The steady patter of soft rain tapped against the windows, a hush falling over the city like a lullaby.
You stretched slowly, the air in the room still warm from the night before, your body aching in all the right ways. The sheets were tangled around your waist, skin still damp where it had met his. The air smelled like steam and skin and something sweeter than sleep.
Beside you, Chan stirred. His arm slid around your waist as you turned to face him, and his eyes met yours with that same quiet, reverent smile.
"You're glowing," he whispered, his thumb brushing your bare shoulder.
"So are you," you murmured, cheeks already heating.
The sound of the rain deepened the quiet between you, stretching it into something gentle. Safe.
He pressed a kiss to your temple. "Let's go ruin breakfast."
Downstairs, the lobby lights reflected softly against wet tile, and the windows blurred with streaks of rainfall. Everything outside looked washed in silver—traffic slowing, umbrellas blooming like flowers along the sidewalks.
You and Chan stepped into the dining area together, hand in hand. And instantly—all heads turned.
Seungmin blinked. "She glows, and I didn't sleep."
Your face lit up. You ducked straight into Chan's shoulder, mortified and laughing. "Why are you all looking at me like that?" you muttered.
Han grinned. "Because the rain isn't the only thing dripping this morning."
Felix choked on his orange juice.
Jeongin looked proud. "That's the best line I've heard in weeks."
Lee Know calmly sipped his tea. "I was woken up by a rhythm section."
Chan groaned. "Y'all need hobbies."
But the teasing was affectionate. Supportive. Even behind the smirks, every one of them looked genuinely happy for you both.
Felix leaned over and bumped your shoulder gently. "You two are good together."
"Thanks," you said softly.
Breakfast was relaxed after that—rain tapping gently on the windows, the smell of coffee and butter hanging in the air as you all ate and laughed and swapped stories from the show. The group passed plates, argued over side dishes, and shared clips of the night's performance like it was any other day.
But the moment was broken—gently—when Chan spoke. "JYPE called a meeting," he said, voice calm but steady.
The room quieted.
"We figured," Felix said. "And we're with you. Both of you."
"Every step," Hyunjin added.
You looked around the table—at each of them—and smiled, your chest full and warm.
After the meal, Chan pulled you aside by the wide lobby windows where rain traced slow rivers down the glass.
You stood close, your reflection soft and blurred in the glass behind his. "What will this mean for me?" you asked quietly. "For my military career?"
He took a breath, thoughtful. "It depends. There's no rule against dating, but... if the relationship becomes public—especially with someone in the spotlight—it can draw attention. Unwanted attention."
Your stomach turned slightly, but you didn't look away.
"You've done everything right," he said firmly. "You're on leave. You've kept things respectful. This isn't misconduct. And honestly?" He tucked a piece of hair behind your ear. "Anyone who sees you the way I do knows you're not here for attention. You're here for me."
Your voice was a whisper. "So I don't have to hide?"
"No," he said. "Because this isn't a scandal. It's real."
You let out a long breath, shoulders easing as you leaned into him.
"Just be yourself in the meeting," he said gently. "Tell the truth. That's enough."
"And after?"
He smiled and brushed his lips across your forehead.
"After, we go do something fun. Just us."