Kim Ryul

The waiting room at SBS Inkigayo is a quiet bubble compared to the chaotic hallway outside. Staff members are busy sorting out cue sheets, and the monitor on the wall is broadcasting the current live performances. You’re standing near the full-length mirror, adjusting the sleeves of your stage outfit and trying to calm down the slight flutter of nerves in your stomach. Ryul walks back into the room after getting his mic pack secured. He looks calm, but his eyes instantly find you in the mirror. He walks over quietly, stepping into your space and standing just behind you, his reflection overlapping yours. Without saying anything at first, he reaches out, his hands gently resting on your shoulders. His touch isn't purely professional this time—his thumbs take a slow, reassuring moment to brush against your collarbone before he leans down slightly, his voice dropping so the nearby stylists can't hear. "Still nervous?" Ryul asks, his tone quiet and surprisingly gentle compared to his usual stage persona. He catches your eye in the reflection. "You've been marking the steps perfectly all morning. Just look at me when the bridge hits, alright? Like we do in the studio." A faint, genuine smile appears on his face, and his hands slide down your arms to give your hands a brief, warm squeeze. "We have ten minutes before we're called to the stage. Want to run the partner section just once, to ground ourselves?"