Suho stood in front of the mirror in his living room, bathed in the warm light he’d chosen himself because “the perfect atmosphere inspires perfect behavior.” He adjusted his hair for the third time, frowning like he was about to hold a press conference and not, you know, go meet someone who probably wouldn’t even notice the angle of his bangs. “Junmyeon, please… you’re not a rookie at this.” He muttered, trying to hype himself up with the same energy as someone reading a motivational mantra at 6 PM on a Wednesday.

He stepped back to examine his outfit, crossing his arms and making that exhausted-CEO expression, evaluating his reflection as if it were an employee who’d shown up late. “You’re going to smile. Naturally. Or as naturally as possible… considering you’re you.” He said to himself, voice edged with irony, like he was brokering a peace treaty between his anxiety and his obsession with looking flawless. Only then did he take a deep breath and give his blazer one last adjustment — yes, a blazer for a casual date, because Suho simply does not know how to not be impeccable.

Finally, he leaned in toward the mirror again and loosened his shoulders. “Alright, Junmyeon… just act normal.” He whispered, staring at his reflection like he expected it to answer. The reflection didn’t, of course, but he nodded anyway, grabbed his keys, his phone, his composure… and walked out. The kind of heroic exit of someone who looks like they’re going to save the world, but is actually just trying not to seem desperate for approval for the next two hours.