Between Spotlight and Shadows (NJZ x M!Reader/OC)

Chapter 7 - Threads of Affection

October 27th 3:30pm @Cafe in Seoul - Chaewon POV

I sat there, twiddling my thumbs as I waited for Yena to arrive. Today was a rare break in our ANTIFRAGILE promotions, but I could already feel the clock ticking. Tomorrow, we'd be back in the whirlwind—stages, interviews, rehearsals, and everything else that came with comeback season.

But right now, my mind wasn't on choreography or camera angles. It was on the small idea I couldn't shake, the one that had me texting Yena at two in the morning, asking if she was free today.

The café was quiet, a perfect little bubble away from the usual noise of our lives. I glanced at the door for what felt like the hundredth time, my fingers fidgeting with the strap of my bag. When Yena finally walked in, her usual bright energy lighting up the space, I felt an odd mix of relief and nerves.

"Chaewon-ah!" she called, waving as she made her way to the table. "Why do you look like you're waiting for a secret mission briefing? Relax, girl."

I managed a small smile as she plopped into the seat across from me, immediately reaching for the menu. "What's good here? Actually, don't tell me—I'm getting a strawberry latte."

"Strawberry latte," I echoed with a chuckle. "You never change."

"Why mess with perfection?" Yena said, her grin widening. "Anyway, what's up? You sounded so serious on the phone last night. Did someone steal your skincare routine again?"

"No, it's not that," I said, shaking my head. "I just... I need help finding a gift."

Yena raised an eyebrow, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "A gift? For who?"

I hesitated, glancing at the table before meeting her gaze. "It's for Taejin."

There it was. His name hung in the air between us, and Yena's expression shifted almost immediately. "Taejin? As in Hyewon's brother? You finally falling for him now that he's grown up?"

I felt my face heat up. "No! It's nothing like that!" I yelled out, "We're just friends." I muttered defensively.

Yena leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms with a knowing smirk. "Oh, please. You've been non-stop this week about how talented he is, how hard he's working, how much potential he has. You're also the one who put it into the IZ*ONE group chat that he was debuting!" She pointed at me accusingly, "Hyewon hadn't even said anything yet! I'm starting to think you're his secret PR manager."

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "Yena, can you take this seriously?"

"I am taking this seriously," she said, though her teasing tone lingered. "Alright, so you want to get him a gift. Why? What's the occasion?"

"It's not really an occasion," I admitted, lowering my hands. "I just... I feel like he's been working so hard, and I want to show him some support. You know how tough the debut period can be."

Yena tilted her head, her teasing smirk softening. "Okay, that's sweet. But is this just a sunbae thing, or is there more to it?"

Her question caught me off guard, and for a moment, I didn't know how to respond. "It's... complicated," I said finally. "I admire him a lot. The way he's grown, the way he's handled everything—it's inspiring. And I guess... I just want him to know that he's not alone."

Yena's gaze softened even further, and she reached across the table to pat my hand. "You've got such a big heart, Chaewon-ah. Let's find something perfect, okay?"

Ocotber 27th 3:45pm @Cafe in Seoul

Yena leaned back, grinning as she took a sip of her latte. "Alright, where are we shopping? I know this place near Hongdae with the cutest stuff. Perfect for a hardworking, totally platonic junior."