"I'm sorry. My sister is calling me home. It sounds serious."
Seungmin stood, instantly concerned. "What happened?"
Han sighed. "I don't know. She didn't explain. I don't want to leave…"
"Then I'll go with you," Seungmin offered.
But han shook his head. "No. She already sent a car. If it's serious, I'll call you."
Reluctantly, Seungmin nodded. He picked up Han's coat and helped him put it on.
"Before you leave… let's take a picture. Don't worry, I'll invite them again if you want."
Han smiled, touched. He turned to the members. "If it's okay, can I request a picture with all of you?"
They eagerly agreed, surrounding him. Seungmin took the role of photographer, guiding them where to stand. The atmosphere filled with laughter as he clicked photos, happy just to see Han happy.
Han bowed deeply, shaking hands with everyone—but not Chaewon. His avoidance was clear. Then he left.
Seungmin excused himself briefly to escort him to the car.
---
Back inside the hall…
Mark sighed. "I think Han is ignoring you, Chaewon."
Chaewon's reply was cold. "I can see that."
Jiwoong frowned. "But why is he acting like this?"
Winner guessed, "Maybe he's scared of Seungmin."
Chaewon shook his head. "He'll never be scared of him. Because Seungmin will never show his dark side. Didn't you see? Han thinks he's the most innocent person in the world."
Hanbin agreed. "He is, for him. He's different around Jihan."
Chaewon smirked bitterly. "No. He's just good at acting in front of him."
Winner disagreed. "I don't think it's acting. Maybe that's just who he is around him. People show different sides to different people."
Just then, Seungmin returned. His whole aura had changed. He walked in arrogantly, his steps heavier, his eyes colder. He went straight to his chair, sat down, poured himself a glass of wine, and said bluntly,
"So, how's the case going?"
Hanbin answered carefully. "The lawyer you suggested is making progress. He has all the proof. He believes we'll win."
Seungmin sipped, then spoke about the CCTV footage. "Give me two days. I've asked people to pull it out. When's the next hearing?"
"In one week," hanbin replied.
Seungmin went quiet for thirty seconds, swirling his glass. Then his voice dropped like steel. "Tell the lawyer—if he doesn't wrap this case up in the next hearing, I'll kill him with my own hands."
Everyone froze, eyes wide.
Realizing he had revealed too much, Seungmin smirked lightly. "Idol life is hard, isn't it?"
Hanbin leaned back, trying to ease the tension. "It is. But not as hard as business life. It must be difficult for you and Han."
Seungmin nodded slowly. "Yes… but we're holding onto each other tightly. That keeps us safe. For now." Hanbin's words hit him deeper than he expected, opening thoughts he didn't want to face.
"Take care of him," Hanbin said seriously. "He's fragile. Innocent. It'll be hard for him to survive alone."
The words cut Seungmin like a blade. For the first time, he didn't respond coldly—he only nodded.
The group continued talking about business and the case.