Babymonster One Shot

My Anchor | PHAYEON

The bustling energy of the arena was palpable as BABYMONSTER members sat in their seats, awaiting the start of their very first music award show. The lights were dimming, and the audience was buzzing with excitement, but inside, Ahyeon felt a storm brewing. She fidgeted nervously in her seat, glancing around at the massive crowd of idols, celebrities, and fans.

Next to her, Pharita was the picture of calm. With her bright eyes scanning the room, she soaked in the atmosphere with an easy smile. Unlike Ahyeon, who was gripping the edge of her dress with trembling fingers, Pharita radiated quiet confidence.

“You okay?” Pharita’s soft voice snapped Ahyeon out of her swirling thoughts.

“Me? Oh, y-yeah! Totally fine,” Ahyeon stammered, though her wide eyes betrayed her. She tried to smile, but it came out more like a grimace.

Pharita chuckled, leaning in closer. “You’re not fooling anyone, Ahyeonie. You’ve been clenching your dress so hard you might tear it.”

Ahyeon immediately let go, blushing. “I’m just… there are so many people! What if I trip? Or—”

Before she could finish, the stage lights flared, signaling the start of the show. The sudden burst of sound and light made Ahyeon jump, her hand instinctively grabbing Pharita’s arm. Pharita gave her a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry. You’ll do great.”

As the award show progressed, Ahyeon tried her best to stay focused, but her nerves were all over the place. Her mind wandered—What if they won? What if she had to make a speech? What if she said something embarrassing in front of all these people? Lost in her own thoughts, she didn’t even notice that it was time for their category until Pharita nudged her gently.

“They’re about to announce our award,” Pharita whispered, her voice steady and calming.

Ahyeon blinked, realizing she had spaced out. She straightened up quickly, smoothing out her dress as her heart pounded in her chest. When the presenter finally called their name, confirming that BABYMONSTER had won, the entire group erupted into cheers.

Ahyeon stood, her legs wobbly as they made their way to the stage. She tried her best to stay composed, but halfway up the steps, her foot caught on the hem of her dress, and she stumbled forward.

Before she could fall, Pharita was there, catching her arm with a firm but gentle grip. “Careful,” Pharita whispered, her lips barely hiding a smile.

“Th-thanks,” Ahyeon muttered, her face turning beet red. The cameras probably caught that! She wanted to disappear, but Pharita stayed close, guiding her up the steps smoothly as if nothing had happened.

On stage, as the spotlight hit them, Ahyeon’s mind went completely blank again. The cheers from the crowd sounded distant, muffled by her own panic. She was supposed to say something, right? Words… she needed words!

Pharita must have sensed her freeze because she took a small step forward and began speaking into the microphone, thanking the fans, their team, and their families with such grace and warmth that Ahyeon couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration. Pharita handled it all effortlessly, while Ahyeon just stood there, nodding and smiling, grateful that Pharita had her back.

After the show, when they were finally backstage, Ahyeon let out a long breath. “I messed up so badly today,” she groaned, covering her face with her hands. “I tripped on stage! I spaced out! And I didn’t even say anything during the speech.”

Pharita giggled and pulled her hands away from her face. “You didn’t mess up. You were nervous. It happens.”

“But I—” Ahyeon started to protest, but Pharita interrupted her by placing a hand on her shoulder.

“You didn’t mess up because I was there, remember? We’re a team. We help each other.” Pharita gave her a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with affection. “And besides, your clumsiness is kinda cute.”

Ahyeon blinked at her, stunned by the compliment. “You think so?”

Pharita nodded confidently. “Absolutely. Plus, now we have a story to laugh about later.”

Ahyeon couldn’t help but smile, the weight of her earlier nerves slowly lifting. “Thanks, Rita-unnie. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Pharita shrugged playfully. “Probably trip a lot more.”

They both laughed, and for the first time that night, Ahyeon felt like everything was going to be okay—as long as Pharita was there to catch her, both literally and figuratively.

The night might have been their first music award show, but it was also a night Ahyeon knew she’d never forget—because amidst the chaos, Pharita had been her calm, steady anchor, keeping her grounded in every way that mattered.