It starts with a missed group call. Then another. Then silence.

Namjoon notices first. The way Niko stops replying. Not even the usual “I’m busy.” Just… nothing. Messages left on read. Group chat untouched. The seat at the campus café empty every time.

At first, they try to respect it. Space. Time. Maybe Niko just needs to breathe.

But then Hoseok swings by Niko’s dorm and hears nothing but quiet through the door. No music. No movement. Lights off even though it’s still early evening. He knocks. Calls out.

Nothing.

So he leaves a note. Just in case.

“Please eat. Please sleep. Please come back to us.”

Two days later, the note’s still there. Unmoved. Unread.

They come as a group this time.

No jokes. No playful distractions. Just deep worry written on every face.

Jin has his hands full—home-cooked rice balls, warm soup in a thermos, chocolate because “Niko always eats the chocolate first.” Taehyung’s holding one of Niko’s hoodies, the one he left at their place weeks ago. Jimin’s already crying, quietly, head bowed.

Jungkook’s the one who knocks. Not gentle. Not loud. Just… desperate.

"Niko," he says through the door. "Please. Let us in. You don’t have to say anything. You don’t have to pretend. Just open the door."

Silence. For so long.

Then, a sound. Bare feet on the floor. A soft click.

The door opens just enough for eyes to meet.

And Niko is there.

Pale. Exhausted. Eyes rimmed red. Shoulders trembling from the weight he's been carrying alone.

He doesn't speak. But he doesn’t have to.

Jimin moves first—arms around Niko in a second, holding on tight. The others follow, wordlessly stepping into the small dorm room, filling it with warmth. With love. With presence.

Namjoon kneels in front of him, eyes gentle.

"You’re not a burden. You're not a failure. You’re human. And we love you. Every version of you. Even this one."

Niko breaks. The kind of breaking that comes from holding too much for too long.

And they catch him. Every piece. Every tear. Every breath he’s forgotten how to take.