Why me? >Woosan<

3.

Monday

When I woke up, San was already in my head.

Like every morning since Friday.

It had only been a few days, but his face lived rent-free behind my eyelids, the curve of his smile, the way his eyes had locked with mine during the concert, the soft warmth of his "Hi" when we first shook hands.

I groaned into my pillow, rolling over to reach for my phone. The lock screen lit up, and before I knew it I was scrolling through Instagram again, refreshing his tag for what felt like the ten-thousandth time.

New photos. New fancams. Edits from the concert that made him look even more unreal than he already did.

I was so absorbed that I forgot the time.

A loud knock rattled my door.
"Woo! Where the hell are you?!" Jun's voice bellowed through the wood.

My eyes flew to the clock.
"Oh, shit."

I shot out of bed, nearly knocking over my water glass.

"I'm coming!" I yelled, tripping over my bag as I scrambled into a hoodie.

Jun's voice grew sharper. "We're late, man!"

"I know, I know...I was just..." I fumbled with my shoes, not daring to finish the sentence. There was no way I'd admit I was late because I'd been daydreaming about a K-pop idol.

By the time I shoved the door open, Jun was standing there glaring. "Seriously?"

"I'm sorry. All done now." I gave him a sheepish grin.
He just shook his head, muttering as we rushed out together.

And I kept my secret tucked tight against my chest.

That afternoon, I met my mom for coffee at our favorite cafe.

It wasn't big, warm beige walls, shelves lined with plants that spilled vines like they belonged in a jungle, the smell of cinnamon rolls and roasted beans filling every corner. Cozy, familiar.

We'd been coming here since before I moved out. It was our little ritual, a once-a-week mother-son check-in.

She smiled as I slid into the booth across from her. "You're late."

"Sorry," I mumbled, pulling off my jacket. "Rough morning."

Her raised eyebrow said she didn't believe me, but she let it go.

We caught up like always, her asking about school, me dodging with vague answers. She knew I still didn't know what I wanted to do after graduation, and I knew she worried. But she never pushed too hard.

I had her. I had my friends. That was enough for now.

I was halfway through my coffee when it happened.

A ripple of screams outside. Then, the unmistakable sight of a sleek black van pulling up at the curb.

I froze, cup halfway to my lips.

The doors opened, and a wall of bodyguards formed instantly.

And then, seven boys stepped out.

My chest seized.

"No way," I whispered, staring.

"What is it?" Mom leaned, curious.

"It's them," I said, my voice cracking. "Ateez. From the concert Saturday. Them."

She turned fully in her seat, eyes going wide. "Oh my god. They're so handsome!"

"Mom, please." I buried my face in my hands. "You're worse than Minji."