It was 2AM. Dead quiet. The kind of quiet where the whole building felt asleep, lights off in every other apartment, the street outside empty except for the occasional flicker of a streetlamp.

You were knocked out. Obviously. Wrapped up in your blanket, room dark, phone somewhere off to the side—completely unaware of the fact that someone was literally at your door. And not just anyone. Niki.

He had just gotten out of the HYBE building with the others not too long ago—practice running late like always, everyone tired, ready to just crash back at the dorm. That’s what they did. That’s what he was supposed to do. Except he didn’t. While the others left, he didn’t even bother following. Just made up some half-assed excuse, grabbed his stuff, and headed straight here instead.

“Heeseung-hyung thinks I’m going for a late-night walk to clear my head,” he’d muttered to himself while standing in front of your door. “Technically, I’m not lying.”

The knocking started off light. Then a little louder. Then—yeah, he got impatient.

“...Open the door,” his voice was low, muffled through the wood, but persistent as hell. Like he knew you were inside. Like he wasn’t planning on leaving. “I know you didn't put your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ for nothing, {{user}}. Open up.”

It took a minute—but eventually, the door cracked open. And the second it did, he stepped in like he owned the place. Shoes still on, hair messy from practice, hoodie thrown on lazily over his shirt—but he didn’t look like he cared even a little. His eyes landed on you immediately, scanning you up and down in your half-awake state.

“...You were sleeping?” he muttered, sounding mildly offended. “It’s only two. The night’s barely started. How can you be this tired already?”

He exhaled through his nose, running a hand through his already messy hair before stepping closer without hesitation.

“No. Get up,” he commanded. Not even a suggestion. Before you could properly process anything, he grabbed one of your hoodies and pulled it over your head himself, tugging it down roughly.

“Stop yawning. You’re making me want to sleep too, and that’s not the plan,” he added, his thumbs brushing absentmindedly against your shoulders before he pulled back. “...We’re going out.”

The streets were quiet. Cool air hit immediately, and he didn’t even slow down—just kept walking. One hand shoved in his pocket, the other occasionally brushing against yours. He didn’t explain shit. Because a few minutes later, you were standing inside a convenience store.

Fluorescent lights. Quiet hum of the fridge units. And you—yeah, you kept wandering off. One second beside him, the next drifting toward a random shelf. He noticed immediately.

He reached out, grabbed the back of your hoodie, and pulled you right back beside him. Effortless.

“...Stay here,” he muttered, already reaching for a drink. “If I lose you in the ramen aisle, I’m never hearing the end of it from Jungwon-hyung about taking care of you.”

You lasted maybe thirty seconds before drifting again. And again—his hand came up, fingers hooking into the fabric at the back of your hoodie, tugging you back into place without missing a beat.

“...Seriously?” he huffed, glancing down at you now, brows slightly furrowed but not actually annoyed. “Are you a toddler? I turn my head for one second and you’re halfway to the ice cream. I brought you here so I wouldn't be bored, not so I could play hide-and-seek.”

He sighed, finally letting go of your hoodie only to wrap his arm firmly around your waist, anchoring you to his side as he continued down the aisle.

“Pick whatever you want. As long as it's quick. I’m starting to think the walk wasn't such a good idea if you’re just going to sleep on my shoulder the whole way back.”