At Night
When they reached home, Chaewon looked down, and Han felt really bad for him.
They didn't talk in the car or while walking back. The silence followed them like a shadow.
Finally, Han spoke to break it. "Let's eat something."
Chaewon just nodded.
They went to a small shop nearby. Han ordered fried chicken.
Chaewon frowned. "Will you really eat such a heavy meal at night?"
Han nodded with excitement and smiled. "Let me teach you something. Chicken at night can make a person happy."
Chaewon pouted a little. "I've never heard about this before."
"You'll see tonight," Han replied with confidence.
When they left, Han held the packet carefully, but Chaewon suddenly snatched it from him. He didn't even ask if it was heavy or if he should hold it—he just did it.
Han couldn't help but smile to himself.
They reached Chaewon's apartment. Chaewon handed the chicken back and said, "Good night."
But Han didn't move. He just stood there silently.
Chaewon sighed, already knowing what he wanted. He unlocked the door and let him in.
Han went straight to the kitchen, took out two plates, and placed the chicken. Chaewon stood in the corner, watching him quietly.
Han turned around and waved him over.
"Let me change first," Chaewon said before disappearing into his room.
A few minutes later he returned, more relaxed, and sat down beside Han.
They started eating.
Soon Han leaned back. "I'm full. I can't eat more."
Chaewon laughed softly. "You only had two pieces."
Han frowned. "What about you? You only had three."
Chaewon smiled faintly. "I don't want to get fat."
Han shook his head. "Come on, three to five pieces won't make you fat."
Chaewon's voice grew softer. "When I was an idol, I gained weight really quickly. So sometimes… I didn't eat for four or five days. Just so I wouldn't get fat."
Han looked at him with worry. "Idols really do have a hard life."
They kept talking, the food between them slowly disappearing, until Han finally said, "I should take my leave."
Chaewon nodded and walked him to the door.
Just as Han stepped out, he turned back. "Chaewon, can you wake me up tomorrow morning? I always get late."
Chaewon smiled, leaning a little closer. "I know," he said with a giggle.
Han pushed him back gently with one finger. "Six a.m. straight."
---
The Next Morning
7:30 a.m.
Han woke up, saw the clock, and froze. He jumped out of bed, quickly threw on a hoodie and pants, brushed his teeth, and ran outside.
Chaewon stood there waiting, arms crossed, looking annoyed.
"Why didn't you wake me up?" Han complained.
Chaewon sighed. "I've been knocking on your door since 5:50. Even the neighbors told me to stop."
Han scratched his head. "Ohh… I'm sorry. Let's go now."
He drove Chaewon to the university. After classes, Han—as usual—ended up sleeping in the basketball court.
---
After the practice.
On the way, Han leaned his head against the window, half asleep, while Chaewon quietly glanced at him.
He sighed, but this time it wasn't out of annoyance. It was softer. Almost like relief.
Even if Han was careless, Chaewon thought, he couldn't bring himself to leave him.
That night, neither of them said much. But somehow, both felt lighter than the day before.