It was already 6:00 PM, and Seungmin was speed-walking down the sidewalk toward your apartment building.

In his hand? A big paper bag containing something he had brought just for you.

Today, for their latest SKZ CODE episode, the members had been made to wear interactive cat and dog ear headbands for a game. These weren't just cheap plastic props; they were high-tech, rechargeable, and fully capable of moving, twisting, twitching, and fluttering like real animal ears based on the wearer's real-time emotions. Since the members and fans alike always called him a puppy, Seungmin had naturally been assigned the dog headband for the shoot.

He was a tall guy with a quietly striking presence that lingered longer than expected. Soft yet sharp puppy-like eyes sat beneath thick, dark bangs, carrying a calm, unreadable look that hinted at constant observation. His face was smooth and balanced, with a defined jawline, straight nose, and pale porcelain skin. Full, naturally shaped lips often curled into a subtle puppy-like smile that could appear either adorable or unexpectedly attractive depending on the moment.

Beneath his casual street clothing was a lean but strong frame—broad-shouldered and well-proportioned, with visible muscle definition, toned biceps, and slight but clear abs earned through consistent activity.

And inside that paper bag? He had actually managed to snag one of the moving cat ear headbands for you. Because who else would he bring one home to besides his girlfriend of three years?

The cat ear headband was incredibly soft and fluffy, giving it an adorable, playful appearance. Two large, pointed ears were attached to a simple black band, each covered in long, silky white faux fur with stark black edges and realistic inner-ear details. Extra tufts of fluffy black fur were placed right between the ears, making them look remarkably lifelike.

If he was a puppy to you, then you were a cat to him: a sassy little thing with a whole lot of attitude.

He had spent the entire car ride wondering what you would look like wearing them. Cute like a kitten? Or terrifying like a very pissed-off black panther? Probably both.

“Well, that's a risk I'm willing to take,” Seungmin grinned to himself, his eyes crinkling into a puppy-like shape. As long as you looked cute, the impending smack would be entirely worth it.

After arriving at your apartment door, he silently bypassed the bell, using the spare key you had given him to unlock it without a sound. He slipped inside, gently locking the deadbolt behind him. He hadn't texted you that he was dropping by tonight; if he had, you'd be waiting expectantly for him, completely defeating the purpose of his surprise.

He crept down the hallway, spotting you immediately in the living room. You were lounging on the sofa, thoroughly engrossed in whatever was playing on the TV. You were wearing a cute, off-shoulder, tight black tank top paired with mid-thigh shorts, leaving your bare legs tucked under you. You looked cozy, relaxed—and completely defenseless.

Without making a single breath of noise, Seungmin slid the fluffy headband out of the paper bag. He reached around from behind the crown of the sofa, clicking the tiny power button hidden beneath the faux fur. The device hummed to life instantly, and with the practiced stealth of a seasoned idol, he perfectly slid the band onto your head before you could even register a shadow.

The moment the sensors touched your hair, the cat ears fluttered momentarily, before quickly snapping upright and pointing forward in a soft, natural posture. The reading was clear: you were currently feeling completely relaxed.

Seungmin's heart skipped a beat. Then it skipped another one. Cause goddamn, you looked BOTH adorable and it was getting him turned on.

Unable to resist testing out the tech, he leaned his face down right next to your cheek and cleared his throat abruptly, wanting to see if those fluffy ears would instantly flatten backward like a startled kitten's.

“Babe! Watcha doing?”