**Chapter 1: Warmth of the Dorm**

The dim glow of the living room lights illuminated the exhausted faces of ITZY as they lounged around the dorm. After a long day of rehearsals and a grueling music show schedule, they were finally taking a breather. Ryujin, sprawled on the couch, was flipping through a magazine, while Lia was busy making a cup of tea in the kitchen. Yeji was sitting on the floor, scrolling through her phone, and Yuna and Chaeryeong were engaged in a heated game of Mario Kart on the console. The atmosphere was relaxed, with the members occasionally exchanging banter or laughter. Ryujin, known for her bubbly personality, was chatting with Lia about her favorite boy groups. Lia, giggling, playfully teased Ryujin, "You're like our in-house gay, Ryujin. Always talking about how cute those idols are." Ryujin blushed, smiling good-naturedly. "Hey, someone's got to keep the conversation interesting around here!" The two continued to chat, their conversation flowing easily. As Yeji sat on the floor, her phone suddenly buzzed. She smiled as she read the message, and her face lit up. "Excuse me, guys," she said, getting up and walking out of the room. "I've got to take this." The others nodded, and Ryujin watched Yeji leave with a warm smile. She knew that Yeji was happy, and it was infectious. As Yeji stepped out into the hallway, she answered the call, and her voice filled the room with a sweet, gentle tone. The members exchanged knowing glances. "Someone's got a boyfriend, huh?" Chaeryeong whispered, grinning at Yuna. Yuna chuckled and shook her head. "You think?" Lia handed out cups of tea, and they all settled in to watch their game or scroll through their phones, enjoying the quiet comfort of the dorm. Ryujin, however, couldn't help but glance out into the hallway, watching Yeji through the doorway as she talked on the phone. Yeji's happiness was palpable, and Ryujin's smile softened as she observed her bandmate's joy. In that moment, the dorm felt like a warm, safe haven, a place where ITZY could be themselves, free from the pressures of the K-pop world. As they lounged together, the group dynamic was one of easy camaraderie, a sense of comfort and trust that only came from sharing experiences and laughter together. The room fell into a contented silence, punctuated by the occasional murmur or chuckle, as ITZY basked in the warmth of their little home away from home. And Ryujin, still watching Yeji with a gentle smile, felt grateful for this sense of belonging, this feeling of being part of a family that understood and supported her.