At the party, Han kept trying to call Chaewon again and again. From the moment Chaewon disappeared, he hadn't picked up a single call.
Seungmin noticed how restless Han looked. The sight cut him deeply, like a knife against his throat. Han never usually cared about the people around him, but now, seeing him worried and making so much effort, Seungmin couldn't help but think: Maybe Jeonghan really does feel something for him.
He finally asked, trying to keep his voice calm, "Are you okay?"
Han looked up, his eyes filled with worry. "Chaewon has disappeared since the evening and is not picking up. I'm worried."
Inside, Seungmin was burning with anger, but he forced a smile for Han, as he always did. "Should we go and find him?"
"Let's go!" Han said quickly. "It would be hard for him to survive alone. All people watch him like crazy."
Seungmin's smile faded the moment those words left Han's mouth. Maybe I shouldn't have given him this much freedom, he thought bitterly. Now he's worrying about another man right in front of me. Should I just take him home, lock him away, and never let him think of anyone else?
But Han didn't notice his storming thoughts. He was still calling Chaewon when suddenly a message popped up on his phone.
Hyung, I'm with my brothers. I will come home tomorrow.
Reading it, Han took a deep breath, relief washing over him.
That one simple message saved him—because Seungmin had been on the edge of losing all control.
Seungmin forced another smile and said, "You don't need to worry."
Han turned to everyone else and announced that Chaewon was with his members. The tension broke, and everyone around was relieved.
As the night went on, people drank and cheered. But whenever someone handed Han a glass, Seungmin would snatch it away and drink it himself.
The others laughed and teased, "Ohhhhh, look how he's taking care of our Hyung."
Han's ears turned red. Embarrassed, he smiled shyly.
Soon a junior shouted, "Han hyung, do a love shot!"
Before Han could react, Seungmin quickly grabbed a glass for him, picked another one for himself, and leaned in. They raised their glasses together. But when han brought the drink close to his lips, Seungmin suddenly placed his hand over han's mouth, stopping him. With his other hand, he took the glass from him and drank it instead.
"Hanni, don't drink," he said firmly.
Han's heart softened. He always felt loved when Seungmin protected him like this.
But soon, the alcohol got the better of Seungmin. He laid his head down on the table, drunk and tired.
Han excused himself and gently helped Seungmin up. Seungmin, still half-drunk but smiling, pinched Han's cheeks. Then he raised his voice so everyone could hear:
"Everyone listen up! He is mine. And I'm his. Don't you dare to come between us or else I will…"
Han quickly covered his mouth. Smiling awkwardly, he apologized to everyone before leading him out.