My Ex is in my Idol Group

Episode 3: Fanmeeting Frenzy

The fanmeeting hall was already packed by the time AX1's van pulled up to the back entrance. Staff buzzed through earpieces, and the line of fans stretched around the building, some waving handmade banners, others clutching plushies and fan letters.

Inside the greenroom, Jaewon sat in the makeup chair, eyes closed, trying to keep his heartbeat steady. He could hear the murmur of the other members, the soft hum of hairdryers, the occasional bark of the manager checking the schedule.

Seon was sitting two chairs away, scrolling through his phone. Cool, composed, unreadable.

"Are you ready?" their stylist asked Jaewon.

He opened his eyes slowly. "As I'll ever be."

The stylist smiled sympathetically. "You're glowing today. Must be the fan love."

Jaewon didn't respond.

---

Backstage, the group gathered for a quick huddle.

Jun grinned, eyes sparkling. "Let's give them a show. This is our first fanmeeting since the comeback. They've been dying to see the SeonWon chemistry up close."

At that, Seon's gaze flickered briefly to Jaewon's. Then away.

They took their places behind the curtain.

The lights dimmed.

The MC's voice boomed through the speakers. "AX1 is in the building!"

Screams erupted. The curtain lifted.

Jaewon smiled on cue. Waved. Walked to his chair.

Seon sat beside him.

---

The Q&A section began.

"Question from fan number 119!" the MC announced. "To Seon: What is one thing you've never told Jaewon, but want to?"

The hall exploded with cheers.

Jaewon felt his breath catch.

Seon took the mic. Looked at him.

Then looked away.

"I never told him…" He paused, choosing his words. "…that he has the most annoying habit of overthinking everything."

Laughter.

"And…" Seon's voice softened, "that I used to like watching him fall asleep during practice. It made me feel calm."

The crowd cooed.

Jaewon blinked. That wasn't scripted.

He looked at Seon, but the other boy was already passing the mic.

---

Later, during the photo segment, the staff brought out prop flower crowns. Each member had to crown another.

When it came to Seon, he hesitated.

Then he walked over to Jaewon.

Placed the crown gently on his head.

For one breathless second, their eyes met. No one else existed.

Then Seon turned away, waving to the fans.

Jaewon sat frozen, heart pounding louder than the cheers.

---

FLASHBACK — PRACTICE ROOM, TWO YEARS AGO

Rain pelted the windows.

Jaewon was curled on the floor, shivering after a late-night practice. His ankle twisted slightly.

Seon sat beside him. "You should be more careful."

"You sound like a grandpa."

Seon pulled off his hoodie. Draped it over Jaewon's shoulders.

"Then let me take care of you like one."

---

BACK TO PRESENT

The fanmeeting ended with a group song. Their hands raised together in a final bow.

Jaewon could still feel the warmth of Seon's hand hovering near his.

That night, a new fancam trended on social media:

> "SEON LOOKING AT JAEWON LIKE HE'S THE SUN 😭☀️"

> "THAT FLOWER CROWN MOMENT??? I'M IN TEARS"

> "They're in love. They HAVE to be."

In the dorm, Jaewon threw his jacket on the bed and sank into the mattress.

A soft knock.

Seon.

He stood at the doorway.

"Good job today," Seon said.

"Thanks."

A pause.

"You kept the flower crown," Seon noted.

Jaewon stared at the item resting on his nightstand.

"I didn't know what to do with it."

"Keep it," Seon said. "It suits you."

Then he left.

The door clicked shut.

Jaewon didn't sleep that night.

He just stared at the crown until morning.

---

To be continued...