Syncing Dream [Aespa x M!Reader]

23. Who do you like?

The energy in the practice room was at an all-time high. Aespa had just received the official confirmation that their world tour was happening.

Yes. Synk Road: Parallel Line got the green light.

Even better, each member was preparing their own solo stages. The excitement was palpable as the girls bounced ideas off each other, rehearsed choreography, and fine-tuned their individual songs. The tour was going to be huge, and everyone knew it.

Y/n was doing his usual rounds, making sure everything was in order—managing schedules, checking on the set designs, and coordinating with the staff. But today, there was something different in the air. Something... was Up.

"...I feel uncomfortable."

He should've sensed the impending doom earlier. Maybe it was the way the girls had been whispering amongst themselves, or the way Karina had been giving him sly looks all afternoon. But he was so busy with preparations that he didn't see it coming—until it was too late.

It started innocently enough. Winter, with her mischievous smirk, sauntered over and leaned casually against the mirrored wall. "So, idiot, we've been talking..."

Y/n's senses immediately went on high alert. "Stop. I don't trust whatever is coming out next."

"Whyyyy!" Winter whined, having that signature pout on her face.

"Everytime you start with "we've been talking" or whatever, I have to choose stuff that's scarier than choosing my university."

Karina joined in, stepping closer with that unreadable expression she often wore when she was plotting something. "Well....We were just wondering something."

Giselle and Ningning were already flanking him on either side, locking his arm like preparing for an execution. He could practically feel the walls closing in as all four of them surrounded him, cutting off any possible escape routes. Heck, he could feel a blade hanging on top of his neck.

Y/n put on his best poker face. "Okay... what is it?"

Ningning grinned wickedly. "You've heard all our solo songs by now, right?"

Oh no. The blade was loosening. He could see where this was going.

Y/n tried to play it cool, flashing a nervous smile. "Uhuh...I've heard them. All of them rocks."

"That's not what we're asking," Winter chimed in, leaning a little closer. "We want to know—whose solo song do you like the best?"

The blade was really loose now, hanging on a thread!

The question hit him like a truck. His eyes darted from one girl to the next, desperately searching for an escape route, but there was none. They had him trapped, and they knew it. "Uh... I mean, they're all great! You've each got your own vibe, and honestly, you've all done an amazing job—"

"Nice try, idiot." Karina cut him off, her arms crossed as she raised an eyebrow. "But we want specifics."

"Yeah, we're not letting you out of this one," Giselle added, a sly smile on her face. "You have to pick."

Ningning, ever the playful one, made a show of fake-loading finger guns and aiming them at Y/n's chest. "Come on, Y/n-oppa. Tell us the truth. Whose song is your favorite?"

Y/n felt the sweat starting to form on his brow. This was a no-win situation. If he picked one, the others would never let him hear the end of it. But if he didn't pick, they'd torment him until he did. "Guys, c'mon... I haven't even seen the choreo. You can't seriously expect me to choose—"