.
"Jiwoo next."
"Bae."
"Sullyoon..." She paused for half a second. "...beside me."
Sullyoon blinked. "So you're standing between me and Lily?"
"Exactly."
The members quietly moved into position. Only after everyone settled did Jiwoo slowly turn her head toward Kyujin. "...Do you see it?"
Kyujin bit her lip to stop herself from laughing. "I absolutely see it."
Bae lowered her voice. "She could've put herself literally anywhere."
"But somehow..." Jiwoo whispered, "...she ends up next to Lily."
Sullyoon looked from Haewon to Lily. Then back again. "...of course, the greatest wall of Haewon."
“It’s because the leader should stand near the center,” Haewon cleared her throat, trying to sound authoritative.
Jiwoo raised an eyebrow. “The center?”
Haewon nodded confidently. “Yes.” Kyujin squinted, looking down the line. “Unnie, you’re fifth in a line of six. You’re practically standing on the wall.”
There was an awkward silence as everyone followed Kyujin’s gaze. The lineup was (from left to right):
Kyujin.
Jiwoo.
Bae.
Sullyoon.
Haewon.
Lily.
“…”
“…”
“…”
Haewon blinked once, maintaining complete, unbothered eye contact. “…It’s an emotional center."
The members burst into muffled laughter.
"You just wanted to stand beside Lily," Jiwoo whispered.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"You literally banished her to the corner."
"So I could protect the formation."
"Protect the formation?" Sullyoon repeated.
"Yes."
"From what?"
Haewon glanced toward Lily, who was innocently fixing the cuff of her brown suit. "...She's distracting."
Lily looked up, confused. "What?"
"Nothing."
"You just looked at me."
"I didn't."
"You absolutely did."
"I was looking..." Haewon quickly searched for an excuse. "...at your tie."
"My tie?"
"...To make sure it was straight."
Lily smiled knowingly. "It already is."
"...I know."
"So why were you looking?" Lily asked teasingly.
"..."
Haewon looked away. "...No reason."
Lily's lips curled into the tiniest smile. She leaned in just enough so only Haewon could hear. "If you wanted to stand beside me..."
Haewon's ears immediately turned pink.
"...you could've just asked."
Haewon was still trying to think of a comeback when several photographers suddenly lifted their cameras. Conversations around the ballroom gradually softened. Even the staff standing nearby instinctively straightened their posture.
The protocol officer returned, giving the group one final reassuring smile before quietly speaking.
“Everyone, please be ready.” The atmosphere shifted almost instantly. The protocol officer announced,
"Her Royal Highness is approaching."
Everyone instantly straightened. Professional smiles appeared as though nothing had happened.
Only Lily noticed that Haewon's little finger quietly brushed against hers for the briefest second before they both folded their hands neatly in front of themselves. A silent victory. She got exactly what she wanted.
When Princess Anne reached them moments later, Haewon greeted her as the group's leader with perfect composure. But inside, she couldn't help smiling.
Because between all the dignitaries, cameras, and royal etiquette, she had somehow managed to arrange the lineup so that, in every official photograph, she would be standing right beside the woman she loved. And somehow, that tiny, almost childish accomplishment made her just as happy as the honor of attending the reception itself.
When Princess Anne approached NMIXX...
Everything became strangely calm. She greeted each member warmly. Asked about their activities. Their music. Their visit. When she reached Haewon...
Haewon bowed politely before shaking her hand.
Princess Anne smiled kindly. "So lovely to meet you." Princess Anne glanced toward the rest of the members before returning her attention to Haewon.
“I understand you’ve traveled quite far. We’re very honored to be invited.” Haewon said politely. “I hope you’ve had the opportunity to enjoy South Korea.”
“We have,” Princess Anne replied with a smile. “Everyone has been incredibly welcoming, and it’s been a wonderful experience.”
“We’re happy to hear that,” Haewon replied. “We hope you’ll continue to enjoy your stay.”
“Thank you.”
Princess Anne gave a small nod before continuing down the line to greet the rest of the members.
Meanwhile, Lily watching the exchange, between her girlfriend and the Royal Highness, couldn’t help but smile quietly to herself. Her leader had looked nervous only minutes ago. Now she carried herself with calm confidence. Just as Lily knew she would.
Then...
She looked toward Lily.
"And you?"
Lily introduced herself. Princess Anne listened attentively. Asked another question. Lily answered in calm English. Confident. Respectful. Natural.
Haewon knew she should have been paying attention to the conversation. She really did. After all, she was standing in front of British royalty.
Instead…
Her attention kept drifting toward Lily. She watched the way Lily answered each question with effortless confidence. Her English flowed naturally. She listened carefully before responding. Never too loud. Never too quiet. Just… comfortably herself.
Haewon felt her chest tighten. It wasn’t because Lily looked handsome. Well…
That too.
But more than anything—seeing Lily stand there so confidently made Haewon feel oddly proud.
Like watching someone she loved shine exactly the way they deserved to..
At one point Princess Anne laughed. Lily laughed too. The photographer captured the exact second.
Click.
Click.
Click.
History recorded diplomacy. Haewon remembered something else entirely. The way Lily's eyes sparkled under ballroom lights.
Once Princess Anne moved on...
For a few quiet seconds, no one moved. The ballroom gradually returned to its usual rhythm as conversations resumed around them. Camera shutters echoed once again while staff members guided the next guests into position.
Only after Princess Anne had completely moved on did everyone finally let out the breaths they’d unknowingly been holding.
“…Did anyone else forget how to blink?” Jiwoo whispered.
Kyujin immediately laughed. “I forgot English.”
Bae covered her face. “I even forgot my own name.”
The tension dissolved almost instantly, and quiet laughter spread through the group.
Once the formal introductions concluded, the atmosphere became noticeably more relaxed. Staff members began directing guests toward the designated photo area while photographers quietly repositioned themselves for the official group photographs. The members instinctively gathered together, waiting for their cue.
Haewon adjusted the sleeves of her dress absentmindedly while waiting for the photographers to finish arranging everyone. She told herself to focus. This was still an official event. There would be cameras everywhere. Then Lily stepped into position beside her. Well…
There went her concentration. She simply stared again. Lily noticed. "...Again?"
"What?"
"You're staring."
"I know."
"Why?"
Haewon smiled without embarrassment. "I like looking at you."
"..."
"..."
Lily's ears turned red.
Hours later...
The event ended. The moment the van doors closed, the members collectively relaxed. Shoulders dropped. Postures loosened. Someone finally kicked off their uncomfortable shoes. The formal atmosphere they’d maintained all afternoon disappeared almost instantly.
Only then did Bae pull out her phone.
“Oh. The official photos are already online.”
Jiwoo suddenly gasped. “Oh! The official photos are already everywhere.”
Kyujin immediately leaned over. “Show us.”
Within seconds, all six members were looking at the same phone. “There.”
Jiwoo pointed at one particular picture. “The lineup.”
Haewon casually looked over. Her lips slowly curled upward. Right beside Lily. Exactly as planned. Sullyoon quietly noticed the smile before shaking her head with an amused sigh.
“You really planned that formation.”
“I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.”
“No, of course you don’t.”
Then, Sullyoon just quietly read comments again. Haewon...sat beside Lily. Their shoulders touching. Neither spoke for several minutes.
Then, without warning—
Haewon intertwined their pinkies beneath the blanket covering their laps. No cameras. No staff watching. Just them. Lily squeezed gently.
"Tired?"
"A little."
"You did well."
"So did you."
"No."
Haewon looked at her. "You were incredible."
Lily laughed softly. "You've told me that all day."
"And I'll keep saying it."
By the time they returned to the hotel, the excitement from the event had finally begun to settle. The members exchanged quiet goodnights as they stepped out of the elevator, each disappearing toward their respective rooms after an unexpectedly memorable day.
Lily had barely unlocked her door…
…when another hand stopped it from closing. She turned.
Haewon.
"What are you doing?"
"I need to complain."
"...About?"
"You."
Lily blinked. "I already told you."
"You looked way too handsome today."
"Oh?"
"It wasn't fair."
"You survived."
"Barely."
Lily stepped closer. "So..."
"..."
"...what should I do about it?"
Haewon looked thoughtful. "Hm..." Then smiled. "Wear that suit again."
"...That's the solution?"
"Tomorrow."
“Woahh… at the airport? That’s totally crazy!”
"I don't care."
Lily laughed until her shoulders shook. "You are unbelievable."
"I know."
Later that night...
After teasing Lily one last time, Haewon reluctantly returned to her own room. She changed into something comfortable before collapsing onto the bed with a contented sigh. The room was finally quiet. Only then did she unlock her phone. Almost immediately, the official photos from the reception filled her screen. She opened Bubble. Scrolled through the official photos. Found one. The one where she stood beside Lily while speaking with Princess Anne. She smiled again. Without thinking...
She uploaded it. Then typed.
Lily and I today.
She stared at the photo. The matching neutral colors. Her white dress. Lily's brown suit. Standing side by side. Comfortable. Balanced. Like they'd instinctively dressed to complement one another. Another smile escaped.
She typed again.
We dressed a bit like a married couple.
She hit send. Seconds later—
Her phone buzzed. Lily
LILY: 'Married couple?'
Another message followed almost instantly.
LILY: ‘I knew you'd say that.’
Haewon giggled into her pillow. She replied privately.
HAEWON: 'Because it's true.'
LILY: ‘I knew standing beside you in every photo would get to your head.’
Haewon stared at the message. “…She noticed.” Her grin somehow grew even wider.
Three dots appeared. Disappeared. Appeared again. Finally—
LILY: ‘Then I guess next time I should wear a ring too.’
Haewon covered her face with both hands. "...She's going to kill me." Her cheeks burned hotter than they had all day. She buried herself beneath the blanket, smiling so hard her face hurt.
Somewhere just across the hallway, Lily’s phone lit up once more. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips before she quietly shook her head. “Unbelievable.” Even so…she never stopped smiling.
Haewon had always believed there were moments in life that deserved to be frozen. Not because they would make headlines. Not because history would remember them. But because they quietly became the moments your heart returned to years later.
People would remember that day as the time NMIXX met Princess Anne. News outlets would remember the elegant reception. Fans would remember the official photographs.
But Haewon knew none of those would be the first thing she recalled. She would remember the first moment Lily stepped out wearing that brown suit. The way time seemed to slow. The way her heart completely forgot its rhythm. And the quiet realization that no matter how many stages they performed on…
No matter how many countries they visited…
No matter how many remarkable people they met…
Her favorite sight in the world would always be the woman who somehow managed to look impossibly handsome…
…while still being the safest place Haewon had ever called home.