fosswriter

[fosswriter]

Constellation - Chapter 5: When Stars Drift Apart

Pairing. NCT WISH x STELLAR (Original Female Characters) - Jaehee x Seonhwa

Genre. Angst/Miscommunication

Word Count. 7.1k

Summary. Seonhwa wakes up early to prepare for what she hopes will be a perfect lunch with Jaehee, but her carefully planned day spirals into disappointment when their budding connection gets interrupted. As both groups navigate their first casual outing together, a series of missed signals and self-doubt leads to a painful miscommunication that leaves two hearts wanting the same thing but drifting further apart.

Content Warnings. Emotional angst, self-doubt, miscommunication

Masterlist

< Chapter 4 | Chapter 6 >

Author's Note. Here we go! Our first pair focus - Jaehee & Seonhwa. In this one, I discovered that I LOVE angst, hah. I used to hate it, but you need a good old stomach-sinking feeling every once in a while, y’know? Honestly, this was so fun to write, and I can’t wait to develop what happened in this in the future. Which pair do you think will be in the next chapter? Let me know!

The alarm buzzed at 6:30 AM, but Seonhwa had been awake for twenty minutes already, staring at the ceiling and mentally running through every possible conversation topic she might need with Jaehee today. The variety show and photoshoot yesterday had gone well - professionally speaking - but she'd barely had any real one-on-one time with him. Today's lunch felt like a second chance, and she was determined not to waste it.

"Unnie?" Mio's sleepy voice drifted from the next bed. "Why are you up so early?"

"Just... couldn't sleep," Seonhwa said, trying to sound casual as she slipped out of bed and headed toward the bathroom.

The truth was, she'd spent most of the night thinking about how Jaehee had looked at her during the photoshoot yesterday - not just professionally, but with genuine interest. The way he'd asked about her vocal training, how his eyes had lit up when she'd mentioned wanting to learn more about music theory. She wanted to build on that connection, but her natural shyness made it feel impossible when they were in a group setting.

Forty-five minutes later, Seonhwa emerged from the bathroom having spent an unusual amount of time on her appearance. Her hair fell in soft waves instead of her usual practical ponytail, she'd applied just enough makeup to enhance her natural features, and she'd chosen a soft pastel sweater that she knew complemented her complexion nicely.

"Whoa," Hikari called from the couch. "Someone's looking extra pretty today."

"Yeah wait, is this because of lunch?" Yuki asked with a knowing smile, now fully awake.

"I mean.. I always try to look nice!," Seonhwa said defensively, but her cheeks betrayed her with a soft blush.

"Uh-huh," Rina said, appearing in the doorway with a toothbrush in her mouth. "And I suppose the fact that you're up two hours early has nothing to do with a certain main vocalist?"

"I wanted to have time to get ready properly," Seonhwa mumbled, avoiding eye contact with her members.

"She's nervous," Mio observed with that gentle insight that was always spot on. "It's cute."

"It's not cute, it's terrifying," Seonhwa said, finally admitting her anxiety. "What if we run out of things to talk about? What if he thinks I'm boring?"

"Seonhwa unnie," Hana said firmly from her bed, her leadership voice cutting through the morning chatter. "You're one of the most interesting people I know. He's lucky to be paired with you."

"Besides," Yuki added with a grin, "did you see how he looked at you during the photoshoot yesterday? That boy is definitely interested."

"Really?" Seonhwa asked, hope creeping into her voice.

"Really," said the girls said in unison, making Seonhwa laugh despite her nerves.

___

Two hours later, the twelve of them gathered outside a popular Korean BBQ restaurant near the dorm, the lunch spot chosen specifically because it had private rooms where they could talk freely without worrying about people eavesdropping or speculating on SM’s new collaboration project. Seonhwa had spent the entire car ride there stealing glances at Jaehee, who looked effortlessly handsome in a simple white button-down and dark jeans.

"Table for twelve," Sion told the hostess, as the rest of the group walked in.

As they were led to their private room, Seonhwa found herself walking next to Jaehee, their arms occasionally brushing as they navigated the narrow hallway.

"You look really nice today," Jaehee said quietly, just for her to hear.

Seonhwa's heart skipped, but she could only manage a soft "Thank you" while staring at the floor.

The room had a large rectangular table with bench seating on both sides. Without any discussion, the pairs naturally gravitated toward sitting together - Sion and Hana claimed the middle of the table, while the others filled in along the sides. Seonhwa found herself at the end of the table with Jaehee sliding in beside her.

"This is nice," Jaehee said, settling in comfortably. "I was actually hoping we'd get a chance to talk today."

Seonhwa nodded, still finding it difficult to meet his eyes directly. "Me too."

"So," Jaehee began, turning slightly to face her better, "tell me more about your vocal training. Yesterday you mentioned wanting to learn more music theory - I was wondering what specifically you like about it?"

The question was perfect - something she was passionate about and knowledgeable enough to discuss confidently. As she began explaining her interest in understanding the mathematical relationships between notes and chords, she started to relax slightly, though she still found herself focusing on her hands rather than his face.

"Woa, that's interesting," Jaehee said genuinely. "I never thought about the mathematical side of it. I just... feel the music, you know?"

"That's a gift," Seonhwa said, finally stealing a quick glance at his face before looking away again. "Natural musicality is rare."

"But understanding the theory behind it... that's what makes you so precise," Jaehee observed. "Your technique is so good because you understand exactly what you're executing and why."

The compliment made her cheeks warm, and she risked another quick look at him. He was watching her with genuine interest and admiration, and for a moment, she felt like maybe this lunch would go perfectly.

Around them, the other pairs were settling into their own conversations. Sakuya and Mio were discussing the difference between Korean and Japanese varieties of bread (a topic that had Sakuya more animated than usual), while Ryo and Yuki were debating the merits of different animation studios. Further down the table, she could hear Riku and Rina speaking in Japanese as they discussed their favorite manga series.

"So..What about piano?" Jaehee asked, drawing her attention back to him. "You mentioned before that you've been learning it for vocal training. Do you enjoy it?"

"Oh yeah, I love it," Seonhwa said, her passion overriding her shyness for a moment. "But I'm not very good yet. It's harder than people think to coordinate everything."

"I could help you," Jaehee offered immediately. "Um, I mean, if you want. I've been playing since I was little, and I think you'd pick it up quickly."

The offer made her heart flutter. The idea of sitting next to him at a piano, his hands guiding hers over the keys just like during the photoshoot... "Y..yeah, that sounds really nice," she said softly.

"Great!" Jaehee's face lit up with excitement. "We could start with some basic chord progressions, and then maybe work on some pieces that would help with breath control..."

As he continued talking, Seonhwa found herself mesmerized by everything about him - the way his eyes sparkled when he talked about music, how his hands moved gracefully as he explained different techniques, the soft curve of his smile when he got excited about teaching. She wanted to tell him how handsome he looked when he was passionate about something, wanted to reach out and touch his hand, wanted to say something - anything - that would make him look at her the way he looked at music.

"You…uh- have really nice hands," she said suddenly, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

Jaehee paused mid-sentence, looking down at his hands with surprise before meeting her eyes with a warm smile. "Thank you. They're good for piano, I guess."

"They are," she said, feeling brave for a moment. "I bet… you're a great teacher."

"Well, I’ve never tried, but I'd love to find out with you," he said, and the way he said it made her cheeks warm.

Finally, this was it - they were connecting, really connecting, and she could feel herself starting to relax into the conversation. She was so focused on him that she almost missed when the server arrived with their order.

"Looks like we're getting a lot of meat," Sion observed, eyeing the multiple platters being arranged on their table.

“Um…you know, you're really -” Seonhwa started, when Sion's voice cut through their conversation.

"Jaehee-ah, come help me cook," Sion called out, already moving over to make room for him in front of the grill. "We need someone who won't burn everything."

Seonhwa's heart sank. No, not now. They had just been getting somewhere - she'd finally worked up the courage to compliment him, and he'd looked at her like she was the only person in the room. She wanted to tell him he was handsome, wanted to ask about his favorite songs to play, wanted to keep this perfect moment going.

"Oh," Jaehee said, pausing and looking genuinely disappointed. "I should..." He looked at Seonhwa apologetically, and she could see the reluctance in his eyes. "Let me just help get everything started, and then I'll come back?”

"Of course," Seonhwa said quickly, forcing a smile even as her chest tightened with disappointment. "Go ahead."

She watched him hesitate for a moment, as if he was considering refusing Sion's request, and her heart leaped with hope. But then his sense of responsibility kicked in, and he squeezed her shoulder gently before sliding out of the bench.

"I'll be back I promise" he said with a smile that made her stomach flutter.

"Alright," she said, trying to keep her voice light.

As Jaehee slid out of the bench and moved to sit next to Sion near the grill, Seonhwa felt like she was watching her perfect morning crumble in slow motion. She'd spent so much time getting ready, had finally found the courage to somewhat flirt with him, and just when things were going perfectly, it all got interrupted.

The empty space beside her felt cavernous. She could still smell his cologne lingering in the air, could still feel the warmth from where his leg had been pressed against hers under the table. All the confidence she'd built up during their conversation evaporated, leaving her feeling small and forgotten at the end of the table.

"Hey, you okay?" Rina asked quietly from beside her, having noticed Seonhwa's sudden deflation.

"I'm fine," Seonhwa said, but her voice lacked conviction. She watched as Jaehee immediately got pulled into conversation with Sion and Hana, his natural expressiveness making him fit seamlessly into their dynamic.

From her new position at the end of the table, she could see Jaehee laughing at something Sion had said, his hands animated as he explained something about the meat they were cooking. Hana leaned in to hear him better, and the three of them looked like they'd been friends for years. The easy way they talked, the casual laughter, the immediate chemistry - it was everything Seonhwa wished she could have with him but felt too shy to reach for.

She'd had him right there, interested and engaged, and she'd let him go without a fight. She could have said something playful like "But I need you here to keep me company" or "The grill can wait, I can't." Anything. Instead, she'd just smiled and let him leave out of politeness, and now she was watching him have the kind of effortless interaction she'd dreamed about having with him.

"Do you want to move?" Rina asked gently, noticing how Seonhwa was watching the group around the grill. "Riku and I could switch with you so you're closer to Jaehee."

"No, it's okay," Seonhwa said quickly, not wanting to make a fuss. "They're busy cooking anyway."

But it wasn't okay, and they both knew it. Every minute that passed felt like a missed opportunity, every laugh from the center of the table felt like a reminder of what she wasn't part of.

As the lunch continued, Seonhwa found herself growing quieter and quieter. The meat was finally ready, and everyone was eating, but she found she didn't have much of an appetite. The conversations around her continued - Sakuya and Mio were now discussing their favorite variety shows, while Ryo and Yuki had moved on to sharing stories about their training days - but she couldn't bring herself to engage. Every time she looked toward the middle of the table, she saw Jaehee fitting in seamlessly with Sion and Hana, the three of them laughing and talking like they'd known each other for years.

The worst part was watching how naturally charming he was with them. She could overhear fragments of their conversation - Jaehee telling a funny story about his first time cooking, Hana laughing at his dramatic reenactment, Sion offering cooking tips with the patience of an older brother. This was the side of Jaehee she wanted to see, wanted to be part of, but she felt like she was watching it through glass.

She caught herself checking her reflection in her phone screen, wondering if her carefully applied makeup was still in place, if her hair still looked good. All that effort this morning, all that hope and anticipation, and for what? To sit at the end of the table feeling invisible while he had the time of his life without her?

Jaehee glanced over at Seonhwa during a lull in conversation, noticing how little she'd eaten. "Hey," he called out gently, "I could come back over there now that the cooking's done?"

The offer made her heart leap, but she realized that for him to sit next to her again, everyone would have to shift seats - Rina and Riku would need to move, and it would disrupt the whole table arrangement. The thought of making everyone rearrange themselves because she couldn't handle sitting alone made her feel even more pathetic.

"It's okay," she said quickly, forcing a smile. "You look comfortable there. Don't worry about it."

She saw the slight confusion that crossed his face, the way his expression faltered just a bit, but he nodded and turned back to his conversation with Sion and Hana. The moment felt like another door closing, another chance missed.

"Hey," Mio said softly, switching to English so the boys nearby wouldn't immediately understand. "Are you okay? You seem really quiet."

“Yeah, are you feeling alright? You're not eating much and I noticed you're a bit more quiet now…" Yuki added, also in English, leaning forward with concern.

Seonhwa forced a smile. "I'm just tired. I woke up really early today."

The girls exchanged a knowing look - they all remembered her getting up at dawn to get ready for this lunch.

"You did spend a lot of time getting ready this morning for lunch, and you look so cute, too…" Mio said gently, still in English, leaning forward in her seat to take a look at Jaehee before looking back at Seonhwa.

Sakuya and Ryo, sitting close enough to hear, looked over with curiosity. Their English was good enough to understand the basic conversation.

"I'm just tired, I think," Seonhwa repeated, switching back to Korean and trying to sound convincing. "I haven't been sleeping well lately."

But the damage was already done. She could feel the concerned looks from her members, the way Sakuya and Ryo had picked up on the fact that she'd gotten up early specifically for this lunch. The attention made her feel even worse - now she was ruining everyone else's good time with her mood. She fell into another silence and the others tried to continue their conversations.

From across the table, she caught Jaehee glancing in her direction with what looked like concern, but he was still engaged in his animated conversation with Sion and Hana. The contrast between his easy laughter there and the worried looks he was stealing at her made her feel even more isolated.

As they finished eating and the empty plates were cleared away, Hana stood up from her spot near the middle of the table. "I'll be right back," Hana said suddenly, standing up from her spot. She made her way around the table, stopping to chat briefly with each pair.

"So actually," Hana continued, as if the idea had just occurred to her, "there's a really cute ice cream place just down the street. What do you think about going there?"

"Aw, that sounds fun!" Yuki said immediately.

"I'm in," Ryo agreed, while Sakuya nodded enthusiastically.

"Rina? How about you?" Hana asked.

"Sounds good to me," Rina said, then looked at Seonhwa expectantly.

Hana’s eyes turned to Seonhwa, who felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her. The thought of spending more time watching Jaehee effortlessly connect with everyone else while she struggled to even make eye contact with him felt overwhelming.

“Seonhwa?” Hana asked as she moved closer to her.

"I… I think I'm going to head back to the dorm," she said quietly. "I'm really tired."

The words felt like giving up, like admitting defeat. She'd planned this whole day around spending time with Jaehee, had gotten up early to look perfect for him, had finally started to feel like they were connecting, and now… she was running away because she couldn't handle watching him have fun without her.

The members immediately around her looked at her with concern. Sakuya and Ryo exchanging knowing glances at each other after having overheard the conversation between Seonhwa, Yuki, and Mio.

"Are you sure?" Hana asked more quietly, picking up on something deeper than simple fatigue. “Wait, come on.. let's go out for a bit.”

Hana led Seonhwa out of their private room, looping arms with her to guide her to a more secluded place to talk. When they finally walked to a spot in the restaurant to talk, Hana let go of Seonhwa’s arm to turn to her, worry evident across her face. “You don't want to go? Is everything okay? I saw that you didn't eat much…” Hana asked with concern.

Seonhwa wanted to tell the truth - that her heart was breaking a little, that she felt stupid for trying so hard, that she was disappointed in herself for not being bold enough to fight for what she wanted. Instead, she stuck to her lie.

"Yeah, I just... I didn't sleep much the past few days with everything going, and I got up early today," Seonhwa said, the words bitter on her tongue. "I also just don't feel well… I think I need to rest."

The irony wasn't lost on her - she had gotten up early, but it was to get ready for him, to look pretty for him, to make this lunch special. And now that effort felt wasted, pointless.

Hana studied her face for a moment, clearly wanting to push, but respecting Seonhwa's decision. "Okay, if you're sure… let me know when you get back to the dorm, okay?"

"Of course," Seonhwa said, grateful that Hana wasn't making a bigger deal out of it.

They both walked back arm in arm to the private room where everyone had been sitting and chatting.

As Hana made her way back to the middle of the table to share the ice cream plan with Sion and Jaehee, Seonhwa walked back to her end of the bench, feeling herself sinking deeper into her disappointment. She'd had one chance to really connect with Jaehee, and she'd wasted it by being too shy and then too stubborn to ask for what she wanted.

"So, it seems like some people are down for ice cream after this," Hana said to the group around the grill. "But um… I think Seonhwa will be heading back to the dorm. She's not feeling well and wants to head back to rest."

Hana saw Jaehee's head turn immediately toward Seonhwa, concern evident on his face.

"Is she okay?" he asked, loud enough for her to hear.

"Yeah, uh… I think she's just tired," Hana said. "Too many schedules lately and she said she wasn't feeling good."

But Jaehee was already standing up, making his way over to where Seonhwa was gathering her things.

"Hey," he said softly, sliding into the space next to her that Rina had vacated. His familiar warmth immediately filled the area, and for a moment, her heart lifted. "Are you feeling alright? Was it something we ate?"

The genuine concern in his voice made her chest tighten. Here he was, being sweet and caring, and she was about to run away because she couldn't handle her own emotions. She could smell his cologne again, could feel the heat from his body next to hers, and it made everything worse because she knew she was about to walk away from it.

"Yeah, I'm… just tired," she said, not trusting herself to look at him. If she looked at him now, with his concerned eyes and gentle expression, she thought she might cry, and that would be even more humiliating.

"I could walk you back," Jaehee offered immediately. "And make sure you get back to the dorm safely?"

The offer was so sweet, so thoughtful, that it almost broke her resolve. She wanted to say yes, wanted to have those extra minutes with him, wanted to feel cared for. But the idea of him walking her back out of obligation, missing out on ice cream with everyone else because she couldn't handle a simple lunch, made her feel even worse about herself.

"No, it's okay," she said, quickly waving her hands to suggest she was okay, and finally stealing a glance at his face, immediately regretting it. He looked genuinely worried, genuinely disappointed, and it made her want to take back everything and stay. "You should go with everyone else to get ice cream. I just want to go back alone."

She saw something flicker across his face - hurt? confusion? rejection? - and she wanted to explain that it wasn't about him, that it was about her own inability to be the confident, charming girl that he deserved. "Okay, but... text me when you get back? So I know you're safe?"

The request was so caring, so genuinely sweet, that it made her want to cry. "Okay," she managed to say.

"And maybe... maybe we could try to hang out again soon? Just the two of us?" he added quietly. "I feel like we barely got to talk today."

Seonhwa finally looked at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes, but she was too deep in her spiral of self-doubt to appreciate it properly. "Sure, I guess," she said, though her tone suggested she didn't really believe it would happen.

As she gathered her purse and stood to leave, she caught a glimpse of the room - everyone else paired up and happy, animated conversations happening all around, Sion and Hana talking together like they'd been doing it for years. She felt like she was watching a party through a window, unable to figure out how to get inside.

The empty spot where Jaehee had been sitting seemed to mock her - if she'd been braver, if she'd asked him to stay, if she'd been more like Hana who could effortlessly command attention, maybe things would have been different. Maybe she'd be the one laughing with him right now instead of running away.

"I hope you feel better," Jaehee said as she prepared to leave, and the genuine warmth in his voice almost made her change her mind.

She wanted to turn around and say "Actually, I'll stay for ice cream" or "Maybe that walk would be nice after all." She wanted to be brave enough to fight for what she wanted. Instead, she just nodded and headed for the door, each step feeling like she was leaving pieces of herself behind.

The walk back to the dorm was a blur of self-recrimination and regret. Every step felt heavier as Seonhwa replayed the lunch in her mind, focusing on every moment where she could have done something different. She could have taken up Rina’s offer to switch seats to be closer to Jashee. She could have joined the conversation around the grill instead of sitting silently at the end of the table. She could have tried to enjoy herself with the pairs around her. She could have said yes to ice cream and tried to make the best of things.

But more than that, she kept thinking about that perfect moment when she'd complimented his hands, when he'd looked at her like she was the only person in the room, when he'd said "I'd love to find out with you" in that soft, warm voice. They'd been so close to something real, something special, and she'd let it slip away.

She thought about his disappointed face when Sion called him away, how he'd hesitated like he wanted to stay with her instead. She thought about how he'd asked her to save his spot, how he'd come back to check on her when she said she was leaving, how he'd offered to walk her back to the dorm.

All of it pointed to the same conclusion: he'd wanted to spend time with her just as much as she'd wanted to spend time with him. And she'd thrown it all away because she was too insecure, too scared, too convinced that she didn't deserve good things.

Instead, she'd chosen to run away, and now Jaehee probably thought she didn't want to spend time with him at all. The boy who'd been nothing but kind and interested and sweet probably thought she was rejecting him, when the truth was the exact opposite.

Once she reached the dorm she sent a message to the STELLAR group chat: "Back at the dorm. Have fun at ice cream!"

Seonhwa then hovered over Jaehee's text thread with her, thumb lowering to tap it and relay the same message. But she stopped herself. sShe couldn't do it. She didn't want to distract him from having a good time, she didn't want to be reminded of her and feel bad, she didn't want to be a burden. She decided it would be better, maybe, if he just forgot about her. Maybe he already did.

She turned off her phone and headed straight for the shower, hoping the hot water would wash away some of her disappointment. As she stood under the spray, she let herself cry properly for the first time all day. All that effort, all that hope, all that careful preparation - wasted because she couldn't be brave when it mattered.

She thought about the soft sweater she'd chosen specifically because it complemented her skin tone, now crumpled in the laundry basket. She thought about how long she'd spent on her hair, making sure every wave was perfect, only to spend most of lunch staring at the table. She thought about the compliment she'd finally worked up the courage to give him, and how perfect his smile had been in response.

Most of all, she thought about how he'd looked when she said she wanted to go home alone - confused and hurt and like he was trying to figure out what he'd done wrong. When the truth was, he'd done everything right. He'd been charming and interested and sweet, and she'd just been too scared to meet him halfway.

___

Meanwhile, at the ice cream shop, Jaehee was struggling to focus on the conversation around him. The small shop was cozy and bright, with pastel-colored walls and a display case full of creative flavors, but he couldn't stop thinking about Seonhwa's dejected expression as she'd left the restaurant.

"So…you're worried about her," Hana observed, appearing beside him as he stared blankly at the menu.

"Is it that obvious?" Jaehee asked.

"Only to someone paying attention," Hana said kindly. "She'll be okay. She really has been tired with all the schedules we've had so far."

"I don't know, it felt like more than that," Jaehee said quietly. "Like she was... upset about something."

"Maybe she was just overwhelmed," Hana suggested, though her tone suggested she wasn't entirely convinced either.

As Jaehee ordered a simple vanilla cone, something in the display case caught his eye - a small charm keychain shaped like a treble clef, made of sparkly silver material that caught the light beautifully.

"Actually, could I get this charm too?" he asked the cashier impulsively, pointing at the case.

"...For Seonhwa?" Hana guessed with a small smile.

"I just... I want her to know I was thinking about her," Jaehee said, a bit embarrassed. "Maybe it'll make her feel better."

"That's really sweet," Hana said genuinely. "If you want, I'll make sure she gets it when we head back to the dorm."

As the group enjoyed their ice cream, Jaehee found himself checking his phone repeatedly, hoping for a text from her. When none came, he typed out a message:

Jaehee: Hey, I'm sorry we didn't get to finish our conversation today. I was really enjoying it. Maybe we could hang out separately sometime soon when you’re feeling better?

Jaehee: Also, please let me know if you got back safely!

He hit send for his messages and waited, but his phone remained silent.

As the group settled around small tables with their ice cream, the other NCT WISH members couldn't help but notice Jaehee's distraction.

"Hyung, you've been poking your ice cream with a spoon for like five minutes," Sakuya observed, watching Jaehee mindlessly swirl his vanilla cone. "It's going to melt."

"Hm?" Jaehee looked up, seeming to just realize where he was. "Oh, yeah."

Ryo and Yushi exchanged a glance across the table. It was obvious their usually animated friend was somewhere else entirely.

"You're thinking about Seonhwa-noona, aren't you?" Ryo said gently, his usual mischievous energy replaced with concern for his friend.

"Agh, is it that obvious?" Jaehee asked with a rueful smile.

"Only completely," Yushi said in his typically direct way. "And you keep checking your phone."

"She seemed really upset when she left," Jaehee said, setting down his cone entirely. "Like, genuinely upset. Not just tired."

"Maybe she just needs space," Sion suggested, though his leader voice carried its own note of uncertainty.

"Space for what? What if I said something wrong?" Jaehee pressed. "What if I made her uncomfortable somehow?"

The boys looked at each other, none of them really knowing how to help. They'd all seen how well the lunch had started, and none of them understood what had shifted.

"I don't think you did anything wrong," Riku said thoughtfully. "Sometimes people just... need time to themselves."

___

Back at the dorm, Seonhwa had emerged from her shower feeling slightly better, but still emotionally drained. She'd changed into comfortable pajamas and was planning to spend the rest of the day in bed, maybe watching something mindless on her laptop until she fell asleep.

Her phone, still turned off, sat untouched on her nightstand as she burrowed under her covers. The emotional exhaustion from the day, combined with her early morning and the warm shower, made her eyes heavy. What she intended to be a short nap gradually became a deep sleep.

___

As the remaining STELLAR girls returned back from their ice cream trip, the sun had long set. They were careful to make any loud noises in case their tired member was asleep. 

“Do you think she’s okay..?” Mio asked, concerned.

“I feel bad you guys, it seems like things didn't work out the way Seonhwa wanted," Rina said, settling onto the couch with a sigh. "You know how she gets when she's disappointed in herself."

"What do you mean?" Yuki asked, though her tone suggested she already knew.

"She definitely shuts down," Hana said simply. "Remember during trainee evaluations when she got harsh feedback about her stage presence? She locked herself in the practice room for days and wouldn't talk to anyone."

"Or when she thought she messed up that high note during our pre-debut showcase," Mio added with concern. "She convinced herself she was holding the group back and tried to skip meals for a week."

"I don't know why, but she gets these ideas that she's not good enough," Rina explained. "And then she punishes herself for it."

"But this is different," Hikari pointed out. “This isn't about her skills or her performance. This seems like it's about... Her personal feelings."

"Which probably makes it scarier for her," Hana said grimly. "At least with singing or dancing, she can practice and get better. She knows how to work on those things. But emotions? Connecting with people directly? She’s always been shy and polite and reserved. It has always been a struggle for her to get to a level of comfortability. Even with us, it took some time."

"She's always been like this," Mio said softly. "Even during training, she'd rather work alone than risk looking foolish in front of others. She's terrified of being vulnerable."

"And I bet she doesn't even know why she's pulling away," Hikari pointed out.

"Wait, I'll check on her," Hana decided, moving quietly toward Seonhwa's bedroom.

Hana opened the door carefully, peering inside to find Seonhwa curled up under her blankets, breathing deeply in sleep. Her face looked peaceful, but there were dried tear tracks on her cheeks that made Hana's heart ache. Her damp hair was spread across her pillow from her earlier shower, and she was wearing comfortable pajamas now instead of the pretty sweater she'd chosen so carefully that morning.

Not wanting to wake her, Hana tiptoed to the nightstand and placed the charm Jaehee had trusted to her carefully next to Seonhwa's phone, along with a small note: "From Jaehee. He was worried about you. - H"

As she backed toward the door, Hana couldn't help but feel frustrated on her member's behalf. If only Seonhwa could see what everyone else saw - that Jaehee was clearly interested, clearly cared, clearly wanted to spend time with her. But she knew her friend well enough to know that pointing it out directly would only make her retreat further into her shell.

___

Seonhwa stirred around 10 PM, hours later, consciousness returning slowly like emerging from deep water. The dorm was quiet now, her members having settled in for the evening. For a blissful moment, she forgot where she was, forgot what had happened, existing in that peaceful space between sleep and waking.

Then it all came rushing back.

The lunch. The perfect moment with Jaehee that got interrupted. Her cowardly retreat. His hurt expression when she refused his offer to walk her home. The weight of disappointment settled on her chest like a physical brick, making it hard to breathe.

She rolled over, not ready to face the world yet, and that's when she saw it - a small silver charm catching the soft light from her bedside lamp, sitting next to a folded piece of paper.

With trembling fingers, she picked up the charm first. It was beautiful, delicate, clearly chosen with care. The treble clef was perfectly formed, and when she turned it over, she could see tiny musical notes etched into the back.

Then she read Hana's note, and her heart broke a little more.

From Jaehee. He was worried about you. - H

Worried. Not annoyed, not relieved to be rid of her awkwardness, but worried. The word made her chest tight with a mixture of warmth and guilt. While she'd been home feeling sorry for herself, convinced he was having the time of his life without her, he'd been thinking about her enough to buy her something thoughtful and beautiful. He'd really looked at this, really thought about what would be meaningful to her. Not just any charm, but something that connected to their conversation about music theory, about her passion for understanding the technical side of what she loved. The tiny etched notes were so small she almost missed them, but they were there - a detail that showed he'd taken time to choose something special.

She held the charm up to catch the light from her bedside lamp, watching how the silver sparkled. It was exactly something she would have chosen for herself - simple but meaningful, elegant without being flashy. The fact that he'd understood her style so clearly after just a few conversations made her feel exposed and cherished at the same time.

The thoughtfulness of it, the sweetness, made her feel even worse about how she'd handled everything. Here was proof that he'd been thinking about her, caring about her, while she'd been too scared to even send him a simple text to let him know she was safe.

___

Back at the NCT Wish dorm later that evening, Jaehee sat on his bed, staring at his phone for what felt like the hundredth time. Still no response. The read receipts weren't even showing up, which meant she either had them turned off or... wasn't reading his messages at all.

"You're seriously going to wear a hole in your phone screen," Riku said quietly from the next bed, looking up from the manga he was reading.

"She hasn't answered any of my texts," Jaehee said, running a hand through his hair. "What if I completely misread everything?"

Riku let his manga aside and gave Jaehee his full attention. "What do you mean?"

"Today at lunch," Jaehee explained, his voice frustrated. "I thought we were having a good time. She was talking about music theory, and I offered to help her with piano, and she seemed... interested. But then after I had to help Sion cook, she got so quiet. And when she left..."

"What happened when she left?"

"I offered to walk her home, and she said no. She said she wanted to go alone." Jaehee's voice got smaller. "And before that, when I offered to come back and sit with her after we finished cooking, she told me not to bother. She could barely look at me."

Riku was quiet for a moment, processing. "Maybe she really was just tired?"

"Then why won't she answer my texts?" Jaehee asked, showing Riku his phone. "I sent her two messages, and nothing. Not even a 'thanks' for asking if she got home safely."

"Okay…maybe you're overthinking this," Riku said gently.

"Am I though?" Jaehee sat up, agitation clear in his movements. "I keep replaying everything, trying to figure out what I did wrong. Did I come on too strong with the piano lessons? Was I boring her with music talk?"

"Stop," Riku interrupted, his calm voice cutting through Jaehee's spiral. "You're driving yourself crazy."

"I can't stop thinking about it," Jaehee admitted, flopping back on his bed. "I thought maybe we were starting to connect, you know? And then she just... pulled away."

Riku looked at his friend's distressed face and made a decision. "Maybe I could call Rina," he said thoughtfully. "She seems pretty straightforward. Maybe she could give us some insight into what happened."

"You think that would be okay?" Jaehee asked, sitting up with interest.

"It's better than you staying up all night wondering," Riku said, already reaching for his phone. "And it's less... intense than showing up at their dorm."

A few minutes later, Riku had Rina on speaker phone, and Jaehee sat quietly beside him.

"Hey Rina," Riku said when she picked up. "Sorry for calling so late."

"Oh, hi Riku-oppa," Rina's voice came through the speaker, sounding a bit surprised. "Is everything okay? It’s like, 10:30PM!"

In the STELLAR dorm living room, the girls looked up with curiosity as Rina put the call on speaker.

"Yeah, it's just..." Riku glanced at Jaehee, who nodded encouragingly. "Jaehee's been really worried about Seonhwa. He's wondering if he did something wrong today."

There was a pause, and they could hear muffled voices in the background as the STELLAR members gathered around.

"Um, no, he didn't do anything wrong," Rina said carefully eyeing the other members as they looked at each other. "Why would he think that?"

"She seemed upset when she left lunch," Jaehee said, leaning closer to the phone. "And she won't answer my texts. I just... I want to make sure she's okay."

"Ah, she's sleeping right now, Jaehee" Hana's voice came through - clearly she'd joined the conversation. "She's been really tired."

"But is she actually okay?" Jaehee pressed gently. "It felt like more than just being tired."

The girls exchanged looks in their living room, unsure how much they should reveal.

"Um… She's... just… processing," Yuki said diplomatically.

"Processing what?" Jaehee asked, confusion evident in his voice.

"Sometimes she gets overwhelmed," Mio said gently. "It's not about you, Jaehee. She just... doesn't always know how to handle new situations."

"Ah…New situations?" Riku asked.

"Like..." Hikari started, then stopped herself. "Like getting to know new people. She's shy."

"So, I didn't mess up?" Jaehee asked, relief creeping into his voice.

"No," Rina said firmly. "You were really sweet today. She's just... she needs time to figure things out."

"Should I give her space?" Jaehee asked.

"Maybe for tonight," Hana suggested. "But don't give up. She'll come around."

"Okay," Jaehee said, sounding slightly reassured. "Could you... could you just tell her I called and I hope she feels better? When she wakes up?"

"Of course," Mio said warmly. "We'll tell her."

After they hung up, Jaehee felt marginally better, though still confused.

"See?" Riku said. "She's just shy. It's not about you."

"I guess," Jaehee said, though uncertainty remained in his voice. "I just wish I knew what she was thinking."

___

In the STELLAR dorm, the girls sat in their living room processing the conversation.

"Well, that was hard, but sweet that they called…" Yuki said softly.

"Jaehee sounded so worried," Mio added.

"And confused," Rina said. "He really has no idea why she's pulling away.”

In her room just down the hall, Seonhwa had heard every word of the phone conversation through the thin walls. The genuine concern in Jaehee's voice, the way he'd asked if she was okay, the relief when the girls assured him he hadn't done anything wrong - it all made her chest ache with a mixture of relief and regret.

She clutched the charm tighter to her chest, realizing that while she'd been spiraling about ruining everything, he'd just been worried about her. He wasn't angry or annoyed - he was concerned. The thought made her feel both better and worse: better because he clearly cared, worse because she'd made him worry for no reason.

She thought about his request for her to text when she got home safely. Such a simple thing, and she couldn't even manage that. Now he probably thought something had happened to her, or worse - that she was intentionally ignoring him. The guilt settled heavy in her stomach.

Maybe tomorrow she could figure out how to fix this. Maybe tomorrow she could be brave enough to respond to his message, to explain that she wasn't rejecting him, just scared. But the thought of facing him after everything felt overwhelming.

For now, all she could do was hold onto his gift and hope that she hadn't damaged something precious beyond repair. Her eyelids grew heavy as exhaustion finally overtook her racing thoughts, and she drifted back into sleep, the charm still pressed against her heart.

[fosswriter]

Constellation - Chapter 4: Capturing Light

Pairing. NCT WISH x STELLAR (Original Female Characters)

Genre. Fluff/Anticipation/Slow Burn

Word Count. 6.4k

Summary. The first collaborative photoshoot puts each pair in intimate settings as they navigate professional chemistry and (possibly) personal attraction under the watchful eyes of cameras and creative directors.

Content Warnings. None!

Masterlist

< Chapter 3 | Chapter 5 >

Author's Note. Wow, I can't believe we are already at the 4th Chapter! I'm not going to lie, I already have up to Chapter 6 drafted. I'm still excited about this series. I fully intend for this series to be a slow burn, I am such a sucker for slow burn material. I've been trying to stretch myself a bit and write genres that I don't typically write, so.. that will be coming for sure. I hope you enjoy!

The SM Entertainment photography studio felt different in the afternoon light. Where the morning's variety show had been bright and conversational, this space was moody and artistic, with professional lighting rigs casting dramatic shadows across several rooms with seamless backdrops. The air hummed with creative energy as stylists, photographers, and creative directors prepared for what would be the first official visual representation of the Constellation Initiative.

"Welcome to the visual storytelling portion of your collaboration," announced Lee Saerin, SM's head creative director, as both groups gathered in the main studio space. Her reputation for creating iconic imagery preceded her, and everyone straightened slightly under her appraising gaze. "Today, we're capturing the essence of your partnerships through six distinct concepts."

The studio was divided into separate shooting rooms, each styled with different moods and aesthetics. Soft classical music played in the background, creating an atmosphere that felt more like an art gallery than a typical photoshoot space.

"Based on Dr. Lee's compatibility insights and your individual interactions, we've developed concepts that highlight each partnership's unique dynamic," Saerin continued, consulting her tablet. "These images will be used for the official collaboration announcement, so we want authenticity, chemistry, and visual impact."

The twelve of them looked around the studio with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. This felt more intimate than the variety show somehow - the cameras would be capturing them in styled, romantic concepts rather than just a natural conversation.

"Before we begin individual shoots, let's review each concept, shall we?" Saerin said smiling, leading them to a wall covered with mood boards and reference images.

Concept Reveals

"Sion and Hana - 'Modern Royalty,'" Saerin announced, unveiling the first board. The images showed elegant, powerful styling - deep jewel tones, structured clothing, and sophisticated poses that emphasized authority and mutual respect. “This concept plays on your shared leadership qualities and natural command presence."

Sion studied the reference photos, noting the formal but intimate poses - hands touching, meaningful eye contact, body language that suggested both strength and trust. This is going to require actual acting, he thought, acutely aware of Hana standing close enough that he could smell her jasmine perfume again.

"The styling will emphasize your complementary strengths," the stylist explained. "Sion in a tailored dark suit, Hana in an elegant dress that commands attention. The poses will suggest power couple dynamics. Equals, who enhance each other. We think you two could easily pull this off."

Hana felt her pulse quicken as her eyes scanned the mood board. The poses were sophisticated but undeniably intimate - the kind that would require them to be comfortable with physical proximity and sustained eye contact. Can I look at him like that without blushing? she wondered. This is crazy. They think we can pull this off after just meeting?

"Riku and Rina - 'Rebel Hearts,'" Saerin revealed the third concept. The mood board showed edgy, contemporary styling - leather jackets, structured pieces with punk influences, poses that suggested confident rebellion and authentic attitude. The aesthetic was sophisticated punk rather than aggressive, emphasizing their natural authenticity and edge.

The reference photos emphasized raw chemistry and genuine confidence - poses that looked unapologetically real, models who seemed comfortable in their own skin and with one another, with an edge that couldn't be faked. Riku found himself drawn to how powerful the interactions looked, how the styling brought out something fierce and authentic.

"The styling will emphasize your authentic edge," the stylist explained. "Riku in a leather jacket with contemporary punk details, Rina in pieces that blend sophistication with rebellion. The poses will celebrate your natural confidence and the chemistry that comes from being unapologetically yourselves."

Rina felt excited looking at the concept. It felt like something that would actually represent their personalities rather than just looking pretty. Something that feels real, I like it. I hope we will be comfortable doing this together…

"Yushi and Hikari - 'Structured Art,'" Saerin continued, unveiling a striking concept that balanced geometric precision with flowing creativity. The mood board showed clean lines contrasted with organic movement, poses that suggested both control and freedom.

The reference images were visually stunning - structured backgrounds with fluid posing, styling that was both precise and artistic. Yushi studied the poses, noting how they would require careful positioning and deliberate movement.

"The concept plays on your dance partnership," the stylist said. "Yushi in perfectly fitted clothing that emphasizes clean lines, Hikari in pieces that move beautifully and catch light. The poses will suggest the balance between technique and artistry. Since we will be capturing movement between you two, be ready to execute movement together. We anticipate multiple tries with this as we try to not only capture your movement, but your faces.”

Hikari felt her artist's eye appreciate the visual concept immediately. This could be really beautiful if we can find the right balance. Sounds like this might take some time if we will be moving quite a lot… The poses would require them to be physically close, to move together with the kind of trust that dancing demanded.

"Jaehee and Seonhwa - 'Musical Harmony,'" Saerin continued, revealing a softer, more romantic board. The concept featured warm lighting, natural poses around a piano, and styling that emphasized their shared passion for music. "This concept celebrates your vocal partnership and musical connection."

Seonhwa's breath caught as she examined the reference photos. The poses were gentle and intimate - hands positioned near each other on piano keys, one person singing while the other listened with obvious admiration, and eye contact over warm, hazy lighting.

"The styling will be soft and romantic," the stylist added. "Jaehee in a cream-colored sweater and dark jeans, Seonhwa in a flowing dress that we think moves beautifully and will create visual warmth. The concept is about two artists who inspire each other."

Jaehee felt his chest warm looking at the images. The idea of capturing their musical connection visually, of having photos that showed how much he already admired her talent, felt both exciting and terrifying. I'll have to really look at her for this to work. I’ve barely taken any glances at her since we first met.. will I come across alright if I look for too long..?

"Ryo and Yuki - 'Creative Storytelling,'" Saerin revealed a playful yet sophisticated concept. The mood board showed warm, inviting styling with elements that suggested imagination and narrative - books, art supplies, comfortable settings that invited storytelling.

The reference photos captured interactions that looked genuinely fun and engaging - poses that suggested shared jokes, collaborative creativity, and the kind of easy joy and intimacy that comes from similar interests.

"The styling will be comfortable but polished," the stylist explained. "Pieces that suggest creativity and approachability. The poses will emphasize your shared love of stories and collaborative energy."

Ryo felt his usual nervousness give way to genuine excitement. This actually sounds fun. The concept seemed to celebrate what he actually enjoyed rather than requiring him to be someone he wasn't.

Yuki was equally enthusiastic, already imagining how they could make the storytelling aspect feel authentic. We could actually tell stories while they photograph us, we could continue to get to know each other. Sounds exciting.

"Sakuya and Mio - 'Versatile Harmony,'" Saerin concluded with the final mood board. The concept showed sophisticated styling with elements that suggested adaptability and multifaceted talents - different textures, complementary colors, poses that emphasized both individual strength and partnership.

The reference photos captured a dynamic that was both youthful and mature - playful moments balanced with more sophisticated interactions. Soft smiles and warm interactions and, in contrast, serious and structured poses. The poses suggested mutual admiration and the kind of comfortable chemistry that made both people look their best.

"The styling will showcase your range," the stylist said. "Pieces that can look different from various angles, colors that enhance both of your features. The poses will celebrate your individual talents and versatilities while also showing how well you complement each other."

Sakuya found himself studying the reference photos more intently than he'd expected. The poses looked... genuinely appealing. Not childish or overly innocent, but like interactions between equals who brought out the best in each other. This is such a wide range of colors, outfits, and poses… I think we could pull it off, but it might be awkward since we haven't talked much…

Mio felt a flutter of anticipation looking at the concept. The styling looked sophisticated and the poses suggested the kind of mutual respect and attraction that she hoped they could capture authentically. This could be really beautiful… I hope he thinks so, too.

"Now, let's get everyone into styling," Saerin announced. "We'll begin individual shoots in and hour and thirty minutes."

The next hour was a whirlwind of professional preparation. Hair and makeup artists worked to create looks that enhanced each person's natural features while fitting their concept aesthetic. Stylists made final adjustments to clothing, ensuring every line and silhouette was perfect.

As they were styled, the pairs caught glimpses of each other's transformations, building anticipation for their shoots.

Sion & Hana - Modern Royalty

They were the first pair called to set, and the transformation was immediately apparent. Sion's tailored charcoal suit fit him perfectly, emphasizing his broad shoulders and confident posture. His hair was styled to create a suave, responsible look, and his entire presence radiated the kind of quiet authority that had made him a natural leader.

Hana's styling was equally striking. The deep emerald dress hugged her figure elegantly, its structured bodice and flowing skirt creating a silhouette that was both powerful and feminine. Her hair was swept into a sophisticated updo with dangling pieces that emphasized the elegant line of her neck, and her makeup enhanced her natural beauty without overpowering it.

"Perfect," Saerin murmured as they approached her, examining them with satisfaction. "You both look like you were born to command attention. Please,” she motioned to them to take their positions on set.

The set was minimalist but dramatic - a backdrop of deep grays and blacks with strategic lighting that created shadows and highlights in all the right places. A few carefully chosen props suggested luxury and power - a modern chair with clean lines, a table with interesting geometry.

"The goal is to capture mutual respect and shared strength," the photographer, Kim Taehyun, explained as he adjusted his camera settings. "These should look like two leaders who enhance each other's power rather than competing for it."

From the waiting area, the other members watched with varying degrees of fascination. Jaehee found himself studying Sion's posture, noting how the formal styling brought out his natural leadership presence. He really does look like he belongs in charge, I wonder how he’s feeling right now, Jaehee thought.

Seonhwa watched Hana with quiet admiration, observing how effortlessly she carried herself in the elegant dress. She's so naturally graceful. I hope I can look that confident during my shoot.

"Okay, let's start simple," Taehyun said, positioning them about three feet apart. "Just... stand like you're impressive people."

Sion blinked. "Like we're... impressive?"

"You know, powerful. Confident. Like you own the building."

Hana glanced at Sion, then back at the photographer. "Do we look at each other or...?"

"Let’s go with whatever feels natural first," Taehyun said, then immediately reconsidered. "Actually, let's try looking at each other first."

When they turned toward each other, there was a moment of awkward eye contact before both of them started laughing.

"Sorry," Hana said, covering her mouth. "This is weird, right?"

"So weird," Sion agreed, his usual composed demeanor cracking. "I feel like I'm pretending to be in a drama."

Riku, watching from nearby, couldn't help but smile. At least they're being honest about it being awkward.

"That's actually better," Taehyun said, adjusting his camera. "The laughing. Do that again, but look at each other like you're sharing an inside joke."

This time when they looked at each other, there was something more genuine - shared amusement at the absurdity of the situation, mixed with growing awareness of how good they both looked in their styling.

Okay, he's actually really handsome when he's not trying so hard to be serious, Hana thought, taking in how his smile changed his entire face.

She's... wow. The dress is really... wow, Sion realized, his analytical mind momentarily short-circuiting as he took in how the styling brought out her natural beauty.

"Better," Taehyun said, capturing the moment. "Now let's try the power couple thing. Pretend you're planning to take over the world together."

"Together?" Sion asked, eyebrows raised.

"Like a team," Taehyun clarified. "Equal partners in... I don't know, world domination."

Hana snorted softly. "That's actually kind of appealing."

"Right?" Sion said, his grin becoming more genuine. "We'd be pretty good at it."

The shared joke relaxed them both, and when they positioned themselves at the modern table for the next set of poses, the interaction felt more natural.

"Okay, now lean in like you're discussing secret plans," Taehyun directed. "Hana, put your hand on the table near his."

As Hana leaned forward, placing her hand on the smooth surface, she became acutely aware of how close they were sitting. Close enough to smell his cologne, close enough to see the way his eyes crinkled slightly when he was thinking.

"This feels very... intimate for a work thing," she murmured, just loud enough for him to hear.

"Yeah," Sion said quietly, his voice a bit rougher than usual. "But not... bad?"

"Not bad," she agreed, and there was something in the way she said it that made his pulse quicken.

Sakuya, watching with curious eyes, unconsciously leaned forward in his chair. They're actually being real with each other instead of just posing.

"Perfect," Taehyun said softly. "That's exactly what we want. Natural chemistry."

For the final poses, they were positioned even closer - seated so their knees almost touched, angled toward each other in what the photographer called "intimate conversation positioning."

"Okay, this next bit might feel weird," Taehyun warned. "Sion, I want you to put your hand over hers on the table. Like you're emphasizing a point in conversation."

Both of them looked down at the table, then at each other.

"Just... on top?" Sion asked, his usual confidence wavering slightly.

"However feels natural," Taehyun said. "Don't overthink it."

When Sion's hand slowly covered hers, both of them felt the warmth of skin contact. Hana's breath caught slightly - his hand was larger than hers, warm, and she could feel the subtle strength in his fingers. The simple touch made everything feel more real.

"Oh," she said softly, looking down at their joined hands, then stealing a glance at his forearms where his suit jacket had ridden up slightly. The tailored fit of his shirt didn't hide the lean muscle underneath.

"Is this okay?" Sion asked quietly, his voice barely audible. He was trying not to notice how the emerald dress highlighted the elegant line of her collarbones, or how her updo showed off the graceful curve of her neck.

"Yeah," she whispered back, her cheeks warming as she caught him looking. "It's... yeah."

"Perfect," Taehyun said, capturing the moment. "Now look at each other like you're having a realization."

When they looked up from their hands to each other's faces, there was something new in their expressions - surprise, awareness, and the beginning of something that felt less like acting and more like genuine attraction.

"This is really different from yesterday," Hana murmured.

"Good different?" Sion asked, his thumb unconsciously moving slightly against her knuckles.

"I think so," she said, her cheeks warming. "Maybe we should definitely discuss this later."

"Definitely," Sion agreed, his analytical mind noting how right her hand felt under his.

Riku & Rina - Rebel Hearts

Their styling emphasized edgy sophistication that brought out their natural confidence and authenticity. Riku wore a perfectly fitted black leather jacket over a dark shirt, with contemporary details that suggested rebellion without being costume-y. The styling enhanced his natural cool confidence while maintaining his thoughtful edge.

Rina's outfit was equally striking - a dress that incorporated punk-inspired details with sophisticated lines, leather accents that complemented Riku's jacket, and styling that made her look fierce and unapologetically confident. The overall effect was powerful and authentic.

"You both look like you could start a revolution," the stylist observed with satisfaction. "Edgy but polished, rebellious but refined."

The set incorporated elements that reflected their authentic edge - urban backgrounds with interesting textures, dramatic lighting that created bold contrasts, and props that suggested confidence and rebellion rather than conformity.

"This concept celebrates your authentic attitude and natural chemistry," photographer Park Seungjin explained. "These should feel like genuine moments between people who aren't afraid to be themselves."

From the waiting area, Yushi watched with particular interest, noting how the edgy styling seemed to bring out a different side of both of them. They look dangerous in the best way, he observed, appreciating how the concept seemed to fit their personalities perfectly.

"Let's start with attitude," Seungjin said, positioning them against an urban-textured backdrop. "Just... be yourselves, but amplified. Show me how you feel in the clothing."

As they took their posese, both of them felt the styling bring out a different energy. The leather and punk details made them feel more confident, more willing to take risks.

"This kind of feels more like us," Rina said, adjusting her position with natural confidence. The edgy styling made her feel powerful and unafraid.

"Yeah," Riku agreed, his usual patient demeanor taking on a sharper edge. "It’s comfortable, like we don't have to pretend to be anything else."

Hikari, observing from where she was getting her hair styled, felt drawn to how naturally they embodied the rebel aesthetic. Wow… they're not playing characters - they actually are that cool. 

"Perfect," Seungjin said, capturing their natural interaction. "Now, Riku, lean against this wall. Rina, position yourself close to him - like you're partners in crime."

As Riku leaned back against the textured wall, the leather jacket emphasizing the breadth of his shoulders and his lean frame, Rina moved closer. The edgy styling made the proximity feel charged with a different kind of energy - not sweet or romantic, but electric.

"Like this?" Rina asked, positioning herself near him, close enough that she could see the way the dramatic lighting brought out the sharp line of his jaw, the confident set of his shoulders in the leather jacket. She took a pause, along with her breath, as her eye shifted quickly to the photographer.

“That looks good, hold that for a second,” Seungjin said, lifting his camera to his eye. 

Riku shifted against the wall subtly. He was trying not to be obvious about how striking she looked, how the rebel aesthetic brought out something fierce and attractive in her personality.

"Beautiful," Seungjin said, moving to capture different angles. "You two have incredible natural chemistry. Let's push it further - Rina, put your hand on his chest. Riku, look at her like she's the most interesting person you've ever met."

The direction required more intentional contact and intensity. When Rina placed her hand on his chest, both of them felt the shift from confident to intimate. She could feel his heartbeat under her palm, the solid warmth of him under the leather jacket, while he became acutely aware of how close she was, how the dramatic styling made her look even more captivating.

"Is this okay with you?" Rina asked quietly, leaning in, her usual confidence mixing with something more vulnerable.

"Mhm, definitely okay," Riku replied, shaking his head, his voice lower than usual. His patient demeanor was still there, but sharpened into something more intense, more focused entirely on her.

"Perfect. Now I want to see trust," Seungjin directed. "Riku, turn her so her back is against the wall. Rina, let him guide you - but look at him like you chose to be there."

The new positioning was even more intimate. Riku's hands found the wall near her, his body close enough that she could feel his warmth, smell the leather of his jacket and his subtle cologne. The punk styling made the closeness feel charged with electricity rather than sweet romance.

"I hope you’re okay," Riku said softly, his voice rough around the edges. "You could leave if you wanted to."

"I don't want to," Rina replied, her eyes never leaving his face. The rebel aesthetic gave her permission to be bold, to admit what she was feeling. "Do you want me to?"

“Definitely not," he said immediately, smiling a genuine smile as he posed, shoulders tensing a bit as he felt awkward at his quick confession.

For a moment, the cameras and crew faded away. There was just the two of them, the dramatic lighting, and the electricity crackling between them. The punk concept had stripped away pretense, leaving only raw honesty.

"Just like that," Seungjin said, capturing the moment. "You look like you understand each other perfectly."

When they separated after the shot, there was a moment of lingering intensity, both of them slightly warm and breathless from the unexpected charge of the rebel concept combined with physical closeness.

"That was..." Rina started, her confident facade cracking slightly to show genuine surprise.

"Yeah, I know," Riku finished, his usual calm rattled in the best way.

Yushi & Hikari - Structured Art

Their styling emphasized the beautiful contrast between precision and fluidity that defined their partnership. Yushi wore perfectly tailored clothing in clean lines and structured silhouettes - a fitted black shirt and precisely cut jacket that emphasized his controlled elegance.

Hikari's styling flowed beautifully - pieces that moved with her body while maintaining sophisticated lines, colors that complement Yushi's more structured look while allowing her natural grace to shine through.

"Perfect balance," the stylist noted with satisfaction. "Structure and flow, precision and artistry."

The set was a study in geometric beauty - clean lines and angles contrasted with flowing fabrics and organic shapes. The lighting created dramatic contrasts between sharp edges and soft curves, emphasizing the artistic concept.

"This is about the dance between control and freedom," photographer Kim Yuna explained. "Two artists who bring out different qualities in each other. "

The first poses emphasized their individual strengths - Yushi positioned cleanly, every line of his body deliberate and controlled, while Hikari was captured in fluid movement that suggested natural artistry.

"Now, let's bring them together," Yuna directed. "Yushi, maintain your clean lines but angle toward Hikari. Hikari, let your movement complement the angle of his body."

As they adjusted their positions to interact, both of them found themselves drawn to how their different styles actually enhanced each other. Yushi's controlled precision provided a perfect contrast to Hikari's flowing movement, creating visual interest and balance.

She makes stillness look intentional instead of just stiff, Yushi realized, watching how her graceful positioning made his careful poses look artistic rather than solid.

His solid pose gives my movement meaning, the contrast… It makes sense. Hikari thought, appreciating how his structured positioning created a framework that made her fluidity look even more beautiful.

The poses progressed to more interactive moments - Yushi's hands positioned to almost guide Hikari's movement, both of them creating artistic shapes together that emphasized their partnership.

"Please remember, this is about trust," Yuna explained. "Hikari, move like you know Yushi will be exactly where you need him to be. Yushi, position yourself like you're creating the perfect frame for her."

The direction required a level of physical awareness and trust that felt surprisingly intimate. When Hikari moved fluidly around Yushi's positioned frame, and when he adjusted his positioning to enhance her movement, they created something together that neither could achieve alone.

The final poses were the most collaborative - both of them creating artistic shapes together, their different approaches combining to create something beautiful and unified.

"Now look at each other like you're discovering something new about this interaction," Yuna suggested.

In their styled positions, creating a beautiful visual together through their contrasting approaches, looking at each other with genuine appreciation and wonder felt completely natural. The concept had allowed them to see how their differences could create something more beautiful than either approach alone.

Jaehee & Seonhwa - Musical Harmony

Their styling emphasized the romantic, artistic nature of their concept. Jaehee's cream sweater was soft and touchable, fitted just enough to suggest his lean frame without being restrictive. His hair was styled naturally, falling slightly across his forehead in a way that enhanced his warm, approachable features.

Seonhwa's flowing dress was a soft blush pink that made her skin glow, the fabric moving beautifully as she walked. The style was romantic without being overly sweet - sophisticated enough to suggest artistic depth. Her hair fell in gentle waves around her shoulders, and her makeup emphasized her natural beauty with a soft, luminous finish.

"You both look amazing," Saerin observed with satisfaction. "Romantic but serious about your craft."

The set featured a beautiful grand piano positioned against a backdrop of warm, golden lighting. Sheet music was artfully scattered across the piano and nearby surfaces, and the overall atmosphere suggested the intimate space where musicians create together.

"The concept is about two artists inspiring each other," photographer Lee Jieun explained as she checked her lighting setup. "These should feel like genuine moments of musical connection."

The first poses positioned them at the piano, with Jaehee seated at the bench and Seonhwa standing beside him. The styling and positioning suggested a private moment where one artist was sharing something special with another.

"Jaehee, position your hands on the keys like you're playing something gentle," Jieun directed. "Seonhwa, lean in slightly like you're listening to the melody."

As Jaehee's fingers found position on the keys, he found himself actually playing a soft melody - something simple but beautiful that fit the romantic atmosphere. The music filled the space between them, making the styling and positioning feel more authentic.

Seonhwa found herself genuinely listening, drawn to the gentle music and the way Jaehee's face softened when he played. The styling and concept gave her permission to look at him openly, to appreciate the way his hands moved over the keys and the concentration in his expression.

"Beautiful," Jieun murmured, capturing the moment. "Seonhwa, now look at his hands like you're understanding something new, and please shift a bit closer so I can capture both of your bodies in the frame. It’s a bit cropped right now."

The direction moved her closer, allowing her to study his graceful fingers, to appreciate the skill and artistry in his playing. When she followed the photographer's guidance, her expression naturally showed genuine admiration and curiosity.

"Jaehee, look up at her while you continue playing," came the next direction. "Like you're communicating the music specifically for her."

When their eyes met while he continued the gentle melody, there was a moment of genuine connection. The two looked at each other with momentary shock, recognizing how awkward the situation was. But the romantic styling and intimate setting made it feel like they were actually sharing something personal and meaningful. The both of them started to laugh.

“Everything okay?,” Jieun paused.

“Y-yes, it’s just a bit…” Seonhwa started.

“It’s a little awkward,” Jaehee finished.

“Don’t worry about it, it might feel awkward at the moment, but the message is coming across perfectly, look,” Jieun walked over to the pair to show them the shots she had recently captured. The two dropped their jaws as they saw the moments captured. They looked great, they looked like they were…really connecting. 

The poses progressed to more interactive moments - both of them seated at the piano bench, close enough that their shoulders brushed as they reached for different keys. The photographer captured their hands almost touching on the keyboard, their faces turned toward each other in what looked like intimate conversation about the music.

"Now, Seonhwa, let your voice carry over his playing," Jieun suggested. "Something soft and beautiful. Jaehee, listen like you're falling in love with her voice."

The direction felt almost too personal, too real, but the romantic concept demanded authenticity. When Seonhwa began to hum a gentle melody that harmonized with his playing, Jaehee's expression showed genuine wonder and appreciation.

Her voice is really beautiful, he thought, watching how naturally she found harmony with his music. And she looks so pretty when she sings. Agh, I really should focus on professionalism.

He's actually listening to me, Seonhwa realized, seeing the admiration in his expression as her voice blended with his piano. Like he really loves what I'm singing.

The final poses were the most intimate - Jaehee's hands positioned over hers on the keys, both of them creating music together while positioned close enough for whispered conversation.

"This is about artistic partnership," Jieun explained. "Two musicians who bring out the best in each other. Let that show in how you look at each other."

With his hands gently guiding hers over the keys, both of them creating beautiful sound together, the line between performance and genuine connection blurred completely. The romantic styling and intimate concept had created something that felt surprisingly real and deeply personal.

Ryo & Yuki - Creative Storytelling

Their styling emphasized warmth and approachability while maintaining sophistication. Ryo wore comfortable but polished pieces - a soft sweater and well-fitted jeans that made him look both artistic and accessible. His hair was styled naturally, enhancing his youthful but genuine appeal.

Yuki's styling was equally inviting - a dress that suggested creativity and warmth, pieces that moved beautifully but felt approachable. Her styling enhanced her natural storytelling ability, making her look like someone who could bring any character to life.

"You both look like artists who make people feel comfortable," the stylist observed. "Creative but not intimidating."

The set was designed to feel like a creative sanctuary - comfortable seating areas surrounded by books, art supplies, and props that suggested imagination and storytelling. The lighting was warm and inviting, creating an atmosphere that encouraged authentic interaction.

"This concept celebrates your shared love of stories," photographer Choi Minha explained. "These should feel like genuine moments between creative collaborators."

The first poses positioned them in the storytelling environment - Ryo sketching while Yuki watched with interest, their body language suggesting comfortable creative partnership.

"Ryo, show Yuki your drawing like you're sharing something personal," Minha directed. "Yuki, respond like you're genuinely fascinated by his perspective."

As Ryo showed her his sketch - a quick but skillful drawing of the studio space - Yuki's interest was completely genuine. His artistic ability was impressive, and the way he explained his creative choices revealed a thoughtful perspective that drew her attention.

Wow, he’s really talented, Yuki thought, studying the confident lines and interesting details in his drawing. And he gets so excited when he talks about his art.

She's really listening, Ryo realized, seeing the genuine interest in her expression as she examined his work. And the way she asks questions, she’s paying attention to the details...

The poses progressed to more collaborative moments - both of them examining books together, their heads close as they discussed stories that inspired them. The photographer captured their animated conversation, their obvious enjoyment of each other's company.

"Now, let's capture your storytelling dynamic," Minha suggested. "Yuki, act out a character for Ryo. Ryo, watch like you're seeing the story come to life."

When Yuki slipped into character - choosing a brave but vulnerable heroine from their earlier conversation - Ryo found himself completely captivated by her transformation. Her ability to become someone else entirely while still being recognizably herself was genuinely impressive.

She's actually amazing, he thought, watching how completely she inhabited the character. The way she makes you believe in the story...

The final poses emphasized their creative partnership - Ryo sketching while Yuki performed, both of them creating art together in their different mediums.

"This is about inspiration," Minha explained. "Two artists who bring out each other's creativity. Let that show in how you look at each other."

With Yuki bringing stories to life and Ryo capturing those moments in his art, looking at each other with genuine admiration and creative excitement felt completely natural and authentic.

Sakuya & Mio - Versatile Harmony

Their styling emphasized sophistication while celebrating their youthful energy. Sakuya wore pieces that were perfectly fitted and stylish - a soft gray shirt and dark jeans that enhanced his features while making him look mature and confident. His styling brought out his natural appeal while maintaining the thoughtful observer quality that defined him.

Mio's styling showcased her versatility - pieces that could look different from various angles, colors that made her skin glow, and silhouettes that suggested both strength and femininity. The overall effect was sophisticated and magnetic.

"You both look like you could handle anything," the stylist noted with satisfaction. "Individually impressive but even better together."

The set was designed to suggest versatility and range - different areas with varying moods and aesthetics, props that could be used in multiple ways, lighting that could shift to create different atmospheres.

"This concept celebrates your individual talents while showing how well you complement each other," photographer Jung Haewon explained. "These should feel like moments between equals who bring out the best in each other."

The first poses emphasized their individual strengths - Sakuya positioned as the thoughtful observer, his expression showing the keen intelligence that made him so perceptive about others, while Mio was captured in poses that suggested her natural versatility and magnetic presence.

"Now, let's bring them together," Haewon directed. "Sakuya, look at Mio like you're appreciating something impressive. Mio, respond to his attention like it means something to you."

As they positioned themselves to interact, both of them found themselves more aware of each other than they'd expected. The sophisticated styling made them both look older, more mature, and the concept demanded a level of mutual appreciation that felt surprisingly real.

She really is cool, Sakuya thought, taking in how naturally she commanded attention while still seeming approachable and genuine. The way she adapts to different situations...

He’s looking at me, but I feel like…he sees me, Mio realized, noticing how his careful observation felt appreciative rather than critical. Really sees me, not just what I can do.

The poses progressed to more interactive moments - examining props together, their body language suggesting comfortable partnership and mutual respect. The photographer captured their easy interaction, the way they naturally made each other look good.

"Let's show your collaborative potential," Haewon suggested. "Mio, demonstrate your versatility in the next poses while Sakuya observes. Then, Sakuya, share your perspective on what makes her special."

As Mio shifted between different poses and expressions, showcasing the range that made her such an effective all-rounder, Sakuya found himself genuinely impressed by her adaptability and natural presence.

She makes it look so easy, he thought, watching how effortlessly she shifted between different energies and moods. But I can see how much thought goes into each choice.

When prompted to share his observation, Sakuya's response was thoughtful and genuine. "You don't just adapt to different situations - you make each one better by being in it."

The compliment, sincere and specific, made Mio's response completely authentic - pleased surprise mixed with genuine warmth.

The final poses were the most intimate - positioned close together, their styling and body language suggesting mutual appreciation and the kind of attraction that came from really seeing and valuing each other.

"This is about recognizing someone special," Haewon explained. "Two people who make each other feel valued and understood. Let that show in how you look at each other."

In their sophisticated styling, positioned close enough to see the details in each other's expressions, looking at each other with genuine appreciation and growing attraction felt natural and completely authentic.

Wrap-Up

As the individual shoots concluded, both groups reconvened in the main studio space. The transformation was remarkable - they all looked like sophisticated artists rather than just trainees and junior idols, and there was a new energy between the pairs that hadn't been there in the morning.

"Excellent work, everyone," Saerin announced, reviewing the preliminary shots on her tablet. "These captured exactly what we were hoping for - authentic chemistry, visual impact, and individual personality."

The photographer assistants were already uploading highlights to monitors around the studio, and as the pairs saw their images, there was a collective intake of breath. The professional styling and concepts had created something truly beautiful - images that looked like they belonged in a high-end magazine rather than just promotional materials.

"Wow," Jaehee said softly, staring at a shot of him and Seonhwa at the piano, their faces turned toward each other in what looked like an intimate musical moment.

"We look..." Seonhwa started, then stopped, studying the image with wonder. They looked like artists, like partners, like people who genuinely inspired each other. Do we really look at each other like that?

Around the studio, similar reactions were happening as each pair examined their images. The professional photography had captured something that went beyond just looking good together - there was genuine connection, authentic chemistry, and visual storytelling that made each partnership look compelling and real.

"These will be perfect for the collaboration announcement," Saerin said with satisfaction. "And I think you'll find that working together in front of cameras gets easier with practice."

As they prepared to change back into their regular clothes, there was a sense that something had shifted during the afternoon. The styled concepts and intimate direction had required them to look at each other differently, to acknowledge attraction and connection that might have remained unspoken otherwise.

Today felt different, they all thought as they gathered their things. More real. More like something that could actually work.

The photoshoot had captured the visual representation of their partnerships, but more importantly, it had given them permission to see each other in a different light, rather than just professionals or coworkers. As they left the studio, each carrying the memory of how it felt to be looked at with genuine admiration and appreciation, the Constellation Initiative felt less like a corporate project and more like the beginning of something genuinely meaningful.

Tomorrow's lunch would be their next opportunity to build on these connections, but for now, they all carried the warm glow of an afternoon spent being seen and appreciated by someone who was beginning to matter more than they'd expected.

[fosswriter]

Constellation - Chapter 3: Gravitational Pull

Pairing. NCT WISH x STELLAR (Original Female Characters)

Genre. Fluff/Anticipation/Maybe Angst?

Word Count. 6.8k

Summary. NCT WISH and STELLAR begin their first day of collaboration activities, unaware of what was in store for them. Really unaware. What they thought would be simple getting-to-know-you activities quickly becomes something much more intense and personal than anyone expected. As the twelve members are pushed to open up in ways that feel both exciting and uncomfortable, some pairs find unexpected connections while others start to doubt themselves. Will this deeper dive into who they really are be helpful for them as they begin their journey as professional pairs?

Content Warnings. None!

Masterlist

< Chapter 2 | Chapter 4 >

Author's Note. The third chapter! I'm really blowing through these, tbh. I already have up to Chapter 5 drafted so please stay tuned. To be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about how this chapter turned out. On one hand, I feel like it's necessary information to lead up to the rest of what I have planned, but it also just feels.. I don't know. Please let me know what you think!

The SM Entertainment building felt different at 8 AM on a Thursday morning. The usual bustling energy was replaced by a focused anticipation as both NCT WISH and STELLAR arrived for their first official collaboration filming. Hair and makeup teams buzzed around both groups, preparing them for what would be their first on-camera interaction as partners.

"I barely slept," Seonhwa whispered to Hana as they sat side by side in the makeup chairs, stylists working around them to create natural, camera-ready looks.

"Same," Hana replied softly, watching through the mirror as Sion entered the room, looking composed but alert. God, even at 8 AM he looks like that. Even in the early morning light, there was something undeniably striking about him - the way he carried himself with quiet confidence, how his analytical gaze seemed to take in everything at once. I wonder what it would be like to have all that attention focused on me. "But it's good nervous, right?"

Across the room, the boys were getting their own touch-ups, the atmosphere equally tense with anticipation.

"Do you think they'll make us do embarrassing stuff?" Ryo asked, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt as a stylist tried to fix his hair.

"Probably," Sakuya said with a small grin, unconsciously touching his bread charm. "But that's what makes it fun."

Jaehee nodded toward the girls, his eyes unconsciously seeking out Seonhwa. There's something about the way she moves... There was something graceful about the way she moved, even just sitting in a makeup chair. When she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, he found himself following the movement with his gaze. Focus, Jaehee. You're being weird. "They look just as nervous as we feel."

"That's... actually reassuring," Yushi admitted quietly, though his own attention kept drifting to Hikari. She's really pretty when she smiles like that. She was listening intently to something her stylist was saying, and he found himself captivated by the way her face lit up when she smiled. Stop staring. She'll think you're a creep.

"Alright, everyone!" A cheerful production assistant called out. "We're ready to move to the studio set!"

The filming location was a bright, modern studio designed to feel welcoming rather than intimidating. Comfortable seating areas were arranged in a large semicircle, with cameras positioned at multiple angles to capture natural interactions. Soft lighting created a warm atmosphere, and the overall setup felt more like a cozy living room than a formal interview space.

"Welcome to 'Getting to Know You' - a special collaboration episode!" the director, a cheerful woman in her thirties, announced as both groups were led onto the set. "Today is all about discovering compatibility and building connections between our two groups."

The production crew was small and friendly, creating an intimate atmosphere that put everyone more at ease. Cameras were visible but not overwhelming, and the director had made it clear that this was about authentic interactions rather than perfect performances.

"The concept is simple," the director continued as both groups settled into the semicircle arrangement. "We want to see how well you work together, how you communicate, and what kind of chemistry exists between potential partnerships. Think of this as a fun compatibility test rather than a formal interview."

Both groups settled into a large semicircle of chairs, partners sitting next to each other for the first time. The proximity felt strange but exciting - Sion noticed how Hana smelled faintly of jasmine, a scent that seemed to match her composed but warm personality. She smells really good. Is that weird to notice? When she shifted slightly in her seat, her knee briefly brushed against his, and he felt an unexpected jolt of awareness. Okay, definitely weird to notice.

Hana was acutely aware of Sion's presence beside her. He's so close. Why am I nervous? There was something about his quiet intensity that made her hyperaware of every small movement - the way his fingers drummed silently against his thigh when he was thinking, how his jaw tightened slightly when he was concentrating. I wonder what he's thinking about. I wonder if he's nervous too.

Jaehee couldn't help but observe how Seonhwa's hands moved expressively when she was nervous, graceful gestures that somehow made even anxiety look elegant. When she turned to whisper something to Hana, he caught a glimpse of the gentle curve of her neck and felt his cheeks warm slightly.

But every time he tried to make eye contact, she seemed to look away. Maybe she's just really focused on the activities.

Seonhwa was trying very hard not to stare at Jaehee, but it was difficult. There was something about his natural warmth that drew her attention - the way his eyes crinkled slightly when he smiled, how his voice carried genuine interest when he spoke. He's really... nice.

But every time he looked her way, she felt herself instinctively glance down at her hands. Focus on the director, not him.

Riku found himself stealing glances at Rina, noticing details he'd missed during their brief conversation yesterday. She's different when she speaks Korean versus Japanese. Which one is more her? The way she switched between languages seemed to reflect different aspects of her personality - more formal and precise in Korean, softer and more expressive in Japanese. Maybe they both are.

Rina was discovering that Riku's patient demeanor was more compelling than she'd expected. He really listens when people talk. That's rare. There was something about his quiet confidence that made her want to earn his full attention, to see what it would take to make him forget his usual reserve. I wonder what he's like when he's not trying to be polite.

Even reserved Yushi found his attention captured by small details about Hikari - the way she tucked her skirt under herself when she sat, how her eyes seemed to follow movement in the room with an artist's appreciation for visual flow. She sees things differently than other people. There was something almost hypnotic about watching her, and he had to remind himself to focus on the director's instructions. Pay attention to the cameras, not her.

Hikari was fascinated by the contradictions in Yushi's personality - his careful composure contrasted with occasional glimpses of something more playful underneath. There's definitely more to him than the robot thing. She found herself wondering what it would take to see him completely relaxed, completely himself. I bet he's actually really funny when he's comfortable.

"Now, before we begin our activities," the director continued, "I'd like to introduce someone very special. This is Dr. Lee Minsoo, one of Korea's leading relationship and compatibility experts."

An elegant woman in her forties stepped forward with a warm smile, immediately commanding attention with her professional but approachable demeanor. "Hello, everyone. I'm excited to work with you today. I specialize in understanding personality dynamics and how different types complement each other."

Oh great, we're getting psychoanalyzed on camera, Sion thought, trying to maintain his neutral expression.

This is either going to be really helpful or really embarrassing, Hana mused, stealing another glance at Sion.

Dr. Lee settled into a chair facing the group, her professional warmth immediately putting everyone at ease. "What we're going to do today is explore your compatibility through various methods - personality assessments, communication exercises, and some fun games. The goal isn't to judge anyone, but to help you understand each other better."

"Dr. Lee," the director interjected, "could you explain a bit about what you'll be looking for today?"

"Of course. Every partnership has unique strengths and potential challenges. Some people complement each other through similarities - shared values, communication styles, interests. Others work well because of their differences - one person's strength balancing another's growth area. Today, we'll discover what makes each of your partnerships special."

Rina felt Riku shift slightly beside her, and she wondered if he was as curious as she was about what they'd discover. I hope we're compatible. It would be awkward if we weren't. The brief brush of his arm against hers when he moved sent an unexpected warmth through her. Okay, that's... interesting.

"Let's start with something foundational," Dr. Lee announced. "I'm going to ask each of you some questions about your MBTI types, and we'll see how your personalities might work together."

The energy in the room shifted as Dr. Lee pulled out her tablet, and everyone straightened slightly in their chairs. This is really happening, Yuki thought, glancing nervously at Ryo and him returning the same nervous expression. The casual atmosphere became more focused as they realized they were about to learn something deeper about themselves and their partnerships.

___

"Now, I already have your MBTI results from your company profiles," Dr. Lee said, consulting her tablet. "But let's talk about what these mean for your partnerships and how you might complement each other."

She turned to the first pair. "Sion and Hana - you're both strategic thinkers, but in different ways. Sion, as an INTJ, you prefer to analyze and plan internally before acting. Hana, your type suggests you're more action-oriented but equally strategic. How do you think this might work in collaboration?"

Sion shifted uncomfortably, hyperaware of Hana's attention on him. Great, now I have to explain how my brain works. "Um... I guess I do think about stuff a lot before doing anything. Maybe too much?" Way to sound indecisive, idiot.

"I'm like... the opposite?" Hana said, glancing at him uncertainly. Is that bad? Does he think I'm reckless? "I just... go with what feels right. But maybe that's bad?" The movement brought her close enough that she caught his scent again, and she felt her cheeks warm. Focus on the conversation, not how good he smells. "I don't know, maybe you could help me slow down sometimes? And I could... help you not get stuck thinking?"

Sion felt his heart skip at the casual way she suggested they could help each other. She wants to help me? "That... that could work," he said quietly. Actually, that sounds really nice.

"Excellent insight," Dr. Lee nodded approvingly. "Your partnership has the potential for very balanced decision-making."

She moved to the next pair. "Jaehee and Seonhwa - this is interesting. You're both feeling-oriented types, but Jaehee, you're more externally expressive while Seonhwa is more internally focused. How do you communicate when you're feeling overwhelmed?"

"I... I talk. Like, a lot," Jaehee said with a nervous laugh, fidgeting with his hands. "Probably too much. I just... say everything I'm thinking and it probably gets annoying."

Seonhwa barely lifted her eyes from her lap, her voice soft. "I don't think it would be annoying." He seems really genuine when he talks.

"I usually just... hide until I figure things out," she continued, her cheeks slightly pink. "But maybe..." She glanced at Jaehee briefly before looking away again. "Maybe hearing someone else work through things would help."

Jaehee brightened, though he couldn't quite shake the feeling that she seemed more comfortable talking to the floor than to him. "Really? You'd be okay with that?"

"I think so," Seonhwa said quietly.

"Beautiful," Dr. Lee smiled. "You have the potential to help each other grow in emotional expression and processing."

Moving to Riku and Rina, she continued. "You're both feeling-types but with different energy orientations. Riku, you're more reserved and thoughtful, while Rina, you're more expressive. But you both value authenticity highly. How do you handle conflict?"

"I just... avoid it, I guess?" Riku said quietly, his usual patient demeanor wavering slightly. That makes me sound like a coward. "Until I figure out what I'm actually feeling."

"I'm like the complete opposite," Rina admitted. "I probably go too fast sometimes. Maybe we could... find something in the middle?"

Riku found himself drawn to how direct she was. She doesn't seem afraid of confrontation. That's... actually really admirable. "Yeah, that makes sense."

"So together, you could find a balanced approach - neither avoiding issues nor rushing into them without thought."

For Yushi and Hikari, Dr. Lee's expression was particularly interested. "This is a fascinating combination. Yushi, you're very structured and prefer clear plans, while Hikari, you're more spontaneous and intuitive. How do you each approach creative projects?"

"I like to... know everything beforehand" Yushi said carefully, his usual composure cracking slightly. She's going to think I'm boring. "Like, exactly what we're doing and how."

"I'm more... go with the flow," Hikari said with a small smile, noting how still Yushi became when she looked at him directly. He's so controlled. I wonder what would happen if he just... let go. "Maybe that's bad for working together?"

"Actually, in creative partnerships, this can be incredibly powerful. Structure provides a foundation for creativity to flourish safely."

"Oh," Yushi said, sounding almost surprised. So I'm not just the boring robot guy? "That's... good then."

She turned to Ryo and Yuki with a gentler expression. "You're both very adaptable and creative types. Ryo, you're curious about everything, and Yuki, you're skilled at seeing different perspectives. How do you like to have fun?"

"I like... everything, I guess?" Ryo said, his shyness from earlier starting to fade. "Drawing, movies, games. Just... trying new stuff."

"I love stories," Yuki added enthusiastically. We do have a lot in common. "Like, making people laugh and connecting with people."

"You two have the potential for incredibly fun and creative collaborations. Your shared curiosity could lead to really unique projects."

Ryo and Yuki exchanged a look that was part excitement, part nervousness.

Finally, she addressed Sakuya and Mio. "You're both people-focused types, but Sakuya, you're more observant and reserved initially, while Mio, you're confident in expressing yourself. How do you each contribute to group dynamics?"

"I just... watch everyone, I guess," Sakuya said thoughtfully, unconsciously touching his bread charm. "Make sure people are okay."

"I try to make sure everyone feels included," Mio said. He notices when people are uncomfortable? That's actually really sweet. "Like, bring energy when people need it."

"Perfect complementarity. Sakuya's observation skills combined with Mio's inclusive energy could make you excellent at creating comfortable environments for collaboration."

Dr. Lee paused, looking at all the pairs with satisfaction. "Overall, what I see here are six partnerships with incredible potential. Each pair has natural strengths that complement each other beautifully."

The room buzzed with quiet excitement as pairs processed what they'd learned. That went better than expected, most of them thought. The formal assessment had given them a framework for understanding each other, but now came the real test - seeing how well they actually knew each other.

"Now for something fun," the director announced, and the crew began distributing small whiteboards and markers to each person. "We're going to test how well you know your partner with a quick compatibility game."

Oh no, was the collective thought as everyone realized they'd have to guess personal things about someone they'd barely met.

"I'll ask a question about your partner, and you'll write down what you think their answer would be. Then we'll see how many you got right!"

The first question appeared on a screen: "What is your partner's biggest fear?"

Everyone scribbled nervously on their boards, stealing glances at their partners. How am I supposed to know this? was the common thread of panic. The weight of trying to understand someone's deepest fears after knowing them for less than 24 hours felt both impossible and strangely intimate.

"This is kind of scary," Yuki whispered to Ryo, who nodded in agreement.

What if I get it completely wrong and they think I don't care? Sion thought, staring at his blank board. What if I'm not good at this partnership stuff?

What if I guess something too personal? Hana worried, tapping her marker against her lip. What if he thinks I'm trying too hard?

Across the room, Jaehee glanced at other pairs who seemed to be writing confidently. Everyone else looks like they know what they're doing. Am I the only one struggling with this?

"Sion and Hana, let's see your answers."

Sion had written "Not being a good enough leader" while Hana had written "Disappointing the people who believe in me."

Hana's eyes went wide. How did he...? "Wait, that's basically..." She looked at Sion with something like amazement. "How did you know that?"

"I... I don't know," Sion said, looking equally surprised. I just thought about what would keep me up at night. "I just... that's what I worry about, so..."

We worry about the same things? The realization hit both of them at the same time, creating a moment of understanding that felt bigger than the game. Maybe we're more similar than I thought.

Dr. Lee nodded approvingly. "Already showing intuitive understanding of each other."

For Jaehee and Seonhwa: Jaehee had written "Not being good enough vocally" and Seonhwa had written "Letting people down with their voice."

Seonhwa's face flushed as she looked down at their boards, her voice quiet. "Oh... that's..."

"We both worry about the same stuff," Jaehee said gently, though he noticed how she still wasn't quite looking at him. "That's kind of... nice? Like, not nice that we worry, but nice that we get it."

Seonhwa nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. He really does understand. But she found herself studying their boards instead of his face, even though she wanted to look.

Riku and Rina both wrote about language and cultural identity - Riku wrote "Not belonging anywhere" and Rina wrote "Being lost between cultures."

They looked at each other and Rina felt her breath catch. He knows exactly what that feels like. "We really..."

"Yeah," Riku said quietly. She gets it. "We really do."

The shared understanding felt like a secret between them.

Yushi and Hikari had written about artistic expression - Yushi wrote "Not being able to express myself properly" while Hikari wrote "People not understanding what they’re trying to convey."

"Wait, seriously?" Hikari said, staring at their boards. "You worry about that too?"

"All the time," Yushi admitted quietly. She gets it, she actually gets it.

Several more questions followed, each one revealing surprising insights. How are we this accurate? everyone wondered. With each round, the pairs seemed more amazed by how well they understood each other, and their nervousness gave way to genuine excitement.

"What makes your partner feel most loved?" was the next question, and suddenly everyone looked a lot more nervous. This is getting really personal, they all thought.

Sakuya's pen hovered over his board as he watched other pairs writing confidently. What if I'm not good at reading people like I thought I was?

Mio noticed his hesitation and felt her own confidence waver. He looks unsure. Maybe I'm not as easy to understand as I thought. Maybe I'm not interesting enough to figure out.

Sion stared at his board, thinking about how Hana's whole posture changed when someone acknowledged her leadership skills. She lights up when people respect her judgment. He wrote "When people trust her decisions" and hoped that wasn't too personal.

Hana thought about how Sion seemed to relax when people actually listened to his advice. He wants people to value his thoughts. She wrote "When people trust his judgment" and immediately worried it sounded too intimate.

When they revealed their answers, they both blinked in surprise.

"We really are similar," Hana said softly.

"Yeah," Sion agreed, and something in his voice made her look at him differently. Maybe that's not a coincidence.

Jaehee had written "Honest compliments about her voice" while Seonhwa wrote "When people appreciate his musical knowledge."

"I... you noticed that?" Seonhwa asked, touching her throat self-consciously.

"You light up when people praise your technique," Jaehee said simply, then blushed.. "I mean, not that I was watching you specifically, just..."

"No, I get it, and you’re totally right, I do respond to that…" Seonhwa admitted quietly.

When they revealed their answers across all pairs, the accuracy was startling and created an energy in the room that made everyone more aware of their partners. We're actually getting to know each other, they realized.

"What's your partner's love language?" was the final question, and this one made several people bite their lips nervously. Love language? Isn't that for... couples?

Most pairs were thinking practically - words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service - but there was an undercurrent of awareness about what working closely together might actually mean. We're going to be spending a lot of time together, they all realized.

"These results are really accurate," Dr. Lee observed, noting the heightened energy in the room. "You're all showing a strong intuitive understanding of each other already, this is great for professional partnerships."

The games had broken down more barriers, and as they prepared for the individual consultations, there was a buzz of curiosity and nervous excitement about what they'd learn next. Maybe this partnership thing will actually work, they all thought.

___

"Now I'd like to spend some time with each pair individually to give you more detailed insights about your dynamic," Dr. Lee announced. "We'll start with Sion and Hana."

Oh great, private therapy session?, Sion thought, but followed Hana to the separate seating area. The others settled in to wait their turn, the atmosphere filled with anticipation about what insights they'd receive about their own partnerships.

"You two have what I call a 'power couple' dynamic," Dr. Lee began, settling into her chair across from them. "Both of you are natural leaders, which could create competition, but I don't see that happening here. Instead, I see mutual respect and complementary strengths."

Sion and Hana exchanged glances, both looking uncertain about the "power couple" label. Power couple? We barely know each other, Hana thought.

"Is that... good?" Hana asked hesitantly.

"Let me be more specific," Dr. Lee continued. "Sion, you lead through careful analysis and strategic thinking. You're the type who considers all angles before making a move and have practical approaches. Hana, you lead through observation and decisive action. You're quick to read situations and act on your instincts. How do you think those styles might clash or complement?"

"I..." Sion started, then stopped. She's going to think I'm too slow. "I probably take too long to decide stuff. That might be annoying."

"And I probably decide too fast," Hana said quickly. Maybe that seems reckless to him. "But watching you think things through yesterday... it was kind of... I don't know, impressive? Like you really care about getting it right."

She thinks that's impressive? Sion felt his face warm. "And you... you're not scared to just go for it. That's... that's really cool."

Dr. Lee smiled knowingly. "You're already showing mutual respect. But let me ask this - Sion, when Hana makes a quick decision, what's your first thought?"

"Um... to wonder if she thought about all the things that could go wrong?" Sion said hesitantly. That makes me sound like such a pessimist.

"And Hana, when Sion takes time to think, what do you want to do?"

"Tell him to just pick something already," Hana laughed nervously. God, that makes me sound impatient. "But also... I kind of want to know what's going on in his head."

She wants to know what I'm thinking? Sion thought, surprised.

"Perfect. You're both curious about each other's processes rather than just frustrated by them. That's a very good sign."

Dr. Lee leaned forward slightly. "Now, let's talk about vulnerability. Both of you are used to being strong for others. When was the last time either of you let someone see you uncertain or struggling?"

"Now, let's talk about vulnerability. Both of you are used to being strong for others. When was the last time either of you let someone see you uncertain or struggling?"

The question made both of them shift uncomfortably. Never, they both thought immediately. But the weight of the question hung heavier than expected, cameras capturing every micro-expression.

"I... don't really do that," Hana said quietly. Leaders aren't supposed to look weak, right? The admission felt too raw, too real for a filmed environment. Everyone's watching. The staff, the cameras. What if they think I'm not leader material?

"Same," Sion agreed, his jaw tightening slightly. People expect me to have answers. But saying it out loud made him feel exposed in a way he hadn't anticipated. What if she thinks I'm weak for admitting this?

"But what if showing that uncertainty to each other actually made you stronger as a team?" Dr. Lee asked. "Sion, if Hana came to you unsure about a decision, how would you react?"

Sion thought about it, his expression softening. I'd want to help her figure it out. "I'd... I'd want to help. Talk through it with her until she felt better about it."

"And Hana, if Sion admitted he was overthinking something and felt stuck?"

"I'd probably want to help him see it more simply," Hana said, realizing she meant it. "Or just... be there while he figured it out."

They want to take care of each other, Dr. Lee noted with satisfaction.

"This is what I mean about vulnerability strengthening your partnership. You both have the instinct to support each other, but only if you let each other see when you need support."

As their session ended and they rejoined the group, both Sion and Hana felt like they understood something new about their potential partnership. Maybe this could actually work, they both thought.

___

Next up were Jaehee and Seonhwa, who moved to the consultation area with visible nerves. Please don't let this be awkward, Jaehee thought.

"You two have a beautiful 'harmony' dynamic," Dr. Lee said warmly, and both of them relaxed slightly. That sounds good, Seonhwa thought. "You both value excellence and authenticity, and you communicate in very compatible ways."

"Really?" Seonhwa asked, looking pleased but uncertain.

"Yes. Let me explain what I observed. Jaehee, your natural expressiveness creates a safe space for others to open up. You don't just talk - you invite conversation. Seonhwa, your thoughtfulness means that when you do speak, it carries weight. Together, you create this rhythm of expression and reflection."

Jaehee felt his chest warm. She thinks I create safe spaces? I just talk a lot, though.

"But I want to dig deeper into how you handle emotions," Dr. Lee continued. "Jaehee, when you're overwhelmed, you said you talk a lot. What does that look like?"

"I just... word-vomit everything I'm thinking," Jaehee said with a self-conscious laugh. She's going to think I'm so annoying. "It's probably annoying."

"I don't think it would be annoying," Seonhwa said quietly, surprising herself. I actually want to hear all his thoughts. Actually, I think I'd like listening to him work through things.

"Why?" Dr. Lee asked, sensing something important.

"Because... he thinks about things differently than I do. When I'm stuck in my head, hearing how someone else processes might help."

Jaehee looked at her with something close to amazement. She wants to hear me ramble? "Really?"

"And Seonhwa, when you withdraw to process, what do you need from others?"

"Usually just... space. But..." she glanced at Jaehee. Maybe not complete space with him. "Maybe not complete space. Maybe just someone being there without expecting me to talk right away."

"I could do that," Jaehee said immediately. "I could just... be there. Until you're ready."

The way he said it, so simply and genuinely, made Seonhwa's heart skip.

"This is exactly what I mean about harmony," Dr. Lee observed. "You're already anticipating each other's needs." She paused, watching how they unconsciously leaned slightly toward each other when talking. "I also notice you both have very expressive body language - Jaehee with your hands, Seonhwa with your posture. You're naturally attuned to physical communication, even if you don't realize it."

Both of them became suddenly aware of how close they were sitting, and there was a moment of shy awareness before Dr. Lee continued.

"The key for you two is not getting too comfortable in your own bubble. You naturally create this harmonious space together, but remember to stay open to new experiences and challenges as a pair. Remember, don’t overthink each other’s actions. Honesty in communication works best in this type of pairing."

Riku and Rina were next, and they seemed to relax slightly as they settled in with Dr. Lee, speaking in Japanese now that they were in a more private setting.

"You have what I call a 'deep understanding' dynamic," Dr. Lee explained, though she noted their language switch with interest. "You share cultural experiences that create immediate connection, but more than that, you both value authenticity above all else."

"It does feel easy to talk to him," Rina admitted. Like I don't have to explain everything.

"And you both have artistic souls - his appreciation for storytelling and your wordplay. This could lead to really unique creative collaborations."

"What should we be careful about?" Riku asked. There has to be a catch.

"You might both overthink instead of just experiencing things together. But let me ask about your creative processes. Riku, when you're inspired by a story or movie, what do you do with that feeling?"

"I usually write about it," Riku said quietly. Is that weird? "Like, letters to myself. Just trying to capture what moved me, I guess."

Rina's eyes lit up. He writes letters to himself? That's so sweet. "I do something similar - write lyrics even when there's no music for them."

"Really?" Riku looked genuinely interested. She gets it. "What kind of stuff do you write about?"

"Feelings that don't have words in just one language," Rina said. "Like... homesickness, but not for a place?"

Oh. "I know exactly what you mean," Riku said. "Missing something you never had."

"Exactly," Rina said, and they looked at each other with understanding. But the moment felt almost too intimate for the cameras, too real. Are we sharing too much? What if this gets edited to make us look... She couldn't finish the thought, but the weight of being watched while discussing something so personal made her chest tight.

Riku seemed to sense her sudden tension. She looks uncomfortable. Did I say something wrong? Maybe I shouldn't have understood so easily. Maybe that makes me seem... damaged.

Dr. Lee watched their interaction with fascination. "This is what I mean about deep understanding. You're already sharing concepts that would be difficult to explain to others."

She observed how Riku's usually careful posture relaxed when Rina spoke Japanese, how Rina unconsciously mirrored his more thoughtful gestures. "I notice you both communicate very naturally - not just with words, but with your whole presence. There's an ease between you that's quite rare."

The observation made both of them more aware of each other, and there was a moment of charged silence.

"Your challenge will be not overthinking your connection. Sometimes, just enjoy each other's company without analyzing what it means."

___

For Yushi and Hikari, Dr. Lee's analysis was particularly detailed.

"You two represent 'structured creativity' - the balance between technique and artistry. This is actually a rare and powerful combination in creative partnerships."

Hikari smiled. He probably would bring structure to my chaos.

"Let me break this down. Yushi, your precision and technical skill provide a foundation that allows creativity to flourish safely. Hikari, your intuitive approach and emotional expression can help bring out the warmer, more spontaneous side that I suspect is there under all that control."

"I never thought about it that way," Yushi said carefully, and for just a moment, there was a hint of something softer in his expression - almost like a suppressed smile. Maybe my rway of thinking isn't boring to her.

"But I want to explore how you communicate," Dr. Lee continued. "Yushi, you're very internal in your processing. When you're working on choreography, what happens in your mind?"

"I... I see the whole thing mapped out. Like, every count, every position. I need to know it's all going to work before I start."

"And Hikari, when you're creating, what's your process?"

"I just... feel the music and move. See what my body wants to do and go with it."

Dr. Lee nodded. "Completely opposite approaches. Yushi, when you watch Hikari dance freely, what do you think?"

Yushi was quiet for a moment. I think it’s beautiful. I think I want to understand how she does it. "I think... I want to learn how to feel music the way she does."

Hikari felt her heart flutter. But immediately, insecurity crept in. What if I can't teach him? What if I disappoint him? I'm not even formally trained like he is.

"And Hikari, when you see Yushi's technical precision?"

"I think about how much more I could do if I had that kind of control," Hikari said honestly. "Like, my ideas could actually become real instead of just... feeling good in the moment." But what if I'm too chaotic for him? What if my lack of structure frustrates him?

"This is perfect complementarity. But let me ask about physical collaboration. Dancing together requires trust and physical awareness of each other. How do you both feel about that?"

Yushi's composure cracked slightly. Dancing with her means touching her. "I... I'd want to make sure she felt comfortable."

"I really appreciate that," Hikari said, then realized how eager she sounded. "I mean, learning from each other through movement."

"Yushi, you're very controlled physically. Would you be comfortable with Hikari adjusting your positioning or guiding your movement?"

The question made Yushi's pulse quicken as he smiled his awkward smile. "I think... I think I'd be okay with that."

"Your challenge is communication. Yushi, you need to share your thoughts with Hikari, even when they're not fully formed. And Hikari, you need to be patient with his processing time."

___

With Ryo and Yuki, Dr. Lee's approach was notably gentler and more encouraging.

"You two have a wonderful 'creative partnership' dynamic. You both love exploring new ideas and making people happy."

"We do like similar stuff," Ryo said with growing confidence. This is actually going really well.

"Your strength is shared curiosity and empathy. You naturally want to understand others and create joy. When you're excited about something new, how do you like to share that excitement?"

"I want to show everyone," Ryo said enthusiastically. "Like, draw pictures or find movies that explain how I feel."

"I want to perform it," Yuki added. "Like, act out the feeling so people can experience it too."

"Perfect. You both process excitement through creative expression. Ryo, when Yuki acts out a story, how does that make you feel?"

"Like I want to draw what she's showing me," Ryo said, his eyes lighting up.

"And Yuki, when Ryo draws something he's excited about?"

"Like I want to bring the drawing to life somehow."

Dr. Lee smiled warmly. "You're already inspiring each other creatively. Your challenge is just being patient with each other as you learn and grow. You're both still discovering yourselves, which makes this partnership exciting."

___

Finally, Sakuya and Mio sat with Dr. Lee, and the dynamic immediately felt comfortable.

"You have an 'observer and includer' dynamic that's really special. Sakuya, you're incredibly perceptive about group dynamics, while Mio, you're skilled at making sure everyone feels valued."

Sakuya looked pleased. She noticed that I watch people. At least it's not creepy.

"But let me dig deeper into how you each operate. Sakuya, when you're observing a group, what are you looking for?"

"Who's comfortable, who isn't, who's being left out," Sakuya said thoughtfully. "I like when everyone's having a good time."

"And Mio, when you're including people, what's your approach?"

"I try to find what they're good at and make space for them to show it," Mio said. "I think that everyone has something cool about them."

"This is why you work so well together. Sakuya identifies the need, Mio addresses it. But let me ask about your individual needs. Sakuya, what makes you feel most comfortable in a group?"

"When I don't have to perform," Sakuya said honestly. "Like, when I can just be myself and that's enough."

"I want to make sure he always feels like that," Mio said immediately, surprising herself with how protective she sounded.

She wants to take care of me? Shocked by the straightforwardness, Sakuya felt warm all over.

"And Mio, what do you need to feel appreciated?"

"When people see that I'm working hard," Mio said. "Not just the final result, but that I care."

"I can see that," Sakuya said earnestly. "It seems like you put effort into everything, even small things in your performance."

The way he said it, so genuinely observant, made Mio feel seen in a way she rarely did. He really does pay attention.

Dr. Lee watched their interaction with a warm smile. "I notice you both have very caring energy - Sakuya, you watch out for others quietly, and Mio, you actively include them. But there's also a gentleness in how you treat each other that's quite sweet."

Both of them blushed at the observation, suddenly aware of how naturally considerate they'd been with each other throughout the session.

"Your challenge might be focusing so much on others that you forget to focus on your own partnership. Remember to take time just for yourselves too."

___

As all the pairs reconvened for the final reflection, the atmosphere had shifted completely from the morning's nervous energy. There was more eye contact between partners, more comfortable body language, and genuine excitement about their potential.

Dr. Lee stood to address the group one final time. "What I've observed today is six partnerships with genuine potential for deep connection and creative collaboration. You all show natural compatibility, but more importantly, you show willingness to understand and support each other."

She paused, looking at each pair. "Remember, the best partnerships and collaborations aren't just about natural compatibility - they're about choosing to grow together. What you do with these insights is up to you."

"And that," the director announced with a smile, "wraps up our morning session. You'll have a lunch break, and then this afternoon we'll be doing something completely different - your paired photoshoot concepts."

As the cameras stopped rolling and the crew began setting up for the next session, the twelve individuals felt less like two separate groups and more like six pairs beginning to discover their potential.

___

During the lunch break, the pairs naturally gravitated toward each other, the morning's activities having broken down the initial barriers and created genuine curiosity about their partnerships.

"I can't believe how right some of those observations were," Seonhwa said to Jaehee as they found seats together.

"I know, right? It makes me actually excited for this afternoon," he replied, then paused. "Are you nervous about the photoshoot?"

"A little," she admitted. "But also curious about what they have planned for us."

Across the cafeteria, Sion and Hana were processing their morning.

"The vulnerability thing she mentioned," Sion said quietly. "That was...yeah, pretty accurate."

"Yeah," Hana agreed. "I never really thought about it, but I don't tend to let people see me uncertain."

"Maybe we could try or practice together? I mean, if you feel comfortable. We do need to trust each other if we’re going to make our collaboration work" Sion suggested, then immediately wondered if that sounded weird.

"I'd like that," Hana said, and something about the way she said it made them both feel like they were stepping into new territory.

Meanwhile, Riku and Rina were having their conversation in Japanese now that they were away from the cameras.

"Did you notice how we kept answering things the same way?" Rina asked.

"It's like we think similarly about stuff," Riku replied, then smiled.

Yushi and Hikari sat slightly apart from the others, but their conversation was more animated than usual for Yushi.

"I never thought about technique and creativity working together like that," he was saying.

"But it makes perfect sense," Hikari replied. "Your technique could make my ideas actually work instead of just feeling good in the moment or being totally temporary."

Ryo and Yuki were already planning beyond the collaboration.

"I have so many movies I want to show you," Ryo said.

"And I want to see all your drawings," Yuki replied enthusiastically.

Sakuya and Mio were discussing their shared people-watching skills.

"Do you think the other pairs noticed how nervous everyone was at the beginning?" Sakuya asked.

"Probably not as much as we did," Mio laughed. "But that's kind of our thing, right? Noticing things."

As lunch wound down, all twelve members felt a sense of anticipation for whatever came next. The morning gave us understanding, they all thought, but the afternoon will be our first real creative collaboration.

The constellation was ready for its next phase, each star beginning to understand its place in the larger pattern that was forming around them.

[fosswriter]

AH I'm on AO3!

I have no idea if I'm doing anything right, but please feel free to follow me and/or the Constellation series on AO3, if you'd like! I'll still be posting chapters on here, though!

For me: https://archiveofourown.org/users/fossildustwriter

For Constellation: https://archiveofourown.org/series/4926310

[fosswriter]

Oops I skipped writing Chapter 4 to write Chapter 5 because I had an idea and while writing I realized that I'm a sucker for angst??? Like what I literally hate that feeling but know it so well and like writing it??? LOL. Anyway, just know that Chapter 5 is entirely angst and I'm so sorry but also not sorry. Who knew I liked gut wrenching, heart string ripping angst so much? T_T

[fosswriter]

Constellation - Chapter 2: When Stars Collide

Pairing. NCT WISH x STELLAR (Original Female Characters)

Genre. Fluff/Anticipation/Maybe Angst?

Word Count. 6.8k

Summary. NCT WISH are called in to evaluate trainees from the soon-to-debut girl group STELLAR. What the boys don't know is that each girl has already been secretly assigned as their partner for an upcoming collaboration project.

Content Warnings. None!

Masterlist

< Chapter 1 | Chapter 3 >

Author's Note. Here is the second chapter! In this one, there are little snippets of each individual pair. I plan to make whole chapters on each pair eventually, but I’m currently mapping everything out. I've never written anything like this before, so please bear with me! I have so many ideas, but they're all disorganized in my head, haha. Please let me know what you think of the pairs so far and which ones you’re fans of!

The practice room buzzed with conversation as NCT WISH ran through their morning vocal warm-ups. Three days had passed since the evaluation, and the mysterious girl group was still a topic of discussion among the members. The experience had left them all with lingering curiosity that none of them could quite shake off.

"So… I keep thinking about that dance performance," Yushi said during a water break, his usual calm demeanor betraying a hint of curiosity. "The contemporary one. The technique was really sophisticated."

Sakuya nodded enthusiastically, his bread charm jingling softly as he moved. "They were all so talented. I wonder when they will debut.." He paused, seeming to consider something. "Do you think they'll be successful?"

"Their rap line was solid," Riku added quietly, his patient nature allowing him to process the performances more thoroughly than his initial reaction had shown. "Hm, yeah. Good flow, authentic delivery."

Ryo smirked at his best friend, noting how Riku had been unusually thoughtful the past few days. "You've been thinking about this a lot, haven't you, hyung?"

"We all have," Sion interjected with his characteristic authority, though his own analytical mind had been replaying certain moments from the evaluation. "It's not often we see trainees at that level."

Jaehee, who had been unusually quiet during their warm-ups, finally spoke up. "Their vocals were really something. Both the ballad and the technical showcase..." He nodded as he trailed off, seeming lost in thought. There was something about the way that the main vocalist had controlled her breathing that kept coming back to him.

"You've been quiet today," Yushi observed, his robotic demeanor softening slightly with concern for his member.

"Just thinking," Jaehee said, then seemed to realize how that sounded. "About technique stuff. You know, professional interest."

Before anyone could respond, Manager Kim entered the practice room with the same serious expression he'd worn during the evaluation meeting. The energy in the room immediately shifted as all six members turned their attention to him.

"Morning, everyone. I need you all to come to Conference Room A again. There's been a development with the project we discussed."

The boys exchanged glances, curiosity and slight apprehension evident on their faces as they followed him down the familiar hallway. After two years as debuted idols, they'd learned to read the subtle signs in meetings - and this felt significant.

"Think it's about the collaboration?" Sakuya whispered to Ryo as they walked.

"Has to be," Ryo whispered back. "Why else would they call us back?"

Sion, overhearing, felt his leadership instincts kick in. Whatever this was about, he needed to be prepared to guide his members through it.

Meanwhile, in a smaller meeting room across the building, STELLAR sat in a circle, each girl trying to maintain her composure despite the nervous energy crackling through the space. The small cards with their assigned partners' names felt like they were burning holes in their pockets. The weight of the secret they'd been carrying for days was almost unbearable.

"Remember," Hana said softly, her leadership instincts kicking in even as her own stomach churned with nerves, "we act surprised. We don't know anything about individual pairings."

"I'm more worried about..." Seonhwa started, then caught herself. She'd been about to say she was worried about whether Jaehee would actually want to work with her, especially after seeing how he'd reacted to other performances too. The thought of his disappointed face when their pairing was announced made her feel sick. She'd spent hours looking up NCT Wish profiles online, learning that Jaehee played piano and liked reading - information she definitely couldn't let slip that she already knew.

"Just be natural," Yuki advised, though her own hands were trembling slightly. She kept thinking about how shy Ryo had seemed compared to his usual mischievous energy. What if he was disappointed to be paired with her? She'd memorized that he enjoyed movies and drawing, but would they actually have anything to talk about? What if their personalities clashed completely?

Rina nodded, trying to project confidence while internally panicking. Sure, Riku had appreciated her rap, but so had Ryo. How could she tell if Riku actually wanted to work with her specifically, or if he was just being polite? She'd read that he was patient and loved writing letters, which seemed sweet, but what if their personalities didn't actually click? What if he found her too intense, too forward?

"Whatever happens, we support each other, right?" Hikari said, though she was struggling with her own doubts. Yushi had seemed so reserved, so professional. What if he found her too expressive, too artistic? She'd learned he'd been training for five years - what if her more intuitive style seemed amateur to him? What if he preferred working with someone more technical?

Mio glanced around at her members, noting how they were all trying to hide their individual anxieties. She was worried too - Sakuya had seemed amazed by her performance, but he was so young, so reserved. Was his reaction genuine interest or just respectful appreciation? Would he be disappointed to be paired with someone older, even if it was only by a year? She'd seen photos of him with cute charms and bread-themed accessories, which was endearing, but would they have enough in common to work well together?

"Always," Hana confirmed, trying to sound confident while her mind raced. Sion had tried so hard to stay neutral during her performance, but what did that actually mean? Was he unimpressed? Annoyed at the thought of being paired with another leader? She'd built up this whole fantasy about their potential partnership, but what if he saw her as competition rather than a complement? What if he thought she couldn't keep up with his experience?

The silence stretched until their manager knocked on the door. "It's time, girls. Ready to officially meet NCT WISH?"

Each girl took a deep breath, trying to center herself for what was about to happen. This was it - the moment they'd been both dreading and anticipating.

Conference Room A felt different this time. Instead of the formal evaluation setup, chairs were arranged in a more casual circle, and the lighting was warmer. The atmosphere was less intimidating, but somehow that made it feel more personal, more real. The NCT WISH members filed in first, settling into their seats with varying degrees of curiosity and nervous energy.

"So… What's the development you were talking about?" Sion asked, his leadership instincts making him take charge of the questioning.

Manager Kim smiled mysteriously. "You'll see in a moment. But first, I want to introduce you to the group you evaluated - officially this time."

The boys straightened in their seats, suddenly understanding that they were about to meet the trainees face-to-face. After three days of thinking about their performances, the prospect of actually talking to them felt both exciting and nerve-wracking.

The door opened, and STELLAR entered in a line, eventually facing the boys on the other side of the table, their professional smiles hiding their individual anxieties. The boys straightened unconsciously in their seats, seeing them in person for the first time rather than on the screen they had stared at just 3 days ago.

The impact was immediate and different from watching them perform. In person, their presence was more tangible, more real. Jaehee found himself studying Seonhwa's face, trying to reconcile the confident performer he'd watched with the slightly nervous trainee sitting across from him. Sion's analytical gaze naturally gravitated toward Hana, noting how she carried herself with the same composed authority he recognized in himself.

"NCT WISH, meet STELLAR," the A&R director announced. "STELLAR, NCT WISH."

"Hello," Hana said with natural leadership presence, bowing politely. "We're STELLAR. It's an honor to meet you."

The boys responded with their own greetings, each member's gaze naturally drifting as they took in the girls they'd only seen in performance videos. There was something surreal about seeing them in casual clothes, in a conference room rather than on stage. It made them seem more human, more approachable.

"Please, everyone sit," Manager Kim said, gesturing to the circle of chairs. "We have some exciting news to share."

As the girls settled into their seats, the air hummed with anticipation and unspoken questions. Everyone was trying to steal quick glances at each other while they waited for whatever exciting news was going to be revealed to them. The boys were curious about the collaboration details, while the girls were terrified about how their partners would react to the pairings.

"The collaboration we mentioned," the A&R director began, "isn't just any standard project. SM is launching something we're calling 'The Constellation Initiative.'"

The boys leaned forward with interest, while the girls maintained their carefully constructed expressions of curiosity. The name felt appropriate - constellations were made of individual stars that created something bigger when connected.

"The concept is strategic partnerships - each NCT WISH member will be paired with a specific STELLAR member for ongoing collaborations. Joint content creation, special stages, variety appearances, shared photoshoots - essentially, you'll be working as duos within your own larger group dynamic."

The room went quiet as the implications sank in. This wasn't just a one-off collaboration - this was a long-term partnership program.

Ryo's eyes widened as he heard the news. "....S-Specific pairings?"

"Individual partners? For each of us?" Sakuya asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

"Exactly," Manager Kim confirmed. "Your staff has analyzed your respective personalities, skills, and potential chemistry to create what we believe will be six complementary partnerships."

Yushi's composure cracked slightly. "Wait, so you've already decided the pairings?"

"We have," the A&R director said with a smile. "And we think you'll be pleased with the results."

The girls maintained their facades of surprise, though each was internally focused on her designated partner's reaction. This was the moment of truth - would their partners be excited, disappointed, or just professionally accepting?

"Your evaluation a few days ago was not just about gathering feedback for the staff," Manager Kim clarified. "The STELLAR girls were in another room monitoring your reactions in real time."

All of the boys looked at each other with genuine surprise, some of them suddenly and quickly mentally reviewing their reactions and feedback from 3 days ago to make sure they were as professional as possible. Ryo's face flushed slightly as he remembered some of his more obvious reactions, while Yushi's expression became even more controlled.

The boys then slowly looked over the STELLAR members as the girls sat across from them with neutral expressions, though each was fighting to hide their nervousness.

"Wait, so you all... you saw everything?" Jaehee asked, his honest nature making him unable to hide his slight embarrassment.

"Everything," Hana confirmed with a small smile that she couldn't quite suppress.

"Oh," Sakuya said quietly, his round cheeks flushing as he remembered his amazed reactions.

The revelation created a new dynamic in the room - the boys realizing they'd been watched and evaluated in return, while the girls tried not to reveal how closely they'd studied every micro-expression.

"Sion," Manager Kim announced, consulting his tablet, "you'll be partnered with Hana." He motioned over to Hana, who was sitting at the opposite end of the table.

Sion's controlled expression quickly shifted to one of genuine surprise, his analytical mind processing this information while his gaze moved to Hana. She was watching him with carefully neutral interest. There was a strength there, a quiet authority that he recognized and respected.

"Are we both leaders..?," he said thoughtfully, a hint of respect in his voice, as Manager Kim nodded with Hana. "That's... strategic."

Hana allowed herself a small smile, relief flooding through her even as she tried to maintain her act. "I look forward to working with you, Sion-ssi."

Sion half-smiled back, an expression that was polite but unreadable, and Hana's smile faltered slightly. What did that mean? Was he pleased, or just being professional? The uncertainty gnawed at her even as she tried to maintain her composure.

"Jaehee," the director continued, "your partner will be Seonhwa." He motioned towards Seonhwa sitting at the other end of the table.

Jaehee's naturally expressive face lit up with genuine interest and what looked like excitement. "The vocalist," he said, his appreciation evident. "Your technique was really impressive."

Seonhwa felt her cheeks warm slightly, genuine happiness breaking through her nervous facade. "Thank you. I actually... I really admired your evaluation comments. It was very helpful for me."

The relief in her voice was subtle but noticeable to anyone paying attention. Jaehee seemed pleased by her response, his warm personality already putting her more at ease.

"Really?" Jaehee asked, seeming genuinely touched. "I was worried I didn't know enough to give good feedback."

"You definitely did," Seonhwa assured him, and for the first time since learning about the pairing, she felt genuinely excited rather than just nervous.

Another short moment passed. "Riku," Manager Kim read, "you're paired with Rina."

Riku's patient demeanor shifted to engaged attention as he looked at Rina with new interest. "The bilingual rapper," he said quietly, his respect evident. "Your wordplay was so awesome."

Rina felt a flutter of relief at his positive reaction. "I'd love to learn from your technique as well. I know that your flow is really clean."

There was something about the way they looked at each other - a mutual recognition, perhaps of shared experiences as Japanese artists navigating the Korean industry. The connection felt natural, immediate.

"We should think about writing together sometime," Riku suggested quietly, then seemed surprised by his own boldness.

"Oh, well.. I'd… really like that," Rina replied, her confident exterior softening into something more genuine.

"Yushi, you'll be working with Hikari."

Yushi's usual calm stillness gave way to something that might have been anticipation. "The contemporary dancer," he said, his voice carrying a note of professional respect. "Your interpretation of musicality was unique."

Hikari's artistic nature responded to his understated appreciation. "I noticed you have amazing technical precision. I could learn a lot from you."

"I think... we could probably learn from each other," Yushi said carefully, and though his words were measured, there was something warmer in his tone than his usual mechanical politeness.

"Ryo, your partner is Yuki."

Ryo's shy energy focused into genuine interest as he looked at Yuki with new curiosity. "The actress-singer," he said with a grin that was more appreciative than his usual mischievous smirk. "Your transition piece was really impressive."

Yuki felt her performer's instincts respond to his energy. "Thank you. I appreciated your entertainment instincts from your reactions."

"You could tell?" Ryo asked, his shyness mixing with growing confidence. "I wasn't sure if I was being too obvious."

"Just obvious enough," Yuki replied with a warm smile that made Ryo relax visibly.

"And finally, Sakuya, you're paired with Mio."

Sakuya's round eyes went wide with something that looked like amazed delight. "The all-rounder," he whispered to himself, just barely audible. He coughed and spoke louder, "You were so cool during your individual performance."

Mio felt a genuine smile tug at her lips at his enthusiastic reaction. "You seemed to really appreciate artistry from your reaction."

"I do," Sakuya said earnestly, his reserved nature giving way to genuine enthusiasm. "I think versatility is really important."

The room hummed with new energy as the pairings settled into everyone's minds. The boys were processing their surprise and interest, while the girls felt varying degrees of relief and excitement at their partners' positive reactions.

"Now," Manager Kim said, "we'd like to give each pair a few minutes to introduce yourselves properly. Consider this your first official interaction as creative partners. You may move across the room to be able to speak to your partner."

The circle naturally broke apart as the pairs found spaces around the room for more intimate conversations. The atmosphere shifted from formal to personal as twelve people became six pairs, each beginning their own unique journey.

___

Sion & Hana

They found a spot near the window, both keeping some distance while checking each other out with the analytical nature they both possessed.

"So," Sion said, more direct than formal, "what do you actually think about this whole partnership thing?"

Hana appreciated that he wasn't beating around the bush. "Honestly? It makes sense. We're both leaders, so we probably understand each other. As for the public, I’m not too sure, but I want to be optimistic."

"You were definitely analyzing us during the evaluation, weren’t you?" he said, curious but not defensive. "I could tell you were paying close attention to our reactions, even today."

"You try to keep everything under control," she said with a knowing smile. "But you're not as unreadable as you think you are."

Sion let out a short laugh, genuinely surprised. "What… what gave me away?"

"You were way more interested than you wanted to show," she said confidently. "Your body language changed completely during the individual performance."

There was a pause as they both seemed to relax slightly, the initial tension fading into something more natural. Sion found himself studying her with new appreciation - not just as a fellow leader, but as someone who seemed to understand the weight of responsibility he carried.

"Um.. Where are you from? I heard you use a dialect earlier." Sion asked, genuine curiosity replacing his professional demeanor as he recognized something in the way she spoke.

"Mokpo," Hana replied, then watched as his eyes widened slightly.

"No way," Sion said, his controlled facade dropping entirely. "I'm from Mokpo, too."

"Really?" Hana's face lit up, her composed leadership mask slipping into genuine excitement. "What part?"

"Near the harbor district," Sion said, leaning forward with real interest. "I used to walk by the old lighthouse all the time before I came to Seoul."

"I know that lighthouse!" Hana said, her voice rising with enthusiasm before she caught herself and lowered it. "My family lives like ten minutes from there. Whoa, I can't believe we're both from there and never met."

"Yeah, Mokpo's not that big," Sion said, and for the first time, his smile was completely unguarded. "This is crazy. Do you miss the fish markets?"

"Every day," Hana laughed. "Mokpo fish just hits different."

"Tell me about it," Sion said, his analytical nature momentarily forgotten as he found himself genuinely excited to talk to someone who understood. "Wait, did you go to Mokpo Girls' High School?"

"Yep, for two years before I came to Seoul for training," Hana nodded. "You?"

"Mokpo Jungang High," Sion said. "We probably passed each other on the street a dozen times."

"Probably," Hana agreed, feeling something warm settle in her chest. The nervousness about their pairing was quickly being replaced by something that felt almost like fate.

"Do you ever go back to visit?" Sion asked.

"When I can," Hana said softly. "My parents still live in the same house. What about you?"

"Not as often as I should," Sion admitted. "But when I do, it feels like coming home in a way that Seoul never does."

"Exactly," Hana said, understanding completely. "It's like... no matter how long you're away, Mokpo is still home."

Sion found himself studying her face with new interest as someone who shared something fundamental with him. Someone who understood the specific longing for ocean air, the sound of fishing boats in the morning, and cattle roaming the large grassy open area. 

"You know what's weird?" Sion said. "I feel like I should have known you somehow. Mokpo's small enough that our paths should have crossed."

"Maybe they did and we just don't remember," Hana suggested. "Maybe we were at the same festival or market at the same time."

"Maybe," Sion agreed, then grinned. "Wow, this is going to be more interesting than I thought."

"Much more interesting," Hana said, and for the first time since learning about the pairing, she felt genuinely excited rather than just nervous. The shared connection to home had broken down the walls between them in a way she hadn't expected.

___

Riku & Rina

They started talking in a mix of Japanese and Korean, which felt natural and comfortable for both of them.

"Your rap was really good in both languages," Riku said in Japanese, his calm way of talking making it feel relaxed. "Do you write your own stuff?"

"Most of it," Rina said, switching to Korean. "I like that I can think in both languages - gives me more options. You get that, right?"

"Being Japanese here..." Riku started, then smiled a little. "It's weird sometimes."

"Exactly," Rina said, feeling understood. "Like we're in between two worlds. But it's also kind of cool creatively."

"Yeah, definitely. I… think we'll work well together," Riku said quietly, and something about how sincere he sounded made Rina feel really hopeful.

They fell into a comfortable silence for a moment before Rina gathered her courage. "I read that you like watching animations and movies, and that your favorite things are letters from people you love. That's... that's really sweet."

Riku looked surprised but pleased. "You looked us up?"

"Maybe a little," Rina admitted, her confident exterior cracking slightly. "I wanted to know what we might have in common."

"That makes sense," Riku said thoughtfully. "I do love getting letters. There's something about handwritten words that feels more... genuine than digital."

"I totally get that," Rina said. "When I write lyrics, I always start by hand first. The physical act of writing feels more connected to the emotion."

"Exactly," Riku said, his eyes lighting up with genuine interest. "And animations and movies... they tell stories that can cross language barriers. That's what I love about them."

"That's what I try to do with bilingual rap too," Rina said excitedly. "Create something that speaks to people regardless of which language they understand better."

"I'd love to read some of the stuff you’ve written so far," Riku said softly. "If you're comfortable sharing."

"Of course," Rina said, feeling a flutter of excitement. "Maybe you could show me some of your favorite movies too? I'd love to understand what stories inspire you."

"Yeah," Riku said with a genuine smile. "I think I'd really like that."

"Can I ask you something?" Rina said, switching back to Korean.

"Of course."

"Do you ever feel like... like you have to choose between being Japanese and being Korean? Like you can't be both fully?"

Riku's expression grew thoughtful. "All the time," he admitted. "It's like I'm always translating myself, you know? Not just language, but culture, expectations, everything."

"Yes!" Rina said, relief evident in her voice.

"It's lonely sometimes," Riku said quietly. "But also... it gives us a unique perspective, I think."

"It does," Rina agreed. "And maybe that's something that can help us creatively when we start the collaboration."

"For sure," Riku said, and for the first time since the evaluation, Rina felt completely at ease.

___

Yushi & Hikari

They stood near the back of the room, Yushi keeping a polite distance while maintaining his composed demeanor.

"Your dance was... very skilled," Yushi said carefully, his reserved nature making him choose words precisely. "The contemporary elements were well-executed."

"Thank you," Hikari said, sensing his shyness and speaking gently. "Your technique is really impressive. It’s very clean and controlled."

Yushi nodded once, then after a pause, demonstrated a small, precise movement. "I try to focus on technical accuracy," he said quietly.

"That's beautiful," Hikari said softly, not wanting to make him uncomfortable. "I work more with expression and flow. Maybe... if it’s okay with you... we could try combining styles?"

"That would be... acceptable," Yushi said, then seemed to realize how stiff that sounded. "I mean, I think that could work well."

Hikari smiled at his attempt to be less formal. "I think so too."

There was a pause as Yushi seemed to be working up to something. "You move like..." he started, then stopped, looking slightly embarrassed.

"Like what?" Hikari encouraged gently.

"Like you're painting," Yushi said quietly, his reserved nature making the compliment feel more meaningful. "With your whole body. It's... artistic."

Hikari felt her cheeks warm at the unexpected poetry in his words. "That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said about my dancing."

Yushi looked surprised. "Really?"

"Really," Hikari said. "Most people just comment on technique or execution. But you saw the art in it."

"Because there was art in it," Yushi said simply, and Hikari felt something flutter in her chest.

"I read that you like soccer.. Maybe sometime you could show me some of your soccer moves?" Hikari said with a playful smile. "I bet there's artistry in that too - the way you control the ball, predict movement..."

Yushi blinked, clearly not having expected that connection. "I... never thought about soccer as artistic."

"Everything can be artistic if you approach it with intention," Hikari said gently. "Just like how you bring precision to dance, you probably bring strategy and grace to soccer."

"That's..." Yushi paused, considering. "That's an interesting way to think about it."

"It would be cool to see it sometime," Hikari said. "If you'd be comfortable showing me."

"If we get a chance to play soccer, I’ll definitely show you," Yushi said, and for the first time, he seemed genuinely excited rather than just politely interested.

"So…You looked us up?" Yushi asked, not accusingly but with what might have been curiosity.

"A little," Hikari admitted. "I wanted to understand who I might be working with. Do you play The Legend of Zelda? I saw that mentioned."

"Yes," Yushi said, and for a moment his reserved expression brightened slightly. "It's... relaxing. And strategic."

"That’s great," Hikari said with a genuine smile. "Creative problem-solving. That's exactly what choreography is too - finding solutions through movement."

Yushi seemed to think about this seriously. "That's... an interesting parallel. I hadn't considered that, it was just fun for me."

"Hm.. What made you want to dance?" Hikari asked gently.

"Watching EXO," Yushi said after a moment. "Kai-sunbaenim specifically. His control and precision, but also the artistry."

"He's incredible," Hikari agreed. "The way he makes everything look effortless while being so technically perfect. Everything he dances looks so clean and visually pleasing."

"Exactly," Yushi said, and Hikari could see him relaxing slightly as they found common ground.

"Control and freedom," Hikari mused. "That could make for interesting choreography."

"Yes," Yushi agreed, and for the first time, his expression looked genuinely intrigued rather than just polite. "It could."\

___

Jaehee & Seonhwa

They sat across from each other, both naturally gravitating toward discussing their shared passion for vocals.

"Your voice control was insane," Jaehee said bluntly, his honest nature coming through immediately. "Like seriously, that was a really difficult technique and you made it look easy."

Seonhwa blinked at his directness but found herself smiling. "Thank you. You really know what you're talking about though - your comments during the evaluation were spot on."

"I mean, I basically was only training for like three months before I was put into WISH," Jaehee said matter-of-factly. "So I'm still figuring everything out, but I know good singing when I hear it."

"Three months?!" Seonhwa stared at him. "Are you serious? That's crazy natural talent."

"I guess?" Jaehee shrugged, then got excited again. "We should definitely practice together sometime. I want to learn that breath control thing you do."

"Definitely," Seonhwa said, charmed by how straightforward he was about everything. There was a comfortable pause before she added, "Do you... do you actually play piano? I read that somewhere, and it mentioned you liked reading, too."

Jaehee's eyes lit up. "Yeah! I've been playing since I was little, and I love reading when I have time. Do you play any instruments?"

"I've been learning piano for vocal training," Seonhwa admitted. "But I'm not very good. What kind of books do you like?"

"Mostly anything, but I really want to be a history teacher if I wasn't doing music," Jaehee said enthusiastically. "History is fascinating. What about you? Do you read much?"

"I love learning about vocal techniques and music theory," Seonhwa said. "But honestly, I spend most of my free time practicing."

"That's so dedicated," Jaehee said admiringly. "We should practice together, then. Maybe you can teach me that breath control thing you do, and maybe I could help you with piano?"

"That sounds perfect," Seonhwa said, feeling a genuine smile spread across her face. "And maybe you could tell me about some good history books? I'd love to learn more about things outside of music."

"Really?" Jaehee looked genuinely delighted. "Most people think history is boring."

"I think I just haven't had anyone explain it in an interesting way," Seonhwa said. "But if you're passionate about it, I bet you could make it exciting."

"Maybe I could," Jaehee said with confidence, then paused. "You know, I never thought about having a practice partner before. I've just been working on my own or with different members."

"Same here," Seonhwa admitted. "But I think it could be really helpful to have someone to give feedback and try new things with."

"And someone who understands the pressure," Jaehee added thoughtfully. "Like, other people don't really get what it's like to have to hit the same notes perfectly every time."

"Exactly," Seonhwa said, feeling understood in a way she hadn't expected. "The responsibility of being the main vocal... it's a lot sometimes."

"But also amazing," Jaehee said with a grin. "I love that feeling when you nail a difficult run and everything just... clicks."

"Me too," Seonhwa agreed, and she realized that talking to Jaehee felt as natural as breathing. 

___

Ryo & Yuki

They found seats near each other, but Ryo seemed more reserved than his usual mischievous self.

"Your performance was really good," Ryo said quietly, glancing at her then away. "The acting part was super impressive."

Yuki noticed his shyness and softened her approach. "Thank you. I could tell you understood from your reactions during the evaluation."

"I guess," Ryo said, fidgeting slightly. "I mean, I like figuring out what makes people connect with stuff, but..."

"But?" Yuki prompted gently.

"I don't know, you just seemed really natural at it," he said, still not quite meeting her eyes. "Like you weren't even trying."

"Trust me, I was trying," Yuki laughed softly. 

Ryo finally looked at her directly and gave a small, genuine smile. "It didn’t look like it at all."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Yuki decided to try something. "I heard you like movies and drawing?" Yuki said tentatively.

Ryo's face immediately brightened and he laughed. "So what… You did research on us?"

"Maybe a little," Yuki admitted with a smile. "I wanted to know what we might have in common."

"That's... that's actually really smart," Ryo said, seeming to relax a bit. "Though I'm more into... well, I guess everything? I love watching movies and drawing too."

"Drawing?" Yuki's eyes lit up. "That's so cool! What do you like to draw?"

"Just... things I see, things I imagine," Ryo said, his shyness mixing with growing enthusiasm. "Movies give me a lot of inspiration for stories and characters."

"That's perfect," Yuki said excitedly. "Maybe you could show me some of your drawings?"

"Really? You'd want to see them?" Ryo asked, surprised.

"Of course! Art is art, whether it's drawing or acting or music," Yuki said warmly. "I bet your drawings have amazing stories behind them."

Ryo ducked his head but smiled widely. "I... yes - for sure. And maybe you could tell me about your acting process? Like how you get into character?"

"Definitely," Yuki said.

"You know," Ryo said, his confidence growing, "I actually wanted to be an astronaut if I wasn't doing music."

"An astronaut?" Yuki's eyes widened. "That's amazing! What made you interested in space?"

"I guess... the idea of exploring something completely unknown," Ryo said thoughtfully. "And seeing everything from a different perspective."

"That's very beautiful," Yuki pointed out. "Exploring the unknown and seeing life from different perspectives."

“Yes, exactly, I love that,” Ryo replied.

"You know… I think you have really good instincts for entertainment," Yuki said honestly. "Even if you're being shy about it right now."

Ryo ducked his head but smiled. "I'm not usually this quiet. You just seem... I don't know. Intimidating? In a good way."

"Intimidating?" Yuki laughed. "I'm literally the least intimidating person ever."

"You're really talented though," Ryo said, meeting her eyes briefly. "And confident. It's cool."

"Well, you're pretty cool too," Yuki said with a warm smile. "I think we're going to work well together."

"Do you think we could maybe... watch a movie together sometime?" Ryo asked hesitantly. "I could show you some of my favorites, and you could tell me about the acting techniques they use?"

"I'd love that," Yuki said enthusiastically.

___

Sakuya & Mio

They found a spot away from the others, Sakuya maintaining a polite but distant demeanor initially.

"Your performance was very…good," Sakuya said formally, keeping his usual reserved distance. "You're quite versatile."

Mio studied his careful politeness. "Thank you. You seemed really focused during the evaluations."

"I was observing," Sakuya said simply, then after a pause, "You made each transition look effortless. Something like that takes so much practice."

"It does," Mio agreed, appreciating that he noticed the work behind it. "Do you enjoy trying different types of performance?"

Sakuya considered this seriously. "When the atmosphere is right, yes. I like exploring new things, but..." He trailed off, seeming thoughtful.

"But it depends on the situation?" Mio guessed.

"Exactly," Sakuya said, and for the first time, his expression relaxed slightly. "You understand that."

"We could probably come up with the right situation together when we have to make content," Mio said gently.

Sakuya nodded, then seemed to notice something. His eyes had drifted to a small bread charm on his bag, and he unconsciously touched it.

"You like bread?" Mio asked with a small smile.

Sakuya looked surprised, then slightly embarrassed. "I... yes. I like bread-themed things, too."

"That's really cute," Mio said genuinely. "I saw some of your accessories in photos online. They're adorable. Your big bag.."

"What… you searched us online?" Sakuya asked, not defensive but curious.

"A little," Mio admitted. "I wanted to know more about you."

"That's... considerate," Sakuya said, seeming to appreciate the thoughtfulness. "What else did you learn?"

"That you're really observant and thoughtful," Mio said. "And that you like having fun when you're comfortable with people."

Sakuya paused, studying her face. "You pay attention to details."

"So do you," Mio pointed out. "I could tell during the evaluation. You were noticing things the others missed."

"I like understanding how things work," Sakuya said, his formal demeanor softening further. "Performances, people, group dynamics."

"That's really valuable," Mio said. "Someone who sees the whole picture."

"Yeah?" Sakuya asked, and there was something almost hopeful in his voice.

"Definitely," Mio said with a warm smile.

For the first time, Sakuya smiled back - not polite or formal, but genuinely pleased. "I think we’ll work well together."

"Can I ask you something?" Mio said.

"Sure."

"What made you want to become an idol?"

Sakuya's expression grew thoughtful. "My parents liked K-pop, and we used to watch performances together. I ended up admiring the artists they showed me. What about you?"

"Well… I wanted to prove that I could do everything," Mio said honestly. "That I didn't have to choose just one thing to be good at."

"And you definitely proved that," Sakuya said while laughing at her honesty. "Your performance was incredible."

"Thank you," Mio said, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. “I know you’re super talented as well, so I think we could create some awesome content together!”

"Yeah," Sakuya agreed, his reserved nature giving way to something more open and excited. "I think we could."

"You know, back to the evaluation, I really admire how observant you are," Mio continued.

Sakuya's cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment. "I just... I like watching people. Understanding what makes them tick."

"That's going to be so helpful when we're doing our collaborations," Mio said. "Having someone who can read the room and notice details that others miss."

"Really?" Sakuya looked genuinely pleased. "I sometimes worry that I'm thinking too much  about things."

"Not at all," Mio assured him. "I think it's one of your strengths."

___

As the informal introduction time came to an end, both groups naturally gravitated back toward the center of the room, the energy noticeably different than when they'd first sat down. There was a buzz of excitement, nervous anticipation, and genuine connection filling the space.

The staff members watched with satisfaction as the pairs reluctantly separated, many of them continuing conversations as they walked back to the circle.

"So," Manager Kim said with obvious satisfaction, "how are we feeling about our partnerships?"

The responses were unanimously positive, though each pair expressed it in their own way - from Sion and Hana's measured professional appreciation, colored by their shared connection to Mokpo, to Sakuya and Mio's obvious excitement about their creative potential.

"This is going to be really interesting," Jaehee said, glancing over at Seonhwa with a smile that made her cheeks warm.

"I'm curious to see what we can create," Yushi added, his usual reserved tone carrying a note of genuine anticipation that surprised even his own members.

"Excellent," the A&R director said. "Because your first official activity together is scheduled for tomorrow. A joint variety show filming followed by a collaborative photoshoot."

"Tomorrow?" Jaehee asked, his expressive nature making his surprise obvious.

"We start early," Manager Kim confirmed. "The variety show filming begins at 8 AM, and we'll transition into the photoshoot in the afternoon. It'll be a full day together."

"What kind of variety show?" Yushi asked, his calm demeanor not quite hiding his curiosity.

"Getting-to-know-each-other activities, some games, maybe a few mini-performances," the A&R director explained. "The goal is to showcase your partnerships and let fans see your natural chemistry."

"And the photoshoot?" Hana asked, her leadership instincts kicking in.

"Paired concepts," Manager Kim said with a meaningful smile. "We want to capture the essence of each partnership visually."

The room filled with a mix of excitement and nervous energy as both groups processed what was coming next. Tomorrow would be their first real test as partners, in front of cameras and staff, creating content that would eventually be seen by fans.

"Any questions?" the A&R director asked.

Ryo raised his hand slightly. "Are we... are we supposed to prepare anything specific?"

"Just be yourselves," Manager Kim said. "The whole point is to capture authentic interactions and connections."

"That's both reassuring and terrifying," Yuki muttered, earning a few laughs from both groups and a particularly warm chuckle from Ryo.

"You'll all be fine," the A&R director assured them. "We have complete confidence in these pairings."

"What should we expect for the photoshoot?" Rina asked, switching to Korean though she'd been speaking Japanese with Riku moments before.

"Different concepts for each pair," Manager Kim explained. "We'll have stylists and concept directors to guide you, but the goal is to capture your individual dynamics."

Sion raised his hand. "Will this content be released immediately, or..."

"Some will be used for the official announcement of the collaboration," the A&R director said. "Other content will be saved for later promotional activities. Tomorrow is really about getting comfortable working together."

As the meeting began to wrap up, both groups started to stand and gather their things. The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation and nervous excitement about what was to come.

"Hey," Sion said quietly to Hana as they prepared to leave, "want to grab coffee later? We could talk more about... Mokpo things."

"I'd really like that," Hana replied, her composed exterior cracking to reveal genuine warmth.

Nearby, Jaehee was already deep in conversation with Seonhwa about vocal techniques and history books, while Riku and Rina had switched back to Japanese and were discussing their favorite animes.

"So, movie night soon?" Yuki asked Ryo, who nodded enthusiastically.

"Yeah," he said, his initial shyness replaced by growing excitement. "It really is happening, isn't it?"

"This is really happening," Yuki confirmed with a grin.

As both groups filed out of the conference room, there was a sense that something significant had shifted. What had begun as a corporate initiative was already becoming something more personal, more real. The constellation wasn't just a concept anymore - it was twelve people who were beginning to see the potential for genuine connections.

Sion paused at the door, looking back at the room where everything had changed. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new opportunities, and the first real test of whether these partnerships could live up to their potential.

But for now, for the first time since this whole project had begun, he felt genuinely optimistic about what was to come.

The constellation had found its formation. Now it was time to see how brightly these new partnerships would shine.

[fosswriter]

Constellation - Chapter 1: Distant Stars

Pairing. NCT WISH x STELLAR (Original Female Characters)

Genre. Fluff/Anticipation

Word Count. 4.1k

Summary. NCT WISH are called in to evaluate trainees from the soon-to-debut girl group STELLAR. What the boys don't know is that each girl has already been secretly assigned as their partner for an upcoming collaboration project.

Content Warnings. None!

Masterlist

Chapter 2 >

Author's Note. This is the first chapter of a series that I have decided to move forward with! It's been so long since I've written, so I hope that this isn't too boring. I've already written a few chapters, but I'm just refining them to be more... readable, haha. I have so many plans and ideas for this series, so I'm just going to try and blast through writing. This chapter is just setting the stage for what I am planning to be individual pairings. I'll eventually reveal the partners in the masterlist, though I feel like it is apparent already. Please, please, please let me know what you think. Even if you think this is lame, any feedback would be helpful to me as a writer!

The conference room at SM Entertainment felt unusually formal for a Tuesday afternoon. Sion glanced around the polished table, his expression measured as he took in the serious faces of the staff members shuffling through tablets and documents. As the leader of NCT WISH, he felt responsible for setting the right tone for whatever this meeting would bring. Beside him, his members showed varying degrees of curiosity and restlessness - they'd learned that meetings like this usually meant something big.

"Thank you all for coming," Manager Kim began, adjusting his glasses. "We have a special project we'd like your input on today. As you know, SM is always looking for innovative ways to showcase our artists, and NCT Wish has proven to be ready for bigger collaborations."

Riku sat patiently, his hands folded in his lap, though his eyes were alert and observant. Two years of idol experience had taught him to read between the lines of company meetings. Yushi maintained his usual calm composure, sitting perfectly straight with an almost robotic stillness, while Ryo was already fighting back a grin - he could sense something interesting was about to happen.

"We're in the final stages of debuting a new girl group," the A&R director continued, "and we value your perspectives as experienced artists in a similar demographic. We'd like you to evaluate some of their performances and give us honest feedback as artists who can help guide their debut preparation."

"Honest opinions?" Jaehee asked, his voice carrying that gentle tone that had developed more confidence over their two years of promotions.

Sakuya tilted his head curiously, his round cheeks making him look younger than his actual experience as an idol suggested. "Are we going to be working with them?"

"We'll get to that," Manager Kim confirmed with a mysterious smile. "For now, we need your professional assessment of their readiness and potential."

The lights dimmed as a large screen descended from the ceiling. In another room across the building, six girls crowded around a smaller monitor, hearts racing as they watched the WISH members settle into their chairs. Each of them clutched a small card with a name written on it - their assigned partner for the upcoming collaboration project. The weight of being evaluated by their senior artists, idols who had been successfully promoting, felt overwhelming.

"I can't believe we're being evaluated by NCT WISH," whispered Seonhwa, her eyes immediately finding Jaehee on the screen. Her card read his name in neat handwriting, and she'd been nervous about this moment for days. They were established idols - what if they found them, the trainees, lacking?

"Remember, we can't let on that we know about the pairings," Hana said quietly, her own gaze drifting to Sion. As the leader, she felt the pressure of impressing not just any group, but successful senior artists who could make or break their debut chances. "We have to act surprised when they announce everything."

On screen, the boys looked professional and confident - the bearing of artists who had been through successful promotions and knew their worth. Sion had his arms crossed, radiating the quiet authority that had been refined through his years of leadership experience. Riku's patience was evident in his stillness, while Yushi's subtle alertness suggested he was processing everything with the mechanical precision of someone who had evaluated many performances. Jaehee looked genuinely interested, his expressive nature now backed by the confidence of an experienced vocalist. Sakuya was engaged, but fidgeting with what looked like a small bread-shaped charm on his bag, while Ryo's eyes already held that spark of curiosity that suggested he was enjoying his role as an evaluator.

"Here's their group performance," the staff member announced.

The screen filled with six girls in coordinated outfits - black and silver with hints of deep purple that caught the studio lights. The opening shot showed them in a diamond formation, with Hana, the leader, at the point, her striking features immediately commanding attention. As the music began - a mid-tempo track with layered harmonies and a driving beat - she stepped forward with the kind of natural authority that made it clear why she was the leader, her beauty enhanced by the confidence in her movement.

Sion's fingers stilled against his arm, his analytical gaze tracking the precision of their formations. There was something about the way the leader moved that demanded attention, though he kept his expression carefully neutral. Experience had taught him to evaluate performances objectively, but something about her stage presence felt familiar, like looking in a mirror.

Seonhwa took the first verse, her voice cutting through the mix with such crystalline clarity. The camera caught her mid-note, eyes closed in concentration, jaw relaxed in a perfect stable vocal placement. Jaehee unconsciously leaned forward half an inch, his trained ear immediately picking up on the technical finesse of her approach. Her breath support was flawless, her tone  mature beyond what he'd expect from a trainee.

Riku noticed the way Jaehee's breathing had synchronized with the vocal line, a habit he'd developed when listening to particularly impressive singers. His own attention was drawn to the intricate harmonies weaving underneath, layers of voices that spoke to serious vocal arrangement skills.

The song shifted into Rina's rap section, her flow riding the beat with effortless confidence. Her delivery was sharp, and she displayed clever wordplay switching between Japanese and Korean with the kind of ease that only came from fluency in both languages. She moved with controlled energy, each gesture deliberate and impactful, her eyes fierce as she navigated complex rhyme schemes.

Both Riku and Ryo straightened almost imperceptibly. Riku's eyes narrowed slightly in the way they did when he was analyzing technique - the subtle pause before certain syllables, the way she let some words breathe while attacking others. Ryo's mouth curved in the faintest hint of appreciation, recognizing not just technical skill but genuine artistic flair. Yushi caught both reactions from his peripheral vision, filing them away to discuss with them later.

During the pre-chorus, Yuki took center stage, her face transforming as she delivered her lines. The camera captured every expression - the way her eyes conveyed vulnerability one moment and strength the next, how her entire posture shifted to match the emotional progression of the music. She wasn't just singing; she was storytelling, drawing the viewer into a narrative that existed beyond the lyrics.

Ryo found himself studying her face with unexpected intensity, his usual mischievous demeanor replaced by something more focused, serious. As someone who appreciated the entertainment value of performance, he could recognize something special - the rare ability to make viewers forget they were watching a performance at all. Jaehee glanced sideways at him, noting the unusual stillness in his usually restless friend.

The chorus belonged to all of them, voices blending in harmonies that spoke to months of careful vocal arrangement and practice. But it was Hikari who commanded attention during the dance break. Her movements flowed like water, each transition so smooth it seemed effortless, yet every position hit with perfect precision. Her facial expressions matched the emotions present throughout the song, carefully moving through a flow of her own storytelling. She moved as if the music was moving through her rather than around her, her contemporary style adding an artistic flair to the sharper choreography.

Yushi's stillness cracked just slightly - a barely noticeable shift forward in his chair, his dancer's eye catching details that others would have missed. The way Hikari used the negative space, how she made even the transitions between moves feel intentional. Sion caught it, his leader's instincts always attuned to his members' reactions. Even Sakuya had stopped fidgeting with his charm, his curious eyes wide as he watched her control every inch of her movement with what looked like effortlessness.

The final section showcased Mio's versatility as she seamlessly transitioned between rap, vocals, and dance. Her stage presence was magnetic, commanding attention without effort. She moved between styles like she was changing clothes - natural, confident, and utterly convincing in each role she put on. When she rapped, her flow was crisp and authoritative. When she sang, her voice carried unexpected warmth. When she danced, every movement was sharp and intentional.

Sakuya's mouth had fallen slightly open as he watched, his amazement clear on his features. The way she made each skill look equally effortless was mesmerizing - true versatility was rare, and even rarer was someone who could make it look this natural. Ryo noticed his best friend's reaction and smirked slightly, though his own eyes remained fixed on the screen. Even Riku, usually so patient and controlled, had begun tapping a silent rhythm against his thigh.

When the performance ended, the conference room fell silent for a moment.

"...Thoughts?" Manager Kim prompted, breaking the silence.

Sion cleared his throat softly, his voice carrying the authority of someone who had been through countless evaluations and knew what to look for. "The vocal harmony is strong - really strong. They have the foundation to debut."

His fingers had resumed their subtle tapping, a detail that didn't escape Ryo's observant gaze.

"The formations are clean too," Yushi added. "Transitions are smooth. They clearly understand stage dynamics."

Jaehee nodded enthusiastically, his experience as the main vocalist evident in his assessment. "Their blend is really natural. That's debut-level chemistry."

Riku spoke quietly, "They carry themselves with confidence. That's not something you can teach - it's either there, or it isn't."

In the monitoring room, the girls leaned closer to their screen, trying to read between the lines of the professional feedback while each secretly focused on their assigned partner's reactions.

Hana felt her heart skip as she watched Sion's fingers resume their subtle movement, his analytical facade maintained, but his body language shifting in ways she was trying to read. The way he uncrossed his arms and tried so hard to maintain his neutral expression told her more than any enthusiastic reaction could have.

Seonhwa bit her lip as she observed Jaehee lean forward during the group performance, but her relief was tempered by worry - his professional demeanor made it hard to tell if he was genuinely impressed or just being thorough in his evaluation. Did he really find them debut-ready, or was he just being kind to fellow SM trainees?

Rina watched with growing anxiety as both Riku and Ryo seemed engaged during her rap section. Riku was supposed to be her partner, but his reaction didn't seem any stronger than Ryo's. The way Ryo grinned and Riku's eyes sharpened looked equally impressed to her nervous gaze.

Hikari felt a flutter of hope when she saw Yushi sit up straighter during the dance break, his usual robotic composure shifting into something more engaged. But then Sion and Sakuya seemed impressed too - was Yushi's reaction really special, or was she seeing what she wanted to see?

Yuki tried to read meaning into Ryo's focused attention during her pre-chorus, the way he studied her performance with unusual intensity. But when other members also seemed engaged, she wondered if she was projecting her hopes onto something that was just  professional courtesy.

Mio watched Sakuya's mouth fall open in amazement during her versatility showcase, his youthful wonder clear on his features. That had to mean something good, right? Though Ryo and Riku had seemed equally impressed...

"Let's move on to individual performances," the staff member said. "These showcase each member's specialty and will help you understand their individual strengths."

The first solo filled the screen - Hana in a simple white dress, seated at a piano in what looked like an empty practice room. Even in the stripped-down setting, her natural beauty was undeniable, the kind of classic elegance that would photograph well from any angle. The song was a ballad, stripped of all production except for gentle piano accompaniment that she played herself. Her voice carried a maturity that seemed to age her beyond her years, each note delivered with careful emotional control. The camera caught the slight tremor in her hands as she began, the vulnerability only adding to her appeal.

Sion's arms uncrossed slowly, his analytical facade slipping just enough to reveal genuine attention. His jaw tightened unknowingly as she hit a particularly vulnerable note - not in criticism, but in recognition of the skill required to maintain control while appearing so emotionally open. Ryo noticed this, and filed away the micro-expression with interest, noting how his leader's posture had shifted from evaluative to genuinely engaged.

"Her emotional control is impressive," Sion said carefully, his voice perhaps slightly rougher than his usual measured tone. "Good technical foundation with genuine feeling."

Jaehee's usual animated demeanor had softened into something more focused, his head tilting slightly as he listened to her phrasing choices. "Her tone quality is really warm," he said quietly, then seemed surprised by his own softness. "It's like she's having a conversation rather than performing."

Yushi glanced at Jaehee after he made his comment, noting the unusual gentleness in his voice, while Sakuya nodded appreciatively. "She makes it feel personal," the youngest member added, unconsciously touching his bread charm.

Next came Seonhwa's showcase - a powerful vocal performance that demonstrated both technical mastery and emotional intelligence. She stood center stage, no props or distractions, just pure vocal ability on display. The song built from whispered verses to soaring choruses, and she navigated each transition with the kind of ease that only came from natural talent refined by dedication. Her runs were clean, her belting controlled, and her softer moments devastating in their intimacy. The camera work was simple, letting her voice carry the entire performance.

Jaehee leaned forward unconsciously, his hands clasping together as he watched. There was something in his expression - a recognition, perhaps, of a kindred spirit who understood the weight of being a main vocal. "That's... that's really elegant technique," he said, his voice carrying genuine admiration. "The way she controls her vibrato in the higher register while maintaining an emotional connection..."

Sakuya was also captivated, his curious nature drawn to her stage presence. "She makes it look so natural," he said with wonder, his bread charm forgotten in his lap. "Like she's not even trying, but you know how hard that actually is."

Sion nodded slowly, though his eyes remained on the screen longer than necessary. "Professional level control. She understands herself and her limits, for sure."

Riku caught the way Jaehee's breathing had changed, deeper and more focused, as if he was experiencing the performance rather than just evaluating it. There was something almost reverent in how Jaehee watched technical vocals, especially when they were executed with such apparent ease.

The third performance featured Rina against a stark black background, a minimalist beat providing the only accompaniment for her rap. Her flow was confident and intricate, her lyrics layered with wordplay that worked seamlessly in both Japanese and Korean. She moved with controlled energy, each gesture purposeful, her delivery carrying an authenticity that made every word feel important. The camera work was simple, letting her skills speak for themselves, but managed to capture the subtle expressions that showed her connection to the words she was delivering.

Riku's patient stillness transformed into engaged attention, his eyes sharpening as he analyzed her technique. "Her rhythm pocket is really tight," he said, his natural ear for music evident. "And that wordplay... she doesn't just know both languages, she thinks in them."

Ryo was equally impressed, his mischievous nature responding to her confident attitude. "She has real personality in her performance," he said with a grin that was half admiration, half challenge. "I respect that kind of authenticity. You can tell that the lyrics mean something to her."

Yushi nodded approvingly, his dancer's sense of rhythm appreciating her flow. "Good control of dynamics. She knows when to push and when to pull back."

Sakuya looked between his hyungs with interest, noting how both Riku and Ryo had reacted more strongly than usual. "Her stage presence is really cool," he added, still always observant of group dynamics.

Hikari's dance solo was art in motion. The practice room had been transformed with dramatic lighting, shadows playing across the space as she moved through a contemporary piece that showcased not just technical ability but genuine artistry. Every movement seemed to flow from some internal rhythm, her control evident in both explosive moments and delicate gestures. She danced as if she was painting with her body, each position deliberate,yet flowing naturally into the next. The camera captured her from multiple angles, showing how she used the entire space as her canvas.

Yushi sat up straighter, his dancer instincts immediately recognizing the complexity of what she was executing. "That's... super advanced," he said, and there was something almost wondering in his usually calm tone. "The way she interprets the music is unique. She's not just following the choreography - it’s like she's having a conversation with the music."

Sion was also watching intently, his analytical mind appreciating the precision hidden within the fluid movements. "Clean technique. Strong spatial awareness. She understands how to use negative space effectively."

Sakuya looked genuinely amazed, his youthful curiosity fully engaged. "She makes it look like she's floating," he said softly, his round eyes wide with wonder. "Almost like gravity doesn't apply to her."

Ryo glanced between his members, noting how Yushi's usual robotic stillness had given way to focused attention, how even Sion seemed more engaged than his neutral expression suggested. 

Yuki's performance was a masterclass in versatility - a monologue that seamlessly transitioned into a vocal piece, demonstrating her range as both an actress and a singer. She created an entire emotional journey in just a few minutes, her expressions so convincing that the viewers forgot they were watching a performance. Her voice, when she began to sing, carried the same emotional weight as her acting, making the transition feel natural rather than jarring. The piece told a complete story, with her face and voice carrying the narrative from beginning to end.

Ryo found himself studying her face with unusual intensity, his performer's instincts recognizing something special. "What a natural storyteller," he said, then added with his characteristic edge softened by genuine respect, "I feel like you can't teach that kind of presence. She disappears into the character completely."

Jaehee was equally drawn to her performance style, his own theatrical instincts responding to her ability. "The way she transitions between acting and singing is seamless," he observed, his voice carrying professional appreciation. "Most people, you can see the switch. With her, it's all one continuous performance."

Yushi nodded slowly, his analytical mind processing her technique. "Good emotional control. Very controlled breathing throughout."

Sakuya watched his hyungs with interest, noting how both Ryo and Jaehee seemed more invested in this performance than the others. "She made me forget it was a practice room," he said honestly. "I felt like I was watching a movie."

Finally, Mio's solo filled the screen - a performance that effortlessly blended vocals, dance, and rap in a showcase of pure and raw versatility. She moved between styles efortlessly, each transition so natural. Her confidence was magnetic, her stage presence filling the frame even in the simple practice room setting. She rapped with authority, sang with warmth, and danced with precision, proving herself to be a true all-rounder. The performance was structured to highlight each skill equally, but it was her ability to make each transition feel organic that truly showed.

Sakuya had stopped all fidgeting, his curious nature fully captivated. "Wow," he breathed, genuine amazement clear in his voice. "She really did everything perfectly. Like, actually everything."

Ryo nodded slowly, his mind analyzing the technical aspects even as he appreciated the artistry. "Those transitions are clean. Really clean. And her presence..." he trailed off, seeming almost impressed despite himself. "She commanded attention in every style."

Riku was also watching with new attention, his patient nature drawn to her versatility. "She's well-rounded," he said simply, though the respect in his tone was unmistakable. "You can tell she's put equal effort into developing each skill."

Yushi observed his youngest member's reaction with interest, noting how Sakuya's usual curious energy had focused into something more intense, more specifically amazed.

"And that is all for the individual performances… Overall impressions?" Manager Kim asked as the screen went dark.

The boys exchanged looks, each processing what they'd witnessed while trying to read their members' reactions.

"They're ready for debut," Sion said definitively, his voice carrying the authority of his leadership position and two years of industry experience. "This isn't trainee-level work. They have the skills and the presence for professional promotion."

"Each member has distinct strengths," Jaehee added, his naturally warm personality evident in his appreciation of their individual talents. "But they seem to complement each other well as a unit. The group dynamic feels natural."

"There is strong foundation across all areas," Yushi agreed in his measured way, though his eyes held a thoughtfulness that hadn't been there before the performances.

"Their confidence seems genuine," Riku observed quietly, his patient nature allowing him to see beyond the surface. "Not manufactured or forced. It looks like they believe in what they're doing."

"...When do they debut?" Riku asked, trying to sound casual but not quite succeeding in hiding his professional interest.

Ryo leaned forward slightly, genuine curiosity replacing his usual mischievous energy. "They're really impressive. SM's made some good choices with this group."

Sakuya nodded earnestly. "I hope their debut goes well."

Manager Kim smiled knowingly. "Soon. And actually, there's something else we wanted to discuss with you all. This group, STELLAR, they're going to be working very closely with you all  on various projects."

The boys looked at each other with varying degrees of surprise and intrigue.

"How closely?" Yushi asked, his calm demeanor not quite masking the new interest in his voice.

"Let's just say you'll be getting to know each other very well," the A&R Director said with a meaningful look. "We'll have more details soon."

___

In the monitoring room, the girls sat in stunned silence as they watched the boys file out of the conference room, their voices fading as they discussed the performances among themselves. Each girl was lost in her own analysis of what she'd observed.

"So..." Hana said carefully, trying to gauge how much she could say without revealing that she already knew the pairings. "What did everyone think of their reactions?"

"They seemed... professionally impressed," Seonhwa said slowly, her analytical mind spinning. Jaehee had definitely reacted to her performance, but he'd maintained such a professional demeanor throughout. Was that good or bad? Did experienced idols show their real feelings during evaluations, or was everything filtered through professionalism?

"Multiple people reacted to everyone," Rina observed, trying to keep the worry out of her voice. "It's hard to tell if anyone had...any specific interest." The fact that both Riku and Ryo had responded to her rap was confusing rather than encouraging. Which reaction mattered? 

Yuki nodded, her performer's instincts picking up on the group's shared anxiety. "They were all very diplomatic about it and super professional."

"I guess that's what makes them successful idols," Hikari added, though she kept replaying the way Yushi had straightened during her dance. Had that been significant, or was she imagining things? With his reserved personality, it was impossible to tell what he was really thinking.

"The 'working closely' part sounds interesting though," Mio said, exchanging meaningful glances with the others. They all knew exactly what it meant. "I wonder what kind of collaboration it'll be."

"I wonder what they really, truly thought of us individually," Seonhwa mused, her perfectionist nature already spinning through possibilities while internally wondering if Jaehee would be excited about working with her specifically. "It's hard to read their professional reactions."

"I guess we'll find out soon," Hana said, her composed exterior hiding the nervous excitement building in her chest. She'd seen the way Sion had tried so hard to look unaffected during her performance, the subtle tells that suggested he was more engaged than he wanted to appear. Surely that meant something?

As both groups left their respective rooms that day, the air hummed with unspoken questions and half-formed possibilities. The evaluation had revealed talent, but it had also created a complex web of professional curiosity and intrigue that defied an easy categorization.

The constellation was beginning to form, but the stars were still finding their places in the sky, drawn by forces they didn't yet understand. What had started as a simple evaluation had become something more complex - a careful dance between established artists and emerging talent, between professional assessment and personal interest, between what was said and what was felt.

In the hallways of SM Entertainment, the two groups went their separate ways, each carrying questions that would soon find their answers. The first meeting was over, but it was clear to everyone involved that this was only the beginning of something much larger, and more significant, than a simple collaboration.

The future was taking shape, one careful interaction at a time.

[fosswriter]

New Series: "Constellation"

Hello!! So I've been developing this concept for a while now and finally decided to commit to it.

Pairing. NCT Wish x Original Girl Group STELLAR (Individual pairings TBA)

Genre. Idol AU, Slow Burn Romance, Fluff, Angst, Smut (eventual for legal members) 🫣

Status. Ongoing!

Summary. SM Entertainment launches an ambitious project: creating a girl group specifically designed to complement NCT WISH. Each member will be strategically paired for collaborations, content creation, and joint activities. The catch? NCT WISH doesn't know that it's happening yet.

Content Warnings. None currently, eventual smut. Reaally slowburn! Standard idol industry dynamics and some second-hand embarrassment from awkward interactions.

Author's Note. This will be an ongoing series with interconnected storylines for each pairing! I'm really excited about the character dynamics I've planned. The girl group is called STELLAR, though I might refine the name as I develop the story further. I kind of like STELLAR, though! I'm really trying to challenge my writing and understanding of NCT WISH, so please let me know what you think!

___

The premise is around SM's latest "strategic initiative" - they want to create calculated partnerships. Each NCT Wish member is paired with a specific counterpart from SM's new girl group. The goal is to cultivate natural chemistry that will translate into compelling content and (ideally, hopefully!) fan investment in their relationships.

What follows is a series of joint activities: variety show appearances, collaborative stages, shared photoshoots, and content creation sessions. And whether the chemistry SM predicted will actually materialize.

I'm planning distinct dynamics for each pairing - some with more tension and gradual warming, others with immediate comfort that slowly deepens into something more.

I'm genuinely excited about this project and hope it resonates with you guys! If you're interested in following along, let me know and I'll tag you. I'd also love to hear which NCT WISH member you're most curious to read about!

Navigation.

___

Chapter 1: Distant Stars

Chapter 2: When Stars Collide

Chapter 3: Gravitational Pull

Chapter 4: Capturing Light

Chapter 5: When Stars Drift Apart (Jaehee & Seonhwa)

Chapter 6: Binary Stars (coming soon!)

Chapter 7: Solar Flare (coming soon!)

Chapter 8: Orbital Convergence (coming soon!)

___

Thank you so much for giving my writing a chance.

Sincerely,

Foss

[fosswriter]

I am so shocked and my heart is broken for Moonbin, his family, his friends, Astro, and his fans. Sending a prayer to all that need it.

[fosswriter]

Study Partner

Pairing. University!Doyoung x Y/N | Genre. Fluff, Study Partner to Friends to Lovers?? | Word Count. 1.9k

Summary. You’re struggling in your class and ask your professor to recommend a classmate to help you study.

Content Warnings. None! Just sugary fluff.

Author's Note. This was my first ever fanfic. I’m not entirely satisfied with it, but I don’t know what else to do, lol. I don’t even know if I’m doing this correctly or anything, so please give me feedback if it was hard to read, if the pacing was off, or anything I could have done differently!

Today was like any other school day. Classes ended and you had a ton of work to accomplish ahead of you. It never made sense to you that students still had so much to study for after midterms were over. You gathered your things from your last class and made your way to the library to study. 

A ping came up from your phone as you were heading over.

Doyoung: Studying today?

You stared at the text from your friend. Your study partner, actually. He became your daily study partner right before the first midterm, months ago. You were struggling to comprehend any of the coursework this quarter and it had you frustrated. You rarely struggled with academics. In your diligence, you asked the instructor to recommend someone to help you study for the upcoming exam after getting dismal grades on the last two quizzes. Doyoung was the calm, attentive student that was recommended to you. You knew him from high school and saw him often in your university courses. He was always sitting right in the front of the class, silently taking notes, with that incredible posture that you always admired. Taking a seat behind him, as class started, you planned to ask him to study as soon as class ended. ‘When did my shoulders become so slumpy?’, you thought to yourself, staring at his perfect posture.

You explained your situation in desperation, noting that the teacher had recommended him as a study partner.Asking him to help you study was a huge compliment for him. He knew that helping you study wouldn’t take long at all. He saw you as the bright and ambitious girl from high school that had to have the perfect score. In fact, he was surprised that you hadn’t grasped the course concepts before the course even started. You always made school look so effortless, especially in high school. Doyoung never saw you study, but you always had amazing grades, from what he could gather.

You both agreed to study in the library after classes. You had never studied in the library before taking this class. You always preferred to look over notes at home, but the library soon became your favorite place.

“It’s like a puzzle, if you think about it”, Doyoung explained.

“How is organic chemistry even remotely close to a puzzle?” you questioned. 

With some creative explanation about electrons and general chemistry rules, you came to understand the concepts that you were struggling with just a few weeks ago. You were thankful that his odd explanations helped you think about the course differently.

Doyoung would always walk you home after studying for the day to make sure you got home safely, since you lived off campus. You weren’t sure what to make of it the first time he insisted, but you quickly learned that he was just the most polite person you had ever met. The first walks home were spent in silence, but small conversations revealed that you two had a lot in common. You found out that you both play the piano regularly, liked skateboarding, had a low tolerance to spicy foods, and many other similarities. Walks home the next few months were soon spent either excitedly conversing about interests or talking about deep subjects.

Your roommates noticed Doyoung slowly enter your life from the day you asked him to be your study partner. They would often tease you about your ‘sweetheart’ walking you home. You always laughed it off, thinking nothing of it, and insisting you were just classmates who became friends. You never spent time together outside of the library and walks home, so you didn’t think much of it. That definitely wasn't enough for your roommates.. Your roommates noticed a shift in nature whenever you were around Doyoung. They couldn’t blame you, he was tall, handsome, polite, and smart. One of your close roommates, Kira, even begged you to date him even if you didn’t like him because she knew your parents would approve from the small interactions she had with him. You always scoffed when she brought it up, insisting that you didn't think of him in that way. Kira never told you that you always had the biggest, dumbest smile on your face every time he called or texted you. She also never told you that you both would take the opportunity to indulge in long looks at each other’s faces whenever either of you talked.

You straightened your back walking to the library, still staring at your phone, smiling.

Y/N: Always. Meet you at the library?

You sent. A reply came back immediately.

Doyoung: I’ll be here. The usual spot.

He’ll be there. At the usual spot. Reading the words sent your stomach aflutter. Was that excitement, or were you just hungry? You shrugged off the feeling and stopped by a nearby snack stand to grab some snacks for the both of you before heading to meet Doyoung at the library.

When you got to the library, you made your way to the second floor, where you and Doyoung had been studying every day for the past few months. You tossed your bag of snacks on the table as you took off your backpack. Your eyes unknowingly skimmed Doyoung’s figure as he was fixated on his laptop. ‘Cute’, you think. ‘Wait, what? No…’

“I think I was hungry, so I got us some snacks”, you say as you motion to the bag.

Doyoung looked from the bag to you, confused. “You…think you were hungry? Wouldn’t you know if you were or not?” He laughed.

You smiled and shrugged as you took your seat adjacent to him, carefully taking out your textbook and notes. 

“So..what are you working on?” you say, eyes finally meeting Doyoung’s face.

He didn’t look up from his laptop as he answered, “I… don’t have anything to study today, so I’m looking up how to make egg tarts.”  His eyes were fixated on his computer screen.

Your jaw dropped as you stared at him. He had nothing to study for? When you had all of this work to finish? “How is that possible? We were assigned a huge project last week and we just started a new chapter”, you questioned.

“Hm, I had some free time, so I worked on it over the weekend.” His eyes were still glued to the computer, scrolling and clicking. Doyoung knew he could have put off his project, but that would mean he would actually have to focus. The last few weeks, he had been unable to complete any studying with you. Doyoung had developed an unfamiliar sensitivity to your presence. You just smelled so nice, looked so nice, and sounded so nice, that it would block him from all productivity. He looked forward to every conversation with you, every walk home, and every “good morning” and “good night” text you would send him. Everything about you sent him into a frenzy, and he didn’t know what to do about it except for ignore it. You were beautiful, smart, and kind, and he couldn’t bring himself to even think of the idea that you would be interested in him.

You hum in understanding, your eyes taking the opportunity to look at him while he was preoccupied. Your eyes brush over his soft hair, his structured eyebrows, and long eyelashes. You take a slow, silent breath, eyes moving down the slope of his nose and onto his lips, which he was biting in concentration. 

You feel that pang of excitement in your stomach again, instinctively reaching for a snack in the bag, not removing your eyes from Doyoung.

“Is…Everything alright?” Doyoung says, suddenly. Eyes now locking onto yours, still biting his lip from concentrating earlier.  

You froze, eyes shifting from his lips to his eyes, your hand latching onto a chip bag loudly as your eyes met. 

“I… I…-” you stuttered.

“What is it? ” he says, looking at you questioningly..

“I… I think you should have this!” you say, shoving the chip bag into his chest, a soft blush forming on your cheeks.

He laughs as the bag hits his chest, “Thank you. These are my favorite.” He takes the bag from you and begins to open it while smiling to himself.

You stare at his wide, bright smile, and you melt into your seat. The fluttering feeling in your stomach returned again. Suddenly, you  realize the feeling that has been washing over you. 

Doomed. You’re doomed. You stare off at a bookshelf as you sink deeper in your seat. He was your friend! How could you suddenly realize feelings for him? How long have they been there? When did this start?! Was it today? A swarm of self-interrogations fill your head.

A few moments pass like this, and Doyoung takes notice of the doom written across your face. He glances at your untouched reading material.

“Can you..not study today?” Doyoung asks, glancing at you..

You nod, sighing quietly. Silence fell for a few moments too long.

Doyoung shifts in his seat to face you. “Did something happen?”

You shake your head, biting your lip saying, “I guess I am a bit distracted..” Your heart pounding in your ears as you look at Doyoung.

‘Distracted..? We are the only ones in the corner of this floor..She hasn’t been texting at all, she doesn’t even have her laptop out…Could it be..' Doyoung considers his next words carefully.

“To be honest…” he trails off, deciding if he should continue. He notices that you are looking at him expectantly.

‘Just do it, just say it. You’ll never know until you try it’ He lectures himself mentally, gathering the courage to tell you the truth.

“...I haven’t been able to study with you for the past 3 weeks”, he admits with a small laugh. Your eyes widen at him as he continues, “I’ve just been pretending and doing all my work at home. I figured it would happen again this week, so I did my work ahead of time. I guess I just like being together.”

Doyoung quickly eats a small chip from the bag mumbling, “I think…I don’t know. Would you only like to study with me? We could do something else, if that’s okay with you? I would really like to do other things with you. But totally understand if you prefer to study.” His ears start to turn a bright red.

You sit in silence, eyes wide, brain short-circuiting as you realize what is happening. ‘IS THIS A CONFESSION?!’ you yell in your mind.

“..What… should… we do…?” you ask, feeling the heat rise to your face as your eyes shift to an arbitrary space on the desk in front of you.

“I was thinking we could make egg tarts? After.. I… take you out on a date? …If that’s okay?” Doyoung suggests, a faint blush covering his cheeks.

Your heart was about to explode. Is this really happening? Has this ever happened to you before? You’ve never been on a date with anyone! You didn’t even know that Doyoung was interested in you until this moment. Although, all of your roommates probably could have called it weeks ago. You mentally yell at yourself to compose yourself while Doyoung nervously taps random letters on his keyboard as he looks at you, waiting for your answer.

You took a silent deep breath before replying, “I…would love that. When?”

Doyoung smiles the biggest smile you’ve ever seen. “Really? How about..this weekend? I need some time to prepare the best date you’ve ever been on.”

You smile back, blush covering your cheeks as you slowly reach across the desk for Doyoung’s hand. He reaches back gently, rubbing the back of your hand with his thumb as he goes back to scrolling on his laptop.

You opt to forget studying entirely, scooting your chair over, looping your arm around Doyoung's like you always would during your walks home. You both look for the perfect egg tart recipe for you two to make.

[fosswriter]

Introduction

Hi all! I've been holding off on this for a while now and I thought I should just pull the trigger. I was a long-time lurker for k-pop writing/fanfiction, but I noticed that there wasn't exactly content that I was looking for, so I thought I would try to post some content! I want to preface that I'm not a writer by trade or training, so I hope you can bear with me as I develop my skills for writing on here.

I've been an NCTzen since their debut and I think there are already some amazing writers on here for them! I recently became a fan of Treasure, and I'm still doing my research on each member to get a feel for what they are like.

There is currently a series I have planned for Treasure and NCT, I'll start off writing for members that have less content on here (that I have seen).

I should also disclose that I'm like, old (hence the username), and I don't know how to use this platform very well, so please give me suggestions or tips, I will be truly grateful!

Sincerely, Foss