At home, Mr. Joon stood waiting at the door. Mrs. Joon came out smiling, and both hugged Christine warmly.
Mrs. Joon even hugged Seungmin, who looked slightly stiff but polite, while Jiwoo and Han stood quietly beside them knowing that the love Christine and seungmin are getting from their parents they will never get.
"Mom, did you notice something?" Christine asked, pointing with her eyes toward Seungmin's clothes.
"Honey, look, they both are wearing matching clothes," Mrs. Joon said.
Seungmin's ears turned red clearly he was shy while Han just smiled.
"Let's get inside," Mr. Joon said, eager to escape the awkward situation.
The servants carried the luggage in, and everyone entered the grand dining hall, the long table filled with rich food. As they ate, Christine lovingly fed Jiwoo a bite every few minutes.
"Christine, you're so cute," Mrs. Joon chuckled.
Han and Seungmin glanced at each other; they wanted to do the same, but it would be too awkward with Mr. Joon watching.
"So, how are things in England?" Mr. Joon asked.
"Everything's good," Christine smiled brightly. "Mom and Dad are fine, and business is running well. What about your health, Dad?"
"I'm fine, as you can see."
Then he turned to Seungmin. "How's your father?"
"He's fine," Seungmin answered seriously.
"Where is he these days?"
"He went to Japan for a business trip."
"And how is Seokmin doing?"
"He's fine too."
Mr. Joon sighed contently. "It feels so good to have a family dinner after such a long time."
Han, Jiwoo, and Seungmin stayed quiet, feeling the weight of silence. Christine filled it with a smile.
"Yes, Dad, it's so fun. Why don't we plan a trip together? That would be even better."
"Christine, eat your food before it gets cold," Jiwoo interrupted the memories of the past family trip were still a nightmare for them; Han had nearly died on that trip.
Later, Mr. Joon asked, "How long are you planning to stay?"
"Until she wants to go back," Jiwoo replied quickly.
"Christine, why don't you come to the office to work with me?"
"Really, can I?" Christine's eyes lit up.
"Dad, she's here to rest, not to work," Jiwoo frowned.
"Woo-ah, it'll be fun. Please, let me," Christine held Jiwoo's hand.
Jiwoo sighed, unwilling to say no, and nodded.
After dinner, Seungmin stood up. "Mom, Dad, I'll take my leave. I have classes tomorrow."
"Han, don't you have classes too? Drive him home," Mr. Joon said.
"It's fine, I'll call a taxi," Seungmin replied.
"It's not safe to go alone at night. It's almost 11," Mr. Joon insisted.
"Let's go, Seungmin," Han bowed.
In the car, Seungmin said softly, "Let me drive. You look tired."
"It's fine, I can handle it," Han smiled.
"Are you sure? At least let me drive to my place," Seungmin insisted.
Han gave him the keys, and soon dozed off in the passenger seat.
Han was shocked Seungmin was really acting different suddenly he has turned to a caring husband from not giving a f**k person.
"Han, wake up. We're here."
Han opened his eyes, confused. "This… this is my home. Why did you bring us here?"
"You looked so tired. I didn't want you to drive all the way back."
Han's heart softened. "Do you… want to stay?"
"I'd love to, but I have a quiz tomorrow. I need to go," Seungmin shook his head gently.
Han looked down, disappointed.
Han thought "Why did I even ask knowing he will not stay? He will never change how did I even think that he has changed.
Seungmin leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss on his forehead. "Now go inside. I'll borrow your car and bring it to the university tomorrow."
Han nodded, smiling faintly, and stepped out. He waved as Seungmin drove away, his heart beating a little faster than before.
Chaewon was done with shifting to his new apartment. Which actually was Hanbin house. Chaewon insisted to live alone. So Hanbin gave this house to him because it was close to the university.
Chaewon didn't knew Han lived here. He got to knew that just in the morning when he saw him entering his apartment.
He sat on the couch, eyes fixed on the clock.
It's already 12 a.m. Why isn't he back yet?
He stood up and pressed his ear against the wall, trying to hear any sound from Han's apartment. But silence.
He went to the terrace to check if Han was outside, but no one was there.
Maybe he's just sleeping in his room… I'm thinking too much.
Still restless, Chaewon stepped out and knocked on Han's door before quickly running away to hide. No one came out. He tried again this time pressing the doorbell hard and holding it for long before running to hide again. Still no answer.
Frustrated, he returned to his room and lay on his bed, turning side to side.
Why can't I sleep? Should I call Jun and ask him to check where Han is?
Ringing…
Why isn't he picking up my call? He really told me I could call him anytime.
Chaewon sighed. Ya, Chaewon… let's just go down, buy a drink, and come back.
At the store.
Han.
He was sitting on a corner chair, head resting on the table, a half-empty beer bottle in one hand.
Chaewon stepped closer.
"Hey, new boy, don't touch him." The shopkeeper called out. "He looks cute, but he's a tough guy. If you wake him up, he'll beat you. Leave him. He'll go to his room when he feels like it."
Chaewon shook his head. "Sir, he's my friend. If he beats me, it's fine."
The shopkeeper frowned. "You know him? How?"
"He's a senior in my basketball club."
"Still, boy… I wouldn't recommend you get close to him."
Chaewon's voice lowered. "But if I leave him here, he'll get sick."
He approached carefully, leaning forward before daring to touch him. Softly, he called out:
"Han… Han… Han, it's me, Chaewon."
Slowly, Han lifted his head. His tired eyes met Chaewon's, and for a moment, they were just five inches apart. Both stared, as if the world had disappeared. Chaewon could hear Han's faint breaths, feel the pounding of his own heart. The tension was unbearable. Chaewon quickly turned his face away.
But Han stretched his arm, gently holding Chaewon's face, forcing him to look back.
"Do you still hate me?" he whispered.
"No… I don't."
"Then why aren't you coming to basketball practice?"
Chaewon hesitated but than his lips curved into a faint smile, a spark in his eyes.
"Did you miss me?"
Han's breath caught. Before he could answer, his head fell forward, collapsing onto him.
"Han! Han, are you okay?" Chaewon shouted in panic.
In a low voice, Han murmured, "Yes… I'm just tired."
Without hesitation, Chaewon lifted him up. "Let's get you to your room." His arms wrapped firmly around Han one on each side as he carried him slowly back to the apartment.