The room feels suffocatingly small as you and Minho stand on opposite sides, the silence between you filled with the echoes of your harsh words. It’s another night where his self-doubt and anxiety have spiraled into a fight that neither of you can control.

“Why do you always have to push me away?” you shout, frustration boiling over. “Why can’t you see that I’m here because I love you?!”

Minho’s eyes are wild with emotion, his voice trembling as he retorts, “You don’t get it! You never will! I’m nothing but a burden to you.”

“Stop saying that!” you scream, tears streaming down your face. “You’re not a burden. You’re everything to me, but you keep trying to convince me otherwise.”

He turns away, his shoulders shaking. “Maybe you should listen to me for once. Maybe you’d be better off without me.”

The words hit you like a punch to the gut, and you struggle to breathe. “Do you really want me to leave? Is that what you want?”

He slams his fist into the wall, leaving a dent. “No! But I can’t stand the thought of you wasting your time on someone like me.”

You step closer, your voice softer now but no less intense. “Minho, look at me. Please.”

He reluctantly turns, his eyes red-rimmed and filled with despair. “Why can’t you see it? I’m broken. I’m scared all the time that you’ll see what a mess I am and leave.”

You reach out, your hand trembling, and cup his face. “I’m not going anywhere. I love you, even when you’re a mess. Especially when you’re a mess.”

He pulls away, his voice breaking. “But why? Why would you stay? Everyone else left when they saw the real me.”

Your heart breaks at his words, the raw pain in his voice cutting deep. “Because I’m not them. I’m not going to leave you just because things get tough. I want to be here for you, Minho. I want to help you.”

He laughs bitterly, wiping at his tears with the back of his hand. “You can’t fix me. No one can.”

“I’m not trying to fix you,” you whisper, stepping closer again. “I just want to love you. Is that so hard to accept?”

He looks at you, his expression a mixture of anger and sorrow. “Yes, it is. Because I don’t feel worthy of your love.”

You take a deep breath, trying to steady your voice. “But you are. You’re worth everything to me.”

He collapses onto the bed, burying his face in his hands. “I wish I could believe that.”

You sit beside him, placing a hand on his back. “We can work through this together. We can find a way.”

He looks up at you, his eyes filled with hopelessness. “What if we can’t? What if I drag you down with me?”

“Then we’ll figure it out,” you say firmly. “But I’m not giving up on you, Minho. Not now, not ever.”

- - -

One night, you find him sitting on the balcony, staring out into the darkness. You join him, the cool night air doing little to soothe the tension between you.

“What are you thinking about?” you ask softly.

He doesn’t look at you, his voice barely above a whisper. “How easy it would be for you to leave.”

You feel a pang of hurt but try to keep your voice calm. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ve told you that.”

He finally turns to you, his eyes filled with unshed tears. “But what if one day you wake up and realize I’m not worth it? That all this pain and struggle isn’t worth it?”

You take his hand, squeezing it tightly. “Minho, I won’t lie to you. It’s hard sometimes. But I love you, and that makes it worth it. We’ll get through this.”

He shakes his head, pulling his hand away. “I don’t deserve you.”

“You do,” you insist, your voice breaking. “You deserve to be loved and cared for. You deserve happiness.”

He stands up abruptly, pacing back and forth. “No, I don’t. I’m a mess. I’m scared all the time. I push you away because I can’t stand the thought of you realizing I’m not worth it and leaving.”

You stand up too, blocking his path. “Minho, stop. Just stop. You’re not alone in this. I’m here, and I want to be here. Please, let me help you.”

He looks at you, his eyes filled with anguish. “How? How can you help me when I can’t even help myself?”

“We can get through this together,” you say desperately. “We can find help, talk to someone. We can do whatever it takes, but you have to let me in.”

He collapses back onto the chair, his head in his hands. “I’m so scared,” he whispers.

You kneel beside him, wrapping your arms around him. “I know. But you don’t have to be scared alone. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

It won’t be easy, but with love and patience, you know you can help Minho heal. And maybe, just maybe, one day he’ll believe that he’s worth it too.

It’s one of those lazy Friday nights where you and Jisung find yourselves sprawled out on the couch in his tiny dorm room, the glow of the TV casting flickering shadows on the walls. You’ve been best friends since forever, practically inseparable since kindergarten. Through thick and thin, middle school drama, and high school shenanigans, you’ve always had each other’s backs. Now, as college freshmen, nothing’s really changed. Except, you guess, everything has changed.

Jisung throws a popcorn kernel in the air, trying to catch it in his mouth, and predictably misses, the kernel bouncing off his forehead. You laugh, a genuine, belly-shaking laugh that only Jisung can pull out of you. “Nice catch, genius,” you tease, nudging him with your foot.

“Hey, I almost had it,” he grumbles, reaching for another handful of popcorn and munching it absentmindedly. He’s wearing that stupid old hoodie you got him for his birthday two years ago, the one that’s now slightly too small but he refuses to stop wearing. It makes you smile.

“You know,” you start, the words coming out before you can stop them, “you look ridiculous in that hoodie.”

Jisung raises an eyebrow, turning his head to look at you, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Oh yeah? Well, you look ridiculous in general.”

You stick your tongue out at him, a playful scowl on your face. “Real mature, Sungie.”

He grins, that boyish, heart-melting grin that makes your stomach do stupid flips. “You love it.”

Damn it, I do, you think, but instead you just roll your eyes and settle back into the couch. Your heart’s doing that thing again, the weird fluttering that it’s been doing a lot lately whenever you’re around him. It’s annoying and confusing and you don’t like it one bit.

“So, what’s on the agenda tonight, Your Majesty?” he asks, kicking his feet up on the coffee table.

You shrug, pretending to be more interested in the TV than in him. “Dunno. I was thinking maybe we could watch that new horror movie? The one everyone’s been talking about.”

Jisung groans dramatically. “Ugh, you know I hate horror movies. They give me nightmares.”

“You’re such a baby,” you say, laughing. “Fine, we can watch something else. But you owe me.”

He narrows his eyes at you. “Owe you what?”

“Uh, I dunno. A favor. I’ll cash it in later,” you say, wiggling your eyebrows.

Jisung snorts. “Yeah, sure, whatever. Let’s just watch something not scary, okay?”

You both end up settling on a rom-com, something light and fluffy that neither of you really have to pay attention to. The night wears on, the movie serving more as background noise as you two fall into your usual banter, teasing and joking and just being you. It’s comfortable, easy, like slipping into a pair of well-worn shoes.

But then, out of nowhere, Jisung starts tickling you. It’s something he’s done a million times before, but this time it feels different. Maybe it’s the way his hands linger just a second too long, or the way his eyes look at you with an intensity that makes your breath catch. You squirm, trying to get away, but he’s relentless.

“Jisung, stop!” you gasp, laughing so hard your sides hurt. “I swear to god, if you don’t stop, I’m gonna—”

“You’re gonna what?” he challenges, his face inches from yours, his breath warm against your skin.

And just like that, the air between you changes. It’s charged, electric, and you can feel your heart pounding in your chest. You stare at him, your best friend, your platonic soulmate, and all you can think about is how badly you want to kiss him.

His eyes flicker down to your lips, and for a moment, you think he might kiss you too. But then he pulls back, his face flushed, and you can’t tell if it’s from the tickling or something else.

“Sorry,” he mutters, sitting back and running a hand through his hair. “Got a little carried away there.”

You swallow hard, trying to ignore the disappointment gnawing at you. “Yeah, no problem. Just… maybe don’t tickle me to death next time.”

He laughs, but it’s not the carefree laugh from before. It’s strained, like he’s trying too hard. “Noted. So, um, what now?”

You take a deep breath, trying to steady yourself. “I dunno. Want to just… talk for a bit?”

Jisung nods, his eyes meeting yours, and for a second, you think you see something there, something that mirrors what you’re feeling. But then he looks away, and the moment’s gone.

You talk about everything and nothing, about classes and friends and random stupid things that make you both laugh. But underneath it all, there’s this undercurrent of tension, this thing between you that neither of you is brave enough to acknowledge.

Hours pass, the movie long forgotten, and you find yourself lying on the couch, your head resting on Jisung’s shoulder. It’s comfortable, familiar, but at the same time, it feels like you’re on the edge of something terrifying and wonderful.

“Hey, Y/N,” he says softly, breaking the silence.

“Yeah?” you reply, your voice barely above a whisper.

“Do you ever think about… us?” he asks, his words hesitant, unsure.

Your heart skips a beat. “What do you mean?”

He takes a deep breath, his fingers tracing patterns on your arm. “I mean, like… more than friends. Do you ever think about it?”

Your mind races, a thousand thoughts and feelings crashing into each other. “Yeah,” you admit, your voice trembling. “I think about it all the time.”

Jisung is silent for a moment, and you can feel your pulse pounding in your ears. “Me too,” he finally says, his voice barely audible.

You turn to look at him, your eyes meeting his. “Really?”

He nods, his eyes searching yours. “Yeah. And it’s scary as hell, because I don’t want to lose what we have. But at the same time, I can’t stop thinking about what we could have.”

Your heart feels like it’s about to burst. “Jisung, I—”

But before you can finish, his lips are on yours, soft and hesitant and everything you’ve ever wanted. It’s like the world fades away, and all that exists is the two of you, finally crossing that line you’d been too afraid to acknowledge.

When you finally pull away, you’re both breathless, your foreheads resting against each other. “Wow,” you whisper, a smile tugging at your lips.

“Yeah,” he agrees, his own smile matching yours. “Wow.”

And in that moment, you know that no matter what happens, everything’s going to be okay. Because you have each other, and that’s all that really matters.

BANG CHAN:

LEE KNOW (MINHO):

SEO CHANGBIN:

HWANG HYUNJIN:

HAN JISUNG:

LEE FELIX:

KIM SEUNGMIN:

YANG JEONGIN (I.N):

Changbin was always so affectionate. Sweet pet names, little gifts, constant hand-holding—he was the whole package. You loved it, really, but sometimes it was fun to mess with him a little. Today was one of those days.

As soon as you woke up, you knew it was game on. Changbin was already up, probably making breakfast like the sweetheart he was. You dragged yourself out of bed, smirking to yourself as you plotted your prank.

In the kitchen, Changbin turned around, grinning when he saw you. “Good morning, babe,” he said, moving in for a kiss. You swiftly turned your head, making him land a peck on your cheek instead. 

“Morning, Bin,” you replied, as if nothing was amiss.

He pulled back, eyebrows furrowed. “What was that?”

“What was what?” you asked, trying to keep your face innocent as you grabbed a piece of toast.

“You dodged my kiss,” he said, pouting slightly.

“Oh, did I?” You shrugged nonchalantly. “Didn’t notice.”

The rest of the day was a masterclass in avoidance. You’d turn your head, duck under his arm, even pretend to sneeze—anything to dodge those lips. Each time, Changbin’s pout grew more pronounced, his sulkiness reaching new levels.

At lunch, he tried again. “Come on, babe, just one kiss?”

You shook your head, grinning. “Nope, I’m good.”

“Seriously? Not even a little one?” His eyes were wide, pleading.

“Not happening, Bin.”

He crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair. “You’re so mean.”

By the time dinner rolled around, he was desperate. You were both curled up on the couch, a movie playing that neither of you were really watching. Changbin kept glancing over at you, his expression a mix of frustration and sadness. 

“Baby,” he whined, stretching out the word. “Please.”

“Nope.” You popped the ‘p’ for emphasis.

He groaned, flopping dramatically against the couch. “Why are you doing this to me?”

“Doing what?” you asked innocently, batting your eyelashes at him.

“You know what,” he shot back, glaring. “You’ve been avoiding my kisses all day. I can’t stand it anymore.”

You bit your lip to keep from laughing. “Aw, poor baby.”

“Yes, poor baby!” he said, his voice rising in mock outrage. “I need my kisses. I’m gonna die without them.”

“You’ll survive,” you teased, poking his side.

He caught your hand, holding it tightly. “I’m not so sure. You’re being really cruel, you know that?”

You leaned in close, your lips just inches from his. He inhaled sharply, eyes locked on yours. “Am I?” you whispered.

“Uh-huh,” he breathed, eyes fluttering shut as he waited for the kiss. But just before your lips touched, you pulled away again. 

Changbin let out a strangled noise, looking like a kicked puppy. “You’re evil.”

You giggled, patting his cheek. “Maybe a little.”

He stared at you, a mixture of determination and desperation in his eyes. “Okay, that’s it. I’m begging now. Please, please, please, just kiss me. I’ll do anything.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Anything?”

“Anything,” he promised, nodding vigorously.

You let him stew for a moment longer, enjoying the sight of his adorably sulky face. Then, finally, you relented. “Alright, come here.”

Changbin didn’t waste a second. He grabbed your face gently but firmly, pulling you in for the most dramatic, over-the-top kiss you’d ever shared. When he finally pulled back, he was grinning from ear to ear. 

“Worth the wait?” you asked, breathless.

“Totally,” he said, nuzzling your nose. “But if you ever do that again, I swear I’ll...”

“You’ll what?” you challenged, raising an eyebrow.

“I’ll pout even more,” he threatened, narrowing his eyes.

You laughed, wrapping your arms around his neck. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

As you settled back into his arms, Changbin sighed contentedly, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. “Love you, even when you’re being a brat.”

“Love you too, even when you’re being a baby.”

“Hey!” he protested, but the smile on his face said he didn’t mind one bit.

BANG CHAN:

When you tell Chan the news, he’s floored. His eyes go wide, and he pulls you into a tight hug, lifting you off your feet. “Babe, we’re having a baby?!” He can’t stop smiling and keeps repeating, “We’re gonna be parents!”

Chan starts fussing over you immediately. “Have you eaten? Are you feeling okay? Do you need anything?” He makes sure you’re comfortable and insists on accompanying you to every doctor’s appointment.

He spends hours curating the perfect playlist of calming and happy songs for you and the baby. “Music is important, it’ll help them grow smart and strong,” he says, placing headphones gently on your belly.

LEE KNOW (MINHO):

Minho’s usual cool demeanor shatters. He’s stunned into silence for a moment before breaking into a huge grin. “Really? I’m going to be a dad?” His voice is soft, almost disbelieving.

He immediately takes over kitchen duties, making sure you’re eating well. “You’re eating for two now, gotta make sure our baby gets the best,” he says while whipping up your favorite dish.

You catch him talking to your belly when he thinks you’re asleep. “Hey little one, it’s your dad. Can’t wait to meet you.” His voice is tender, filled with love.

SEO CHANGBIN:

Changbin’s reaction is loud and enthusiastic. “Holy crap! We’re having a baby?!” He laughs, lifting you off the ground and spinning you around.

He becomes super attentive to your health, creating workout routines that are safe for you. “Gotta keep you fit and strong, both of you,” he says, guiding you through gentle exercises.

He’s already thinking of baby names and loves discussing them with you. “What do you think of Binnie Jr.?” He’s half-joking, but his excitement is contagious.

HWANG HYUNJIN:

Hyunjin’s eyes fill with tears, and he pulls you into a gentle embrace. “I can’t believe it… we’re having a baby,” he whispers, his voice choked with emotion.

He starts painting and drawing for the baby’s room. “I want them to be surrounded by beauty from the moment they arrive,” he explains, showing you his latest creation.

He’s incredibly affectionate, always touching your belly and talking to the baby. “Hi little one, it’s your daddy. We love you so much already.”

HAN JISUNG:

Han laughs in disbelief at first. “No way! Are you serious? We’re really having a baby?” Once it sinks in, he’s all smiles and hugs.

He keeps you laughing with his jokes and antics. “Our baby is going to have the funniest dad ever,” he promises, making silly faces at your belly.

He writes songs for you and the baby, serenading you both with his guitar. “This is a lullaby just for our little one,” he says, strumming softly.

LEE FELIX:

Felix’s eyes well up, and he pulls you close. “This is the best news ever,” he says, his voice thick with emotion. “I can’t wait to be a dad.”

He goes on a baking spree, making all your favorite treats. “You’re eating for two now, gotta keep you happy and fed,” he says, handing you a freshly baked cookie.

Felix is incredibly loving and attentive, always checking on you and showering you with affection. “You and our baby are my everything,” he says, kissing your forehead.

KIM SEUNGMIN:

Seungmin is initially speechless, processing the news with wide eyes. “Wow, we’re really having a baby,” he finally says, a smile slowly spreading across his face.

He dives into research, reading everything about pregnancy and parenting. “We need to be prepared,” he explains, showing you an article on prenatal care.

Seungmin’s care is quiet but constant, always making sure you’re comfortable and well. “I’m here for you, every step of the way,” he promises, holding your hand.

YANG JEONGIN (I.N):

Jeongin’s reaction is pure excitement, jumping up and down. “We’re gonna be parents! This is amazing!”

He becomes extra cuddly, always wanting to be close to you and the baby. “I just wanna be near you both all the time,” he says, snuggling up to you.

He loves talking about the future and what kind of parents you’ll be. “Our kid’s gonna have the coolest mom ever,” he assures you, a huge smile on his face.

You’re sitting on the couch, legs pulled up to your chest, staring blankly at the TV that’s playing some show you can’t even begin to focus on. Your mind is a whirlwind of thoughts, all negative, and you can’t seem to catch a break. Felix is in the kitchen, probably making some midnight snacks. He always knows when you need them.

The ADHD makes everything harder. You hate it—how it makes you forget things, how it makes you feel scattered and unreliable. And then there’s the fact that you can’t have kids. It’s like this dark cloud that follows you around, reminding you of what you can’t give, of what you lack.

The tears come without warning, hot and heavy. You bury your face in your knees, hoping to stifle the sobs, but Felix hears. He always does.

He’s by your side in an instant, dropping down on his knees beside you. “Hey, hey, what’s wrong, love?” His voice is soft, filled with concern. You shake your head, unable to put it into words. How do you even begin to explain the storm inside your head?

Felix doesn’t push. He never does. Instead, he scoots closer, wrapping his arms around you. “It’s okay,” he whispers. “You’re okay.” He strokes your hair, his touch gentle and comforting. You let yourself lean into him, feeling his warmth, his steadiness.

“I just... I hate myself sometimes,” you manage to choke out. “The ADHD, and... and the fact that I can’t have kids. It’s all just... too much.”

Felix pulls back a bit, just enough to look you in the eyes. His brow furrows with worry, but there’s so much love in his gaze. “Don’t say that,” he murmurs. “You’re amazing, you know that? And ADHD? It’s just a part of you. It doesn’t define you.”

“But it feels like it does,” you whisper, tears streaming down your face. “And not having kids... it’s like I’m broken.”

“You’re not broken,” Felix says firmly. “You’re perfect just the way you are. And I’m not going anywhere, okay? I’m here. Always.”

His words are a balm to your aching heart. You sniffle, trying to smile through the tears. “You say that now, but what if you change your mind?”

Felix’s expression softens even more, if that’s even possible. He reaches into his pocket, and your breath catches when you see what he’s holding. It’s a small, velvet box. 

“I wasn’t going to do this like... this,” he says with a chuckle, a bit of nervousness in his voice. “I had this whole plan, but... maybe this is the right moment after all.” He opens the box, revealing a simple, yet stunning ring.

Your heart stops. “Felix...”

“I was going to propose soon anyway,” he says, eyes never leaving yours. “But I think now is as good a time as any. I love you, with all my heart, ADHD and everything. And the kid thing... we’ll figure it out. There are other ways to have a family if that’s what we want. But right now, all I want is you. Forever. Will you marry me?”

The tears start up again, but this time they’re happy ones. You nod, unable to speak, and throw your arms around him. “Yes,” you finally manage to whisper against his neck. “Yes, yes, yes!”

Felix slips the ring onto your finger, and it fits perfectly. He pulls you close, holding you like he never wants to let go. “I love you,” he murmurs into your hair. “So much.”

“I love you too,” you reply, feeling a warmth spread through your chest, pushing away the darkness. 

You stay like that for a long time, wrapped up in each other, hearts beating in sync. The world outside fades away, and all that matters is this moment, this love that you share. Felix’s love is like a shield, protecting you from the harshness of your own thoughts. With him by your side, you feel like you can face anything.

It’s not a perfect fairy tale. There will be hard days, days when the ADHD feels like too much, when the reality of not having kids stings a little more. But with Felix, you know you’ll get through it. Together, you can handle anything.

And that’s more than enough.

You walk into the arcade with Jisung by your side, the neon lights reflecting off his bright smile. Chan and his girlfriend are already inside, waving enthusiastically. The air buzzes with excitement, laughter, and the constant clattering of game machines.

“Finally! We thought you guys got lost or something,” Chan jokes, wrapping an arm around his girlfriend’s shoulders.

“Please, we were just fashionably late,” Jisung retorts, his arm snug around your waist. “Ready to lose?”

“Oh, it’s on,” Chan grins. “Losers buy dinner, right?”

You nod, feeling the competitive fire in your belly. “Prepare your wallet, Chan.”

The first game is basketball hoops. You and Jisung face off against Chan and his girlfriend. Jisung winks at you, his confidence infectious. 

“Okay, babe, show ’em what you got,” Jisung encourages, squeezing your hand.

You take a deep breath and start shooting. The balls fly out of your hands in a blur, and you manage to sink a few good shots. Jisung, meanwhile, is a machine, sinking basket after basket with ease.

“Yes! That’s my girl!” he shouts, pulling you into a hug, his lips brushing against your temple.

Chan’s girlfriend isn’t too shabby either, and she and Chan are racking up points fast. It’s neck and neck, but in the end, Jisung’s steady aim pulls you both ahead.

“Ha! In your face!” Jisung crows, doing a little victory dance. You join in, laughing as he twirls you around.

“Alright, alright, you won this one,” Chan admits, feigning defeat. “Next game!”

You move on to the air hockey table. Chan insists on a rematch, and you can see the determination in his eyes. You and Jisung huddle close, strategizing.

“Just keep hitting it towards Chan’s left side,” Jisung whispers, his breath warm against your ear. “He’s terrible there.”

You nod, determined. The puck flies back and forth in a flurry of intense concentration. Each time you score, Jisung’s whoops fill the air, followed by a quick kiss on your cheek.

“You got this, babe! One more point!”

You give it your all and, with a final swift move, score the winning point. Jisung lifts you off the ground in a bear hug, peppering your face with kisses. 

“Attagirl, you got this!” he exclaims, grinning from ear to ear.

Chan throws his hands up in mock despair. “I can’t believe this. Next game!”

You move from game to game, the stakes growing higher with each round. Skee-ball, racing games, whack-a-mole. You and Jisung are in sync, teasing and cheering each other on, sharing quick hugs and kisses every chance you get.

At one point, during a particularly heated dance game, Jisung accidentally steps on your foot. He immediately stops, concern written all over his face.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry, baby!” he apologizes, crouching down to inspect your foot. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Sungie,” you assure him, giggling at his overreaction. “Just don’t step on me again!”

He stands up, giving you a sheepish smile before pulling you into a hug. “Never. Let’s win this.”

And win you do. By the end of the night, the scoreboard is clear: you and Jisung have won more games than Chan and his girlfriend. Chan groans dramatically, but there’s a playful glint in his eyes.

“Fine, dinner’s on us,” he says, pulling out his wallet. “You guys are too good at this.”

“We’ll try to be gracious winners,” Jisung says, giving you a mischievous look before planting a kiss on your lips.

You all head to a nearby diner, collapsing into the booth in a fit of giggles and exhausted happiness. Jisung sits close to you, his hand never leaving yours. He leans in, his lips brushing against your ear.

“I had so much fun tonight,” he murmurs. “We should do this more often.”

You smile, turning to kiss his cheek. “Definitely. But next time, we’re upping the stakes.”

Jisung laughs, wrapping an arm around your shoulders and pulling you close. “You’re on, babe.”

As you all dig into your food, the conversation flows easily, filled with teasing, laughter, and the warmth of good company. Jisung keeps sneaking kisses, his fingers laced with yours under the table.

By the end of the night, you can’t stop smiling. It’s been a perfect date, full of fun, love, and a healthy dose of competition. And as Jisung walks you home, his arm around your waist and his lips pressed to your forehead, you know there’s no one else you’d rather be with.

You tiptoed through the hallway, a mischievous smile curling on your lips as you heard the faint sounds of Felix’s voice, enthusiastic and animated, drifting from his streaming room. You peeked around the corner, catching sight of him engrossed in his game, headset firmly in place, fingers flying over his keyboard.

He didn’t notice you at first, too focused on his screen, but you couldn’t help yourself. You quietly crept up behind him, placing your hands over his eyes. “Guess who?” you whispered, giggling softly.

Felix’s fingers paused mid-keystroke, a chuckle escaping his lips. “Hmm, let me think… Is it my incredibly cute girlfriend who’s supposed to be studying right now?”

You laughed, moving your hands away and leaning over his shoulder to give him a quick peck on the cheek. “Guilty as charged,” you admitted. “But I needed a break, and I missed you.”

He tilted his head back to look up at you, his eyes softening. “I missed you too, babe. Come here,” he said, patting his lap invitingly.

You didn’t need any more encouragement. Climbing onto his lap, you settled in, wrapping your arms around his neck as he shifted to accommodate you. His arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer as he pressed a kiss to your forehead. “Comfortable?” he asked, a teasing lilt to his voice.

“Very,” you replied, snuggling against him. You rested your head on his shoulder, watching the screen as he resumed his game. His fingers moved deftly, effortlessly, and you were mesmerized by the way he played, so focused and skilled.

“What are you playing?” you asked, your voice a soft murmur against his ear.

“Just a bit of Valorant,” he replied, his eyes never leaving the screen. “The chat’s loving it.”

You glanced at the chat, seeing a flurry of messages reacting to Felix’s gameplay—and to your sudden appearance. “Your girlfriend is so cute! 💛” one message read, while another said, “Awww, our favorite streamer and his girl, goals! 😍”

You couldn’t help but smile. “Your fans seem to like me,” you teased.

Felix grinned, glancing at the chat briefly. “Of course they do. They have good taste,” he said, giving you a quick squeeze. “But I like you more.”

You felt your cheeks warm, and you buried your face in his neck to hide your blush. “You’re so cheesy,” you mumbled, but you couldn’t hide the smile in your voice.

“And you love it,” he shot back, pressing another kiss to your temple. His attention returned to the game, but his free hand remained on your waist, fingers tracing lazy patterns against your skin. The rhythmic motion, combined with the steady hum of his voice and the soft glow of the screen, started to lull you into a peaceful daze.

You fought to keep your eyes open, not wanting to miss a moment of this rare, quiet time with Felix. But the warmth of his embrace, the comfort of his presence, and the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathed began to pull you under. You yawned, nestling closer to him.

Felix glanced down at you, his expression softening even more. “Sleepy?” he asked, his voice a low murmur.

“A little,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. “Can I stay here?”

“Of course, love,” he said, his voice as soft as his touch. “I’ve got you.”

You sighed contentedly, your eyes drifting shut as you let yourself relax completely. Felix’s heartbeat was a soothing rhythm under your ear, and the sounds of his game faded into the background. You felt his cheek rest against your head, and the gentle pressure of his hold reassured you, wrapping you in a cocoon of warmth and safety.

Time seemed to blur as you hovered on the edge of sleep. You were dimly aware of Felix’s voice, still chatting with his viewers, but it was distant, like a lullaby. His fingers never stopped their gentle tracing on your waist, each touch sending waves of comfort through you.

Finally, you let go, slipping into a peaceful slumber, your breathing evening out as you nestled closer to Felix. You were vaguely aware of his soft chuckle, the tender way he adjusted his hold on you, making sure you were as comfortable as possible.

“Looks like she’s out,” you heard him say softly, probably to the chat. “Guess I’m stuck here for a while. Not that I’m complaining.”

The chat erupted with comments again, but you were too far gone to care. All that mattered was the warmth of Felix’s embrace, the steady beat of his heart, and the overwhelming feeling of love that surrounded you.

As you drifted deeper into sleep, you felt Felix’s lips press a final, feather-light kiss to your forehead. “Sweet dreams, baby,” he whispered. “I love you.”

And with that, you surrendered completely to the comforting darkness, secure in the knowledge that you were exactly where you belonged—safe and sound in Felix’s arms.

The day before your wedding, you can’t help but feel a buzz of excitement and nervousness. You've waited for this moment for so long, and now it's almost here. You and Chan have been inseparable since you met, and tomorrow was supposed to be the start of your forever. But when you wake up that morning, something feels off.

You stretch out your hand, expecting to find Chan beside you, but the bed is cold. Frowning, you sit up, scanning the room for any sign of him. That’s when you see it—a note on his pillow. Your heart sinks as you reach for it, hands trembling.

You stare at the words, not comprehending. Had to leave? What does that even mean? Panic starts to rise in your chest as you read the note over and over again, hoping it will magically change or offer some explanation. But it doesn’t.

You grab your phone and dial his number, but it goes straight to voicemail. “Chan, what the hell is going on? Where are you? Call me back, please,” you plead, trying to keep your voice steady.

Hours pass, and still no word from Chan. You call his friends, his family, anyone who might know where he is, but no one has seen him. Every minute feels like an eternity, and the worry is gnawing at your insides.

By afternoon, your concern turns to anger. How could he do this to you? The day before your wedding, no less. You pace the living room, clutching your phone, willing it to ring. When it finally does, you almost drop it in your haste to answer.

“Hello?”

“Y/N.” It’s Chan’s voice, but it sounds strained.

“Chan! Where are you? What’s going on?” The questions spill out before you can stop them.

“I... I’m sorry, Y/N. I just... I need some time to think.”

“Think? About what? We’re getting married tomorrow!”

There’s a long pause, and you can hear him take a deep breath. “I know. I just... I’m not sure if I’m ready.”

The words hit you like a punch to the gut. “Not ready? Are you fucking kidding me, Chan? We’ve been planning this for months! Why are you doing this now?”

“I didn’t want to hurt you,” he says quietly.

“Well, guess what? You did hurt me. A lot. And you could’ve talked to me instead of just disappearing.”

“I’m so sorry,” he repeats, but it feels hollow. “I just... I need to figure some things out.”

You hang up, tears streaming down your face. Why would he do this to you? You feel a mix of hurt and rage, your emotions swinging wildly. Part of you wants to find him and demand answers, while another part of you just wants to curl up and cry.

The rest of the day is a blur. You cancel the rehearsal dinner, making up excuses for why Chan isn’t there. Your friends and family try to comfort you, but nothing they say can ease the pain.

That night, you lie in bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying every moment you’ve shared with Chan. You wonder where it all went wrong. Was it something you did? Something you said? The uncertainty is maddening.

The next morning, you wake up to a flurry of text messages. One stands out—it’s from Chan.

You hesitate, fingers hovering over the screen. Part of you wants to ignore him, to make him feel the pain you’re feeling. But the other part of you needs answers.

You arrive at the little park where you and Chan have shared so many memories. He’s sitting on the bench, looking more miserable than you’ve ever seen him. When he sees you, he stands up, but you hold up a hand to stop him.

“Just... explain,” you say, keeping your distance.

He takes a deep breath. “I’ve been freaking out, Y/N. The thought of forever, it just... it scared me. I started doubting everything, and I didn’t know how to tell you.”

“So you ran away instead? That’s real mature, Chan.”

“I know, I know. It was stupid. But I love you, and the idea of losing you terrified me even more.”

You can see the sincerity in his eyes, but the hurt is still too fresh. “You could’ve talked to me. We could’ve worked through it together.”

He nods, looking down. “I’m sorry. I should’ve. I was just so scared of disappointing you, of not being enough.”

You step closer, your anger softening a little. “Chan, we’re supposed to be a team. If you’re scared or unsure, you need to tell me. We face things together, remember?”

He looks up, tears in his eyes. “I remember. And I’m so sorry I forgot that. I promise, I’ll never run away again.”

You take a deep breath, the weight of the past day starting to lift. “This isn’t going to be easy, you know. We’ve got a lot to talk about, and it’s going to take time to rebuild that trust.”

“I know. And I’m willing to do whatever it takes,” he says, stepping closer.

You nod, feeling a small glimmer of hope. “Okay. Let’s start with talking.”

You spend the next few hours sitting on that bench, talking about everything. The doubts, the fears, the future. It’s raw and emotional, but it’s also healing. By the end of it, you both feel a bit lighter.

When you finally stand up, Chan reaches for your hand. “So, about that wedding...”

You give him a small smile. “Let’s take it one day at a time. We’ll get there when we’re both ready.”

And for the first time since you found that note, you believe it.

You’re in a dimly lit recording studio, hidden away from the prying eyes of the world. The place is familiar, almost like a second home, except for one crucial detail: this is where you and Jisung have been sneaking off to. You glance over at him as he tinkers with the mixing board, his face illuminated by the soft glow of the computer screen. He catches your eye and shoots you a quick wink, causing your heart to skip a beat.

“Hey, love,” he murmurs, his voice low and teasing. “Pass me the headphones?”

You slide them over, your fingers brushing against his for a fleeting moment. The touch sends a shiver down your spine, and you wonder how long you can keep this secret from the rest of the team. It’s not that you want to hide your relationship, but you know how chaotic things can get with everyone involved.

Suddenly, the door bursts open, and Chan strides in, his usual confident swagger in place. He freezes mid-step when he sees you and Jisung huddled together.

“Uh, am I interrupting something?” he asks, eyebrow raised.

You both jump apart like you’ve been electrocuted, and Jisung clears his throat awkwardly. “Nope, just, uh, working on a new track.”

Chan’s eyes narrow, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips. “Right. Working. Sure.” He gives you a pointed look before sauntering out, leaving you both in a flustered silence.

“Well, that was close,” you mutter, trying to steady your racing heart.

Jisung chuckles, wrapping an arm around your shoulders. “Don’t worry, babe. We just need to be more careful.”

The next day, you’re in the kitchen, trying to make coffee without waking up the whole house. Jisung sneaks up behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist. You lean into his touch, a content sigh escaping your lips.

“Morning,” he whispers, pressing a soft kiss to your neck.

“Morning,” you reply, turning to kiss him properly.

Just as your lips meet, the door swings open again. This time, it’s Felix, his hair a mess and his eyes half-closed. He stops dead in his tracks, blinking rapidly as if he’s not sure he’s really seeing this.

“Oh my God,” Felix says, his voice a mixture of disbelief and amusement. “Are you two...?”

You and Jisung spring apart again, but it’s too late. Felix is already grinning like the Cheshire cat. “This is gold. I can’t wait to tell the others.”

“Felix, no!” you plead, but he’s already out the door, cackling.

Later, you’re sitting in the living room, pretending to watch TV, but your mind is elsewhere. Jisung is next to you, his hand discreetly resting on your thigh. You’re trying to act natural when Seungmin strolls in, phone in hand.

He takes one look at you two and snorts. “You guys are terrible at hiding this, you know?”

Jisung tries to play it cool. “Hiding what?”

Seungmin rolls his eyes. “Please, I’ve seen more subtlety in a sledgehammer. Just be glad it’s me and not someone with a camera.”

Your face heats up, and you bury it in Jisung’s shoulder, mumbling something about how you’re trying your best. Jisung just laughs, pulling you closer.

As the day goes on, you and Jisung keep getting caught. Jeongin walks in on you sharing a secret kiss in the hallway and immediately turns on his heel, muttering about how he didn’t need to see that. Hyunjin catches you holding hands under the table and just smirks, giving you a knowing look. Even Minho, who’s usually oblivious to everything, notices the way you and Jisung look at each other and shakes his head with a sigh.

Finally, the inevitable happens. You’re in the studio again, thinking you’re safe. Jisung has you pressed against the wall, his lips on yours, when the door flies open. This time, it’s everyone—all of them, standing there with various expressions of shock, amusement, and exasperation.

“Seriously?” Chan groans, rubbing his temples. “Can you two not keep it in your pants for one minute?”

Felix is laughing so hard he’s doubled over, while Hyunjin and Jeongin exchange high-fives. Seungmin just looks resigned, and Minho’s smirk is wider than ever.

You and Jisung separate, both of you blushing furiously. “Well,” you say, trying to salvage some dignity. “Surprise?”

“Yeah, no shit,” Chan says, but he’s smiling now. “Just... next time, maybe lock the door?”

Jisung chuckles, pulling you into his side. “Noted, boss.”

As everyone piles into the room, the teasing starts in earnest. You feel a warmth spreading through you, knowing that even though you’ve been caught, you’re surrounded by people who care about you.

You glance at your watch, groaning internally. It’s barely eight in the morning and you’re already heading to the studio for another day of work. It wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t for the fact that you were going to be working closely with Chan. Again.

It’s not that you dislike Chan. Honestly, how could you? He’s talented, driven, and ridiculously handsome. But from the moment you met him, he’s been nothing but cold and dismissive. It’s like he’s made it his mission to make your life difficult.

As you walk into the studio, you see him already there, his back to you as he fiddles with some equipment. You take a deep breath, plastering a smile on your face. “Morning, Chan!”

He doesn’t turn around. “Morning.”

You suppress a sigh. Another day, another brush-off.

You set your bag down and get to work, trying to ignore the icy atmosphere. The day drags on, the silence between you both filled with nothing but the hum of electronics and the occasional muttered curse from Chan.

Finally, after what feels like hours, you manage to get him to talk. “Hey, Chan, can you listen to this track? I think it needs something, but I can’t figure out what.”

He looks up, eyebrows raised. “You want my opinion?”

“Uh, yeah. You’re one of the best producers here,” you say, trying not to sound too sarcastic. He might be a jerk, but you still need his input.

He listens to the track, his expression unreadable. “It needs more bass. And the vocals are too soft. They need to be more upfront.”

You nod, making notes. “Got it. Thanks.”

The rest of the day goes by in much the same way, but you notice something strange. Every time you ask for his help, he gives it without complaint. And every now and then, you catch him watching you, a strange look in his eyes.

***

As the weeks go by, things start to change. It’s subtle at first. He starts offering his help without being asked. He brings you coffee in the mornings, saying it’s just because he’s getting one for himself anyway. He even starts making small talk.

One day, as you’re both working late, he surprises you. “Hey, do you want to grab some dinner after this?”

You blink, taken aback. “Uh, sure. That sounds great!”

You end up at a little diner, talking and laughing like old friends. It’s the first time you’ve seen him genuinely smile, and it takes your breath away.

“You know,” he says, looking down at his plate, “I don’t actually hate you.”

You laugh, but it’s a little shaky. “Could’ve fooled me.”

He looks up, his eyes serious. “I’m... I’m not good at this. At feelings. I’ve liked you since the day we met, but I didn’t know how to act around you. I thought being distant would make it easier.”

Your heart skips a beat. “You like me?”

He nods, looking almost shy. “Yeah. A lot.”

You reach across the table, taking his hand. “I like you too, Chan. A lot.”

***

From that night on, things change even more. You’re not just coworkers anymore. You’re friends. And, slowly, you become something more.

There are late nights at the studio where he pulls you into his lap, kissing you softly as you work.

It’s nearly midnight, and you and Chan are the only ones left in the studio. The room is dimly lit, the glow from the computer screens casting a soft light over everything. You’re both exhausted, but there’s still work to be done. You’re hunched over your laptop, tweaking some last-minute details on a track, when you feel his presence behind you.

“Hey, take a break,” he murmurs, his voice low and husky from hours of talking and singing.

“I just need to finish this part,” you reply, not looking up. “Almost done.”

He sighs, but there’s a smile in his voice. “Alright, Miss Perfectionist.”

You hear him move around, and then suddenly, you’re being lifted out of your chair. “Chan!” you yelp, but he just laughs, pulling you into his lap as he sits back down.

“Relax,” he says, his arms wrapping around you. “You’ve been working too hard.”

You lean back against him, feeling the warmth of his body seep into yours. “I just want everything to be perfect.”

“I know,” he says, his lips brushing against your ear. “But you need to take care of yourself too.”

You tilt your head, looking up at him. “And what about you? You’ve been working just as hard.”

He grins, leaning down to press a soft kiss to your lips. “I’m taking care of myself right now.”

You smile, your heart fluttering. “Okay, fine. Five-minute break.”

“Good,” he says, his lips trailing down your neck. “Because I need more of this.”

You close your eyes, losing yourself in the feeling of his lips on your skin, the warmth of his arms around you. In that moment, all the stress and exhaustion melts away, leaving just the two of you, wrapped up in each other.

Then, there are lazy Sundays spent cuddling on the couch, watching movies and stealing kisses.

It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon, and you’re both sprawled on the couch, watching a movie. Chan’s arm is draped over your shoulders, and your head rests against his chest. The movie is some cheesy rom-com, but neither of you are really paying attention. You’re too busy stealing kisses and laughing at each other’s jokes.

“Hey, pay attention,” you say, swatting his hand away as he tries to tickle you. “This is the best part.”

“Oh, really?” he teases, his fingers brushing against your side again. “What happens?”

You laugh, trying to squirm away. “Stop! You’ll see.”

He grins, finally relenting. “Alright, alright. I’ll behave.”

You settle back against him, feeling his heartbeat against your cheek. It’s moments like this that make everything worth it. The late nights, the long hours, all of it. Because at the end of the day, you have this. You have him.

“You know,” he says suddenly, his voice soft, “I could get used to this.”

You look up at him, surprised. “What, lazy Sundays?”

He shakes his head, his eyes serious. “No. Us. Being together like this.”

Your heart skips a beat. “Me too.”

He smiles, leaning down to kiss you. It’s slow and sweet, full of all the things he can’t put into words. And you know, without a doubt, that you feel the same way.

Then, there are also mornings where you wake up tangled together, his arms around you and his breath warm against your neck.

The first rays of sunlight are just starting to filter through the curtains when you wake up. You’re tangled in the sheets, Chan’s arm draped over your waist, his breath warm against your neck. You can feel his chest rise and fall with each breath, his body a comforting weight against yours.

You turn your head slightly, just enough to see his face. He looks so peaceful, so different from the grumpy, guarded man you met months ago. You reach up, brushing a strand of hair away from his face, and he stirs, his eyes slowly opening.

“Morning,” he mumbles, his voice thick with sleep.

“Morning,” you reply, smiling. “Sleep well?”

He nods, pulling you closer. “Always do when you’re here.”

You feel your heart swell at his words. “You’re sweet, you know that?”

He chuckles, his lips brushing against your shoulder. “Only for you.”

You laugh, rolling over to face him. “Lucky me.”

“Yeah,” he says, his eyes soft as they meet yours. “Lucky me.”

You lean in, kissing him softly. It’s a slow, lingering kiss, the kind that makes you feel like you’re the only two people in the world. When you finally pull away, you rest your forehead against his, your fingers tracing patterns on his chest.

“I love you,” he whispers, his voice barely audible.

You smile, your heart feeling like it might burst. “I love you too.”

And as you lie there, wrapped up in each other, you know that this is where you’re meant to be. With him. Always.

***

One evening, as you’re sitting on a bench at the park together, he turns to you, his expression serious. “You know, I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. You make me want to be better. For you.”

You smile, your heart swelling. “You already are, Chan. You always have been.”

He kisses you, and it’s slow and sweet, full of all the things he’s never been able to say. And you know, without a doubt, that he loves you.

As the months go by, you can see the change in him. He’s still grumpy and a little rough around the edges, but there’s a softness to him now, a warmth that wasn’t there before. And you know that, no matter what, you’ll always have each other.

One night, as you’re both lying in bed, you turn to him, your fingers tracing patterns on his chest. “Hey, Chan?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m glad we ended up working together. Even if you were a jerk at first.”

He chuckles, pulling you closer. “Me too. And for what it’s worth, I’m sorry. For being a jerk.”

You smile, pressing a kiss to his chest. “You’re forgiven. Just... keep being you. That’s all I need.”

And as you drift off to sleep, wrapped in his arms, you know that you’ve found something special. Something real. And you wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.