PHOENIX

Hyunwoo

The small dorm kitchen was filled with the aroma of a simple, home-cooked meal as Minjun carefully prepared dinner.

It had become his routine—balancing training with taking care of Evara and now one more. He was meticulous, making sure everything was just right. Tonight, he was especially mindful, knowing it was Hyunwoo's first night with them.

He wanted to make a good impression.

In the hall, Hyunwoo was busy unpacking his belongings, methodically placing each item in its designated spot. He didn't seem to be in any rush, his movements deliberate and precise, much like the person himself.

Meanwhile, Evara was out on the balcony, her nose buried in one of Minjun's books.

She had a habit of borrowing them without asking, though Minjun didn't mind. He found it endearing in a way, despite the fact that she never asked for permission.

She was engrossed in the pages, blocking out the world around her, which suited her just fine.

"Dinner's ready!" Minjun called from the kitchen, his voice breaking through the silence.

One by one, they gathered around the small table.

Minjun set down the dishes, the clatter of chopsticks and plates the only sound in the room. It was an awkward silence, the kind that made the air feel heavy.

No one seemed willing to break it—until Hyunwoo did.

He picked up his chopsticks, but instead of eating, he pointed them directly at Evara, his expression unreadable.

"So, what's the need for a 10-year-old in the group?" His tone was casual, as if he were merely making an observation, but there was an edge to it.

Evara's head snapped up, her eyes narrowing into a glare. "Bitch, I'm 13," she shot back, her voice dripping with venom.

Minjun, who had just taken a seat, closed his eyes and facepalmed.

Evara's manners—or lack thereof—were going to be the death of him.

He had tried, really tried, to teach her some basic etiquette, but she was as stubborn as they came.

Hyunwoo didn't seem fazed by her harsh words. In fact, he almost seemed amused. "Thirteen, huh?" he said, his voice cool and detached. "Still too young to be here, if you ask me."

Evara slammed her chopsticks down on the table, the sound echoing in the small room. "Well, no one asked you," she snapped. "Why don't you keep your opinions to yourself, Pale Ghost?"

Minjun cringed inwardly. He knew Evara could be fierce, but this was escalating faster than he'd anticipated.

Hyunwoo raised an eyebrow, unfazed by her insult. "Pale Ghost? Is that the best you can come up with?"

Evara leaned forward, her purple-silver eyes blazing with anger. "I've got a lot more where that came from, so unless you want to hear it all, I suggest you shut up."

Hyunwoo's gaze turned icy, his calm demeanor slipping just a fraction. "You really think you belong here? You can't even handle a simple conversation without throwing a tantrum."

Evara clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "Oh, I belong here, alright. More than you do, you arrogant ass."

Minjun intervened, sensing that things were about to spiral out of control. "Guys, can we just eat? We're all tired, and this isn't helping anyone."

But neither Evara nor Hyunwoo seemed to hear him. They were locked in a battle of wills, neither willing to back down.

Hyunwoo's voice took on a sharper tone. "You're just a kid who thinks she's tough because she can curse and throw insults. But this is a group, not some playground. You're going to have to grow up if you want to keep up."