Enchanted (Bbangsaz)

74

The car ride to the venue was quiet—at least between them. In the front seats, Jisoo and Suho, Hanni's tour manager, were discussing logistics, their voices a soft background hum as they went over things like security measures, rehearsal timing, and last-minute schedule tweaks.

"...we'll have an extra check on the mic packs before the run-through," Jisoo was saying. "And staff should be ready to assist as soon as we get there. We don't want any delays."

Minji wasn't really paying attention.

Her focus was on Hanni, who had been uncharacteristically silent since they woke up.

She sat with her arms crossed, staring out the window, fingers tapping lightly against her sleeve in a nervous rhythm. Even the way she was breathing felt careful, like she was trying to steady herself.

Minji didn't say anything. Instead, she reached out, finding Hanni's hand and slipping her fingers between hers.

Hanni blinked and looked down at their joined hands, as if only just realizing how tightly she had been holding herself together.

Minji lifted their hands and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to Hanni's knuckles. She didn't rush, letting her lips rest there for a moment, warm and steady. Then she gave Hanni's hand a light squeeze, rubbing her thumb over the back of it.

Hanni turned her head, their eyes meeting, and Minji saw something soften in her gaze. The tension in her shoulders melted just a little, her fingers relaxing in Minji's hold.

"You okay?" Minji murmured, her voice quiet enough that only Hanni could hear.

Hanni exhaled, nodding. "Yeah."

Minji tilted her head slightly, a knowing glint in her eyes. "I'm literally holding proof that you're lying." She gave Hanni's hand a little squeeze again.

That made Hanni let out a small laugh, the first real smile breaking across her face since they left the house.

"I'm just thinking too much," Hanni admitted, shaking her head.

Minji smiled. "You? Overthinking? Never."

Hanni rolled her eyes, but Minji could see the way her expression had lightened, the quiet reassurance settling in. She wasn't alone in this.

Minji leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a soft whisper. "No matter what happens today, I'll be right there. Front row. Getting the whole experience, VIP treatment and all."

Hanni raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint returning to her eyes. "Oh? You're saying I'm giving you special treatment?"

"Obviously." Minji smirked. "I better get some eye contact when you're performing. Maybe even a little wink?"

Hanni huffed a laugh, shaking her head. "You wish."

"I do." Minji grinned. "And I always get what I want."

Hanni groaned, but there was affection in the sound, her thumb brushing over Minji's hand in a silent thank you.

When they arrived at the venue, the energy shifted. Crew members were already buzzing around the stage, running final tests on lighting and sound. The stage itself stood tall and surreal, LED screens blank for now but waiting to come to life.

Hanni took a deep breath as she stepped inside, her performer mindset slipping into place. Minji watched as she squared her shoulders, standing a little taller.

She squeezed Hanni's hand one last time before letting go, but not without giving her a playful nudge. "Alright. Go give me the best front-row experience of my life."