Jade sits alone on the set of Jaded Talks, which has been transformed into a playful, pastel-pink laundry room. Her eyes sparkle with anticipation as she gazes at the camera, clearly excited about today's guest. Clad in a cozy oversized sweater and jeans, she seems comfortable, yet there's an unmistakable energy in the air.

"Hey, everyone! Welcome back to Jaded Talks," Jade begins, waving enthusiastically. "Today's episode is really special. Not only are we sitting here in a pink laundry room—which, let's be real, has been a dream of mine for a while now—but I also have a guest who's really close to my heart. I know you're going to love him just as much as I do."

With a smile that hints at more, Jade tilts her head and calls out, "Mingyu, you can come out now!"

The camera pans to reveal Mingyu, stepping onto the set with a shy grin. He's dressed in a simple black sweater and jeans, his usual confidence tempered by a hint of shyness as he takes his seat beside her. The fans watching, unaware of the relationship's timeline, don't miss the spark between them.

"Welcome, welcome!" Jade says, clapping her hands as Mingyu settles in. "How are you feeling about sitting in a laundry room for an interview?"

Mingyu chuckles, glancing around at the pastel-colored washing machines and detergent bottles. "It's... interesting, for sure! But honestly, I think this might be my favorite interview setting ever. It's cozy, and I get to sit here with you, so I'm happy."

They share a warm smile before Jade jumps right in. "Alright, let's get down to business. You've been super busy this year with the release of Face the Sun. It's such a powerful album. Can you tell us about the journey of making it?"

Mingyu nods thoughtfully, adjusting his position on the stool. "Face the Sun was a huge project for us. The concept revolved around facing one's fears and growing through challenges, so it felt very personal to all of us. We put a lot of effort into exploring darker themes and pushing our musical boundaries."

Jade's face lights up with admiration. "I can tell. Each song really conveys those themes, and I think the fans felt that depth, too. Was there a particular track that was especially meaningful to you?"

He pauses, thinking. "For me, 'Shadow' was a big one. It's about embracing parts of ourselves that we sometimes hide. It's not easy, but it's a part of growing. That song made me reflect on my own journey and the things I still need to work on."

As they continue discussing Face the Sun, Jade leans in with a playful smile. "Okay, I have to ask about one song in particular," she says, glancing over at Mingyu. "I think my favorite has to be Don Quixote... mostly because you looked really good doing the choreo."

Mingyu's eyes widen in surprise before he laughs, rubbing the back of his neck. "Wait, really? Out of all the songs?"

Jade nods enthusiastically. "Yes! I mean, Don Quixote is already a great song with such strong energy, but watching you perform it... let's just say it left an impression!"

Mingyu chuckles, his cheeks slightly pink. "Thank you. That one was definitely fun to perform—it has this bold, fearless energy that I love. And the choreography is powerful, so I'm glad you noticed!"

Jade grins, a teasing sparkle in her eyes. "Oh, trust me, the fans noticed too. You definitely brought the character of Don Quixote to life. Plus, it just suits you."

The two share a smile, the warmth in Jade's gaze unmistakable, as the conversation effortlessly continues, blending their admiration for the album with the easy, teasing camaraderie that fans adore.

Jade nods. "I think that's why Face the Sun connects with so many people—it feels authentic and hot." She pauses, then adds, "On the topic of things that connect deeply, there's been a lot of buzz about Seventeen's contract renewal recently. Fans are really curious about what's coming next."

Mingyu chuckles, the weight of the topic evident but softened by Jade's genuine interest. "Yeah, that's definitely been on all our minds. We've had a lot of discussions within the group and with the company. We're all passionate about what we do, and as long as that fire is there, we want to keep going together."

Jade smiles, her expression both proud and understanding. "Seventeen is so special. You guys have created something truly unique, and it's amazing that you're all still moving forward together."

He nods in agreement. "Yeah, it's really like a family. We're all committed to our fans, so we're hopeful for what's next."

The conversation shifts to a lighter note as Jade leans forward with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Alright, let's take a break from the heavy topics. Mingyu, let's talk about something a bit more fun. Since we're in a laundry room, do you have any funny or embarrassing laundry stories?"

Mingyu laughs, rubbing the back of his neck. "Oh, I have plenty! But I think the worst was when I first started doing my own laundry. I accidentally dyed all my white shirts pink because I washed them with a red sock."

Jade bursts out laughing, her eyes sparkling. "Wait, really? That's like the classic laundry mistake! How did you manage to wear pink shirts for a while?"

He laughs along with her, shrugging. "I embraced it. At first, I thought, 'This is my new look!' But eventually, I had to accept that laundry wasn't my strong suit."

Jade shakes her head in amusement. "It's okay, Mingyu. I think you could pull off anything—even pink shirts."

As they continue chatting, Jade's genuine interest and light teasing make the atmosphere warm and relaxed. She leans back, glancing at a list of fan questions she had prepared. "Alright, I've got a question from one of our viewers. They wanted to know what you do to unwind after a long day. What's a typical 'Mingyu relaxation routine'?"

Mingyu grins, taking a moment to think. "I'm pretty simple when it comes to unwinding. I usually go for a walk, maybe listen to some music. And if I'm feeling particularly exhausted, I'll cook something at home. Cooking is therapeutic for me."

Jade raises an eyebrow, impressed. "Cooking, huh? I remember you mentioning that. You're going to have to cook for me one day."

Mingyu smiles, a hint of something playful in his eyes. "Oh, I will. I have a whole list of dishes I want to make for you."

She glances down, clearly a bit flustered, before smoothly moving on to the next question. "So, since Face the Sun is so deep and intense, were there any lighthearted moments during the recording process that you can share?"

He laughs, nodding. "Definitely. There was this one time when we were recording, and we all kept messing up the lines. The atmosphere got so silly that we ended up just cracking up for ten minutes straight. We were trying to be serious, but it turned into a full-blown laughing session."

Jade chuckles. "I love hearing stories like that. It's a reminder that even with all the hard work, there are moments of joy and humor."

She shifts in her seat, glancing at Mingyu with an affectionate smile. "Alright, I have to ask—if you weren't an idol, what do you think you'd be doing?"

Mingyu pauses, looking thoughtful. "Honestly, I think I'd probably be working with my hands. Maybe something like carpentry or design. I love the process of creating something tangible."

Jade's eyes light up. "That's so interesting! You know, I can totally see you doing that. You've got this calm, focused energy that would suit it perfectly."

They continue their conversation, moving seamlessly from topic to topic, sharing stories, laughter, and inside jokes that hint at their deep connection. The camera captures every moment, each subtle glance and easy laughter, giving fans a glimpse into the easy rapport between the two.

As they transition into lighter topics, the atmosphere in the laundry room remains cozy, the playful setting a perfect backdrop to the comfortable and heartfelt exchange between Jade and Mingyu. The interview feels more like a candid conversation between friends, filled with warmth, laughter, and genuine appreciation.

As they continue their conversation, there's a comfortable, easy flow between them, both clearly enjoying the moment. Mingyu's attention is fixed on Jade, and a playful smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. After a moment of listening to her speak, he interjects smoothly, "You know, I've heard that you're my girlfriend."

Jade's expression instantly shifts to one of pure surprise, her eyes widening as she's caught completely off guard. She freezes for a beat, the playful yet unexpected comment hanging in the air, before she sputters, her words coming out as a flustered mix of half-formed responses. "Wait—what—I mean, why would you just...?"

Her reaction is met with a ripple of laughter from the staff and Mingyu himself, who watches her, clearly amused by the way she's unraveling at his casual comment. She looks around, as if hoping someone else might chime in or save her from her embarrassment, but everyone is enjoying her genuine reaction.

Mingyu chuckles, watching her cheeks flush as she tries to regain her composure. "What? Did I say something wrong?" he teases, feigning innocence, though his grin suggests he knew exactly what effect his words would have.

Jade finally manages to get out, "You can't just... say it like that!" Her voice has a slight, nervous laugh to it, and she gestures at him, trying to emphasize her point but only making herself look more flustered. "There's like... a whole world out there watching us! Don't just—drop things like that, Mingyu!"

His grin grows even wider, and he shrugs, still enjoying her reaction. "I mean, it's true, isn't it? Why should I act like it isn't?"

Jade places a hand on her forehead, exhaling in playful exasperation as she tries to steady herself, and her eyes flick to the camera, as if acknowledging her audience for moral support. "You're impossible," she says, half-jokingly. "This was supposed to be a professional interview," she mutters, mostly to herself.

Mingyu leans back in his seat, arms folded, his gaze on her steady and unrelenting as he chuckles again. "Oh, come on. It's not like they don't already know. Why can't we have a little fun?"

With a deep breath, Jade finally calms down, though her cheeks remain faintly pink. "Fine, fine. I'll play along." She narrows her eyes at him with mock seriousness. "But you better not do this during the next interview—or I'm coming for you."

Mingyu laughs, putting up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, I'll behave. But you've got to admit—this was pretty fun."

She shakes her head, still smiling, the initial shock slowly fading into amusement. "You know what? It actually was. But next time, give me some warning at least."

He winks at her, still smiling, and says, "Where's the fun in that?"

For a moment, they just look at each other, their expressions softening as the laughter dies down. Jade takes a steadying breath, her gaze lingering on him, both of them fully aware of the shared moment. The crew watches on, a subtle understanding passing between everyone in the room—their chemistry is unmistakable.

"Alright," Jade says, still smiling, though she's regained her composure. "Back to business before you completely derail this interview."

Just as Jade is about to steer the conversation back on track, Mingyu reaches into his jacket pocket, pulling out a small stack of cards, flipping through them with a mischievous grin.

Jade's brow furrows in confusion, her head tilting slightly as she watches him. "Wait—what? Where did you get those?" she asks, completely perplexed. The crew around them begins to chuckle, sharing in her surprise.

Mingyu looks at her, his expression too innocent to be genuine. "Oh, these?" he asks, casually fanning out the cards as though they're an everyday accessory. "Just my own little set of interview questions, thought it might be fun."

Jade glances at the staff around them, her eyes narrowing as she points at them, half-accusing. "Did one of you give him those?" Her voice is playful but with a genuine hint of disbelief.

The staff members shake their heads and hold up their hands in surrender, clearly enjoying the exchange but feigning innocence. "Nope, this is all him!" one of them says, laughing.

Mingyu smirks, leaning back slightly and holding up the first card. "Alright then, Jade, since we're here in this nice, cozy laundry room, let me start with a very important question." He clears his throat theatrically, then reads aloud, "How do you feel about laundry? The entire experience."

Jade's laugh is a mix of exasperation and amusement. "Laundry? Really, that's what you're going to ask?" She shakes her head but decides to play along, leaning back slightly as if she's considering the question. "Honestly? I don't mind it... when it's my own clothes, anyway."

"Oh?" Mingyu raises a brow, encouraging her to continue.

"Yeah," Jade says, crossing her arms with a slight grin. "But when I'm doing laundry for my sisters or folding your stuff, it's a whole different story. Your clothes, and especially my sisters' clothes, are the most annoying things in the world to fold. The worst. Especially yours—everything is oversized, impossible to stack neatly."

Mingyu listens, nodding thoughtfully, but there's a proud smile tugging at his lips. He glances at the camera and says with a grin, "In case anyone missed it, we live together."

A split second later, Jade's eyes widen, and her hand flies to her mouth, realizing what she's just admitted. Her cheeks turn a light shade of pink, and she glances at the camera, clearly caught off guard.

Mingyu's grin only grows wider, and the staff bursts into laughter, enjoying the candid, unscripted moment. Jade's embarrassment is evident, but she's also smiling, clearly enjoying the unexpected twist.

"You did that on purpose," she accuses, pointing a playful finger at him. "I can't believe I fell for it! You totally set me up!"

Mingyu shrugs innocently, but there's a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Hey, I just asked a question about laundry. You were the one who started talking about folding my clothes."

Jade rolls her eyes, still flustered. "I swear, you're more chaotic than my sisters. Next time, I'm confiscating any cards you bring in."

Mingyu just laughs, flipping to the next card with an unbothered grin. "Oh, come on, you're having fun."

Jade groans, but she's smiling, her initial embarrassment fading. She shakes her head, still looking amused as she leans back in her chair. "Alright, fine, you got me. But I'm still blaming the staff for letting you sneak those cards in."

A staff member calls out, "No way, we're just here for the show!"

They both laugh, Mingyu clearly proud of his little prank, and Jade, despite her surprise, is thoroughly enjoying the moment. She watches him with a soft look, her guard down and her genuine, playful side shining through.

As the two continue their banter, a staff member pipes up with a suggestion, "Since this is your first time appearing together officially, why don't we play a game to show everyone your dynamic? Like... who knows who better?"

Jade and Mingyu exchange a quick glance before grinning and nodding. "I'm down!" Jade says, scooting a bit closer to him. "But, just warning you all, I'll probably win."

"Oh, really?" Mingyu chuckles, rolling up his sleeves. "You sure about that?"

The staff hands them little whiteboards and markers, explaining the game: they'll be asked questions about each other, and whoever gets the most correct answers wins. As they settle in, the first question is asked: What's their ideal date?

Jade scribbles quickly on her board, looking confident. Mingyu, however, takes a little more time, thinking carefully. When they reveal their answers, Jade's board reads: stargazing and street food.

Mingyu's reads: dinner on a rooftop.

They both burst into laughter, realizing how close but not quite accurate they were.

"Rooftop dinner, huh?" Jade teases, raising an eyebrow. "A bit fancy, don't you think?"

"Hey, don't pretend you wouldn't love that!" Mingyu fires back, feigning offense.

"True," she admits with a smile. "But stargazing with street food is unbeatable."

Next question: What's one thing they can't live without?

This time, Mingyu writes quickly, smirking as he flips his board to reveal his answer: iced coffee.

Jade, looking smug, reveals her answer, which is the exact same.

"Got it!" she cheers, doing a little victory dance. "I know my man."

Mingyu grins, "Alright, you got that one."

The next question brings a bit of a challenge: What time does the other go to bed?

Jade immediately laughs, knowing exactly what to write down. When they reveal their answers, her board reads 2 a.m., while Mingyu's reads 11 p.m.

Jade looks at him, wide-eyed. "You think I go to bed at 11 p.m.?"

Mingyu laughs, scratching his head. "I mean, it seems reasonable! How can you stay up until two every night?"

Jade shakes her head, laughing. "Because I'm a night owl. But you're like... passed out by midnight!"

Mingyu looks at the staff, shrugging, "I had no idea she was up that late. Guess I'm learning new things today."

They continue, moving to questions like favorite thing to do together. This one has both of them smiling knowingly as they reveal matching answers: watching movies.

"Easy one!" Mingyu laughs, fist-bumping Jade. "Our movie marathons are legendary."

"Except when you fall asleep halfway through," Jade quips, giving him a playful nudge.

The staff member raises an eyebrow. "So, who's the one who wakes up earlier?"

Both of them burst out laughing, writing the answer almost simultaneously. When they reveal the boards, both say Mingyu.

Jade grins, "He's up like he's going to run a marathon. Meanwhile, I need a whole motivational speech just to get out of bed."

Mingyu chuckles, nodding, "Yeah, that's pretty accurate. But I try to make breakfast to get her moving."

Jade looks touched, nodding with a soft smile. "True, and it works."

The questions continue, bringing out laughs as they dive deeper into each other's quirks. One of the funniest questions catches both off guard: Who takes longer to get ready?

They look at each other, eyes narrowing in mock suspicion. When they reveal their answers, both say Jade.

Mingyu laughs, "I've been ready for like an hour, but she's always like, 'Give me five more minutes!'"

Jade rolls her eyes, grinning, "Listen, I have a process, okay?"

The next question gets them both sentimental. Who's the first person they go to with big news?

Without hesitation, both of them write down the other's name.

They reveal their boards, and the room goes quiet for a moment as they share a soft look.

"You're my best friend," Jade says, voice barely above a whisper, as she turns to look at him.

Mingyu nods, smiling. "Same here."

The next few questions are lighthearted, with Jade teasing him about his bad habits, like always leaving his phone on silent and then wondering why he missed her calls. Mingyu gets a laugh from her by mentioning how Jade is always rearranging things at home, moving things just enough that he can never find them.

Then, the staff asks them both a question that makes them pause: What was the exact date of your debut?

Jade looks at Mingyu, eyebrows raised, challenging him to get it right. He bites his lip, clearly thinking hard.

"Got it!" Jade says confidently, revealing her answer. She nails his debut date with Seventeen, proudly holding up the board for him to see.

Mingyu, however, is sweating a little as he reveals his answer for her debut date... and it's a day off.

"Oh, come on, Mingyu!" Jade laughs, pretending to be offended. "You couldn't remember my debut date?"

Mingyu laughs, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "Close enough, right? It was just one day off!"

"Not close enough," she teases, feigning a pout. "Looks like I win this round!"

The final question is a bit of a curveball: What's their biggest pet peeve about the other?

They both write quickly, laughing as they flip their boards. Jade's answer reads: He leaves socks everywhere.

Mingyu's board reads: She reorganizes everything.

The staff and crew laugh, enjoying the friendly bickering between the two. Jade leans in, playfully poking Mingyu. "Maybe if you put your socks in the basket, I wouldn't have to keep reorganizing the place!"

"Maybe if you didn't move everything, I'd know where my stuff is!" Mingyu fires back, but there's a warm smile on his face as he says it.

As the game wraps up, it's clear they've both learned some new things about each other, and their laughter fills the room. Their bond shines through in every teasing word and playful remark, a dynamic that makes it clear why they work so well together.

As they settle back into their conversation, Jade suddenly perks up, a playful glint in her eye. "Oh! Do you remember that time we got caught by that fan? The one who spotted us when we went to the bookstore last year?"

Mingyu chuckles, nodding as the memory comes back to him. "Yeah, I remember! We were trying so hard to be discreet, but I guess we weren't as sneaky as we thought."

Jade laughs, "You mean you weren't as sneaky as you thought! You kept pulling your hood up higher and higher every time someone walked by."

"Hey!" Mingyu grins, pretending to be offended. "I was just trying to avoid getting recognized! Besides, it wasn't just me—you were hiding behind every bookshelf like we were in a spy movie."

They both laugh, and Jade turns to the camera with a wide smile. "It's funny because that fan actually came to my last fansign. She didn't say anything publicly, kept it all to herself... She even showed me a photo she took of us that day." Jade's eyes soften. "It's just amazing how much trust we have with Blinks. They're so respectful and understanding. She could've posted that photo but chose not to."

Mingyu nods, genuinely touched. "It really means a lot. Our fans go above and beyond for us."

Jade leans in, smiling warmly. "I actually promised her she could post the picture once... you know, we finally let everyone in on our secret. She was so excited and respectful about it."

Mingyu raises an eyebrow, "Wait, so she's got a full year-old exclusive?"

"Pretty much!" Jade laughs, nodding. "She's been holding onto that memory as a secret of her own, and it's things like that that make me feel so connected to everyone supporting us."

The two sit back, thoughtful for a moment, before Jade grins again, turning back to Mingyu. "Guess we'll have to be extra sneaky next time, huh?"

Mingyu laughs, rolling his eyes. "Or we just accept that we're never as low-key as we think."

They both share a final laugh, warmed by the memory and the realization of how far they've come, both with each other and with their fans.

One of the staff members, smiling mischievously, chimes in, "For the last segment, how about a dance medley challenge? Each of you takes turns dancing to one of each other's songs. Let's see who knows the other's choreo better!"

Jade's eyes widen in playful panic, and she shoots a look at Mingyu, who raises an eyebrow in mock confidence. "Are you sure about this?" she teases. "You may know some moves, but I'm pretty sure you're not ready for this level of Blackpink."

Mingyu grins. "Oh, I'm confident! My members love Blackpink; I've seen Ddu-Du Ddu-Du a thousand times. Just watch, I'll nail it."

The music starts, and right off the bat, one of Seventeen's songs—Very Nice—fills the room. Jade takes her position, thinking she remembers it well enough. She starts moving with the beat, stepping in sync with the intro and throwing her arms up in the familiar moves, but her rhythm falters as the tempo picks up.

Mingyu laughs, shaking his head. "Come on, Jade! Very Nice is our song; how can you forget this part?" He stands up and effortlessly jumps in, syncing perfectly to the beat, making exaggerated gestures just to tease her.

"Alright, alright," Jade laughs, backing up with her hands raised. "I see how it is!"

Next up, a Blackpink song comes on—Whistle. Mingyu's eyes light up as he tries to remember the iconic hand gestures and steps. He starts off strong, but halfway through, he's clearly trying to improvise, mixing up the moves. Jade stifles her laughter, trying to stay serious. "Mingyu, that's not even close!"

"Oh, come on, it's kind of close!" he protests, though he's laughing too. "I can do the point move, though!" He strikes the signature point move from Whistle, earning a playful round of applause from Jade.

The medley continues, shifting from Blackpink to Seventeen, back and forth. When Don't Wanna Cry plays, Jade attempts the serious, intricate moves, but she ends up slipping a bit, breaking down into laughter.

The staff watches, amused, as they both try and fail, each cheering and teasing the other. Mingyu, getting more competitive, tries to put his all into the Kill This Love chorus, even managing a decent attempt at Lisa's rap gestures, which gets a cheer from Jade.

Then, when Pretty U from Seventeen starts, Jade stands up confidently. "I got this!" She performs a few steps she remembers, surprisingly well, with Mingyu clapping and hyping her up.

As the medley winds down, the staff announce the winner. "And... it's Mingyu! Not bad at all for a Blackpink fanboy," one of them laughs.

Jade crosses her arms, feigning offense. "Fine, fine, you win. But next time, I'm going to learn Seventeen's entire choreo just to beat you."

Mingyu grins, wrapping his arm around her. "Deal. But remember, I'm always watching your group's moves too, so it won't be easy."

They both laugh, leaning back on the couch, still slightly out of breath. It's clear they had as much fun teasing each other as they did competing, and the whole room feels lighter as the crew begins to wrap things up.

As the filming draws to a close, Jade glances toward the camera with a soft smile. "Well, that's about it for today's Jaded Talks episode. I know I had plans to interview him seriously, but I don't think that went quite as expected," she laughs, looking over at Mingyu with a playful glint in her eyes. "Still, I think we had so much fun, and maybe even more than I imagined."

Mingyu grins, nodding. "Honestly, it really just felt like it was just the two of us hanging out at home. Forget the cameras—thank you all," he gestures to the crew around them, "for giving us this time to just... be us." He lets out a small chuckle, leaning back as he thinks. "It's so rare for us to be able to show this side of our relationship, so it feels special. And thank you, Jade," he adds, looking at her sincerely, "for being the best co-host."

Jade laughs, giving him a light nudge. "What, am I just the co-host now?" She teases, and he gives her a shrug and a playful, wide-eyed look.

Turning back to the camera, Jade's tone becomes earnest. "To all my Blinks, I hope you'll continue supporting us. You all have been the most amazing fandom—always supporting, always cheering me on, and showing me love in ways that I don't take for granted, not even for a second. I hope you'll extend that love to us, together, and to everything Mingyu and I do."

Mingyu nods, chiming in. "And Carats, you've been there through every stage, every high, and every low. It means so much to have you by my side, and now, by our side. I hope you'll continue to be with us, not only through the music and performances but through every step of this journey."

A pause fills the air, as both of them smile softly, their gratitude palpable. Then, with a grin, Jade lets out a small laugh. "Alright, enough with the sappiness! We both know how you guys will be replaying and analyzing every part of this episode," she jokes, "but just know that, more than anything, we're so grateful for all of you."

Mingyu nods, taking her hand briefly and giving it a light squeeze. "Couldn't have said it better. I think... this is only the beginning of a lot more fun things ahead for both of us. So, here's to more music, more chaos, and," he adds with a smirk, "maybe even more unexpected, chaotic episodes like this one."

As they wrap up, Jade reaches over and gives Mingyu a hug, and he surprises her by lifting her up slightly off the ground. She lets out a surprised laugh, her head thrown back as she covers her face with her hands. The whole room fills with laughter, and even the crew joins in, enjoying this unexpected ending.

Jade shakes her head, still giggling as she catches her breath. "Oh, that's so unfair!" she laughs, but her smile says she's anything but upset. Still holding her in the air, Mingyu just shrugs, his own laughter joining hers. It's a genuine, light-hearted moment—exactly the way they both wanted to end the day.

As they set each other down, still smiling, the warmth between them lingers in the room. The energy is light and filled with joy, and as they say their last goodbyes to their fans, the screen fades out, capturing a perfect snapshot of their relationship in this moment.