Cheeky

There were…many opinions about An Yujin through her online exposure: gorgeous yet strict, a natural professional and one of the most popular idols in the business. You know, the usual.

So when you got hired as a personal bodyguard to IVE, you knew you had to be in your best behaviour, or you get fucked, simply. You were expecting a professional introduction, maybe a polite handshake, a simple exchange of names, and a respectful nod just like how it had been with every other client before.

But uhh… no.

Loud, unabashed laughter. Yeah, that was the first thing your ear picked up.

You had barely stepped into the practice room, clad in your sharp black suit with an earpiece securely in place, when Yujin spun around mid-dance routine, caught sight of you, and nearly collapsed from laughing too hard.

“Oh my god, you look so serious!” She practically wheezed, hands on her knees.

…Ok, that’s not the usual reaction. “…Excuse me?”

She straightened up, still giggling, and gave you a once-over. “You’re my new bodyguard, right? Wow, we’re the same age, but you look like you’re about to arrest me or something.” Yujin wiped at the corner of her eyes and grinned as she strolled up to you, radiating the kind of unbothered energy that made your brow twitch.

Well this is…going to be a pain.

“Well at least I do look the part, no?” you asked, straightening your vest as you clear your throat. “I’m literally here to keep you safe.”

“Oh, I’m very grateful.” Yujin smirked, stepping closer with a mischievous glint in her eye. “But I was kinda hoping for someone… I don’t know, scarier? You look way too nice.”

“I can be scary.” “Yeah? Prove it.”

You sighed and took a step forward, dropping your voice into a low, stern tone. “Miss An, if you don’t follow security protocol, I will personally make sure you regret it.”

For a moment, Yujin’s eyes widened, and you thought, finally, that she would actually take you seriously.

Then she grinned even wider. Whait, wha—

“Ohhh,” she mused, stepping even closer, her face just inches from yours. “I like you already.”

You had a very bad feeling about this.

If you had known what was coming, you would’ve quit on the spot.

An Yujin, despite her public image of being a charming, responsible leader, was actually a menace. A giant menace.

If she wasn’t sneaking off to buy snacks at the nearby convenience stores without telling anyone, she was hiding behind doors just to jump-scare you. And the worst part? The other IVE members had joined in on it…but mostly Yujin.

“Come on, just one smile,” Yujin teased one afternoon, poking your cheek while you stood guard by the van. “You’ve been with us for months, and I still haven’t seen you laugh.”

You exhaled through your nose. “My job is to protect you, not to entertain you.”

“That’s so boring. How do you survive without fun?” “By keeping a certain someone out of trouble."

Yujin gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. "Wow. Is that how you see me? Just a walking headache?”

You opened your mouth (because yes she was a giant headache to you) but she cut you off, suddenly leaning in way too close.

“What if I am your problem, huh?” she whispered, eyes glinting with playful challenge.

You held your ground, staring her down. “…Then I’ll have to handle you accordingly, I suppose.”

“Well, I’d like to see you try…mister.”

Oh, she was insufferable. And unfortunately, you were stuck with her.

-

“You know,” Yujin drawled, stretching across the couch in the waiting room like a cat in the sun. One arm hung off the side lazily, while the other rested behind her head, eyes gleaming with that familiar mischief. “I think you like me more than you let on.”

See, a normal person would have freaked out when a pretty girl said something at that caliber. But no, you got too used to it at this point. “What makes you think that?”

Her lips curled upward, slow and knowing, like she had already won whatever game she was playing. “Because I’m fun. And charming. And incredibly good-looking.” She struck an exaggerated pose, tilting her chin up dramatically like some kind of historical monarch. Well, at least she’s self-aware. Go girl, you rock.

Across the room, Wonyoung groaned, rubbing her temples. “Unnie, please. Have some dignity.”

“You don’t want me to tell the truth?” Yujin gasped, clutching her chest in mock devastation, her mouth slightly parted.

“I don’t want you to embarrass us in front of our bodyguard, please.” Wonyoung corrected, glancing at you apologetically.

You just shook your head, lips pressing into a thin line. “I’m used to it. Thank you, Wonyoung.”

Yujin’s eyes flickered with amusement, but instead of making another joke, her expression softened just slightly, like she had caught something in your tone that intrigued her. Then, just as quickly, the mischief returned. “See? That’s basically an admission that you enjoy my company.”

You gave her a deadpan look. “That is not what I said.”

“Too late, I’m taking it as fact.” She stretched her arms over her head, looking far too pleased with herself.

You exhaled through your nose, choosing to ignore her. Because if there was one thing you’d learned about An Yujin, it was that engaging with her nonsense only fuelled her further. But, you know, despite all her teasing and the way she constantly pushed your buttons, there were moments when she reminded you why she was the leader of IVE.

Like now.

Liz sat in the corner of the room, staring down at her phone with her lips pressed into a tight line. She was fidgeting, her hands twisting together in her lap, a stark contrast to the usual easygoing energy she carried.

Yujin noticed instantly. Her playful expression melted away, replaced by something steadier. More grounded. She pushed herself off the couch, crossing the room in a few quick strides before crouching beside Liz.

“Jiwonie,” she called softly, nudging her knee against Liz’s. “What’s up?”

“I…um…. feel like I keep messing up my parts in the choreography.”

Yujin tilted her head, studying her with an unreadable expression. Then, instead of immediately reassuring her, she took a moment. Enough to let Liz’s words settle before responding.

“You don’t,” Yujin said firmly. “We practiced together, remember? You’re doing fine.”

“But—”

“No buts.” Yujin stood up, walked over, and slung an arm around Liz’s shoulders, giving her a reassuring squeeze. “You know what I told you? The best performers aren’t the ones who get everything perfect all the time. They’re the ones who keep going no matter what.”

Liz still looked uncertain, but a small smile tugged at her lips. “You really think so?”

“I know so.” Yujin grinned. “Besides, if you mess up, I’ll just mess up too. That way, we’re both in trouble.”

“Holy shit, that’s a terrible encouragement,” you muttered.

Yujin turned her head slightly, just enough to meet your gaze, and the glint in her eyes was back. “It’s called leadership,” Yujin shot back. “Ever heard of it?”

You exhaled sharply, shaking your head, but you didn’t argue. Liz was smiling now, and that was proof enough that whatever Yujin was doing was working. She had a way of lifting her members’ spirits that was genuinely impressive.

Liz laughed, looking much more relaxed. “Thanks, unnie.”

“Anytime,” Yujin replied, patting her head before making her way back to her spot on the couch. As she passed you, she glanced up, smirking.

“See? I’m not just a pain in your ass.”

“For the record, I have never said that,” you replied, but she only winked before plopping back onto the couch like she hadn’t just effortlessly reassured one of her members.

You sighed. Protecting An Yujin was exhausting… but you didn’t mind as much as you pretended to.

Your day off. A rare and precious thing. Holy moly.

You had been looking forward to it. No earpiece, no schedule to follow, no six-foot radius of hyper-vigilance around an overgrown puppy disguised as an idol. Just a quiet, peaceful day to yourself to take a nice walk outside and enjoy the fresh air…

o…r so you thought.

The realization hit you like a cruel joke when you spotted her.

An Yujin. Hoodie up, mask on, but you’d recognise her anywhere. The way she walked, slightly loose-limbed and confident, like the world was hers to navigate. The way she hummed under her breath as she glanced at store signs, completely unaware of how reckless she was being.

You groaned under your breath. Of course. What the fuck is she doing by herself?

But before you could even question why she was out alone, without security, without backup, you saw him. A man. Mid-thirties. Dark hoodie. His posture was too stiff, his steps too calculated. He lingered a few feet behind Yujin, never overtaking her, never slowing down. His gaze flickered to her every few seconds, fingers twitching slightly as if waiting for something. (Don’t want to be rude, but he looked like someone you can smell 5 km away)

Of course, your instincts kicked in immediately and walked into the same convenience store, keeping to the shelves as she strolled past the snack aisle. She had no idea. Her biggest concern at the moment was probably whether to get banana milk or iced coffee…completely oblivious to the shadow tailing her.

So much for being the dog of IVE.

He lingered near the entrance, pretending to look at snacks but never actually picking anything up. His eyes were locked on Yujin, and his fingers twitched like he was waiting for the right moment.

Sasaeng. Ah for fuck’s sak—

You moved fast.

A sharp intake of breath. The man’s head snapped toward you, eyes widening in shock and irritation.

“The hell—?” he hissed, jerking back, but you didn’t let go.

Yujin spun around, startled. “Huh?—”

“Good afternoon, mister.” You pulled her behind you instinctively, keeping your grip on the man, and putting that “professional” smile on your face. “I don’t know what you think you’re doing,” you said, voice low and firm, “but walk away. Now. While I still say please.”

The man scowled, trying to yank his arm free. “Who the hell are you?”

“Her bodyguard,” you answered coldly. “And if you don’t leave in the next five seconds, you won’t like where your eyes will end up at.”

A flicker of hesitation. His eyes darted between you and Yujin, who was standing rigid behind you now, her usual carefree energy drained into tense and alert.

Then, finally, the man sneered and yanked his arm free. “Tch. Not worth it,” he muttered before disappearing into the crowd.

You stood there for a moment, making sure he was really gone, before exhaling. Thank fuck that’s over…ah wait, the girl behind you. This troublesome brat.

“So…what the hell?” you snapped, turning to her. “Why are you alone?”

She blinked up at you, wide-eyed, still processing what just happened. “Uh…”

“You know how dangerous this is, right?” Your voice was sharper than usual, the adrenaline still running through you. “No staff, no backup, no security. What were you thinking?”

Yujin finally seemed to snap out of it, rubbing the back of her neck. “…I just wanted to go out for a bit. I didn’t want to bother anyone.”

“ Bothe—You call this not bothering anyone?! You’re lucky I decided to go out right now you dunce!”

She hesitated, shifting on her feet. Then, in a small voice, she admitted, “I didn’t even realize he was following me.”

You exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of your nose.

“Yujin-ah,” you muttered, softer this time, “this is exactly why you can’t go out alone. It’s not about you wanting freedom, I totally respect it, of course, but it’s about your safety. There are people out there who—"

You stopped, shaking your head. What matters is that Yujin is okay. "Just… don’t do this again. Please.”

Silence stretched between you for a few seconds before Yujin suddenly smiled. A softer one. Almost… grateful.

“You really do care about me, huh?” “Girl, that’s what you’re taking from this?”

Her lips twitched, and just like that, the mischievous glint in her eyes was back. She nudged your arm playfully. “Admit it. You’d miss me if I got kidnapped.”

“Don’t make me use profanity you—”

“Fine, fine!” She laughed, hands up in surrender. But then she let out a breath, gaze flickering down for a second before meeting yours again, more earnest this time.

“Seriously, though,” she murmured. “Thanks. I mean it.”

You watched her for a moment, noting the way her usual carefree mask had cracked just a little. The way her eyes, despite the teasing, held something like genuine gratitude. She nudged you playfully. “Guess I owe you one, huh?”

“More like you owe me about a hundred at this point."

Yujin grinned. "Then I’ll start by buying you lunch. C’mon, bodyguard. Let’s eat.”

And despite everything, despite the fact that this was supposed to be your day off, you found yourself walking beside her, watching her laugh like nothing had happened.

Guess that’s the definition of a good day, huh.

You should’ve known saving An Yujin would have consequences.

Not in the form of a promotion or a bonus (though you wouldn’t say no to either), but in the absolute menace she had become ever since that day.

At first, you thought you were imagining things with the longer stares, the way her lips curled mischievously whenever she caught your eye, the subtle brushes of her fingers against your arm whenever she passed by. Then, the touches became more deliberate. The teasing got more frequent. The closeness is more unbearable.

It was like a switch had flipped. Suddenly, your personal space was no longer yours. And the worst part? She did it so naturally, like she had always been this clingy with you.

Just like this one morning at the company building—

“Yallooo~” Yujin sang as she threw an arm over your shoulders, completely ignoring the amused stares of the staff around you. “Walk me to the practice room!”

“Yujin, You know I’m going there anyway.” “But this way is more fun.” She tightened her grip, practically hanging off you.

“…Do you have to be this close?” “Yes,"

It only got worse after a long schedule. You were expecting Yujin to slump in exhaustion like she usually did. Instead, the moment she climbed into the van, she scooted over without hesitation, settling in way too close before dropping her head onto your shoulder with a satisfied sigh.

"What are you doing?” you asked, voice flat, not daring to move.

“Getting comfortable,” she mumbled, shifting slightly as if trying to mold herself against you.

“You have an entire seat to yourself.” “But I don’t want to sit alone. You’re warm.”

Across from you, Wonyoung and Liz exchanged knowing looks.

“Oh no,” Gaeul muttered, covering her mouth to hide a laugh.

“I don’t get it,” Wonyoung whispered, glancing between you and Yujin. “Since when were they this close?”

Liz smirked. “Since someone got rescued and suddenly realised how cool their bodyguard is.”

“I heard that, Jiwon.” “I’m glad you did, good sir.”

Meanwhile, Yujin hummed in contentment, completely ignoring the stares and the muffled giggles of her members. As if your shoulder was the perfect place to rest, she nestled in further, her soft breath fanning against your neck. That feels….strangely not weird. The fuck?

“…Heavy,” “Comfy,” she countered with a teasing lilt, her lips curling into a lazy grin.

From the corner of your eye, you saw Gaeul shaking her head. “This is getting too spicy for my granny eyes.”

Liz, meanwhile, giggled behind her hand. “We should start selling tickets to this slow-burn romance.”

You groaned. Yujin? She just smirked.

Her clingy antics doesn’t stop in the comfort of their dorm, unfortunately. Before their music show performance, you were standing near the dressing room door, waiting for the members to finish.

And then the door swung open.

Yujin strolled out like she was making a grand entrance, her hair freshly styled, her makeup flawless, looking every bit the idol she was. And then, in one smooth motion, she reached out, grabbed your hand, and laced her fingers with yours.

Your brain lagged.

“Let’s go, mister!” “Why are you holding my hand—?”

“You saved me, so now I’m keeping you close!” she said cheerfully. “You’re my lucky charm!”

Behind her, Leeseo’s jaw dropped. Liz and Rei had to turn away to hide their laughter.

“Yujin,” you hissed under your breath, trying to pull away.

She only tightened her grip. “Nope,” she said. “Mine now.”

You could physically feel Wonyoung’s migraine forming. “You cannot just say that out loud,"

"I just did.” Yujin smirked, swinging your intertwined hands slightly, watching your reaction with delight.

Liz and Rei lost it, muffling their laughter behind their hands. At that moment, a staff member walked by, did a double-take at your very obvious hand-holding situation, and nearly tripped.

You wanted the ground to swallow you whole.

You really should have been more prepared for this.

It happened at the airport, in front of dozens of fans, reporters, and flashing cameras.

You were walking beside Yujin, scanning the crowd for any potential threats, keeping a careful distance, when suddenly—

“Honey~!”

You froze. The world stopped. You did not remember signing up to sing for JYP.

Gasps. Shrieks. The camera flashes directly in your face. Even the security personnel ahead of you paused.

Your entire being short-circuited. “What did you just call me?”

Yujin, completely unbothered, turned to you with an innocent smile. “Honey~” she repeated, her voice sweet as sugar.

Wonyoung, Gaeul, and Rei screamed. Leeseo was flabbergasted, with Liz quickly covering the youngest’s ear from behind.

Hell, even the fans were losing their minds.

“OH MY GOD—” “WHAT DID SHE JUST SAY—” “HUH?!?!?” “YUJIN CALLED HER BODYGUARD HONEY?!?!”

“What. The. Hell. Yujin?!” Your ears burned with embarrassment. “Are you trying to make me headline Dispatch?”

“You take care of me,” Yujin said smoothly, not missing a beat. “You protect me, you make sure I eat, you save my life. So obviously, you’re my honey.”

“You cannot just say that out loud in public,” “But I just did,"

You quickly cover her mouth, frantically trying to damage control. "STOP!!!!”

At this point, Wonyoung had buried her face in her hands, physically unable to process what was happening. Gaeul was bent over, wheezing. Rei looked like she was watching the most dramatic plot twist unfold in real life.

A fan nearby whispered to their friend, “Do you think they’re dating?”

You wish the world could just swallow you and perish at that point.

And Yujin? This girl? This freaking troublesome brat?

She just tugged on your sleeve; eyes filled with amusement and smiled. “Come on, honey. Let’s go.”

And as you caught the knowing grins of her members, the delighted chaos among the fans (according to Yujin), and the sheer horror on your own face reflected in the airport glass, you realised something pretty major.

This girl is fucking scary.