The restaurant buzzes with conversation, its warm lighting and cozy decor creating a lively atmosphere that perfectly matches the energy of Hanbin's friends gathered around the table. It's a popular spot just off campus, a favorite for student groups looking for a place to unwind after a long day of classes. Tonight, Hanbin's joined by his usual group, his dance crew, and a few friends they'd collected over the years.
As they settle in, laughter fills the air, each of them trading stories, complaints, and the latest campus gossip. Across from Hanbin sits Jeremy, his closest friend since freshman year and a constant source of entertainment. Hanbin had met Jeremy on the first day of college, when they both got lost trying to find their orientation hall. From that day on, they'd been inseparable—Jeremy, with his endless confidence and a wild streak that matched Hanbin's own, was the perfect partner in crime.
A couple of the girls in their group, Chaeyoung and Soyeon, lean toward Hanbin with wide, mischievous grins, clearly waiting for him to spill the latest details about his love life. Chaeyoung, always the gossip queen, tilts her head, batting her lashes. "So, Hanbin, tell us—who's the lucky one this week?"
Hanbin smirks, leaning back in his chair as he glances at them, feigning reluctance. "Why do you all think I'm always up to something?"
"Oh, please," Soyeon interjects with a laugh, rolling her eyes. "Because you're never not up to something. Spill it. Who's the latest?"
Hanbin chuckles, enjoying the attention. "Just some blonde guy from Tinder," he says nonchalantly, though he leaves out any mention of Haneul. "Nothing serious. Fun night, that's all."
The girls exchange glances, giggling as they continue their gentle interrogation. "Did he even make it to breakfast?" Chaeyoung teases, nudging him with her elbow.
"Barely," Hanbin replies with a grin. "Made him pancakes, though. I'm not totally heartless."
Jeremy laughs, taking a sip of his drink. "Wow, so you're a gentleman now? That's a new one."
"You know me," Hanbin shrugs, adopting a mock serious tone. "Always aiming to be a class act."
Jeremy smirks, leaning forward, his expression turning more curious. "So, why don't I ever see you around anymore? It's like you're a ghost these days. We need to go out soon, hit the clubs—like old times." He raises his glass in mock toast, adding, "And by the way, this little 'mystery guy' act isn't fooling anyone. I bet you've got something interesting up your sleeve."
"Hey, I'm here now, aren't I?" Hanbin raises an eyebrow, gesturing to the lively scene around them. "But you're right. It's been too long since we've gone out properly. We'll fix that soon."
"Better," Jeremy says, grinning in approval. "And when we do, don't even think about ghosting us. It's not a party if Hanbin's not making a scene."
Everyone laughs, and Hanbin shrugs, chuckling along, but his mind is already drifting back to Haneul. Without overthinking it, he pulls out his phone, scrolling to Haneul's photo, one he'd found on his social media. He shows it to Jeremy, his expression a mix of pride and intrigue.
"Actually, there's this guy," he says casually, watching Jeremy's reaction carefully.
Jeremy's eyes widen as he takes in the photo. "Holy—Hanbin, who is this? He's gorgeous." Jeremy leans closer to get a better look, eyebrows raised. "Definitely your type—pretty, serious-looking. So… what's the story? You two hook up already?"
Hanbin laughs, shaking his head. "Not yet."
Jeremy's expression turns to one of exaggerated shock, a hand over his chest. "Wait, not yet? Since when does Hanbin Park chase after someone instead of the other way around?"
"What can I say?" Hanbin shrugs, a smirk tugging at his lips. "He's a special hookup."
At this, the girls break into a fresh wave of giggles, their expressions full of intrigue. Chaeyoung leans forward, eyes sparkling. "Special? That's a first."
Jeremy grins, nudging him with his shoulder. "Well, special is one way to put it. But seriously, who is this guy?"
"He's Jihoon's new tutor," Hanbin explains, his tone half-playful, half-serious. "Met him three days ago, and he's… I don't know, something else. All calm and collected, barely even looked at me twice."
"So he's playing hard to get?" Jeremy raises an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Now I get it. You're hooked because he's not falling at your feet like the rest of them."
Hanbin rolls his eyes, trying to keep his tone casual. "Maybe. Or maybe he's just really good-looking."
Chaeyoung laughs, leaning in closer. "So, what's your plan? You're not exactly known for sticking around after the chase."
"Oh, please." Hanbin waves her off with a grin. "Give me some credit. I'm not that predictable."
"Sure," Soyeon says, smirking. "Predictable or not, you're definitely intrigued."
Jeremy gives him a look that's equal parts amusement and challenge. "So, when's round two? You can't leave a guy like that hanging for too long, you know. Or are you planning on just admiring him from afar?"
Hanbin chuckles, pocketing his phone. "Trust me, I'm not done with him yet. I might run into him around campus again. You know, accidentally on purpose."
The group erupts in laughter, each of them well aware that Hanbin's idea of "accidentally" bumping into someone was anything but. Jeremy claps him on the back, his grin mischievous.
"Well, when you finally make a move, you better let us know," Jeremy says, raising his glass again. "And don't even think about ghosting us. We're living vicariously through you."
Hanbin rolls his eyes, lifting his own glass to clink it against Jeremy's. "Fine, you'll be the first to know. But don't hold your breath—it might take some time."