PHOENIX

Rain

From that day onward, the dynamic between Evara and Hyunwoo shifted in ways no one could have anticipated. 

What began as an uneasy truce evolved into a bond that surprised everyone in the dorm, especially Minjun.

 The once palpable tension between them dissipated, replaced by a sense of camaraderie that was as natural as it was unexpected.

Hyunwoo had found a confidante in Evara, someone who could understand the complexities of his life in ways no one else could.

 They started spending hours together, exchanging stories, sharing their cultures, and exploring the depths of their minds. Hyunwoo, who had always kept to himself, found that he enjoyed teaching Evara the finer points of vocal techniques, the way to hit the perfect note, and how to channel emotion into every lyric.

Evara, in turn, taught him the intricacies of rap and dance, pushing him out of his comfort zone. "It's all about the rhythm," she would say, demonstrating a quick series of steps, her body moving fluidly to an imaginary beat. "Feel it in your bones, Hyung. Don't just follow the steps—become the music."

Hyunwoo would watch her, sometimes in awe, as she effortlessly mixed her powerful rap with intricate dance moves. 

And when it was his turn, he stumbled at first, but with her patience and encouragement, he started to get the hang of it. The way she broke down each move, the way she explained the importance of breath control and timing, it all started to click.

Seojun noticed the change first, grinning whenever he saw the two of them together. He'd nudge Minjun and whisper, "Hyung, look at them. They're like best friends now! Who would've thought?"

But Minjun wasn't as quick to accept the change.

 It was baffling to him—one moment, Evara and Hyunwoo were at each other's throats, and now, they were practically inseparable.

 He couldn't wrap his mind around it.

 The two people who had once been so cold and distant were now laughing together, their heads bent close as they whispered about something that probably only they understood.

One morning, Minjun walked into the kitchen, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and froze at the sight before him.

 Hyunwoo, the stoic and reserved hyung, was standing at the stove, flipping pancakes with an ease that Minjun had never seen before.

 Next to him, Evara was sitting on counter, chatting animatedly about some new dance routine she wanted to try. 

They were both smiling, relaxed, completely at ease with each other.

"What in the world...?" Minjun muttered under his breath, still not fully believing his eyes.

Seojun, who had just woken up, joined him, a wide grin spreading across his face as he took in the scene. "Hyung, you're not dreaming," he teased, clapping Minjun on the back. "They're actually getting along. And look—Hyunwoo hyung helping in the kitchen! Did you know he could cook like that?"

Minjun shook his head slowly, still in shock. "No... I didn't."

"Good morning, Hyung!" Evara greeted, looking up from her chatter and flashing him a bright smile. "Want some breakfast? Hyunwoo hyung made pancakes."

Minjun blinked, trying to adjust to this new reality. "Uh... sure," he replied, his voice uncertain.

Hyunwoo turned and nodded to Minjun, his expression neutral but not unfriendly. "Morning," he said, flipping another pancake onto a plate. "Sit down. We're almost done here."