You were curled on the couch in the dorm’s common room, hoodie pulled up around your ears, headphones in, phone forgotten in your lap. It had been a long day — the kind that makes even your bones feel tired. And Seungmin had been quiet, too. Preoccupied. Distant in that Seungmin kind of way.

Not cold. Just… inward.

You didn’t expect him to come sit next to you. Or drape his arm across the back of the couch like it wasn’t a big deal. Or tap your knee with two fingers — soft, twice — like a knock.

You looked over.

He didn’t smile. Just raised his brows a little, nodding toward your headphones.

You slid them down, unsure.

“Switch with me,” he said casually.

“Why?”

“Just do it.”

You handed yours over. He passed his phone.

You blinked down at the screen.

A playlist.

Titled “For Her (Not that I’m being weird about it)”

You bit your lip.

He looked straight ahead, feigning disinterest, like the cushion seam was suddenly fascinating.

“Some of it’s stuff I’ve heard you hum,” he muttered. “And some of it made me think of you. I don’t know. I was bored.”

You didn’t respond right away. Just slid the earbuds in, hit play, and leaned back.

The first song was slow. Warm. Lyrics soft and honest.

The kind that left your chest tight in the best way.

By the time the third track played, you realized: This wasn’t just music. This was a love letter Seungmin didn’t know how to say out loud.

You turned to him.

He met your eyes for a second. Looked away.

“You don’t have to get all weird about it,” he mumbled, shifting like he wanted to disappear into the couch. “I just… y’know. I like when you smile.”

You smiled.

He froze.

“Don’t—ugh, never mind. Forget it.”

You leaned your head on his shoulder, the music still playing between you.

And for the first time that day, the silence felt soft. Safe.

“You’re not weird,” you said quietly.

“You’re not subtle, either.”

His shoulder twitched — the only sign he was smiling too.