Ryul was still half-asleep when his phone buzzed. Groaning, he checked the screen and answered, but didn't speak.
"Ryul, we're on our way. Another thirty minutes and we'll arrive at the hotel. Later, let's have lunch together," a familiar voice said cheerfully.
Ryul's expression remained blank. "I'll meet you downstairs," he replied, short and neutral, before ending the call.
He swung his legs off the bed and went straight for the bathroom. Forty minutes later, he walked down the hotel corridor, leaning casually against the wall in the lobby, scrolling through his phone while waiting.
Then, a soft voice interrupted him.
"Hi… masked guy."
He looked up, slightly annoyed — and froze for a fraction of a second.
A small figure stood in front of him, carrying something bulky, looks like an archery bag or something? His curiosity piqued. What is she holding? Can she even carry that? Is she… an athlete?
His eyes traveled up and down her small frame, trying to make sense of her.
Before he could ask, a familiar shout came from across the lobby.
"Ryul!"
He turned to see Sung, his group leader, waving, with Nick, Qin, and their manager close behind.
Nick's eyes landed on Biny immediately, and a playful smirk appeared. "Well, well, what do we have here? Pretty girl?"
I immediately stepped in. "Let's go," I said firmly to Nick. "better eat your dessert yourself and grow taller." telling this to Biny. She gave me a questioning look.
— in that moment, it felt like an invisible thread had tightened between them.