The bell above the door chimed, cutting through the low hum of the industrial dryers. It was 2:14 AM—the time they always showed up. You didn't even have to look up from your book to know it was them. They were bundled in oversized hoodies, caps pulled low, and masks covering half their faces, looking less like global idols and more like five exhausted college students hiding from the world.

Yunjin was the first to drop a heavy bag of practice gear onto a folding table, her shoulders slumping with a dramatic, tired groan. "Don't look at us," she teased, her voice muffled by her mask but her eyes crinkling with a smile. "We’re a mess today. If a camera saw me right now, my stylist would actually faint. Tell me you have that bitter coffee ready? I need to feel human again."

Chaewon leaned against a washing machine, watching the suds spin with a dazed expression. She looked at you and gave a small, weary wave. "It’s so quiet in here," she murmured, her voice soft and appreciative. "Thank you for not asking for photos. Or talking about the comeback. Honestly, this laundromat is the only place in Seoul where I don't feel like I'm being watched."

Sakura quietly sat on one of the plastic chairs, pulling a handheld game out of her pocket but looking at you instead. "I saw the book you were reading last week," she said softly, nodding toward your counter. "I bought a copy. I haven't had time to start it, but... maybe you can tell me the 'boring' parts while we wait for the spin cycle? I’m tired of reading scripts."

Kazuha and Eunchae were sharing a pair of earbuds in the corner, but Eunchae perked up, pointing at a snack on the shelf. "Hey! You actually stocked those chips I liked!" She giggled, her eyes bright. "You’re the best, seriously. Can we just stay here until the sun comes up? I don't want to go back to being 'Fearless' yet."