Crowned Quiet, Glass Empire, (No. 6)

The next few days slipped by quickly as the date for the fan meet drew closer. Whenever he could, Taeyul found moments to linger near Nova at the company, talking with her when Haesoo wasn’t around. The more time he spent with her, the harder it became to ignore how his feelings were growing — creeping in quietly, yet settling too deeply to brush off.

He knew it was dangerous, and he knew it wasn’t fair. So, one night, he made a decision. If he couldn’t kill the feelings outright, maybe he could starve them. Maybe dating someone else anyone else would be enough to pull his mind away from Nova. At least, that’s what he told himself.

The day before the fan meet, Nova gathered the members in the practice room for a quick meeting about what to expect tomorrow. She leaned casually against the mirrored wall, running through the schedule and reminding them about fan etiquette, photo lines, and keeping their energy up for hours on end.

Halfway through, Dongmin grinning like he was about to stir trouble elbowed Taeyul.

“So, you bringing your new girlfriend to cheer you on tomorrow?”

A few snickers followed. Taeyul shot him a warning look, but the faint flush creeping up his ears gave him away.

Nova’s gaze shifted, sharp and unreadable. “Girlfriend?” she asked.

Taeyul cleared his throat, trying for casual. “It’s not that serious.”

“Yet,” Dongmin teased.

Across the room, Haesoo’s eyes narrowed slightly. He didn’t say anything, but the subtle change in his posture was telling leaning back in his chair, arms folded, watching Taeyul like he was weighing every word.

Nova didn’t press, but she didn’t look away either, her stare holding Taeyul for just a moment longer before returning to the agenda.

Haesoo’s gaze stayed on Taeyul the entire time, his expression calm on the surface but just sharp enough to make it clear he hadn’t missed a single thing.

Nova clapped her hands lightly, bringing the focus back to her. “Alright, last thing. Tomorrow, you’re all wearing the hoodies you designed no excuses.”

She glanced toward the table where a neatly folded stack sat, the fabric still crisp from production. “They’re going live for sale online at ten a.m., and they’ll also be available at the fan meet. Limited stock. The faster they sell out, the better you look.”

A ripple of excitement ran through the room. Dongmin grinned and immediately started talking about autographing a few for resale. Minjae shook his head at the idea, muttering about keeping it professional.

Nova’s eyes flicked over to Haesoo, and she smirked. “That means you’re going to smile while wearing it. Not your ‘I’m enduring this’ smile, your actual one.”

She didn’t miss the quick glance Taeyul shot her when she said it or the way Haesoo’s jaw tightened just slightly.

“Meeting over,” Nova said, pushing off the wall. “Go home, rest, and be ready to look like you’re worth the price tag tomorrow.”

As the members began to file out, laughter and chatter filling the hallway, Nova lingered by the table, stacking the leftover hoodies. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Haesoo watching her his gaze sharp, not the usual casual glance.

When their eyes met, he didn’t look away. His expression was unreadable at first, but she could see the flicker of something darker underneath the same look he got when he was quietly sizing someone up.

Nova tilted her head, her voice low enough for only him to hear. “Something on your mind, Jeon?”

He stepped closer, close enough that the others couldn’t hear but not touching her. “Not really,” he said, though his tone carried an edge. His gaze briefly slid toward the door where Taeyul had just left with Minjae. “Just wondering when certain people started getting so much of your attention.”

Nova’s lips curved, the smallest hint of a smirk. “Careful,” she murmured, “you almost sound jealous.”

Haesoo didn’t deny it.

Nova closed the distance without hesitation, her hand curling into the front of his hoodie as she pulled him down and kissed him — quick, firm, and entirely hers.

When she pulled back, her voice dropped to a low warning, her eyes locked on his. “Tomorrow, when we play against all the members, we better win. I never lose.”

Haesoo’s lips curved, though his eyes still held that jealous glint. “Guess I don’t have a choice then.”

Nova smirked, releasing him as she turned toward the exit. “Exactly.”

The next morning, Nova and Haesoo were up before the sun had fully settled over the city. They showered together in easy silence, the warm water cutting through the chill of the early hour. By the time they stepped out, steam still curling around them, the day was already moving in her mind.

Nova pulled on flared jeans that hugged her hips, a cropped white tee that fit like a second skin, and clean white sneakers. Her hair fell naturally, framing her face with effortless precision. Haesoo, dressed in their matching event hoodie, glanced at her more than once as they headed out.

By 9:30, their black Mercedes slid into the secured lot of the venue. The air outside buzzed faintly with the sound of fans already gathering, the distant hum of chatter and camera shutters carrying through the cool morning. Nova slung her bag over her shoulder and glanced at Haesoo.

“Let’s get inside before someone tries to stop us for pictures,” she said, her voice calm but edged with that unspoken focus she always carried before an event.

No one noticed the man moving with quiet purpose through the venue.

The lanyard around his neck bore the KSJ Entertainment logo, his black windbreaker matching the ones worn by stage crew. To anyone else, he looked like he belonged — another busy staff member prepping for the fan meet.

But his eyes were locked on Nova.

For months, he had been shadowing her from a distance, studying her movements, memorizing her routines. He had learned how she moved in public, how she spoke to fans, even the way she reached for her Coke Zero without thinking. His fixation had only grown sharper, darker.

Today, the fan meet wasn’t about her music or the group. It was about him getting close enough to make his move.

From the moment Nova arrived with Haesoo, he kept to the edges of the stage area, pretending to adjust cables or check lighting cues, never taking his eyes off her. She was laughing quietly at something Haesoo said, tucking her hair behind her ear as they walked past.

The real staff were too busy to notice him. Security didn’t give him a second glance.

He had been patient for months. Now, she was within reach.

Backstage was a blur of motion — stylists carrying trays of hair products, makeup artists calling for last-minute touch-ups, managers shuffling schedules in hushed but urgent voices.

Nova and Haesoo were led toward the hair and makeup section, the energy between them relaxed despite the chaos around them. She had her phone in one hand, scanning a message from Asher, while Haesoo carried two bottles of water, handing one to her without a word.

The man in the staff windbreaker trailed several paces behind, keeping his head down as he passed the real crew. His fake badge swung lightly at his chest, the barcode nothing but a printed sticker.

Nova sat in the makeup chair, crossing one leg over the other, while a stylist began brushing through her hair. Haesoo leaned against the counter beside her, scrolling through his phone, occasionally glancing at her reflection in the mirror.

Behind them, the man moved deeper into the restricted area, blending seamlessly into the flow of crew members. He adjusted the headset he didn’t need, pretending to listen for cues. His gaze never wavered from Nova.

She didn’t see him. Neither did Haesoo.

The cheers from the crowd filled the venue, lightsticks waving like a sea of stars. After introducing themselves one by one, the members launched into a flawless set six songs that had the fans screaming, singing along, and chanting their names.

When the last note faded, the MC stepped forward with a smile. “Alright, everyone, it’s time for our Q&A session. We’ve selected questions from the fans earlier, and each member will get one.”

The crowd erupted again.

Minjae stepped forward first. “Ah, my question says ‘If you could switch positions with any member for a day, who would it be and why?’” He chuckled. “I think I’d switch with Dongmin. I want to see if being the mood-maker is as exhausting as it looks.”

Dongmin grinned, pretending to pout as the crowd laughed.

Taeyul took his card next. “‘What’s your ideal type?’” He glanced toward the fans with a playful smirk. “Someone confident. Someone who makes me work to keep up.”

Jisung’s turn came. “‘What’s your favorite lyric you’ve written?’” He smiled softly, thinking. “Probably the one in our debut track ‘Even in the dark, I’ll find your light.’ It’s personal to me.”

Eunwoo read his. “‘If you weren’t an idol, what job would you have?’” He laughed. “Probably a teacher. But my students would never pay attention.”

Joon lifted his card. “‘What’s your go-to food after practice?’” He didn’t hesitate. “Anything fried. I’ll eat anything, as long as it’s fried.”

Dongmin’s question got the loudest laughs. “‘Which member is the messiest?’” He looked dramatically at the others. “I’m not going to name names… but their initials are Kim Taeyul.”

Finally, Haesoo stepped forward with his card. “‘What’s one thing you’re grateful for this year?’” He paused, glancing toward the crowd, then the side stage where Nova stood watching. “Having people who believe in me, no matter what.”

The fans “aww’d” loudly, and the members clapped before moving on to the next event.

The MC grinned as the lights shifted to a softer tone. “Now, for one of our fan-favorite segments the lucky fan game!”

Screams filled the venue as the MC pulled out a small clear box filled with folded slips of paper. “We’ve randomly selected seven fans, and they’ll each be joining a member for today’s game. Let’s bring them up!”

Security escorted the lucky fans to the stage, each one trembling with excitement, hands covering their faces or clasped over their mouths in disbelief. The members stepped forward to greet them, exchanging polite bows and warm smiles.

The MC explained the rules. “Each fan will be paired with a member. You’ll work together to complete a challenge like a quick puzzle, mini-dance, or charade and if you win, you get an extra Polaroid photo with your partner!”

The pairings were announced:

• Minjae with Fan #1

• Taeyul with Fan #2

• Jisung with Fan #3

• Eunwoo with Fan #4

• Joon with Fan #5

• Dongmin with Fan #6

• Haesoo with Fan #7

Nova watched from side stage, arms loosely crossed, an amused smile tugging at her lips. Haesoo glanced her way once, as if checking she was still watching.

The games began laughter filling the venue as Dongmin dramatically failed at charades, Eunwoo and his fan nailed the dance challenge, and Taeyul leaned in to whisper hints to his partner, making the crowd squeal.

When it was Haesoo’s turn, he and his partner flew through their puzzle, finishing well before the timer. The fan covered her face, grinning ear to ear as Haesoo offered her a high-five.

Once all challenges were completed, the MC directed the fans to line up for their photos. Each one took turns snapping a Polaroid with their idol partner some holding up peace signs, others clasping hands. The crowd cheered for every shot, knowing those photos would become treasured memories.

The MC’s voice rang through the venue, playful and teasing. “For this next game, our members will need partners… but it looks like we’re one person short.”

The crowd buzzed with curiosity, a ripple of anticipation moving through the rows.

The MC glanced toward side stage with a grin. “I think we can fix that. Nova Reyes, come join us!”

The fans erupted in screams, some shouting her name, others gasping as Nova stepped into the light. She wore flared jeans and crisp white sneakers but what drew everyone’s attention was the black hoodie she had on. The one from SOL7’s new merch line. The one Haesoo designed.

Haesoo’s lips twitched into a subtle smirk when he saw her, but he quickly looked away like he didn’t want to give the fans too much to gossip about.

The MC gestured toward him. “Since she’s wearing his hoodie, I think it’s only fair that Nova is Haesoo’s partner for this game!”

The crowd’s reaction was deafening cheers, whistles, and even a few playful groans from fans who had hoped to be paired with him.

Nova walked over, her expression unreadable but the faintest curve of a smile tugged at her mouth. Haesoo extended a hand as if it were part of the show, and she took it, stepping into place beside him.

“You ready to win?” he murmured just loud enough for her to hear.

She tilted her head slightly toward him. “I never lose, Jeon. Don’t mess this up for me.”

The MC clapped his hands together. “Alright, partners, here’s the challenge”

The MC explained the rules each pair had to pop a row of balloons tied to a string, but they could only use their bodies to do it, no hands allowed. It was silly, lighthearted, exactly the kind of thing to make fans scream with laughter.

One by one, the teams went up. Balloons squeaked, popped, and rolled across the stage. Members tripped over each other, the crowd roared, and the MC played along with every awkward moment.

Nova and Haesoo were last. She stood next to him wearing his hoodie, her hair falling over her shoulders, a faint smirk playing on her lips. Haesoo bent his head toward her, muttering something teasing enough to make her push his shoulder lightly.

Finally, the MC called them forward. The cheers were deafening.

“Three… two… one”

They moved smoothly, popping the first two balloons like it was nothing. The crowd loved it they were laughing, cheering, snapping photos. Nova looked over her shoulder at Haesoo with mock competitiveness, and he grinned back.

Then, from the side of the stage, a man in a staff vest stepped into view, clipboard in hand. At first, it looked normal until he suddenly lunged, gripping Nova’s arm hard enough to jerk her back from Haesoo.

“Hey!” Haesoo’s voice rang out sharp, stepping forward immediately, but the man’s other hand flashed a knife, small but menacing. The sight of it made the crowd’s laughter die into stunned gasps.

Nova’s instincts screamed to end it right there, to disarm him in seconds. But cameras were everywhere. Hundreds of fans watching. Security at the edges, unsure if they should rush in. Her public image clean, controlled, untouchable couldn’t afford the reality of what she could do.

She froze just enough to keep the illusion, her mind racing for a solution that wouldn’t ruin everything.

From the sidelines, Taeyul shot to his feet so fast his chair clattered behind him. His eyes were locked on Nova, jaw tight, every muscle in his body coiled like he was ready to throw himself forward not as an idol protecting another member, but as someone who still couldn’t stand the sight of her in danger.

Haesoo’s hand twitched toward the man again, his voice low and dangerous. “Let her go.”

Nova’s gaze flicked to him for a second not panicked, but warning him. Not here. Not like this.

The stalker’s voice was unhinged, each word spat like venom.

“She’s mine! She’s always been mine!”

His hand clamped so hard around Nova’s wrist that her skin went white under the pressure. She forced herself to stay still, masking the impulse to break free, but the pain was already burning up her arm.

Haesoo had gone rigid, jaw tight, body ready to move. Across the stage, Taeyul looked like he’d just swallowed glass one hand clenched at his side, the other half-reaching forward before stopping himself.

“Let go,” Nova said quietly, her tone even.

The man’s response was to squeeze harder.

The pain spiked sharp, white-hot and the sound came before she could stop it. A choked cry, loud enough to echo through the mics and speakers, cutting through the noise of the panicked crowd.

Every fan, every member, every camera turned at once.

The crack was unmistakable. Her wrist gave under the pressure with a sickening snap.

Haesoo moved instantly, shoving past stagehands, rage written into every line of his face. Taeyul actually stepped forward too, eyes wide and chest heaving, his own instinct to protect her overpowering whatever restraint he’d tried to keep.

Asher was already on stage, his voice a blade. “Drop her. Now.”

The stalker jerked back, but in his wild scramble, his body slammed into hers sending her off balance.

Her heel caught the edge of the stage. She fell backward, the six-foot drop yawning beneath her.

The audience screamed.

The landing stole her breath, pain exploding from her back to her broken wrist. She curled protectively around her arm, her vision blurring.

“Nova!” Haesoo’s voice was raw as he leapt down after her, hitting the floor hard before dropping to his knees beside her.

Up on stage, Taeyul’s expression was a mix of fury and something else entirely fear, guilt, longing but his eyes never left her.

Haesoo’s hand hovered over her shoulder, ready to help her up, but Nova forced herself to push off the ground before he could touch her. The pain in her wrist was blinding, a hot throb that radiated up her arm, but she locked her jaw and stood straight.

Not for the fans. Not even for the members.

For the politicians who would see this footage before the day was over. For the leaders who measured alliances in displays of strength, and who would take any sign of weakness as an invitation to test her.

Her breathing stayed steady, even though her body screamed. She fixed the smallest of smiles on her lips, scanning the crowd like nothing had happened.

Haesoo stepped to her side, close enough to shield her without drawing attention to her injury. His jaw was tight, his eyes sharp, but he didn’t touch her not here, not where anyone could see.

Taeyul, still frozen on stage, stared at her like he couldn’t understand how she was even standing. There was respect in his eyes, but also something heavier a sharp pang that said he hated himself for not being the one to catch her.

Nova caught Asher’s gaze. He was already giving orders to lock down the building and detain the man, but his attention kept flicking back to her. She gave him a single nod.

Then, without a word, she straightened her shoulders and walked back to her spot as if nothing had happened. No one saw how badly her hand was trembling behind her back.

The moment they were behind the curtain and out of the fans’ sight, Nova’s mask of composure thinned, her jaw tightening against the pain. She kept her voice low, almost a whisper, but there was no mistaking the command in it.

“Get me out of here,” she said, eyes locking on Haesoo’s.

Without a word, he wrapped an arm around her, steering her through the backstage chaos. Every step jarred her wrist, but she held it stiff at her side, refusing to cradle it where anyone could see.

They cut past equipment cases and startled staff until the heavy side door opened to the lot. The winter air rushed in, sharp against her skin, but she didn’t falter. Haesoo’s black Mercedes was only a few strides away, and he unlocked it with a sharp click.

“Go,” he urged, opening the passenger door for her.

Nova slid inside, careful to keep her injured wrist hidden from the view of the stragglers in the lot. Haesoo rounded the car fast, his expression dark and unreadable, starting the engine before his seatbelt was even on.

From the building’s doorway, Taeyul had followed just far enough to see them leave, his chest tight at the sight like she was part of a world he’d never get to enter. Asher stepped in beside him, murmuring something low and firm that made Taeyul turn away.

Inside the car, Nova exhaled slowly, the faintest tremor breaking through her control now that they were out of sight.

Haesoo sped out of the lot, eyes flicking between the road and her pale face.

Nova didn’t speak not yet. With her good hand, she popped open the glove compartment and rummaged through the neatly organized contents until her fingers closed around a slim case. She snapped it open, pulled out a pre-loaded injector, and without hesitation, drove it into her thigh through the denim of her jeans.

The faint click and hiss of the mechanism was followed by her sharp inhale. She leaned back in the seat, breathing hard, her knuckles white where she gripped her injured wrist.

Haesoo’s gaze darted to her. “What was that?!”

Her eyes stayed forward, unfocused. “I broke more than a wrist,” she murmured, voice rough. “If I don’t push the pain back now, I won’t make it home.”

Her breathing steadied in short bursts, but the sheen of sweat on her temple told him it was only a patch, not a cure.

Haesoo’s grip on the wheel tightened, his eyes flicking between her and the traffic ahead.

“I’m pulling over”

“Don’t,” Nova cut in sharply, her voice almost a growl. “It hurts more sitting still.” She shifted slightly in the seat, jaw clenched, as if keeping herself in motion was the only thing holding the pain at bay.

He hesitated, torn between doing what she said and ignoring her completely, but one look at her profile the tight set of her mouth, the way her breathing stayed controlled in deliberate counts told him she was forcing herself through it.

The city blurred by in streaks of light as he pressed harder on the gas.

By the time they pulled into the driveway, Nova’s breathing was shallow but steady, her focus fixed ahead like she was locking the pain away.

Haesoo was out of the car in seconds, moving to her side. “Come on,” he said, slipping an arm beneath her knees and another behind her back.

She didn’t argue which told him more than anything how bad it was only looped her good arm loosely around his neck. He carried her inside, the door swinging shut behind them, and lowered her carefully onto the couch.

Nova leaned back, her eyes half-lidded, fingers curling slightly as if gripping invisible edges to ground herself.

“You should’ve let me take you to a hospital,” Haesoo muttered, crouching beside her.

Her gaze slid to him, calm but sharp. “No hospitals.”

The front door opened, and two sets of footsteps echoed in the entryway.

Asher walked in first, eyes locking on Nova sprawled against the couch, one arm pressed protectively to her side. Taeyul trailed just behind him, his gaze darting over her with visible worry.

“What the hell happened?” Asher’s voice was sharp, already scanning for injuries.

Nova didn’t waste breath on an explanation. “Get me more pain meds. Basement. Top shelf, back cabinet.”

Asher’s expression darkened, but he didn’t argue. “On it.” He brushed past Taeyul and disappeared toward the basement door.

Taeyul took a hesitant step closer, clearly unsure if he should speak. “Nova…”

She glanced at him briefly, her tone steady but clipped. “I’m fine.”

His eyes flicked to her wrist, swelling visibly under the light. “That’s not fine.”

“I’ve had worse,” she replied, leaning back into the cushions. “Don’t make it a bigger deal than it needs to be.”

Haesoo, sitting beside her, gave Taeyul a look that said enough.

Nova shifted uncomfortably against the couch, her breathing uneven. A cold sheen of sweat clung to her forehead.

“I think I’m gonna throw up,” she muttered, her voice low but urgent. “Get me a bag.”

Haesoo immediately started scanning the room. “Where”

“Kitchen,” Asher’s voice came from the basement stairs as he reappeared, a bottle of pain medication in one hand. “Top drawer by the fridge.”

Taeyul was already moving, practically sprinting into the kitchen. He came back seconds later, kneeling in front of Nova and holding the bag open.

She took it with her good hand, muttering, “Thanks,” before leaning forward, trying to control her breathing.

Haesoo rubbed her back gently, keeping his other hand hovering near her injured wrist. “Slow breaths, Nova.”

Nova didn’t even get the chance to answer Haesoo. The nausea surged too fast. She gripped the bag Taeyul had given her and doubled over, retching hard. The sound was harsh in the quiet room, and each heave made her body tense, sending spikes of pain through her broken wrist and the rest of her injuries.

“Nova” Haesoo’s voice was tight with worry, his hand steadying her shoulder so she wouldn’t collapse forward.

She gasped between breaths, pale and trembling. “Hurts… so much…”

Asher set the pain meds on the coffee table and crouched beside her, his eyes scanning her like he was assessing damage in the field. “You didn’t just break a wrist,” he said grimly. “The way you’re holding yourself you’ve got at least three fractures, maybe more.”

Nova tried to sit back but hissed in pain, her jaw clenching. “Yeah… I know,” she breathed, voice shaky.

Haesoo looked like he wanted to pick her up and take her straight to the hospital, but her grip on his arm tightened, keeping him in place.

Asher moved in without asking, gently taking her uninjured arm and shifting her just enough to examine her side. Nova winced, trying to hold still, but the sharp intake of breath when he pressed along her ribs said enough.

“Bruising here,” Asher muttered, peeling back the hem of her cropped tee just enough to confirm the deep purple blooming along her skin. “And here.” He tapped lightly near her hip, where a second patch of discoloration spread like ink under her skin. “You took more impact than you’re admitting.”

Nova’s gaze dropped to the coffee table, jaw tight. “Fell six feet on concrete—what did you expect? Glitter and rainbows?”

Taeyul shifted awkwardly near the doorway, looking between them, the tension in his expression clear. Haesoo, sitting close enough to keep her steady, glanced at the bruises with an unreadable expression before meeting her eyes.

“Nova,” Asher said firmly, his tone like an order. “You need to stay put. No moving around until I know if you’ve got internal damage.”

Nova leaned her head back against the couch, breathing through the pain before fixing her gaze on Asher.

“Assess the damage,” she said, voice clipped but steady. “And check what the politicians are saying. If any of them think this makes me look weak, I want to know now.”

Asher’s brows pulled together, but he didn’t argue. “I’ll check your injuries first, then the chatter. You’re not walking into another meeting looking like this.”

“Don’t lecture me,” Nova muttered, wincing as he pressed carefully along her ribs. “Just work fast.”

Haesoo’s grip on her uninjured hand tightened slightly, as if grounding her, while Taeyul stood back, watching them with a tense, conflicted look.

Asher’s hands moved methodically, checking for swelling and tenderness. Each time he pressed a new spot, Nova’s jaw clenched harder.

“Fractured ribs,” he said grimly. “Your left shoulder’s likely dislocated. And you’ve definitely got more than a broken wrist.”

Nova didn’t flinch at the list. “And the politicians?”

Asher straightened, pulling out his phone with one hand while keeping the other braced against her shoulder. “Half of them are calling you resilient. The other half are saying this wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t make yourself a target. No one’s using the word ‘weak,’ but a few are circling around it.”

Nova exhaled slowly, eyes narrowing. “Then they need a reminder. We’ll handle that later.”

Without another word, Asher reached into his bag and pulled out a small vial and syringe. “This is going to numb you enough for me to reset your shoulder without you blacking out from the pain.”

Nova extended her good arm without hesitation. “Do it.”

The needle slid in, cold liquid spreading through her veins. She didn’t look away from Asher’s face the entire time.

“Give it a minute,” he said quietly, glancing toward Haesoo, who still hadn’t let go of her hand.

The medication dulled the edge of her pain, but Nova still sat stiffly on the couch, her breathing slow and measured like she was bracing for a fight.

Asher knelt beside her, hands steady. “On three,” he said, voice calm but firm. “One”

He didn’t reach two.

The sudden, sharp pull wrenched her arm back into place with a muted pop. Nova’s body jerked, a muffled sound tearing from her throat not quite a cry, but enough to make Haesoo’s grip on her hand tighten.

Taeyul, standing a few feet away, flinched at the sound. His jaw clenched as his eyes flicked over her pale face and the thin sheen of sweat on her skin. It made something in his chest twist seeing her in pain but still holding herself like she was untouchable.

She forced herself upright immediately, refusing to curl over or show weakness. Her expression smoothed into that practiced neutrality she used with cameras, even though her knuckles were white from gripping Haesoo’s hand.

“That’s done,” Asher said, giving her shoulder a final check. “You’re still in bad shape, but you won’t lose mobility.”

Nova tilted her head, eyes cold but controlled. “Good. Because I’m not letting a man with a knife decide my next move.”

Haesoo looked at her like he wanted to protest, but the set of her jaw made it clear she wasn’t backing down.

From the corner, Taeyul stayed quiet, watching her like she was from a world he couldn’t touch.

Asher crouched beside her, his expression hard. “I’ll check the chatter. Politicians are already talking — some saying the incident shows weakness, others praising you for staying on your feet.”

Nova’s jaw clenched. “Find out who’s spinning it and shut them down. I want headlines under control before morning.”

He nodded and moved to his phone, already sending out encrypted messages.

Haesoo brushed his hand over her forehead, his worry deepening. “Nova… you’re burning up.”

She gave a faint, humorless smile. “Fever’s just my body’s way of telling me it’s pissed off.”

Taeyul, standing by the arm of the couch, took a half step forward. “You need to rest. This isn’t”

“I’ll rest when I know this won’t cost me leverage,” she cut in, her voice hoarse but unwavering.

The heat rolling off her skin only grew stronger, beads of sweat forming along her hairline. Haesoo looked to Asher, his voice low. “She’s getting worse.”

Asher returned with a loaded syringe, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Then we bring the fever down before it does more damage.”

Haesoo turned sharply to Taeyul. “Go to the guest bathroom fill the tub with cold water and dump in all the ice from the freezer. Now.”

Taeyul hesitated for only a second before sprinting toward the kitchen, the sound of drawers opening and ice clattering into a bucket echoing through the hall.

By the time Taeyul had the tub filled with ice and water, the room was icy enough to sting the skin.

Haesoo came in carrying Nova in his arms. She was trembling, her breathing uneven, her injured wrist cradled close to her chest.

“Jeon” she started to protest, but her voice broke on a sharp inhale when the cold air from the bathroom hit her.

“Don’t fight me,” he said firmly, lowering her toward the water. “You’re burning up.”

The moment her body touched the surface, Nova let out a sharp gasp, her back arching from the shock. Her teeth clenched as the freezing water climbed up her skin, goosebumps erupting across her arms.

“Breathe,” Haesoo urged, one arm still supporting her shoulders while the other guided her fully down into the bath. “I’ve got you.”

Asher stood at the doorway, watching her skin pale from the cold. “Keep her in for at least five minutes, then pull her out and wrap her immediately.”

Nova shivered violently but locked eyes with Haesoo, her voice barely above a whisper. “Don’t let go.”

“I’m not letting go,” he promised, his grip steady as the ice floated around them, the sound of clinking cubes the only thing breaking the tense silence.

Haesoo kept his eyes on the clock, silently counting down the seconds. The chill had worked—her fevered skin had cooled slightly, though her shivering was worse.

When the five minutes were up, he didn’t waste a second. “Alright, we’re done,” he murmured, sliding one arm behind her back and the other beneath her knees. She felt weightless in his arms, her damp clothes clinging to her like a second skin.

The moment he lifted her from the icy water, the bathroom was filled with the sharp sound of the cubes shifting and splashing back into the tub.

Taeyul was already standing by with a thick towel. Haesoo took it without a word, wrapping it around her shoulders and pulling the edges tight to trap what little heat she had left.

Nova’s lips were pale, her hair plastered to her face in wet strands. “You… look like you just carried me out of a war zone,” she managed, her voice weak but laced with that stubborn edge she refused to let go of.

“That’s exactly what this feels like,” Haesoo replied, lowering her onto the small cushioned bench in the corner of the guest bath. He immediately began patting her dry, careful around her broken wrist and the deep bruising along her ribs.

Asher stepped in with another towel. “Get her out of those wet clothes fast she’s still ice cold.”

Taeyul hovered nearby, his jaw tight, clearly unsettled seeing her like this. “Do you need me to”

“No,” Nova cut him off before he could finish. “You’ll just look uncomfortable the whole time. Go get more blankets ready instead.”

Taeyul hesitated, then nodded and left the room, his footsteps quick.

Haesoo met Asher’s eyes briefly, then focused entirely on Nova, speaking low. “Let’s get you warm again.”

She just looked at him, her lashes heavy from exhaustion, but didn’t protest when he began peeling away the drenched fabric clinging to her skin.

As Haesoo tucked the blankets around her, Nova’s breathing was steadier but her skin still flushed with fever. She lay back against the pillows, eyes half-open, watching him.

Asher stepped forward, his voice low but sharp with certainty. “We have the guy in custody. He’s not going anywhere. All countries are pushing for treason charges, and they’ll get it. When they searched his apartment… it was covered with pictures of you.”

Nova’s gaze didn’t waver, though a flicker of something unreadable passed through her expression. “Obsessed,” she murmured under her breath.

“Dangerously,” Asher corrected. “But he’s done. No one’s going to get close like that again.”

Haesoo’s hand tightened over hers, his jaw rigid. “They’d better not.”

Across the room, Taeyul stood frozen. He’d already known there were people who admired Nova, but hearing the word obsessed and imagining those walls plastered with her face made something twist hard in his chest. He forced his expression neutral, but his hands curled into fists at his sides.

Nova glanced at him briefly, but he quickly looked away, jaw tight. He didn’t want her to see just how much it bothered him.

Nova let out a slow breath, her voice edged with sarcasm despite the pain. “Great… now I don’t only have to watch out for ex-boyfriends, but weirdos too.”

Haesoo’s jaw tightened. “This isn’t funny, Nova.”

“I’m not laughing,” she said, her tone turning serious. “It’s different this time… I couldn’t defend myself in front of that many people watching. Not with cameras, fans, and politicians all seeing me as something I’m not.”

Asher crossed his arms. “And that’s exactly why it’s dangerous. He got close because you had to hold back.”

Across the room, Taeyul’s gaze lingered on her, sharp and protective in a way he didn’t bother to hide. The idea of anyone hurting her while she couldn’t even fight back made his stomach knot.

Nova caught his look for a moment before turning back to Haesoo, her voice softening just slightly. “Next time, I’ll be ready before they even get close.”

Nova let out a slow breath, her voice edged with sarcasm despite the pain. “Great… now I don’t only have to watch out for ex-boyfriends, but weirdos too.”

Haesoo’s jaw tightened. “This isn’t funny, Nova.”

“I’m not laughing,” she said, her tone turning serious. “It’s different this time… I couldn’t defend myself in front of that many people watching. Not with cameras, fans, and politicians all seeing me as something I’m not.”

Asher crossed his arms. “And that’s exactly why it’s dangerous. He got close because you had to hold back.”

Across the room, Taeyul’s gaze lingered on her, sharp and protective in a way he didn’t bother to hide. The idea of anyone hurting her while she couldn’t even fight back made his stomach knot.

Nova caught his look for a moment before turning back to Haesoo, her voice softening just slightly. “Next time, I’ll be ready before they even get close.”

Nova shifted uncomfortably on the couch, her eyes half-lidded but still sharp. “I don’t like the idea of laying down,” she muttered, voice low but steady. Then she looked at Asher. “Get the fire torch. Let’s speed this up.”

Haesoo’s head snapped toward her. “Nova”

“It’s fine,” she cut in, her tone leaving no room for argument. “The faster my body kicks into gear, the faster I can heal.”

Asher didn’t hesitate. He disappeared into the basement and returned with the small industrial torch they kept for field treatments. Taeyul stood frozen near the wall, watching with a mixture of disbelief and unease, realizing this wasn’t the first time they’d done something like this.

Haesoo stayed crouched beside her, his hand hovering near her shoulder. “Just tell me when to stop it,” he said quietly.

Nova smirked faintly, even in her fever haze. “You won’t have to. I can take it.”

Asher flicked the torch on, the low hiss filling the room as a sharp blue flame bloomed. The heat shimmered in the air, and Taeyul instinctively took a step back, eyes darting between Nova’s calm, fever-flushed face and the open flame.

“What the hell are you doing?” Taeyul blurted, voice sharper than he intended. “That’s a fire torch, not… medical equipment.”

“This is medical equipment,” Asher replied flatly without looking at him. “At least for her.”

Haesoo’s jaw was tense as he steadied Nova’s arm. “Ready?” he asked.

Nova gave a single nod, her breathing evening out in anticipation. “Do it.”

The heat kissed her skin first, then seared deeper. Her muscles tensed, but she didn’t pull away. The sharp scent of singed fabric from where her sleeve had been cut away filled the air.

Taeyul flinched, his chest tightening as if he could feel the burn himself. His gaze stayed locked on her face on the way her jaw clenched, not in fear but in defiance, her eyes holding steady on Haesoo as if daring him to look away.

“You’re insane,” Taeyul muttered under his breath, though there was a grudging edge of admiration buried in it.

Nova smirked faintly despite the pain. “Told you,” she said, voice rough, “I can take it.”

Asher leaned in, inspecting the reddened skin. “That’s enough for now.”

Haesoo eased the torch away, and Nova finally exhaled slow, controlled like she’d just won a silent battle with herself.

Haesoo set the torch aside, the faint smell of singed air still lingering. He kept his hand steady on the back of Nova’s neck, searching her face for any sign of relief.

Her breathing slowed still labored, but steadier and the sharp tension in her shoulders began to ease. The fever heat radiating from her skin started to fade, replaced by the faint, familiar warmth of her accelerated healing.

Asher leaned in, checking her pupils and pulse. “It’s working. The worst of the inflammation’s breaking.”

Nova opened her eyes, the corner of her mouth lifting despite the pain. “Told you… I don’t need to be lying around for days.”

“Only because we pushed your body into overdrive,” Asher muttered, but he didn’t try to stop her from sitting up a little straighter.

Taeyul had been silent in the corner, arms crossed tightly. Watching her shift from pale and trembling to almost composed in minutes sent a mix of awe and unease through him. He had to remind himself again that this was Nova Reyes, and she didn’t operate by anyone’s rules, not even her body’s.

Haesoo’s grip on her didn’t loosen. “You’re not moving until you’re fully stable.”

Nova glanced at him, smirked faintly, then winced when her wrist protested the movement. “Fine. But next time… I’ll make sure I’m not the one who looks weak in front of that many people.”

“You didn’t look weak,” Haesoo said firmly, brushing damp strands of hair from her face.

Taeyul looked away at that, jaw tight, because he knew Haesoo meant it and because he hated how much the sight of them together twisted in his chest.

Asher checked his phone, scrolling rapidly before stopping on a flood of notifications. “Well… the good news is, your fans think you handled it flawlessly,” he said, glancing between Nova and Haesoo. “The clips are already everywhere. They’re saying you stayed composed, didn’t panic, and even after the fall, you walked off like nothing happened.”

Nova gave a dry laugh, flexing her bandaged wrist carefully. “Guess they didn’t notice I was holding back so I wouldn’t break that guy in half.”

“They noticed,” Asher said, his tone sharpening. “They’re calling you a professional, the kind of person who thinks of the event before yourself. Politicians aren’t going to see weakness here they’re seeing control.”

Haesoo exhaled quietly in relief, but his hand stayed over hers like he didn’t trust her body to be okay yet.

Taeyul leaned against the wall, eyes fixed on the floor, but he couldn’t stop himself from asking, “Do they know how bad you’re hurt?”

“No,” Asher replied quickly, locking his phone. “And we’re keeping it that way. To them, she’s untouchable. That’s exactly how it needs to stay.”

Nova’s smirk returned, faint but deliberate. “Good. Then we don’t have to waste time cleaning up a pity storm online.”

Haesoo squeezed her hand lightly. “Just means you get to keep your reputation… and I get to make sure you actually rest.”

Taeyul’s chest tightened at how easily the two of them fell into their rhythm, even after what just happened. He pushed off the wall, muttering, “I’ll make tea,” if only to have an excuse to leave the room for a moment.

Asher’s phone buzzed again. He glanced at the screen, his jaw tightening. “KSJ wants a meeting with you, Haesoo. Right now. They’re probably going to want an official statement before the media spins anything out of control.”

Haesoo’s brows pulled together. “I’m not leaving her like this.”

Nova shifted slightly on the couch, the ice still melting in the towel wrapped around her arm. “You are,” she said firmly, meeting his eyes. “Go handle it. If you don’t, someone else will, and they’ll say something we can’t take back.”

Haesoo hesitated, but Asher cut in, already grabbing his jacket. “Taeyul’s staying here with you,” he told Nova. Then, glancing at Haesoo, “She’s not going to be alone for even a second.”

Taeyul straightened, the unspoken weight of the responsibility settling on him. “Got it.”

Nova’s gaze lingered on him for a moment before she leaned back against the cushions. “Fine. Just make sure he doesn’t try to redecorate my house while I’m asleep.”

Haesoo crouched beside her, lowering his voice so only she could hear. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Don’t try to be a hero while I’m gone.”

She smirked faintly. “I’ll try to resist the urge.”

Asher was already heading for the door. “Let’s move. We don’t want the CEO pacing holes into the floor.”

When they left, the room fell quiet. Taeyul remained standing for a moment, watching Nova with an expression she couldn’t quite read something between concern and something he was trying hard to bury.

The front door clicked shut, and the hum of the city beyond the windows felt strangely far away. Taeyul was still standing there, hands in his pockets, like he wasn’t sure what to do now that the room was just the two of them.

Nova shifted slightly on the couch, her injured arm still resting on the ice pack. “You can sit, you know. I’m not going to throw you out.”

Taeyul finally moved, dragging a chair from the dining table and setting it across from her. He didn’t sit on the edge like most people would he leaned forward, elbows on his knees, his gaze fixed on her in a way that felt both cautious and searching.

“You’re… calmer than I expected,” he said quietly.

Nova’s lips curved faintly. “You expected me to be what? Curled up in bed, crying about some lunatic grabbing me?”

His jaw tightened. “I expected you to care more about yourself than the show you had to keep up in front of everyone.”

She tilted her head, studying him. “That’s the difference between you and me, Taeyul. You think I have the luxury of caring about myself first.”

For a moment, neither spoke. The air between them was heavy with unspoken things his concern, her guardedness, the knowledge that whatever he felt for her hadn’t gone away no matter how hard he tried.

Taeyul’s voice was softer when he finally spoke again. “I don’t like seeing you like that. Pretending you’re fine when you’re not.”

Nova’s gaze didn’t waver. “And I don’t like being watched like I’m breakable.” She adjusted the ice pack, wincing slightly. “So, we’re even.”

His lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he just stayed there, quietly watching her, like leaving her alone would somehow make things worse.

The house was quiet except for the faint hum of the fridge in the kitchen. Nova shifted against the cushions, careful not to jostle her wrist, and glanced over at Taeyul still sitting nearby.

“Taeyul,” she said, her voice casual but edged with that tone that always meant she expected to be obeyed, “bring me a soda.”

He blinked. “Seriously?”

She raised an eyebrow. “Do I look like I’m joking? Coke Zero. Cold. And if you bring me one from the pantry instead of the fridge, I’ll throw it at you.”

He gave a small huff that might’ve been a laugh, shaking his head as he stood. “You’re bossy even when you’re injured.”

“That’s called consistency,” she replied, leaning back with a faint smirk as he disappeared toward the kitchen.

A minute later, Taeyul came back with the Coke Zero in hand, condensation running down the can. He held it out to her, but she didn’t take it right away.

“Open it for me,” she said, tilting her head and watching him.

He cracked the tab with a soft psst and handed it over. Their fingers brushed for a second longer than necessary, and Taeyul froze just enough for her to notice.

“Good,” she murmured, taking a long sip. “See? You can be useful.”

He gave her a look half amusement, half something unspoken but didn’t reply. Instead, he sat back down, watching her sip the soda like they were the only two people in the world.

“You’re staring,” she said without looking at him.

“Just making sure you’re okay,” he answered. But the tone in his voice told her it wasn’t just about her injury.

Nova set the can down on the coffee table, leaning back into the cushions. “I’ve been worse, trust me.”

Something in her tone told him she wasn’t exaggerating and that she wasn’t about to elaborate either.

Taeyul hesitated, his gaze dropping briefly to the faint bruising peeking from beneath the edge of her sleeve.

“When you say worse…” he began slowly, “you mean… during the missions?”

Nova didn’t hesitate. “Yes.” She took another sip of her soda, eyes fixed ahead like she was replaying something in her mind. “And you still have to keep going, even if you’re injured. You don’t get to stop. Not for pain, not for blood, not for anything.”

Taeyul studied her in silence, his jaw tightening. It bothered him more than he’d admit that she could speak so casually about something so brutal. The idea of her out there, hurt and still pushing forward, made something coil tight in his chest. He wanted to protect her, even though he knew she didn’t need it. And yet… watching her like this, calm and unshaken while injured, only made him realize how far out of reach she truly was.

Taeyul leaned back in his chair, forcing his expression into something lighter before she could notice the tension in his jaw. “Well… I guess that explains why you didn’t flinch back there,” he said, trying to sound casual. “You’re used to being the toughest person in the room.”

Nova smirked faintly. “I’m not used to it. I just am.”

He huffed a laugh, shaking his head as if amused, but inside, he was still replaying the thought of her injured and alone on some distant mission. “So,” he said, deliberately changing the subject, “how long until you’re up and terrorizing everyone again?”

“I don’t terrorize anyone,” she shot back, cracking open her soda. “You guys are just weak.”

Taeyul smiled faintly, masking the unease twisting inside him. She might have been speaking like it was nothing, but he knew if this was her version of “worse,” he wasn’t sure he wanted to imagine what that really meant.

Taeyul didn’t respond right away. Instead, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees while his eyes scanned her really scanned her for any sign she was downplaying the pain. The way she cradled her wrist, the faint tightening around her mouth between sips of soda, the slight stiffness in how she shifted her weight… it all made his chest tighten.

“You shouldn’t be sitting like that,” he said finally, his tone lower, almost careful.

Nova raised a brow. “And how should I be sitting?”

“Not like you’re pretending nothing’s wrong,” he muttered, getting up before she could argue. He adjusted the cushions behind her back, pulling the blanket tighter around her shoulders. It was such a small gesture, but it carried a weight he didn’t bother explaining.

When she gave him a look, half amused and half suspicious, he just shrugged. “You can call us weak all you want, but don’t expect me to sit here and watch you make it worse.”

Nova didn’t reply, but her eyes followed him as he sat back down, and for a moment the room felt quieter like he’d stepped into a role no one had asked him to, but he wasn’t about to give up.

Taeyul’s jaw tightened like he was holding back another argument, but Nova just leaned back against the cushions, swirling the soda can in her hand.

“I’m fine,” she said plainly. “I’ve died before” She caught herself, the words hanging in the air for a fraction too long. “I mean, I’ve been through worse. And every time, I come back stronger.”

Taeyul’s brow furrowed, his head tilting slightly. “Died?”

Nova didn’t even blink, taking a slow sip of her drink. “Figure of speech. Don’t overthink it.”

He studied her for a long second, clearly unconvinced but letting it drop. His posture shifted forward, elbows on his knees, a quiet watchfulness settling over him. Close enough to step in if she so much as flinched.

Taeyul didn’t say anything else, but the slip had lodged itself in his mind like a splinter.

She was too sharp to misspeak. Too careful with her words.

Nova leaned back, scrolling on her phone as if nothing had happened, the faint fizz of her soda filling the silence. She was composed, but something about the way she avoided looking at him made the comment feel less like a joke and more like a truth she’d buried on instinct.

He didn’t press her. Not here. Not when she was still pale from the fever and moving stiffly from the injuries. But the thought lingered, crawling under his skin what exactly had she lived through that would make “dying” sound so casual?

Taeyul sat back, pretending to focus on the TV, but his eyes kept flicking to her every few seconds. Protective. Guarded. And for the first time, wondering if there was far more to Nova than even the rumors hinted at.

Nova unlocked her phone and tapped into her social media, scrolling lazily until her expression shifted.

“Seriously?” she muttered. “They started again.”

Taeyul looked up. “Started what?”

She turned the screen toward him. “Read it.”

He leaned forward, taking the phone from her hand. His eyes moved over the comments, his expression tightening.

‘If I was there, I would’ve taken her too.’

‘Bet she’d like it if someone like me got her alone.’

‘She looks like the type that needs to be put in her place.’

‘Imagine what she sounds like begging.’

By the last one, his voice had gone cold. “They’re disgusting.”

Nova took the phone back before he could keep going. “A bunch of men saying they’d ‘take me too’ and writing out every filthy thing they’d do. Happens every time something like this happens.” She shrugged, almost dismissive. “I always ignore it. Not the first time, won’t be the last.”

Taeyul stared at her, clearly not okay with her brushing it off. “That doesn’t make it any less wrong.”

Nova gave him a small, knowing smile. “I didn’t say it was right. I said it’s not worth my time.” She set the phone down and reached for her Coke Zero like they’d just been talking about the weather.

Taeyul was still frowning, his jaw tight. “Has it always been like that?”

“Yeah,” Nova replied casually, leaning back against the couch. “It calmed down a bit after I got married to Haesoo. Before that, it was like… everyone wants to fuck Nova Reyes.”

His frown deepened. “That’s not something you should have to get used to.”

Nova took another sip of her drink, unfazed. “Maybe. But the world doesn’t exactly ask for my opinion on what I should or shouldn’t get used to.”

Taeyul hesitated before speaking, his tone careful. “Then… was Haesoo your first boyfriend?”

Nova’s laugh came instantly, sharp and amused. “Haesoo? No. He was number sixteen.”

Taeyul blinked, stunned. “Sixteen?”

She smirked, swirling the ice in her soda can. “My list of men who threw themselves at me is long… and that’s not even counting the unofficial ones.”

He stayed quiet, but his jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. His fingers drummed against his knee slow, controlled taps that betrayed the irritation he was trying to hide. He looked away as if pretending to be uninterested, but his gaze kept drifting back to her, the muscle in his cheek twitching every time she smiled to herself.

Nova took a slow sip from her soda, her eyes flicking toward him over the rim of the can. “You’re awfully quiet all of a sudden.”

Taeyul didn’t meet her gaze. “Just listening.”

She leaned back, one brow arching, a teasing edge curling her lips. “No… you’re sulking.”

His head snapped toward her. “I’m not”

“Yes, you are.” Her tone was smug, the kind that left no room for denial. “You’re sitting there, jaw clenched, pretending you’re not annoyed. You might as well have a sign that says ‘jealous.’”

Taeyul gave a short, dry laugh, but there was no denying the faint pink creeping up his ears. “You think too much of yourself.”

Nova smirked. “You wouldn’t be the first to think I’m worth it.” She turned back to her phone, clearly enjoying how much she’d rattled him.

Nova took a slow sip of her Coke Zero, eyes narrowing on Taeyul. “You know… one of my powers is truth sense. I can detect when someone’s lying.”

Taeyul froze mid-tap, caught. “And?”

“And,” she leaned back slightly, giving him a knowing look, “you’re not as indifferent as you’re pretending to be right now.”

His shoulders stiffened. “I didn’t say I was indifferent.”

“Exactly,” she said with a faint smirk, tilting her head. “You didn’t say it. But you’re trying really hard to act like it. I can feel it.”

He held her gaze for a long moment, then looked away with a quiet exhale, muttering, “You’re impossible.”

Her smirk deepened. “And you’re predictable.”

Taeyul’s phone buzzed on the coffee table, the screen lighting up with a name. Nova’s gaze flicked to it, then back to him.

“You’re not gonna answer?” she asked casually, but there was a curious edge to her tone.

He didn’t move. “No.”

Nova leaned forward, squinting at the caller ID before raising a brow. “That’s your girlfriend, right?”

Taeyul gave a short nod, his expression unreadable.

“Interesting,” she murmured, sitting back and taking another sip of her drink. “Most guys would answer right away.”

“She can wait,” he said flatly, but his eyes stayed on Nova, not the phone.

Her smirk was almost imperceptible. “You really shouldn’t make a habit of ignoring women… unless, of course, you’re doing it on purpose.”

The phone eventually stopped ringing, leaving a faint tension in the air that neither of them addressed directly.

Nova set her soda down with a faint clink, her gaze never leaving him. “But what can we expect from Taeyul?” she said lightly, a teasing curl in her voice. “You broke up with the last one over text.”

Taeyul’s jaw tightened. “It wasn’t”

“It was,” she cut in, smirking now. “Three lines, no punctuation. If I remember right, it was something like… ‘This isn’t working. Good luck.’”

He shook his head, almost laughing despite himself. “Wow, you remember the exact wording?”

“I have a good memory for bad decisions,” she said, leaning back against the couch. “And that one was legendary.”

For a moment, they just looked at each other her eyes full of amusement, his trying to mask the fact she’d hit a nerve.