FATE REWRITTEN.....

15. Lines We Can't Cross

          The dining table brimmed with an assortment of dishes—grilled meat, side dishes, and a steaming pot of soup at the center. The cozy atmosphere was perfect for laughter and shared moments. Beomgyu, however, had other plans.

"Ta-da!" Beomgyu grinned mischievously, setting a bottle of soju on the table with a dramatic flourish. "Tonight's dinner is going to be unforgettable."

"Uh, wait!" Soobin raised an eyebrow. "Are you seriously planning to drink?"

"It's just a little fun!" Beomgyu chirped, twisting the cap off with ease. "Come on, we're old enough to try it. Except for Kai, of course."

"Of course," Kai muttered dryly, already holding a carton of banana milk. "I'll be the responsible one here, as usual."

Yeonjun shook his head, sighing. "I'm not drinking. Pass me some water instead."

"Oh, come on, hyung!" Beomgyu whined, pouring the soju into shot glasses with precision. "Just one shot! Don't be a party pooper."

"Hyung said no," Soobin interjected, his tone firm. "Don't force him, Beomgyu."

But Beomgyu waved him off with a laugh, sliding a glass toward Yeonjun. "It's just one! What's the worst that could happen?"

Yeonjun hesitated, glancing at Soobin, whose eyes narrowed in disapproval. Yet the persistent look in Beomgyu's eyes—and the teasing chants from Taehyun—finally wore him down.

"Fine," Yeonjun relented with a groan. "One shot."

"That's the spirit!" Beomgyu cheered.

Kai shook his head, sipping his banana milk. "I'm calling it now. This is going to end in chaos."

The first shot went down smoothly for everyone. Yeonjun placed the empty glass on the table, his expression unreadable.

"How was it?" Taehyun asked, watching him closely.

"Not bad," Yeonjun admitted, his voice steady. "Kind of bitter, though."

"See? You survived!" Beomgyu teased, already refilling the glasses.

"Not so fast," Soobin warned. "One is enough."

"You're no fun, hyung," Beomgyu teased, pushing another glass toward Yeonjun.

"I said no—" Yeonjun began, but Beomgyu's persistence won again. Before he knew it, Yeonjun had taken the second shot.

The change was almost immediate. His cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and his eyelids grew heavier. He blinked once, twice, before leaning forward onto the table.

"Uh, Yeonjun-hyung?" Kai called out, concern lacing his voice.

Yeonjun didn't respond. His head rested on his folded arms, and a soft sigh escaped his lips.

"Is he... asleep?" Beomgyu asked, his expression somewhere between amused and horrified.

"Great," Soobin muttered, leaning over to check on Yeonjun. "I told you this was a bad idea."

"Relax! It's his first time. He's just a lightweight," Beomgyu said with a sheepish grin.

"Lightweight? He's passed out, Gyu," Taehyun pointed out.

Kai, sipping his banana milk, shook his head. "I told you. Chaos."

Soobin gently touched Yeonjun's shoulder, trying to wake him. "Yeonjun, are you okay?"

A muffled groan came from Yeonjun, but his eyes remained closed. He mumbled something incoherent, causing Beomgyu to stifle a laugh.

"I think he's fine," Beomgyu said. "Just let him rest."