Syncing Dream [Aespa x M!Reader]

29. History

The warm Australian sun beamed down as aespa and Y/n stepped off the plane, arriving for the next stop on their world tour in Sydney. Australia felt different—bigger, louder, and somehow more exciting. The buzz of the upcoming performances filled the air, and the group was ready to take on the Oceania leg of their tour.

As they checked into their hotel, Y/n felt a mix of excitement and nerves. The group had already conquered several countries, and America was a massive milestone for any K-pop act. He had been busy managing the logistics, but part of him couldn't shake the feeling that something unexpected was around the corner.

After getting settled, Karina, ever the planner, suggested they explore a bit of Sydney before the rehearsals kicked in. Winter, Ningning, and Giselle were all for it, and Y/n, despite his usual responsibility, decided to let loose for once. After all, they were in Sydney , and even the manager deserved a break.

The group ventured out to popular spots: Sydney CBD, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. It was all going smoothly until Y/n decided to break off from the group for a quick coffee at a local café, needing a moment to decompress after managing so many schedules and arrangements.

He was waiting in line, minding his own business, when he felt a chill run down his spine. That strange, familiar feeling of someone's eyes on him. He turned slowly, scanning the room, and his heart nearly stopped.

There she was.

His ex.

Sitting at a table by the window, sipping on her iced coffee, looking as radiant and carefree as ever. The same ex that Y/n had parted ways with years ago, long before he even thought about becoming aespa's manager. His heart raced as memories of their time together flooded his mind—both the good and the painful.

For a second, he considered turning around and leaving, pretending he hadn't seen her, but before he could decide, she looked up, and their eyes locked.

She blinked in surprise, clearly recognizing him, and for a split second, it felt like time had frozen.

"Y/n?" Her voice was hesitant, unsure.

Y/n froze, the sound of his name pulling him back to reality. He opened his mouth to respond, but words failed him for a moment. His mind raced with questions. What was she doing here? Why now? Of all the places and times, why did it have to be when he was finally getting his life together?

"Sora..." he finally replied, awkwardly shoving his hands in his pockets. "What are you doing here?"

She smiled softly, shrugging. "Just on vacation. It's been a while."

Y/n felt a lump in his throat, nodding absently. "Yeah, it has."

There was an awkward pause as they both stood there, unsure of what to say next. The weight of their shared past hung between them like an invisible barrier, both of them tiptoeing around it.

"You look good," she said, breaking the silence. "Finally gained some muscles."

"Thanks. You too." He gave a tight-lipped smile, but his mind was still reeling. He wanted to say something else, something more meaningful, but what could he say? The past was the past, and there was no going back.

As he stood there, he realized that despite everything, he didn't feel the same pang of regret or longing he once did. She was a part of his life that had come and gone, and he had moved on—even if seeing her again was a little jarring.

Before the conversation could go any further, his phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him back to the present. It was a message from Karina:

Karina:
Y/n, where are you? We're at this pizza place and Giselle's trying to convince us pineapple on pizza is a crime. Help.