24H | SEVENTEEN

९२

The setting sun tinted the sky with its orange hue as the members pile up in the van one by one. Seungkwan was scrolling through his phone, Jun was humming a melody under his breath, and Seungcheol was discussing their schedule with the manager. It was a typical busy day-music shows, recording, interview. The kind of rhythm Wonwoo was used to.

A gentle nudge brought his attention to Seungcheol. His leader's eyes, calm but sharp, studied him. "You okay?" His voice was quiet, almost intimate, as if it were meant for Wonwoo alone.

Wonwoo nodded, though the tightness didn't ease. "Yeah... I'm fine," he said, forcing the words out. Seungcheol's gaze lingered, studying him with quiet concern. Finally, Wonwoo sighed and spoke. "I'm just thinking about Noona," he admitted, his voice low. "Yesterday... her words," he continued, eyes staring out the van window as the city blurred past.

"You're leaving?" Rumi asked, her voice calm but eyes betraying a flicker of worry as she watched the boys gather their things.

"Eo," Seungcheol replied, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "We've got MCount tomorrow, so we need to prepare."

Rumi's gaze shifted to Wonwoo, who was adjusting his beanie. He caught her eye and smiled, that familiar softness breaking through his usual calm. Then, quietly, he reached out and grabbed her hand. "Okay," she murmured, pursing her lips and nodding.

"You're coming to see us, right?" Hoshi asked, popping his head out from behind Seungcheol with that hopeful grin of his.

Rumi smiled sadly, giving a small shake of her head. "I've got work to do. But Youngjae oppa will be there to support you guys." She replied, her fingers giving Wonwoo's hand a light squeeze.

Hoshi pouted but still nodded. "Arasso. We'll see you later then." Rumi hummed in response, the corners of her lips lifting in a soft smile. Both Seungcheol and Hoshi headed out, waving their goodbyes—while Wonwoo lingered, his hand still wrapped around hers, unwilling to let go.

Rumi glanced at their joined hands, then up at Wonwoo. "You should go too," she said softly. He didn't move. His thumb traced slow circles over her palm, eyes fixed on their hands like letting go would make something disappear. "I just... have a bad feeling," he murmured. Rumi felt a knot in her throat but she ignored it, forcing a faint smile, "You and your feelings." Wonwoo didn't answer right away. His gaze lingered on her, searching, waiting for her to drop the mask she always wore. Eventually, Rumi sighed. "Wonwoo-ssi, I didn't mean to make you worry earlier," she said gently. "I just... feel like you all should be careful."

"Noona," he murmured, his voice steady but quiet, "I know you're not saying this for name's sake. There's something going on, isn't there?" Her eyes flickered—just for a second—but he caught it. That split-second of hesitation that told him everything. He sighed, gaze softening. "We'll be careful." Rumi's eyes shot up to his, startled. She'd expected questions, denial, anything but quiet acceptance. "But only if you promise to be careful too," he added, his tone gentle but firm as his hand lifted, cupping her face with a tenderness that undid her.

His palm was warm against her skin, she leaning into it whispering her name, "Wonwoo-ssi..." She could feel his breath ghosting over hers until he gently pressed his lips against her. Soft. Careful. The kiss spoke more than words could. His support, patience, care, affection while her guilt, longing, fear.

When he finally pulled back, the silence between them was almost deafening. Rumi's eyes fluttered open, meeting his steady gaze. For a heartbeat, neither moved. Then she forced herself to smile, her voice came out softer than she meant. "Be careful."

Wonwoo's lips trembled; he didn't trust his voice, so he simply nodded. Rumi smiled again, leaning forward to place a gentle kiss on his forehead. "Take care of yourself... and your brothers." He nodded once more, the faintest shadow of a smile brushing his lips, though his eyes stayed heavy with unspoken worry. Rumi stepped back, leaving the warmth.