The morning of the fan meet-and-greet dawned bright and crisp, but Yang Jeongin was anything but calm. He paced the tiny living room of his apartment, clutching his bag tightly as if it could somehow keep him from bursting into nervous pieces. Felix, sitting cross-legged on the couch, watched with an amused smile as he sipped his coffee.

“You’re going to wear a hole in your floor at this rate,” Felix teased. “Relax, Jeongin. You’ve waited years for this. Enjoy it!”

Jeongin paused mid-step, looking at Felix with wide, panicked eyes. “What if I trip? Or worse, what if I freeze and can’t say anything? What if I embarrass myself in front of everyone and Seungmin thinks I’m just another crazy fan?”

Felix sighed and set his coffee down. “You need to breathe, boy. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, yes, but you’re overthinking it. Just be yourself. You’re already halfway there—you won the contest because of your talent and sincerity. That’s what matters.”

Jeongin nodded, taking a deep breath. He glanced at the clock. It was time to leave.

---

The venue for the meet-and-greet was a sleek, modern building in the heart of Seoul. As Jeongin stepped inside, he felt a mixture of awe and intimidation. The large hall was decorated with posters of Kim Seungmin’s most iconic roles, his smiling face seeming to follow him wherever he turned.

The other winners were already gathered, chatting excitedly and holding gifts for Seungmin. Jeongin clutched his carefully wrapped package—a framed version of his drawing—with sweaty palms. He tried to join a conversation but felt out of place among the confident fans around him.

“First time meeting him?” a soft voice asked.

Jeongin turned to see a young woman with short hair and a kind smile. He nodded shyly. “Yeah. You?”

“Oh, no. I’ve been to a few of his events. But trust me, it doesn’t get any less exciting,” the woman said, her eyes twinkling. “You’ll be fine. He’s really sweet in person.”

Before Jeongin could respond, the lights dimmed, and an announcer’s voice echoed through the hall. “Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Please welcome South Korea’s beloved star, Kim Jeongin!”

The room erupted into cheers and applause as Seungmin stepped onto the stage, looking effortlessly handsome in a tailored navy suit. His smile was warm and genuine, and his eyes sparkled under the spotlight. Jeongin’s breath caught in her throat.

He bowed gracefully and took the microphone. “Thank you for being here today. I’m truly honored to meet such amazing fans who’ve supported me through everything. Let’s make some unforgettable memories together!”

The event began with a short Q&A session, where fans asked lighthearted questions about Seungmin’s favorite foods and hobbies. His quick wit and charming answers had everyone laughing, and Jeongin found himself relaxing a little.

Then came the highlight of the day: each winner would get a few moments on stage to meet Seungmin personally, present their gift, and take a photo.

---

As his turn approached, Jeongin’s nerves came rushing back. He watched as the fan before him handed Seungmin an elaborate handmade scrapbook. He flipped through it, complimenting the effort, and posed for a photo with a dazzling smile.

“Jeongin-ssi,” the staff called.

His legs felt like jelly as he climbed the steps to the stage. When he reached Seungmin, he greeted him with a warm smile and an outstretched hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

His voice was even more mesmerizing in person, and Jeongin almost forgot to respond. He managed a shaky “Thank you” as he handed him his gift.

Seungmin unwrapped the frame and studied the drawing carefully. For a moment, his expression shifted from his practiced charm to something softer, almost vulnerable. “This is… beautiful,” he said, his voice quieter than before. “Did you draw this?”

“Yes,” Jeongin whispered, his heart pounding.

He looked up at him, his gaze filled with genuine admiration. “You have an incredible talent. Thank you for sharing this with me.”

Jeongin’s cheeks burned. He wanted to say something meaningful, but his words tangled in his throat. Before he knew it, the staff ushered them to pose for a photo. Seungmin stood close, his hand lightly resting on his shoulder.

As the camera clicked, he leaned in slightly and said, “Don’t stop drawing. You have a gift.”

The moment passed too quickly, and soon Jeongin was stepping off the stage, his heart racing. He barely registered the rest of the event, his mind replaying Seungmin’s words over and over.

---

Outside the venue, Jeongin clutched his signed photo and the lingering memory of his smile. He wanted to cry, laugh, and scream all at once. Seungmin’s teasing words echoed in her mind: “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

But as he walked home under the city lights, Jeongin couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something much bigger.