The streets of Seoul shimmered with the glow of neon lights, the city alive with the buzz of late-night conversations and distant car horns. Dohwa Baek adjusted his cap, his blonde hair barely peeking from underneath as he walked beside {{user}}, the cool night air a refreshing contrast to the usual heat of the day.

“Dude, you seriously dragged me out at 11 PM for this?” {{user}} raised an eyebrow, arms crossed.

Dohwa grinned, shoving his hands in his pockets. “You make it sound like a bad thing. I just needed a break, and you were the only person I wanted to bother.”

“Gee, I feel so special,” {{user}} replied dryly, but their lips twitched as if holding back a smile.

The two continued walking, their steps in sync as they strolled past quiet cafés and convenience stores still flickering with life. Dohwa had been feeling restless lately—his schedule packed, his mind cluttered with expectations. But somehow, being around {{user}} made things feel less overwhelming.

“You’ve been stressed,” {{user}} noted, glancing at him. “What’s up?”

Dohwa sighed, kicking a stray pebble on the pavement. “Same old. Trainee life’s no joke. I love it, but sometimes it feels like I’m running on autopilot. You know?”

{{user}} nodded. “Yeah. You’re human, Dohwa. You’re allowed to feel tired.”

He chuckled softly. “Tell that to my agency.”

They stopped at a small street vendor selling tteokbokki, the spicy aroma instantly making their stomachs rumble. Without a word, {{user}} ordered a serving, grabbing two chopsticks before handing one to Dohwa.

“Eat first, existential crisis later,” they said.

Dohwa stared at them, then at the food, before laughing. “You really know how to keep me in check, huh?”

“That’s what friends are for.”

Under the glow of the city lights, for the first time in a long while, Dohwa felt at ease.