When Seungmin left the class, he went straight to his car. His hands gripped the wheel tight as he drove fast, as if the whole world behind him was chasing him. He didn't slow down until he reached the river.
He stopped, stepped out, and began walking slowly along the bank. He already knew Jihan would be there.
And he was.
Jihan sat on the ground, head down, tracing shapes into the dirt with his finger.
Seungmin walked closer, his steps steady, and lowered himself beside him.
Han didn't need to look. He already knew it was him—from the sound of his footsteps alone.
Quietly, Han leaned his head against his shoulder and closed his eyes.
Seungmin's chest ached at the weight of him. He wanted to comfort him, so he slowly reached for his hand and held it, closing his own eyes to let the river wind wash over him. For a while, it was peaceful—just the two of them, together.
Hours later, Han stirred awake. He was lying on Seungmin's thighs, a coat draped carefully over him.
"Ohh, you woke up," Seungmin said softly.
Han sat up, noticed the coat, and asked, "Aren't you cold?"
Seungmin smiled faintly. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes," Han answered with a smile.
Seungmin slowly reached out, brushing his hand across Han's face. "Hanna, I'm going to make it even better. I have a surprise for you."
Han's smile brightened. "What is it?"
"You will love it."
Han lay back down again, closing his eyes. "What can be better than this, us being here all alone…" He paused, smirked, then added, "Except for that bodyguard who is watching us from behind the tree."
Seungmin chuckled, then turned and gave the man a single look—dark, sharp. The bodyguard immediately ducked back, terrified.
"If you want to sleep more, you can," Seungcheol murmured. "When it's time to leave, I'll wake you up."
But Han shook his head quickly. "No, I don't want you to freeze in the cold. Let's go."
Seungmin took the keys from him and gave them to the bodyguard. "We'll leave together."
The two of them went to a hotel.
When they entered, Han's breath caught. His thoughts ran wild. A hotel? Just the two of us? His face grew hot, ears burning red. Under his breath, he whispered, "Finally."
For a moment, his imagination betrayed him—Seungmin pushing him against the wall, their breaths mixing, strong hands pulling him closer. Curtains drawn. The world outside gone. Only the two of them.
His heart raced with nervous excitement.
But then Seungmim's voice broke the moment.
"One room. Five hours."
Han's smile froze. His chest sank.
Five hours? Only five?
The dream in his head shattered like glass. It wasn't what he thought. No kisses, no closeness—just a room to get ready in.
He forced a smile, but inside he felt small, ashamed for even thinking that way.
Inside the room, two suits lay on the bed: a cream-colored one for Han —exactly his taste—and a black one for Seungmin, as always.
Han sighed. "So… the meeting?"
"Eight o'clock," Seungmin replied.
"So we have two hours to get ready."
"You go first. Take a bath. I'll wait."
Han nodded, showered, and came out in a robe. The moment Seungmin saw him, his eyes froze on him. Han caught the look, smirked, and walked over. He handed him a towel. "Dry my hair."
He bent down to sit in front of him, but Seungmin stopped him. "Don't sit down."
Instead, Seungmin pulled him onto the sofa, sat him there, and carefully began to dry his hair.Han watched him the whole time, smiling softly. And though Seungmin's face stayed serious, his eyes told the truth—how much he admired him.
When Han's hair was dry, he suddenly hugged Seungmin's waist tightly.
For a moment, Seungmin stayed still. His hand hovered over Han's back, then dropped weakly to his side. His shoulders seemed heavy, as if carrying something he couldn't say.
He gently pushed him back, then lowered his head onto Han's thigh. His voice came rough, low, but steady.
"Hanna, please never leave me. I only have you. You are the only person I have. I have no one else other than you. Please never leave me."
Han froze. His chest tightened—Seungmin never spoke like this. Never begged. It was as if the strong wall he always carried had cracked open just for him. He finally said that he needs han but is it too late.