Han and Christine kept talking in English, laughing together.
Meanwhile, chaewon just sat there in silence, his eyes clouded with darkness.
Han noticed and finally spoke up.
"Chaewon, I didn't introduce you. Noona, this is chaewon —my junior."
Christine reached out her hand to shake his.
Chaewon didn't even look at her. He just extended his hand, letting her shake it quickly.
Han could clearly see how jealous was chaewon.
As she held his hand, Christine tilted her head. "Han, he looks like someone…"
"Noona, he was a member of Nexon," Han explained.
Christine's eyes widened. She covered her mouth dramatically. "Omo! He's that Nexon member, Chaewon?"
"Yes, Noona," Han replied, then turned toward chaewon. "She really likes K-pop. She follows so many groups."
Chaewon stayed quiet.
Christine leaned forward, still studying his face. "He looks so different… that's why I didn't recognize him. Honestly, you looked better on stage. Now you've got dark circles and such dull skin." She laughed lightly.
Han froze, shocked. He forced out a fake laugh to smooth the moment.
Chaewon's jaw tightened. His eyes burned with anger, but before he could say anything, a car horn interrupted.
Christine stood up immediately. "Oh, Jiwoo's here. I'm gonna go."
Han followed her to the car, walking her out.
When he returned, chaewon was sitting with his arms crossed, turned away.
"Chaewon …" Han called gently, but he didn't move.
So Han stepped closer. His voice softened.
"I'm sorry. She really didn't mean it. She just has a blithe personality—she speaks without thinking."
Chaewon still didn't turn around. His voice was low, almost breaking.
"Han-ah … do I really look ugly in real life?"
Han sighed. "I told you, she didn't mean it. She thought it was a joke—"
"I asked you," Chaewon interrupted. His voice cracked. "Do I look ugly in real life?"
Han's chest tightened. He shook his head firmly.
"No. You don't. You're the most beautiful person I know. Yes, you have dark circles, but they don't make you ugly. Because you have a beautiful soul."
Chaewon blinked, eyes shimmering, as Han continued.
"You're always the first to think about others before yourself. I've seen you sneak drinks for teammates without saying a word. I've seen you quietly clean the wet locker room floor so no one slips. I've seen you cook for me, clean my house, make me dinner. How can someone like that ever be ugly?"
Han's voice softened even more.
"I always thought I knew you well because I was a fan and know everything about you… and that made me like you. But now, being with you every day, discovering new things about you, I realize the truth. That person on stage was just an image. This is the real you. A beautiful person with a kind soul."
Chaewon finally turned, tears in his eyes. He smiled faintly.
Han smiled back.
And for a moment, the world quieted—just the two of them, smiling through the heaviness in their hearts.