Mah-e-Tanha 

Between Two Hearts

Sherri was never meant to be part of the story.

At 31, she leaves behind a life of routines and expectations, boarding a one-way flight to Seoul with nothing but a suitcase and a dream — not of stardom, but of proximity. To the stages, the music, the voices that once lifted her through the darkest seasons of her life. Seoul, she believes, will be her sanctuary. A quiet chapter where she can finally breathe, finally feel, finally live.

But fate, as always, has other plans.

It begins with a chance internship at SKY Entertainment, the powerhouse behind global sensation Slay Kids — eight young idols lighting up the world with synchronized perfection and smiles that hide more than they reveal. Sherri keeps her head down, grateful just to be close to the music. Until a late night in the practice room changes everything.

There, beneath flickering fluorescent lights and trembling breaths, she meets Hyunjin — the group’s most magnetic performer. Beautiful, intense, unknowable. He sees her, really sees her, in a way that startles them both. And behind Hyunjin stands YoungBok, steady and observant. A soft-spoken soul who watches every move Hyunjin makes like it could be their last.

As days turn to weeks, the truth begins to shimmer at the edges of her reality. There’s something between Hyunjin and YoungBok — something old, something sacred, something the world isn’t meant to see. A touch too lingering. A gaze too charged. Sherri feels the weight of it long before she understands it. And when Hyunjin starts looking at her the same way… she knows she's stepped into something dangerous.

She never meant to be the reason Hyunjin hesitates.

She never meant to stir the still waters between two people bound by more than just music.



Between the hearts

The scent of fresh groceries and nervous anticipation filled the air as Hyunjin led Sherri and YoungBok toward the front door of his childhood home. His hands were slightly clammy around the grocery bags full of halal ingredients. This visit meant more than just introducing his loved ones—it meant finally being honest with his mother about the life he had chosen. 


The door opened a moment later to reveal his mother in her apron, her eyes widening as she took in the three figures standing at her door. 


“Eomma,” Hyunjin said with a soft smile, “these are the people I wanted you to meet.” 


Sherri greeted her politely, bowing. “Annyeonghaseyo. It’s an honor to meet you, Eemonim.” 


“And this is YoungBok,” Hyunjin continued, resting his free hand gently against YoungBok’s arm. “My boyfriend.” 


YoungBok gave a deep, respectful bow. “Hello, Eemonim. Thank you for having us.” 


Chapter 17: The Only Request