blind spot ? skz 9th member

The plane wheels hit the tarmac with a soft, reverberating thud that echoed in Ivy's chest like a heartbeat. She blinked at the cabin lights slowly warming back to life, rubbing her eyes and tucking her hoodie tighter around her shoulders. The air smelled like recycled coffee, plastic trays, and the faintest whiff of someone's overly enthusiastic perfume. Seoul. She was here.

Again.

She stepped off the plane quietly, her sneakers making the softest scuffing noises against the jet bridge. Her carry-on slung over one shoulder, headphones looped around her neck, a white ribbon peeking out from her side braid. It had been almost a year and a half since she left. Now she was back — not as a trainee, not yet an artist. Just... Ivy.

A girl who wore color like armor and sunlight like perfume.

The airport was humming with movement. Ivy moved slower. A stillness in her pace, something careful and unsure. But her eyes were steady.

Her phone buzzed again. She pulled it out.

Felix Lee:
U landed?? U good?? Want me to come get u? 

She smiled — soft and real.

I'm okay. Just waiting on the van. I'll text when I'm settled.

Then another buzz.

Chris Bahng JYPE:
Let me know when you get to the dorm. I told the guys. They're chill. You're good.

Her thumb hovered for a second before replying.

Thanks, Chris. Really.

Don't thank me yet.
You still owe me for the time you roasted me in front of staff. 😒

She laughed, right there at baggage claim, dragging her suitcase behind her.

Outside, Seoul felt... louder than she remembered. Bigger. The chill of winter still lingered in the wind, sneaking under the sleeves of her cardigan. Her scarf fluttered gently as she stepped toward the van waiting just past the barrier.

Inside, the driver nodded politely and took her bag. She slid into the back seat, where a small water bottle and protein bar had been left on the seat. A quiet welcome.

As they pulled out of the airport, Ivy leaned her head against the glass. Buildings started to blur past. Signs she half-remembered. Corners that used to hold memories. Late-night tteokbokki places, convenience stores with neon lights, street vendors already packing up.

It felt like walking back into a memory.
Only this time, she wasn't the same girl who had run away.

Her phone buzzed again.

Felix Lee:
I'll see you soon, yeah? I missed my arcade buddy.

She smiled.

Missed you too. I'm back now.

She didn't say it out loud, but she felt it in her chest.

I'm really back.

────୨ৎ────

The hallway smelled like detergent and floor wax — that oddly familiar scent that hit Ivy like a time capsule. Her suitcase wheels squeaked against the polished floor as she stopped in front of the dorm door labeled "103."

She hesitated. One second. Then knocked twice.

The door exploded open.

"I knew it was you!"