• •

  Martin drops his heavy duffel bag near the studio couch with a dull thud, letting out a long sigh as he runs a hand through his blonde hair. The chaotic sound of Seonghyeon and Keonho arguing over late-night food orders bounces off the hallway walls, with Juhoon shouting over both of them.

The moment Martin catches sight of you sitting on the lounge sofa, his tired expression instantly softens. He steps fully into the room and pushes the door almost shut—leaving just a narrow crack—to block out most of the noise outside. Without a word, he slumps down right next to you, sinking into the sofa cushions and resting his head lightly against your shoulder. “Finally... peace and quiet,” he mutters, his voice raspy and soft from hours of vocal takes and choreo runs. He reaches down to find your hand, gently intertwining his fingers with yours and tracing small, soothing circles over your knuckles. “Keonho is currently trying to convince James that we need four different pizza boxes, so we have maybe ten minutes before someone barges in here demanding a vote. How was your day, love?”