Chaewon was confused as he stepped inside. His eyes went straight to Han's arm — a white bandage wrapped neatly around it.
He rushed toward him, worry painting his face.
"Hyung, what happened?"
Han didn't reply. He pushed Chaewon's hand away and walked to the TV lounge, turning on the television as if nothing happened.
Chaewon froze for a moment, his heart sinking. He could feel the distance between them — wide and cold. Quietly, he looked around, noticed the medicine bag on the table, and sighed.
Without a word, he took it to the kitchen. He warmed up some food, placed the medicine beside it, and carried the tray back to Han.
He set it gently on the table and said softly, "I'll be leaving for a one-day trip tomorrow. I made food and kept it in the fridge."
Han didn't even look at him. His voice came out sharp, distant.
"Just leave."
That stung.
Chaewon looked at him for a moment, trying to say something — but he couldn't. He turned away and walked toward the door.
Han's chest tightened as he watched him go. Anger, regret, and loneliness tangled inside him. Before he knew it, he got up and followed Chaewon to the door.
It had been almost two hours — Seungmin was still outside, sitting by the door like someone waiting for forgiveness.
When Han opened it, Chaewon quietly stepped out.
Seungmin immediately stood up and moved closer.
"Han, please… listen to me," he said, his voice trembling. "We can talk it out, please."
Han's expression hardened. Without saying a word, he pushed Seungmin back and slammed the door shut again.
Now, only Seungmin and Chaewon were left standing in the hallway.
Seungmin's jaw tightened. His anger slowly replaced his patience. He looked at Chaewon with cold, sharp eyes — his tone deep and threatening.
"Do you really think you're that important to him? Just because he let you in?"
His words were cutting, laced with venom — the kind that could make anyone tremble.
But Chaewon didn't flinch. He took a slow step forward and replied calmly, "I didn't think about it. But from what you're saying right now… maybe I am."
Seungmin smirked — a cruel, mocking smile — and scanned him from head to toe.
"I can't believe you think of yourself so highly. You have no idea, do you? Han has a bad habit of keeping people around him. Once he gets bored, he throws them away. You're not the first. There was a senior before you and before that senior there was someone else — they all used to follow Han everywhere. And when Han got tired of them, he left them. You'll be next."
Chaewon's chest tightened, but he still met Seungmin's gaze fearlessly.
"You really think he has a bad habit of keeping people around him?" he said softly. "Have you ever thought that maybe he's just… lonely? Maybe he keeps people close because he hates being alone. Maybe he's searching for someone who can fill the emptiness inside him. That's why he keeps changing people — not because he's bored, but because he still hasn't found the one who stays."
Seungmin froze for a moment, the words hitting him harder than he expected.
After a few seconds, he said, "What do you even know about him? I've been dating him for seven years. I know him better than anyone."
Chaewon looked straight into his eyes and replied, "You've known him for seven years… but do you know he strangles himself in his sleep when he's drunk?"
Seungmin's expression faltered. "Yes, I know. That's why I don't let him drink."
Chaewon let out a small, bitter laugh.
"That's great of you, Mr. Choi Seungmin. But what's the point? He still has beer at home. If no one's around when he drinks, he'd probably kill himself. You say you know him — but do you even understand him. Just knowing each other is it enough to make a relationship strong."
Seungmin stood frozen — speechless for the first time.
Chaewon didn't wait for a response. He turned around, hands clenched, and walked away down the hallway.
The silence between them said everything that needed to be said.