Han and Seungmin – First Meeting
Han stood outside the hall, waiting because his father told him to.
The night was cold, and he wasn't wearing much. He hugged himself, trying to keep some warmth in. His hands shook. His cheeks were red, his lips dry and purple from the cold. Every time he breathed, white smoke came out of his mouth.
Ten minutes passed.
Then he saw someone coming out of the hall.
Han narrowed his eyes, hoping it was his father so they could finally leave.
But it wasn't him.
It was Seungmin.
The moment Han realized who it was, he quickly turned his face away, pretending he wasn't looking. But Seungmin didn't stop. He kept walking straight toward him.
Han's heart jumped.
Why was he coming here?
He stayed still, acting like he didn't care, but something warm spread through his chest as Seungmin got closer.
When Seungmin stood in front of him, the cold suddenly felt far away.
Han's heart was beating too fast. His breath came out in short, shaky pulls, like his body didn't know what to do.
Then Seungmin took off his coat and placed it over Han's shoulders.
The warmth hit him at once.
So did the closeness.
Han froze. His thoughts went blank. Seungmin's face was right there, close enough that he could see every detail. He couldn't look away.
Seungmin spoke softly.
"Why are you standing here alone in the cold?"
Han looked away and said, "My father told me to wait here."
Seungmin moved closer to his cheek.
"Then why aren't you wearing something warm?"
Han leaned back a little.
"My father told me not to wear too much. He said I'd look like a bear."
They stood there in silence.
Han waited for Seungmin to say something, but he didn't. After a moment, Han pulled himself out of Seungmin's hold and stepped back.
Seungmin didn't move away.
That confused Han. He was annoyed… but also calmer because he wasn't alone anymore.
Han finally asked, "Did your father also tell you to wait here?"
Seungmin didn't look at him.
"Yes."
Silence again.
Then Seungmin noticed the bandage on Han's hand. He stared at it.
Han tried to hide his hand in the coat pocket, but Seungmin gently caught his arm.
Han flinched.
"Are your hands cold?" Seungmin asked.
He took Han's other hand too and brought both of them close to his mouth. He blew warm air over them, slow and careful, like he didn't want to hurt him.
Han expected him to ask about the bandage.
But he didn't.
He just kept warming his hands.
Han stared at him and said, "Are you trying to flirt with me?"
Seungmin kept looking away.
"If this counts as flirting, then maybe I am."
He kept blowing on Han's hands until they were warm. Then he let go.
Seungmin stepped even closer. Han quickly turned his face to the side.
Seungmin slid both of his hands into the coat pockets that Han was wearing.
Han jumped.
"What are you doing?"
"My hands are cold," Seungmin said. "I'm keeping them warm."
"This is weird," Han muttered.
Seungmin turned to him.
"So you wanted me to freeze? I gave you my coat. We can share the pockets."
"I didn't mean it like that," Han said. "It's just… awkward."
"So do you want me to put my hands behind you?" Seungmin asked.
Han's eyes widened.
"No. That would be worse. Just stay like this."
Seungmin pulled one hand out and put it in his own pocket.
Han let out a small breath of relief.
A moment later, Mr. Joon came out.
Seungmin bowed politely and walked away.
Han didn't even get the chance to give the coat back.
As soon as Seungmin left, Mr. Joon started shouting.
"Look at him. He came here all by himself and now he's leaving. And look at you — I have to drag you everywhere like a baby. You're such a disappointment. I don't even know why you're still alive. Why are you standing there like a statue? Move. I have better things to do than babysit you."
Han's eyes filled with tears.
Mr. Joon got angrier.
"Don't you dare cry. I'll slap you if you do."
Han lowered his head. His eyes burned, but he didn't move.
Then a car stopped in front of them.
The window rolled down.
It was Seungmin.
"Sir," he said calmly, "is there a problem? Why are you still here? It's very cold."
Mr. Joon forced a smile.
"No, no. We're just leaving."
Seungmin nodded, told the driver to go, and the car pulled away.
Han watched it disappear into the night.