Chaewon quietly listened to him, opened the door, and said softly,
"Sit inside."
He refused.
Chaewon crossed his arms. "If you don't, I'll pick you up like a sack and carry you around the whole university."
Han's eyes widened. He knew he was serious, so he sat in the car.
Han frowned. "My car's getting wet."
Hyungwon smiled. "It's fine. I'm wet too."
"Yes, but this is my car. I don't want it to get ruined."
"I wish I could buy it from you," Chaewon said, chuckling. "But I have no money."
Han turned to him, surprised. "Wait—did they really not give you a single penny?"
"Yes," Chaewon replied flatly. "They took all my money."
He didn't sound angry—just empty. "Now, Hyung, let's go home."
They sat in silence for a while. Then Chaewon glanced at Han and said gently,
"Your eyes are swollen. You cried."
Han turned toward the window, his voice low.
"No… I didn't."
"It's fine," Chaewon said softly. "You can be weak in front of me. Just be as weak as you need to be. Depend on me. Let me wipe your tears. Let me listen when no one else will. Don't hide your face from me—let me read your silence."
Han broke down, tears spilling down his cheeks.
They reached the dorm. Chaewon parked the car, got out, and immediately held Han's hands—both of them.
"Look at me," he said quietly.
At that moment, Chaewon realized just how much he loved him. He had told Han it was okay to be weak—but seeing him cry broke his heart. His own eyes filled with tears. He wanted to be strong, so Han could lean on him.
He pulled Han into a tight hug, resting his head on Han's shoulder.
"I'm sorry," he whispered again and again. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I'm sorry if it hurt you I can't see you cry."
Han sobbed harder. "Why is everything so hard? Why do I have to live like this? Why can't I just die in peace?"
Chaewon pulled him back, eyes full of pain.
The next morning, Han went to Jun and said quietly,
"Okay. I'll play the match. But I won't travel with you guys. I'll come by plane—just before the match. I'll play, and then I'll leave immediately."
It was an eight-hour journey by bus, and the team was leaving that day so they can rest before the game.
Han sat alone, lost in thought.
What's even left for me now?
His sister was gone. His parents didn't care. Jiwoo hated him. Wonwoo was dead. Chahyuk could survive without him. Seokmin had Chaewon, and Seungmin had Jisoo.
So even if I go back and Father kills me…so it's fine.
The next day, the match was at 11 a.m. He needed to book a flight for 8 in the morning—an hour's flight, and another half hour from the airport to the court.
While he was booking, Chaewon noticed.
"Hyung, I want to go with you," he said.
Han immediately refused. "No, I can't take you."
But Chaewon didn't give up. "Please, hyung. I want to see the match."
Han sighed. Maybe it's okay, he thought. I'll die after the match anyway. Spending a little more time with him won't hurt.
So he booked two tickets—but told Chaewon he would return with the team later. He didn't want to drag him into danger. What if his Father's men catch him too?
At 6 a.m., they left for the airport. Han's heart raced the entire way. What if they're waiting for me there? But no one came.
When the boarding announcement echoed through the terminal, Han rushed forward. Chaewon followed, silently watching his anxious movements.
Even on the plane, Han couldn't relax—his fingers fidgeted, his eyes darting nervously around.
Chaewon reached out, gently holding Han's hand.
"It's fine, hyung," he whispered. "I'm with you. Don't worry. Everything will be fine."
Han looked at him, managing a small, tired smile. Chaewon felt his heart ease—just seeing that smile was enough to make all his fears fade for a moment.