#l writes

Your feet drag behind you whilst you walk home, a pit in your stomach as the dark skyline behind you gets smaller and smaller. Today was another bad day, turmoil and concern for what you can’t control turning in your stomach repeatedly. You wish there was an explanation for it but there’s really not. It’s just you and your poor mental health at war with each other again. There is not much to look forward to anymore, only the feeling of your soft bed against your skin once you land in it.

With that lone thought you walk up to your apartment building, entering mindlessly as you’ve done many times before, it’s an almost impossible task to mess up at this point. Heavy legs lead you to the elevator that you ring and walk into you. You find yourself somehow not even worried about seeing your roommates when you get upstairs as you watch the floor numbers change in front of you. In fact you almost smile as you can see their warm faces now greeting you as you get home.

You guys don’t talk much but they’re jovial, always cracking stupid jokes with one another. Something you’ve grown quite fond of despite yourself, despite how hard it is to enjoy the company of others anymore. The warm thought’s nearly enough to make you smell Taehyun’s cooking the moment you walk out and into the hallway. Maybe he used too much seasoning again or maybe you were hopeful that he would be there making a late night snack that he would inevitably offer some of to you. Something that makes life feel a little normal.

You’d probably also overhear Beomgyu cracking jokes at the table behind him, Soobin laughing and then taking them a little too far just to get everyone to laugh as well. To smile regardless of how late it is and tired everyone is. Yeonjun probably isn’t even home yet but if so, he just got back, sitting on the couch and playing some game with Kai on the PS5. The hope for that familiarity sits in your stomach now in a fluttering, comforting way as you unlock the door of your shared apartment, slowly opening the door and entering quietly.

Immediately you’re hit with a whiff of grilled beef, a smile forming on your lips in knowing that Taehyun’s awake regardless of the pure exhaustion within your body. Garlic, onion, thyme and a hint of black pepper fill your nose and as you begin to round the corner you can hear those same familiar voices. Somehow just knowing everything is okay here makes all the difference today. You don’t even think they heard you come in as almost on cue the front door opens up again behind you. It’s Yeonjun, coming home from a long day himself.

He greets you with a smile and nod as you turn around. You both can see the exhaustion on each other’s faces but you don’t comment on it. You never do. It’s a silent thing between you and him you’ve gotten quite used to. He works long hours doing something, you can’t even remember what it is at this point, and he always looks beat. Deep, dark circles under his eyes, constant low energy and a barely there voice when he says something. You’re sure you look similar but yet in a completely different way yourself and you do.

He knows about your poor mental health, they all do, and the shear force you have to use to smile at him tells him all he needs to know in the moment. You’re clearly having a bad day that he refuses to dwell on unless you tell him you wish to. You’ve genuinely never been more appreciative of that nature than you are right now. Passing by you, the others greet him happily, joking about how dead on his feet he is that somehow makes him smile softly. Past his worn out stature though, Beomgyu notices your weary eyes. You look like you’re about to cry and throw up simultaneously.

His steps walk over to you, wrapping his arms around you gently, leaving you space both mentally and physically to refuse his touch if you’d like. Normally you would refuse it, you always say you don’t like hugs but you have no energy to deny it today. He’s warm and smells like light florals, woodsy notes and fabric softener combined. The touch almost breaks you as you whimper softly without thought, something that makes him hold you tighter. His tender hand strokes your hair gently and it’s a quiet moment you didn’t even know you needed. All that is heard is his steady heartbeat confirming that he’s still there with you.

“You want to talk about it?” His voice rings and you shake your head, hands holding onto him tighter than you realized. You slowly let go, not cause he did or told you to but because you figured you should. Your eyes meet his for a brief moment and he smiles, not in friendly way, but in a way of obvious pity. He can’t help but feel pity when he sees your sad, anxious face all worn out. You always look like you’re just struggling to keep breathing nowadays. And you are. More than they know or you wish them to.

Your feet finally step out of the doorway all the way, completely around the corridor and into the combined kitchen and living room area. Taehyun’s muscular frame is at the stove, humming a sweet tune, Yeonjun’s already left to take a shower and Soobin quietly notices your barely there demeanor from the couch. You just assume Kai is in his room until he comes out after hearing everyone and takes a seat next to Soobin. Thoughtlessly you walk into the kitchen, sniffing around. “Smells good.” Your almost nonexistent voice gets out despite everything. The sound making Taehyun turn around.

“It is good.” He confirms, voice gentle when he sees your stormy eyes, “You want some?” You nod, watching as he plates some beef for you. Your shaky hands take it from him as carefully as you can manage, his own hands steading yours subtly. As you’re already taking a bite he says, “I can make some rice too if you’d like.” The growl from your stomach is loud at the suggestion, you were so caught up in your feelings you didn’t realize just how hungry you were. “Yes, please.” You reply politely and he just nods over at the table, urging you to sit down.

The deep exhaustion in your body and soul makes it so you barely get yourself over to said table as you sit down. A low groan can be heard underneath your breath when you’re bottom finally plants down in the seat. You’re trying not to be too obvious as your hands continue to shake at an attempt to eat, luckily the beef is tender and soft. ‘As usual from him’ you think to yourself. Out of the corner of your eye you see Soobin stand up, walking over to the other side of the table. “May I sit?” His deep voice rumbles to make sure he isn’t intruding before taking a seat himself.

You tilt your head up to look at him, face falling on his soft features that contrast his voice and height as he smiles, plump, heart shaped lips turned up slightly. He’s always looked like the physical embodiment of comfort to you. “Yeah, it’s fine.” You claim, still chewing in your cheek. He quickly sits, watching you closely without being too obvious. Something about you today has him realizing maybe they should be closer friends with you. You just haven’t ever really looked like this, sure you look down a lot but right now you truly appear broken inside.

It’s in the way your breathe shudders, the way your hands shake, how you look physically ill, bags under your eyes that suggest you haven’t gotten proper rest in years. It’s deeply concerning if he’s fully honest and it’s growing harder for him to ignore. After a few minutes you hear him ask, “Have you eaten at all today? You know, besides now?” You throat bobs at his question, it’s a bit more speaking to you than you’re used to from him. Honestly? You have to think about it cause you can’t even remember.

“I…” you begin, stumbling over your words, “I’m not sure.” He nods, understanding you’re probably too tired and depressed to know how much food has gone in your body today. Hell, you probably don’t even know how you got through your shift. You continue to eat as silence washes over the two of you, a comfortable one that’s combined with the sounds of cooking in the background. It’s crazy to think you guys barely know each other at the end of the day. Applications for a sixth roommate appeared all over the subway stations only months ago.

You were coming home from work, heading home to your parent’s house, prepared for the long train ride when you saw the little flyer taped to the pole. The cheap price for a room, private bathroom and shared communal area with five men your age in the city, much closer to your job. Of course you had some suspicions. Like - why the hell were they looking for some random stranger to live with them? But the deal was too good and there was a number attached in plain sight so you called anyway.

You quickly learned from Yeonjun on the phone about the reason why, the landlord upped their rent and they were desperate for help. So much so that they were okay with one of them moving out of your current room to let the new roommate have it. He was even nice enough to let you see the space for yourself. The place was surprisingly nice, showing that they all clearly have good jobs, though not good enough for the ridiculous rent increase. But you conveniently happen to make just enough to pay it.

Though of course before you said yes you had to make sure to meet everyone and make sure they were all okay with a woman living with them. I mean, one woman and five men is, an interesting bunking situation to say the least. And you could clearly see they’re all very close so you didn’t really want to intrude. Luckily for you they were all cool with it and have been nothing but gentlemen since. Something you can deeply appreciate on the harder days like today. You quickly got used to the noise and were included in dinner without even being asked. That was nice to you.

Still, sitting across the table, Soobin can’t help but wonder if he can be a better friend. “Umm…” he starts after a few minutes, “Kai and I were gonna play a game together afterwards if you wanna join.” Your head shakes back and forth without thought, that’s the last thing you want to do if you’re being honest. You know he’s just trying to comfort you but you can’t help but feel like a burden in his life right now. He doesn’t really want you there, right? No. He’s just being nice, he really wants you to say no. Or at least, that’s what you think.

“I’m good, thank you.” You say quickly as Taehyun quietly comes over and puts a plate of fried rice in front of you before returning to the kitchen. The smell is nothing if not mouth watering and you pick up the spoon with it to take a bite. Soobin can’t deny that the refusal stings a little, especially since he doesn’t want you to feel like he doesn’t actually want you there. Something he’s can tell you do in fact think. He contemplates if he should say anything for a bit and decides to anyway.

“I do want you there, you know.” He affirms gently. You freeze, stunned that he can read you so well despite how little he knows you. “Soobin…” you say softly as you sit up more, “I really don’t want to intrude on your time with Kai.” As if he was listening in, Kai responds from the couch, “You’re not intruding.” Soobin’s head just nods in confirmation to his friend’s words. You find yourself almost a little chocked up at their gesture for some reason. “You know, if you want…” Taehyun chimes in as he washes dishes from the kitchen, “we can all play a game together. I can call Yeonjun and Beomgyu hyung in.”

Everyone nods collectively, trying to softly encourage you to join them for a group game night. Your eyes though just fall on the clock of the microwave, it reads 10:48pm. Everyone has work tomorrow, you’re not sure if this is genuinely a good idea. “It’s late, guys.” You try and reason as you eat. Really though, you don’t want to bother them with your presence. “Nonsense!” Kai exclaims as he gets up, “The night’s just getting started!” He begins dancing around the table with his phone in hand, playing some random song you’ve never heard before.

Clearly he’s trying to make you laugh as he attempts to throw it back terribly. You can’t even look as the others laugh loudly at the sight, shaking your head. Can’t deny, it is kinda funny. “C’mon y/n! Don’t be such a stick in the mud!” His voice screams over the music and as he gets closer you can’t help but chuckle a little. “Kai, please…” you barely get out through light laughs, “you look ridiculous.” “That’s cause he is.” Taehyun jokes as he comes to sit now that he’s done washing up. You know you should be more loose right now but you can’t bring yourself to do more than give a few laughs.

You cough afterwards into your sleeve, voice suddenly sounding utterly wrecked. “You okay?” Kai asks as he pauses the music and dancing for a moment. “Yeah, I’m fine.” You assure. “Good. Now, emotionally are you okay?” His voice is sweet and caring as he takes a seat next to you. Your spoon of rice stops before making it into your mouth at his blunt question. Completely unsure of how to respond, you just sit there, chewing the bite in your mouth now carefully. Does he really want to know? Can he really handle knowing? You’re almost sure the answer to that is ‘no’.

Still you can’t find yourself to lie so you say, “As okay as I can be.” “But is ‘as okay as I can be’ truly enough anymore?” Soobin interrupts, his voice rough and challenging you, “Was it ever enough?” “I-“ you stutter, shocked. Quickly he backtracks, “Look, I’m sorry with how that came out. Truly I am.” “Just… we can all see you’re not okay and… I know this might be an intense thing to say but… none of us want to wake up to find you gone, you know?” “I’m not gonna move out, Soobin.” You rebuttal. He just looks at you intently, holding strong eye contact. “I don’t mean, moving out, y/n.” Oh.

You just look around at the others as they nod in agreement. “And that’s a genuine concern for everywhere here.” Yeonjun’s tired voice from the hallway cuts through the silence as he enters the room, hair wet from being freshly washed. Great, apparently everyone thinks you’re gonna kill yourself. Shit. “I’m not gonna do anything like that.” You promise and it is actually true, you’re just sad. Unwell. Upset. Deeply troubled in a way you can’t fully explain. In a way that your medicine isn’t helping anymore. You’re not even sure it ever was helping at this point.

“You sure?” Taehyun asks, desperately needing confirmation, “I still need someone to make snacks for.” “You can make me snacks!” Kai exclaims, trying to lighten the mood which makes Taehyun’s eyes shoot daggers at him in a ‘now isn’t the time’ type of way and Kai shrink down in his seat. You sigh, “I’m sure.” And even though you are, it still brings you sadness that you can’t just get out of here that easily. Without a sound Beomgyu enters as well, trying to not bring attention to himself but you notice anyway.

“Does everyone need to be here? Is this some kind of intervention or something?” You ask harshly. “No, it’s not.” He assures you as he sits, “Just heard something about a game.” He lies about the last part, he absolutely was coming out to check on you for himself. “Feels like it…” you mutter unhappily. “Well I’m sorry if any one of us is making you feel that way.” Beomgyu’s voice rings with sincerity and you quickly realize that you’re not really upset with anyone but yourself here. You wish you could help how your eyes well up and tears soon start to fall despite yourself, though you can’t. Just great.

You cover your face into the table, not wanting to be seen by them like this. Nothing to you is more embarrassing than crying in room of five attractive men looking at you. Genuinely makes you rather be anywhere else but here. Now you would rather die. The silence in the room is almost deafening before Yeonjun wraps his tired arms around you from behind. He doesn’t say a word, he just holds you there, being a grounding force you desperately need right now. In almost an instant, the quiet grows more tolerable in his embrace. Less harsh.

The others try not to stare but they can’t help but look with growing concern as your tears fail to stop. You wonder if they’re still there through the water falling, only able to feel Yeonjun’s presence until someone holds your hand firmly. Looking up a little you see it’s Kai, his big hand wrapped around yours as his thumb strokes the back. His hand is soft and warm, smile sweet as he sees your despondent eyes peering at him. “Hey, pretty…” the voice that comes out of him is nothing if not syrupy and thick in the most gentle way possible. Something that makes your heart flutter a little.

“H-hey…” you chuckle awkwardly, wiping your tears with your sleeve, “sorry…” “Don’t be sorry, babydoll.” Yeonjun comforts from behind you, arms still firmly around your waist. “You’re just upset, that’s okay.” A cacophony of ‘yeah’s following after his words. You know they’re right but you still feel bad for breaking down like a child. Never once have you been the type of person to take it easy on yourself and it shows in everything you do. Now somehow they seem as though they don’t mind helping pick up the pieces.

“Look… you must be exhausted after such a long day at work.” Taehyun suggests, “How about we help you get ready for bed?” His voice is gentle and caring, the others nodding in agreement along with him. “And if you want, you can talk about it as we get you ready.” Beomgyu chimes in. You’re not entirely sure what you did to deserve such kindness but you’re not going to turn it down, you don’t really have the energy to even if you wanted. “Okay…” your broken voice gets out in agreement.

Yeonjun’s arms release you and you get up, Soobin walking over and scooping you up into his embrace instead. A little startled noise comes out of your mouth but you don’t protest beyond that as he walks you to your room with the others. Your head rests on his shoulder, legs wrapped around his waist, his arms comforting and strong whilst he carries you with ease. The hallway seems to extend forever before you finally land on your bedroom doorway, though you find you don’t mind. Entering inside, you’re placed delicately on the end of your bed.

Slowly he removes his arms and you untangle yourself as you look up. There’s five friendly faces looking back at you, making you feel as if you’re the only person in the world right now. It’s a little unnerving but you try to ignore it. Immediately though Taehyun bends down in front of you, helping untie your shoes carefully without saying a single word. Soon following you can feel the bed dip from behind and Beomgyu’s hands begin undoing the braids in your hair as well. The rest all find places to assist you too, all of them working in breathable silence.

Your ruined makeup is removed with a gentle touch, jewelry removed as well, shoes taken off and set aside, hair falling down and around your face now. The soft glow from the nightlight in the corner casts delicate shadows on their working faces, making them all appear like ethereal angels sent from heaven just for you. You can’t remember a time you felt this cared for. You’re not sure if you ever have. They move with precision, patiently waiting for your voice to break through the empty air to say something, anything.

You sigh, trying to relax as the weight of the day and life slowly are placed upon you, knowing you should say something eventually. A deep, long breath is let out that you didn’t realize you were keeping in. “I guess…” you begin, every face turning to look at you now as they move. “I guess I’m just tired. Of everything really. Of going to work everyday and keeping my chin up, pretending I’m doing okay when I’m not. I’m so damn tired but when I try to sleep my eyes refuse to close.” They all nod, encouraging you to continue.

“And I’m tired of there being no real reason to be this upset. My life is good and yet I’m simply existing and not living. I just want to know what the hell is wrong with me.” Your voice cracks as the words come out, the shaky, uneven breathing heard throughout the air in the room. Their hands still for a second until they start gently rubbing into your skin wherever they are on you, five sets of deep brown eyes watching your face intently. It’s friendly yet intimate in a way you can’t seem to explain. In a way that makes your turning stomach suddenly be filled with a thousand little butterflies.

Your face cracks an awkward smile, looking down at your twiddling fingers in your lap. “You done?” Beomgyu’s airy voice asks softly, checking on you. You nod, knowing you should say more but there’s not really much else. “Okay. Just checking.” He confirms, scooting closer to you. The two of you sit close before Taehyun speaks up himself. “You wanna know what I think?” Those weary eyes of yours fall on his face, clearly seeing he has something to say that you might not like. He’s just trying to find a way to phrase it.

You silently encourage him to go for it anyway. “I think you never really learned how to be anything but the trusted adult.” He suggests. “It’s as if you were raised to just be the person everyone can rely on and not a human being who isn’t always reliable.” Sitting there you just stare at him, eyes on his as you wonder where he could have possibly got that from. Sure, you were always treated like a mini adult your whole life, always making sure you could be the person others could run to but it’s not that obvious… right?

“I mean…” You trail off, trying to find the right words to defend yourself. You’re not able to. “I guess I never really was a child… so I don’t really know how to relax.” You admit. “And that’s okay. We’re here now.” Soobin says lovingly without much thought, his warm, sincere eyes looking into yours. The words send a shiver up your spine but not in a chilling way, in a way that tells you you’re safe. That you can relax now for they have you. The thought fills the void a little, more than you care to admit it does. “And if we have to, we’ll make sure the psychiatrist puts you on some medicine that’ll actually help.” He promises.

“Thank you.” You nod in appreciation, feeling grateful for their grounding presence right now. “No problem.” He adds with a soft smile, “Now, is there anything else we can do?” For a minute you think, internally sighing at the remembrance of how you still have yet to take a shower. “N-no… I just gotta get cleaned up.” You proclaim. Standing up, you try and walk over to the ensuite bathroom but almost immediately stumble in your exhaustion. Luckily Kai was close and catches you, holding onto your forearms. “Hey, hey… careful, pretty.”

A near delirious giggle escapes your throat, making them all smile at the sound fondly. “Sorry…” you chuckle, his hands letting you go despite his reluctance as you head into the bathroom. Once you’re inside you get ready for your shower, removing your clothes clumsily and getting underneath the hot water as fast as possible. Meanwhile back in your room whilst you do the boys are preparing the place for a night of maximum comfort. Everything is put away, clothes are being picked and laid out, bed made, Beomgyu even brought an oil diffuser from his room into yours.

He remembers you mentioned how much you love mint once so peppermint is going into it along with tea tree and cedarwood. He thought those oils would complainant each other nicely. And they do. After about 20 minutes you finally get out, wrapping a robe around you so you can enter your room again safely. When you do the scent hits you first, woodsy and minty in the best way. You also happen to notice how the nightlight is now set to the most calming color and your eyes drift to one of their shirts with a pair of your panties laid neatly on your bed.

You’ve never worn their clothes before so the mere suggestion has you blushing whilst you walk over, picking up the shirt to identify it by smell. The fabric is put up to your nose and the faint scent of Soobin enters it, filling your body with undeniable warmth. Undoing your robe and setting it aside you get into the clothes left for you, Soobin’s shirt resting right above your knee once it’s on. He’s such a big guy so you’re not surprised at how large it is. You finish up in the bathroom afterwards, brushing your hair and teeth before doing your skincare despite how little energy you have left to do so.

After you’re all done you suddenly notice the laughs coming from the living room. You can’t help the way your curiosity gets the best of you so you walk out to see what is so funny. As you walk into the joined living space, all eyes fall on you. Regardless of how worn out you look, Soobin’s shirt still makes you appear small and cute, making their hearts beat just a little faster collectively. They can’t deny how fond they’ve grown of your presence in their lives over the past few months. Something you’re actually starting to notice tonight.

“There you are.” Taehyun’s honey like voice exclaims, as if they’ve all been waiting for you. “Wanna play that game now?” Your head shakes as instinct, a soft yawn escaping your mouth. You know you should really be getting some type of sleep instead. “No… think I’m gonna go to bed…” you say sleepily, already walking back before turning around again, “join me, please?” Their faces all stare at you in shock with a mix of suppressed delight simmering below the surface. You want them in your room with you? How could they say no?

“Like… sleep together?” Kai asks, quickly realizing how that sounded and correcting himself, “I mean… sleep in the same vicinity?” You laugh and nod. “Yes.” They look at each other for confirmation but Beomgyu and Taehyun are already getting up. Clearly they’ve already decided that they will. “Whatever you want, princess.” Beomgyu declares, him and Taehyun following behind you to your room. The rest inevitably get up as well, their tall frames walking down the hall now in the corner of your eye. They all look like big puppies trailing their owner.

You make it upon your doorframe, entering into the air that’s all minty now from the diffuser. Your yawns are getting more frequent at this point as the other’s trickle in. Yeonjun’s the last to arrive, suddenly holding a bunch of pillows and blankets he sits down on the floor. Taehyun and Kai join him in setting them up, making five spots on the floor for them to sleep. You can’t help but feel a tiny bit sad at the sight - you were kinda hoping someone would lay with you. As if your eyes can be read that easily, Taehyun asks, “Hey, what’s wrong?”

Looking down, those same sad eyes fall onto his boba ones, seeing the genuine concern in them. “It’s stupid…” you dismiss, “don’t worry about it.” “It’s not stupid if it’s bothering you.” He rebuttals, clearly not putting up with the obvious dismissal of your feelings. You smile a little at his stubbornness, “I just… kinda hoped someone would lay in bed with me…” You try to look away as the words come out, too embarrassed by your own neediness to look at any of them right now. There’s not even a real reason why you want it so much. Maybe you’re simply just lonely.

There really doesn’t have to be much of a reason for them though, they understand you need someone close to you right now. “Okay…” Beomgyu begins, “who do you want to lay with you then?” You stand there unsure. I mean, Soobin’s the tallest so he’d probably be the most comfortable, right? Then again, Kai’s the broadest, he’d properly wrap around you like a blanket. But the others too… Taehyun’s muscles, Yeonjun’s clinginess, Beomgyu’s softness… it feels like an impossible decision to make right now.

“I-“ you stutter, “I don’t know.” They all jump up now, beginning to argue about who will cuddle you loudly and passionately. The sight makes you laugh a little, their rich voices echoing in the room along with it. Meanwhile whilst the others are in a heated debate, Beomgyu claiming he’s the soundest sleeper so he’ll bother you the least and that’s why he should, Soobin ignores them and comes over to your bed instead. “May I?” He asks softly, voice resembling earlier as he pulls up your blanket and you nod. Seeing that he wants to be here with you that much makes you happy.

His tall frame climbs in, pulling the blanket up to cover him before lifting the other side of the blanket for you. Those big hands of his pat the bed lightly in an invitation. You take note and get into bed yourself, the others still arguing so loud they haven’t even noticed the two of you. Long arms wrap around you immediately, holding you close in his embrace tightly, almost as if he’s protecting you. He can’t figure out why, he just knows he has this little voice telling him he has to keep you safe. That he can prevent you from experiencing more pain if he holds you tight enough.

Your head rests on his chest, those same big hands holding onto your hips now. He looks down at you, smiling fondly at your appearance in his arms and shirt. “You look so pretty in my clothes…” his deep voice murmurs softly. You feel a warm lingering sensation throughout your body as he says that, maintaining deep eye contact. The look in said eyes making your heart skip a beat in an unexpected way. However the moment is quickly broken by the way the others have finally noticed you two.

They all look over, seeing you wrapped up in Soobin’s embrace like you truly belong there. “Hey! No fair!” Beomgyu protests, “I should be the one cuddling her not you!” Soobin shakes his head with a smile, “Well you’re slow so too damn bad.” You’d be concerned but you’ve picked up enough from their behavior to know they’re joking and Beomgyu throwing a pillow at him is only confirmation. It lands right in his face causing it to scrunch up before he throws it back with a laugh. “Hey! Knock it off!” Soobin yells playfully, still keeping a firm grip on you despite the sudden attack.

You watch and rub your eyes sleepily, yawning again, something Kai picks up on instantly. “Come on, you two, pretty girl’s tired…” he declares, trying to break up the play fighting. He knows it’s not that deep but feels you’re too tired and shouldn’t have to deal with it anyway. Not after the day you’ve had. The sudden acknowledgment of your state makes them both freeze, Soobin somehow managing to hold you tighter. “Sorry…” he apologizes softly, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. “It’s okay.” You reply, snuggling deeper into his warm chest.

“And Beomgyu…” you begin, his head lifting up to look at you, “you can join you know. I have another side.” Beomgyu’s eyes light up at the suggestion, bouncing over to the bed with joy as he climbs in on your other side. He wraps his arms around you, a little higher than Soobin’s as to not get in the way. Both men are warm and smell nearly heavenly somehow in this moment, bodies wrapped around you tenderly. It’s in a manner that feels almost more than friendly, in a way you find yourself liking more than you thought. But you’re not gonna acknowledge it. Not now.

The rest smile at the scene, fixing their spots on the floor. “You ready to sleep now?” Taehyun asks, golden voice breaking through the silence of the resting room. “Mhmm…” you hum from your spot settled between the chests of the two men in your bed. He laughs lightly, full of warmth and eyes creasing at the edges as everyone settles in their own designated areas. Your eyes slowly close, only sound heard besides the rustling of the others getting comfortable is Soobin’s heartbeat underneath your ear. It’s steady and soft, combining with the gentle rhythm of Beomgyu’s breathing against your back.

You wonder in this moment what you did to deserve their unrelenting kindness, thinking maybe some kind of otherworldly entity hung that flyer on the poll that day. Someone who was trying to heal the pain a little, make life more manageable since they all seem to be content filling in the cracks on your worn out pavement. It’s a little scary but it’s undeniably warm. The sensation of them close to you, hands moving a smidge here and there to comfort you, it’s almost overwhelming. “Goodnight, y/n…” the sleepy voice of Kai rings out, everyone else following suit. “Ah, goodnight…” you reply back.