Two months later, it was almost time. Seungmin wanted to buy the tickets in secret, but he had no idea how. He and Jisoo spent ten hours glued to the website, even asking random restaurant customers for help. Nothing worked—until finally, Jisoo managed to secure two tickets.
They almost hugged each other out of excitement, then quickly pulled back, both pretending to be serious again.
Then Seungmin suddenly asked, "Jisoo… do you still have feelings for me?"
Jisoo burst out laughing. "Shut up, you idiot."
But Seungmin's tone stayed steady. "If you do, then stop it. I'm sincere with Han."
Jisoo's smile dropped into disgust. He clenched his fists, tempted to hit him, but instead sighed and went back to work, disappointment heavy on his face.
---
Ten days remained before Han's birthday. Seven days before results. Three days until the concert.
Seungmin called Jihan.
"I want to take you somewhere this Saturday. It's a surprise."
"Okay," Jihan answered simply, then hung up.
Behind him, Jisoo asked, "Why not tell him it's the concert? Maybe he wants to prepare."
Still staring at his phone, Seungmin smiled. "I've prepared everything already—the posters, the shirt with his bias's name, the lightsticks… He'll be so happy."
Jisoo cringed at how cheesy he sounded and walked away.
---
Three days later, Seungmin drove Han to the stadium.
When han saw it, his eyes went wide with shock. "Yaaa, Seungmin—are you kidding me? No way. Tell me this is real!"
Seungmin's lips curved into a small smile. "I wanted to do something for you on your eighteenth birthday."
Han threw his arms around him, hugging him tight. Seungmin hugged him back, warmth swelling in his chest.
"Don't worry about anything," Seungmin said. "I've got everything ready—the shirts, the lightsticks. All in the back seat."
He opened the door, showing Han the matching shirts with his bias's name and two lightsticks.
They entered the stadium, guided to their seats. But the seats were far from the stage. Seungmin's mood darkened—he hadn't known how seat booking worked.
"What's wrong?" Han asked.
"The seats… they're so far. If I'd known, I'd have gotten us front row."
Han laughed, brushing it off. "That's why you're upset? Come on, Seungmin—I'm just happy to be here. This is the best moment of my life."
Seungmin's jaw tightened. "Next time, I'll book the whole front row."
Han cupped his face with both hands. "Okay. But only if it's with you."
The concert began, Han glowing with happiness, living his dream.
But in Seungmin's pocket, his phone kept buzzing—Jisoo, then Chakhyun, again and again. He ignored it, not wanting to spoil Han's joy.
Until a message came through.
"Seungmin, woohyun got shot. He's dead."
Seungmin stared at the words. Slowly, he set the phone aside.
"Not tonight. Not while Han is enjoying like this. I would tell him later maybe after the concert. Or Maybe tomorrow."