aespa's 5th member (aespa X Male reader)

Part 23

Y/N POV

The silence in the studio was deafening.

Usually, silence is a producer's best friend. It's the blank canvas where melodies are painted, where lyrics are born from the quiet hum of the mind. But today? Today, the silence just felt... lonely.

I spun around in the expensive Herman Miller chair that Manager Noona had graciously allowed me to borrow, staring blankly at the ceiling. The faint hum of the air conditioner was the only sound accompanying me. No Winter screaming about a spider, no Ningning laughing her unique dolphin laugh, no Giselle practicing her English rap verses at max volume, and definitely no Karina clinging to my arm asking for attention.

"Ugh, this is harder than I thought," I groaned, sliding down the chair until I was practically liquid.

I looked at the computer screen.

Project: Solo Debut (Maybe?)
BPM: 120
Lyrics: [Blank]

"Great. Three hours and all I have is a hi-hat loop."

I grabbed my phone, hoping for a distraction.

The group chat was blowing up.

Winter: Unnie! You ate my pudding again didn't you?! 🍮😤

Karina: It was in the fridge! The law of the fridge states: if it's there for more than 24 hours, it's public property. 😇

Giselle: That rule doesn't exist Jimin

Ningning: Can you guys stop fighting over pudding? We have rehearsal in 5 mins.

Winter: NOT UNTIL SHE BUYS ME TWO MORE.

Karina: Fine~ I'll ask Y/N to make you something better later.

Winter: Deal. 🤝

I chuckled, my thumb hovering over the keyboard.

Me: I see how it is. Why always me🥲

Almost instantly, the replies flooded in.

Karina: JAGI!! You're alive! ❤️❤️❤️

Winter: Y/N!!! Save me from this pudding thief!

Ningning: Oppa, are you bored? Come visit us~ 🥺

Giselle: Don't tempt him, Manager-nim said he needs to rest.

Rest. Right. The "Hiatus."

It had been three days since the announcement. While the world thought I was reflecting on my actions or whatever PR statement SM put out, I was mostly just playing Valorant and staring at this music software.

"I can't take it," I muttered, standing up abruptly. "I need fresh air. And by fresh air, I mean I need to see them."

I quickly dialed Manager Noona.

"Y/N? Is everything okay? Did you burn down the studio?" Her voice sounded stressed, background noise of music show staff shouting filling the line.

"No, the studio is safe. Unscathed, actually. I was just wondering... can I come drop by? I can bring snacks? Coffee? Bubble tea?"

There was a pause. "Technically, you're on hiatus so you shouldn't be seen publicly with them to avoid 'stirring the pot' with the media. But..." She lowered her voice. "Winter has been complaining about being hungry for the last hour and Karina is looking like a sad puppy because you're not here. If you can be discreet... come to the back entrance of KBS. I'll get security to let you in."

"On my way."

30 Minutes Later

I felt like a spy in a bad K-drama.