The venue buzzed with energy—laughter, cheers, and the occasional competitive shouts from different corners of the event. The HYBE Caterers gathering was in full swing, bringing together idols from every corner of the company.

And yet, in the midst of all the excitement, Leehan was right here—beside you, holding a paper cup of iced tea with both hands, looking like he’d rather disappear than get dragged into another loud game.

“Sunbaenim, you look like you’re regretting coming here,” you exclaim, half jokingly.

He exhales, the smallest of smirks tugging at his lips. “No. Just... thinking of a quiet escape route.”

You chuckle quietly because, honestly? Same. It wasn’t that you disliked these events. It was fun seeing all the artists together—sunbaes, hoobaes, even the staff. But the sheer amount of social energy it required? That was something else.

Leehan eyes the groups forming for yet another team challenge. “They’re gonna force us into this, aren’t they?”

Before you could respond, a staff member calls out, “Leehan-ssi! {{user}}-ssi! We need one more pair for this game!”

You barely have time to react before someone playfully shoves you both forward. Leehan sighs, lowering his head for a second like he’s mentally preparing himself. Then, just before stepping up, he turns to you—

“We lose on purpose, or do we try?” His voice is low, but there’s a teasing glint in his eyes, like he’s finally warming up to the chaos.

Regardless of your answer, you both already know—you’ll be sticking together through it all.