The soundcheck had wrapped an hour ago, but the hum of excitement still lingered backstage like static in the air. Crew members moved like shadows, efficient and practiced—taping cables, adjusting stage lights, hauling wardrobe racks from room to room. The Seoul stop of the tour was always the most intense—press interviews, label executives watching from the wings, and fans camped outside the venue since dawn.

Inside the dressing room, the atmosphere was surprisingly low-key.

Beomgyu and Hueningkai were slouched comfortably on the couch, shoulders bumping, cackling over TikToks they were showing each other. Every few seconds, one would shove the other’s arm or snort too loudly, earning a warning glance from a passing staff member who was trying to organize wardrobe tags.

Yeonjun stood in front of the full-length mirror, arms out as one of the stylists adjusted the fit of his jacket with careful tugs and a few swift pins. “I just need a little more room at the shoulders,” he murmured, eyes narrowing as he examined his silhouette from every angle.

Taehyun sat in a chair nearby, legs crossed, sipping an iced americano while his thumb scrolled slowly over a digital script on his phone. Occasionally, his lips moved silently as he mouthed lyrics to himself, pausing only to make notes on something he wanted to change.

And Soobin? Soobin sat cross-legged on the bench beneath the glowing vanity lights, scrolling through their new makeup schedule on his tablet. He couldn’t deny the flutter in his chest.

The staff had been whispering all morning—something about a new arrival. Or rather, a return. She wasn’t new to this world at all. She’d painted the faces of some of the most famous idols in the industry, working her magic with the kind of artistry that made even the most jaded performers stare at themselves twice in the mirror.

“She used to work with BTS and EXO,” Beomgyu had said earlier, wide-eyed between fits of laughter. “No wonder everyone’s acting like royalty is about to walk in.”

Soobin had heard her name long before today. Everyone in the industry had. She’d just finished her stint with one of the biggest third-gen groups before they enlisted. Now? She was assigned to them.

TXT.

The most in-demand group in the world.

It was flattering, sure. But also a little... intimidating.

“I heard she’s worked with practically everyone,” Taehyun said, glancing up from his phone. “Like, even global acts. She’s that good.”

“Yeah,” Beomgyu added, grinning. “Also heard she’s really chill. Not the scary stylist type who yells if you blink during eyeliner.”

“I like her already,” Yeonjun declared, smoothing out the front of his jacket.

Soobin didn’t say much, but he kept rereading her name on the itinerary like it would tell him something new. His thumb hovered over the screen.

And then—

The door opened.

A few heads turned casually. Then a pause. All conversation stalled as the presence in the doorway shifted the air like a tide rolling in.

She stood there—stylish, poised, effortlessly composed. The kind of aura that didn’t need to speak loudly to command attention.

And then, finally, she did.

“Hi,” she said simply, offering a soft smile. “Nice to meet you guys.”

For a split second, the room was quiet.

Soobin blinked. His heartbeat stumbled, then quickened.

Oh.

So that’s her.