A Backstage Love I Han Jisung x Reader

Love is Fruitful, but also Weakness

A heavy silence fell between us, the kind that made my heart race and my mind spin. Han's eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, I thought I might have just detonated a bomb between us. But then, a slow, mischievous smile curved his lips.

"Wow," he said, leaning back as if my confession had physically knocked the wind out of him. "You really know how to drop a plot twist, don't you? Here I was, thinking I'd have to be the one to make the first move."

I blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his dark eyes glinting with a mix of humor and something far deeper. "You beat me to it, Y/N. I was working up to my big, dramatic moment—candles, music, maybe even a monologue about how you're the reason I keep going. But nope, you just had to steal my thunder."

Despite myself, I laughed, the weight in my chest easing slightly. "You? Dramatic? Never."

Han chuckled softly, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear. The touch lingered, his hand brushing against my cheek. "I'm serious, though. I've felt the same way for a while now. Every time I looked at you, I'd think, 'How am I supposed to just be friends with someone like her?' But I didn't want to put pressure on you, especially not with everything you've been dealing with."

My smile faltered, and I looked down at my hands. "It's not just that. There's the contract... It restricts relationships with any of the members. I didn't want to risk everything by confessing how I feel."

Han's expression softened, and he tilted my chin up gently with his fingers. "Y/N, listen to me. I've already broken every rule in that stupid contract in my head about a hundred times. What's one more? We'll figure it out. Together."

"You say that so easily," I murmured, my voice catching. "But what if it's not enough? What if—"

"What if I kissed you right now?" he interrupted, his voice low, a teasing edge returning. "Would that make it easier to believe me?"

I gawked at him, and he grinned, clearly enjoying the effect he had on me. "Han—"

"Relax," he said, his tone softening again. "I'm not going anywhere. You've got me, Y/N. All of me. Contract or not, rules or not—this? Us? It's real. And no one's taking that away from me."

The sincerity in his eyes made my breath hitch, and the humor he'd used to diffuse the tension gave way to something profoundly genuine. He laced his fingers through mine, squeezing gently. "Besides, I've always loved a challenge. And loving you? That's one challenge I'll gladly take on for the rest of my life."

A small, incredulous laugh escaped me, and he joined in, the sound rich and warm. For the first time in what felt like forever, the fear didn't seem so overwhelming.

"Okay," I said softly, squeezing his hand back. "We'll figure it out. Together."

"Damn right we will," he replied, smirking again. "Now, about that kiss..."

I raised a hand, poking his chest lightly with a mischievous grin. "You're awfully confident for someone who's blushing right now."

Han scoffed, though the faint pink tint on his cheeks betrayed him. "Blushing? Me? Never."

"Uh-huh," I drawled, leaning back in my seat with a smirk. "I bet you're already rehearsing some dramatic love speech in your head."

"I don't rehearse," Han shot back, crossing his arms in mock indignation. "I'm naturally charming, thank you very much."

"Oh, naturally," I quipped, my voice dripping with playful sarcasm. "So, what's the plan, Casanova? Sweep me off my feet? Serenade me under the stars?"

Han leaned forward, his face inches from mine, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "If I said yes, would you let me?"

My breath hitched for a split second, but I quickly recovered, narrowing my eyes in mock suspicion. "You'd have to sing on key for once. Big commitment, Han."

Han gasped, clutching his chest dramatically. "Wow, Y/N. That's a low blow."

I laughed, the sound bright and genuine, before softening my tone. "You're lucky I like you."

"Only 'like'?" Han challenged, his grin returning as he tilted his head. "I thought you were in love with me."

I rolled my eyes, leaning just close enough for my lips to brush his cheek before pulling back, my grin wicked. "You'll figure it out eventually."

Han groaned, watching me with a mix of amusement and disbelief. "I'm starting to think you enjoy torturing me."

"Maybe just a little," I teased, standing and stretching as if completely unfazed. "You did say I'm a handful, remember?"

He laughed, shaking his head as he stood to follow me. "Oh, I remember. And I wouldn't have it any other way."