Han's thoughts wouldn't slow down.
Maybe I imagined it.
Maybe Jisoo never liked Seungmin. Maybe that silence meant nothing.
But then why didn't he deny it?
Why didn't he laugh and say, "Are you crazy?"
And when they heard about the accident… Jisoo didn't look shocked. He didn't look panicked. He just went quiet.
Han pressed his lips together.
I need to talk to him. Alone.
The dining room felt too grand for comfort.
Crystal chandelier. Long polished table. Chairs spaced too perfectly. Even the silence felt expensive.
They sat stiffly, waiting.
Ten minutes later, footsteps echoed from the stairs.
Seungmin appeared.
His right arm was wrapped in bandages. Faint bruises darkened his cheekbone and jaw. Even with makeup or powder trying to hide it. it was there.
Woohyun gasped.
Tears immediately filled his eyes. "Seungmin...."
He rushed forward, voice breaking. Han followed instinctively, helping him sit beside.
"How are you?" Han asked, trying to stay steady.
"I'm fine." Seungmin's tone was light. Too light.
Han's throat tightened. "You don't look fine."
Seungmin turned to him quickly, almost sharply. "I said I'm fine. Don't cry."
His voice wasn't angry. It was urgent. As if Han crying would make things worse.
Then Dino ran forward dramatically, arms wide open. "My brother!" Seungmin shifted aside out of reflex. Dino tripped onto the sofa between them but grabbed Seungmin anyway, clinging to him.
"Do you know how worried we were? I couldn't sleep!"
Seungmin froze. The word brother hit somewhere deep. For a split second, his expression softened. They were worried about me. Not because they had to. Because they cared.
A warmth he wasn't used to flickered inside him.
Then Han sniffled again. Woohyun wiped his tears loudly.
The moment shattered
Snacks filled the table.... plates of fruit, pastries, drinks. Too much.
They all leaned forward, asking questions.
Seungmin explained calmly how he slipped near construction, how it wasn't serious, how doctors exaggerated.
The story was smooth. Polished. Almost rehearsed. Everyone listened carefully.
Everyone except Jisoo.
He had returned quietly and sat at the edge of the group.
He didn't interrupt.
He didn't ask what happened.
He didn't even look surprised.
He just watched Seungmin's hands when he talked. As if checking whether they trembled.
As if counting the pauses between lies.
Time passed quickly.
Laughter returned. Dino exaggerated stories. Minho teased. Han relaxed slightly.
Then Jaehan entered.
His eyes scanned the room once quick, sharp.
"Jisoo," he called calmly.
The room fell silent for a second.
Jisoo stood and followed him into the hallway.
They spoke in low voices.
Jaehan's expression was serious. Jisoo's face went pale for half a second then neutral again.
When he came back, he forced a casual tone.
"Guys, my sister's sick. I need to go."
No one questioned him.
He left immediately.
Outside, his hands trembled as he texted.
Seungmin's phone vibrated.
He read the message. His heartbeat stopped. Father is coming home. His fingers went cold. He needed them gone.
Now.
But how? Asking them to leave suddenly would look suspicious.
He swallowed.
Jaehan stepped in smoothly. "Seungmin, you should rest."
Minho caught the shift instantly. "Yeah, we've been here long enough."
Still, Dino kept talking about homework, teachers, finals. Oblivious.
Jaehan's voice hardened slightly. "Seungmin needs rest."
That tone made even Dino pause.
They stood.
Walked toward the gate.
And then
Headlights.
A car rolled in slowly. The engine cut off. Mr. Choi stepped out. Tall. Controlled. Eyes calculating.
He asked the guard, "Who are they?"
"Seungmin's friends."
His gaze moved over them one by one. They bowed quickly. The air tightened.
Then his eyes landed on Han. And something shifted.
His smile appeared practiced and warm.
"Hello, kids. How are you?"
"We're good, sir," they answered in unison.
"You didn't eat?"
"We ate snacks," Minho replied politely.
Mr. Choi frowned slightly. "Snacks? Jaehan is sending children home without dinner?"
He turned sharply to a guard. "Tell the kitchen to prepare dinner."
Dino stammered, "Sir, we were actually—"
Minho cut in smoothly, "It would be an honor, sir."
Mr. Choi laughed softly. "I like you. Name?"
"Minho."
Recognition flickered.
"Advocate Lee's son."
Minho nodded.
"Your father is brilliant. Wasted in that company."
Minho smiled carefully. "My mother says the same."
They walked back inside.
Seungmin stood frozen near the entrance, pulse racing. He knew this version of his father. Charming. Generous. Dangerous.
They sat at the massive dining table again. The space felt colder now.
Mr. Choi turned to a guard. "Call Seungmin."
Within two minutes Seungmin walked down the stairs. His posture straight. Face calm. Bruises hidden as much as possible.
"Son," Mr. Choi said warmly, "how are you feeling?"
Seungmin bowed deeply.
"I'm fine."
He sat down. Right beside Han. Han smiled at him, relieved. Seungmin forced a small smile back. Under the table, his fingers curled into his palm.
Because he knew
One wrong move.
And tonight wouldn't end well.