A STAR ON SET (SON CHAEYOUNG X F READER)

CHAPTER XXI: A STAGE OF LAUGHTER

TIME SKIP

You and Chaeyoung had been called to appear on a popular variety show in Busan, one known for its playful and comedic atmosphere, which immediately put you both at ease.

You walked into the studio with confidence, feeling the energy of the crowd and the bright lights.

Chaeyoung flashed you a grin, her blonde hair catching the light as she waved to the audience.

The hosts welcomed you both with enthusiasm, making jokes and keeping the mood light from the very start.

"This is definitely more relaxed than those serious interviews," you whispered to Chaeyoung as you sat down.

She nodded, her eyes twinkling. "Yeah, this is more our style."

After some playful banter, one of the hosts turned to you with a mischievous grin.

"So, what's it like having a girlfriend who's not only a rapper but now a successful actor too?" he asked, leaning in as if waiting for some juicy detail.

You chuckled, rubbing the back of your neck.

"Honestly? It's more than good. It's amazing," you said, glancing over at Chaeyoung. She smiled, a little bashful but clearly pleased with your response.

The crowd cooed and cheered, the hosts egging them on.

"But you know," another host interrupted, a glint in his eye, "we've heard that you have a hidden talent. Something about your voice?"

You raised an eyebrow, immediately sensing a setup.

"Uh-oh," you muttered, already feeling the trap closing in.

The host held up a fake microphone, exaggeratedly large and gaudy.

"We've got a challenge for you. How about you sing us a little something?" he teased, waving the microphone in front of you. "I'm thinking a nice ballad. Maybe... 'ONLY' by Lee Hi?"

The audience erupted in cheers as the iconic song's soft instrumental began playing in the background.

You shook your head, laughing nervously. "No, no, no, my voice is terrible, trust me, you don't want to hear this."

Chaeyoung, on the other hand, was practically in tears from laughing so hard, clapping her hands and urging you on.

"You got this!" she called out between giggles, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

The hosts weren't giving you a choice.

They gently pushed you toward the center of the stage, handing you the oversized fake microphone.

"Come on, you'll nail it!" one of them insisted, giving you a thumbs-up as they stepped back, leaving you in the spotlight.

Resigned to your fate, you let out a deep breath and started to sing.

Despite your earlier protests, you fell into the rhythm of the song, your voice surprising even you as you hit the first few notes.

The room quieted down, and you caught a glimpse of Chaeyoung through the stage lights, her expression shifting from amusement to something more tender.

For a brief moment, you got lost in the song, owning it with everything you had.

But just as you glanced over at Chaeyoung again, her warm gaze locked onto yours, you stuttered.

The words caught in your throat, and your voice cracked, making you stop mid-song.

The hosts, not missing a beat, swooped in, grabbing you by each arm and dramatically dragging you back to your seat, pretending you were a superstar they were trying to "rescue."