TANTIANA UNIVERSITY | SCARLET LIGHTS

CHAPTER 27: DOMESTIC CHAOS

The lunch table buzzed with casual conversation, though every so often, subtle glances darted toward the pair sitting together—Donghyuck and Gayoon. The shift in their dynamic had left their friends and cousins in a mix of amazement and disbelief.

For Ryujin and Yuna, it wasn't as shocking anymore, especially after witnessing yesterday's events. The sight of Donghyuck publicly displaying affection for his soulmate was still fresh, but they'd begun to accept it as the new normal.

Mark and Jeno, on the other hand, were visibly struggling to process the scene before them.

"Dude," Jeno muttered to Mark, leaning in slightly. "Is this real? Are we actually watching Lee Donghyuck—serial heartbreaker, master deflector—act like a doting boyfriend?"

Mark shrugged, his fork pausing mid-air. "I mean... character development, right? But yeah, it's weird. A good weird."

The two shared a look before sighing in unison and resuming their meals. Their expressions mirrored the unspoken understanding that while they were proud of Donghyuck, adjusting to this new version of him would take some time.

Yuna, breaking the table's reflective mood, glanced at her phone and announced, "Dad's birthday dinner is set. We're all expected to come."

"I have assignments to finish," Ryujin grumbled, poking at her food with little enthusiasm.

"Is it the calculus one?" Mark asked, already fishing through his bag. "You can borrow mine."

Ryujin's face lit up as if Mark had just handed her a golden ticket. "You are a lifesaver! May your soulmate bring you eternal happiness."

Amidst the chatter, Gayoon spoke up, "I was planning to head to Hyuck's after this and spend some time with his sister."

Jeno smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Look at you two, all domestic now. Who are you, and what have you done to my cousin?"

Mark chuckled, adding, "Good luck surviving Yizhuo. She's like a megaphone with unlimited battery life."

"Wait," Jeno interjected. "How did you two even meet?"

Donghyuck rolled his eyes. "Long story." He then turned to Gayoon, his tone softening. "But it's fine if we'll call a rain check. I'll let her know you have family plans later."

Gayoon hesitated. "I think she'll be disappointed. She seemed so excited earlier."

"Why don't you stay for a bit, then head to the family house by eight?" Yuna suggested.

Donghyuck nodded. "That works. I'll drive you there."

"Wouldn't that be a hassle?" Gayoon asked. "I can just book a cab."

"No can do," Donghyuck said firmly, flashing a small, warning smile.

With no room to argue, Gayoon relented, and the group dispersed after lunch, heading off to their respective classes.

5:30 PM

After picking up ingredients for cookies (a request from Yizhuo), Donghyuck and Gayoon made their way to his unit. The mood between them was light, filled with Donghyuck's anecdotes about his younger sister.