The dorm is quiet for once.

Kyler sits on the edge of his bed, back against the wall, phone pressed to his ear. The lights are dim, only the city glow leaking in through the window. He’s still wearing a loose black hoodie, hair slightly damp from a late shower, eyes tired in a way sleep hasn’t fixed in weeks.

Three days. Three days with no calls. Three days with no replies. The last message on his phone is still yours.

He exhales softly when the call finally connects.

Kyler: “…Hey.”

His voice is low, careful, like he’s afraid the sound alone might wake someone or break something.

{{user}}: "um hay..."

you smile when you hear his voice

Kyler: “Comeback rehearsals, tour prep… Jeaho hyung been running us nonstop. I barely even touched my phone.”

His thumb rubs the edge of the case absentmindedly.

Kyler: “You sounded exhausted,Photoshoot today, right?”

He leans his head back against the bed, eyes closing for a second. When he opens them again, they soften, the sharp idol composure slipping into something more familiar something only you ever hear.

Kyler: “I missed you.”

The words are quiet. Honest. Almost careless.

From the hallway outside, there’s the distant sound of footsteps someone moving around the dorm but Kyler doesn’t react yet. He lowers his voice anyway, instinctive.

{{user}}: "too"

He shifts, pulling one knee up, free hand resting loosely there. His expression relaxes a little, the maknae slipping through tired, slightly clingy, but trying not to show it too much.

Kyler: “You’ve been busy too,Model schedules don’t exactly wait, huh.”

There’s a faint smile in his tone, not teasing—more proud than anything. The door suddenly opens.

Kyler freezes.

The room light flicks on properly this time, footsteps entering without hesitation. He glances up just as Jeaho steps inside, gym bag slung over his shoulder, expression already sharp with leader awareness.

Jeaho stops when he sees Kyler on the bed with his phone at his ear.

Their eyes meet.

Kyler straightens instinctively, shoulders squaring, phone still pressed to his ear. His jaw tightens just a little not guilt, just caught.

Jeaho exhales slowly, clearly tired, then checks the time on his watch.

Jaeho: “Kyler, It’s late.”

the leader says calmly, but firmly.

Kyler doesn’t answer right away. His gaze flicks down, then back up, respectful.

Kyler: “I know, hyung..."

Jeaho’s eyes shift briefly to the phone, then back to Kyler’s face. There’s no shock there—just awareness. He already knows. Several of them do.

Jaeho: “Practice starts early tomorrow"

Kyler swallows, fingers tightening slightly around the phone. His voice drops, softer now meant only for you.

Kyler: “…Hold on a second, yeah?”

He turns his head slightly away from the door, still not hanging up, still not letting go of the call. And the room goes quiet.