spark.

12 - Maximum Fluff , Maximum Truth

The news of a week-long hiatus sent a joyous shockwave through the dorm. For Hyunjin, the only thing that mattered was that his emotional fuel tank—Yoonah—was finally accessible. He began packing with the speed and single-minded focus of a man escaping a sinking ship.

He meticulously folded his favorite oversized hoodie and a variety of sketchbooks, but his packing was constantly interrupted by his highly skeptical roommates.

"He's taking a four-day survival kit for a three-day trip," Han commented, watching Hyunjin try to stuff a two-foot-tall plush alpaca into a duffel bag. "Look at him. He's like a migratory bird returning to its emotional nesting grounds."

"It's an emergency trip, and I require comfort items!" Hyunjin insisted, dramatically trying to zip the overflowing bag.

Changbin leaned against the doorframe, adjusting his sunglasses indoors. "We get it, Hyunjin. You miss your girlfriend. But why the pillow shaped like a baguette? Does Yoonah not have normal pillows?"

"This pillow holds my deepest secrets!" Hyunjin snapped. "And it's a vital prop for my Maximum Clinginess Nest! Show some respect for the art of relaxation!"
Felix padded over, his eyes twinkling. "I think he needs to recharge his aegyo battery. Go forth, Jinnie. Be soft. Just promise you'll send photographic evidence of your existential peace."

Hyunjin glared at them. "I am going to my sanctuary to find peace and quiet, which is something I never find here. If you pests want to stop mocking my much-deserved emotional respite, perhaps I will bring back Yoonah's galbi pot roast and her signature garlic rice."

The room went silent, save for the sound of drooling.
Lee Know, who had been suspiciously silent until now, straightened up. "Galbi pot roast requires immense skill and dedication. I believe Hyunjin has a very valid and serious reason for needing this sabbatical."

"Yes, an extremely serious reason," Chan added, walking in and patting Hyunjin's shoulder. "He's clearly suffering from an overdose of professionalism. Go. And be discreet. No public displays of affection, and always be aware of sasaengs, okay? Your future depends on careful timing."

"I promise, Hyung," Hyunjin said, the joking dissolving instantly. He squeezed Chan's shoulder. "I'll be careful."

> > >

Hyunjin didn't text Yoonah until he was parking his car five minutes away. He walked the final distance, wanting the element of surprise.

The moment Yoonah opened the door, dressed in soft brown, homey clothes, his month-long professional façade dissolved. He dropped his bag, pulled her into his arms, and lifted her off the ground.

"I missed you so much I think I forgot how to speak Korean," he groaned, burying his face in the soft crook of her neck. He peppered kisses across her temple and cheek—quick, fervent reminders that he was home. "I thought I was going to lose my mind. I need a transfusion of your presence."

Yoonah, breathless and completely melted, softly hugged him back. "I missed you more, Jinnie. You can't just disappear for a whole month. Come in, you giant ball of fluff."

> >

After a quick dinner—which Hyunjin devoured enthusiastically—Yoonah prepared popcorn while Hyunjin set to work. He dragged the futon and every blanket, meticulously constructing a luxurious, soft landscape in the middle of the living room floor.

"Welcome to the official, approved, and manager-cleared Clinginess Nest," he announced, dramatically pulling her down beside him when she returned.

They settled in, a blanket draped over them, the movie starting on the screen. Hyunjin was securely fastened to her side, his head resting in her lap as she gently stroked his hair.

"You know, I'm obsessed with how perfect you are," Hyunjin mused, looking up at her face. "You've been working all day, you smell like popcorn and soap, and you look like flawless artwork."

"Stop that," Yoonah laughed softly, gently running her fingers through his dark hair. "It's time for the mandatory self-care, by the way. My friend sent me a new facial cream, and you need it after that month of stage makeup."

Hyunjin pouted, but this time, the rebellion was purely performative. "But this is my three days! I want pure, uninterrupted snuggling. If I have to move, I will disintegrate."

"You don't have to move," Yoonah promised. "Just relax."

She carefully applied a small dollop of the rich, soothing cream to her fingers. As she began to gently massage it into his high cheekbones and forehead, Yoonah's focus was intense and tender. Hyunjin closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the feeling of her care.

Then he opened his eyes and looked up at her, watching the concentrated care on her face. Her brow was slightly furrowed, her lips parted in concentration. She looked beautiful and utterly real.

He reached up, grasping her hand to stop her movements. His expression shifted, turning serious.
"I talked to Chan-Hyung," he confessed, his voice quiet.

Yoonah immediately stopped applying the cream, her eyes instantly wide with concern. "About what? About us?"
"About everything," Hyunjin confirmed.
"I told him that.. I can't sign the contract renewal next year. That I won't keep you as a secret forever, and I need to be free to choose you openly."

Yoonah's face crumpled slightly, guilt resurfacing immediately. "Jinnie, no. I told you, I would never forgive myself if you jeopardized everything..."

He quickly captured her hand, bringing the back of it to his lips and pressing a firm, reassuring kiss there.

"Stop, my love. That's the old thinking," he soothed. "You are not a problem to be handled; you are the solution. Chan Hyung understands. He remembers how lost I was, and he sees how well I am now. He told me he's proud that I'm choosing my own path and my peace."

Hyunjin looked into her eyes, making sure his conviction was absolute. "We are not going to talk about this again until the time is right, but I wanted you to know this: Chan is going to handle the group, and we will handle the company. Stray Kids is supporting me. This is not a selfish decision; it is a healthy, strategic one. It will be complicated, but it will be fine."

He smiled, a soft, intimate smile that only she ever saw. "I have a plan, and I have my anchor. You just need to focus on resting and loving me for the next seventy-two hours. We'll talk about the contract renewal when the time comes. I promise I will tell you everything."

Yoonah's eyes welled up with relief and overwhelming love. She leaned down, kissing his forehead right where the cream was perfectly dry and smoothed.

"Okay, Jinnie. I trust you," she whispered, letting go of the guilt.

"Good," he sighed contentedly, pulling her face down to his so she was hovering over him. "Now, where were we? You missed a spot right here." He pointed to his nose, a clear invitation.

Yoonah laughed, kissed his nose, and resumed the soothing massage, the worries of the world melting away into the sweet, comforting quiet of their nest. Hyunjin was finally home.

—