kpop Girl Groups X Reader

Beyond the ropes • YJM

Male Reader X Yoo Jimin (Aespa)

Genre: Sports, Romance

Words: 3136

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The steady hum of Seoul's city life thrummed outside the window of a private practice gym. Inside, a single fluorescent light flickered overhead as Han Y/n methodically wrapped his hands with stiff gauze and tape. The smell of disinfectant and leather boxing gloves filled the air. It was the night before his big MMA match—arguably the most significant fight of his career thus far.

Karina (Yoo Jimin), Y/n's girlfriend and a member of the K-pop group aespa, perched on a nearby bench, watching him with anxious eyes. Her heart felt heavy with concern, but she tried to maintain a supportive smile.

Karina (softly): "You're sure you feel ready?"

Y/n (smiling reassuringly): "I am. I've trained for weeks. My coaches say I'm in the best shape of my life."

Karina: "I know you'll do great. It's just... seeing you in the octagon, taking hits... it's hard not to worry."

Y/n shrugged, an affectionate tilt to his lips.

Y/n: "I know. But this is what I love doing. And having you there tomorrow night, knowing you'll be cheering for me—nothing motivates me more. Just remember, I'm trained to handle it."

She reached out to rest a gentle hand on his shoulder, feeling the taut muscles beneath his warm skin. Ever since their relationship became public a few months back, they had received a wave of both support and scrutiny. Still, Karina wouldn't trade it for anything. She believed in him—even if her nerves shook at the thought of tomorrow's brutal match.

Karina: "Then I'll be there, front row, with the girls and your family. We'll all be cheering you on."

He smiled, finishing up the wrapping and lightly pressing his forehead against hers.

Y/n: "Thank you, Jimin-ah. That means everything to me."

The following evening, Karina arrived at Seoul's Grand Sports Arena with her fellow aespa members—Winter, Giselle, and Ningning—plus several managers. A swirl of cameras flashed as they made their way through the private entrance. Security discreetly guided them to their seats near ringside. Most K-pop idols would have stayed undercover to avoid attention, but Karina wanted to openly support Y/n.

Winter (whispering as they took their seats): "This place is huge! Look at the crowd. I bet Y/n's fight is the main event?"

Karina (nodding, smoothing her hair): "He's on the main card. It's the semi-finals of a big tournament. If he wins this fight, he goes to the championship round."

They settled into their seats, greeting Y/n's parents, who were already there: Mr. Han, a stoic but supportive father, and Mrs. Han, who clutched her purse with tense hands.

Mrs. Han: "Karina, dear! I'm so glad you could be here. Have you seen Y/n yet?"

Karina (smiling softly): "Not yet, eomeonim. But I texted him good luck, and he replied right away. He's getting taped up backstage."

The atmosphere inside the arena was electric. House music pulsed through the speakers, and bright overhead lights cast a sharp glow on the octagon in the center. Spectators roared each time a new fighter emerged for the undercard bouts. Karina tried to watch with some level of calm, but with every blow exchanged in the ring, her stomach tied in knots.

Giselle (noticing Karina's tense posture): "Hey, try not to stress too much, unnie. He's trained for years for moments like this."

Karina: "I know. It's just different, seeing it in person instead of on TV or practice. My heart's already racing."