In a high-rise office flooded with golden morning light, the atmosphere was unusually quiet.
Seo Hana placed her coffee cup gently on the marble table. "So, he's arrived, at least?"
Jung Minjae didn't look up from his tablet. "I wonder how Haneul will react."
She smirked. "He's closer to him than anyone. When he went full reclusion-mode, he was the only one allowed in."
Minjae finally met her eyes. "He won't admit it… but he looks up to him a lot. Loves him too."
She nodded thoughtfully. "Funny."
"What is?"
"How things will play out between them. One's being forced to become an idol. The other may not show it, but he's overprotective."
Aurora Dorms – Section D
Three months had passed—and Jung Haneul still couldn't believe it. He'd actually survived.
He'd learned everyone's quirks.
Seojun might shoot out harsh words like missiles, but he genuinely cared. Haneul had noticed the way he corrected Eunjae's posture in private or left throat lozenges near Chan's water bottle after long vocal days.
Daehyun was a walking ego with a mirror addiction, but if someone looked even remotely sad, he'd be the first to offer tissues, snacks, or an unsolicited skincare routine.
Eunjae was all sunshine and banana peels—until someone threatened the people he cared about. Section B had learned that the hard way after mocking Hyun's dancing. Eunjae had gone full grizzly bear mode. Haneul still wasn't sure where the chair had come from.
Hyun was usually silent, but when Eunjae stirred him up? He became a radio on full volume with no off button.
Jiho kept pretending he didn't care about the group. But Haneul had seen him, late at night, folding laundry no one asked him to fold, scrubbing dishes, rearranging the ramen shelf by expiration date.
And Chan… Chan had finally cracked. He'd tried to be everyone's mom. But when even he was pushed too far, he transformed into a nagging volcano. One time Chan asked Eunjae to make rice and Eunjae burned the rice. Chan scolded him and made him kneel for 2 hours—now no one dares to mess with Chan.
Still, somehow, they worked. They weren't perfect—but they were trying.
Practice Room
The air shifted.
Mr. Park, their dance trainer, clapped loudly, bringing everyone to attention.
"Listen up," he barked. "Three months from now, the Annual Section Battle begins."
Gasps, whispers, the snap of someone's water bottle cap flying off.
"You'll choreograph your own stage performance. Song, moves, concept. No outside help. The section with the best performance? Gets pushed into Present Team evaluations."
"Other sections are already working. Section B's got their theme locked. If you want to stand a chance, you better start today."
Then his gaze settled on one person.
"You—Haneul. Stay after."
Everyone filed out with wide eyes. Some gave him pitying looks. Eunjae mimed a prayer sign and patted Haneul's shoulder like a last farewell before heading out. Chan gave him a small nod of encouragement and mouthed, "Don't die."
When the room cleared, Mr. Park crossed his arms.
"You've improved. But not enough."
Haneul swallowed.
"You still dance like a robot. It's not about steps, it's about feeling."
"I'll... try."
"Trying isn't enough. You want to help your team? Then stop dancing like a robot who has been tasked to be a human."
"Sorry," Haneul said.
Mr. Park sighed. "Listen, Haneul. You have talent but you lack rhythm and feelings."
"Sorry."
Mr. Park smiled. "How about starting by observing human emotion? Watch how they move. React. Feel. You want to survive in this industry? Learn to tell a story with your body."
Haneul gave a small nod. "Okay."
Mr. Park gave his shoulder a light pat. "You're not hopeless. Just stiff. Fix that."
Dorm Rooftop – That Night
Haneul sat on the edge of the rooftop with a drink can beside him, watching the city lights blur and sparkle. The wind ruffled his hair gently.
He exhaled, knees pulled loosely to his chest, one hand absentmindedly tapping the can's rim.
His phone buzzed.
[New message: Min Eunjae]
Heard you've been dancing like a broken vending machine. Want me to bring oil for your joints? 😆
Haneul stared at the screen.
"Eunjae, you—" he muttered.
He was about to reply but stopped.
He took a long sip from the can and sighed. Tears forming, he whispered,
"I'm trying, really."
The phone buzzed again.
[New message: Hyung 🕶️]
Haneul. I'm back.
His heart skipped.
"Hyung," Haneul whispered, straightening up.
Fumbling fingers sent back the messages:
When did you come? Should I pick you up? How are you? Are you okay?
Hyung: Calm down, Haneul. I came today at noon. Yes, I'm fine.
Can I meet you, hyung?
Hyung: Sure. How about tomorrow 6 p.m.? You should be done with training by then.
Sure.
He lowered the phone and leaned back, staring at the sky with a softer expression.
Back in the Dorm
Everyone could tell something had changed in Haneul after the rooftop.
He didn't say much—but he seemed brighter. If Haneul's usual face was expressionless and blunt, today he was shining—even though he was still expressionless.
Eunjae was the first to notice, nudging him at breakfast. "You look like you're in a good mood."
Daehyun tilted his head. "You're glowing! Did you find a new skincare?"
Annoyed, Haneul nudged him off.
Even at dance practice—though his dancing didn't magically improve—it was better.
He missed fewer steps. His shoulders relaxed a bit more and he didn't look like he was forcing the moves.
Mr. Park raised an eyebrow during their group formation practice and said nothing—but gave a tiny nod that Haneul didn't see.
Dance practice ended with sweat and sore ankles.
Mr. Park barked, "Dismissed!"
Everyone groaned as they wiped down, ready to slump back to the dorm.
Then suddenly—Haneul bolted out of the room.
"Eh?" Eunjae blinked. "Where's he going?"
"He forgot his towel," Hyun offered.
Daehyun raised an eyebrow. "You think he's okay?"
Seojun stood slowly. "Let's just… check."
"Let's go," Chan nodded.
They followed quickly, slipping out the side doors into the early evening light. Just outside the dorm gates, they spotted Haneul—standing still, his eyes wide.
Facing him was a man who looked like him—but older, more mature, and even more handsome. He had calm eyes and a relaxed smile, hands tucked into his coat pockets.
"…What are you doing here?" Haneul asked, frozen in place. "Weren't we meeting at the kimbap place?"
The man smiled softly. "Thought I'd surprise you."
He took a step forward. "So? Did you like the gift?"
Haneul blinked. Then, slowly—his expression shifted, something melting off his usually frozen features.
He smiled brightly and said, "Yes!"
Then walked up and hugged him tightly.
The boys—peeking around the corner—collectively blinked.
"Wait. Is that his brother?" Seojun muttered.
"Looks like it," Daehyun whispered.
The man chuckled and said, "Aren't you going to introduce me?"
"Huh?" Haneul said, puzzled. Turning back, he saw the gang peeking over the corner whispering.
Sighing, he said, "This is… my brother. Jung Haneom."
The others slowly came out of hiding and shuffled over, offering polite bows and greetings.
Haneom smiled kindly and bowed back. "Thank you for taking care of my little brother. I really mean it."
The trainees were stunned for a beat by the unexpected warmth.
Then Haneom reached down to a paper bag beside him. "I was on my way to meet him for dinner. I got a little too much food though. Leftovers, anyone?"
They all started shaking their heads quickly, murmuring polite "It's okay"s—
Until Eunjae brightly said, "Yes, please!"
Everyone turned.
"What?" he shrugged. "I'm still growing."
Haneom laughed and handed him a small container. "I like your honesty."
After Haneom waved goodbye and left, the group walked back slowly toward the dorm.
"He's really nice," Hyun commented.
"And cool too," Daehyun added.
Seojun folded his arms. "Is it weird that I kind of want him to be our big brother too?"
Eunjae snorted. "He gave me food. I've already adopted him."
And then—Chan, walking behind them, let out a soft breath and muttered under his breath:
"…Didn't know he could smile like that."