Wishlist [txtzy#1]

Wishlist-17(Trust)

After days of searching, Chaeryeong finally found the perfect anniversary gift: a snow globe featuring a couple dancing inside. She thought it was deeply meaningful, as dance was something that had always connected them.

She had chosen the gift early, knowing she'd be on tour and would return on the exact day of their anniversary. She wanted everything to be ready so nothing could spoil the surprise.

"Chaeryeong-ah," Taehyun called, stepping into her room just as she quickly hid the gift in her drawer.

"What were you up to?" he asked, giving her a curious look.

"Oh, just packing," she said with a nervous smile, causing him to frown slightly.

"I'm going to miss you so much," he murmured, pulling her into a hug.

"I'll be back before you know it," she assured him, smiling.

Though he'd miss her, he found comfort in the timing, as it allowed him the freedom to plan the perfect anniversary surprise without arousing her suspicion.

A Few Days Later

With Chaeryeong away on tour, Music Bank needed a new guest MC to fill her spot beside Taehyun. Taeri, aware of this opportunity, had already pulled a few strings to secure the role.

"Oh, Oppa, I'm your new MC partner!" she said, attempting to act cute.

Taehyun, though slightly annoyed, maintained a polite and professional demeanor.

During filming, Taeri repeatedly went off-script, flirting openly with Taehyun even during their interview with Enhypen for their latest comeback. Her behavior didn't go unnoticed by the Enhypen members, who exchanged puzzled looks.

At one point, Taehyun paused the shoot to speak with the director. "Is her behavior really necessary? It's unprofessional, and given the rumors and recent photo leaks, this could create unnecessary misunderstandings."

The director, however, dismissed his concerns. "Your chemistry is trending right now, Taehyun. It's great exposure for both of your groups. Just play along and give the right expressions," he said, clearly more interested in the publicity than Taehyun's discomfort.

Frustrated, Taehyun reluctantly agreed but couldn't shake his irritation, wondering how he'd endure this arrangement for the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Chaeryeong checked her Instagram, only to be flooded with headlines pairing Taehyun and Taeri as the "perfect couple." Fans who once rooted for Taehyun and Chaeryeong had switched sides, even comparing her unfavorably to Taeri, calling her less attractive and less talented.

Hurt and overwhelmed, Chaeryeong decided to turn off her phone, unable to face the onslaught of negativity.

After the shoot, Taehyun sought out Taeri. "Listen, Taeri, the unnecessary skinship and flirting needs to stop. These rumors are already out of hand, and I don't want this to affect my reputation or my group's name."

"Oppa, please, I'm just following the director's orders," she replied with a shrug, hinting that she had no intention of changing her behavior.

Defeated, Taehyun returned to the dorm, hoping to unwind with his members. "I brought some cake," he announced as he walked in.

"Yay! Where is it?" Kai shouted, rushing to find it.

"It's in my bag," Taehyun replied.

While searching, Kai pulled out a necklace. "Oh, whose necklace is this?" he asked with a smirk, assuming it belonged to Chaeryeong.

Confused, Taehyun examined it. "I'm not sure," he said, wondering how it had ended up in his bag.

Kai, however, just grinned, assuming Taehyun was being secretive about Chaeryeong's belongings.

Later that night, Taehyun went to his room, eager for his favorite part of the day—calling Chaeryeong. However, the phone rang several times, which was unusual. She always answered within the first two rings. Finally, she picked up.

"Hello, my yeoja (girl)," he said in a playful tone.

"Hi," she replied quietly.

Taehyun was surprised, expecting her usual, "Hello, my namja," in a flirtatious tone. Something felt off; he sensed she was upset about something unrelated to her tour.

Their conversation was short, and he noticed a sadness in her voice. Determined to lift her spirits, he began planning how to make it up to her.

In the meantime, the swirling rumors and comparisons had deeply affected Chaeryeong. She was hesitant even to answer his calls, afraid she'd break down. After cutting their call short, she made an excuse about being tired.

Later, Taehyun decided to cheer her up in his own way. He recorded himself doing the iconic Otteoke song, sending her the video with a heartfelt message: "I love you so much, Chaeryeong, and I can't imagine my life without you. You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen."

As soon as she saw it, Chaeryeong burst into tears. She felt overwhelmed with guilt for doubting his love, and her insecurities melted away. She realized how deeply he cared for her and how unfounded her worries had been.

"I love you too ," she replied, bringing a smile to Taehyun's face and restoring the warmth in their hearts.