stars × cnblue kangminhyuk

20 : Close Quarters

The morning was hectic from the start. Seoul's skyline gleamed under the early sunlight as CNBLUE's van rolled toward the first interview of the day. Minhyuk, Yonghwa, Jonghyun, and Jungshin were all packed inside, the chatter light but tinged with the focus of a group on the brink of a comeback.

Hyojin sat beside Minhyuk, her kit on her lap, brushes and palettes neatly packed in rows. She had barely slept, her mind still replaying the messages from Jungshin and the anonymous number. But she pushed it aside, focusing on the work ahead—Minhyuk's flawless appearance, every strand of hair in place, every highlight perfect.

"Okay, Minhyuk, just relax. I'll fix your bangs so they don't fall in your eyes during the cameras," she murmured, adjusting his hair and smoothing out his jacket collar.

The other members were in their own corners, each attended by their personal MUAs. Yonghwa's stylist fussed with his suit while Jonghyun's MUA reworked the subtle contouring on his face. Jungshin was already ready, his MUA making only minor touch-ups. The separation made Hyojin's focus on Minhyuk feel almost private—a bubble amid the chaos of interviews and press cameras.

By the time they arrived at the radio station, Hyojin was lightly dabbing Minhyuk's face with powder, whispering soft instructions: "Look at the mic, but don't tilt your head too far—yes, perfect." He smiled faintly at her, a quiet acknowledgment of her attention.

After the radio guesting, the group headed back to FNC's agency for the music video concept meeting. The producer, stylist, and MUA team were already gathered, discussing wardrobe, set designs, and camera angles. Shooting hadn't started yet; this was purely planning.

Hyojin sat close to Minhyuk, passing him notes and offering suggestions: "For the rooftop night scene, I suggest soft lighting around the edges—your eyes will catch it naturally." She tapped the tablet lightly to show the reference.

Minhyuk leaned slightly toward her. "You always think of these details," he whispered, almost in awe.

Meanwhile, Jungshin stood at the side, pretending to review some notes, but his gaze kept flicking toward the pair. The subtle intimacy—Hyojin adjusting Minhyuk's sleeve, the way he tilted his head to hear her better—made his chest tighten. Protectiveness and unease churned inside him, but he refrained from acting.

Not yet. She's managing everything perfectly... but that message still hangs over her. I have to be careful.

The meeting wrapped with the producer nodding. "Concept finalized. Shooting starts next week. Everyone's clear on the vision."

Hyojin exhaled, relieved that the planning stage was over, though her shoulders were stiff from the long day. Minhyuk offered her a tired smile. "We did good today," he said, brushing a stray hair from her face.

"Yeah," she replied, smiling faintly despite the heaviness she still carried from the text she hadn't shared with him.

The drive home was quieter, the city lights streaking past the van windows. At their apartment, Minhyuk ordered takeout, and they settled into the living room, sharing a casual dinner while slipping into the comfort of home.

The car was quiet except for the low hum of the engine and the occasional blink of streetlights reflecting off the windows. Hyojin rested her head lightly against Minhyuk's shoulder, exhausted but strangely at peace. Two months of living together—though technically for appearances—had passed in what felt like a blink, yet every moment had been intense, private, and unshared with the outside world.

Minhyuk broke the silence, his voice soft, almost hesitant. "You know... it's almost three months since you first came into the agency."

Hyojin lifted her head just slightly, glancing at him through the corner of her eye. "Yeah..." she murmured, her fingers twisting the strap of her bag. "Feels like... yesterday when I was just shadowing everyone, trying not to ruin your makeup before the shoot."