a week at the semester at the sea has just passed.
a week of hell for yn.
from the moment she met haechan he had been a walking tornado of privilege and audacity.
like on thursday, after their chemistry class.
yn was sitting with giselle, waiting for rei to come back from the bathroom.
they were chatting about their upcoming assignments when haechan with his friends swooped in.
“yn.” he announced loudly.
he’s always that loud.
“you forgot your notebook last class.” he said.
yn’s eyes narrowed. she didn’t even own a notebook like the one he was holding out, a glittery monstrosity with her name scrawled on the front in messy handwriting.
she knew exactly what he was doing.
“that’s not mine” she said shortly.
“oh, isn’t it?” he said “maybe it’s jisung’s then. you’ve been looking at him like he’s the answer to every exam question.” he smirked, glancing at jisung behind him, who turned crimson in his feet.
renjun rolled his eyes and mark facepalmed himself.
yn shot haechan a glare, snatched the notebook and shove it into her bag.
“you’re insufferable” she said, close to his face while giselle was burning holes into his face.
“thanks doll” he just said with a wink.
or when on wednesday he decided to crash her lunch.
“mind if I join?” he asked, sliding into the chair next to her before she could say no.
all their friends having a desperate expression on their faces while they try to enjoy their meal.
“i do, actually,” yn said, pushing her tray aside. giselle and rei exchanged knowing glances but didn’t intervene.
haechan ignored her and started eating his lunch.
jaemin decided to step in to try to ease the air.
“anyone else think it’s unfair that jeno aces every class without even trying? like what are u? Einstein?” he said with a smirk, playing with him.
jeno, sitting across from him, grinned sheepishly. “it’s not my fault I’m smart.”
“maybe he could tutor you yn.” haechan said, making the whole table shut down again. “you could use some help.”
yn clenched her fork in her hand. “i’m doing just fine, thanks.”
“sure you are” he teased, leaning closer. “then we can think about better ways to spend your time than studying?”
that’s it.
yh stood abruptly, grabbing her tray. “you’re unbelievable” she said before storming off, leaving the table in complete silence as everyone look at haechan, again.
on friday they had their first dance class.
it was meant to be a lighthearted class and to bring students together.
but for yn, it was another battleground.
“okay, everyone pair up!” the teacher said.
yn’s eyes darted to jisung, who was standing awkwardly in the corner.
as she was about to approach him haechan intercepted her, grabbing her hand.
“looks like it’s you and me again”he said, his grin smug.
“i’d rather dance with a broomstick.” she snapped.
“lucky for you, i’m more fun than a broomstick.”
the lesson was a total disaster. haechan kept stepping on her toes, “accidentally” pulling her too close and twirling her at the wrong moments.
“are you even trying?” she hissed, yanking her hand away after the third misstep.
“not really” he admitted, laughing. “you look too cute when you’re mad.”
and again, yn run away from the class, incapable of being with haechan a second more.
jaemin, partnered with jeno nearby, shook his head.
“he’s crazy, she’s gonna kill him at this point”
jeno just look at his friend, sighing and trying to understand what to do.
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౨ৎauthor’s note: i can’t stop writinggg i love writing im sorryyy haechan get a grip pls
yn’s heart buzzed with excitement and nerves as she stepped into the classroom with her two best friends by her side, the chatter of students bouncing off the walls. the room was bright and airy, with large windows overlooking the vast ocean, the shimmering blue water reflecting sunlight into the room. It was hard to believe she was here—on a cruise ship, no less—about to start a semester of studying while traveling the world.
“yn!” jaemin waved her over from the middle row.
she weaved through the rows of students, her tote bag bumping against her hip, and after she found her seat (thankfully near him) she sat down.
giselle lets out a big groan after seeing her seat so far from her friends and so did rei, founding herself in the front seat.
yn waved while sending them kisses just to comeback to jaem.
“good morning sir” she greeted, glancing around as she pulled out her notebook. “this place is packed.”
jaemin nodded, leaning in conspiratorially. “packed and full of eye candy. I already spotted someone from last night’s party.” his voice dropped to an excited whisper. “two rows ahead, three seats to the left. don’t be too obvious!”
yn tried not to laugh as she casually looked in the direction he mentioned. “the guy in the navy sweater?”
jaemin nodded dramatically, clutching his chest. “that’s him. Isn’t he so hot? I swear he smiled at me when I walked in.”
“I think he was just being polite, he looks like a puppy” Y/N teased, earning a playful shove from jaemin.
as she scanned the room, her eyes landed on a group of boys sitting near the back. on of them, a tall, lanky guy with dark hair and a shy demeanor, caught her attention. he was laughing at something one of his friends said, his smile lighting up his face.
“omg that’s the guy!” she whispered, nudging jaemin.
he followed her gaze and grinned. “the hottie on twitter? yeah i saw him earlier, he’s even hotter in person”
“very” yn admitted, her lips curving into a small smile.
her eyes probably longed too much on the boy because one of his friend spotted her and waved at her, making her blush from head to toe
before anything else could happen, the professor entered the room, clapping his hands to get everyone’s attention. “good morning, everyone! welcome to Semester at the Sea. I’m Professor Paul, and I’ll be your instructor for Global Studies this semester.”
the room quieted as Professor Paul launched into his introduction, explaining the syllabus and what they could expect over the next few months.
yn was jotting down notes when the door suddenly swung open with a loud thud.
every head in the room turned as someone strolled in—late and completely unapologetic.
it was him.
that motherfucker.
haechan.
or whatever his ass name was.
yn’s stomach dropped. he was dressed in a crisp white shirt and blue jeans, his hair slightly tousled as if he’d just rolled out of bed. he carried himself with the same effortless arrogance as before, his bag slung over one shoulder.
“ah, Mr. Lee” Professor Paul said, his tone light but teasing at the same time.
“so nice of you to join us. Were you saving the best entrance for last?”
the class erupted in laughter, but haechan didn’t seem fazed. he flashed a lazy grin.
“just wanted to make sure everyone noticed me, Professor.”
“well, congratulations. mission accomplished. now, find your seat before I start assigning essays as punishment.”
haechan chuckled, his gaze sweeping the room as he sauntered down the aisle. yn’s heart sank as she realized he was heading straight toward her row.
“please don’t let it be near me. please don’t let it be near me” she muttered under her breath.
jaemin looked at her laughing a bit.
yn know that giselle was killing him with her eyes.
just in time Professor Paul pointed to the empty seat right beside her.
“that one’s yours, Mr. Lee. take it.”
yn froze, her worst nightmare coming true in real-time.
haechan’s eyes lit up with recognition the moment he saw her. a slow, smug smile spread across his face as he slid into the seat next to hers. “well, well” he drawled, leaning back in his chair. “i guess we are kinda fated at this point.”
stared straight ahead, refusing to look at him. “this must be my punishment for something” she muttered.
haechan chuckled, clearly enjoying her discomfort. “oh, don’t look so thrilled. i’m a great deskmate.”
she looked at my for a second before taking her attention back to the professor. “I suggest you to bring a raincoat for future classes.”
“don’t be so dramatic,” haechan said, propping his chin on his hand as he turned to face her. “you should be flattered. I don’t usually remember people.”
“oh, lucky me” she shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Professor Paul clapped his hands again, pulling the class’s attention back to the front. “all right, let’s focus, everyone. we’ve got a lot to cover today.”
yn tried to focus, but she could feel haechan’s gaze on her, practically boring a hole into the side of her head. finally, she turned to him, whispering harshly. “stop staring at me.”
“I’m not staring” he whispered back, his lips twitching with amusement. “I’m observing.”
“same thing” she hissed.
“relax yn” he said, leaning closer. “we’ve got a whole semester together. might as well get comfortable.”
her jaw clenched as she turned back to her notebook, determined to ignore him. but the playful glint in his eyes and the smug curve of his lips told her one thing:
this was only the beginning.
˚˖𓍢ִִ໋🌊🦈˚˖𓍢ִ✧˚.
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౨ৎauthor’s note: this is for y’all cuties a written chap bc i love them! 😁 hope y’all enjoy it!
The steady hum of the cruise ship’s engines was a soothing backdrop as yn made her way down the sun-drenched promenade deck, her eyes glistening with excitement. This was it—her chance to explore the world, all thanks to the Semester at Sea program. With a tote bag slung over her shoulder and a camera in hand, she looked around, absorbing the moment while looking for her friends.
The salty breeze tousled her hair as she paused to snap a photo of the endless expanse of blue water. Everything felt surreal, like stepping into a dream.
“Out of my way” a sharp, impatient voice snapped, pulling yn from her thoughts.
She turned her head just in time to see a boy storming toward her, his designer sunglasses perched on the bridge of his nose and a luxury duffle bag slung lazily over his shoulder. He didn’t slow down—didn’t even glance her way—before colliding into her with a solid thud.
“Hey!” yn stumbled back, nearly losing her grip on her camera. She caught it just in time, cradling it protectively as she glared up at the boy.
He stopped and turned, his face twisted in irritation. “I’m sorry are you talking to me?” His tone was dripping with annoyance, and his piercing gaze made her bristle.
She chuckled a little. “Yeah? You just bumped into me and almost made my camera fall, you should at least say sorry?”
He looked at her, slowly lowering his glasses just to have a better look. “And what are you doing standing in the middle of the walkway?”
“I’m sorry, what?” yn shot back, her voice rising with disbelief. “You’re the one who wasn’t paying attention!”
“Right, because I’m supposed to watch out for random people blocking the way” he retorted with a scoff, crossing his arms. His expensive white shirt and tailored trousers screamed wealth, as did the watch on his wrist that probably cost more than yn’s entire scholarship.
yn squared her shoulders, not backing down. “Random people? Sorry, I didn’t realize this was your walkway, Mr. Entitled.”
For a moment, he looked startled—like he wasn’t used to anyone talking back to him. Then a slow, amused smirk spread across his face. “You’re so bold for someone who clearly doesn’t belong here.”
Her jaw tightened. She knew what he meant, and it stung more than she wanted to admit. But she refused to let him see that. “And what exactly makes me not belong? The fact that I don’t walk around with a stick up my—”
“You should watch your mouth” he interrupted, taking a step closer to her, his tone turning icy though the smirk never left his lips.
“Why? Afraid I might hurt your fragile ego?” yn shot back, tilting her head defiantly.
His eyes narrowed behind his sunglasses, and for a moment, she thought she’d gone too far. But then he chuckled, low and soft. It wasn’t friendly—more like he was intrigued.
“What’s your name?” he asked suddenly, his voice softer but still carrying that air of superiority.
“Why? So you can report me to the Cruise Walkway Police?” she said, folding her arms across her chest.
That made him laugh, an actual laugh this time, and yn blinked in surprise. “You’re feisty. I’ll give you that” he said, removing his sunglasses just to reveal sharp, intelligent eyes that studied her with interest. “Not what I expected from someone like you.”
“Someone like me?” she echoed, her voice dripping with mockery. “You really love your vague insults, don’t you?”
He grinned, stepping even closer. “It’s not vague if it’s true. But fine—since you’re being so difficult, I’m Haechan.” He said it like his name should mean something to her.
“Good for you” yn said back. “I’ll make sure to write it down in my diary later.”
And after that she just turned around, walking away mad as hell while he just stared at her back getting away.
And for the first time in a long time, Haechan found himself intrigued by someone other than himself.
˚˖𓍢ִִ໋🌊🦈˚˖𓍢ִ✧˚.
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౨ৎauthor’s note: first chapter up!! hope you like it, there will be some written parts here and there just beautiful i love writing! 😄 hope you enjoy it! (yeah the enemies to lovers is just bc haechan doesn’t know how to express his feelings;)
౨ৎauthor’s note: this is my first smau so i hope everything goes well 😭 the intro is so short but i just tried to sum up the bond between the friend groups 💝 big kisses first chap up soon!
(yeah chenle choose that name the first time and no one changed it since then)
lee donghyuck (better know as haechan) is the typical rich boy that thinks everyone wants to be him or be with him. he comes from a (VERY!) wealthy family and doesn’t like to receive a “no” as an answer. he may look a bit arrogant at first but deep down every one of his friends knows that he has so much love to give.
mark and renjun are haechan closest friends. they know each other since they were little kids and there are no secrets between them (and never will!). mark is slightly too much obsessed with spiderman and that’s the main reason why he doesn’t date much - i mean if you go out with a girl why do you talk all day about every single spiderman movie?- but he’s just that guy yk. you can’t do anything but love him. same for renjun, he’s the sweetest soul and kicks haechan’s ass every time he does something wrong (always). he happily engaged with the cute emo boy - choi beomgyu- and since they got together all his world started to spin around him.
jeno, jisung and chenle are the other members of the group. jeno is such a big softie you wish you could squeeze until he wears any kind of tshirt and you get a glimpse of how big his arms are. then you wish to be squeezed between those muscles. jisung is a fake emo boy, he’s the youngest of the group and every time he spoke it seems like he doesn’t have a clue on anything. like?? it’s this is first time on earth ever?? chenle is the sugar daddy. like they go out to dinner? chenle is gonna pay. they wanna play a new videogame? chenle got em. but! on top of everything, he LOVES his face, like so much. (can we blame him).
all the boys love each other so much and they’ve been growing up together, with their wrong and right. they finally managed to get the ticket for the Semester at the Sea and they are finally ready to sail!
yn is determined and independent. she was raised in a modest household and she’s always had to fight for her opportunities, including the prestigious scholarship that landed her on the Semester at Sea program. Despite her humble background, she’s sharp-witted and she’s not afraid to tell everything that she thinks (only if you disrespect her tho!). she loves her friends very much and would do EVERYTHING for them.
giselle and rei are yn’s best friends. even though their backgrounds are very much different from hers they always felt like a family, having each other backs all the time. their friendship is really genuine and they love yn with their all heart (giselle is kinda scary for it too).
jaemin is the only boy of the group and he’s famous for being an heart breaker. he loves to flirt and make (“so full of themselves”) boys fall all over him just to crash them to the ground leaving them heart broken. that’s just him. take it or leave it. he loves the girls so much and would do anything for them, he’s their pink and glittery bodyguards so if you plan to hurt them…well, good luck?
sion is just giselle’s brother and has one of the biggest crush on yn. like literally. you would never see a man so down bad. she’s like a goddess to him. the reasons are still unsure. he won’t give up even tho yn sees him as a little brother too.
✧˖° genre: smau, fluff, humor, enemies to lovers, just a bit suggestive in some parts
✧˖° summary: yn, a scholarship student, finally gets the opportunity of her life to join her friends for the Semester at the Sea. every thing looks like a dream until the arrogant rich boy lee haechan crushes into her.
✧˖° extras: nomin mentioned!! renjun x beomgyu just because i feel like it, sion (♡) fanboy, haechan is kinda an asshole at first :)
✧˖° author note: my first smau hope everything enjoy it !! (i love haechan)
𖦹°‧ pairing: read and find out! (or read the tags but it will spoil everything lol!)
𖦹°‧ genre: angst! angst! did i say angst? yeah basically lots of drama
𖦹°‧ word count: 15k 🙂↕️
𖦹°‧ cw: infedelity!!, internalized homophobia, swearing, they will fight! a lot! so just know that, haechan really suck :(, jeno is not so kind :( yeah
- the story is clearly referring to the film “Perfect Strangers” directed by Paolo Genovese. i watched some nights ago and thought i couldn’t not write it with dreamies :) i just love drama. hope you enjoy it!
summary: a group of old friends gets together for dinner. one of them proposes a game, where everyone shares every text and call they receive during the day with each other, causing secrets to surface under the eclipse.
author’s note! this work is purely fiction and it isn’t meant to romanticize any of the thing it portrays. also I am not implying any likeness between the characterization here of the characters to their real life counterparts. all the rights goes to the author of the “perfect strangers” story, i just added my personal taste to it.
Mark adjusted the heat under the saucepan, stirring the sauce with slow, methodical movements. Across the kitchen island, Yunhee was slicing tomatoes with quiet focus, pausing now and then to glance up at him.
“Long day?” she asked, brushing the diced tomatoes into a bowl.
Mark gave a short, dry laugh. “Long doesn’t begin to cover it. Three consultations back-to-back. Everyone seems to be preparing for the new year with a new face.” He smirked, shaking his head. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the idea of people investing so much in a jawline.”
Yunhee smiled, her gaze soft. “Maybe they’re hoping a fresh face will mean a fresh start. There’s a reason people obsess over appearances, you know.” She leaned closer, a glint of curiosity in her eyes. “They believe it’s a fix for something deeper.”
He set down the wooden spoon, his expression thoughtful. “Do you really think that’s what it is?”
She nodded, her voice low, like she was sharing a secret. “I see it every day. People come to me believing there’s a magic answer to their unhappiness, and sometimes they think it’s found in something—or someone—outside themselves. In a new face, or a new job, or a new relationship.”
Mark watched her, feeling a familiar, quiet admiration. He stepped around the island and leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. She closed her eyes, savoring the touch, then looked up at him, and their eyes met.
“You ever wonder if we’re just… treating symptoms?” he asked softly. “That we’re both just polishing the surface?”
Yunhee smiled, reaching up to brush her thumb along his cheek. “Sometimes, yes. But sometimes, even the smallest shift can mean a lot to someone. We help them see themselves differently, in whatever way we can.”
He pulled her in, their lips meeting in a slow, familiar kiss, the world outside the kitchen momentarily forgotten. When they finally pulled back, they lingered close, eyes locked.
They shared a warm smile, the familiarity of their daily banter wrapping around them. Yunhee took a sip of wine, leaning in a little closer as she asked, “Are you looking forward to tonight?”
He shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Sure. Just hope everyone’s up for a good time. Chenle is also bringing is new girlfriend right? That’s awesome. Hope we stay out of drama today, we need to make a good impression or she’ll ran away like the others.”
She chuckled, nudging him with her elbow. “Since when have our friends ever managed a night without drama?”
Mark laughed, opening his mouth to respond.
“I’m afraid you’re right…as always.”
Chinsun balanced her phone between her shoulder and ear, rummaging through her purse with one hand while listening intently. “Yes, Mrs. Kim, I understand. Keep Pepper calm, and try the ointment I recommended. If he’s still limping tomorrow, call me first thing, okay?”
Haechan watched her from across the room, a mischievous grin spreading over his face. He tiptoed over and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, pressing his lips to her neck. She stifled a laugh, glancing back at him with a playful scowl.
“Yes, I promise, it’s perfectly safe for him. Just—oh!” She clamped her mouth shut as Haechan’s hands roamed up her waist, pulling her closer. “Uh-huh… yes, exactly… oh, stop!” she whispered urgently, trying to wave him off, but she was already laughing.
Haechan’s grin only widened as he leaned in, capturing her lips in a swift, playful kiss. With a sigh, Chinsun quickly wrapped up the call. “No no,I wasn’t talking to you Mrs. Kim…call me tomorrow if anything changes, okay? Great. Bye!” She hung up, spinning around to face him with an amused smile.
“Couldn’t resist me, huh?” Haechan teased, raising an eyebrow.
Chinsun rolled her eyes, but her smile gave her away. “You’re impossible, you know that?”
“Maybe, but you’re too hot, I couldn’t stop myself” he replied with a smirk, and before she could say anything more, he kissed her again, slow and lingering this time, the kind of kiss that blurred time and erased any thoughts of being anywhere else.
Moments later, Chinsun’s laugh echoed through the room as he swept her into his arms, and their dinner were momentarily forgotten.
Some time passed before they were finally ready, a little flushed and breathless. She smoothed her dress, fixing her hair with a small, secret smile as they grabbed their things and headed for the door.
“We’re definitely going to be late” she murmured, glancing at him as they stepped outside.
Haechan just grinned, reaching for her hand. “I’m so ready for the second course tho.”
He said, earning a little smack on his shoulder.
“Jaemin!” Soyul’s voice rang out from the bedroom as she hurriedly tossed through her jewelry box, searching for the bracelet she swore she’d set aside earlier. “Did you feed the cats yet?”
Jaemin sighed, stifling a smile as he finished scooping cat food into two separate bowls. “Already on it!” he called back. “And don’t worry—Minho’s food is in his ‘exclusive dining area,’ just like you asked.” He chuckled, glancing down as Minho, their older tabby, pawed at his bowl impatiently, while Luna, their younger, more mischievous cat, watched him with a sly look, clearly eyeing Minho’s food.
“Thank you!” she replied, sounding both grateful and a bit distracted as she continued the whirlwind search for her missing bracelet. A few seconds later, she darted out of the bedroom, one heel on, the other in her hand, a brush tangled in her hair, and a tube of mascara balanced between her lips.
Jaemin couldn’t help but laugh at the sight. “You’re a one-woman hurricane tonight,” he said, stepping over to her. Before she could protest, he gently took the brush from her hand and began working it through her hair, smoothing out the tangles with easy, familiar strokes. She gave a small sigh, visibly relaxing as she focused on finishing her mascara.
“You’re a lifesaver,” she murmured, finally setting her makeup down. “How do you stay so calm all the time?”
Jaemin smirked, tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. “I have to be calm. Someone has to keep track of everything you lose” he teased. “Besides, I like seeing you a little flustered—keeps things interesting.”
Soyul shot him a playful look, nudging his shoulder. “Well, if you’re so organized, where’s my bracelet?”
With a smirk, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the silver bracelet, holding it up with a satisfied grin. “Right where I found it—by the coffee machine.”
She laughed, slipping the bracelet onto her wrist and giving him a grateful kiss on the cheek. “What would I do without you?”
He pulled her close, his hand lingering at her waist while he started to leave soft kisses on his revealed shoulder.
Just as she leaned in for a kiss, a loud knock sounded at the door. They exchanged a quick, amused look before Jaemin pulled away to answer it.
At the door stood Jeno and Daeun, bundled in coats, with Jeno holding a bottle of wine in one hand and a casual grin on his face. “Finally! You two are slowpokes tonight” he teased, stepping in.
Daeun rolled her eyes, giving Jeno a playful nudge. “Says the guy who took twenty minutes deciding which wine to bring. You’re the reason we almost missed them!”
Jeno held up the bottle defensively. “Hey, this isn’t just any wine. This is a classic—goes perfectly with any dinner party. Mark and Yunhee are going to be impressed.”
Daeun scoffed, raising an eyebrow. “Classic? You mean it was on sale, don’t you?”
Soyul laughed, tugging on her second heel as she stepped over to them. “You two really sound like an old married couple,” she teased, exchanging a smile with Jaemin.
Jeno shot her a look. “Better that than making everyone late because someone couldn’t find her bracelet” he retorted, grinning as Soyul playfully slapped his arm.
“Alright, alright” Daeun said with a laugh, hooking her arm through Jeno’s. “Let’s not turn this into a roast. We all know we can’t keep Mark and Yeeri waiting too long anyway—they’ve probably already started judging our punctuality.”
With a shared laugh, the four of them gathered their coats, scarves, and the wine bottle before stepping outside into the cool evening air. They walked together, arms linked or hands clasped, a relaxed rhythm to their steps as they strolled toward Mark and Yeeri’s place just a few blocks away.
As they walked, Daeun nudged Jeno’s shoulder, a mischievous smile on her face. “So, what other fancy items did you look at before you settled on that bottle?”
Jeno rolled his eyes, pretending to think. “Well, I did consider that other ‘vintage’ blend—super exclusive, and only double the price.”
The group laughed, Jaemin shaking his head. “Guess we should be grateful we got a sale-priced classic instead. Maybe we’ll get lucky and it’ll actually taste good.”
“Hey!” Jeno protested, putting on a wounded expression as they turned onto Mark and Yeeri’s street. “One day you’ll all appreciate my refined taste.”
With another round of laughter, the group finally arrived at the doorstep, feeling light and happy as they prepared for the night ahead.
Mark stirred the sauce simmering on the stove, adding a pinch more basil as Yunhee sliced fresh herbs beside him. The kitchen was filled with the rich aromas of their cooking, and they exchanged small smiles as they worked in comfortable rhythm.
The doorbell rang, and Yunhee glanced at the clock. “Someone’s early” she murmured, wiping her hands on a towel as she walked to the door.
She opened it to find Renjun standing there, a small box of pastries balanced in his hands and an easy smile on his face. “Brought dessert” he announced, stepping inside as she welcomed him with a warm hug.
“You’re a lifesaver” she said, guiding him into the kitchen. “Mark was worried I might have to make my own pastries, and we all know how that would’ve turned out.”
Mark raised his hands in mock defense. “Hey, I was all for a backup plan. Just didn’t want the dessert to be… a learning experience.”
Renjun laughed, setting the pastries on the counter. “Well, I’m here to save the day.“
Yunhee smirked, giving a glass of wine to the boy, catching Mark’s amused glance. “So…Junnie, let’s talk about you little love life mh? I’ve been trying to introduce you to my friend Hana, and you bailed out the last time I invited you two to coffee. You’ve got to give her a chance—she’s perfect for you!”
Renjun shook his head, chuckling. “Perfect, huh? Yunhee, i know she’s probably nice, but it just… didn’t feel right. Plus, you know I’m terrible with setups. I’d rather meet someone by chance, not like it’s an appointment.”
Mark chuckled, nodding in agreement. “C’mon baby he’s right, quit playing cupid and let him enjoy his freedom while he still can”
Yunhee raised her eyebrows looking at her fiancé. “Markie what do you mean by that mh?”
The latter was quick to shake his head. “Nothing, my love, of course.”
The three of them started to laugh before Yunhee leaned back against the counter, smirking. “Alright, enough about Renjun’s future. What do we think about Chenle’s mystery date tonight? He’s been so secretive.”
Mark raised his eyebrows. “I’m betting she’s someone new around here. He wouldn’t give up any details, and it’s strange, you know how he is- always yapping about everything”
Renjun leaned against the counter too, thinking. “Well, if he’s bringing her to meet everyone, she’s got to be someone special. Or at least, someone he thinks can handle this bunch.”
Yunhee grinned. “Well, let’s hope she knows what she’s getting into. I feel like if she’s too shy, she might just make a run for it.”
At that moment, the doorbell rang, and Jaemin’s voice called from the other side. “Hellooo, are we still welcome?”
Yunhee grinned, dashing over to let them in. Jaemin and Soyul, along with Jeno and Daeun, stood at the entrance, bundled in scarves and coats, with Jeno proudly holding the bottle of wine. They each gave hugs all around before peeling off layers, handing their coats to Yun.
“We brought wine!” Jeno announced, holding up the bottle like a prize.
“And he spent way too long picking it out” Daeun teased, giving him a playful nudge.
Jaemin smirked. “Should be glad it’s not a box of cheap beer.”
As they joined everyone in the kitchen, Soyul shot a curious look at the group. “So, we were trying to guess, what kind of girl do you think Chenle’s bringing?”
Mark crossed his arms, sighing. “Renjun thinks she’s got to be special to handle us. Otherwise, Chenle wouldn’t bother even dare to introduce her.”
Jeno shook his head, amused. “Maybe she’s just a decoy—he’s bringing her in so we don’t bother him about settling down. You know how he likes to mess with us.”
The room filled with laughter, just as another knock echoed from the door. Before Yunhee could answer, it swung open, and Haechan and Chinsun entered, both looking slightly flushed and disheveled. Haechan was grinning wide, while Chinsun scanned the room a bit embarassed before her gaze started lighting up the moment it fell on Renjun.
“Renjun!” Chinsun exclaimed, her face brightening as she hurried over to him. She wrapped him in an warm hug, her laugh light as she pulled back. “I didn’t think you’d get here before us! This is a rare sight.”
Renjun returned her smile. “Well, I had to beat you to the food somehow” he teased, feeling the slight blush creeping into his cheeks.
“Oh please” she replied with a laugh, her hand lingering on his arm for just a moment longer than necessary.
Mark and Jaemin exchanged a quick, knowing glance, amused at Chinsun’s enthusiasm. Haechan, meanwhile, raised an eyebrow at her, his usual playful smirk returning as he slipped an arm around her waist. “Careful, baby—you’re making it sound like Renjun’s your date.”
Chinsun rolled her eyes. “Oh, hush. I’m just happy to see everyone. Now, what were y’all were gossiping about?”
Jaemin chuckled, nudging Haechan’s shoulder. “We were actually placing bets on whether you’d show up at all. Or if you’d just call it a night in the car.”
Haechan feigned offense, crossing his arms. “Excuse me, we’re responsible adults. We’d never show up late… without a good reason.”
Yunhee shot him a playful glare, giving him a light slap on the arm. “You’re incorrigible, you know that?”
Haechan grinned at her. “Oh, come on, you wouldn’t love me any other way.”
The group laughed, and as everyone settled into the cozy kitchen, the talk naturally returned to Chenle’s mystery date.
“Knowing Chenle, he’s probably picked someone who can throw some shade right back at him,” Jaemin said thoughtfully. “He’d get bored with anyone who can’t keep up with his jokes.”
Daeun raised her glass. “That’s why I’m hoping she’s someone who’ll make Chenle nervous for a change.”
“Or someone who’ll give us a good story,” Haechan added with a smirk. “I don’t know, I’m expecting something outrageous.”
Yunhee raised an eyebrow at him. “Be nice. Don’t make her feel like she’s on trial.”
Haechan grinned, unfazed. “Come on, Yunhee, we’re all curious. Besides, isn’t it what else are friends for?”
With laughter and glasses raised, the group settled into the easy flow of conversation, waiting to see just what surprises the night would bring.
The kitchen buzzed with chatter as Mark, Yunhee and their friends huddled around, everyone passing theories back and forth about Chenle’s mystery date. Glasses clinked as Haechan cracked one last joke.
Just then the doorbell rang, and in an instant, the group went quiet, eyes widening. Soyul clutched Jaemin’s arm, and Daeun leaned forward, excitement lighting up her face.
“Alright, moment of truth!” Jeno whispered.
Yunhee looked Mark. “Well, what are you waiting for? Go answer it!”
With an amused grin, the said boy made his way to the door, the rest of the group following closely behind him, crowding together as if each wanted to be the first to lay eyes on Chenle’s mystery girl. Mark took a deep breath, adding to the suspense, before pulling open the door with a dramatic flourish.
But standing on the doorstep, looking slightly taken aback by the crowd gathered in the doorway, there was Chenle—completely and utterly alone, with only a bottle of whiskey in hand.
“Hey, everyone!” he said, smiling and giving a small wave.
An exaggerated groan came from Haechan as he dramatically slapped his forehead. “Chenle, are you serious? I’ve been holding my breath here!”
Daeun put her hands on her hips, her expression somewhere between exasperation and amusement. “Just you?”
Chenle looked around, his gaze moving from one disappointed face to another. “Whoa, did I walk into some kind of intervention? What’s with the whole welcoming committee?”
Yunhee stepped forward, unable to hold back a chuckle. She gave him a warm hug, patting his back with a sigh. “We thought you’d be bringing someone special! Don’t tell me you left us hanging on purpose?”
Chenle chuckled, hugging her back. “Hey, it’s not like I planned this just to mess with you all!”
“Could’ve fooled us” Jaemin teased, crossing his arms. “With all that build-up, we thought you were finally bringing your big mystery girl.”
Chenle sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Alright, alright—let me explain. I was supposed to bring someone. Her name’s Jiul, but she came down with a fever this afternoon. She really wanted to come, but she could barely get out of bed.”
“Right…” Haechan raised an eyebrow, shooting him a skeptical look. “And I’m supposed to believe you’re not just making up some imaginary girlfriend because you love a good mystery?”
Chenle snorted, rolling his eyes. “I swear, Haechan, she’s not imaginary. I might be dramatic, but even I wouldn’t go that far!”
Daeun let out a soft laugh and stepped forward, giving him a playful punch on the arm. “We were all looking forward to meeting her, you know. Poor girl—she doesn’t know what she’s in for if she’s dating you.”
Chenle shrugged, giving her a grin. “Well, you’ll meet her soon enough. Trust me, if she’d known you were all waiting at the door like this, she might’ve dragged herself over just to avoid becoming a ghost story.”
“Next time, Chenle,” Soyul added, giving him a quick, warm hug. “You’re bringing her, no excuses.”
Chenle raised his hands in surrender. “Deal, deal! I’ll bring her next time. Just don’t scare her off before I get the chance to introduce her, okay?”
Finally stepping aside from the crowd Mark took the bottle of whiskey, reading the label with an approving nod. “This, at least, is impressive. It’s like you read my mind.”
“Well, figured I’d make up for the lack of a plus-one,” Chenle said with a shrug, grinning as he accepted a glass from Yunhee. “Besides, you all don’t need my dating life as your only form of entertainment. I’m sure Haechan’s got plenty of wild stories to share tonight.”
The group laughed, and Haechan flashed a cocky grin. “I always bring the entertainment, Chenle. But I’ll give you a break—this time.”
Once the group had gathered back in the kitchen, Haechan leaning comfortably against the counter, Jaemin shot Chenle a curious look. “Alright, now that you’re here and Jiul’s off the hook for tonight, you’ve got to tell us a bit more about her.”
“Yeah,” Mark chimed in, raising an eyebrow with a half-smile. “You’ve been suspiciously quiet about this girl.”
Chenle leaned against the counter, a smirk playing on his lips as he took a sip of his drink. “Well, you all know how I like to keep things interesting. But let’s just say Jiul’s… different. She’s got this thing where she somehow manages to keep up with my jokes, even throw them back at me. That’s rare.”
Jaemin raised his glass, nodding. “Sounds like she’s got your number already.”
“Oh, trust me,” Chenle said with a chuckle. “She’s more than capable of keeping me on my toes. She’s a bit quiet at first, but once she opens up…” He paused, shaking his head with a smile. “Yeah, she’s something else.”
Mark leaned back, folding his arms. “Quiet, huh? Think she’ll be able to handle this crew?”
Chenle shrugged, his grin widening. “Guess we’ll have to find out. But if she can survive meeting all of you, I’ll take it as a good sign.”
Haechan snorted, looking amused. “Well, as long as she knows she’s dating the most mysterious guy in town.”
Chenle chuckled, rolling his eyes. “Alright, alright—keep the mystery jokes coming. But I’m serious, you’ll all meet her soon enough.”
Just then, Yunhee lifted her glass. “To Jiul’s speedy recovery. And to finally meeting the mystery woman next time!”
The group slowly moved toward the dining table, carrying their drinks and chatting animatedly. Haechan, true to form, was already throwing out playful remarks as he trailed behind Chinsun, who was straightening her hair after the rush to get there.
“Alright, everyone, let’s get this dinner started before Soyul’s cats call animal services on Jaemin for neglect” he teased, earning a laugh from Soyul and a glare from Jaemin.
Jaemin waved him off, grumbling under his breath. “They’re perfectly fine. And unlike you, Haechan, they actually like me.”
“Are you sure about that?” Haechan fired back with a smirk as he pulled out a chair for Chinsun, who patted his cheek as if rewarding a child for good behavior.
“Sit down and behave,” she said lightly, though her grin gave away her amusement.
Once everyone was seated, the conversation shifted to updates on their lives.
“How’s the clinic been, Chinsun?” Yunhee asked, passing the bread basket.
“Busy but good” Chinsun replied. “We’ve had a lot of emergency cases this week—mostly dogs who think eating socks is a fun challenge.”
“That’s because it is” Haechan quipped. “If I were a dog, I’d totally try it.”
Renjun shook his head with a laugh. “You’ve got the mindset for it, I’ll give you that.”
“What about you, Mark?” Jeno asked. “Still reshaping faces for a living?”
Mark chuckled. “Yeah, the clinic’s been crazy. But you’d be surprised how many people don’t realize they can’t heal overnight. I had a patient last week who wanted to run a marathon a day after rhinoplasty.”
“She didn’t!” Soyul gasped.
“Oh, she did” Mark said, nodding solemnly. “We had to convince her that, no, her nose would not stay on her face if she ran 42 kilometers.”
The group burst into laughter, and Daeun added, “I feel like your job is part surgery, part babysitting.”
Yunhee smiled knowingly. “It’s pretty similar to therapy sometimes, too. People want a quick fix without doing the real work.”
As the laughter ebbed, Renjun glanced at the clock on the wall. “By the way, is anyone planning to watch the eclipse tonight? It’s supposed to peak in an hour or so.”
Yunhee’s face lit up. “That’s the whole point of tonight’s dinner! Mark and I thought it’d be nice to make an event of it. Food, drinks, and a cosmic show.”
Jaemin raised a hand as if in mock protest. “Wait, I thought Chenle’s mystery girlfriend was the real purpose of tonight.”
The table broke into another round of laughter as Chenle groaned, sinking dramatically in his chair. “I’ll never live this down, will I?”
“Not a chance” Daeun replied with a grin.
Chinsun leaned forward, seizing the moment to ask “ So, Soyul, how are the cats doing? I saw your latest post, and they looked so adorable!” Chinsun asked with genuine excitement, clasping her hands together.
Soyul’s face lit up. “Oh, they’re doing amazing! Luna just learned how to open the treat drawer, so I’ve basically lost control of my kitchen. And Minho—well, he’s still his lazy self, lounging around like he’s royalty.”
Jaemin groaned, leaning back in his chair. “I swear, those two get more attention than I do.”
“You’re not wrong” Soyul teased, her grin widening. “But can you blame me? They’re perfect.”
“Perfectly spoiled” Jaemin muttered, though his soft smile betrayed his playful jealousy.
“They’re basically your children” Chinsun said, leaning forward eagerly. “It’s like having babies, isn’t it? You feed them, you worry about them, and they even wake you up in the middle of the night!”
Soyul nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly! They’re like little furry toddlers.”
Yunhee chimed in, her tone reflective. “Animals really are like kids. They depend on you completely, and you get so attached. Sometimes I think having a pet is good practice for when you’re ready for the real thing.”
This comment shifted the energy at the table. A pause hung in the air before Haechan, never one to let things get too serious, leaned forward with a smirk. “Speaking of kids—how many of you are planning on having them?”
Jaemin and Jeno exchanged a quick, almost imperceptible glance before Jaemin replied, “Not us. At least, not anytime soon.”
Jeno nodded in agreement. “Yeah, same here. We’re just… not really into the idea right now.”
Daeun looked at Jeno, her brows furrowing slightly. “I didn’t know you felt that way. We’ve never really talked about it.”
Soyul glanced at Jaemin, her lips pressing into a line. “Yeah… same here.”
Sensing the tension creeping in, Mark cleared his throat. “I’ve always wanted kids. It’s just a matter of timing, I guess.”
“Same” Haechan said with a grin, reaching over to take Chinsun’s hand. “And, for the record, I think Chinsun would look absolutely stunning with a little baby bump. I mean, imagine—she’d be the cutest mom ever.”
Chinsun’s cheeks flushed as she swatted him lightly. “Haechan! Don’t start embarrassing me.”
“I’m just speaking the truth” Haechan said, leaning back smugly. “You’d glow, babe. Like, literally.”
The group laughed, the tension easing as the conversation drifted back into lighter territory.
“You’d glow because you’d be sweating from how much work it is,” Chenle quipped, leaning back with a smug grin. “Honestly, I don’t get the whole ‘having kids’ thing. Everyone acts like it’s the ultimate goal, but let’s be real—it’s not like having a child completes your life or anything.”
His comment drew a mix of reactions. Haechan raised an eyebrow, clearly amused, while Yunhee’s eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity. Soyul and Daeun exchanged surprised glances, and Mark simply sipped his wine, waiting to see where the conversation would go.
It was Renjun who spoke first, his voice calm but firm. “That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think? Just because it’s not something you want doesn’t mean it’s not meaningful for other people.”
Chenle shrugged. “I’m not saying people shouldn’t have kids. I’m just saying the idea that you need them to live a fulfilling life is outdated. Look at me—I’m perfectly happy without any of that responsibility weighing me down.”
Renjun leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. “But don’t you think there’s value in building something that lasts? Kids aren’t just about fulfilling some societal expectation—they’re about connection, legacy, and love.”
Chenle raised an eyebrow. “Legacy? Love? I don’t need a tiny version of me running around to prove I can leave a mark on the world.”
“Maybe,” Renjun countered, his tone softening slightly, “but having a child isn’t just about leaving a mark. It’s about giving a piece of yourself to someone else and watching them grow into their own person. It’s about creating a bond that’s unlike anything else.”
Chinsun nodded in agreement, her expression warm as she looked at Renjun. “That’s a beautiful way to put it. I’ve always thought that raising a child could be one of the most rewarding things you can do.”
“Exactly,” Renjun said, his gaze still on Chenle. “It’s not for everyone, sure. But it’s not just about completing your life—it’s about enriching theirs, too.”
Chenle rolled his eyes but smiled faintly. “Alright, alright, Mr. Philosopher. You’ve made your point. But I’m sticking to my no-kid policy, thanks.”
“Wow” Yunhee said, glancing at Chenle with mock disapproval. “Remind me not to leave you alone with my hypothetical children.”
“Don’t worry, you won’t have to” Chenle said with a grin.
The laughter around the table eventually simmered as the conversation drifted into quieter territory. It was Renjun who broke the lull with a sigh. “Did anyone hear about Jaehyun? Poor guy’s been through it lately.”
Mark glanced up from his drink, frowning. “Yeah, I did. He found out his girlfriend was cheating, right?”
“Found out by accident, too” Renjun added. “Apparently, he glanced at her phone while she was showing him something, and bam—texts from another guy. Can you imagine?”
“Honestly, that’s the worst,” Daeun said, shaking her head. “Not just the cheating but finding out like that. It must’ve been a punch to the gut.”
Chenle leaned back with a sympathetic smirk. “It’s like phones have become the black box of our lives. They hold all the secrets, good and bad.”
Mark nodded thoughtfully, swirling his wine glass. “It’s true, though. Our phones probably know more about us than the people closest to us. Messages, emails, photos, bank details… even things we don’t consciously remember. It’s like a digital diary we forget to lock.”
“Or a digital Pandora’s box” Jaemin said, earning murmurs of agreement around the table.
Yunhee, who had been listening intently, suddenly leaned forward with a mischievous glint in her eye. “You know… this reminds me of something I saw in a movie recently. What if we played a game?”
The table perked up at the word game.
“What kind of game?” Haechan asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.
Yunhee grinned. “Everyone puts their phones on the table for the entire night. Any texts, calls, or notifications that come in—we share them with the group. We read the messages aloud, listen to the calls on speaker, everything. Total transparency.”
The room fell silent for a moment, the idea hanging in the air like an unspoken dare.
“That sounds…” Jeno began, his brow furrowing. “… invasive.”
“And unnecessary” Mark added quickly, his discomfort evident.
Haechan laughed nervously, scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah, uh, I’m not sure I’m on board with that. It’s not that I have anything to hide, but…”
“But what?” Chinsun cut in, her tone teasing as she raised an eyebrow. “Afraid we’ll find out about your secret second family or something?”
Haechan pointed a finger at her, feigning offense. “Don’t start, babe. My life’s an open book. It’s just—do we really need to dig into each other’s phones to have a good time?”
“I agree” Jeno said, leaning back in his chair. “Privacy is important. It’s not about having secrets—it’s about boundaries.”
Jaemin, however, couldn’t resist poking fun at his friend. “Sounds like you’ve got something to hide, Jeno. What’s in there? A secret Candy Crush addiction?”
Jeno shot him a look, his jaw tightening. “Don’t start, Jaemin. Unlike you, I don’t feel the need to broadcast my entire life to everyone.”
The tension between them sparked briefly before Renjun jumped in with a soothing tone. “Come on, it’s just a game. It doesn’t have to mean anything. If we’re all good friends, what’s there to worry about? It’s not like anyone here is hiding anything serious… right?”
Renjun’s words hung in the air, and one by one, the group exchanged hesitant glances.
“Fine” Mark sighed, clearly resigned. “If everyone’s doing it, I’ll do it too.”
Haechan groaned dramatically. “This is peer pressure. I hope you all know that.”
“I’ll take that as a yes” Chinsun said with a grin, sliding her phone onto the table.
Jeno hesitated, his lips pressed into a thin line, but Daeun nudged him playfully. “Come on, Jeno. Live a little.”
With a resigned huff, Jeno placed his phone down next to Chinsun’s, muttering something under his breath about regretting this later.
Finally, one by one, everyone added their phones to the pile in the center of the table.
“There” Yunhee said with a satisfied smile. “Now we’re all on equal footing. Let’s see who’s brave enough to go first when something comes in.”
Before anyone could respond, Soyul glanced toward the window, her eyes widening. “Hey! The eclipse is starting!”
The group immediately stood, wine glasses in hand, and moved to the balcony to watch the celestial event unfold.
The moon hung low in the sky, its bright silver glow slowly dimming as the Earth’s shadow crept across its surface. The conversation quieted as they all gazed upward, the air filled with a rare sense of awe and tranquility.
“Is it just me, or does everything feel… surreal right now?” Daeun murmured, leaning against Jeno.
“It’s not just you,” Jaemin replied, his voice softer than usual.
As the shadow consumed more of the moon, Haechan broke the silence with a playful nudge at Chenle. “So, Chenle, is this where your mystery girlfriend was supposed to make a grand entrance? Under the moonlight?”
Chenle rolled his eyes, but his smirk betrayed his amusement. “Very funny. I think I’ll enjoy the moon more without any distractions, thanks.”
Mark chuckled. “Let’s just hope this night doesn’t turn into an eclipse of our friendships once the phones start buzzing.”
The group laughed lightly, the tension from earlier melting into the cool night air.
The group slowly made their way back to the dining room, the warm light inside contrasting with the cool, dark night outside. They settled into their seats once again, still buzzing from the beauty of the eclipse. Glasses were refilled, and the conversation naturally shifted to lighter, nostalgic topics as they relaxed into the evening.
“You know,” Haechan began, leaning back in his chair with a smug grin, “we’ve all grown up so much, but let’s not forget—I used to be the king of our little circle back in the day.”
“Oh, here we go” Mark muttered, rolling his eyes with a smile.
“No, no, let him cook.” Jaemin said, laughing as he folded his arms. “I wanna hear this version of history.”
“I was the guy” Haechan continued dramatically, ignoring the interruptions. “The life of every party. The charmer. The—”
“The biggest headache” Mark interjected with a snort.
“That, too.” Renjun chimed in, grinning. “Remember how many times we had to cover for you when you’d ghost some poor girl at a party?”
Haechan feigned offense, placing a hand on his chest. “Excuse me, ghosting is such a strong word. I simply… diversified my options.”
“Diversified?” Chinsun repeated with a raised eyebrow. “And yet, here you are, stuck with me.”
“‘Stuck’ is the wrong word” Haechan said smoothly, slipping his arm around her. “I’d say I retired from the game because I found my MVP.”
The table groaned collectively at his cheesy line, but Chinsun blushed nonetheless.
“You weren’t the only one with ‘game,’ though” Renjun said, turning to Jaemin. “Mr. Cool over here wasn’t too bad himself.”
Jaemin smirked, shrugging casually. “What can I say? Some of us don’t need to try too hard.”
“Please” Jeno scoffed, shaking his head. “The only reason you didn’t need to try too hard was because I was always stuck as your wingman. And let me tell you, your success came at my expense more times than I can count.”
Jaemin laughed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay, that’s fair. But hey, it all worked out, right? We ended up with the two best friends. Perfect symmetry.”
Soyul and Daeun exchanged a knowing glance, their eyebrows raised. “And you two don’t find that a little suspicious?” Soyul teased.
“Not at all” Jaemin said confidently, draping an arm around Soyul’s chair. “It’s destiny. A natural alignment of the stars.”
“You mean of the drinks” Daeun joked, nudging Jeno playfully. “I’m pretty sure destiny was just a lot of late-night outings and bad pick-up lines.”
“You wound me” Jeno said, placing a hand over his heart in mock pain.
“And then there’s Mark and Renjun” Haechan said, pointing his fork at them with a mischievous grin. “Our very own nerd squad.”
“Hey!” Mark and Renjun protested in unison, drawing laughter from everyone else.
“It’s true” Haechan insisted, leaning forward. “These two were impossible to drag out. Mark was always studying or working on some project, and Renjun was, what, painting or reading about obscure history?”
“Excuse me” Renjun said with mock indignation, “I had a social life.”
“Sure” Haechan teased, “as long as it involved trivia nights or art galleries.”
Mark laughed, shaking his head. “Okay, fine, we weren’t exactly the party animals of the group. But we had our moments.”
“‘Moments,’” Haechan echoed, grinning. “Like when I had to physically drag you to that one party because you refused to leave your textbook?”
“That wasn’t my fault!” Mark protested. “It was finals week, and you wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
“That’s because Yunhee begged me to bring you out” Haechan said, smirking. “She had the biggest crush on you.”
Yunhee blushed, narrowing her eyes at him. “Did you have to tell everyone that?”
“Come on, it’s cute!” Haechan said, laughing.
“It was also embarrassing,” Yunhee admitted, shaking her head. “I was into this guy who barely noticed me unless we were talking about something academic. And when he did come to parties, he just stood in the corner with a drink, looking like he wanted to go home.”
Mark chuckled sheepishly. “I wasn’t exactly the most social person back then.”
“You weren’t social at all,” Yunhee teased. “But I guess it worked out in the end.”
“Meanwhile,” Chenle cut in, grinning, “I was the reason we even had parties to talk about. Admit it—my house was the spot.”
“Oh, absolutely” Jaemin said. “Your parties were legendary.”
“Legendary is putting it lightly” Renjun added. “Remember that Halloween party where someone brought a fog machine and accidentally set off the fire alarm?”
Chenle laughed, his eyes lighting up at the memory. “Yeah, and we all had to evacuate in full costumes. I’ll never forget Haechan running outside in his inflatable dinosaur suit.”
“It was the look of the night.” Haechan said proudly.
The girls listened intently as the guys reminisced, chiming in occasionally with laughter or disbelief.
“And the Christmas party where Mark fell asleep on the couch because he had too much of Chenle’s grandpa gin?” Jaemin added.
“Classic” Haechan said, shaking his head.
“I was tired” Mark defended, though his grin gave him away.
The stories flowed easily, filling the room with warmth and nostalgia as they recounted their wild, carefree days. Each memory was met with laughter, teasing, and the occasional exaggerated retelling, the bonds between them growing all the more evident with every shared anecdote.
As the laughter from their previous conversation subsided, a distinct ping rang out in the room, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Who’s the lucky first?” Haechan asked, grinning mischievously as he leaned forward.
Renjun, sitting at the far end of the table, pulled out his phone and glanced at the screen. His expression didn’t change much, but the way he hesitated to speak piqued everyone’s curiosity.
“Well?” Yunhee prompted, her eyes narrowing playfully. “What is it? Don’t keep us in suspense.”
“It’s nothing” Renjun said, placing his phone face down on the table.
“Oh no, you don’t get to say ‘nothing,’” Haechan teased, reaching across the table as though to snatch the phone. Renjun was faster, pulling it away with a smirk.
“It’s not even interesting” Renjun assured them. “Just some random promotion for the bar under my apartment.”
The table erupted into groans and laughter, with Haechan being the loudest. “A bar promotion? That’s the first notification of the night? Renjun, man, you’re supposed to give us something juicy!”
“What do you want me to do?!” Renjun said, feigning indignation. “It’s not like I control who texts me. And besides, maybe this is a sign I need to go out more.”
“Or,” Haechan said, leaning back with a grin, “it’s a sign that the highlight of your social life is your landlord’s weekly happy hour.”
Renjun threw a balled-up napkin at him, which Haechan caught midair. “Better a bar promotion than whatever spam texts you’re probably getting” Renjun retorted.
“Touché” Haechan admitted, laughing.
The conversation resumed, glasses were raised, and a few jokes flew across the table. Just as things began to settle, though, a chorus of pings echoed through the room, drawing everyone’s attention again.
This time, it wasn’t just one phone.
Mark, Jeno, Chenle, Renjun and Haechan all glanced down at their screens at the same time.
“Okay, what the hell?” Jaemin asked, his tone half-joking but tinged with genuine confusion. “Is there some group chat I’m not part of?”
“No” Mark said quickly, his brow furrowing as he read his message. “It’s just a basketball thing.”
“Yeah” Jeno added, glancing at Jaemin with a sheepish smile. “Johnny’s organizing a game next weekend.”
“Basketball?” Jaemin repeated, his voice rising slightly. “Why didn’t I get this message?”
The other guys exchanged quick, awkward looks. “It’s not a big deal” Chenle said, shrugging. “Maybe Johnny forgot to add you?”
“Forgot?” Jaemin said, his eyebrows shooting up. “I mean, I get it—I’m not the greatest player. But even Renjun was invited! And he doesn’t even play!”
Renjun, who had been quietly sipping his drink, nearly choked. “Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?”
“Exactly what it sounds like” Jaemin shot back, his arms crossed. “You’ve never even held a basketball, and somehow, you get an invite over me?”
“Okay, first of all” Renjun said, setting his glass down, “you don’t have to attack me just because Johnny doesn’t think you can dunk.”
The table broke into laughter, though Jaemin didn’t look entirely amused.
“Come on, Jaem” Haechan said, clapping his hands. “It’s not personal. Maybe Johnny just assumed you’d be busy or something.”
“Yeah” Mark added, though his voice lacked conviction. “It’s probably just an oversight.”
“An oversight” Jaemin repeated flatly, leaning back in his chair. “Right.”
Sensing the tension, Soyul reached over and placed a hand on his arm. “It’s okay, Jaemin. You don’t even like playing basketball that much.”
“That’s not the point” Jaemin muttered, moving away from her touch.
Daeun nodded in agreement, her voice soothing. “Maybe it’s just a misunderstanding. Why don’t you talk to Johnny about it? I’m sure he didn’t mean to exclude you.”
Jaemin exhaled sharply but nodded. “Yeah, maybe.”
Jeno, who had been unusually quiet, cleared his throat. “Hey, Jaem. Shall we go get that my bottle of wine?”
Jaemin glanced at him, confused about the timing, then shrugged. “Sure.”
The two of them got up and moved to the kitchen, leaving the others to continue chatting.
Jeno hesitated before speaking, scratching the back of his neck. “Look, about the basketball thing… it wasn’t really my call. Johnny’s the one who made the list.”
“Johnny,” Jaemin repeated, his tone skeptical.
“Yeah” Jeno said quickly. “I swear, I didn’t even know he was putting it together until I got the text. If I’d known, I would’ve made sure you were invited.”
Jaemin stared at him for a moment, then sighed. “It’s not that big of a deal, I guess. It’s just—”
“You feel left out” Jeno finished for him, his voice soft.
Jaemin nodded, his posture relaxing slightly. “Yeah. I mean, we’re supposed to be friends, right?”
“Of course we are.” Jeno said firmly. “And I’ll talk to Johnny about it, okay? You should’ve been on that list, no question.”
Jaemin looked at him for a moment longer, then smiled. “Thanks, man, you know me better than anyone.”
“Of course.” Jeno said, clapping him on the shoulder.
The two of them returned to the table, the tension already resolved. As they sat down, Chenle was in the middle of recounting one of his party stories, the laughter and energy of the group pulling them back into the warmth of the evening.
The conversation inside the house had mellowed into a cozy rhythm, everyone sharing their thoughts on recent movies and books.
“Did anyone see that new space thriller? The one with the impossible black hole scene?” Renjun asked, setting his glass down.
“Yeah, and it was painfully unrealistic,” Jeno said, shaking his head. “They really expect us to believe the ship survived that?”
“It’s science fiction” Soyul chimed in. “You’re supposed to suspend disbelief. Besides, the emotional storyline carried it.”
“Emotional?” Haechan leaned back in his chair. “You’re telling me crying in zero gravity makes up for ignoring basic physics?”
“Only you would care about physics in a movie” Daeun teased.
“Fine, maybe it’s not for me” Haechan replied with mock offense. He finished his drink and stood up with a stretch. “On that note, I’m calling a cigarette break. Chenle?”
“Yeah, why not” Chenle said, getting up as well.
The two exited to the balcony, Haechan sliding the glass door shut behind them. The cold air hit them immediately, but Haechan seemed unbothered as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it. After taking a long drag, he passed the lighter to Chenle, who mirrored his actions.
For a moment, they stood in silence, looking out at the city lights.
Chenle broke the quiet. “Alright, you’re acting weird. What’s up?”
Haechan hesitated, flicking ash off the edge of the balcony. “I need a favor” he finally said.
Chenle turned to him, raising an eyebrow. “From me? That’s rare. What kind of favor?”
Haechan glanced at the door to ensure no one was listening. “I need to switch phones with you. Just for a little while.”
Chenle blinked, taken aback. “What? Why?”
“Because” Haechan said, lowering his voice further, “someone’s going to send me a picture in about half an hour, and… let’s just say it’s better if Chinsun doesn’t see it.”
Chenle stared at him, cigarette paused mid-air. “You’re serious?”
“Dead serious.” Haechan replied, taking another drag.
Chenle leaned against the railing, his expression growing more incredulous by the second. “What kind of picture are we talking about here?”
“You know.” Haechan said, his tone evasive.
Chenle gave him a flat look. “Haechan. What kind of picture?”
“A… personal one,” Haechan muttered, his gaze fixed on the glowing tip of his cigarette.
Chenle groaned, rubbing his temple. “You’ve got to be kidding me. You’re risking everything with that girl over nudes?”
“Shhh!” Haechan hissed, waving his hands in panic. “Keep your voice down!”
Chenle sighed, exhaling a puff of smoke. “Unbelievable. Who is she?”
Haechan hesitated again, shifting uncomfortably.
“Don’t tell me…” Chenle said, his tone sharpening as realization dawned. “It’s Mark’s sister, isn’t it?”
Haechan didn’t respond immediately, but the small, mischievous grin that crept onto his face was answer enough.
Chenle groaned louder this time, throwing his hands up. “You’re out of your mind! If Mark finds out, you’re dead.”
“He’s not going to find out” Haechan said confidently. “We’re discreet. Besides, she’s the one sending the picture, not me.”
“Wow, what a great excuse,” Chenle said sarcastically. “Do you even hear yourself? This is a terrible idea.”
“Look” Haechan said, leaning closer, “She’s always had a little thing for me, you know that.”
“That doesn’t mean you should encourage it!” Chenle scolded. “Mark is one of your best friends. How do you think he’d feel about you messing with his sister?”
“I’m not messing with her” Haechan argued.
Chenle stared at him, shaking his head. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Please, Chenle.” Haechan said, his tone shifting to one of genuine desperation. “I’m begging you. Just this once. It’s harmless, I swear.”
Chenle hesitated, clearly torn. He took one last drag from his cigarette before tossing it into the ashtray. “This is such a bad idea, I’m telling you” he said finally. “But fine. I’ll help you. Don’t make me regret this.”
“You won’t” Haechan said, relief washing over him. “Thank you, man. I owe you.”
Chenle rolled his eyes as he turned to slide the door open. “Yeah, yeah. Just remember, when this blows up in your face, I told you so.”
As Chenle stepped back inside, leaving the door ajar, Haechan stayed behind, staring out at the city with a mix of relief and unease. He took one last puff of his cigarette before letting it die, his thoughts racing as he trued to convince himself that everything would work out.
The air inside had warmed considerably, filled with the clinking of glasses, faint laughter, and the soft hum of conversation. Most of the group had gravitated toward the kitchen, where Mark and Yunhee busily orchestrated the next course. Renjun and Chinsun, however, remained in the living room, seated comfortably on their seats, engaged in a quiet conversation.
“You’ve always been good with people,” Chinsun said with a warm smile, her gaze steady on Renjun. “It’s no wonder the kids in your music workshops like you so much.”
Renjun rubbed the back of his neck, smiling sheepishly. “I think it’s less about me and more about music. Kids just need a way to express themselves, you know?”
Chinsun leaned forward slightly, her eyes sparkling with genuine interest. “It’s still a talent, though. Not everyone has that ability to connect.”
Just then, the balcony door slid open, and Haechan stepped back inside, brushing the cold air off his sleeves. He immediately caught sight of the scene and quirked an eyebrow.
“Wow, you two look cozy” Haechan said, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. He crossed his arms and leaned casually against the doorway. “Should I be worried?”
Chinsun didn’t even flinch, rolling her eyes as she turned toward him. “Shut up, Haechan” she said, a hint of exasperation in her tone.
“Hey, I’m just saying,” he replied with an exaggerated shrug, though his eyes lingered a little longer on Renjun before he finally walked past them into the kitchen.
And before this, without being noticed (or so he thought) he successfully switched phones with Chenle.
Daeun and Soyul stood near the counter, half-hidden behind a column, their glasses in hand. From their vantage point, they had a clear view of Haechan’s expression as he glanced over at Chinsun and Renjun.
“Did you see that?” Daeun whispered, tilting her head toward the living room.
Soyul smirked, her lips barely moving. “He’s so jealous, it’s almost funny.”
Daeun narrowed her eyes slightly. “Do you think Chinsun has a thing for Renjun?”
Soyul shook her head after a moment’s thought. “No way. She’s just naturally warm with everyone. And let’s be honest—Renjun is so clueless about stuff like that.”
Daeun chuckled. “True. And Haechan’s possessiveness is basically part of his personality. Still, it’s kind of cute, jealousy looks good on him”
Their quiet observations were interrupted as the others began filtering back into the kitchen. Plates and trays were passed around, Mark working diligently to ensure everything was perfect for the meal. The room buzzed with chatter about favorite dishes, the best way to cook steak, and Mark’s secret marinade recipe.
Once everyone returned to the dining table, the conversation shifted to lighter topics.
Mark, ever the gracious host, served up plates of food while Yunhee teased him about his near-obsessive attention to detail.
“So, Mark,” Jaemin said, leaning back in his chair. “You really could’ve been a chef. Why didn’t you go for it?”
Mark shrugged modestly. “Cooking’s a hobby. Turning it into a career might’ve taken the fun out of it.”
Yunhee rolled her eyes playfully. “Please, he says that, but he’d probably be a world-famous chef by now if he tried.”
Renjun chimed in, “Honestly, Mark, you should start a cooking blog or something. Share your recipes with the world.”
“Then we’d lose the exclusivity,” Soyul interjected with a grin. “I don’t want everyone knowing Mark’s secrets.”
The group laughed, the energy light and playful—until a phone buzzed loudly on the table, drawing everyone’s attention.
The phone’s screen lit up, displaying the name Monique.
All eyes turned to Chenle, whose “phone” sat innocently on the table.
Chenle stiffened immediately, his hand darting out to grab the phone. “Nothing to see here” he said quickly, trying to play it off.
But Yunhee was faster. “Wait a second” she said, her eyes narrowing. “Monique? Isn’t that Mark’s sister?”
A collective gasp rippled through the table. Haechan froze, his face carefully blank as he avoided looking directly at anyone.
Chenle glanced briefly at Haechan, his expression screaming help me, but Haechan offered no assistance. With a deep breath, Chenle forced a sheepish grin. “Yeah, um… we’ve been reconnecting lately.”
“Reconnecting?” Mark repeated, his voice low and skeptical. His fork paused mid-air, his knuckles tightening slightly.
Jaemin leaned forward, grinning like a kid about to witness chaos. “Open the message, Chenle. Let’s see what she sent.”
“Jaemin!” Daeun scolded, though her curiosity was just as evident in her eyes.
Chenle hesitated, clearly torn. But under the weight of everyone’s stares, he reluctantly unlocked the phone and opened the message. His face went beet red as he saw the photo: a sultry, carefully posed picture of Mark’s sister.
“Whoa” he breathed, his eyes wide with shock.
Immediately, Jaemin and Renjun crowded around to see, while Soyul and Daeun leaned over curiously. Yunhee covered her mouth, stifling a gasp.
“Chenle.” Mark snapped, his tone sharp. “How long has this been going on?”
“Just… a few months” Chenle said weakly, shrinking under Mark’s glare.
“And how long were you planning on keeping this from me?” Mark demanded, his voice rising.
Before Chenle could answer, Daeun interjected, “What about Jiul? Isn’t she your girlfriend?”
Chenle opened his mouth, floundering for an answer, when Haechan finally spoke up.
“Look, the guy finally has some game” Haechan said, his tone breezy as he leaned back in his chair. “Can we give him a little credit?”
The comment earned a mixture of gasps and laughter, though Mark’s expression remained stormy. Yunhee, however, was quick to step in.
“Mark, relax” she said firmly. “Your sister’s an adult. Let her live her life.”
Mark muttered something under his breath, but he reluctantly leaned back in his chair, though his jaw remained tight.
Chenle, meanwhile, shot a glare at Haechan, who merely smirked back at him, clearly unbothered by the chaos he’d created.
Moments later Chinsun glanced at his watch, his expression shifting to one of excitement. “Hey, it’s time! The full eclipse should be happening right now.”
Everyone murmured in agreement, standing up from their chairs and moving toward the balcony once more. The cool night air greeted them as they stepped outside, the moon now completely cloaked in shadow, casting an eerie, beautiful darkness across the sky.
Mark leaned against the railing, gazing up at the celestial phenomenon. “It’s incredible,” he said, his voice quiet but reflective. “The moon’s always there, but we only ever see one side of it. This is one of those rare times the shadow makes it feel… complete.”
Renjun nodded, equally captivated by the view. “It’s like the earth is revealing its own truth. The light we always chase is just an illusion. It’s the shadows that really show us who we are.”
“Leave it to you two philosophers to turn a pretty moon into an existential crisis” Jaemin joked, breaking the momentary silence.
The group chuckled, and Chinsun, inspired by the occasion, clapped her hands together. “This is too good to miss! Let’s take a photo.”
Everyone gathered around her, smiling and adjusting their positions. “Chenle, here” she said, handing him her phone. “You’ve got long arms—take the picture.”
Chenle took the phone with a grin. “Alright, everyone squeeze in. Ready? One, two—”
A sudden notification interrupted him, a message popping up at the top of the screen:
Sunghoon: Hi.
The screen glowed with the name, drawing a moment of awkward silence as everyone caught sight of it.
“Who’s Sunghoon?” Chenle asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yeah, who’s that?” Daeun chimed in, her curiosity piqued.
Haechan, standing just behind Chinsun, stiffened immediately. His voice turned sharp as he asked“What the fuck does he want now?”
Chinsun waved it off, her tone casual but her expression betraying her discomfort. “No one important. Let’s just take the picture.”
Chenle glanced at her skeptically but lifted the phone again. “Alright, where were we? One, two—”
Another message popped up.
Sunghoon: I need you.
The group fell silent again, the tension palpable. Haechan didn’t hesitate this time. He stepped forward, snatching the phone from Chenle’s hand.
“Why the fuck is he texting you this shit?” Haechan’s voice was low but seething, his jaw tight as he looked directly at Chinsun.
Chinsun took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice calm. “He’s been texting me for two weeks now, but I haven’t responded to him at all. You know how much my last relationship broke me. How could you even think I’d entertain this?”
Haechan’s glare didn’t waver. “Oh, please. We all know Sunghoon thinks he’s some kind of hotshot. Does he still have that stupid haircut that you liked so much?”
“Haechan” she snapped, her patience wearing thin. “That’s not the point.”
The group began to shuffle uncomfortably as the argument escalated.
“If you don’t believe me” Chinsun said, her voice firm now, “then call him. Ask him yourself.”
“I don’t need to hear you two flirting” Haechan spat, his tone laced with venom. “Thank you very much.”
The insult stung, and Chinsun’s expression hardened as she yanked her phone back from his grip. Haechan turned away abruptly, grabbing another glass of wine from the table and downing half of it in one go.
Chenle, hesitant but concerned, stepped in. “Maybe you should hear her out first, man—”
“Shut up, Chenle.” Haechan snapped, his words cutting.
Mark, now visibly annoyed, intervened. He reached over and took the wine glass from Haechan’s hand. “That’s enough” he said firmly.
The girls, gathering around Chinsun, encouraged her. “Just call him” Yunhee said softly. “Set things straight. It’ll help.”
Chinsun hesitated but eventually nodded. She dialed the number, her fingers trembling slightly. The phone rang a few times before the call connected.
“Finally, Sunny” Sunghoon’s voice, smooth but laced with smugness. “You decided to call me back. What’s the matter? Does your boyfriend not satisfy you anymore?”
Haechan’s grip on the edge of the table tightened, his knuckles white as he held himself back from exploding.
Chinsun, kept her voice steady. “I don’t want anything to do with you, Sunghoon. Stop contacting me. I’m happy with Haechan.”
A low chuckle echoed through the phone. “He’ll never be me” Sunghoon said arrogantly.
That was the breaking point.
Haechan took the phone from Chinsun’s hand and brought it to his ear. “Thank God” he said coldly, his voice dripping with disdain. “Because I’m so much better, you pathetic fuckass.”
Without waiting for a reply, he hung up and tossed the phone onto the table, the conversation firmly ended.
He didn’t say another word, instead walking back to his seat at the dining table and sinking into his chair. The others exchanged uneasy glances before slowly following him back inside, one by one.
The air in the room was thick with tension after the heated exchange between Haechan and Chinsun. Everyone tried to move on, lightening the atmosphere by reminiscing about past vacations.
“Summer vacations are the best” Jaemin said, leaning back in his chair with a grin. “Nothing beats long days at the beach and bonfire nights.”
“Sure, if you like sand everywhere” Yunhee teased. “Winter vacations have charm. Cozy cabins, hot chocolate, and snow-covered landscapes—it’s magical.”
Jaemin rolled his eyes playfully. “Yeah, until you’re stuck shoveling snow off the driveway.”
Renjun chuckled. “Both have their perks. I think it depends on where you go. Remember that summer trip we took to Jeju? The hikes, the ocean view—it was perfect.”
“Except for the sunburns” Daeun added with a laugh. “I was peeling for weeks!”
Soyul chimed in “Winter vacations are underrated, though. Remember that ski trip last year? The slopes were amazing, and the hot springs afterward—unforgettable.”
Haechan, still visibly tense, tried to force a laugh. “I’d take summer any day. Winter’s just… depressing. Too much darkness, not enough fun.”
The conversation was beginning to lift the group’s spirits when an unfamiliar chime interrupted them. A strange notification sound echoed through the room, causing everyone to pause.
“Whose phone is that?” Haechan asked, glancing around.
Chenle, sighed trying to stay composed “It’s yours.”
Haechan frowned but nodded slowly. “Right. So… what’s the message?”
As he read the message he looked confused.
Chinsun peaked behind him “Who’s Jisung? And why’s he asking you how are you feeling?”
The table fell silent.
“What the hell?” Jaemin blurted out, leaning forward. “Who’s Jisung?”
Haechan looked at them, trying to think at some excuses. “He’s a new guys who works with me..you know he got a little crush on me and won’t leave me alone” he said, laughing a little.
“Well then” Chenle starts “why don’t you give him an answer?”
Haechan looked back at his friend, gulping. “Right…” He said as he started typing
“I said ‘I’m okay, I’m at a friend house.” Haechan said, nervously putting the phone down.
Another message light up the screen.
Jisung: What? You said you had fever! That’s the whole reason why we didn’t meet tonight. You promised me…
As everyone listen to the message, their faces light up with confusion, looking at the boy.
“What’s going on?” Daeun asked, her voice filled with confusion.
Chinsun’s face was frozen in shock as she whispered, “Haechan…? What did you have to do with this Jisung?”
Haechan let out a strained laugh, trying to diffuse the situation. “Are you guys seriously thinking—what? That I’d be into… guys? Baby, come on” he said, looking directly at Chinsun. “Look at me. How could I ever like boys?”
Renjun, sitting across the table, folded his arms and raised an eyebrow. His voice was calm but pointed. “What’s wrong with liking boys, Haechan?”
The question hung in the air like a loaded weapon.
Haechan’s eyes flicked to Renjun, then back to Chinsun. “Nothing, obviously! But it’s just… not me.”
Renjun’s gaze sharpened, the calm in his tone replaced by something more cutting. “Oh, really?”
Renjun leaned forward, cutting him off. “No, please. Go on. This is hilarious, hearing you talk all this shit.”
The rest of the group looked on in confusion, their gazes darting between the two.
“What are you saying, Jun?” Daeun asked hesitantly, her tone laced with concern.
Renjun ignored her, keeping his focus on Haechan. “What? Did you forget about that summer? Oh, wait, maybe you forgot about the whole year too. Yeah, that happens as you get older, doesn’t it?”
The weight of Renjun’s words hit the table like a bomb.
Chinsun’s eyes welled up, and a tear slipped down her cheek. “Is this true?” she whispered, her voice trembling.
Haechan’s face was pale, his hands gripping the edge of the table as if to steady himself. “It’s not what you think” he started, his voice cracking.
“Then what is it?” Jaemin pressed, his tone confused but firm.
Soyul glanced between Haechan and Renjun. “Wait… are you saying you two…?”
“No!” Haechan exclaimed, his voice too loud, too defensive. “It wasn’t like that! It was just—”
“Just what?” Renjun interrupted coldly. “A phase? A mistake? Poor this Jisung guy, he doesn’t know what he got himself up to”
Chenle shifted uncomfortably. “Guys, maybe this isn’t the time—”
“Shut up, Chenle!” Haechan snapped, then immediately winced, realizing how out of control he sounded.
The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife when the phone rang, breaking the moment.
Chenle’s phone -now Haechan’s- lights up again for an incoming call.
The name “Jisung” flashed across the screen.
Chenle’s breath hitched. “Don’t answer that” he said quickly, his voice strained.
But it was too late. Renjun, stealing the phone, had already pressed the green button.
Jisung’s voice came through the speaker, sharp and accusatory. “Why did you lie about being sick? We were supposed to meet tonight, and now I find out you’re out with your friends?”
The room went silent.
Haechan, panic flashing across his face, stammered. “I… I don’t even know what you’re talking about… Jisung?”
Jisung scoffed, his tone cutting. “Really? Because I’ve got your location on 360. It’s over, you asshole.”
The call ended abruptly, leaving everyone stunned.
Chinsun’s tears flowed freely now, her hands trembling as she covered her face. The silence was deafening until Haechan finally spoke.
“Guys c’mon..You all know me…I would never do this. I’m not into… boys. It’s not true. None of it is true!”
Renjun let out a bitter laugh. “Oh, really?”
Haechan looked at him, pleading. “Renjun, please—”
“No” Renjun said, standing up, his voice steady but full of disappointment. “I’m done listening to this. It’s so funny hearing you deny everything, though. Keep going—it’s entertaining.”
“Renjun, stop” Soyul whispered, her voice soft but firm.
“What am I stopping?” Renjun snapped, glaring at Haechan. “Reminding him of the truth? Maybe he needs it. Or maybe he’s too scared to admit it.”
Haechan sank back into his chair, his face pale and his shoulders slumped. Chinsun stared at him, her tear-filled eyes full of betrayal and heartbreak.
No one spoke.
The room was silent, thick with tension, after Renjun’s cutting remarks. Haechan was frozen, struggling to form a coherent response, his hands gripping the edge of the table like a lifeline. Yunhee, however, decided it was time to step in.
“Okay, enough” she said, her voice sharp, rising over the tension. “Renjun, you don’t have to do this. He’s already overwhelmed, and you’re just—”
Renjun cut her off with a cold laugh, looking her straight in the eye. “Oh, don’t even start, Yunhee. You want to defend him now? I have every right to get angry since how he left me for you?”
The room collectively sucked in a breath.
“What?” Jeno blurted out, his voice laced with disbelief. “Oh god, you’ve got to be kidding me.”
Mark turned slowly to Yunhee, his face a mixture of confusion and disbelief. “What is he saying?”
Yunhee looked as though she had been caught in headlights. Her mouth opened, then closed, as her hands fidgeted nervously on her lap.
Haechan sighed deeply, throwing his head back as if resigning himself.
“Yeah, Mark” Renjun said, his voice heavy. “Where do you think she got those new earrings?”
His voice was dripping with venom as he gestured toward Yunhee. “They were mine, by the way. Before Haechan decided he was fully straight overnight and that fucking his best friend’s girlfriend was better.”
All eyes turned to Yunhee, who instinctively touched her earrings, her face pale.
Soyul, her voice trembling with shock, muttered, “Oh my god, are you serious? This is insane.”
Mark stared at Yunhee, then at Haechan, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled to process the betrayal. “Yunhee…” he began, his voice quiet but full of hurt.
Yunhee’s voice cracked as she tried to explain. “Mark, I—It’s not what you think—”
Chinsun, who had been silently crying, let out a bitter laugh. She stood up abruptly, wiping her tears with shaky hands. “You’ve got to be kidding me” she said, her voice breaking but laced with nervous laughter. “This is crazy. And you—” she pointed at Haechan, her laugh turning into a scoff. “You even had the boldness to accuse me of cheating? While you’re sitting here with a whole whore army?”
Yunhee bristled, standing up to face her. “I’m sorry, who are you calling a whore?”
“Oh, you heard me” Chinsun snapped, her hands on her hips.
“Excuse me, I was here first.” Yunhee shot back, her voice dripping with venom.
Renjun leaned back in his chair, watching the chaos unfold with a sardonic grin. “If we’re playing that game, technically, I was first in line.”
Both women froze, turning their angry glares on him.
Mark, meanwhile, hadn’t moved, his gaze fixed on Haechan, his face a mixture of anger and heartbreak. “You were my best friend,” he said quietly, his voice trembling. “How could you do this?”
Haechan opened his mouth to speak but hesitated, looking utterly defeated. “Mark, I—”
“Don’t” Mark interrupted, shaking his head. “Just don’t.”
The room fell silent again, but it didn’t last long.
Jeno broke it with a frustrated sigh, throwing his hands in the air. “God, Haechan, you couldn’t have just told us? About all of this? Especially about… you know.”
Haechan frowned, his exhaustion giving way to irritation. “Why the hell would I have to tell you?”
Jeno leaned forward, incredulous. “Uh, maybe because we all used to sleep and shower together back in the day? I want to know if the guy I sleep next to is a homosexual.”
Haechan tilted his head, genuinely confused. “And why would that concern you Jeno?”
“Of course it concerns me Haechan I-“ Jeno started before being interrupted.
Jaemin, who had been quietly sipping his drink, suddenly smirked, half-laughing. “Oh, you shouldn’t be the one pointing fingers, Jeno.”
All eyes turned to Jaemin now, confusion written across everyone’s faces.
Daeun blinked, looking at him. “What are you talking about?”
Jaemin looked at Jeno, then back at the group, his expression unreadable. “Really? None of you ever noticed anything? You thought I had fewer girls than Haechan just because I wasn’t trying hard enough? There was a reason I was always with Jeno.”
The table erupted in shock, voices overlapping in disbelief.
“W-what..?” Jaemin’s revelation sent Soyul into full-blown tears.
Renjun, however, seemed unfazed. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. “Yeah, I already knew. Heard them in the changing rooms back in high school.”
Soyul stood abruptly, her sobs echoing in the room. “Jaemin,” she cried, her voice breaking. “This isn’t still going on, right? It’s just old stuff, it isn’t happening anymore right? Right Jaemin? Tell me I’m right.”
Daeun immediately went to comfort her, wrapping her arms around Soyul’s shaking shoulders.
Jaemin’s smirk disappeared, replaced by guilt as he rubbed a hand over his face. “Soyul, I—”
“Is it still happening?” Soyul partially screamed, her voice filled with desperation.
Jaemin lowered his head, unable to meet her eyes.
Soyul’s tears intensified, and she choked out “Jaemin I-m..”
The boy tried to look at her.
“I’m pregnant Jaemin.”
Jaemin’s eyes widened in shock, and he stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor.
“What?..”
But Soyul didn’t let him approach her. She backed away, shaking her head as she sobbed uncontrollably. Then, turning on her heel, she bolted toward the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.
Renjun, looking exasperated but concerned, stood up and followed her, muttering “Great. Just great.”
The room was left in stunned silence, everyone staring at Jaemin, who stood frozen, his face pale.
Haechan, still seated, let out a humorless laugh, shaking his head. “Well, this just keeps getting better and better, doesn’t it?”
No one responded. The only sound was Soyul’s muffled sobs from behind the bathroom door.
The tension in the room hung heavy like a storm cloud, and it wasn’t long before Jeno erupted. He slammed his hands on the table, standing up abruptly and glaring at Jaemin. “What the hell is wrong with you?” he barked, his voice shaking with anger. “Why would you say that? To everyone? Here? Now?”
Jaemin, still standing, looked at him, his expression unreadable. He met Jeno’s furious gaze with a steady one of his own. “What did you expect, Jeno? That we’d just keep pretending forever? Sooner or later, it was bound to come out. Better now than years down the line.”
Jeno scoffed, his tone bitter. “You think this is better? You think this was the right time? I would’ve taken this secret to my grave if I could. That’s what I wanted.”
Jaemin smirked slightly, but there was no humor in it. “Of course you would, Jeno. You’ve always been good at hiding, haven’t you?”
Jeno’s fists clenched, his jaw tightening as he took a threatening step toward Jaemin. “You have no idea what you’ve just done” he hissed.
At that moment, Haechan pushed his chair back and stood, his eyes flicking between the two men. His voice was sharp as he interjected, “Okay, hold up. Where’s all this oppressed homophobia coming from, Jeno?”
Jeno whipped his head toward Haechan, his face flushed with frustration. “What the hell are you talking about?”
Haechan crossed his arms and tilted his head, a sardonic smile playing on his lips. “Oh, come on. You’re out here acting like Jaemin just destroyed your life or something. Let’s not forget, it was you in his bed, not someone else. Repeatedly. No matter how much you want to deny it now.”
Jeno’s face turned red, and his breathing quickened. “Shut up, Haechan. You don’t know anything about it.”
“I don’t?” Haechan shot back, taking a step forward. His voice grew louder, his tone dripping with mockery. “Because it sounds to me like you’re just mad that you liked it. That you liked him. And now you’re pissed because everyone knows.”
At this point he clearly knows what he’s talking about.
Like he’s talking to his younger self.
“Don’t,” Jeno growled, pointing a finger at Haechan, his voice trembling with rage. “Don’t twist this into something it’s not.”
“Oh, but it is,” Jaemin interjected, his voice cold. He stepped closer to Jeno, his eyes narrowing. “You can try to rewrite history all you want, but you know damn well that none of this was one-sided. You were just as much a part of it as I was.”
The room fell silent again, the weight of Jaemin’s words hanging in the air like a guillotine. Jeno turned away, running a hand through his hair as he paced in frustration. His breathing was labored, his mind clearly racing as he tried to process everything.
The tension in the room hadn’t yet dissipated when Daeun, standing near the edge of the table, looked visibly shaken. Her normally composed demeanor was gone, replaced by wide eyes and a trembling hand that hovered near her lips. She had been silent through most of the arguments, absorbing the chaos, but now it seemed something had shaken her even more.
And, unexpectedly, it was her phone that buzzed sharply on the table, piercing through the uneasy quiet. The sound was different—a personal ringtone—and it made her freeze. Slowly, everyone’s attention shifted to her.
She stared at the phone like it was a live grenade, her breath catching. She gulped audibly, her hands fidgeting by her sides.
From across the table, Mark raised an eyebrow, his voice tinged with suspicion. “Well? Are you going to get that?”
Daeun’s gaze flicked to him, then to the phone. Her voice cracked slightly as she forced herself to speak. “Are we really… still doing this?”
The question hung in the air, heavy with resignation.
Chenle, who had been unusually quiet during the earlier confrontations, suddenly stood and reached for her phone. “Answer the damn phone, Daeun.” he said firmly, his tone sharper than usual. His eyes met hers with a mix of concern and frustration.
Her hand hesitated over the screen before tremblingly hitting the green button.
“Hello?” she said softly, her voice so low it was almost a whisper.
A man’s voice came through the speaker, loud enough to be heard by the others.
“Daeun?” the male voice called, familiar and almost gentle.
Her throat bobbed as she swallowed hard. “Yes,” she replied in a small voice. “I’m listening.”
Jeno, who had been quietly stewing after his earlier clash with Jaemin, suddenly sat down beside her. His gaze bore into her, searching, confused, concerned. The intensity of their eye contact was palpable, like an entire conversation was being held without words.
The man’s voice on the other end of the phone continued, oblivious to the growing tension in the room. “I’ve been thinking about you. About… us and everything.” His tone dropped slightly, more hesitant. “How have you been feeling? Since, you know… the thing?”
The weight of his words dropped like a bomb in the room.
Jeno’s eyes narrowed slightly, confusion etching his features. He leaned forward slightly, his focus entirely on Daeun. She didn’t look away, her gaze locked with his even as the voice on the phone kept talking.
The man sighed. “I feel like I should’ve reached out sooner. I just… I’m sorry about how everything happened. We should’ve been more careful.” Then, after a pause, the voice added tentatively, “Does he know?”
Daeun stiffened, her lips parting but no words coming out. She and Jeno stayed locked in their silent standoff until finally, with her voice barely audible, she said, “No. He doesn’t know.”
With that, she ended the call abruptly, her hand shaking as she placed the phone back on the table.
The silence that followed was deafening. No one dared to speak. All eyes were on her and Jeno.
Finally, Jeno broke the silence, his voice low and harsh. “So? What was he talking about?”
Daeun’s hands curled into fists at her sides, but she refused to answer him.
“Daeun” Jeno pressed, his tone rising with frustration. “What the fuck was he talking about?”
She finally spoke, her jaw tight. “You don’t have the right to make that tone with me.” she snapped.
“The hell I don’t!” Jeno’s voice boomed as he stood again, abruptly, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. “Tell me what the fuck he meant!”
Her control broke. “I was pregnant!” she screamed, her voice echoing through the room. She stood as well, facing him with fire in her eyes.
The words hit like a physical blow, and Jeno froze, his face paling.
The room fell silent again, everyone too stunned to even breathe. Daeun and Jeno stared at each other, their gazes unrelenting and raw.
Jeno’s lips moved, but no sound came out at first. Finally, he whispered, his voice broken and tentative, “It wasn’t mine, was it?”
Daeun let out a bitter laugh, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “How could it have been yours, Jeno? It’s been months since the last time you touched me.”
Her words cut deep and Jeno flinched.
Then, with a deliberate pause, she glanced at Jaemin—just briefly, but enough for everyone to catch it—before turning her gaze back to Jeno. Her voice dropped to a deadly calm. “…And now I understand why.”
The implication of her words rippled through the room like an electric shock.
Daeun’s gaze lingered on Jeno for a moment longer before she let out a shaky breath and stormed away, walking past the table. She headed toward the bathroom, where Soyul was still crying, cuddled with Renjun.
Jeno stood rooted to the spot, his fists clenched tightly by his sides. His face was a mixture of shock, anger, and something deeper—regret, maybe, or guilt.
No one said a word. The weight of the revelation was too much to process.
Jeno finally let out a shaky breath and sat back down, his head in his hands. “What the fuck,” he muttered under his breath, though no one could tell if he was talking to himself or everyone else.
The heavy silence in the living room seemed impenetrable, each person trapped in their own thoughts after the night’s shocking revelations. Even the usual sounds of the house—Mark’s fridge humming, the faint ticking of a wall clock—felt muted under the suffocating weight of everything left unsaid.
Then, suddenly, the doorbell rang.
Everyone jolted, startled by the noise, and looked around the room in confusion.
“Who the hell is that?” Jaemin muttered under his breath, still nursing the glass of wine he hadn’t taken a sip from.
Chinsun, still perched on the edge of the sofa where she’d been sitting with Chenle, let out a dry laugh. “I guess another one of Lee Donghyuck’s boyfriends has arrived!” she said, her tone cutting.
Haechan glared at her from his corner of the room, but before he could retort, Chinsun stood, brushing imaginary dust off her pants, and motioned toward the door. Chenle hesitated but eventually stood alongside her.
The rest of the group, including Renjun, Daeun, and Soyul, who had just returned from the bathroom, slowly began to gather near the door. The tension among them was palpable as they waited for Chinsun to open it.
When she finally did, the tall, broad figure of a strikingly handsome young man was revealed. His tailored coat and polished shoes screamed wealth, and his air of confidence seemed out of place in the disheveled chaos of Mark’s house.
The man smiled hesitantly, trying to break the ice. “Hi, I’m—”
But Chinsun interrupted him before he could finish. “You can come in and get Haechan,” she snapped, crossing her arms. “And then the both of you can get the fuck out of this house.”
The young man blinked, clearly caught off guard, his confused gaze shifting from Chinsun to the rest of the group. His eyes scanned the crowd, passing over each face until they landed on one that finally seemed to click.
“…Uh, I don’t even know who Haechan is” he said, his voice unsure but firm. His eyes locked onto his loved one, and his expression softened. “I’m here for Chenle.”
The room fell into a stunned silence.
The air, already heavy, seemed to grow impossibly thicker.
Chenle let out a long, weary sigh, stepping forward past his frozen friends to stand beside the man. He reached out and took his hand, intertwining their fingers, and turned to face the group. His gaze swept over their stunned expressions—some confused, some shocked.
“Yes” Chenle began calmly, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. “This is my boyfriend, Jisung. Or as some of you may know him… Jiul.”
The collective gasp that followed was almost theatrical in its intensity.
“Jiul?” Jeno blurted out, his tone somewhere between disbelief and accusation. “Why the hell did you tell us it was a girl?”
“And why didn’t you bring him to dinner?” Yunhee added, her voice tinged with genuine confusion.
Chenle huffed out a dry laugh, standing shoulder to shoulder with Jisung, who looked equally baffled by the situation.
“You want to know why?” Chenle began, his voice sharper now as his frustration bubbled to the surface. He gestured around the room with his free hand, his gaze unwavering. “Look at everything that’s happened tonight. Look at how all of you reacted to Haechan’s situation, to Renjun’s story. The petty fights, the accusations, the thinly veiled homophobia that’s been lurking under the surface all night. And you wonder why I didn’t bring Jisung here?”
No one spoke, though a few of them visibly shifted, uncomfortable under his words.
Chenle shook his head and let out a bitter laugh. “I told you Jisung was a girl because I knew—I knew—that if I told the truth, you’d judge me. You’d judge him. You’d find some way to make this about your own insecurities instead of just letting us be happy.”
Jisung squeezed the boy’s hand gently, his expression softening, but Chenle wasn’t done.
“I didn’t want him to come tonight, and now I’m glad I didn’t bring him to dinner,” Chenle continued. “Because this,” he gestured at the group again, “this mess? It would’ve ruined him. He’s too pure for this—too pure for all of you.”
He turned his gaze pointedly to Jeno and then to Jaemin. “You two can’t even have a functional friendship without dragging your relationship baggage into it.”
Then he turned to Haechan. “You spend so much time lying to yourself and everyone else that you’ve started destroying the people who care about you most. You have no right to judge anyone else when you’ve been tearing your own life apart from the inside.”
Finally, his gaze landed on the entire group, sweeping across them like a storm. “And the rest of you? You sit here and watch, like you’re better than everyone else, when the truth is you’re just as broken and hypocritical. You still have all this deep-seated homophobia inside of you—whether you realize it or not. You can’t even handle a little honesty without blowing up. And that’s on you. That’s something you all need to fix in yourselves instead of pointing fingers at everyone else.”
The room fell silent again, Chenle’s words hanging heavy in the air.
Jisung finally spoke up, his voice hesitant but kind. “Uh… Should we go? I don’t want to cause any more trouble.”
Chenle glanced at him, his expression softening for the first time since he started talking. “Yes” he said quietly. “I think it’s time to go home”
Chenle gave one last glance at the group, his eyes hard but filled with disappointment. “Good night, everyone,” he said flatly, his hand still clasped firmly in Jisung’s. The door clicked shut behind them, leaving the others staring at the space they had occupied moments before.
Renjun was the first to move. His gaze flickered to the others—no goodbye, no explanation—just a glance that spoke of finality. Without a word, he walked over to Daeun, who had been standing near the kitchen island, her expression unreadable. “Come on,” he said softly, and she nodded, letting him guide her out of the house.
Soyul followed soon after, her tear-streaked face pale and exhausted. Chinsun, who had been silently leaning against the wall, pushed herself off with a small sigh. She grabbed her coat and bag and walked toward the door without sparing anyone a second glance.
They didn’t say goodbye. The door opened, and they left.
Jaemin and Jeno stood awkwardly near the door, their expressions as cold as the night air that began to seep through the cracks. Jeno looked at Jaemin, his eyes conflicted, before sighing heavily and grabbing his coat from the back of a chair. Jaemin followed suit, his movements slower, as if weighed down by unspoken words.
As they reached the door, Jaemin hesitated, looking back at Yunhee. His lips twitched into a faint smile—one of acknowledgment, regret, and resignation all rolled into one. He nodded at her slightly before stepping out after Jeno, letting the door fall shut behind them.
Now, only Mark, Yunhee, and Haechan remained.
The living room felt cavernous, like a hollow shell of the home it had been only hours earlier. The three of them stood frozen, avoiding each other’s gazes.
Haechan sighed deeply and moved toward the coat rack. He pulled on his jacket, his movements uncharacteristically slow. He lingered for a moment, standing by the door, his hand resting on the handle.
“I’m sorry,” he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Mark and Yunhee exchanged a glance, but neither of them responded. There were no words left, nothing that could smooth over the damage that had been done tonight.
Haechan didn’t wait for a reply. He opened the door and stepped out into the cold, letting the door close behind him with a soft click.
One by one, as they exited the house, the lunar eclipse began to fade. The moon, which had been cloaked in shadow, slowly emerged into the light once more. Its silver glow illuminated the quiet streets outside, casting long shadows as if trying to cleanse the darkness that had enveloped the night.
Mark stood by the window, watching as the obscurity faded and the world outside returned to normal. The celestial phenomenon, which had felt so significant just hours earlier, now seemed like nothing more than a fleeting event—a brief moment of darkness before the light inevitably returned.
Underneath the glow of the moonlight, Chenle and Jisung waited near their car. They lingered by the curb, their faces relaxed, but their conversation was light and casual.
Daeun and Soyul exited the house shortly after, joined by Renjun and Chinsun. They strolled down the steps, their chatter warm and friendly. Daeun raised an eyebrow at Jisung, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “So, who’s this handsome guy, huh?” he asked.
Chinsun followed up, her curiosity piqued. “Where have you been hiding him, Chenle?”
Chenle stole a quick glance at Jisung before responding smoothly “Oh, we’re just really close friends. Same department and all that. You know how it is.”
The others nodded, the explanation seemingly enough, and the group shifted into easy conversation. Laughter bubbled up as Jaemin and Jeno joined them, their arms casually draped over their girlfriends. Jeno playfully nudged Chenle with a grin. “Something’s fishy. Is there something going on between you two? Chenle, are you hiding something?”
“Me?” Chenle asked, feigning mock indignation as he stole another glance at Jisung. “Never.”
Everyone laughed, the tension of the evening evaporating into the cool night air. When Haechan finally emerged from the house, Chinsun turned to him with a radiant smile, her hand waving him over. “Come on, baby! We’re all waiting for you!”
Haechan jogged down the steps, his face lighting up as he reached her, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek. “What’d I miss?” he asked, slipping an arm around her waist.
“Nothing important” she replied with a grin.
Chenle jingled his car keys. “Alright, I guess this is where we part ways. See you all next time?”
A chorus of agreements followed, and the group exchanged playful goodbyes.
Haechan stopped in his tracks, turning to call out, “Jaemin! Don’t forget about the basketball game next weekend. We’ve got space if you can keep up.”
Jaemin smirked, raising an eyebrow. “Keep up? I’m ready to destroy you.”
“I’d like to see you try” Haechan shot back with a grin, before returning to Chinsun’s side.
The group dispersed, heading to their cars or walking down the street under the soft glow of the moonlight, as though nothing had shifted in the delicate balance of their friendships.
Back at the house, Mark and Yunhee were finishing up. The table was cleared, the wine glasses washed and left to dry. Mark wiped his hands on a towel as Yunhee sat on the edge of the bed, taking off her jewels.
“Long night” she said, her voice light.
Mark nodded, leaning against the doorway of their bedroom. “Yeah. You know, I’m glad we didn’t play that game tonight” he said, his tone measured.
Yunhee glanced at him, her brow furrowing slightly. “Why? What’s so bad about a silly game?”
Mark sighed, crossing his arms. “Sometimes it’s better not to know everything. People have their secrets, and maybe they need to stay secrets. Not because they’re trying to hurt anyone, but because knowing them wouldn’t help anything. It would just… ruin things.”
Yunhee considered this for a moment, nodding slowly. “I guess you’re right. But honestly, I don’t even have anything to hide” she said with a small smile as she placed her earrings on the nightstand, right next to her phone.
Mark’s eyes lingered on her for a moment, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Those earrings are beautiful, by the way” he said softly.
Yunhee chuckled, sliding under the covers. “Thanks, they’re my favorite.”
Mark reached over to turn off the bedside lamp. “Goodnight,” he murmured as the room plunged into darkness.
Outside, the moon shone brightly, its light spilling into the quiet streets below. The obscurity had passed, but its lingering shadows remained, woven subtly into the hearts of those who had gathered that night. Though the light had returned, it seemed that not everything could go back to normal. And yet, life went on, as it always does, under the moon’s watchful gaze.
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