STOLEN GLANCES

EPISODE ONE

The bright lights of the stage fade as Noah Lee, the global idol and lead vocalist of a top K-pop group, steps off the stage, the adrenaline of his recent performance still coursing through his veins. His fans scream his name, but as soon as he’s behind the curtains, he’s greeted by the familiar, calm presence of his best friend and manager, Ethan Choi.

Ethan is waiting for him backstage, his arms crossed, a neutral expression on his face. But Noah, catching sight of him, instantly relaxes. The chaos of the world outside fades when Ethan’s near.

"You did great out there," Ethan says simply, but there’s a slight softness in his voice that only Noah catches. He’s always had a way of keeping Noah grounded, no matter the noise.

Noah (grinning): “You always say that, but you never really mean it. Don’t you get tired of being my personal cheerleader?”

Ethan (smiling): “Someone has to keep you in line, right? Or you'd run wild.”

Noah chuckles, but there’s something in the way Ethan speaks that makes Noah linger a little longer than usual. His eyes flit briefly over Ethan’s face, and he notices the way Ethan seems to be studying him. The familiarity of it all brings comfort, but also, oddly, a slight feeling of being... seen.

---

THE SILENT SUPPORT

After the concert, the two head back to the hotel. They fall into their routine. Noah is on his phone, flicking through messages from fans and updates from the company, while Ethan stands by the window, looking out at the city. The silence is comfortable, but also thick with unspoken things.

Noah’s phone buzzes with a message from his “public love interest,” Jisoo Park. Ethan sees it from the corner of his eye, and his lips tighten imperceptibly.

Noah (without looking up): “She’s been texting me a lot lately. Weird, right?”

Ethan’s gaze flickers over to Noah, his eyes momentarily clouded, but he shakes his head, trying to maintain his calm.

Ethan (with a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes): “She’s just doing her job. You know the media loves a story.”

Noah hums, still distracted by his phone, but Ethan can see that the words stung more than he let on. For a moment, Noah’s face hardens, and his fingers grip the phone tighter.

Noah: "It’s all so tiring, you know?"

Ethan turns away from the window and walks over to where Noah’s sitting. He places a hand on Noah’s shoulder, and it lingers a beat longer than necessary. The touch is simple, but it speaks volumes in the quiet tension between them.

Ethan (softly): "It’s okay. You don’t have to do this alone."

---

THE SUBTLE JEALOUSY

Later, the two head out to an event for Noah’s entertainment company. The spotlight is on Noah, as always, with fans and reporters surrounding him. Ethan stands a few feet away, watching, ever vigilant. He sees the way the cameras adore Noah, the way the models and actresses flock to him, laughing at his jokes and hanging onto his every word.

Noah laughs easily, the charm that makes him the idol he is on full display. But Ethan feels a small, tight knot form in his chest, something he’s tried to ignore for years.

As Noah engages with a particularly pretty model, laughing at something she said, Ethan watches, his arms crossed, his face impassive, but inside, a flicker of jealousy burns. He can’t help it; he knows he shouldn’t feel this way. Noah is a star, and Ethan is just the guy who keeps him grounded. But seeing that attention directed at someone else... it stings.

Jay Kang (Noah's bandmate, walking over to Ethan): “You okay?”

Ethan (nodding, forcing a smile): “Yeah, just... thinking.”

Jay raises an eyebrow but says nothing, simply observing the way Ethan’s eyes keep flicking over to Noah. Ethan quickly shifts his gaze and focuses on something else.

---

THE UNSPOKEN AFFECTION

That night, after the event, Noah and Ethan head back to their shared hotel suite. It’s late, but neither is ready to sleep. They sit in the small living area, both of them quiet for a few moments.

Noah is sitting on the couch, flipping through a magazine absentmindedly. Ethan stands by the window, looking out at the city below. The room is lit only by the soft glow of the city lights.

Noah, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, puts the magazine down and looks at Ethan, studying the back of his best friend. There’s something different tonight—something unspoken hanging in the air.

Noah’s voice breaks the silence.

Noah: “You’ve been distant lately... What’s going on?”

Ethan hesitates for a moment, unsure of how to answer. He turns slightly to glance at Noah, his brow furrowed.

Ethan: “Nothing’s going on. You’re just imagining things.”

Noah’s gaze sharpens, and he gets up to walk over to Ethan.

Noah (quietly): “Don’t lie to me.”

For a brief moment, Ethan’s composure falters, and his hand instinctively reaches out to steady Noah. It’s a small gesture, but the way Noah looks up at him, so close, it feels heavier than it should. Neither of them says anything, but the tension between them is palpable. Ethan quickly pulls his hand away, as if burnt, his heart pounding.

Noah, unaware of the effect his proximity has, simply smiles.

Noah (lightly): “I don’t know what’s been bothering you lately, but if you need to talk...”

Ethan nods, his voice barely a whisper.

Ethan: “I’ll be fine.”

Noah doesn't press further, but as he turns back toward the couch, his gaze lingers just a little longer on Ethan.

---

THE PRESSURE OF THE IMAGE

The following morning, they’re sitting together in the company’s office for a meeting with the CEO, Lucas Seo. The pressure of the idol industry is on full display as Lucas talks about the next big project for Noah. Ethan sits beside Noah, watching, always two steps ahead, his sharp mind already strategizing.

Lucas (smiling coldly): “Noah, we need to keep up with the public image. Jisoo will make a great match for you. The fans are eating it up. You’re not getting any younger in this industry.”

Noah doesn’t react to the subtle insult but Ethan feels the weight of Lucas’ words, a reminder of the demands placed on them both. Ethan’s grip tightens around the folder in his lap as Noah remains silent.

After the meeting, as they walk out of the building, the tension is still there. Ethan is quiet, thinking about the words that had been said. Noah notices, but instead of addressing it directly, he reaches over and lightly nudges Ethan’s shoulder.

Noah (grinning): “Come on, cheer up. You’re the one who’s supposed to make me shine, right?”

Ethan forces a smile, but deep down, the weight of the industry—and his own feelings—feels heavier than ever.

---

That night, as they return to their hotel room, Noah falls onto the bed with a sigh, staring up at the ceiling.

Noah (murmuring): “I’m so tired of pretending sometimes…”

Ethan sits in the armchair nearby, looking at Noah, his expression unreadable. There’s a long pause before he speaks.

Ethan: “You don’t have to pretend with me.”

Noah closes his eyes, and for a moment, the room is still. The air between them crackles with unsaid words.

---