When they got off the flight, they took a cab straight to the stadium. Han sat silently, his leg bouncing restlessly, eyes darting outside the window.
Chaewon could feel the tension radiating from him, a tight coil he couldn't reach.
At the stadium, Jun rushed over and handed Han his jersey. "Get ready quickly," he urged.
Han nodded and headed to the locker room. Chaewon followed quietly, trailing behind him.
When he emerged in the jersey, Chaewon's heart skipped a beat. He looked strong, yet fragile, as if sheer will alone was keeping him upright.
"Hyung," Chaewon said gently, "are you alright? Nervous about the match… or is it something else? You can tell me. Remember what I said—you can share anything with me."
Han met his gaze for a long moment, then forced a faint smile.
"It's nothing. I'm just… worried about the match."
Chaewon frowned. "Hyung, you can't lie. I can see it on your face. But if you're not ready to talk, that's fine. I'll wait."
His eyes softened. For a moment, he couldn't speak. Then, taking a deep breath, he pulled Chaewon into a tight hug.
Chaewon froze, then wrapped his arms around him just as tightly.
"Hyung…" he whispered.
Han's voice trembled. "If something ever happens again, don't blame yourself. Even if it was your fault. Forgive yourself. Move on… because you only have one life. You don't deserve to carry all this guilt. Promise me you'll live freely, okay?"
Chaewon's chest tightened. "Don't talk like that… it feels like you're going somewhere far."
Han smiled weakly and stepped back. "I'll see you after the match." Then he turned and walked away before Chaewan could say anything.
---
The game began.
The crowd roared, the air buzzing with tension. Han moved like fire—every pass, every strike precise. His team flowed as one, and with the final shot, the ball swished clean through the net.
They won.
The stadium erupted. Jun ran to hug him, teammates shouted his name, and Han finally smiled—a real, bright smile. For a moment, it felt like everything had been worth it.
But as he bent to drink water, he noticed three men in black suits approaching. The smile faded.
One spoke coldly. "Mr. Joon Jihan, you need to come with us."
Han froze but didn't argue. "Alright… just bring my things."
One man grabbed his arm roughly.
"Sir, we've already sent someone. Please come."
Han sighed. "Okay. Let's go."
They started toward the exit.
Suddenly, a voice shouted behind them.
"HYUNG!"
Chaewon came running, grabbing one of the men by the collar. "Where are you taking him?!"
The man shoved him back, but Chaewon punched him squarely in the face. The others lunged, beating him brutally.
"Stop!" Han shouted, running forward. He tried to pull them apart, but one pushed him hard, sending him stumbling.
"Stop! I said—STOP!"
Finally, they backed off.
Han knelt beside Chaewon, voice trembling. "Are you okay?"
Chaewon nodded weakly, blood on his lip. "Hyung… are they kidnapping you?"
Han forced a small smile. "No, no—they're just taking me home. Don't worry. Go home with Jun."
One of the men grabbed his arm again.
"Let's go, sir."
Han snapped. "Leave my arm! I can walk myself!"
The guard ignored him.
His voice sharpened, cold and unyielding. "I said, leave it—fucking now!"
The man released him immediately. Han straightened his shirt, walked to the car, and got in on his own.
Chaewon remained on the ground, staring after him, terrified.
He glanced out the window, their eyes meeting one last time. He mouthed silently: Take care.
Then the car drove off.
Inside, silence reigned.
Han's hands trembled on his knees. His breathing was shallow, chest tight, heart pounding so loud he could barely hear it.
He tried to steady himself, but fear clawed deeper. The thought echoed relentlessly:
Maybe this really is the end.