Her Song, His Heart

The Spotlight

The night of the red carpet event had arrived, and Mannon could hardly contain the mix of excitement and nerves swirling in her chest. This wasn’t just any ordinary event—it was a milestone, the first time she was stepping into the high fashion world on her own terms. She had been invited as a brand ambassador for Versace, her name on the list as a VIP, not as a plus one for Stray Kids.

It felt unreal.

In the privacy of her hotel room, Mannon stood before the mirror, staring at her reflection. The black silk dress she wore clung to her curves with a soft elegance, its thigh-high slit revealing just enough of her skin. The backless design added an edge to the otherwise refined look, showing off the grace of her shoulders and back. It was stunning—seductive without being overt.

Her hair, normally kept in a neat bun or styled simply, was loose tonight, cascading in waves down her back, almost to her waist. It felt foreign to have it out, but she knew tonight was different. She was stepping into a world where every detail mattered, and she needed to step up in more ways than one.

Her makeup was bold—her eyes accentuated with dramatic eyeliner, her lips painted a deep rose that made her look both fierce and alluring. She finished the look with a YSL purse slung casually over her shoulder. The combination of luxury and sensuality made her feel like she was in a world she didn’t fully belong to, but one she was determined to conquer.

A knock at the door snapped her out of her thoughts. Chan, ever the protective brother, stepped inside, his eyes immediately scanning her as though assessing any imperfection.

“Wow,” he said, his voice a little breathless as he looked her over. “You look… amazing, Mannon.”

She smiled, trying to mask the nervousness that crept up. “Thanks, Channie. I’m a little nervous, to be honest.”

Chan frowned, his protective instincts kicking in. “Are you sure you’re okay? It’s a lot of attention tonight. You know how crazy these things can get.”

Mannon chuckled lightly, shaking her head. “I’m fine. It’s just part of the job, right? Besides, you’ll be right there with me.”

Chan’s gaze softened, but there was still that edge of worry in his expression. “Yeah, but you’re still my little sister, and no one messes with you.”

Mannon gave him a reassuring smile. “Channie, I’ve got this.”

Chan finally nodded, though he didn’t look entirely convinced. “Alright, let’s go. They’re waiting downstairs.”

---

The moment they arrived at the venue, the city lights glimmering off the sleek black cars pulling up one after another, the excitement of the night intensified. The red carpet lay ahead, lined with photographers, fans, and flashes of cameras. The sound of clicks and shouts filled the air as Mannon stepped out of the car beside Chan, her heels clicking against the pavement. She straightened her back, took a deep breath, and with a final glance at Chan, made her way onto the red carpet.

Her nerves faded as the spotlight hit her, but the intensity of the moment didn’t. Flashing lights from the photographers went off in rapid succession as they called her name, trying to catch every angle of her presence. Mannon’s heart raced, and though she was used to some attention, this level of scrutiny made her feel like a stranger in her own skin.

Chan, ever the protective older brother, walked beside her, his posture rigid. He kept his eyes darting over the crowd, sensing any potential threats even in the glamour of the event. But Mannon was too focused on navigating the chaos to pay him much attention.

At one point, they were stopped by a man, tall, dark-haired, and dressed in an expensive suit that screamed designer. He stepped right in front of Mannon, blocking her path with an almost predatory smile.

“Miss Mannon,” he began, his voice smooth and dripping with charm, “you are a vision tonight. Absolutely breathtaking.”

Mannon’s smile faltered slightly, her stomach twisting at the way his eyes roamed over her form. She had been in the fashion world long enough to know this look all too well, and she wasn’t about to let him think he could intimidate her.

“Thank you,” she said, keeping her tone cool and detached.

The man didn’t seem to take the hint, leaning in slightly. “How is it someone like you isn’t taken? I’d say you belong on a much bigger stage.”

Mannon’s discomfort grew, but before she could respond, there was a shift in the atmosphere. Hyunjin, moving with ease through the crowd, stepped up beside her. His presence was immediate, protective, but not overbearing. His voice, calm but firm, cut through the tension in the air.

“She’s not interested,” Hyunjin said smoothly, his eyes locking onto the designer’s with a clear warning. “Now, if you’ll excuse us…”

The designer hesitated, his smirk faltering, before he finally backed off. He gave Hyunjin a lingering glance, his eyes narrowing slightly, but he eventually stepped aside.

Mannon, heart still racing from the encounter, glanced at Hyunjin. “Thanks,” she said, her voice quiet but sincere.

Hyunjin gave her a small, reassuring smile. “Don’t mention it.”

With the situation diffused, Chan came up to her, a scowl still on his face as he quickly ushered her forward. “This place is full of vultures. Let’s keep moving.”

As they walked deeper into the lobby, the atmosphere shifted again, but this time it was the attention of the Stray Kids members that Mannon felt. She was used to the way her brother’s group would interact with her—affectionate teasing, jokes, and camaraderie. But tonight, there was something different about the way they looked at her.

They had been following her progress from behind the scenes, but now, as she stood before them in her high-fashion glory, they seemed to see her as someone new.

When they saw her step into the lobby, the room fell into an almost stunned silence. The guys had already arrived, some seated, some standing, but all eyes turned toward her the moment she entered with Chan at her side.

Minho was the first to speak, his eyes widening as he leaned in toward Seungmin. “Whoa, that’s Mannon?”

Seungmin nodded slowly, clearly impressed. “She looks… different.”

Hyunjin, who had been trailing behind them, couldn’t take his eyes off her. The way she moved, the confidence she exuded—it was like seeing her for the first time. His chest tightened at the thought, but he quickly masked it with a cool expression.

“Let’s not stare, guys,” Chan muttered, though his voice lacked its usual authority. He was still watching her, his concern palpable.

“Hey, you look amazing,” I.N. called out, his voice laced with excitement. “I almost didn’t recognize you!”

Mannon, a little caught off guard, smiled softly and nodded, though she felt all their eyes on her, each one studying her like she was a different person than the girl they knew.

“Thanks, I guess. Just wanted to try something different.”

But she couldn’t ignore the subtle, almost protective glances that Hyunjin kept giving her from across the room, nor the way he seemed to hover just a little closer whenever the group started moving. Something was changing between them, though Mannon couldn’t yet name it.

They mingled, talked, and posed for a few more photos, but as the night went on, the pressure of being the center of attention slowly began to weigh on her. She wasn’t used to this—being admired from afar, desired even. And there was something about the way Hyunjin looked at her that made her feel like she was more than just an ambassador for a brand.

She was beginning to wonder if maybe, just maybe, she wasn’t as invisible as she had always believed.