Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Seoul, South Korea, 11:46 KST, July 28, 2025.

✉️ Sticky Note under Jihoon’s door

hi neighbor!

sorry if you heard some stomping… practicing for a dance cover.

– S

Lee Jihoon squinted at the neon-yellow note in his hand, still in his hoodie and headset from a six-hour Valorant grind. His ears still rang from the bass-thumping upstairs neighbor’s… unique interpretation of rhythm.

He stuck the note on his monitor frame and scribbled back on the nearest sticky he could find.

✉️ Sticky Note slipped under Soonyoung’s door

heard it.

don’t fall through the floor.

– J

🧵 X/Twitter Thread (from @ctrl_uja)

@ctrl_uja:

i swear my neighbor is trying to summon demons through dance practice

 

@ctrl_uja:

does anyone know if it’s normal for a human being to stomp at this bpm

Seoul, South Korea, 23:04 KST, July 28, 2025.

Jihoon returned to his stream later that night. His Twitch chat had already built a full-blown conspiracy about the neighbor.

🎧 Twitch VOD Transcript – “Ranked Grind w/ Uja”

[00:38:12]
"What is that noise again?"

Chat:

• [bbhddalgi]: neighbor’s back at it?

• [skkkkk]: ask him to join your team bro

• [moonjun]: WAIT IS THIS THE STOMP GUY?

[00:39:04]
"Yes. It is. Unfortunately."

Chat:

• [pizzadeekay]: tell him to 1v1 u in valo

• [scoups]: neighbor reveal when?

[00:39:53]
"Absolutely not."

🧵 X/Twitter (from @ctrl_uja)

@ctrl_uja:

he just yelled “5, 6, 7, 8” and i felt my soul leave my body

Seoul, South Korea, 17:01 KST, July 29, 2025.

✉️ Sticky Note under Jihoon’s door

thanks for not complaining btw!

also… do you like fried chicken?

got extra from practice group

i can slip you some later :D

– S

Jihoon read that note three times, sighed, and checked his fridge. Empty except for coca-colas and soy sauce packets.

✉️ Sticky Note slipped under Soonyoung’s door

chicken is acceptable currency.

leave at 7pm.

don’t knock.

– J

📧 Email (from [email protected])

Subject: (blank)

jihoon-ah,

focus on the merch launch. the management's complaining to me about your neighbor tweets.

also hydrate.

love you.

Seoul, South Korea, 02:22 KST, August 13, 2025.

By week two, Jihoon was almost accustomed to Soonyoung’s thud-thud-cha routine. Almost.

🎧 Twitch VOD Transcript – “Late Night SoloQ”

[01:24:59]
"Guys, I think he’s… singing now?"

Chat:

• [silver4life]: MIC HIM UP

• [zekkenswife]: collab when???

• [jett2123]: neighbor’s GOT PIPES??

[01:25:34]
"No."

• [breadstickboi]: i’m crying 

• [milk_carton]: he’s auditioning for your heart uja

[01:25:53]
"What even is this nonsense, chat?"

[01:26:30]
"The new bundle? I haven't seen it yet."

Chat:

• [moonjun]: no one asked uja, wdym

• [aohoshi]: HAHAHAHAHA HE'S DEFLECTING

Seoul, South Korea, 10:37 KST, August 14, 2025.

✉️ Sticky Note under Jihoon’s door

SORRY

for last night

was rehearsing vocals…

btw do you know anything about microphones? mine’s busted :(

– S

✉️ Sticky Note slipped under Soonyoung’s door

…

yeah.

i’ll fix it.

leave it outside my door later.

– J

Seoul, South Korea, 19:55 KST, August 14, 2025.

Jihoon didn’t have to fix Soonyoung’s mic. He had a scrim schedule, sponsor meetings, and a tournament coming up. But there he was, late at night, soldering a wire while his chat spammed.

🎧 Twitch VOD Transcript – “Just Chatting - VCT Update”

[00:46:04]
"I hope I'm not breaking it more."

Chat:

• [pizzadeekay]: omg uja is FIXING neighbor boy’s mic i'm dead

• [xiaoaether]: SHIP IT

• [aohoshi]: “fixing mic” is the new “marry me”

[00:46:04]
"Shut up. You call this kindness."

Seoul, South Korea, 20:00 KST, August 19, 2025.

A few days later while Jihoon was streaming, the doorbell rang. He opened his door to find no one but a bag of tteokbokki and another neon note.

✉️ Sticky Note under Jihoon’s door

i heard you streaming last night…

you were yelling something about “plant the spike”?

are you a singer too?

– S

🎧 Twitch VOD Transcript – “Valo Hopcon”

[01:02:31]
"...Huh."

Jihoon froze.

Chat:

• [bbhddalgi]: HE DOESNT KNOW

• [silver4life]: omg neighbor doesn’t know you’re pro LOL

• [scoups]: this is gold.

• [lee_dino]: don’t tell him. keep the mystery alive.

[01:03:12]
"Chat. Behave."

Seoul, South Korea, 04:51 KST, August 20, 2025.

📧 Email (from [email protected])

Subject: [Draft] focus.

stop getting distracted by the neighbor

you’re not supposed to care

the paper crane note was kind of cute, though

but that doesn’t mean anything

get a grip

(backspace)

Seoul, South Korea, 09:06 KST, September 11, 2025.

Weeks passed in sticky-note exchanges, random food offerings, and the relentless thudding of Soonyoung’s dance shoes. Jihoon found himself waiting for the next note more than he’d admit.

He still wouldn’t tell Soonyoung he was a streamer. Somehow, the secrecy made it funnier.

Seoul, South Korea, 15:27 KST, September 12, 2025.

✉️ Sticky Note slipped under Soonyoung’s door

stomping’s louder lately.

are you okay?

– J

Seoul, South Korea, 16:30 KST, September 12, 2025.

✉️ Sticky Note under Jihoon’s door

i'm okay!

it’s just a new choreography… wanna see it sometime?

– S

Jihoon stared at the note, lips twitching into a smile despite himself. He didn’t reply immediately.

Seoul, South Korea, 21:08 KST, September 14, 2025.

There was no stream.

And if anyone asked, he was definitely not watching his noisy neighbor dance in person.

Chapter Text

Seoul, South Korea, 19:10 KST, October 6, 2025.

✉️ Sticky Note under Jihoon’s door

what time do you end stream tonight?

i got some new buns from the bakery down the street

thought you might want some

– S

Jihoon, headset still warm from his last match, smiled unknowingly. He wrote back without overthinking this time.

✉️ Sticky Note slipped under Soonyoung’s door

bring them after 9.

…don’t knock too loud.

– J

Seoul, South Korea, 21:15 KST, October 6, 2025.

🎧 Twitch VOD Transcript – “Ranked w/ Wonwoo”

[00:52:11]
“Jihoonie! I brought the buns!”

Jihoon groaned audibly, took off his headset.

Chat:

• [hongsunbae]: DID HE JUST CALL YOU JIHOONIE
• [zeepbap]: FOOD DELIVERY LIVE 
• [pcyy]: 0715 STRIKES AGAIN
• [wondreamer]: ship ship ship ship

[00:52:50]
“Don’t read into it. He’s just… like that.”

Chat:

• [ujascat]: “just like that” = he’s in love
• [bbhddalgi]: is this a neighbors-to-lovers arc?
• [haechanssi]: WONWOO WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS

[00:53:02]
“No comment. Uja will kill me.”

[00:53:05]
“Good. Wons knows where he stands.”

[00:53:23]
“I'll just tell you guys on my stream.”

[00:53:24]
“Jeon Wonwoo!”

Seoul, South Korea, 00:20 KST, October 9, 2025.

🧵 X/Twitter (from @ctrl_uja)

@ctrl_uja:

stream ended early bc a certain someone dragged me to see street dancers at hongdae.

↳ @cheolscarf:

YOU WENT OUTSIDE??

↳ @ctrl_wons:

interesting.

↳ @hansolc:

WITH WHO. SAY IT.

↳ @ctrl_bbh:

we can't spill the tea :(

sadly :(

Seoul, South Korea, 01:33 KST, October 9, 2025.

🎧 Twitch VOD Transcript – “Late Night Just Chatting”

Chat:

• [berryyeon]: U WENT OUT WITH HIM??
• [dreamhwa]: uja hyung explain pls
• [kagehina]: omg omg omg

Jihoon adjusted his hoodie, avoiding the camera.

[00:52:50]
“He wanted to see some dancers. I… went. It’s not a big deal.”

Chat:

• [doyuuyu]: YOU?? OUTSIDE?? AT 1AM??
• [vernonverse]: we are witnessing history

Seoul, South Korea, 19:04 KST, October 12, 2025.

✉️ Sticky Note under Jihoon’s door

game later?

i don’t know how but i wanna try

teach me?

– S

✉️ Sticky Note slipped under Soonyoung’s door

if you feed and make us lose, you’re buying dinner.

– J

Seoul, South Korea, 23:45 KST, October 12, 2025.

🎧 Twitch VOD Transcript – “Custom Games w/ Someone”

[00:05:09]

"..."

Jihoon set up a custom lobby. The mic picked up Soonyoung laughing in the background.

Chat:

• [yunramen]: WAIT IS THAT HIM??
• [jellyseung]: THAT’S HIS VOICE I’M SCREAMING
• [bobohu0506]: 0715 REVEAL ON STREAM??

[00:07:32]
“What does this button do?”

[00:07:38]
“Don't. Touch. That.”

Chat:

• [pizzadeekay]: they sound married and we just got here
• [ujascat]: lmaooo protect the carry
• [breadstickboi]: THIS IS THE CONTENT I NEEDED

Seoul, South Korea, 18:50 KST, October 13, 2025.

✉️ Sticky Note under Jihoon’s door

you play too serious.

let’s get tteokbokki later.

my treat.

– S

✉️ Sticky Note slipped under Soonyoung’s door

…fine.

– J

Seoul, South Korea, 21:00 KST, October 13, 2025.

Jihoon didn’t stream that night.

If anyone asked, he was definitely not walking side by side with Soonyoung, laughing about a failed ultimate and arguing over which place had the best tteokbokki.

Chapter Text

Seoul, South Korea, 22:18 KST, October 18, 2025.

✉️ Sticky Note under Jihoon’s door

i’ve been practicing aim

when’s your next stream?

can i join again?

– S

✉️ Sticky Note slipped under Soonyoung’s door

tomorrow night.

prepare to get carried.

– J

Seoul, South Korea, 23:59 KST, October 18, 2025.

📱 DMs – Instagram

@kwon_sy:

i just remembered

you’re scary when you focus btw

like… your eyes on the screen = wow

@leeji:

stop remembering

go to sleep or something

@kwon_sy:

nah i like this better

also… u looked happy when we won last time :D

@ctrl_uja:

shut up

Seoul, South Korea, 22:01 KST, October 19, 2025.

🎧 Twitch VOD Transcript – “With 0715 I Guess”

Soonyoung’s laughter echoed through Jihoon’s headset.

[00:25:44]
“Wait, wait! Where do I plant?!”

[00:25:46]
“On the site, Soonyoung!”

[00:25:50]
“Move!”

Chat:

• [aohoshi]: THIS IS CHAOS
• [kimkaaai]: best duo in KR HAHAHAHAHA
• [juniverse]: he called him by name!

[00:28:00]
“Jihoonie, you’re too good at this… like… suspiciously good.”

[00:28:04]
“What?”

Chat:

• [pizzadeekay]: HERE WE GO
• [ujascat]: he’s catching on

[00:28:12]
“Are you… actually, like… one of those pro players?”

A long pause.

[00:28:52]
“Finish the round first.”

Seoul, South Korea, 23:03 KST, October 19, 2025.

📞 Call Log – 23:03 KST, October 19, 2025

[Incoming call: 0715 Soonyoung]

Soonyoung:

“Jihoon! I watched a clip someone sent me!"

"You're on a tournament stage?!”

Jihoon:

“..."

"Who sent you that?”

Soonyoung:

“Doesn’t matter."

"Why didn't you tell me you're famous?!”

Jihoon:

“Because I didn’t want my neighbor screaming it from the rooftops.”

Soonyoung:

“Too late! I’ve already told Myungho!”

"You're so cool."

"What the hell?!"

Jihoon:

“I hate you.”

(click)

Seoul, South Korea, 00:26 KST, October 20, 2025.

🧵 X/Twitter (from @ctrl_uja)

@ctrl_uja:

my neighbor found out.

kill me now.

↳ @ctrl_hch:

HAHAHAHAHA

↳ @ctrl_cheol:

we saw it coming

↳ @kwon_sy:

hi :D

↳ @ctrl_uja:

go away @kwon_sy

Seoul, South Korea, 19:42 KST, October 21, 2025.

✉️ Sticky Note under Jihoon’s door

so you’re famous and didn’t tell me.

i’m offended.

also proud.

can i still play with you or am i not “pro enough”?

– S

Jihoon laughed under his breath as he scribbled back.

✉️ Sticky Note slipped under Soonyoung’s door

you’re still terrible.

but sure.

bring snacks.

– J

Seoul, South Korea, 19:51 KST, October 21, 2025.

📱 DMs – Instagram

@kwon_sy:

hey i'm in the lobby

invite me or else

@leeji:

you’re impatient.

give me a sec.

@kwon_sy:

:)

also… can i come over later?

eating chicken alone sucks

@leeji:

door’s open.

Seoul, South Korea, 21:30 KST, October 21, 2025.

🎧 Twitch VOD Transcript – “(No title)”

Chat:

• [bobohu0506]: they’re together right now aren’t they
• [bbhddalgi]: he’s coaching him LIVE
• [weiwuxian]: JIHOON SOUNDS SOFT OMG

[00:55:10]
“WAIT I GOT A KILL!”

[00:55:12]
"Good job.” 

Chat:

• [<MOD> ctrl_hch]: hyung did u just smile 🥹
• [<MOD> ctrl_cheol]: uja... my child.

Seoul, South Korea, 02:30 KST, October 25, 2025.

Jihoon didn’t stream that night.

Instead, there was the sound of quiet keyboard taps from two setups side by side, empty chicken boxes on the desk, and Soonyoung laughing when Jihoon ruffled his own hair from rage and excitement after clutching a game. 

Chapter Text

Seoul, South Korea, 18:27 KST, October 29, 2025.

📱 DMs – Instagram

@kwon_sy:

LET'S GO

I'M PICKING YOU UP IN 10 MINS

@leeji:

what the fuck are you talking about

i have no plans with you today

@kwon_sy:

i'm on my way to the dance studio

i kinda wanna...

introduce you to my group :D

@ctrl_uja:

no way

you're on your own

@kwon_sy:

YES WAY

you don't need to dress up, jihoonie

you're already pretty |

you're alre |

you |

Seoul, South Korea, 18:40 KST, October 29, 2025.

A knock. Then another. Then three rapid ones in succession like the person behind the door thought enthusiasm could substitute for manners.

Jihoon didn’t move. He didn't want to.

“Jihoon-ah,” came Soonyoung’s voice, slightly muffled but undeniably chipper, “Open the door. I know you’re home. Your stream ended an hour ago ago. I checked.” Jihoon, still seated on his gaming chair, glanced toward the door with an exhausted look. Hoodie on, headphones still around his neck, he considered pretending to be asleep.

“I brought coke zero,” Soonyoung called.

Jihoon frowned. So what?!

“I’ll leave it here,” he added, like that might change something. A beat of silence. “And myself. I’m not leaving, by the way. I’ll just stay here. All night. Right in the hallway.”

Jihoon blinked slowly. So damn persistent.

“It’s cold out here, Jihoon-ah. My knees are sensitive.” There was a pause. Then a dramatic sigh. “Do you want me to develop joint problems? That’s fine. I’ll just call my physical therapist in advance—”

The door swung open halfway, revealing Jihoon’s very tired face. “Do you ever shut up?”

Soonyoung perked up immediately, as if Jihoon’s annoyance was a green light. “Only when I’m sleeping. Which isn’t now. So! Let’s go?”

“No.”

“But I want you to meet my group.”

“I don’t care.”

“They’re excited.”

“I’m not.”

Soonyoung put both palms together like he was praying. “Come on. Just this once. You don’t even have to smile. You can be weird and grumpy and completely silent, and they’ll still love you. I promise.” Jihoon stared at him, deadpan. “You’re the most annoying person I’ve ever met.”

“And yet, you opened the door.” Soonyoung smiled wider.

Another long pause.

“Give me five minutes.” Jihoon exhaled like he was surrendering to a lifelong sentence.

Soonyoung practically bounced on the spot. “Yes! I’ll wait right here.”

“God, this is so stupid." Jihoon shut the door again, muttering curses under his breath but his steps already led him to his jacket.

Seoul, South Korea, 19:32 KST, October 29, 2025.

The room was full of energy, laughter spilling from a few of the dancers sprawled on the floor. Someone was setting up a camera; Chan, the youngest, was fiddling with a speaker. Jihoon hovered near the door, hands in pockets, very aware that he did not belong.

“This is him,” Soonyoung announced dramatically, pulling Jihoon closer by the wrist. “My neighbor. He fixed my mic!”

Jihoon muttered, “I didn’t agree to an introduction.”

“This is Jihoon-hyung?” Chan blinked up at him, curious. Jihoon avoided the gaze piercing through him. He was not easily intimidated but Soonyoung's group was more chaotic than his team.

“You never told us he was cute,” another dancer. whose name was Jongin, teased. Soonyoung shot them a look, ears going pink.

Jihoon contemplated vanishing into the floor.

Seoul, South Korea, 19:57 KST, October 29, 2025.

The music started again; something fast, bright, and layered with intricate footwork. Jihoon watched, leaning against the mirror, silently impressed despite himself. Soonyoung moved like the music lived inside him, every beat crisp, every turn effortless. Jihoon found his fingers tapping against his thigh in time with the rhythm before he even realized it.

“Jihoon-hyung!” Chan called, grinning. “Do you dance too?”

“No,” Jihoon replied instantly.

“Yes,” Soonyoung cut in at the same time.

Jihoon shot him a glare. “What.”

“You do! I’ve seen you move around when you think no one’s watching.”

Jihoon’s jaw dropped. “That doesn’t count, Soonyoung.”

The group began to cheer him on. Someone started clapping a beat. Oh God. I hate dancers. Chan, the traitor, was already queuing up a slower track.

“I’m not...” Jihoon began. But then Soonyoung was standing in front of him, grinning wide, eyes sparkling. “Just one song, Jihoonie. Please?”

And Jihoon… gave in.

Fuck.

Seoul, South Korea, 20:01 KST, October 29, 2025.

It started awkwardly. Jihoon tugged his hoodie sleeves down, muttering under his breath as he stepped onto the floor. But the music hit. Something familiar, something sharp and syncopated. Something in Jihoon’s body remembered.

Jihoon moved.

Not tentatively, but with startling precision. The beat wasn’t just under his feet; it was his feet, his shoulders, the tilt of his head, the sweep of his arm. His movements carved through the tempo cleanly, effortlessly, like he’d been waiting for this without knowing it.

The room went quiet except for the music. Then there was shouting. Someone whooped. Chan’s jaw dropped.

Even Soonyoung froze mid-step, watching Jihoon spin and land with a controlled slide that ended perfectly on beat. His heart stuttered in his chest, something warm and unexpected bubbling up.

Jihoon finally stopped, panting slightly, tugging his hood lower over his eyes. “…Happy?”

The room erupted.

“Hyung?” Chan whispered, eyes still wide with awe. “He’s amazing. Where did you even find him?”

Soonyoung hesitated. He looked across the room and saw Jihoon laughing quietly at something another dancer said, hoodie still pulled up, hands clasped around the water bottle like a shield.

Something soft tugged in his chest.

“I didn’t find him,” Soonyoung murmured. “He just… lives next door. Below me, actually.”

Chan tilted his head. “You really like him, don’t you?”

Soonyoung felt his ears go hot. He rubbed the back of his neck, sheepish, but didn’t deny it.

Seoul, South Korea, 20:49 KST, October 29, 2025.

When Jihoon finally stood up to leave, Soonyoung was already by the door, like they'd planned to go together. They said their goodbyes to the other dancers, laughter still lingering in the room as they stepped out into the cool night.

Jihoon glanced at him. “Don’t you still have practice until eleven?”

Soonyoung just shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah. But I’d rather walk you home.”

Silence.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Jihoon muttered, though his voice lacked any real annoyance.

“You were incredible,” Soonyoung said honestly.

Jihoon looked at him, startled. Then he looked away, shoulders hunched, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. "You’re ridiculous.” 

And for once, Soonyoung didn’t chase the moment with a joke. He just walked beside him quietly, heart still beating out a rhythm only he could hear.

Seoul, South Korea, 23:03 KST, October 29, 2025.

Chan sat cross‑legged on the studio floor, still buzzing from earlier. Most of the group was packing up, laughter echoing faintly as shoes scuffed against polished wood. But Chan wasn’t moving. His brows were furrowed, lips pursed in thought. Jihoon-hyung’s moves replayed in his mind; clean isolations, that sharp wave into the drop, the way he hit the beat like he’d lived on stage before.

And… something about his face.

I’ve seen him before.

Not in person. On a screen maybe? A late‑night scroll, a video recommendation. Chan didn’t game much. His laptop was mostly for music and edits but sometimes YouTube threw random clips his way. He remembered a thumbnail: headset, glowing monitor, and an FPS game.

Chan shook his head. “No way…”

Junhui dropped onto the floor beside him with a groan, stretching his arms. “You’re spacing out again. What’s up?”

Chan’s gaze lingered on the now-empty spot near the mirrors where Jihoon had been standing hours ago, Soonyoung beside him, whispering something that made Jihoon smile before the two slipped out together.

“Jun-hyung… Jihoon hyung... Doesn’t he look… familiar to you?”

Jun tilted his head, thoughtful. “Hmm.” He followed Chan’s line of sight, even if the subject was already gone. “Kinda? Like I’ve seen him online or something.”

“Right?!” Chan sat up straighter. “I swear I saw him on YouTube. But I don’t even play games, so I’m probably just...”

Jun chuckled. “Maybe he just has that kind of face. Clean-cut. Sharp features. Internet-pretty.”

Chan frowned, unsatisfied. “Still… there’s something about him.”

Familiar. Definitely familiar.

I’ll figure it out later, he promised himself, that strange spark of curiosity flickering at the edge of his thoughts.

Chapter Text

Seoul, South Korea, 21:02 KST, November 3, 2025.

🎧 Twitch VOD Transcript – “Late-Night Duos (ft. 0715)”

[00:03:44]
“Come in.”

A knock interrupted mid‑match. Jihoon didn't even flinch anymore. Soonyoung slipped into Jihoon's apartment with a grin and a bag of hotteok.

[00:03:50]
“Brought snacks. Pause your stream.” 

[00:03:52]
“Eat it while it's hot.” 

[00:03:54]
“Hmm.” 

Chat:

• [juns_nyang]: 0715 IN THE HOUSE AGAIN
• [hwdrafts]: he just walks in now omg
• [kagehina]: domestic neighbor arc unlocked

[00:04:16]
“Ignore him.”

[00:04:16]
“Hi chat!”

[00:04:19]
“They're asking you to show yourself.”

[00:04:21]
“Next time! When Jihoonie and I are already official!”

Chat:

• [weiwuxian]: WHAT THE FREAK
• [tigercherries]: OFFICIAL WHAT ARE THEY TOGETHER
• [ujascat]: huh...

[00:04:28]
“Just kidding guys!”

[00:04:30]
“You're crazy.”

Seoul, South Korea, 21:02 KST, November 3, 2025.

It had become routine lately; Soonyoung dropping by mid‑stream, sitting cross‑legged on the couch behind Jihoon with a drink in hand, sometimes watching, sometimes scrolling his phone. Sometimes playing on Jihoon's spare computer.

At first, Jihoon found it distracting. Now, he found himself glancing over at random intervals, catching Soonyoung’s grin when he landed a clutch play, or the way Soonyoung’s knee bumped his when he leaned closer to ask something.

🎧 Twitch VOD Transcript – “Valorant Hopcon”

[00:51:04]
“Your aim looks insane tonight, jagiya.”

[00:51:08]
“Stop watching my hands.”

Soonyoung laughed, bright and unrestrained.

[00:51:10]
“Can’t help it. It’s cool. You're cool.”

Chat:

• [berryyeon]: he called him jagiya on stream again
• [bleepbloop7]: pls just date already
• [thelittlebirdie]: the flirting is CRAZY

[00:51:15]
“Chat, focus on the game, not him.”

Chat:

• [<MOD> ctrl_wons]: ggwp
• [juns_nyang]: UJA IS BLUSHING

Seoul, South Korea, 23:41 KST, November 3, 2025.

📱 DMs – Instagram

@kwon_sy:

i think chat likes me more than you now

@leeji:

they like you bc you bring food

stop distracting me

@kwon_sy:

can’t help it if you look good when you focus

@leeji:

don’t text me that

i'm still streaming

@kwon_sy:

we’re the same age, i’m allowed to compliment you

@leeji:

you’re annoying

gn

@leeji:

and goodluck with practice tomorrow

@kwon_sy:

gn jihoonie :)

thank you

sleep early

Jihoon stared at the screen, jaw tight, before tossing his phone face down on the desk.

Seoul, South Korea, 18:22 KST, November 6, 2025.

No stream today. 

Jihoon was busy with merch release of their team. Crazy was an understatement.

Jihoon joined Soonyoung in the kitchen who was perched on the counter, eating the last piece of chicken he brought for Jihoon earlier. “You looked tired,” Soonyoung said softly.

Jihoon rinsed a cup. "It’s just scrims. Normal.”

“I know. Just… don’t burn out, okay?” The earnestness in Soonyoung’s voice caught him off guard. Jihoon looked up, meeting his eyes. Not burning out sounds impossible.

For a second, the room felt too quiet, the air between them charged. Jihoon cleared his throat, turning away quickly. “You say weird things sometimes."

Soonyoung chuckled, hopping off the counter. “Alright. Rest up, don't push yourself too hard. See you when I see you, okay?”

Jihoon didn’t answer until the door closed softly behind him.

“…See you,” he whispered to no one.

Seoul, South Korea, 23:32 KST, November 7, 2025.

When Jihoon booted up for another late‑night practice, the spare headset on the couch caught his eye. Soonyoung had left it behind again. He shook his head, but his lips curved into a small smile.

The truth slipped quietly through his thoughts before he could stop it. I don’t really mind anymore… when he’s here.