Idols | LisRene (Revised Version)

IRENE

"I was followed, unnie. The sasaengs are outside," Joy says in frustration, massaging her temple as we ask why she came running back.

"They know where we live now. Guess who's saying goodbye to this place," Yerim murmurs, her eyes scanning the dorm.

This apartment has grown on us—we've lived here for a year and a half. But now that Wendy has called our managers to report the sasaengs lurking around, it only means one thing: we're leaving.

What worries me the most isn't just that Joy called them sasaengs instead of overenthusiastic fans. Ordinary fans, like high school students who might accidentally stumble upon our place, are one thing. But sasaengs? They're relentless. They camp out in the area, and we only just noticed them because of the massive cameras hanging from their necks. The real question is—how long have they been watching us? What if they've already taken pictures? Scenes of Lisa dropping me home flash through my mind. What if the sasaengs were here that night?

"Unnie, are you okay?" Seulgi asks, snapping me out of my thoughts. "You look really deep in thought."

"We're talking about sasaengs, Seul. Of course, I'm worried."

The room falls into silence. We're all thinking the same thing.

"Uhmm... Manager-nim said we should start packing. They'll pick us up and take us to the company. Also... the CEO wants to talk. P-probably about the comeback..." Wendy adds hesitantly.

The truth is, Lee Soo Man doesn't call for a meeting unless it's something serious. I sigh, rubbing the back of my neck, trying to stay composed. But my members can see it—my worry is written all over my face.

"Let's do what the manager says. Pack your essentials first. The staff will help us with the move later," I say, hoping to give them something to focus on other than my anxiety.

As the others start moving, Wendy gives me a small, reassuring smile. "Irene, no matter how this meeting goes, your happiness matters to me the most."

Seulgi throws an arm around Wendy's shoulder. "She's right. Your happiness matters."

But can I really afford to be selfish?

***

As we step into the meeting room, the discussion is, as expected, about our comeback. We've already finished recording and rehearsals, which makes this meeting feel unusual. Normally, the CEO wouldn't be involved in these discussions. My instincts tell me there's more to this than just our comeback, but to avoid suspicion, he's called all of us in.

"Regarding the sasaengs finding out where you live," he begins, "I've advised your managers that you'll be staying in the company dorm for now. The team is already searching for a new residence for Red Velvet." He offers a reassuring smile, but it feels more like a formality.

The meeting is adjourned after just thirty minutes.

"Oh, and one more thing—Wendy and Irene, please stay. I need to have a quick discussion with you two."

Wendy and I exchange glances. Our members silently signal that they'll wait, but I manage to tell them it's fine to go.

Once it's just the three of us, he turns to Wendy. "Although you're preparing for the comeback, I still want you to do an SM Station song by the end of the month. Whether it's a collaboration or a solo with one of your members, we'll finalize that in a meeting next week."