Why love isn't always easy? ♥️ SUNGJOY

22 - Seoul Music Awards

Three Months Later: Sungjae's POV

The Seoul Music Awards were supposed to be a night of celebration. BTOB's latest comeback with "Missing You" had been a resounding success, and we were all looking forward to being recognized for the hard work we'd put into it. But despite the excitement and energy in the air, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in my chest the moment I stepped into the venue.

Three months. It had been three months since Sooyoung and I were forced to break up—three months since our agencies decided, once again, that our careers were more important than our happiness. It wasn't like the first time, though. This time, the hurt cut deeper because we both knew what we were giving up.

As the night progressed, I tried to focus on the event, chatting with the members and keeping up appearances. But every time my eyes drifted across the room, they found her—Sooyoung, seated near the front with the rest of Red Velvet. She looked stunning, as always, her smile lighting up the room, but there was something else beneath it, something only I could see.

The awards ceremony continued, and I forced myself to pay attention, clapping and smiling at the right moments. But when Woo Do-hwan was announced as the next presenter, I felt my body tense. I hadn't expected him to be here, and the sight of him walking up to the stage sent a jolt of irritation through me.

I knew it was irrational, but I couldn't help it. He was everywhere these days—starring in the drama with Sooyoung, making headlines with her, being the person she spent most of her time with. And here I was, sitting in the audience, watching it all unfold like a bad dream.

When Do-hwan took the mic, I tried to brace myself for whatever was coming. But nothing could have prepared me for what he did next.

"Sooyoung-ah, have you eaten?" His voice was playful, intimate, and it echoed through the entire venue.

My stomach dropped.

I couldn't believe it—he actually called her out in front of everyone, as if they were the only two people in the room. As if they were the only two people in the world.

I watched as Sooyoung stood up, waving and smiling back at him, and the sight made my chest tighten. She looked so...happy. But it wasn't just the fact that she responded—it was how she responded. The ease, the familiarity between them—it was like watching something private that I had no right to see.

For a moment, I forgot where I was. All I could think about was the fact that someone else was making her smile like that, that someone else was getting to experience the side of her that used to be mine.

The room felt like it was closing in on me, and I knew I needed to do something—anything—to keep from completely losing it. So I did the only thing I could think of: I grabbed the water bottle in front of me and took a long, slow sip, hoping it would calm the storm brewing inside me.

But it didn't work.

I could feel the eyes on me, the way everyone was waiting for my reaction. The BTOB members were trying to be discreet, but I could see the amusement in their eyes, the silent teasing that only close friends could pull off. Minhyuk was the worst, nudging me with his elbow and giving me a look that said, "You okay, man?"

No,I wanted to say. I'm not okay. But I couldn't let that show—not here, not now. So I gave them a tight smile and tried to play it off, but I could feel the cracks in my composure widening with every passing second.

Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. I needed to get out of there, to clear my head before I did something stupid. Without a word, I stood up and slipped out of the auditorium, ignoring the curious glances from those around me.