The air buzzed with excitement as your group made your way onto the red carpet, the cameras flashing and reporters calling out for your attention. This was your first major awards show as a rookie idol, and it felt as surreal as it was overwhelming.
“Smile, leader,” one of your members whispered with a nudge.
“I am!” you hissed back, though your cheeks were already beginning to ache from grinning so much.
You stepped forward for an interview, the microphone handed to you as the reporters launched into their questions.
“[Group Name], congratulations on your debut this year! How does it feel to be here tonight?”
“It’s an honor to be surrounded by so many incredible artists,” you answered, your voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in your chest. “We’ve dreamed of this moment for so long, and we’re so thankful to our fans and everyone who has supported us.”
As you wrapped up the interview and headed into the venue, one of your members whispered, “You’re so good at this. I’d be shaking like a leaf.”
“Trust me, I am,” you replied, clutching your dress.
The venue was breathtaking, with its grand stage, glittering lights, and rows of impeccably dressed idols. You settled into your seats with your group, still trying to wrap your head around the fact that you were actually here.
“Look, even Zerobaseone is here!” one of your members whispered, pointing discreetly.
Your eyes followed theirs, scanning the crowd. That’s when you saw him.
Soobin. Leader of Tomorrow x Together.
He sat just a few rows ahead, his profile illuminated by the soft glow of the stage lights. He looked effortlessly elegant, his tailored suit highlighting his tall frame and his soft features making him look almost angelic.
Without thinking, you whispered, “He’s so pretty, I think I’m going to faint.”
One of your members whipped their head toward you, biting back a laugh. “Did you just say that out loud?”
You immediately turned crimson. “No, I didn’t!” you hissed, even though your burning cheeks betrayed you.
Your member smirked, leaning closer. “You totally did. You’re staring at him!”
“I am not,” you whispered furiously, but your eyes betrayed you again, flicking back toward him.
That’s when it happened. As if he could feel your gaze, Soobin turned his head slightly, his eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on you.
Your heart stopped. For a moment, you were locked in his gaze, his eyes wide with curiosity. Then, your brain finally kicked in, and you ducked your head, pretending to adjust your earring.
“He saw you,” your member whispered, barely holding in their laughter.
“Shut up,” you muttered, covering your face with your hands.
From the corner of your eye, you noticed Soobin turning back to his members, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
The night continued with dazzling performances and awards. As the Rookie of the Year category approached, your group sat in nervous anticipation, holding hands under the table.
“And the winner of Rookie of the Year is… [Group Name]!”
The room erupted in applause, and for a second, you froze. It wasn’t until your members tugged at you, squealing in excitement, that you realized it was real. You were walking up to the stage, your heart pounding as you accepted the trophy.
Standing at the microphone, you took a deep breath, the weight of the moment sinking in. “Thank you so much for this incredible honor,” you began, your voice shaking slightly. “We’ve worked so hard to get here, and this award means everything to us. Thank you to our fans, our company, and everyone who has supported us. This is only the beginning, and we’ll keep working hard to make you proud.”
The audience clapped, and as you bowed, you couldn’t resist glancing toward Soobin’s table. He was clapping enthusiastically, his smile soft and genuine. Your cheeks burned, and you quickly turned back to follow your group off the stage.
Back at your seat, one of your members leaned over. “Caught you looking again,” they teased.
“I wasn’t!” you protested, though your face was bright red.
After the ceremony, the lobby buzzed with idols mingling, congratulating each other, and snapping photos. You were standing with your group when a soft voice interrupted.
You turned and froze. Soobin was standing just a few feet away, his tall frame and warm smile making your heart race.
“T-thank you,” you stammered, bowing quickly.
“You were amazing tonight,” he said, his voice gentle. “Your speech was really touching, and your group did so well. I can see why you won.”
You blinked, trying to process his words. “Thank you… That means so much coming from you.”
He chuckled softly, his dimples showing. “From me? You’re the one who just won Rookie of the Year.”
“I-I mean… you’re Soobin,” you blurted, immediately cringing at how flustered you sounded.
He laughed, the sound warm and comforting. “And you’re the leader of [Group Name]. I’ve been hearing great things about you guys.”
You felt like your heart might explode. “Thank you. We’re huge fans of TXT. It’d be amazing to share a stage with you someday.”
“I’d like that too,” he said, his smile softening. “Until then, keep working hard. I’ll be cheering you on.”
With one last smile, he turned to rejoin his members, leaving you standing there, your heart racing.
As soon as he was gone, one of your members ran up to you. “Did that just happen?”
You nodded, still in a daze.
“You’re so obvious,” they teased, but you didn’t care. That night, you went home with a trophy in your hand and a memory in your heart that you’d cherish forever.
