The venue was already crowded when Koharu arrived.
Fans filled the space from end to end—some holding banners, others clutching albums to their chests, many rehearsing what they would say when their turn finally came. Laughter, excitement, and nervous whispers blended into a constant hum.
Koharu stopped just inside the entrance.
For the first time since she booked the ticket, anxiety crept in.
There are too many people, she thought, her chest tightening. All these fans loved OG. All of them felt just as strongly—maybe even more strongly—than she did.
She inhaled deeply and straightened her posture.
I'm here now. Don't back out.
She pushed her unease aside and followed the line into the hall.
The fan meeting began with cheers that shook the room. When OG appeared on stage, the noise doubled. Koharu's eyes searched instantly—instinctively—until they found her.
Sakura.
She looked even more unreal in person. Brighter. Warmer. Close enough to touch.
The fan interaction started soon after. One by one, fans moved down the line, greeting each member, exchanging short words, brief smiles, fleeting moments.
Koharu told herself she was here to meet all of them.
But deep down, she knew the truth.
She was here only for Sakura.
As the line moved forward, Koharu watched Sakura carefully. Sakura held fans' hands gently, smiled as if she meant it every single time, sometimes forming small hearts with her fingers, sometimes leaning closer to hear what fans were saying.
Each touch made Koharu's stomach twist.
She touches everyone like that, her mind whispered. So easily.
Soon, it was her turn.
Koharu stepped forward—and suddenly, she couldn't look up.
Her vision blurred, her heartbeat thundered in her ears. She bowed quickly, hands trembling, unable to lift her gaze.
Then it happened.
Warm fingers wrapped around hers.
Koharu froze.
Sakura had taken her hand.
"Thank you for coming," Sakura said softly.
The world narrowed to that single moment. The warmth. The softness. The way Sakura's thumb brushed her skin without thinking.
Koharu didn't want to let go.
She wanted time to stop—right there, right then.
But the staff gently guided her forward.
Her time was over.
As Koharu stepped away, she turned her head just slightly, her phone still recording, wanting to preserve at least the sound of Sakura's voice.
That was when she heard it.
"Saranghae," Sakura said brightly—to the next fan.
The word hit Koharu harder than she expected.
Her chest tightened, heat rising behind her eyes. The smile Sakura gave wasn't special. The words weren't meant for her alone. They were given freely, endlessly.
Something dark stirred inside her.
She says that to everyone.
The thought twisted into something sharp and ugly.
Koharu lowered her phone, her hands shaking—not from nerves this time, but from something else entirely. Jealousy. Possession. Anger she didn't understand yet.
Without looking back, she turned and walked out of the venue.
Outside, the cheers faded behind her, replaced by the cold night air. Koharu stood still for a moment, breathing heavily.
The warmth of Sakura's hand still lingered on her skin.
And for the first time, admiration crossed a dangerous line.
Something inside Koharu had awakened.
And it would not be satisfied with being just another fan.