closer | sung hanbin

11

It was nearly 1 a.m., and the once lively gathering at Ricky's house had begun to dwindle. Empty beer bottles, cans of soda, and snack wrappers littered the room, evidence of the chaotic and fun-filled night the group had shared. Laughter still echoed in the living room as Ricky and Gunwook recounted some ridiculous story, but the energy was winding down. Most of the group had settled into a comfortable buzz, exchanging inside jokes and funny stories from the past week.

But Yuna was far from her usual energetic self. The alcohol had hit her harder than expected, and she was now leaning heavily into Hanbin, her eyes drooping and her speech slurring. She giggled at almost everything, her usual poised self replaced by someone more carefree and open, a side of Yuna her friends rarely got to see.

"Hanbin..." Yuna drawled, looking up at him through half-lidded eyes. "You... you're so... nice...like, sooo nice." Her words were barely coherent, but the sentiment was clear. She snuggled against him, her hand gripping his shirt as if it were the only thing keeping her upright.

Hanbin chuckled softly, his arm wrapped around her to keep her steady. He wasn't drunk—he had made sure to stay sober for the night, knowing someone needed to be responsible. He watched her with amused eyes, but there was a hint of concern in his voice. "Alright, Yuna, I think it's time to call it a night."

She groaned in protest, shifting closer to him. "Don't wanna... I'm fine... just... a little tipsy," she mumbled, though the way she slurred her words and stumbled even while sitting told a different story.

Jiwoong, who was sitting nearby, glanced over with a grin. "Dude, I think she's done for the night. Better get her home before she passes out here."

"Yeah, no kidding," Hanbin replied with a light laugh, gently coaxing Yuna to sit up straighter. "Come on, let's get you up."

As he helped Yuna to her feet, she swayed, her legs like jelly, and immediately clung to Hanbin's side for support. "Why does everything... move so much?" she giggled, clearly not in control of her own body. Her words tumbled out in a string of drunken musings as she leaned her head against his shoulder, laughing at nothing in particular.

Hanbin, ever the patient one, just smiled and carefully guided her toward the door, pausing to grab her bag. "You're going to thank me tomorrow when you wake up sober," he teased lightly.

Yuna pouted, her grip tightening on his arm as they made their way outside. "Don't wanna go home alone... It's so boring," she muttered, blinking up at him with wide, glassy eyes. "What if... what if I get lonely?"

Hanbin chuckled, unlocking his car and helping her into the passenger seat. "You're not going to get lonely. You'll fall asleep as soon as you get home."

Yuna's expression shifted, suddenly more serious despite her drunken state. She stared at him as he leaned over to buckle her seatbelt, her hand resting on his arm. "Then... take me with you. Don't... don't take me home."

Hanbin froze for a second, looking at her in surprise. "Take you with me? You mean to my place?"

Yuna nodded, her face sincere in a way that sobered him up a bit. "Yeah... don't wanna be alone tonight," she whispered, almost shyly. "I feel safe with you."

Her words, though laced with alcohol, were enough to make Hanbin pause. He glanced down at her, taking in her vulnerable expression. He knew she wasn't thinking straight, but there was a certain trust in her eyes that he couldn't ignore.

He sighed softly, closing the door after making sure she was buckled in. "Alright, Yuna... if that's what you want." He walked around to the driver's seat and got in, glancing at her as she leaned her head back against the seat, her eyes already closing. "But you're going straight to bed. No funny business."