Han was standing in front of Chaewon's house, debating whether he should knock on the door or just run away.
Flashback
The semester had just started, and everyone was busy with classes and sports. Basketball tryouts were underway. Everyone was there—except Chaewon.
Jun was worried. Normally it was fine if some students applied and then disappeared, but Chaewon wasn't just any student. He was a known idol, and with the rumors already circling, things were harder for him. If there was even a hint of scandal, survival in this school would be brutal.
On the court, students were practicing while Han, Jun, and a few other seniors were guiding them.
But Han noticed something odd. Whenever he glanced at Jun, he found Jun already staring at him. Not once, not twice—every single time. And the stare wasn't neutral. It was sharp, almost accusing, like Jun was blaming him for something.
Han had enough. He walked straight up to Jun.
"We need to clear something."
Both of them went into the dressing room.
"Why are you staring at me? Did I do something wrong?" Han asked.
Jun replied coldly, "As if you don't know. Why do you think Chaewon isn't coming to basketball practice?"
"Why are you blaming me?" Han shot back. "Maybe he joined some other club."
Jun shook his head. "I asked his classmate. He said no, he hasn't joined anything. He also told me Chaewon is facing serious hatred from the class."
Han shrugged. "So what?"
Jun's voice grew heavy. "Han, he's here on a sports scholarship. If he doesn't come, he's out. Don't you understand? He doesn't want to face people. He doesn't want to see their disgusted looks. And you… you made it harder for him."
Han's voice turned cold. "People get what they deserve."
Jun flinched. "That's so rude to hear from you. Let me put it this way—how your family treats you, do you also think that's what you deserve?"
Han's eyes widened. "Ya! Don't bring them into this!"
Jun's tone softened, but his eyes were full of hurt.
"Han-ah… we're all human. Humans with broken souls, carrying scars no one else can see. Everyone is fighting their own battles in silence, and all we ever really want from each other is just a little kindness, a little support. But what do we do instead? We throw stones at each other's wounds. We make life harder, when it's already hard enough."
Han felt those words sink into him like a knife.
That night, he couldn't sleep. The next night was the same. For three whole days, he tossed and turned, Jun's words echoing in his head, guilt pressing down heavier each time.
And now here he was, standing in front of Chaewon's door, finally ready to bring him back.