Chapter 2: Sparks in the Air

The awards ceremony was in full swing, with performances shaking the stage and idols flashing their best smiles for the cameras. But for Heeseung and Karina, the night had taken an unexpected turn after their brief but charged encounter backstage.

Seated at separate tables, they were surrounded by their respective groups, yet their presence lingered in each other's thoughts.

"Karina," Winter nudged her, snapping her out of her daze. "Are you even listening?"

She blinked and turned her attention back to AESPA's table. "Yeah, of course. What were you saying?"

Winter smirked, glancing between her and the ENHYPEN table just a few feet away. "You looked like you were thinking about something. Or maybe... someone?"

Karina scoffed and reached for her water. "Don't be ridiculous."

Across the room, Heeseung sat with his members, pretending to focus on the event. Sunghoon, always observant, leaned in. "You seem weirdly quiet."

Heeseung exhaled and shook his head. "Nothing. Just tired."

Jay smirked, catching on. "Or maybe you're distracted by a certain leader of another group?"

Heeseung rolled his eyes. "You guys are delusional."

But before either of them could respond, the announcer's voice filled the arena.

**"And the award for 'Best Stage Performance' goes to... AESPA!"**

The crowd erupted into cheers as Karina and her group stood up, hugging each other before making their way to the stage. Karina led the way, confidence in every step as she accepted the trophy.

As she took the mic, Heeseung found himself watching a little too intently.

"Thank you to our fans, our company, and everyone who has supported us," Karina spoke gracefully, her voice steady and poised. "We'll continue to work hard and bring even better performances."

She glanced at the audience briefly, her gaze sweeping over the tables-then, for the briefest second, her eyes met His

It was fleeting. So quick that if Heeseung weren't paying attention, he would've missed it. But he was paying attention.

And the way Karina looked at him-just for that moment-felt like a silent challenge.

When she walked off the stage, a small smirk played at the corner of her lips.

Heeseung leaned back in his seat, an amused chuckle escaping.

So, that's how it was going to be?

Game on.