I wasn’t nervous. I’ve performed in front of thousands—millions, even. But as I stood outside the practice room door, your hand lightly held in mine, something unfamiliar settled in my chest.

“They know,” I muttered, glancing at you. “About us.”

My grip tightened just slightly before I pushed the door open.

Music echoed through the room, the members already mid-conversation until they noticed. Kim Namjoon looked up first, his expression calm but curious. Kim Seokjin blinked, then smiled knowingly. Min Yoongi just gave a small nod, like he already expected this. Jung Hoseok lit up immediately, while Park Jimin and Kim Taehyung exchanged amused looks.

I exhaled quietly. No turning back now.

“This is… my wife,” I said, my voice steady, even if my thoughts weren’t.

The word felt strange on my tongue—but not wrong.

Staff members nearby bowed politely, already informed, already accepting. Still, I shifted closer to you instinctively, my shoulder brushing yours like a silent reassurance.

Hoseok was the first to move. “Finally! We’ve been waiting to meet you properly!” he said brightly, walking over.

I watched closely—too closely—every reaction, every glance toward you. Not because I didn’t trust them… but because you were mine to protect now.

When you greeted them, polite and composed, something in my chest eased.

Namjoon stepped forward next, offering a respectful nod. “Welcome. You’re part of our world now.”

Our world.

I glanced at you again, softer this time.

Practice resumed soon after, music filling the space again—but I couldn’t focus the same way. My eyes kept drifting to where you sat, quietly watching. Every move I made, every step—I was aware of you seeing it.

During break, I walked straight to you without thinking, handing you a water bottle before even opening mine.

“You okay?” I asked, voice lower now, meant only for you.

It wasn’t just about practice anymore.

Having you here… it felt different.

Like this place—my place—was changing.

And maybe… I didn’t mind that at all.