Jongseob

The stage lights swept across the arena in slow waves, turning the crowd into a sea of glowing lightsticks that pulsed with every cheer. Even after months of touring, Jongseob still found himself pausing for a second when he looked out at it. From the stage everything felt bigger. Louder. Warmer. Thousands of fans packed together, singing along like the night might never end.

While the other members talked with fans on the opposite side of the stage, Jongseob wandered toward the barricade and crouched near the edge so he could see the front rows more clearly. Phones lifted immediately, fans calling his name, signs waving above the crowd.

One sign made on pink poster board caught his attention.

He tilted his head slightly, squinting at it from where he stood. The letters were bold but not quite clear enough from that distance. Curiosity won quickly. After a second he lowered himself into a squat at the edge of the stage and leaned forward just enough to read it properly.

The sign read “JONGSEOB PLEASE STOP LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT I AM TRYING TO BE RESPECTFUL”

For a moment he simply blinked. Then a quiet laugh slipped out before he could stop it, the sound soft and surprised as his hand came up to cover his mouth. His shoulders shook slightly while he tried to contain it, the tips of his ears turning pink almost immediately. He glanced at the sign again like he needed to make sure he had actually read it correctly.

Then his eyes lifted. Right to you.

A shy smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he rubbed the back of his neck, clearly caught off guard but amused. You are trying to be respectful he said into the microphone, laughter still lingering in his voice. He shook his head softly before standing again, but not before sneaking one more look at you like he was committing both the sign and your face to memory.

The rest of the concert passed in a blur of music, cheers, and bright stage lights. By the time the final song ended and the members disappeared backstage, Jongseob had almost convinced himself the moment would fade into the hundreds of small interactions that happened every tour stop.

Almost.

A little while later during send off, the members moved down line slowly inside the large room inside the venue. Jongseob greeted each person with the same polite smile, taking pictures with fans, doing a quick dance challenge when they’d ask, taking short videos, or simply signing different it’s fans has brought for that purpose.

Then he saw you again. For a second his expression froze in recognition before a small laugh escaped him under his breath. Of course he remembered.

He leaned forward slightly across the barrier, eyes flicking down to the folded sign you were still holding before meeting your gaze again, a faint blush creeping back into his ears.

“So,” he said quietly, the smile in his voice impossible to hide. “Were you able to stay respectful during the rest of the concert, or should I be worried?”