Next Day at the Basketball Court
Jun gathered everyone at the court and said loudly,
"We have a match in five days with the Business Faculty. Only those who scored well will be on the team."
Looking at Chaewon, he added with a smirk,
"Now you'll understand why I told you to pay attention to the game."
One by one, Jun called out names.
During this, Han noticed Chaewon's head was low, his shoulders slumped. Quietly, Han walked closer, placed his hand on Chaewon's shoulder — despite Chaewon being taller — and said softly,
"It's fine. Pay more attention. Maybe next time you'll be playing."
Chaewon looked at him and smiled faintly.
Meanwhile, Seungmin was nowhere to be found. Han even checked his faculty, but he wasn't on leave either. It was his habit — skipping classes, keeping his focus on business and office work.
Chaewon noticed Han making calls, but no one ever picked up. The tension on Han's face was clear.
Later, Chaewon called his members and explained what happened at the church.
Hanbin suggested, "Maybe he's depressed… or carrying some past trauma. Should I ask him to see a psychiatrist? But that might be crossing boundaries."
Mark snorted, "Crossing boundaries? You already live in his house. What boundary is left to cross?"
---
The Day of the Match
The court was buzzing, filled with cheers and noise. The team was practicing hard while Chaewon ran around, in charge of handing drinks and towels.
Girls screamed for Han, waving posters with his name. The atmosphere was electric.
Just five minutes before the match began, Seungmin entered. Calm, slow, deliberate. He climbed up to the highest row of seats. A man in a black suit followed him, holding a huge board.
The row was occupied by girls with posters. Seungmin told them,
"Move aside."
They ignored him. Seungmin flicked his finger. The suited man stepped forward.
"Mr. Seungmin respects women a lot," he said politely. "So it will be good if you move on your own."
The girls, though irritated, picked up their posters and stormed off.
Seungmin took the giant board and raised it high himself.
The bodyguard hesitated.
"Sir, are you sure you want to hold it?"
"Yes," Seungmin said casually. "Did you bring the shining headband?"
The man pulled it from his pocket. Seungmin took it and wore the bright-colored headband with zero shame.
Just then, Han walked out from the dressing room. Chaewon handed him a drink. As han sipped, a familiar voice cut through the crowd.
He turned around—
and froze.
There was Seungmin, holding a massive board high in the air, wearing a glittery headband like it was the crown of a king.
Han was so shocked he choked on his drink, juice spraying before he coughed uncontrollably.
Seungmin's smile froze for a second, then he quickly ordered,
"Mr. Kim! Go check if he's alright!"
Mr. Kim rushed down the stands, but Chaewon was already by Han's side, wiping his mouth and shirt with a towel.
Seeing that, Seungmin's jaw clenched. His face remained smiling for Han's sake — but his eyes burned with quiet fury.