When he went home, Chaewon was in the kitchen. The moment he saw Han, he quickly wrapped everything up and left.
Han stood still for a while, lost in thoughts that wouldn't quiet down. No matter how much he tried, he couldn't get them out of his head. Then suddenly, Chaewon came back and hugged him from behind.
That simple touch broke him. Han's eyes filled up, and he finally broke down into tears. He couldn't explain what he was feeling — just that it hurt deeply. He knew all of it was in the past, yet somehow it still felt like fresh wounds reopening inside him. Even though it was hard to breathe, somehow Chaewon's presence made it easier. For the first time in a long while, Han felt relieved that someone was there — someone who didn't ask questions, just stayed.
That night, Han drank again. But this time, he didn't try to strangle himself. He simply fell asleep quietly.
When he woke up, it was already 10 a.m. He went straight to the mirror — and froze. There were no marks on his neck. Shock and relief flooded him all at once. Usually, after a drunk night, he had to cover those marks with a scarf. But today… nothing.
"Maybe it's because I finally remember what actually happened that day," he thought. "Maybe I'm out of that trauma now. Seungmin really saved me… I don't know why he lied, or why he never explained anything, maybe he didn't wanted me to get attach to him because he liked jisoo so he didn't wanted me to like him. I have to dig it deeper."
He got ready quickly. When he stepped out, Chaewon was setting the table.
"Hyung, you're up!" Chaewon called cheerfully. "Eat something. We still have time — your class is at 12:30."
Han sat down slowly, eyes still swollen, quietly eating while Chaewon cleaned up around him.
After a while, Han said, "Chaewon, I'm not going to university today. I have something important to do. You can go on your bike."
That made Chaewon's smile fade. He came and sat beside Han. "Hyung, are you still angry with me? I thought we were okay after last night."
Han looked up, surprised. "No, no — we're good. I really just have something important."
"Then take me with you," Chaewon said softly.
Han sighed, a little irritated. "You wanna skip class for this? Are you crazy, you little prick?"
Chaewon pouted, pretending to be angry in a cute way. "I already skipped my morning classes because I wanted to leave with you, and now you're kicking me away?"
Han gave up with a half-smile. "Fine. Let's go."
He drove, taking Chaewon to a small, quiet restaurant on the outskirts of the city. An old man was serving food, and a young boy was clearing tables. Chaewon looked around — the place was humble, warm, and smelled like soup. He couldn't imagine Han belonging here.
But the moment the old man and the boy saw Han, they both ran over. The boy hugged Han tightly, and to Chaewon's surprise, Han hugged him back — without hesitation, without caring about the boy's dusty clothes.
Unlike Seungmin, who brushed himself off in disgust, when chaewon touched him.
"Chaewon," Han said, "this is Chahyuk, my high school friend. And this is Mr. Lee, his father."
Chaewon bowed politely. Mr. Lee grinned, holding his shoulder. "Such a handsome boy! What do you call it, Chahyuk? One of those—"
"Dad," Chahyuk laughed. "You mean a K-pop idol."
"Ah, yes, yes — a K-pop idol!" Mr. Lee chuckled.
Han noticed Chaewon's awkward smile and quickly said, "Let's sit down, sir."
They sat, and when Mr. Lee asked what they'd eat, Han replied gently, "We already had breakfast. I just came to see you."
"That's kind of you, son. Then at least let me bring something to drink."
Han smiled. "That would be nice."
Chahyuk brought the drinks, and Han leaned toward him. "I came to talk."
Chahyuk nodded. "Give me a moment — I'll join you."
While waiting, Han and Chaewon scrolled through their phones. Then Chahyuk called from the counter, "Han, take the order from table 5!"
Han immediately stood up, took the order, and even began clearing the tables without complaint.
Chaewon blinked — this wasn't the lazy Han he knew. He hurried over. "Let me do it, you can sit."
Han shook his head. "It's fine. I always help here. Go sit back down."
Chaewon quietly obeyed, watching him. Something about this version of Han felt different — grounded, real. Unlike Seungmin, or Seokmin, Jiwoo, Christine, even Hanbin — all of whom carried that heavy "rich kid" pride — Han didn't seem to care about appearances at all.
He was just… himself. Simple, kind, humble. And somehow, being around him made Chaewon feel something he hadn't felt in a long time — peace.