Hanbin stepped closer, put an arm around Han, and laughed. "He truly is our fan." He side-hugged him warmly, shaking him playfully. The whole room burst into laughter.
Except Seungmin. Still seated, his expression darkened at the sight of Hanbin's arm around Han. He rose slowly, bowed politely to the group, and said, "Thank you all for coming and taking time from your busy routines. I truly appreciate it. Let me be your host for tonight."
Then, without a word, he touched Hanbin's arm and carefully lowered it from Han's waist. With steady authority, he wrapped his own arm around Han and guided him back into his seat.
Everyone noticed the tension, but no one spoke. Only mark laughed quietly, amused.
Chaewon, however, kept staring, his eyes hollow and sad. By misfortune, he ended up seated directly in front of them.
Hanbin, sensing the awkwardness, quickly stood. "Should we introduce ourselves one by one?"
Han clapped his hands together eagerly. "Can you guys do a group introduction?" He paused, realizing he might have asked too much. "Oh—I'm sorry, maybe that's too much to ask…"
Hanbin smiled, resting a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "No, no. Let's do it. It's been a long time. It'll bring back memories."
At Seungmin's sharp gaze toward his hand, hanbin pulled it back quickly.
The members stood together, their voices in sync.
"Hello everyone, we are—"
"Hope for the next that will be best, we are Nexon!"
Han grabbed Seungmin's arm, shaking it hard with excitement. He leaned into him, tears in his eyes. "I can't believe I'm watching this live… this is like a dream come true."
The others laughed, touched by his sincerity.
Seungmin called for drinks, serving them himself.
"Man, you don't need to do this," jiwoong said.
But Han smiled proudly. "Hyung is a mannered boy. He won't listen to you."
Even so, jiwoong shook his head. "Still, it feels too much."
When Seungmin poured drinks, he deliberately placed water in Han's glass. Chaewon noticed and sighed quietly to himself. He really does know everything about him.
Han began speaking, his energy filling the room. He talked about each member—their dancing, their voices, their raps, their quirks—and how many photocards he had of them. But not once did he mention Chaewon.
Seungmin watched him the whole time, eyes soft with admiration.
The members smiled warmly. "We really wanted to meet you again, Han. We're so happy to see you."
Winner added, "Han is really adorable."
The room filled with laughter and light conversation—except for Chaewon, who stayed quiet, smiling only to mask the heaviness inside.
Mark raised his glass. "Thank you, Seungmin. It feels good to laugh again. I haven't had this much fun in a long time."
Seungmin called for food. Soon dishes filled the table, carefully chosen to match each member's tastes.
"From Han, I know a lot about you," Seungmin said. "So these are your favorite dishes. And for anyone dieting—I ordered light meals as well."
Hanbin clapped, standing to cheer with him. "Thank you, Seungmin, for arranging this."
They ate until full, talking and laughing.
Suddenly, Han's phone rang. He excused himself, stepped out, and answered. When he returned, he bowed apologetically.