Just There (Taesan X Minji X Hanni Love Triangle)

Prologue

As Hanni excitedly dabbed expensive perfume on herself, her mind buzzed with the thought of tonight's events.

She wore a cropped, sleeveless pale pink shirt with a triangular bottom cut with a golden cross symbol emblazoned on the front. Accented with forest green cargo pants with thin silver chains surrounding the waistline, her stylist skillfully accessorized with a black chain necklace with a silver rose, carefully sculpted in the center.

The keystone point of her ensemble, however, had to be the gray fur boa she was loosely wearing. "It just pulls everything together, darling!" Her stylist remarked with a proud grin as she happily looked at her creation.

It was going to be a great night. She knew it. NewJeans had totally dominated this year, and she felt it was well deserved. Not just on her part, but on her team's part too. She recalled herself being totally shocked watching the determined staff members rush around when she was first recording the Attention music video, and a pang of shame had hit  her. Was she doing enough? Regardless, after NewJeans had become first-class celebrities, she knew that this was merely the result of her hard work. But still, that didn't take the efforts of the staff away.

And now, here she was, about to attend the Melon Music awards, one of the most prestigious award ceremonies of the year, and she knew that they would totally rock.

But as her confidence swept through her mind, another thought hit her.

Taesan.

She knew there was something between them—a spark, a blaze, Cupid's calling—something that made them different. 

Because when she first saw him, fireworks exploded in her mind, and the sweet rush of love was tasted, at long last.

She had never bothered to rush things with love. Why should she? She had everything she could ever ask for: A successful career, great members, and an adoring, supportive family.

But ever since she laid her eyes on Taesan, she was determined to get closer to him. She was in love.

Or maybe it was just a large-scale crush, but come on, let the girl live!

Knowing the strict rules idols had to adhere, coupled with her own shyness, she had never gathered up the courage to talk to him. Occasionally they would bump into each other in the hallways or elevator, mustering a solemn "Hello" or "Good morning", but this night was different. She didn't know how, but she could feel it. No longer were they young singers trying to nail a certain vocal note, but rather posh celebrities, on their way to grace their fans with their presence.

Nervously scampering into the limo, the air was filled with the members' high-pitched squeaks and rushed gossip, ready for the exciting night ahead of them.

But as Hanni sat with a plain, almost expressionless look on her face, she secretly fantasized about the chattering of big names, the addictive rush of champagne, and the hazy night air, all while her and Taesan's love story bloomed.

She had no idea what would happen that night.