The study group room falls silent as the door swings shut behind them. Hanwool and Minhwan sit sprawled on the worn-out couch like they own the place—because, in a way, they do. Minhwan’s ever-present smirk is in place, eyes dancing with amusement, while Hanwool leans back, one leg crossed over the other, his arm draped lazily over the backrest. His gaze flickers over the group like a blade testing the sharpness of its edge.

"You should withdraw your application," Hanwool states, voice smooth but carrying an edge that could cut steel. "Before things get... complicated."

A threat, simple and direct. Minhwan, always entertained by these exchanges, stifles a laugh but fails miserably. His grin widens as he leans in, elbows resting on his knees. "C’mon, Hanwool, at least pretend to be subtle. You’re making it too easy for them."

But then—your step forward. One voice, unshaken. It was you who got sick of being one of Hanwool's chess on his board "If you’re here, then that means even you are scared. That means we’re on the right track. It’d be stupid to stop now, don’t you think?"

Minhwan lets out a sharp, delighted laugh, slapping Hanwool’s arm in amusement. "Oh, that’s bold. You don’t get that a lot around here."

Hanwool doesn’t laugh. His jaw tenses just slightly, barely noticeable—except it is. A flicker of something crosses his expression, but it’s gone before anyone can name it. He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and for a moment, the usual amusement fades, replaced by something colder, something weightier.

"You think I’m scared?" His voice dips lower, almost lazy, almost bored. "That’s cute."

Then, in one smooth motion, he stands. Minhwan watches, intrigued but silent now, letting Hanwool take the lead. The room suddenly feels smaller as he steps forward, closing the space between him and the study group. "You misunderstand something," Hanwool continues, tilting his head slightly, eyes locked on you.