It was Saturday. And Aria was nervous.
Not the usual nervous, like when a customer asked for a rare flower she couldn't pronounce. This was next-level.
Because today, Aria Bloom, regular florist and professional flower nerd, was stepping into the chaotic, high-energy, highly guarded world of Karina Yoo: Idol. Superstar. Girl Who Kissed Her on a Blanket Surrounded by Flowers.
And it was a lot.
⤹ ❀
"Okay," Kaelira whispered, glancing both ways like they were in a spy movie. She tugged the hood of Aria's oversized denim jacket over her head. "Rule number one: don't act suspicious."
Aria blinked. "You literally look like you're about to rob the place."
"That's just how I walk," Kaelira whispered back dramatically.
They were sneaking into one of the biggest broadcasting stations in Seoul, and Winter could feel every security camera like a spotlight on her back. Kaelira held her hand firmly, dragging her down a hallway that looked identical to the last five hallways they'd passed.
"I'm technically allowed to have guests," Kaelira explained. "But if word gets out, the staff will start speculating. Then it hits the fansites. Then suddenly we're in matching wedding dresses on a conspiracy thread."
Aria laughed nervously. "That sounds terrifying."
"It's oddly accurate."
They turned a corner—only to nearly crash into a girl in a green hoodie sipping an iced Americano.
"Kaelira?"
The girl blinked. Then grinned. "Yah, you brought someone!"
Aria froze.
The girl looked at Aria, up and down, like a curious cat. "Hi. I'm Niña. She never shuts up about you."
Kaelira groaned. "Nin!"
"It's true!" Niña chirped. "She's been drawing little flowers on her setlist notes for weeks."
Aria's face turned red.
"Come on, the group room's this way," Niña added, already turning around. "The others are gonna lose their minds."
⤹ ❀
1:33PM
The moment Aria stepped into the dressing room, she was hit with a blur of pastel outfits, hairspray mist, and at least two girls yelling at each other over lip gloss.
"Is that her?" someone gasped.
A girl in soft purple socks popped her head around the mirror. "Aria, right? I'm Aeri!"
Yuki poked her head out from under a blanket. "Did she bring snacks?"
Kaelira voice cut through, mock-stern. "No snacks. She's here to support me, not feed you gremlins."
Aria was dazed.
These were idols.
Real ones. Famous ones.
And yet they were also… weirdly adorable.
Someone grabbed her hand. "Sit with us!"
Before she could process what was happening, Aria was on the couch with three members of Kaelira's group, all of them buzzing with energy like it was normal to have this much serotonin in one room.
Niña was painting her nails neon yellow. "So what's it like dating a walking goddess?"
"Terrifying," Aria said automatically. "But also really cute."
Aeri sighed dramatically. "I ship it so hard."
Kaelira, across the room, was blushing down to her neck.
⤹ ❀
Later, Kaelira was pulled away for soundcheck. Aria sat in the greenroom, sipping a drink Niña had sneakily ordered for her. She watched Kaelira through the crack in the door—headphones on, mic in hand, face glowing under the stage lights.
"She's different when she's up there," Aria whispered.
Aeri leaned in. "Yeah. That's what scares us sometimes."
Aria looked at her.
"She gives so much to everyone," Aeri continued softly. "Fans, management, the group. She shines bright, but sometimes I wonder if anyone notices when she dims."
Aria stared at Kaelira, whose smile never faltered as she hit every note perfectly.
"I notice," Aria said quietly. "I'll make sure she never forgets she's allowed to rest."
Aeri smiled. "That's why we like you."
Just then, a tall male idol strutted past, winking toward the open door.
Aria didn't recognize him, but he was all slick charm and too-perfect teeth.
He winked again.
Kaelira, mid-vocal, caught it—and promptly made the world's ugliest disgust face.
Aria snorted into her drink.
Jealous Kaelira was lowkey hilarious.
⤹ ❀
Aria got bored of waiting around and wandered out, phone in hand.
She didn't go far. Just far enough to catch her breath and stop feeling like she was on the set of a K-drama.
"Lost?"
Kaelira's voice startled her.
Aria turned.
Kaelira stood in the hallway, still in her rehearsal outfit—hair tousled, cheeks flushed, earpiece tucked into her shirt. She looked like a painting. Or maybe a song.
"Didn't wanna bother you," Aria mumbled.
Kaelira stepped close. "You're never a bother."
Their hands found each other easily.
"I like your world," Aria whispered. "It's loud and sparkly and kind of a mess."
Kaelira smiled. "Yours is quiet and smells like flowers and makes me feel safe."
Aria laughed softly. "We're a weird combo."
"We're perfect."
Kaelira pulled her into a hug, the kind where you forget the world for a second. Her voice was muffled against Aria's neck.
"Thanks for coming. I know it's not easy, being here."
Aria leaned back just enough to look into her eyes. "You always come to me. I figured it was time I showed up for you too."
Kaelira looked like she might cry.
Then she kissed her.
Not a big kiss. Just a small one, tucked into a quiet hallway that smelled faintly of perfume and stage sweat. Just long enough to mean something. Just soft enough to make Aria's heart race.
⤹ ❀
Aria was about to leave when Kaelira pulled her aside.
"Wait," she said, holding up her phone. "One picture?"
Aria blinked. "You want a picture with me? Here? Now?"
Kaelira nodded. "Backstage. Hoodie on. No faces, just hands."
She snapped a shot of their hands laced together, Kaelira's flower ring peeking out.
Then she posted it to her private story.
Some flowers are worth sneaking past security for 🌼🫢
Aria's phone buzzed.
[Karina 🐰💙]
Soft launch complete. You're doomed now.
Aria replied:
[Aria🌸🌼]
Worth it. Also. You're mine now. Officially. No refunds.
[Kaeliea🐰💙]
Good. I wasn't planning on returning you anyway. 😘