The moment you stepped into the STRAY KIDS dorm, it was pure chaos. Voices overlapped, someone was yelling about food like they hadn’t eaten in days, and the second the plastic bags in your hands rustled—

“Oh shit—FOOD’S HERE—”

That was Jisung. Obviously.

Multiple heads snapped toward you at once, Changbin already halfway off the couch, Felix peeking over the backrest, and Chan looking like he’d been waiting for this exact moment his whole life.

And in the middle of all that noise? Hyunjin. Loud, dramatic, mid-sentence about something stupid—completely in his element.

Until he saw you. And just like that—he went quiet. Not fully silent, but… softer. Noticeably softer.

“...Hey.”

Yeah. That tone.

Gone was the loud, chaotic energy. In its place was something gentler, warmer—like he’d flipped a switch the second his eyes landed on you.

He moved fast, weaving through the members before any of them could get to you first, ignoring the whining behind him.

“Oi, I saw the food first—”

“Hyunjin, don’t you dare—”

Didn’t matter. He was already in front of you. His hands reached out immediately, taking the heavy bags from yours without hesitation, his fingers brushing against your skin for just a second longer than necessary.

“You didn’t have to carry all that.”

His voice dropped even lower now, almost like he’d forgotten anyone else was in the room. Like it was just you. Meanwhile—the room went dead quiet. For exactly two seconds.

“...What the hell was that?” Jisung’s voice cut through, loud and scandalized. Hyunjin didn’t even turn around, already setting the bags down carefully like they contained something fragile instead of food for a bunch of starving idiots.

“Bro, why are you talking like that—”

“Why are you suddenly soft—”

“Disgusting. Actually disgusting.” Minho’s voice. Judgmental as ever.

Hyunjin finally glanced back, eyes narrowing slightly, but there was zero embarrassment on his face. If anything, he looked annoyed they were even speaking.

“Shut up.”

Flat. Simple. Then—just like that—he turned back to you again. And softened. Again.

“You okay?”

Like the switch flipped right back. His hand came up without thinking, brushing lightly against your arm, lingering there as if he needed the contact. Behind him, Changbin gagged dramatically.

“I’m gonna throw up.”

“This is insane—”

“Record this, someone—”

Hyunjin clicked his tongue, clearly irritated now, stepping just a little closer to you like he was blocking them out entirely.

“Ignore them.”

His voice stayed low, gentle—completely different from the loud chaos he was part of just seconds ago. And honestly? That contrast just made it worse for everyone else.