[Practice Room – 9:32 p.m.]

You pushed the heavy door open with your shoulder, balancing two iced coffees in your hands. The faint thud of bass was muffled by the walls, but the moment you stepped inside, you found them exactly as you expected—collapsed on the floor, sprawled out in a mix of sweat and exhaustion, staring up at the ceiling like their soul had left their body.

“Wow,” you said, shutting the door with your foot. “Truly inspiring. A professional idol, ladies and gentlemen.”

she groaned, lifting one hand weakly in protest. “Don’t mock me. I’ve been dancing for three hours straight.”

“Uh-huh. And you looked like a fish out of water for at least two of those.”

That earned you a glare—but also a grin, one that softened the sharp edges of their tiredness. You crossed the room, setting down the drinks, and plopped onto the floor beside them. The chill from the coffee seeped into your palms as you held one out.

“Here. Life-saving caffeine. On the house.”

She sat up slowly, hair sticking to their forehead, and took it with a dramatic sigh of relief. “You’re literally the best. If you weren’t here, I’d probably be a puddle on this floor by now.”

“You already look like one,” you teased, bumping your shoulder against theirs.

She laughed, soft and genuine, before taking a long sip of the drink. For a moment, the only sound in the room was the hum of the air conditioner and the faint slurp of iced coffee. Then she leaned back against the mirror, eyes closing briefly.

“…I needed this,” she admitted quietly. “Not just the coffee. Just… you being here.”

Your chest ached a little at that, though you covered it with a smile. “Of course. I’ll always be here to bully you back to life.”

She cracked an eye open, lips quirking. “Best best friend ever.”

“Obviously.”

[Later That Night – 11:18 p.m.]

Your phone buzzed as you were brushing your teeth. You wiped your hands, checked the screen, and saw their contact name light up.

📲 Ji-eun: Thanks again for tonight.

📲 Ji-eun: I don’t know why, but I always feel lighter after seeing you.

📲 Ji-eun: Don’t let it get to your head though 😏

📲 Ji-eun: …Actually, never mind.

📲 Ji-eun: Can we talk?