Offstage Secrets
Friendship Route – Woongki
Woongki is the youngest member of AHOF, bringing an endless supply of warmth and positivity. His energy is infectious—whether it’s cracking jokes during exhausting rehearsals or hyping up the group before performances, he always knows how to lift the mood. Despite the age difference, JL and Woongki form a close bond, built on mutual encouragement, playful banter, and shared experiences.
JL naturally becomes protective of Woongki, always making sure he’s eating properly, getting enough rest, and not overworking himself. He’s lost count of how many times he’s had to physically pull Woongki away from the dance studio or remind him that sleeping for only three hours is not a sustainable habit.
“Woongki, it’s literally 2 a.m.,” JL groans one night, standing in the doorway of the practice room, arms crossed.
Woongki, mid-dance move, barely spares him a glance. “Just one more run-through.”
“That’s what you said three run-throughs ago.” JL steps forward and grabs Woongki’s wrist, dragging him toward the exit. “C’mon. Bed. Now.”
Woongki whines but doesn’t resist much. “Ugh, you sound like my grandma.”
JL smirks. “Well, your grandma has the right idea.”
Despite the nagging, Woongki appreciates JL’s care. In return, he does his best to make sure JL never takes things too seriously. He’s always the first to tease him when he’s overthinking, always the one to sneak snacks into JL’s hands when he’s too busy to grab food himself.
“You need to eat, hyung,” Woongki says one afternoon, shoving a protein bar at JL’s face.
JL raises an eyebrow. “Is this revenge for all the times I made you eat?”
Woongki grins. “Maybe.”
JL rolls his eyes but takes the bar anyway.
But even the brightest people have their moments of doubt.
One evening, JL finds Woongki sitting alone on the dorm balcony, uncharacteristically quiet. Normally, Woongki is full of chatter, always pointing out random things—That cloud looks like a cat! That person down there is totally on a first date!—but tonight, he’s silent, staring at the city lights below.
JL sits beside him, nudging his knee. “You okay?”
Woongki exhales, resting his chin on his knees. “Do you ever feel like… you’re not good enough?”
JL blinks at him, surprised. “What?”
Woongki forces a small laugh. “I mean, everyone in AHOF is so talented. The older members have experience, confidence. I just feel like… I’m running to keep up. Like no matter how hard I work, I’ll always be a step behind.”
JL studies him for a moment before shaking his head. “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Woongki pouts. “I am being serious.”
“So am I,” JL says, leaning back on his hands. “You, Woongki—the same guy who keeps all of us from collapsing under stress—think you’re not contributing enough? I don’t know, man. Sounds fake.”
Woongki huffs. “You’re not helping.”
JL softens. “Look, I get it. It’s easy to compare yourself to everyone else, but you’re forgetting something important.”
Woongki glances at him. “What?”
JL nudges his shoulder. “You’re the heart of this group.”
Woongki’s eyebrows furrow. “What does that even mean?”
“It means,” JL says, “that when things get tough, you’re the one who reminds us why we’re doing this. You’re the one who makes people laugh when they’re stressed, the one who keeps everyone’s spirits up. You make this group feel like a family. That’s just as important as talent.”
Woongki blinks, his usual playful demeanor replaced by something softer, more vulnerable. “You really think that?”
JL shrugs. “I know that.”
There’s a beat of silence before Woongki suddenly gasps, eyes widening dramatically. “Wait. Are you—are you secretly my biggest fan?”
JL snorts. “Yeah, sure. I’ve got your photocards under my pillow and everything.”
Woongki cackles. “I knew it! You’re a Woongki stan!”
JL rolls his eyes. “I take it back. You contribute way too much to this group.”
Woongki grins, nudging JL’s shoulder. “Too late. You admitted it. You love me.”
JL groans. “I’m going back inside.”
Woongki tugs on his sleeve. “Nooo, hyung, don’t run from your feelings!”
JL laughs despite himself, shaking his head. The weight of the moment has lifted, and that’s exactly what he hoped for.
THE END.