Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The first thing Jongho felt that morning was the heaviness of someone's arm draped across his chest and the gentle warmth of breath on the back of his neck. San had a habit of sleeping like a cosy cat during winter, snuggling into the nearest body and refusing to let go despite Jongho's attempts to shift or adjust the blankets. Jongho stared groggily at the clock on the wall. It was too early for all this.

With a soft sigh, he tried to pry San's hand away with little success, then decided to just lie there a bit longer. It wasn't that he disliked the closeness; in fact, he enjoyed it far too much, but mornings in a house shared by eight people didn't accommodate anyone's comfort. The bathroom would likely be occupied, the kitchen bustling, and the whole house a disaster if he didn't get moving.

Eventually, after a half-hearted struggle, he finally managed to slip free. San let out a low noise of protest, opening one eye, his hair sticking up like a startled bird.

"Where are you going? Stay," he murmured, grasping at the pillow Jongho had left behind as if it might replace him.

"Bathroom," Jongho replied softly, trying to keep his tone steady.

San hummed sleepily, curling up into a ball again. "Hurry back," he mumbled, and the casual plea made Jongho's face flush before he swiftly shut the door behind him.

The hallway outside was already noisy. He could hear running water, loud voices, and the familiar thump of someone's fist hitting a door.

Wooyoung was the first to raise his voice, sharp and dramatic. "I told you, it's my turn today!"

Mingi's deep voice quickly followed from inside the bathroom. "Yeah, but you always take too long! Last time we were late because you were styling your hair—"

"Don't exaggerate!" Wooyoung fired back. "It was a maximum of fifteen minutes!"

"Twenty-five!" Mingi exclaimed.

"Do you two ever take a break?" Hongjoong's voice cut in, frustration clear. "We created a schedule for a reason!"

Seonghwa's exasperated sigh followed, long and tired. "You're all unbelievable," he muttered, and Jongho could almost picture him massaging his temples in the hallway.

Jongho rubbed his face, feeling a pang of regret for getting out of bed. If he moved quickly, maybe he could slip into another bathroom without being seen.

Before he could reach the door, Yunho came out of that bathroom – hair damp, face refreshed, already radiating joy first thing in the morning.

"Good morning, Jjongie," Yunho greeted cheerfully, giving his shoulder a friendly clap.

Jongho merely grunted in response and hurried into the empty bathroom before anyone else noticed. He locked the door behind him with a sigh of relief, wondering how Yunho always managed to appear as if he had a full night's sleep while the rest of them resembled the living dead.

By the time Jongho came out, the kitchen was alive with inviting aromas. Yunho and Mingi were side by side at the stove – Yunho cautiously stirring a pot of soup while Mingi flipped eggs with excessive flourishes. Their chatter flowed together in a delightful mix of playful arguments and jokes, voices overlapping in a surprisingly comforting rhythm.

Jongho sank into a chair at the dining table, still groggy. Before he could reach for anything, Yunho placed a small bowl of soup in front of him.

"Could you taste this for me? I think it needs a bit more salt," he said, his eyes filled with anticipation.

Mingi immediately narrowed his eyes, spatula still in hand. "Don't make him your test subject! Here, Jjongie, you should try mine." He hurried to where Jongho was sitting and plopped a piece of fried egg onto the younger's plate.

Jongho looked back and forth between the two, heaving a soft sigh. He grabbed the spoon that was placed on the table and obediently sampled a spoonful of Yunho's soup, followed by Mingi's fried egg. "Both are good," he said after swallowing, his tone flat yet honest.

"See?" Yunho smiled brightly. "It's perfect as it is."

Mingi leaned back against the counter with a smug expression. "No, he liked mine better. Just look at his face."

Jongho blinked in confusion. "What face?"

"This one," Mingi joked, pointing at him. "The 'wow, this is fantastic, Mingi hyung is the best' face."

"That face doesn't exist," Jongho deadpanned, causing Yunho to burst into laughter.

Before Jongho could gather himself, Yunho bent down slightly and popped another piece of egg into the younger's mouth after taking it from a plate on the counter. "Have more," he said, ruffling Jongho's hair.

Jongho coughed in surprise, scowling, but Yunho only flashed a grin as if he hadn't just done something wrong.

Across the table, Yeosang was sitting silently, carefully peeling an orange with deliberate movements. When Jongho reached for a piece, Yeosang quietly pushed the last piece towards him. Their eyes met for a moment, Yeosang's expression unreadable, before he shifted his gaze back to the peel.

"Thanks, hyung," Jongho said softly, unsure if Yeosang even heard him.

San stumbled in at that moment, his hair messier than before and eyes barely open. He collapsed against Jongho's side, resting his head on the younger's shoulder.

"Why are you up already? And why do you look so cute?" San murmured, his voice rough from sleep.

Jongho tensed, his ears turning red. "Eat first," he said, nudging the older aside, but San just laughed and burrowed even closer.

Seonghwa showed up right then, placing a plate neatly in front of Jongho. The meat was already cut into small pieces, and the side dishes were arranged perfectly. "Make sure to eat well," Seonghwa commanded, his tone serious yet genuine.

Jongho gazed at the plate, then looked over at Seonghwa, but the older had already turned to scold Mingi for leaving eggshells by the sink. The others engaged in playful arguments and laughter, while Jongho focused on his plate, coming to the realisation again that everyone in this house had their unique way of smothering him with love.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

After breakfast, the household settled into its weekend routine. In a home where eight people lived under one roof, chores were mandatory. If they neglected to clean, the laundry would completely overtake them by night, and the kitchen would become messy in a matter of days. Hongjoong had previously attempted to assign strict chore lists, but now everyone more or less adhered to their personal routines.

Jongho considered sneaking off for a nap, but Yeosang caught him before he reached the hallway.

"You're coming with me," he said simply, pulling the younger toward the laundry room. A basket filled with fresh laundry was already prepared.

"Why me, hyung?" Jongho complained, dragging his feet.

"Because you fold fast, unlike the others," Yeosang answered without hesitation, handing him a shirt. "I'd ask Youngie, but he'd only create more mess than help."

Jongho sighed but complied. They stood next to each other, stacking socks, towels, and shirts. Yeosang folded his pile expertly – precise lines, sharp edges, every piece lined up as if he were setting up a retail display. Jongho's were good enough, but he worked fast without concern for accuracy.

"You always rush," Yeosang whispered after observing him for a bit. With cautious fingers that lingered a fraction of a second too long, he smoothed down a crease Jongho had overlooked.

"I don't rush; I just don't obsess over socks," Jongho murmured back, though he took his time with the next piece, folding it again more carefully. He looked up to see Yeosang observing him, the corners of his lips twitching upward slightly.

"That's better," Yeosang said softly, and Jongho refused to admit that the compliment warmed his chest.

Before he had a chance to reply, Wooyoung's voice rang out from farther down the hallway. "Jjongie! I need you!"

Yeosang let out a long, exaggerated sigh, looking like he carried the weight of the world. "You'd better go before he comes marching in here to drag you."

Jongho put the folded shirt aside, flashing an apologetic smile at the older. "Sorry, hyung."

"It's okay. Thanks for helping me," Yeosang said, keeping his voice steady, but Jongho swore he saw a brief change in Yeosang's eyes as he turned back to the laundry.

In the living room, Wooyoung stood in the centre of the mess, wielding a feather duster like he was ready for battle. Cushions were scattered across the floor, a chair sat awkwardly crooked, and the bookshelf looked as though someone had gone treasure hunting through it.

"Today, we'll defeat the dust bunnies!" Wooyoung announced, pressing the duster dramatically into Jongho's chest. "And you, my faithful sidekick, will lead the charge!"

Jongho gave him a deadpan look. "Are we actually cleaning, or is this just an excuse to mess around?"

Wooyoung grinned cheekily. "A bit of both, but mostly, I just wanna have some fun."

Jongho let out a dramatic sigh but took the duster anyway. He barely managed a swipe at the bookshelf before Wooyoung poked him in the side again, making him stumble away with a startled laugh.

"Hyung! That's not—quit it—!" Jongho spluttered, trying to dodge the sudden playful attack.

Wooyoung was laughing so hard he nearly lost his grip on the duster, still poking at Jongho's ribs as if they were kids playing tag. Jongho collapsed onto the couch, out of breath and unable to control the laughter that slipped past his lips. "I hate you," he managed between laughs, giving Wooyoung's shoulder a playful shove.

"We all know that's a lie. You love me!" Wooyoung declared without missing a beat, his eyes gleaming. He perched himself on the arm of the couch and leaned in close enough for Jongho to see the smirk playing at his lips.

Before Jongho could push him away, Seonghwa's voice sliced through the room like a blade. "This isn't what I'd call dusting."

They both froze. Seonghwa stood in the doorway, arms crossed over his chest, giving them a look that could set something on fire. Jongho snapped upright, holding the duster like a remorseful kid. Wooyoung tried to swallow his laughter and settled for a sheepish grin.

"Uh... a team-building activity?" Wooyoung tried, his voice barely above a squeak.

Seonghwa let out a soft sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Just try not to wreck the place, or we'll end up homeless," he said at last, turning away. For a moment, his mouth twitched like he was barely holding back a smile.

As soon as Seonghwa was out of sight, Wooyoung burst into laughter, pulling Jongho back onto the couch with him. "Totally worth it," he snickered, letting his head fall onto Jongho's shoulder.

"You're ridiculous," Jongho grumbled, but he didn't make any move to shrug the older off.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

By late afternoon, the chores were finally finished, or at the very least forced into a state where the house wasn't about to fall apart. Sunlight slanted through the big living room windows, painting everything gold, and Yunho declared it was finally 'relaxation time'. Nobody complained.

"So, what are we watching?" Mingi asked, already stretched out across the biggest couch like a starfish. His legs took up half the space, and he clearly had no plans to budge.

"Something scary," Wooyoung chimed in right away. "That way, Jongho can hide behind me."

Jongho shot him a glare sharp enough to slice through steel. "I do not hide."

"You so do," San teased, flashing a bright grin as he pulled Jongho down next to him. "Last time, you practically climbed into my lap."

"That was just once," Jongho muttered, but San was already slinging an arm around his shoulders and pulling him close, completely ignoring his complaints.

Yeosang slipped into the corner by the window, draping a blanket over his legs with casual elegance. He stayed silent, but his gaze lingered on Jongho as San fussed over him, and his expression gave nothing away.

Seonghwa entered, expertly balancing a bowl of popcorn, while Hongjoong followed behind, arms full of drinks. "Settle down before someone gets hurt," Hongjoong warned, though the affection was clear in his voice.

Yunho grabbed the remote and started flipping through what felt like a million options. "Are we going horror, comedy, or drama?" he asked.

"Action!" Mingi exclaimed, barely containing his excitement.

"Horror," Wooyoung insisted, eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Drama," Seonghwa suggested, setting the popcorn gently on the coffee table. "Let's watch something heartfelt."

"Drama sounds really boring," San shot back right away, resting his chin on Jongho's shoulder.

"It's not boring," Seonghwa protested, looking genuinely offended. "At least with drama, you won't be up all night flinching at sounds like a scaredy cat."

"Scary movies don't even faze me," Jongho insisted, but the waver in his voice gave him away.

Wooyoung burst out laughing at that.

In the end, Yunho scrolled through so many options that everyone started groaning, then picked a family drama just to quiet the chaos. Mingi booed, and Wooyoung threatened a full-on revolt, but Seonghwa grinned in victory and hit play before anyone else could snatch the remote.

The couches filled quickly, everyone piling in without a second thought. San pulled Jongho down until the younger was practically trapped against his side. Mingi sprawled across half of Yunho, who gave a dramatic sigh but didn't bother pushing him off. Wooyoung squished in beside Seonghwa, snatching popcorn by the handful with sticky fingers.

Somehow, Yeosang ended up with one end of the blanket, and Jongho only noticed when Yeosang silently draped it over his lap as well. Their knees bumped together, a quiet and steady warmth beneath the blanket. Jongho opened his mouth to say something but stopped when Yeosang glanced over, his expression as unreadable as ever.

On screen, the characters fought and forgave, and despite himself, Jongho got pulled into the story. Every so often, San burst into laughter right in his ear, leaning in so close that his breath tickled Jongho's skin. His chest felt tight, though he couldn't tell if it was irritation or something else altogether.

Halfway through, Wooyoung threw a piece of popcorn at Jongho, and it bounced off his cheek before he could even react.

"What was that for?" Jongho shot back.

"You looked way too serious," Wooyoung said, flashing a mischievous grin. "Loosen up, birthday boy."

"It's not even my birthday yet," Jongho mumbled, but his ears turned red anyway. He slouched down, letting San tug him closer, and hid his face in the blanket.

"Heh, close enough," Wooyoung joked, only to get a playful smack on the nape from Seonghwa.

"Leave him alone," Seonghwa said, trying to sound stern, though the corners of his mouth kept twitching.

The movie ended, but everyone stayed put. The low buzz of the credits filled the room as half the group started nodding off and the rest struggled to keep their eyes open. Jongho figured they'd all wander off to bed soon until Mingi suddenly bolted upright.

"Convenience store run!" he announced, suddenly full of life. "We're out of chips."

"You literally just woke up," Yunho deadpanned, still stuck under Mingi's weight.

"Exactly," Mingi replied. "I'm so refreshed right now. So, chips?"

Wooyoung perked up instantly. "Yeah. And ice cream. And maybe those little mochi things too."

"You're not dragging me out there again. Nope," Seonghwa said, already standing to collect the empty bowls. "The last time we went there, you two bought half the store and made me carry it."

"Hyung, don't be dramatic. You're strong," Wooyoung whined, following him like an annoying shadow.

San stretched, his arm still draped over Jongho's shoulders. "What about you, Jongho-yah? Are you in?"

Jongho shook his head right away. "I'm wiped."

"You always say that," San teased, giving the younger's cheek a playful poke.

"Because it's true," Jongho grumbled, though he could still feel the warmth of San's hand on his skin, lingering a little too long for comfort.

In the end, Yunho, Mingi, and Wooyoung volunteered for the store run, though it was really just Yunho making sure the other two didn't come back with something ridiculous. Hongjoong listed out a few essentials, which they nodded along to but immediately forgot as soon as they hit the stairwell, their laughter echoing behind them.

The rest stayed behind. Seonghwa slipped off to the kitchen, humming quietly as he rinsed the dishes. Yeosang disappeared into his room with the laundry, silent as ever. San pulled Jongho down until the younger was stretched out on the couch, his head resting comfortably in San's lap.

"Your head is heavy," San complained jokingly, but his fingers found their way into Jongho's hair, idly combing through the strands.

"I can get up," Jongho offered, though he didn't actually try to move.

"Don't you dare," San said at once, his voice so soft it made Jongho's throat go tight. "Just stay."

Jongho let the silence linger between them for a while. From the kitchen came the soft clatter of dishes, Seonghwa fussing as usual. Hongjoong sat cross-legged on the floor, flipping through his notebook and jotting something down, even though the day was already behind them.

It was the kind of peacefulness Jongho rarely noticed until it wrapped around him, quiet and warm.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Half an hour later, the front door crashed open and chaos tumbled back in. Yunho stumbled inside, arms loaded with three plastic bags, muttering curses under his breath. Mingi and Wooyoung trailed after him, laughing so hard they almost tripped over each other in the entryway.

"What did you two do?" Seonghwa called from the kitchen, suspicion already in his voice.

"Nothing," Wooyoung replied, which, of course, meant trouble.

"They seriously bought five different flavours of ice cream," Yunho deadpanned, dropping the bags onto the table. "And a whole box of instant ramen."

"Emergency stocks," Mingi replied, completely straight-faced.

Seonghwa groaned, but Wooyoung was already unpacking, tossing a pint of ice cream straight into Jongho's lap. "Birthday boy gets to pick first!"

"It's not even my birthday yet," Jongho protested, though his voice was much softer this time. Still, he popped the lid off and took a bite, which earned loud cheers from San and Mingi.

The kitchen filled with laughter and a fresh mess as spoons clinked against cartons. Hongjoong gave up on scolding and simply took a scoop for himself. Even Yeosang returned quietly, settling into an armchair with something cold in his hands. He glanced at Jongho for just a moment, quick and almost shy, before focusing on his dessert again.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

By the time midnight rolled around, everyone was stuffed and sleepy again. The house smelt faintly of sugar and ramen, a mix that made Jongho's stomach ache in a strangely satisfying way.

"All right, bedtime," Seonghwa declared, gathering up the spoons left behind.

"I'm not even tired," Wooyoung protested, sprawled out on the floor like a starfish.

"You'll be tired when I toss a blanket over your face and leave you right there," Seonghwa threatened, which sent San and Mingi into fits of giggles.

Hongjoong clapped his hands once. "Up, kiddos. Bed. Now."

The room filled with grumbles as everyone slowly disentangled themselves. Mingi dragged his feet down the hall, while Yunho nudged him along like an exhausted parent. Wooyoung tried to climb onto Seonghwa's back and was pushed off without ceremony.

San leaned into Jongho as they made their way towards their room, his arm slung casually over Jongho's shoulders. "Today was fun," he mumbled softly.

"It was noisy," Jongho admitted.

"Noisy and fun," San corrected with a grin. "That's the best kind of day."

Jongho didn't bother arguing, not when his chest already felt too warm to put into words.

Their room was dim and quiet, the gentle whir of the air conditioner humming in the background. Jongho changed quickly and slipped under the blanket, while San took his time, slowly peeling off his shirt.

Jongho tried not to look and failed, quickly averting his gaze when San's eyes met his.

San climbed into bed and scooted close, pressing up against Jongho. "You're warm, Jjongie," he murmured, nuzzling his face into Jongho's shoulder.

"You're clingy, hyung," Jongho replied, though his voice was soft.

"And you like it," San whispered, his breath hot against Jongho's skin.

Jongho didn't say anything. He just lay there, staring at the ceiling, heart pounding, listening to the muffled sounds of seven other people drifting off to sleep nearby. He'd never admit it, but maybe San was right after all.

The apartment was finally still. Beyond the door, Jongho could make out the faint sounds of someone brushing their teeth, the soft creak of a bedframe, and then the steady hum of the air conditioner. Eight people under one roof, and yet the quiet felt heavier and safer than any silence he'd ever known by himself.

San was already breathing slowly and steadily beside him, his hand loosely curled in Jongho's sleeve as though he didn't want to let go, even in sleep. Jongho watched the play of shadows from the streetlights across the ceiling, mind still wide awake even as the rest of the apartment drifted off.

His thoughts wandered to the morning chaos: Yunho making soup, Wooyoung's endless teasing, and Yeosang's quiet glances while folding laundry. He remembered Seonghwa's fond scolding, Mingi's laughter echoing through the apartment, and the way Hongjoong always seemed to notice everything. Life here was noisy and messy, nothing like the neat order Jongho sometimes imagined life should be.

But with San curled up next to him and the comfort of knowing everyone else was just down the hall, Jongho couldn't ignore the strange ache in his chest. It wasn't a bad ache; it was heavy and warm, the kind that tightened his throat and twisted his stomach, making him wonder if there was more to this than simply living together.

He shifted a little, careful not to wake San, and finally let his eyes drift shut.

Tomorrow would bring more noise, more teasing, and more warmth. And maybe, just maybe, he could let himself enjoy it without worrying about hiding how much it meant.

For now, wrapped in the gentle presence of seven other lives, Jongho let himself drift off, safe and heavy with sleep, a quiet truth settling in the back of his mind like a secret: he was loved, even if he couldn't quite say it yet.

Chapter Text

Jongho woke to the sound of quiet whispers. He blinked groggily, vision still fuzzy, and found San leaning over him, wearing a grin that was far too bright for this early in the morning.

"Happy birthday, baby," San whispered, his voice both gentle and teasing. He ran a hand through Jongho's hair, fingertips brushing his temple like it was second nature.

"It's too early," Jongho mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. He tried to roll over, but San caught his wrist and pulled him back gently.

"You're not sleeping through your birthday," San said, determined. Before Jongho could protest, San leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. Heat rushed to Jongho's face, and suddenly he was wide awake.

"Hyung—" Jongho shot up, ears burning. "What was that for?"

"Birthday perks," San replied with a smug smile, though his eyes were warm enough to make Jongho's heart twist. "Come on, everyone's waiting for you."

Jongho dragged himself out of bed and shuffled after San into the living room, where everyone else was already waiting. What he saw stopped him in his tracks.

Colourful streamers draped the walls, paper stars dangled from the ceiling, and a stack of wrapped presents sat on the coffee table. A banner that was handwritten, unmistakably Wooyoung's, hung across the wall: Happy Birthday, Jjongie!

The second he stepped in, everyone burst into cheers.

"Our baby!" Mingi yelled, bounding forward to sweep him up in a bone-crushing hug. "Happy birthday!"

"Careful, Mingi-yah, you'll break him," Yeosang muttered, though a small smile tugged at his lips as he handed Jongho a mug of steaming coffee. "Here. Just how you like it."

Jongho took it with wide eyes, still stunned. "Wait... you guys really did all of this?"

"Of course we did," Hongjoong said, stepping up. He straightened the crooked banner with a fond shake of his head. "You didn't really think we'd forget, did you?"

Jongho opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He just shook his head, throat tight with a feeling he couldn't quite put into words.

"Come here," Seonghwa said softly, steering him toward the dining table. "Sit. Have your breakfast first."

The table was loaded with food: pancakes, fresh fruit, fried eggs, and even a stack of toast cut neatly into perfect little triangles. Yunho stood beside the table, beaming with pride, spatula still in hand. "All my doing," he said with a big grin.

"With a little supervision," Hongjoong chimed in.

"And taste-testing," Wooyoung added, licking his lips.

"Happy birthday, Jongho-yah," Yunho said, ignoring the others. He bent down and pressed a kiss to the top of Jongho's head before he could duck away.

"Hyung!" Jongho yelped, cheeks heating up, but Yunho just laughed and ruffled his hair.

"Birthday boy isn't allowed to complain today," Wooyoung declared cheerfully, pressing a loud kiss to Jongho's cheek before dodging his half-hearted swat.

Mingi followed right after, sneaking up to press a kiss against Jongho's temple. "You're not getting rid of us," he whispered with a mischievous grin.

Jongho's heart skipped a beat, his chest so full it almost ached. He dropped onto the couch, a little overwhelmed, as the others gathered close, making him feel like the most important person in the world.

He had barely gotten comfortable before San slid in next to him, handing over a plate. "Eat up. No birthday starvation allowed."

"I never starve," Jongho grumbled, but San was already cutting up a pancake, clearly intending to feed him himself.

"Open wide," San teased, holding out a forkful.

Jongho shot him a deadpan stare. "You know I have hands, right?"

"Doesn't matter," San replied, nudging the fork closer until Jongho finally gave in and took a bite, just to shut him up. San's grin grew even bigger, and he slipped another bite onto Jongho's plate before he could complain.

Across the table, Wooyoung clutched his heart in mock outrage. "Unbelievable. He let Sannie feed him first."

"Jealous?" San shot back, not even glancing up, sounding entirely too pleased with himself.

"Yes," Wooyoung replied right away, reaching across the table to snag a piece of toast. "Don't forget about me, Jongho-yah."

Before Jongho could react, Wooyoung kissed his other cheek, bursting into laughter when Jongho groaned in protest.

"Quit ambushing me," Jongho muttered, rubbing his cheek with the back of his hand.

"I'm not complaining," San murmured softly, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Mingi dropped into the seat next to Jongho, dragging his chair over so he could drape himself halfway across Jongho's shoulders.

"You're adorable when you're annoyed," Mingi teased, snatching a piece of fruit from Jongho's plate.

"Hyung, you're kinda heavy," Jongho complained, trying to push him off.

"Feed me and I'll get off," Mingi shot back, opening his mouth expectantly like a little kid.

Jongho just stared at him, clearly unimpressed. "No."

"He doesn't even respect you, Mingi-yah," Wooyoung jokingly snickered through a mouthful of toast.

"That's fine," Mingi sighed dreamily, still sprawled over Jongho. "I'll just respect him enough for both of us."

Seonghwa leaned over and gently flicked Mingi on the forehead. "Give him some space."

"Ouch," Mingi whined, finally sitting up, but not before pressing a quick kiss to Jongho's shoulder. "Happiest birthday, baby bear."

Jongho froze at the nickname; his cheeks flushed red. "Stop calling me that."

"Not a chance," Mingi replied cheerfully, already reaching over to steal Yunho's juice.

Meanwhile, Yeosang quietly pushed a little dish of cut fruit towards Jongho's side. "Eat some of these too, Jjongie," he said, his gaze steady on Jongho.

Jongho blinked, then gave a small nod. "Thanks, hyung."

"Don't bother thanking him," Wooyoung chimed in, leaning against Yeosang with a mischievous grin. "He just wants to steal your pancakes while you're not looking."

Yeosang shot Wooyoung a long, unimpressed stare. "Maybe I'll just feed him myself instead."

Wooyoung's mouth dropped open. "You wouldn't."

Jongho's face went red as he quickly grabbed a piece of fruit and popped it into his mouth, just in case Yeosang was serious. He kept his gaze fixed on his plate, avoiding both of them.

Just then, Seonghwa sat down gracefully and placed another steaming plate in front of him. "Here you go. Extra eggs. I know they're your favourites."

"I don't need extra, hyung." Jongho protested weakly, but Seonghwa just gave him that gentle, determined look that meant he wasn't taking no for an answer.

"Eat up anyway," Seonghwa insisted, pressing a kiss to the top of Jongho's head before straightening up. "You've grown so much, Jongho-yah. Let us take care of you today."

The words hit harder than Jongho expected, settling deep in his chest. He ducked his head over his plate, hoping no one would notice how red his ears were getting.

"Look at him," Hongjoong said out of nowhere, leaning against the counter with a small, fond smile. "Our baby is still pretending he doesn't like all the attention and love."

"I don't," Jongho grumbled, stabbing his pancake a little too hard.

"Yes, you do," Hongjoong replied, coming over to ruffle Jongho's hair. "And that's fine. You're allowed to enjoy it today."

Before Jongho could say anything, Yunho leaned in and pressed another warm kiss to his cheek. "Happy birthday, Jongho-yah. Thank you for being with us."

Jongho froze, his fork paused halfway to his mouth, chest tightening until he thought it might burst.

"Yah, don't make him cry before he finishes his breakfast," Wooyoung scolded, waving his toast like it was a warning.

"I'm not crying," Jongho insisted, blinking too quickly.

San leaned in, his lips brushing Jongho's ear as he murmured, "It's alright if you do."

Jongho quickly stuffed a forkful of pancake into his mouth, hoping no one would notice the wobble of his smile.

Mingi reached for the syrup, but it slipped right out of his hands and landed with a messy splat. A sticky golden puddle spread across the table.

"Oops," he said, looking sheepish.

"Every single time," Yeosang sighed, already grabbing a towel.

Wooyoung laughed so hard he nearly toppled out of his chair. "You can't even be chaotic properly!"

San rolled his eyes playfully and grabbed another towel. "Don't yell when he's armed with syrup."

Mingi pouted, trying to clean up the mess but only managed to smear it further. "I'm trying my best to help."

"No, you're really not," Yeosang replied flatly, but his tone softened when Jongho snorted into his coffee.

Hongjoong arrived with a new cloth and began wiping the table with quick, practised circles. "Every time we celebrate something, my kitchen turns into a disaster zone."

"Then stop making us do something," Wooyoung shot back with a grin.

Hongjoong just raised an eyebrow at the younger. "And give up all this entertainment? Never."

San rested his chin on Jongho's shoulder and lowered his voice. "See? We risk our lives just to make you breakfast."

Jongho smirked, even as his ears turned pink. "I never asked you to."

"You don't have to," San replied softly. "We wanna do it for you."

The words were simple, but they stuck with Jongho long after San moved away to rescue another plate before it burnt.

"Birthday boy, do you want water or juice?" Yunho called out from the fridge.

"Water's fine, hyung," Jongho replied.

"Nope," Wooyoung cut in before Yunho could grab anything. "It's a special day; you get juice."

He poured a glass, stuck a tiny paper umbrella on top, which he had found somewhere, and laid it down with a flourish. "Only the best for our baby."

Jongho stared at the drink, puzzled. "What's with the umbrella?"

"To make you smile, duh," Wooyoung said, pushing the glass in front of him and winking.

It did the trick, as Jongho's mouth twitched into a smile before he could even hold it back.

"Aha! He smiled!" Wooyoung cheered, looking victorious.

"Stop treating me like a kid," Jongho said, but he was laughing anyway.

Seonghwa caught his eye from across the table; his gaze softened. "We just like seeing you happy, Jjongie."

Mingi reappeared next to him, this time holding a bowl of whipped cream. "Okay, picture this: pancakes, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and Jongho right in the middle—"

"Don't you dare finish that thought," Yeosang cut in.

Mingi just grinned wider. "You were all thinking it!"

Hongjoong chucked a napkin at him. "Eat before I make you scrub the bathroom."

Jongho was laughing so hard he couldn't even get a word out, covering his face with both hands. When he peeked between his fingers, all seven pairs of eyes were on him, smiling fondly and adoring. It was ridiculous, overwhelming, and absolutely perfect.

When the laughter finally died down, Yunho started humming a quiet tune. San joined in, blending in with a soft harmony, and Wooyoung added his voice, bright but a little too loud.

Before Jongho even realised what was happening, all seven of them were singing a half-serious, half-off-key happy birthday, clapping out of sync and laughing through the words.

While the others sang, Seonghwa reached behind the counter and produced a tiny cupcake with a single candle already lit. "We couldn't wait until tonight," he said with a smile.

Jongho stared at the cupcake, suddenly speechless.

"Make a wish, baby," Hongjoong said gently.

Jongho looked around the table at the messy plates, sticky hands, warm smiles, and all that love hidden in the chaos, and exhaled a slow breath. Then he closed his eyes and blew out the candle.

He didn't need an extravagant celebration; moments like this already felt more than enough. Or at least, that's what he believed.

The cheer that erupted was deafening, but his chest felt light as air.

San slung an arm around Jongho's shoulders again. "What did you wish for, Jjongie?"

Jongho shook his head. "If I say it out loud, it won't come true."

Wooyoung leaned closer, lowering his voice. "I bet it's something sappy, like, 'I wish these idiots never moved out.'"

"Mhm, maybe," Jongho replied, hiding a smile behind his cup.

"Then we'll just have to make it happen," Seonghwa said, his voice full of warmth and certainty.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

The balcony was wide enough for everyone to squeeze in, although no one minded sitting shoulder to shoulder. Sunlight split lazily over the floorboards, bathing them all in gold and warmth. The breeze drifted in, carrying the scent of syrup and coffee, along with the lingering sound of laughter.

Jongho rested his head against the railing, still catching his breath from all the teasing. San sat quietly next to him, tracing the rim of his mug. Mingi sat cross-legged on the floor, humming along to his own tune while Yunho absentmindedly played with his hair. Wooyoung leaned his head against Jongho's shoulder, and Yeosang was nearby, leaning against the wall with his arms folded and eyes soft.

It was loud in the gentlest way, a kind of background comfort more than anything else.

After a long sip of coffee, Hongjoong finally broke the contented silence. "Okay, no one's allowed to be productive today. It's officially Jongho Day."

"Jongho Day?" Yeosang repeated, raising a brow.

Hongjoong nodded with mock seriousness. "It's a national holiday, at least in this house."

"I'm all for it," Wooyoung chimed in, raising his hand. "We'll celebrate with naps, cuddles, and maybe some kisses."

Mingi clapped his hands, already on board. "Best country ever."

Jongho shook his head, chuckling softly. "Don't you guys have anything better to do?"

"Nope," Yunho replied. "You're stuck with us for the whole day and for the rest of your life, Jongho-yah."

San leaned in slightly, warmth and mischief lacing his voice. "And you don't really mind, do you?"

Jongho glanced at him, somewhere between annoyed and affectionate. "You guys are relentless."

Seonghwa, who'd been quietly watching from the side, smiled softly. "That's just how we love you, Jongho-yah. Relentlessly."

The words slipped out as naturally as breathing, and for a second, the world seemed to pause around them. Jongho felt that familiar ache in his throat, the one that always showed up whenever he felt too much all at once.

He looked down at his hands, absently running his thumbs along the edge of the blanket Yeosang had draped over their laps. "I don't know how you all do it," he admitted quietly. "You make everything feel... easier."

Hongjoong tilted his head, considering. "Maybe because you make everything feel grounded."

Jongho blinked, surprised. "Me?"

"Whenever things fall apart or someone's having a hard time, you're the one who's always there," Hongjoong said, leaning in a little. "You're the glue that holds us together, and you don't even realise it."

"I—" Jongho tried to reply, but his voice cracked, so he cleared his throat. "I just do what anyone else would."

Seonghwa's gaze softened even more. "You don't realise how much that matters."

Wooyoung nudged his shoulder lightly while smiling.

"You're our anchor, Jjongie. Just let us take care of you today for a change."

Jongho blinked a few times, suddenly overwhelmed by the sincerity and warmth and the way everyone looked at him like he truly mattered to them.

"You guys really went all out for this, huh?" He murmured, doing his best to keep his voice steady.

Mingi beamed. "Obviously. We even made a schedule."

"A schedule?" Jongho repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"Yup," Mingi replied, pretending to hold a clipboard. "Breakfast chaos, emotional talks, cuddle session, lunch, then presents."

"That's not a schedule," Yeosang snorted, though a small smile tugged at his lips.

San grinned. "It's perfect. And we're right on schedule."

Yunho scooted closer and gently took Jongho's hand, locking their fingers together. "You know," he said softly, "it's okay to lean on us sometimes. You don't have to be the strong one all the time."

"I'm not," Jongho whispered automatically, but Yunho just brushed his thumb over Jongho's knuckles, steady and reassuring.

"You are," Yunho said with a warm smile. "That's why we love you. But being strong doesn't mean you have to hold it all by yourself."

Something fragile cracked in Jongho's chest then, not out of hurt, but from the quiet comfort of feeling understood.

He didn't know how to respond to that, so he just breathed, letting the warmth, sunlight and those seven steady pairs of eyes remind him that he was enough.

San reached over, his hand resting on Jongho's back, tracing slow and soothing circles. "We love you, Jongho-yah," he murmured, voice full of certainty.

Wooyoung made a contented sound, his cheek still resting on Jongho's shoulder. "Even when you act like you don't wanna hear it."

Jongho huffed out a laugh. "You guys seriously don't know when to quit, do you?"

"Not when it comes to you," Seonghwa replied softly.

And that was all it took for the last bit of resistance to melt away, letting the warmth flood in.

They sat like that for a long time, wrapped up in a comfortable silence while the city slowly began to stir outside. The breeze carried the faint sounds of traffic and a lone bird's call, but inside, everything felt peaceful.

Jongho's head eventually tilted, brushing gently against Wooyoung's. His eyelids drooped, and he let himself sink into the softness all around him. He could hear Mingi's laughter rumbling somewhere close, Yunho's even breathing, and San's thumb tracing lazy patterns on his back.

The sun was high in the sky, heavy and warm, by the time Jongho's eyes finally closed. The day had already started slipping toward evening, the light softening to a golden honey hue as it poured through the windows and stretching long shadows across the floor.

In that moment, he couldn't imagine anything in the world feeling more like home than this. It was so easy to just be where there are no other people, no expectations, and no pressure. Just them. Just home.

"Don't fall asleep yet," Wooyoung whispered.

Jongho replied, voice thick with sleep. "Why not?"

"Because we haven't even gotten to the presents on Mingi's 'schedule' yet," Wooyoung said with a grin.

Jongho smiled, keeping his eyes closed. "Can I swap presents for a nap?"

San chuckled softly. "No way. We put in too much effort for you to sleep through your own party."

"You barely did anything," Yeosang remarked, deadpan.

"Hey, I was emotionally invested," San insisted, pressing a hand dramatically to his chest.

The laughter that followed was gentle and effortless, and Jongho let himself soak it in.

For the first time in a long while, he didn't feel like he had to hold the world together. He just felt loved – fully, freely, and without condition.

Outside, the golden light deepened to amber as evening set in. The soft hum of the city faded away, leaving the apartment wrapped in the special hush that comes just before night. Jongho's breathing grew slow and steady as he drifted off to sleep, unaware of the quiet shuffle of footsteps starting to move around him.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

After a while, the morning sun shifted, pouring right onto the balcony and filling it with a slow, golden warmth. The heat made everyone relax, voices dropping to gentle murmurs, laughter melting into soft, contented sounds.

When they went back inside, Jongho sat on the couch and later slouched sideways on it, one knee pulled up, the blanket twisted lazily around his waist. He barely noticed his eyes slipping closed; one moment, he was still listening to Mingi ramble about lunch plans, and the next, everything faded into a blur of comfort and quiet.

His breathing grew steady and deep.

Wooyoung, who was sitting next to him on the couch, smiled fondly. "He's out," he whispered, reaching to gently tuck a stray strand of hair from Jongho's forehead.

"About time," Yeosang said under his breath as he arranged the magazines under the coffee table. "He's been acting like he wasn't tired all morning."

San, sitting on the lazy chair nearby, grinned softly. "Even our tough baby can't say no to a nap."

"Don't wake him," Seonghwa said from the doorway, arms folded casually. "He looks so peaceful right now."

Hongjoong agreed with a nod. "Let him sleep. We can get everything ready while he's out."

"Ready for what?" Mingi blurted, a little too loud.

"Shh," Yunho hissed, nudging him with his elbow. "The surprise, remember?"

"Oh," Mingi replied, lowering his voice, but only a little. "Right, right."

San tried to muffle his laughter behind his hand. "You're terrible at keeping secrets."

Mingi just grinned. "Hey, at least I'm excited."

They did their best to move quietly, which, of course, meant plenty of hushed arguments, muffled giggles, and a couple of loud crashes that made everyone freeze until Jongho shifted a little and settled again.

Yeosang rolled his eyes as he carefully pulled out decorations from a box hidden in the hallway. "How do you all make so much noise when all you need to do is hang up a few lights?"

"Because we're enthusiastic," Wooyoung replied, wobbling on a chair as he draped fairy lights across the ceiling.

"You mean reckless," Yeosang shot back, catching the wire before it could get hopelessly tangled.

"Semantics," Wooyoung said with a cheeky grin.

San wandered by with a stack of wrapped presents in his arms and a roll of tape clamped between his teeth. "Yunho-yah, where do I put these?"

"On the table," Yunho replied, busy wrestling with a handmade Happy Birthday, Jjongie banner that stretched unevenly across his arms.

Hongjoong looked up from the couch, where he was arranging candles on a small cake. "That banner's totally crooked."

Yunho scowled. "It's heartfelt."

"Heartfelt doesn't mean crooked," Hongjoong muttered, straightening one corner and giving it an approving nod.

"Let him be, Joongie," Seonghwa said from the kitchen, patient as ever. "I think it's cute."

"It's pure chaos," Yeosang said, though he kept helping anyway.

By the time everything came together, the sun had shifted again, painting the room in streaks of orange and gold. The table was piled with snacks, cupcakes, a big white cake Seonghwa had ordered that morning, and eight mismatched candles scattered about. The overhead lights were off, leaving the fairy lights with a soft, cosy glow.

San took a step back, hands on his hips as he admired the scene. "Not bad for a bunch of clumsy idiots."

"Excuse me," Wooyoung huffed, flipping his hair dramatically. "I'm a professional, duh."

"A professional what?" Yeosang deadpanned.

Wooyoung puffed up with pride. "A professional bringer of joy."

Mingi immediately threw an arm around him. "You're killing it, sweetie."

San groaned. "Can we save the reality show quotes for later?"

"Can we get it together?" Hongjoong said, gently clapping his hands once to get their attention. "We need to decide how to wake him up."

Everyone's gaze shifted toward the couch.

Jongho was still fast asleep, the blanket slipping off one shoulder. He looked so peaceful, almost younger, with no furrowed brow and no trace of worry. Just slow, steady breaths and the gentle rise and fall of his chest.

For a moment, nobody said a word.

Then Seonghwa smiled softly. "Let's give him a little more time. He deserves the rest."

Yunho nodded in agreement. "We'll light the candles once he's up."

"Or", Wooyoung whispered, a mischievous glint in his eye, "we could all start singing and scare him awake."

"Wooyoung. Don't even think about it," Yeosang warned.

Wooyoung grinned but lowered his voice. "Fine, fine. I'll behave."

San snorted under his breath. "You? Behave? Not a chance."

But none of them could quite look away from Jongho, the way the sunlight glimmered in his hair, and how he instinctively leaned toward the armrest. There was something grounding about it, something quietly complete.

"Sometimes I forget he's the youngest," Mingi said in a hush, a fond smile on his face.

"Sometimes he does too," Hongjoong added, voice low. "He's always looking out for us, even when he doesn't have to."

Seonghwa let out a soft breath, his eyes full of warmth. "That's why today is all about him."

They fell into a comfortable hush after that, everyone settling into the gentle pace of waiting. Someone started humming softly, maybe San or Yunho, and the rest let the quiet fill in the spaces.

The fairy lights glimmered as evening crept in, their reflections dancing on the glass of the window. And in the centre of it all, Jongho kept sleeping, the tiniest smile curling at his lips.

For once, nothing was expected of him.

He could just rest, as he feels safe, loved, and completely at home.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

By the time they were done, the light outside had faded to a gentle glow. The last traces of sunset lingered at the windows, and the fairy lights inside blinked on, one after another.

The room was still when Jongho finally stirred. He blinked, slow and groggy, eyelashes fluttering as his eyes adjusted to the low light. The faint scent of vanilla and sugar hung in the air, mixed with something cosy, maybe candle wax or the hint of citrus from someone's cologne.

For a moment, he couldn't remember where he was. Then he felt the blanket snug around him, heard the soft murmur of voices nearby, and saw the gentle glow dancing in front of his eyes.

He pushed himself up a little on the couch, rubbing at his eyes. "Hyungs?"

From somewhere near the kitchen, there was a loud shh! and then Wooyoung's whisper, far too loud to be a whisper, saying, "He's up, he's up!"

There was a scramble as things were hurriedly set down, and suddenly, everything went dark. Someone flicked off the last of the lights.

Jongho froze. "What—"

"Surprise!"

The room burst to life with fairy lights sparkling across the ceiling, candles flickering on the table, and confetti raining down in a messy shower of silver and gold.

Wooyoung was the first to fling his arms in the air. "Happy birthday again, Jjongie!"

The rest chimed in, voices overlapping in joyful chaos. "Happy birthday!"

Jongho just stood there, completely stunned. For a moment, he couldn't find any words.

San beamed and stepped forward, holding out a cupcake crowned with a single glowing candle. "We were gonna wake you up quietly, but someone—"

"—got too excited," Yeosang cut in, shooting Wooyoung a look.

Wooyoung just grinned wider. "No regrets."

Jongho let out a breathless, disbelieving laugh. "You guys are all insane."

"Insanely good at surprises," Mingi corrected proudly, waving a streamer that immediately tangled in his hair.

Hongjoong laughed and stepped forward with the cake. It was a simple white one, neatly iced with soft, handwritten letters: Happy Birthday, Jjongie.

"Time to make a wish," Hongjoong said softly, placing the big white cake on the coffee table in front of him.

Jongho looked at it for a moment, taking it all in. Eight candles were glowing, seven for them, and one just for him.

He closed his eyes, hands resting loosely together, and let out a slow breath. His chest felt full; it almost hurt, overflowing with a warmth he couldn't quite put into words.

Then he blew out the candles.

It wasn't just a wish; it felt like a promise that they were all already keeping together.

The room erupted in applause and cheers.

"Speech! Speech!" Wooyoung shouted right away, clapping his hands loudly.

"There's not going to be a speech," Jongho protested, cheeks pink but grinning cheekily.

"There is now," San said, bumping the younger's shoulder. "Go on, tell us how great we are."

Jongho chuckled, shaking his head. "You're all too much."

"Hey, flattery gets you everywhere," Wooyoung replied, acting firm for once.

Yunho leaned in, voice gentle. "But really, how are you feeling, baby?"

Jongho paused, glancing around at the group, the warm smiles, the messy hair, and the way the fairy lights shimmered in their eyes. "I feel..." He trailed off, trying to find the right words. "Really lucky. And a little overwhelmed, honestly."

Mingi gasped dramatically, clutching his heart. "He said lucky! He does love us!"

"Stop narrating everything," Yeosang muttered, though he was clearly fighting a smile.

Jongho's laugh turned softer. "I do," he admitted quietly. "I really do. I know I don't say it much, but... you guys mean the world to me."

For a moment, the whole room went quiet. Then San reached out, cupping Jongho's left cheek with his right hand and gently brushing his thumb beneath Jongho's eye. "You mean the world to us too."

Wooyoung let out a contented sigh. "Okay, that's enough. I'm calling a group hug before I start bawling."

Before Jongho could get a word out, everyone closed in around him and became a mess of arms, laughter, and warmth.

He barely had a chance to catch his breath before Mingi hugged him from one side, Yunho threw an arm across his shoulders, and San and Wooyoung squished in on the other. Yeosang's hand found its way to the back of his head, grounding and gentle, while Seonghwa and Hongjoong leaned in from behind, completing the circle.

It was chaos all over again, but the kind that filled his chest with the best kind of ache.

"I... can't... breathe..." Jongho managed between bursts of laughter.

"Shh," San whispered, his lips close to Jongho's ear. "Just let it happen."

"Yeah," Wooyoung added, snuggling closer. "Let us love you extra for today."

Jongho let out a quiet laugh, but he didn't try to wriggle free. He just let himself be held instead, soaking in the warmth, the softness, and the steady beat of eight hearts gathered close.

For once, he didn't fight it, he just let himself be part of it.

When the group finally loosened their grip enough for everyone to catch a breath, Seonghwa handed Jongho a mug of warm chamomile tea. "Drink up. You'll need it to survive what's next."

Jongho eyed him suspiciously. "What's next?"

"Gifts!" Hongjoong exclaimed, already gesturing to the table piled with small, brightly wrapped packages.

Wooyoung gasped dramatically. "We should go randomly!"

"Works for me," Hongjoong replied. "I wanna go first first."

He stepped forward and handed Jongho a slim black box tied with a red ribbon. "Go on, open it."

Jongho carefully untied the ribbon and opened the box to find a silver bracelet. It's simple but engraved inside with the words Our Baby, Our Strength.

His breath caught. "Hyung..."

Hongjoong's smile was soft. "You're the one who holds us together, Jongho-yah. I wanted you to have something that does the same."

Jongho's voice was barely a whisper. "It's really beautiful. Thank you."

"Not as beautiful as you," San muttered, which earned him a smack on his back from Yeosang.

"Behave yourself," Seonghwa scolded, though there was a smile on his face too.

"Alright, my turn!" Wooyoung piped up, practically bouncing in place. He pressed a tiny box into Jongho's hands. "Open it, open it!"

Inside was a pair of wireless earbuds, completely covered in sparkly stickers.

Jongho raised an eyebrow, amused. "Did you actually decorate these yourself, hyung?"

Wooyoung grinned proudly. "Of course! Now when you're ignoring us, at least you'll look adorable doing it."

Everyone burst out laughing, and Jongho's grin was so big it made his cheeks ache. "You're unbelievable. Thank you, hyung."

"Unbelievable in a thoughtful way. And you're most welcome, my baby," Wooyoung replied, giving him a playful wink.

The gifts kept coming. Each one simple, thoughtful, and wrapped in quiet love.

Yeosang gave him a small notebook, the first page covered in his neat handwriting: For whenever you wanna let something out but not to anyone.

Mingi handed him a custom plushie that looked suspiciously like a bear in a hoodie. "Because you're our precious soft bear," he said with a big grin.

San gave him a photo frame stuffed with candid polaroids of Jongho napping on the couch, Jongho cooking, and Jongho laughing. "For the days you need a reminder of how loved you are," he said softly.

Yunho gave him a matching hoodie. "So next time we all go out, we can be Team Jongho."

Seonghwa's gift was last, which was a slim silver ring, plain except for a tiny engraving inside: always home.

Jongho ran his thumb over the band, too touched to say anything for a moment.

Seonghwa smiled, his eyes full of warmth. "That's what you are to us, Jongho-yah. You're our home."

Jongho blinked fast, fighting the lump in his throat. "You guys are seriously gonna make me cry."

"Go for it," Wooyoung said brightly. "We'll all cry with you."

San laughed and pulled Jongho into another side hug.

"You don't have to keep it in. It's your day."

Jongho let out a shaky breath, and this time he didn't hold back. His eyes brimmed, his voice wavered, and his laugh came out sounding half like a sob. "Thank you, hyungs. For all of it."

Yunho squeezed his hand gently. "Always."

"Happy birthday, Jjongie," Hongjoong said, his voice soft.

With the candles flickering and laughter bubbling around him, Jongho realised that maybe wishes really did come true.

The laughter hung in the air long after the last candle was blown out. Most of the cake had disappeared, confetti still dotted the floor, and yet nobody was in a hurry to tidy up. Everything felt slower and gentler, like the world had settled into this one warm, golden moment.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

The apartment had settled into a gentle hush. The candles were out, and the confetti was mostly swept up, but the air still held a hint of sugar and fruit. Someone had put on a slow playlist of soft guitars and mellow voices, the perfect soundtrack for winding down.

Jongho stretched out on the couch, buried under a pile of blankets. The others were scattered around him; some chatting in low voices, others dozing off where they sat. Mingi was the first to fall asleep, slumped at one end of the couch with his head tipped back and mouth slightly open. Yunho lay sprawled on the rug, his left arm covering his eyes.

Wooyoung sat cross-legged by Jongho's feet, absentmindedly braiding the frayed ends of the blanket. "Are you still with us?" he asked softly.

"Mhm." Jongho murmured lowly. "Barely."

Wooyoung grinned and gave his ankle a gentle poke. "Don't drift off yet. The best part's still coming."

"What's the best part?"

"The part where we all get mushy and say nice things about you."

Jongho chuckled, eyelids drooping. "Pretty sure you already did that."

"Yeah, but I want another go," Wooyoung said, tilting his head. "I'm really proud of you, Jjongie. You've grown a lot. You're stronger, funnier, and softer. You probably don't even realise how much we all look up to you."

Jongho looked at him, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You're determined to make me cry before I fall asleep, huh?"

"Well, that's my job," Wooyoung replied, but when he reached out to squeeze Jongho's hand, his eyes shimmered too.

Across the room, Yeosang closed his book, finally giving up the pretence of reading. "Youngie's right, you know. You never notice how much you hold us together."

Jongho turned toward him. "I don't hold you together."

Yeosang smiled fondly. "You do. Just not in ways anyone else could."

Seonghwa shifted from where he sat by the window, lamplight painting his face in gold. "You ground us, Jongho-yah. With you, everything feels so much easier."

Hongjoong nodded slowly next to him. "When things get overwhelming, you're the calm that centres us. You've always done that."

Jongho swallowed, his heart aching with warmth and disbelief. "You guys make me sound like someone I'm not."

Seonghwa's voice was gentle. "Someone you just don't see yet. But we do, baby."

San, who had been quiet until now, scooted closer and rested his chin on the couch's right armrest. "We really, really love you, Jjongie."

Yunho, still sprawled out with his eyes closed, murmured, "What Sannie said."

Mingi stirred, half-awake, before muttering, "I love you too, Jongho-yah, even if you always steal my snacks."

That earned a soft round of laughter from everyone, warm and easy, like summer air before the rain.

Jongho just sat there, surrounded by all of it: the music, the quiet laughter, and the warmth of eight tangled lives. He looked around at each familiar face, feeling the weight of the moment.

"I don't know how I got so lucky," he said softly.

Hongjoong smiled. "You just had to exist."

Seonghwa added, "And you stayed with us."

Jongho swallowed hard. "I love you, hyungs. I really do."

His voice was steadier than he expected, but the words filled his chest with an ache in the best way.

Wooyoung reached out again and hooked their pinkies together. "We know."

San got up to sit next to Jongho; he leaned in and rested his forehead against the younger's shoulder. "Say it again, please."

Jongho let out a soft, shaky laugh, his voice breaking just a bit. "I love you so much."

This time, seven voices answered at once, overlapping into a chorus that filled the whole room.

"We love you so much too, Jjongie."

Before Jongho could even react, San was the first to move, leaning in close enough that Jongho could feel the soft brush of his breath on his cheek. "Happy birthday, baby," he murmured again, voice low and full of feeling, just a little unsteady. He pressed a kiss to Jongho's temple once, then again, slower and gentler this time, until Jongho instinctively turned toward him. Their noses bumped, breath caught, and San kissed him properly, warm and intentional, like whispering a secret right against Jongho's lips.

When they finally pull away, Jongho barely has time to breathe before Wooyoung pulls him in from the other side, laughter caught somewhere between a smile and a sigh. "My turn," he said, voice softer than usual, before pressing a kiss to the corner of Jongho's mouth that lingered just long enough to leave warmth behind.

Yunho sat up from his spot, reaching forward with a big, steady hand to gently cup the back of Jongho's head. "You deserve every bit of this," he murmured, pressing a reassuring and grounding kiss to Jongho's forehead, making Jongho's chest tighten so much it almost hurt.

Mingi's kiss was next: quick and a little clumsy, just a brush of lips against Jongho's jaw before he pulled back with a bashful grin. "You're too good for this world, baby," he whispered, voice rough with sleep and sincerity.

Yeosang didn't say a word at first. He just reached out, fingertips brushing Jongho's chin, tilting it until their eyes met. His kiss was gentle and searching, feather-light and careful, like he was trying to savour the moment.

Seonghwa's was softer still, a gentle press of lips to Jongho's hairline as he murmured, "Our baby," into his skin, and those words sank in deep and stayed.

And Hongjoong, last as usual, just smiled, a small and knowing curve of his lips. "You've always been ours, Jongho-yah. Our baby, our love." He pressed a quiet, adoring kiss just below Jongho's ear.

The kisses weren't rushed or fleeting; they felt like a quiet promise, gentle and certain in the glow of fairy lights.

When Jongho finally blinked his eyes open again, he was surrounded by seven faces, each one different but all glowing with the same open warmth. His chest felt tight, his eyes stung, but all he could do was let out a shaky, happy laugh.

For a long moment, nobody said a word. The room was filled with a gentle, unspoken affection, hearts still pounding, and breaths a little uneven until it all slowly eased into something peaceful. Someone let out a soft laugh, another released a quiet sigh, and the last traces of tension dissolved into the kind of easy calm that comes only after love has been shared aloud.

Later, after the lights had faded and only the fairy lights glimmered overhead, they gathered closer without thinking, a slow and quiet shuffle until Jongho ended up nestled in the centre of the couch. He was half-asleep, leaning against Yunho, with San's head near his shoulder and Wooyoung's hand resting across his arm.

Someone pulled the blanket up a little higher. Someone else started humming softly.

Outside, the city was quiet. Inside, everything felt just right.

Jongho's last thought before he drifted off was simple and certain: I hope hyungs know they're my wish come true too.

And somewhere in the quiet, seven hearts responded without needing to say anything.