Soon after the birthday party, everyone began taking their leave.
Han stood silently by the door, watching people go. He kept glancing at Seungmin, wanting him to stay. In his chest he could feel the pull, the quiet wish that Seungmin would remain beside him a little longer. But he knew that even if he asked, Seungmin would politely refuse and leave anyway. Han hated embarrassing himself, so he swallowed the words.
At the doorway, Seungmin suddenly turned back. He looked straight at Han and, with a small smile, asked if they could go shopping later that evening.
The question landed like a spark inside Han. His heart jumped. This—this was exactly what he wanted: Seungmin choosing to spend time with him, without being asked. He said yes almost too quickly, his voice betraying his excitement.
Chaewon had been standing quietly next to Han the whole time, a neutral expression hiding the churn of thoughts behind his eyes. Seungmin shifted his gaze toward him and, almost as an afterthought, asked if Chaewon wanted to join them.
The invitation hit Chaewon like a stone. Why would Seungmin want him to tag along on a date? He shook his head quickly and refused before he could even think about it.
Seokmin came out of the bathroom just then and saw them talking. When Chaewon refused, Seokmin seized the chance to slip into the conversation. It was part of the plan the brothers had cooked up. He put on a pitiful face and called to Chaewon from behind, his voice plaintive:
"Hyung, can you really not come with us? I'll be so bored stuck with this couple. They'll make me miss my ex…"
The act worked. Seokmin's tone and expression pressed exactly on Chaewon's soft spot. Chaewon looked at him, sympathy pricking through his confusion. It was ridiculous, but he couldn't just leave Seokmin like that. "I didn't know you were going too," he said after a pause, "Okay then… let's go together."
And just like that, both brothers slipped out the door, leaving Han behind.
Han returned to the sofa and sat down heavily, a faint sadness on his face. The sight was hard for Chaewon to ignore. It shouldn't have mattered to him—caring about Han hurt him more than he wanted to admit—but something inside still drew him closer. He went to the sofa and sat beside Han without a word.