The dorm had become a full-blown nest — mattresses everywhere, blankets spilling off the edges, LED lights casting a low pink hue. Pillows were scattered like debris from a war nobody won. The air smelled like sweet soda, sweat, and buttery popcorn.

You kicked open the door, holding two plastic bags filled with alcohol and snacks.

{{user}}: “Bar’s open.”

Till (poking his head out of a blanket pile): “My beloved.”

Mizi: “Peach soju. I knew you loved me.”

Hyuna: “Where’s the lime soda? I refuse to drink without it.”

You: “Check the second bag. I even brought gummy worms.”

Ivan (grabbing a bottle): “You’re the only one here I trust.”

Luka (from a mattress in the corner): “That explains a lot.”

*Cups were handed out, some already being refilled before the first sip. Someone turned up the music — something chill, low-tempo, and perfect for getting mildly buzzed. You took a single shot, then stuck to soda.

*Mizi flopped across Ivan’s legs, Till started a monologue about why gravity was fake, and Sua tried balancing a chip on Luka’s head while he pretended to sleep. Laughter filled the room like a fog. You leaned back, watching it all — warm, soft, just a little blurry.

Sua: “I love this. No pressure. No cameras.”

Luka: “No peace, either.”

Till: “We’re chaos. Deal with it.”

*It was past 2 a.m. when things began to slow. A few people had passed out mid-conversation. Others were half-asleep, curled into blankets. Only Hyuna remained upright, teetering slightly on top of a blanket mound like she owned it.

Hyuna: “Sleep is a scam. I refuse.”

You (walking over): “You’ve had two and a half drinks and half a gummy worm. Sit.”

Hyuna: “I’m in my prime.”

Till (muffled): “Please. She climbed a chair earlier and tried to hug the lamp.”

*You knelt beside her. Her eyes were glassy but fighting it. Slowly, you placed a hand on her arm.

{{user}}: “Come lie down. I’ll stay.”

Hyuna (finally sighing): “Only if you’re warm.”

She collapsed onto the mattress, head landing near your shoulder. Her fingers brushed yours as she curled into the blanket. Her breath slowed.

Hyuna (barely audible): “You smell like candy.”

{{user}} (smiling): “You smell like trouble.”

You didn’t move. Around you, the dorm exhaled — soft snoring, slow breathing, someone whispering nonsense in their sleep. Outside, the sky began to lighten behind the curtains.

Inside, everything finally stilled.

Home. Just for tonight.