Jaeyel wasn’t the type to rely on people.

Not because he didn’t want to, but because life had taught him early on—depending on others only led to disappointment.

But lately… he was starting to feel like maybe, just maybe, there was someone he could rely on.

And that person was the CEO, Yang.

---

It happened after practice.

Jaeyel had stayed behind to go over a few moves while his group members headed back to the dorms. He lost track of time, and by the time he finally stepped out of the building, the hallways were practically deserted.

No big deal. He’d just catch the company van and go home.

But something felt off.

That weird, creeping feeling that someone was watching him.

Jaeyel shrugged it off at first, chalking it up to exhaustion. But the moment he stepped outside, the feeling got stronger.

Like eyes were on him.

He quickened his pace, gripping his bag a little tighter.

Then—movement.

Near the exit.

Jaeyel froze.

There was someone standing there, half-hidden in the shadows.

His breath caught. He wasn’t the type to panic easily, but something about this felt… wrong.

He took a step back, trying to gauge the situation. Maybe it was just a staff member. Maybe—

The figure moved. Fast.

Jaeyel barely had time to react before they took a step toward him—

“Step back.”

A sharp voice cut through the air.

The figure instantly stopped.

Jaeyel turned toward the voice, and—oh.

It was CEO Yang. Of course.

Though grateful, he couldn’t shake the thought of why Yang always seemed to arrive just in time to save him.

He was standing a few feet away, dressed in his usual sharp suit, his expression…

It was cold. Sharp.

And maybe just a little dangerous.

The figure hesitated for a second longer before turning and disappearing into the night.

Jaeyel’s heart was still pounding. He turned back to Yang, breathing hard.

“You—” He swallowed. “You were here?”

Yang didn’t answer right away. His gaze stayed locked on the spot where the figure had been, like he was still considering chasing after them.

Then, finally, he looked at Jaeyel.

“Are you hurt?”

Jaeyel shook his head. “No, I… I think I’m fine.”

Yang’s eyes flickered down to his hands, like he was double-checking for himself.

Jaeyel let out a breath, trying to process everything. “That was… unsettling.”

Yang pulled out his phone.

Jaeyel frowned. “What are you doing?”

“Calling security.”

Jaeyel didn’t argue. He knew this wasn’t something to brush off. If the CEO was calling security, then it meant this was serious.

After a moment, Yang lowered his phone. “I’ll take you home.”

Jaeyel hesitated. “You don’t have to—”

“Jaeyel.”

It was just his name. Just that. But somehow, the way Yang said it made it clear there was no point in arguing.

Jaeyel sighed and gave in. “Alright, fine.”

---

Again.

The ride back was quiet.

Not awkward, though. Just… quiet.

Jaeyel shifted in his seat, still a little shaken from everything that had happened.

He stole a glance at Yang. He was focused on the road, one hand on the wheel, the other resting lazily on the gear shift, his expression calm. Like nothing ever rattled him.

Jaeyel sighed, looking away. He didn’t know why, but something about that made him uneasy. Not in a bad way. Just… different.

He was about to lean back when—

Click.

Jaeyel barely had time to react before Yang suddenly leaned over him, reaching for the seatbelt.

His breath caught.

Yang’s hand brushed against his waist as he pulled the buckle over Jaeyel’s body, locking it in place with a soft snap. The movement was smooth, so effortless.

Jaeyel froze.

Yang was close. Too close.

His face was just inches away, sharp features illuminated by the dim glow of the streetlights outside. Jaeyel could feel his breath—warm, steady, barely fanning against his skin.

His own breathing had completely stopped.

Yang didn’t move right away. For a split second, he lingered, eyes flickering to Jaeyel’s lips—so quick, Jaeyel almost thought he imagined it.

Then, just as suddenly as he had leaned in, Yang pulled back.

“Put your seatbelt on properly next time,” he said, voice as cool and steady as ever. Like nothing had happened.

Jaeyel exhaled a breath he didn’t realize he was holding.

His heart was pounding.

It was stupid. It was just a seatbelt. But then why did it feel like something else entirely?

He turned his gaze to the window, hoping Yang wouldn’t notice the way his ears had turned red.

The rest of the ride was quiet as expected.

But this time, it wasn’t the same kind of quiet as before.

Yeah… probably not the best time to start talking.

Jaeyel just leaned back and stared out the window instead.

After a few minutes, he spoke.

“Uhm… sir?”

Yang hummed in acknowledgment.

Jaeyel hesitated, then said, “Thank you, again… and again? You know… for earlier and before.”

Yang didn’t look at him, but Jaeyel saw his fingers tighten just slightly on the wheel.

“It’s my job,” he said simply.

Jaeyel huffed a small laugh. “Right. Your job.”

Yang finally glanced at him then, just for a second. “You don’t believe me?”

Jaeyel shrugged. “I just don’t think CEO personally rescue their idols from sketchy situations. Seems a little… unusual… sir.”

Yang didn’t reply right away.

Then, after a beat, he said, “You’re under my company. That makes you my responsibility.”

Jaeyel didn’t know why, but something about those words made his chest feel a little tight.

Responsibility.

Not just another trainee. Not just another idol.

CEO Yang actually gave a damn.

That was new.

Jaeyel looked away, hiding a small smile. “Well… thanks anyway.”

Yang didn’t say anything else.

The only sounds in the car were the low hum of the engine and the occasional flick of the turn signal. The ride felt… oddly calm. Maybe even comfortable in a way Jaeyel hadn’t expected.

When they finally pulled up in front of the dorm, Yang put the car in park but didn’t move to unlock the doors right away.

For a second, Jaeyel just sat there, fingers curled loosely around the strap of his bag.

He wasn’t sure why he hesitated. Maybe because the night had shaken him more than he wanted to admit. Or maybe… maybe because, for the first time in a while, he didn’t feel completely alone.

Yang still hadn’t said anything, but Jaeyel could feel his presence—steady, unmoving. Watching.

With a quiet sigh, Jaeyel reached for the door handle. “Alright, I’m going.”

Yang finally hit the lock. A soft click.

Jaeyel stepped out, closing the door behind him.

But even as he walked up to the entrance, he could still feel Yang’s gaze on him.

Like he was making sure Jaeyel got inside safely.

Like he was watching over him.

Jaeyel wasn’t used to that feeling.

And maybe that should’ve bothered him. Maybe he should’ve brushed it off, acted like it didn’t mean anything.

But for the first time in a long time…

He didn’t mind relying on someone else.

Not at all.

Still, as he reached for the door of the dorm buiding, something tugged at the back of his mind.

That look in Yang’s eyes… it felt familiar.

Like he’d been watched that way before.

He just couldn’t remember when…