Kim Hongjoong - Your Leader

The practice room was almost empty at that hour. The white lights on the ceiling barely illuminated the fogged mirrors and water bottles scattered on the floor after an exhausting rehearsal. The other members of ATEEZ had left a while ago… except for Hongjoong.

Sitting in front of his laptop, he continued reviewing a music track, his brow slightly furrowed, completely focused. His fingers tapped the desk to the rhythm of the song as he murmured ideas for changing some parts.

You leaned your back against the door, watching him silently.

"Aren't you resting yet?" you asked wearily.

Hongjoong slowly looked up. For a second his expression remained serious, until he noticed it was you.

"The ninth member should set an example, don't you think?" she replied with a small, lopsided smile.

You rolled your eyes and walked over to him, leaving your bag on a chair.

—That's what the leader who's been awake since yesterday says.

He chuckled softly. Then he closed his laptop and leaned back, watching you with that intense gaze that always managed to make you nervous, even if you tried to hide it.

—I got worried when you didn't show up after the rehearsal.

—Were you worried… or did you want to keep bothering me?

Hongjoong barely bowed his head.

—Both things.

The silence between you became strange… comfortable, but dangerous at the same time. Outside the building was completely quiet, and for the first time all day there were no cameras, managers, or members interrupting.

Just the two of you.