26

Scoups decided to invite Heyoung to their practice room to watch the music video of their latest comeback entitled, Ready to Love.

Scoups grins, "So? What do you think? Be honest—but, like, gently. I'm emotionally fragile right now."

Heyoung snaps out of her thoughts, forcing a small smile, "It's beautiful. The timing's sharp, the visuals are on point... You guys really pulled it off."

"You say that, but your eyes are saying, 'I'm thinking about something totally unrelated.'" Scoups said.

Heyoung chuckles, a little too quickly, "No, no—I'm just tired. Work's been... nonstop lately."

Scoups, watching her carefully, "You've stayed up all week editing our video, and now you're lying about being tired? Bold."

Heyoung shrugs, playing with the cap of her water bottle, "I guess it's just hard to shut my brain off sometimes."

Scoups nudges her knee with his, "Hey. You don't have to act fine with me. If something's bothering you, just say so."

Heyoung pauses then smiles faintly—touched but guarded.

"I know. And if there was something, you'd be the first to know." Heyoung said

She leans her head on his shoulder, hoping the gesture will ease his concern. He lets it be, wrapping an arm around her waist gently.

"Okay. But you don't have to carry everything alone. Even editors need a break sometimes." Scoups softly said.

"Yeah... I know." Heyoung quietly said, eyes still on the dark screen.

But in her chest, that weight lingers—the conversation with her Jaehyuk-oppa echoing in her mind: "Aerum likes him."

Every time she hears Scoups's voice or sees his smile, she feels a whisper of guilt that she's hiding something from him. But not tonight.

Tonight, she just wants to be beside him, even if her thoughts are tangled.

Scoups resting his chin lightly on her head, "You sure you're okay?"

"I will be. Just... stay like this a little longer." Heyoung whispered loud enough for Scoups to hear.

Scoups smiled, "Forever if you want."

=====

The editing bay is quiet except for the soft hum of computer fans and the occasional click of a mouse. The screen in front of Heyoung shows an unedited clip from Going SEVENTEEN, laughter echoing from the speakers as the members joke around.

But Heyoung isn't laughing. Her chin is resting on one hand, eyes glazed over, fingers idle on the keyboard. The timeline hasn't moved in minutes.

Ayun peeks through the door holding two iced Americanos. She walks in casually, but her eyes immediately land on Heyoung's distracted expression.

"Hey, caffeine delivery. You looked like you were about to pass out and dream in Premiere Pro." Ayun said, placing a cup next to her.

Heyoung startled, sitting up straighter, "Oh—thanks. You're a lifesaver."

Ayun sits on the chair beside her, watching her, "You okay? You've been zoning out since lunch. That's not like you."

Heyoung hesitates, eyes flicking to the monitor where Scoups is mid-laugh in the paused frame.

She sighs and turns to Ayun.

"Jaehyuk-oppa told me something the other day... about Aerum-ssi," Heyoung quietly said.

Ayun slightly raised her eyebrows, "What about her?"

Heyoung suddenly dropped her voice, "He said she likes... Scoups."

Ayun blinks. The air between them stills.

"Oh." Ayun only could say.

Heyoung laughed bitterly, "Yeah. Oh."

Ayun carefully asked, "Does he know?"

"No. And I'm not planning to tell him. What would that change? He's not the problem." Heyoung said.

Ayun slowly nods, "True. But it explains why Aerum's been acting like a passive-aggressive storm cloud around you lately."

Heyoung murmured, "She's been dumping extra work on me for weeks. I thought it was just because I missed a few meetings, but..."

Right on cue, the door swings open.

Aerum enters without knocking, holding a thick folder and a USB drive.

"Heyoung. These raw cuts need pre-trimming before tomorrow. It's a rush job, so you'll need to stay late." Aerum said, barely glancing at Ayun

She drops the folder on Heyoung's already cluttered desk with a soft thud that feels much louder.

Heyoung brows twitch, but she keeps her tone neutral, "Got it."

"Thanks. I knew I could count on you." Aerum said with a faint smile that didn't reach her eyes.

Aerum leaves without another word. Silence fills the room again.

Heyoung stares at the new stack of work, shoulders sinking.

"Okay. She's not even being subtle anymore." Ayun flatly said.

Heyoung forces a small smile even though she's feeling tired, "It's fine. I'll handle it."

Ayun frowned, "You shouldn't have to. She's clearly doing this on purpose."

Heyoung softly said almost to herself, "Maybe. But right now, I care more about protecting what I have with him than starting a mess I can't clean up."

Ayun gently squeezed her arm, "Just don't forget to protect yourself too, okay?"

Heyoung nods, swallowing her frustration as she turns back to the screen.

She presses play, and Scoups's voice fills the room again. Her lips curve into the faintest smile—tired, but genuine—as she gets back to work.

=====

The air is cool and still. Streetlights cast a quiet glow over the empty sidewalk as Heyoung walks with slow, tired steps. Her backpack is slung loosely over one shoulder, and her body aches from sitting in front of a screen for hours. Her mind is still fogged with stress, but her stomach growls, reminding her she hasn't eaten since lunch.

Spotting the familiar green-and-white sign, she turns and heads into a 24-hour convenience store. The warm light and faint buzz of the refrigerator welcome her in.

Inside, she grabs a triangle kimbap, a cup of ramyeon, and banana milk without much thought. As she stands near the self-heating station, waiting for the water to boil, she finally pulls out her phone.

She opens her messages and hesitates for a moment.

Coups-ya<3

Hey...

Are you still awake?

She stares at the screen, debating if she should send it. Her thumb hovers. Then, with a quiet sigh, she presses send.

She adds another message quickly after.

Coups-ya<3

Hey...

Are you still awake?

I just finished work

Aerum-ssi dropped last-minute edits on me again🙃

Stopping for late-night food before I crashed

The rayon beeps finished. She pours in the hot water and lets it sit. Outside, a delivery scooter zips past the store. Everything feels slow, surreal, and just a little bit lonely.

Her phone buzzes a few seconds later.

Coups-ya<3

Still up. You must be exhausted 😞

Want me to come over?

I'll bring actual food.

Her heart softens, just a little. The tension in her chest eases.

Coups-ya<3

Still up. You must be exhausted 😞

Want me to come over?

I'll bring actual food.

You'd come over at 12:30 just to feed me? 😂

I'd come over at 3AM just to see you eat. 😌

You're ridiculous.

Only for you. Want me to bring something or just let you sleep?

Let me eat this sad convenience store meal and sleep for 12 years.

Rain check on the 3AM visit.

Deal. But next time, I'm feeding you first so you don't have to rely on a sad kimbap.

Sweet dreams, editor-nim. 🖤

Heyoung stares at the screen a moment longer, then smiles softly to herself. She pockets her phone, stirs her ramyeon, and takes a seat by the window. The streets are quiet. Her heart feels a little less heavy.