The night wore on laughter slowly faded voices softened.
One by one, the group began to leave.
Haesung stood first, gently pulling Seungho up with him.
"We'll head out first," he said.
Seungho didn't argue, leaning slightly into him. "Take care, everyone." The others teased lightly, waving them off.
Not long after, more people left until only a few remained.
And then just two. Aran and Minjae.
Aran was completely drunk his cheeks were flushed a deep red, his head resting on the table, breathing slow and uneven.
"…Aran," Minjae called softly.
No response. He sighed lightly, a faint smile forming.
"Let's go home."
It took a few tries a few gentle nudges.
But eventually Minjae stood up, moving closer carefully he lifted Aran, supporting his weight against him, Aran barely reacted, too lost in his drunken state.
Outside, the night air was cool and quiet. Minjae guided him into the car, helping him sit properly, Aran mumbled something incoherent Minjae chuckled softly.
"…You really can't handle alcohol."
He reached over, pulling the seatbelt across Aran adjusting it carefully.
And then.. Aran's eyes opened. For a moment everything was stilled.
Their faces were close too close.
Sober Aran blinked slowly, his gaze unfocused at first then it settled on Minjae.
Minjae paused, caught.
Then he cleared his throat slightly, breaking the moment.
"I was helping you with the seatbelt."
Aran didn't speak he just nodded slowly still looking at him.
Minjae pulled back gently closed the door.
The drive was quiet and soft.
Aran leaned against the window, eyes half-closed.
Minjae drove steadily, his gaze occasionally flickering toward him then back to the road.
When they arrived at the dorm, Minjae stepped out and helped Aran again supporting him as they walked toward the entrance.
"…Thank you," Aran murmured softly. Minjae didn't reply immediately he just watched him.
Aran slowly pulled away, turning toward the door.
About to go in... "Do you still hate me?"
Aran froze his hand hovering near the door.
That moment in the car that look,It flashed through his mind.
He didn't answer. "…Go," he said quietly.
Minjae stood there for a second then nodded slightly. "…Goodnight."
Aran stepped inside the door closed behind him.
And outside Minjae remained still for a moment looking at that door, then he let out a quiet breath.
A faint smile touching his lips. "…You don't".
The door clicked softly as Aran stepped into the room everything was quiet, lights were dim.
Taehyun was already fast asleep, sprawled across his bed, breathing deeply without a care in the world.
Aran paused for a moment, glancing at him.
"…Lucky you," he muttered under his breath.
Carefully, he closed the door behind him, making sure not to make any noise.
He moved slowly across the room, dropping his bag gently.
His steps were unsteady not just from the alcohol but from something else he couldn't quite name.
He sat on his bed then laid back staring at the ceiling.
Silence filled the space but his mind wasn't quiet.
That moment in the car came back.
Minjae's face, his eyes. The way he had looked at him.
Aran frowned slightly, shifting on the bed.
"…Why am I even thinking about this?"
He let out a soft breath, turning to his side trying to ignore it,
trying to sleep.
But the memory lingered, that silence,that closeness that look.
"…Tch." He pulled the blanket slightly over himself, closing his eyes.
Minutes passed, the room remained still and eventually the thoughts faded his breathing softened and Aran drifted off to sleep.
But even in his sleep that moment stayed....
Morning came quietly but not for long.
"Aran… wake up." Taehyun's voice broke through the silence as he shook him lightly.
Aran groaned, turning to the other side.
"My head…" he muttered.
Taehyun blinked. "That bad?"
Aran slowly sat up, holding his head. "Yeah…"
"How did you get home yesterday" Taehyun asked
Then.. Memories flashed, the car moment
"…Minjae…"
Taehyun leaned closer. "What?"
Aran suddenly stood up. "Minjae sunbae dropped me off," he said quickly, then rushed straight into the bathroom. The door shut.
Taehyun stood there, confused.
"…Wait." He blinked.
"Minjae… of all people?"
Minutes later, Aran came out, already dressed.
Looking normal again.
Taehyun crossed his arms. "So," he said slowly, "explain."
Aran grabbed his bag. "There's nothing to explain."
Taehyun narrowed his eyes. "How did Minjae sunbae end up dropping you off?"
No response. Aran walked past him.
"Ohhh," Taehyun smirked. "You're hiding something."
"I'm not."
"You are."
"I'm not."
Taehyun suddenly lunged forward and started tickling him.
"Hey!" Aran burst out, laughing despite himself. "Stop...!"
"Tell me first!" Taehyun laughed.
" Ai shiaaa!"
Aran tried to push him away, laughing helplessly.
"Taehyun!"
Then..silence both of them froze.
Because someone was standing at the entrance, Minjae.
Taehyun immediately let go and straightened.
"Minjae sunbae!" he bowed quickly. "Good morning!"
Aran stiffened, slowly turning.
Minjae stepped in slightly, holding out a small container.
"Here," he said calmly. "Hangover soup."
His eyes rested on Aran."You were really drunk yesterday."
Aran blinked. "…No thanks."
Before he could say anything else...smack.
Taehyun hit his back lightly."Take it!" he whispered aggressively.
Aran shot him a look then reluctantly he took it.
"…Thanks."
Minjae nodded slightly then glanced between them.
"I can give you a ride to school."
Taehyun's face lit up instantly."Yes, please!"
Aran sighed quietly, shaking his head but he didn't refuse.
A few minutes later they were in the car.
The ride was quiet and Taehyun was excited.
Aran was… not saying anything.
Minjae drove calmly.
When they arrived at the school park, the car stopped.
Taehyun got out first. "Thank you, sunbae!" he said brightly.
Aran stepped out after him but didn't say anything.
He just walked away.
Taehyun quickly caught up, throwing an arm around his shoulder.
"So…" he said with a grin, "tell me how you met the almighty Minjae."
Aran clicked his tongue. "…Almighty alaiwah."
Taehyun blinked. "There you go again with your Thai slang."
Aran smirked slightly.
Suddenly..."Hey!" They turned.
Jaekyung came running toward them, slightly out of breath.
Taehyun laughed. "Are you running a race?"
Jaekyung bent slightly, catching his breath. "No I just saw you guys." Then he looked between them.
"I saw you getting out of Minjae sunbae's car…"
His eyes widened slightly."Are you guys close now?"
Before Aran could answer, Taehyun spoke.
"My friend here is getting popular," he said proudly. "Connections everywhere."Aran immediately hit his head.
"Hey!"
"Ai khwaai," Aran muttered, Taehyun froze.
"That word again!" He grabbed Aran around the neck playfully.
"Tell me what it means!"
"Stop!" Aran laughed, trying to push him away. "Let go!"
Jaekyung laughed beside them. The three of them continued walking laughing messing around.
But behind them acertain car was still parked.
And inside it Minjae watched quietly.
A faint smile forming on his lips.
Because things were changing and Aran?
Was right at the center of it.....