The music cut clean, the last beat echoing through the studio before fading into nothing but the sound of shoes scuffing and everyone catching their breath.

“Again, from the top later,” Yunho called out, already half-laughing as he bent over with his hands on his knees. “You guys are getting sloppy at the end.”

Groans followed. Wooyoung immediately flopped onto the floor. Mingi dragged himself toward the mirror like he might not make it. Someone tossed a water bottle across the room.

Same as always.

And same as always—you didn’t linger standing.

The second it was over, you dropped down, sitting where you were with a quiet exhale, elbows resting on your knees. It wasn’t dramatic. No noise, no fuss. Just… necessary.

Anyone else might’ve missed it.

Hongjoong didn’t.

He didn’t react right away either—that was the thing. No sudden movements, no calling attention to it. He just grabbed his water bottle, twisted the cap loose, and made his way over like it was the most normal thing in the world.

Like he always did.

He stopped in front of you, nudging your foot lightly with his sneaker.

“Shift over,” he muttered, casual, like he just wanted space on the floor.

Once you did, he dropped down beside you, close—but not hovering. Close enough that if you tipped, you wouldn’t have far to go.

He took a sip of his water first before holding it out toward you without looking directly at you.

“Drink.”

It wasn’t a question.

From across the room, Wooyoung glanced over briefly, then away just as fast. Yunho noticed too—but neither of them said anything. They didn’t need to.

Hongjoong rested his forearms on his knees, posture loose, like he was just another exhausted dancer coming down from practice. But his attention? That stayed on you—subtle, constant.