Babymonster One Shot

Catching Up Like Old Times | RORA × HYEIN

A/N:
continuation of Backstage Reunion

A few days had passed since the unexpected reunion backstage, and Rora still found herself smiling whenever she thought about Hyein. Seeing her old friend again stirred up so many memories. Even though they both debuted in different groups, it felt like nothing had changed between them.

After a packed week of schedules, Rora finally decided to text Hyein to meet up properly this time.

Rora: Hey! Are you free this weekend? Let’s actually catch up. 😊

It wasn’t long before her phone buzzed.

Hyein: I was waiting for you to text me! I’m free. How about we meet somewhere low-key? Maybe our old spot?

Rora: You remember it? Let’s do it. Saturday at noon?

Hyein: Sounds perfect. Don’t forget your disguise! 😂

Rora smiled at the thought. Life as an idol meant they couldn’t just walk around freely anymore, but if anyone knew how to sneak around without drawing attention, it was Hyein.

---

Saturday rolled around, and Rora prepared for their secret meeting. She grabbed a baseball cap, a plain hoodie, and sunglasses—standard idol incognito attire. After pulling her hood over her head and making sure her face was mostly hidden, she headed out.

The café was nestled in a quieter part of the city, where fewer people would expect to spot idols. It had been years since she’d last been there, but the familiar wooden sign and the smell of fresh coffee were just as she remembered.

Rora slipped inside, eyes scanning the cozy space. Her heart lifted when she spotted Hyein, similarly disguised in a black beanie and sunglasses, sitting in the corner by the window. She waved subtly, and Hyein grinned, waving back.

They couldn’t hug like they usually would—too risky with people around—but they shared a knowing smile as Rora sat down across from her.

“Nice disguise,” Rora teased, taking off her sunglasses once she was safely seated. “You almost look suspicious with that beanie.”

Hyein giggled. “Same to you with that hoodie. We could pass as some shady characters.”

“Shady idols at a shady café, I like the sound of that,” Rora joked, settling into her seat.

The small talk quickly turned into deeper conversation as they caught up on life—how much they’d changed since their trainee days and how hectic life had become as idols. But despite everything, it felt like no time had passed at all.

“I can’t believe it’s been so long since we last came here,” Hyein said, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup. “I used to think we’d hang out all the time once we debuted.”

“Same,” Rora agreed, leaning back in her chair. “But life’s crazy like that. Sometimes I feel like we barely have time to breathe.”

Hyein nodded. “But it’s nice to be here now. Like old times, without the stress of schedules or cameras.”

They both looked out the window, watching people walk by, blissfully unaware of the two idols sitting in the corner. Rora couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace. The world outside was busy, but in here, it was just the two of them.

“Do you ever miss those days?” Rora asked quietly, turning back to Hyein. “Before all the fame and everything?”

Hyein thought for a moment, then nodded. “Yeah, I do. Don’t get me wrong, I love being in NewJeans, and I know you love Babymonster, but sometimes I miss the simplicity. Back then, it was just about the music, the fun. Now it’s all schedules, appearances, and pressure.”

Rora could relate. “Same here. But I guess this is what we wanted, right? We worked hard for this.”

“True,” Hyein smiled. “And I wouldn’t trade it for anything. But it’s nice to slow down sometimes, like today. Just you, me, and no one knowing who we are.”

They both laughed softly at that. For once, they could enjoy each other’s company without worrying about fans, paparazzi, or the public eye.

As they continued talking, the memories started flowing back—old stories of sneaking extra snacks during practice, staying late to perfect their dance routines, and dreaming of debuting together.

“You know,” Hyein said with a mischievous grin, “we could sneak out and get some snacks again. Just like old times.”

Rora laughed. “You’re crazy! But honestly, I’m down.”

And so, with their disguises firmly in place, they slipped out of the café and wandered the nearby streets, careful to stay out of sight. They stopped by a convenience store, grabbing some snacks and bottled drinks before heading to a quiet park where they could sit on a bench, far away from prying eyes.

It felt almost like they were kids again—two friends sneaking around, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Rora couldn’t remember the last time she felt so carefree.

As they sat there, munching on snacks and watching the world go by, Hyein turned to her with a soft smile.

“I’m glad we did this,” she said. “It’s easy to get lost in the chaos of our lives, but this... this feels real.”

Rora nodded, her heart warm with gratitude. “Yeah, it does. We should do this more often. Even if it means sneaking around like spies.”

“Deal,” Hyein chuckled, raising her snack in a mock toast. “To more secret hangouts.”

“To more secret hangouts,” Rora echoed, clinking her drink against Hyein’s.

As the sun began to set, they knew it was time to head back to their separate worlds. They couldn’t stay hidden forever, after all. But as they said their goodbyes, both of them knew that this wasn’t the last time they’d meet like this.

With one last wave, Rora pulled her hood up and Hyein adjusted her beanie before they went their separate ways, each heading back to their respective groups. But now, they had a secret bond—one that no amount of fame or distance could break.