Through my eyes||Dino

-6-

The concert had just ended, and the hum of the excitement still buzzed through the arena. Dino wiped the sweat off his forehead, his muscles sore but energized from the performance. The rest of the members were gathered near the backstage exit, chatting amongst themselves, their energy a mix of exhilaration and relief.

'Hey Chan,' called out Mingyu, slapping him on the back. 'You look... different today. Happier, or am I imagining things?'

Chan shrugged, offering a nonchalant grin. 'Just a good concert, Hyung.'

But there was more to it. Chan's mind kept drifting back to Sara. Since their last interaction, something about her had lingered with him, like an unfinished melody that refused to go away.

He hadn't expected it, but there was something about her that made him feel... lighter , more intrigued, more alive than he had in a long time.

The band continue their chatter, but Chan's focus had already slipped away from their banter.

He had spotted her then--Sara, standing near the catering table checking her phone. She hadn't seen him yet, and he seized the opportunity. Without a word, he excused himself and slipped away quietly toward her.

He wasn't the type to chase after anyone, certainly not with his track record of easy flings and casual interactions. But Sara was another case. And today, he wanted to spend more time with her.

Hey,' Chan greeted, his voice casual as he leaned in just slightly, trying not to draw attention. 'You busy?'

Sara looked up, startled, then relaxed once she saw who it was. 'Oh hey Chan,'

She set her phone down and gave him a polite reserved smile.

'Yeah just grabbing a snack,' she said, then glanced at the catering table. 'You guys did great tonight, by the way.'

Chan smiled, leaning against the table.

'Thanks. But I'm actually here to invite you to dinner. The team is going out, and, well...' he hesitated, realizing how odd it sounded. 'We would love for you to join us. If you are free, of course.'

Sara blinked, clearly taken aback. 'Uh, dinner? With you guys?' She glanced around her brows furrowing slightly.

Chan's smile faltered for a second, but then he quickly recovered, his voice dropping to a more pleading tone. 'Yeah, I know it's kind of random, but... we'd love to have you. It'd be fun.'

Sara paused, looking at him for a long moment, clearly unsure. But Chan knew how to push without crossing a line. 'Please?' He added, with just a hint of playful sincerity. 'I promise we won't bite.'

There was a brief moment of silence  before Sara sighed, her resolve crumbling. 'Alright, alright. Fine. I'll come.' She smiled, shaking her head as if she couldn't quite believe she'd agreed to this.

"Perfect," Chan grinned, his heart giving little jumps. I'll let the guys know. Thank you Sara, seriously.'

-•-

The dinner location was a K-bbq restaurant just a few blocks from the venue. Since it was close, they decided to walk to the restaurant.