The afternoon sun hung high over the field. A group of students gathered, murmuring among themselves as a senior stood in front, addressing them.
"For those interested in joining the football team," he said loudly, "this is your chance. Show us what you've got."
At the back.. Taehyun and Jaekyung stood side by side, eyes shining with excitement.
"I'm definitely joining," Taehyun whispered.
"Same," Jaekyung nodded.
Beside them, Aran looked completely uninterested.
"I'm not."
Both of them turned to him immediately.
"What?" Taehyun frowned. "Why not?"
"I just don't want to," Aran replied calmly.
Jaekyung nudged him. "Come on, at least try."
"No."
Taehyun clasped his hands dramatically. "Please?"
Aran shook his head. "I'll just wait for you guys."
"That's boring," Taehyun complained.
"I'll cheer for you," Aran added simply.
A pause. Jaekyung sighed. "Fine."
Taehyun pointed at him. "You better cheer loudly."
Aran gave a small nod. "I will."
"Alright," a familiar voice cut through.
Minjae, He stood in front now, effortlessly drawing everyone's attention. "Follow me to the field."
The group moved together, energy building as they stepped onto the wide football pitch.
Students were already there stretching, warming up, kicking balls around the atmosphere was alive and exciting.
"Go change," Minjae instructed.
Taehyun and Jaekyung didn't hesitate.
"Let's go!" Taehyun grabbed Jaekyung, dragging him along.
Soon they disappeared into the changing area.
Aran stayed behind standing alone.
Minjae's gaze shifted landed on him.
"Aren't you changing?" he asked, walking closer.
Aran didn't move. "No."
"Why?"
"I'm not playing football."
Minjae stopped right in front of him too close.
"…Is it because of me?" he asked quietly.
Aran's brows furrowed immediately.
"Don't get ahead of yourself," he replied, his tone sharp.
Then he hissed softly under his breath.
Minjae watched him for a second, then a faint smile appeared.
"Suit yourself." He turned and walked toward the field.
A few minutes later, Taehyun and Jaekyung came running out in sportswear, full of energy.
"Aran!" Taehyun called. "Watch me!"
"I will," Aran replied, already heading to the bench.
He sat down, arms resting casually as he watched them join the others.
The game began, shouts. movement and laughter.
"Pass!"
"Here!"
"Nice!"
Aran found himself smiling slightly as he watched his friends.
"Not bad," he muttered.
"Hey." A voice suddenly came from beside him.
Aran turned Jeha stood there, slightly out of breath, sweat running down his face he grabbed a bottle of water, drinking quickly then his eyes shifted to Aran studying him.
"So you're the one," he said.
Aran blinked. "…Excuse me?"
Jeha didn't answer he simply stared for a second longer then turned and ran back onto the field.
Aran frowned slightly, confused. "…What was that?"
Out on the field Minjae glanced briefly toward the bench, toward him.
And for some reason that small moment didn't feel random at all
The practice finally came to an end the field slowly calmed as students began leaving, some laughing, others completely exhausted. Aran remained on the bench, watching quietly.
Then...."Arannn!"
Taehyun's voice echoed as he and Jaekyung came running toward him both of them looked completely drained.
Panting and Sweaty, barely standing straight.
"Water…" Taehyun gestured dramatically, his voice weak.
"Please…" Jaekyung added, equally exhausted.
Aran shook his head slightly but handed them bottles of water. "Here."
They grabbed them immediately, drinking like they hadn't seen water in days.
"Ahh…" Taehyun sighed in relief.
Jaekyung wiped his mouth. "That was intense."
Aran reached into his bag again and tossed them towels.
"Use this."
They wiped their faces, still catching their breath.
Aran watched them for a second then clicked his tongue.
"Tsk."
They both looked at him.
"You smell," he said bluntly. "Go freshen up."
"Wow," Taehyun said, offended. "No appreciation?"
"None," Aran replied calmly.
Jaekyung laughed. "He's right though."
Taehyun sighed. "Fine. Let's go."
The two of them stood up and slowly made their way back toward the changing area
A few minutes passed the field was quieter now.
"Are you going home now?"Aran looked up.
Minjae stood in front of him again calm like he had nowhere else to be.
"No," Aran replied. "Why?"
Minjae shrugged slightly. "Just asking."
A small pause...then
"The Great Minds are meeting tonight," he added. "At On Dot Bar."
Aran's expression didn't change. "So?"
Minjae tilted his head slightly. "Should we go together?"
Aran almost scoffed. "I'm not interested."
He stood up slightly, ready to leave the conversation.
But.."You have to be."
Aran paused.
Minjae's tone wasn't forceful. But it was certain.
"It's not just any get-together," he continued. "It's part of the group."
A small silence settled between them.
Then Minjae stepped back slightly. "See you there."
And just like that he turned behind him was Jeha was standing, arms crossed, watching everything with a knowing smile.
Aran looked between them confused."…What is wrong with these people?"
He exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair.
Taehyun and Jaekyung came out shortly after and they all went home...
Night had fully settled by the time Aran arrived.
The bar glowed under soft neon lights, music spilling out as people moved in and out Aran stopped at the entrance.
Looking around slightly unsure.
"…Where exactly am I supposed to go?" He hesitated for a moment then stepped inside.
The atmosphere hit him instantly laughter music, conversations layered over each other.
He scanned the room then spotted a familiar face.
A senior waving at him. "Aran! Over here!"
Aran nodded and made his way toward the table.
He sat down quietly, adjusting himself as he glanced around.
A few members were already there talking laughing.
Acting… very comfortable.
Then a presence beside him. Minjae he had just arrived.
Without a word, he pulled out the chair next to Aran and sat down, close like it was natural.
Aran stiffened slightly but said nothing.
Minjae casually reached for a bottle, pouring drinks into two glasses. He placed one in front of Aran.
Aran glanced at it but didn't touch it yet.
Across the table, a couple sat close together, whispering and laughing softly. A little too close, too comfortable.
Seungho, the president, suddenly sighed dramatically.
"Oho… can you two stop acting like you're the only couple here?" he muttered. "Have some pity on us singles."
Laughter broke out. One of them turned immediately.
"Liar," they said. "Your boyfriend is right beside you."
Without missing a beat Seungho grabbed the arm of the guy next to him and pulled him closer.
"You're so handsome today," he said smoothly. The table burst into laughter again.
Aran blinked once,twice, clearly confused.
Seungho noticed immediately.
"Oh Aran," he said, smiling. "Let me explain."
Aran looked at him.
"We have two couples in this group," Seungho continued. "Bora and Dongwook…"He gestured toward the first pair.
"And me and Haesung my very handsome boyfriend."
Haesung just smiled calmly beside him.
Aran nodded slowly. "…Oh."
But his expression still held confusion. Boyfriend…?
He looked at them again then away trying to process it.
Beside him Minjae leaned slightly closer, close enough for only him to hear.
"You can drink all you want," he said quietly. "I'll drive you home."
Aran turned his head slightly. "…No."
Minjae raised a brow. "No?"
"I can handle myself," Aran replied.
A small pause then Minjae smiled. "Suit yourself."
Aran looked away again but this time his expression wasn't as firm as before.
Because somehow this night already felt different.
And Minjae? Wasn't making it easier.