They arrived at the university. Han got out and said, "Stay in the car. I'll only take fifteen minutes."
Chaewon nodded, but his eyes went to the bouquet on the back seat. He didn't take it with him… Did he buy it for me? He sighed. Why would he. He is so handsome. He can date any beautiful girl in the whole world. Why would he choice me.?
Fifteen minutes later, Han returned. "Chaewon, get out. I'll drive now."
Without asking questions, Chaewon moved to the passenger seat.
The car ride was quiet. Finally, Chaewon pulled over—not at another café, not at the professor's office, but at a graveyard.
He picked up the bouquet and turned to Chaewon. "Do you want to come with me?"
Together, they walked slowly down the rows of graves until Han stopped at one. He knelt down and gently placed the bouquet. Chaewon followed, lowering himself beside him.
He read the name engraved and asked softly, "Han … is this your brother? You share the same surname."
Han's lips curved into a faint, sad smile. "Probably more than just a brother. He was my best friend."
Chaewon nodded, eyes lowering to the stone. After a pause, he asked, "What happened to him?"
Han's eyes glistened. "He was shot."
Chaewon turned toward him, shocked. "But why?"
Han's voice trembled "Because he was good at studying…"
Chaewon's chest tightened. He pulled Han close slowly, resting his head against his chest. He wrapped his arms around him tighter, holding him as if he could shield him from the pain.
In that quiet graveyard, surrounded by silence and sorrow, Chaewon realized just how heavy Han's heart truly was.
Seungmin stood at a distance, quietly watching. The moment Chaewon pulled Han into an embrace, something inside him twisted. His chest rose as he let out a deep breath, but his face stayed blank, his eyes empty. Without another glance, he turned away and left.
The drive was silent. His hands held the steering wheel tightly, but his mind kept replaying the scene he had just seen. By the time he reached Seokmin's house, all his emotions were hidden under the same cold mask he always wore.
He knocked. The door opened, and Jisoo appeared.
Surprised, Seungmin said flatly, "You're here? …Then I'll come back later."
But Jisoo tilted his head, stopping him. "It's fine. You can stay. I was already leaving anyway."
From inside, Seokmin's voice called out, "Who's at the door, Jisoo?" Moments later, he appeared and his face lit up. "Hyung---- Come in.