Chaewon looked at him curiously.
Han began reading:
"I'm writing this to apologize for what I said to you that day in the basketball dressing room. I know my words hurt you a lot. They were mean and filled with hate. I was angry because I really thought that you really did assault that manager and soon after that NEXON chose to disband. And according to the sources, you were the one to blame. Because they didn't want to continue without you.
I know it's your life, and you have the right to make better decisions for yourself. But the thing that made me angry was that you never cleared the case publicly and never disagreed in any press conference that you didn't really do that.
Let me tell you my perspective…
When I was in school, I was going through the hardest time of my life. I can't tell you all the reasons—they're too personal—but I can say this: I was at my lowest. And if I hadn't found you guys and your music, I wouldn't be standing here right now, able to speak these words."
His voice shifted from steady, to passionate, to sorrowful. His energy drained, his hands trembled, and finally—he lowered the paper, looked straight into Chaewon's eyes, and whispered, "I'm sorry."
Chaewon's eyes glistened with tears. He wanted to say something, but before he could—
Mark chuckled. "Oh, that was something too much. But Han, you didn't need to go that far. Our Chaewon doesn't take things that seriously. Come on, sit down and finish your noodles."
Han gave a small smile, returned to his seat, and ate quietly. Chaewon excused himself and went to his room.
Han noticed him but stayed silent.
When Chaewon returned after some time, he could hear laughter filling the room.
Jiwoong was laughing so hard. "Ya, Chaewon, where did you find this guy? He's so funny—and cute. Let's keep him here forever!"
Chaewon's chest tightened. He felt a strange jealousy watching Han laugh freely with the others—so different from his usual serious self at university. Still, he hid his feelings, sat nearby, and simply watched.
Han's smile, his features, his voice—it all drew him in. Without realizing, Chaewon was staring, completely zoned out.
Then Han looked up, caught his gaze, and Chaewon snapped back to reality.
Jiwoong called out, "Chaewon, will you not accompany him to the door?"
Chaewon blinked. "What? He's leaving?"
Hanbin: "Yes, while you were zoning out."
Chaewon quickly stood up. Han also rose.
Hanbin told him warmly, "Come again whenever you have time."
Han smiled happily.
At the door, both stood awkwardly.
So Han broke the silence: "Okay, I'll go now."
Chaewon offered, "Do you need a lift? I can drop you home."
But he shook his head. "No, it's fine. I can drive."
Chaewon thought to himself: He's so soft with everyone… but when he talks to me, he feels so manly.
Han looked at him. "I'm sorry. I'm really sorry for blaming you without any evidence."
Chaewon's breath caught. "You don't need to keep apologizing. Actually I also want to apologise for that day. Trust me I really fell on you. I didn't do it willingly or purposely."
Han was shy and said, "Okay, I trust you. But can we keep this secret just to us?"
Chaewon was shocked and said, "Okay, I promise."
Finally Han waved, and left. When Chaewon called him again—
"Han, thanks for making me understand how important it is to stand for ourselves and clear things out. I promise I will clear my name again so you will love me again."
Han's ears turned red and he said, "I hope It will be fine for you soon." And then he left.
Chaewon closed the door, his hand pressed against his heart. What was this feeling?
He turned—and froze.
All the members were standing there, staring at him.