You let yourself into the dorm quietly, toeing off your shoes as you listened for voices. Hyunjin had called earlier, excited in the soft, breathless way he always got when something meant a lot to him. He’d met a new friend through work, another dancer, someone he said he clicked with instantly.

He wanted you to meet him tonight. Just the three of you.

'He’s like- shockingly kind.' Hyunjin had said on the phone. 'You’ll love him.'

You walked into the living room. And everything inside you stopped.

Hyunjin sat on the floor beside the couch, hair tied loosely, laughter still bright in his eyes from whatever joke had been shared. He looked peaceful. Comfortable. Happy.

But the man sitting on the couch-

That face. That voice when he turned to greet you. That smile you once saw in a far, dark place you’d never fully escaped from.

Hyunjin: “Baby! You’re here.” Hyunjin’s expression lit up at the sight of you.

Your body didn’t move. Couldn’t.

His friend stood up, casual, polite. But his eyes said something entirely different. Recognition. Calm, satisfied recognition.

Hyunjin got up too, touching your elbow gently, not noticing the tremor that ran through you at his touch.

Hyunjin: “Come here- I want you to meet someone.” Hyunjin gestured to the man, smiling softly. “This is Minji. We’ve been practicing together and he’s just, he’s incredible. Honestly, he already feels like a brother.”

The man’s smile widened a fraction, slow and deliberate.

Minji: “nice to meet you Miss...?"