By late afternoon, the campus buzzed with a different kind of energy.
Classes had ended early that day, leaving the halls filled with laughter, loose ties, and students already talking about the party happening that night. Someone had plastered neon posters around the dorm buildings—Freshman Mixer. Music. Drinks. No regrets.
Naturally, the group ended up sprawled around a table in the student lounge, half-asleep and half-excited.
Riku was the first to bring it up.
"So," he said, leaning back in his chair, hands laced behind his head, "party tonight."
Jihoon glanced at him. "You're stating a fact, or asking?"
"I'm inviting."
Sophia clapped softly. "I want to go."
Sowoon nodded. "Same. I need something loud to erase today's lectures."
Yuna smirked. "I just want free snacks."
Yuri looked over at Haru. "What about you?"
Haru's eyes lit up instantly. "Party?"
Yuri sighed, already knowing this would end badly. "We'll see."
All eyes slowly shifted to Mika, who had been unusually quiet—sitting cross-legged on the couch, phone in hand, a soft smile playing on her lips as she typed.
Yuna narrowed her eyes. "Why do you look… suspiciously happy?"
Mika looked up.
And smiled.
It wasn't her usual shy smile. It was brighter. Confident. Almost smug.
"Sorry," she said casually, tucking her phone away."Sorry..my girlfriend wants to go out."
Silence.
Then—
"—WAIT."
Riku shot to his feet. "Your what?"
Yuna practically screamed. "GIRLFRIEND?!"
Sophia gasped so hard she choked on air. "WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?"
Sowoon blinked. "You got a girlfriend before Yuna?"
"HEY," Yuna snapped. "That's not—okay maybe it is but still—"
Mika's face warmed, but she didn't look away this time. "Hana texted me. She wants to hang out tonight."
Jihoon stared at her. "You're smiling."
Yuri crossed his arms. "She's glowing."
Haru squinted. "Is this what love looks like?"
Mika buried her face in her hands. "Please stop."
Riku grinned wickedly. "No. This is a historic moment."
Yuna leaned in. "So you're ditching us?"
Mika peeked through her fingers. "Just this once."
Sophia smiled softly. "That's actually really cute."
Sowoon nodded. "Go. Have fun."
Yuna sighed dramatically. "Wow. Abandoned for romance."
"You'll survive," Mika said, laughing.
"Barely," Yuna replied.
And just like that, plans were split.
That night, the campus transformed.
Music thumped from the party venue, lights flashing through open doors, laughter echoing down the paths. Yuri walked with the group, hands in his pockets, already bracing himself.
Jihoon adjusted his jacket. "I'm not staying late."
Riku smirked. "We'll see."
Haru bounced slightly as they walked. "I'm excited."
Yuri shot him a look. "You are not drinking."
Haru saluted. "Yes, sir."
That lasted approximately fifteen minutes.
The party was loud, crowded, and warm. Music vibrated through the floor, bodies moving everywhere, and someone immediately shoved a cup into Haru's hand.
Yuri turned around just in time to see him take a sip.
"Haru."
Haru smiled. "It's fine."
Two drinks later, Haru was laughing way too loudly.
Three drinks later, he was clinging to Yuri's arm like a koala.
"I love you," Haru said suddenly, resting his chin on Yuri's shoulder.
Yuri froze. "You say that sober too."
"But now I mean it extra," Haru replied, grinning.
Riku laughed from across the room. "He's gone."
Jihoon shook his head. "I told you."
Sophia danced with Sowoon, both of them laughing freely. Yuna somehow ended up in a deep conversation with a stranger about cereal rankings. Riku had dragged Jihoon into dancing, despite Jihoon's protests.
And Haru?
Haru was having the time of his life.
By the time Yuri decided it was definitely time to leave, Haru was tipsy, giggly, and completely unfiltered.
They walked back to the dorms together, night air cool against flushed skin.
Haru hummed happily, swinging their joined hands. "Yuri."
"Yes?"
"You're really handsome."
Yuri sighed, but smiled. "You're drunk."
"Only a little," Haru said, immediately stumbling.
Yuri caught him easily.
Decision made.
"We're all sleeping at my dorm," Yuri said. "I'm not letting him walk back alone."
"No complaints here," Riku said.
Yuna yawned. "Sleepover!"
By the time they reached Yuri and Haru's dorm, Haru had devolved into full-on clingy mode—refusing to let go of Yuri, pouting when anyone else talked too long.
They piled into the room, tossing shoes aside, collapsing onto the floor and bed. Someone dimmed the lights. Someone else passed out snacks.
Haru flopped dramatically onto the bed. "This is the best day ever."
Sophia giggled. "You're adorable."
"I know," Haru said proudly.
Yuri sat beside him. "Drink water."
Haru accepted it obediently, then leaned into Yuri's side. "You're warm."
Riku smirked. "He's never living this down."
Jihoon shrugged. "I'm documenting this mentally."
Yuna laughed. "Mika is missing out."
"Don't you dare tell her," Yuri warned.
They talked quietly as the night stretched on—laughing about classes, sharing dumb stories, teasing Haru whenever he mumbled something affectionate.
Eventually, sleep took over.
Bodies sprawled everywhere. Blankets were shared. The room fell silent.
Morning came too fast.
Sunlight streamed through the window.
Haru groaned.
His head throbbed. His mouth felt dry. His memories were… foggy.
He slowly sat up, blinking.
"…Wait," he muttered.
He looked around.
Everyone was asleep in their dorm.
His dorm.
He frowned.
Then—
"Wait..what happened last night?"