Almost blind | Haobin

12| whats between them? |12

A few days had passed since the chaotic events that had left Hanbin's mind tangled in a web of confusion and anger. Now, he found himself in the safe cocoon of his room, the dim light from his television casting soft shadows as he and Gunwook sat cross-legged on the carpet, their eyes glued to the screen. The sound of buttons clicking and playful banter filled the air, drowning out the world outside. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he felt free.

Gunwook had come over for a sleepover-the first in months-and they were making the most of it. The hours melted away like butter under the heat of their laughter, their competitive spirits flaring up with every goal scored in their virtual football game. Night had fallen long ago, and they had been at it since school let out. It was Friday-sacred ground for carefree nights-and they reveled in the luxury of having the whole weekend ahead.

For Hanbin, this moment felt foreign yet comforting. He couldn't remember the last time he had truly allowed himself to unwind like this. His life had become a ceaseless stream of basketball drills, family arguments, and unresolved tension. But now, sitting there with Gunwook, he realized just how much he had missed this-simple, uncomplicated joy.

The events from a few days ago still lingered in the back of his mind like an itch he couldn't scratch. Gyuvin had apologized-multiple times, in fact-but Hanbin had barely acknowledged him. He hadn't spoken to Gyuvin properly since the confrontation, his words dried up by a simmering anger that refused to fade. And then there was Matthew, who had forgiven Gyuvin as if nothing had happened, brushing off the incident as if it were a speck of dust on an otherwise spotless day. Hanbin couldn't understand it. How could Matthew let Gyuvin's absence that night slide so easily?

And then there was Ricky. The name had become a thorn in Hanbin's thoughts, pricking at his composure whenever it surfaced. That man-Gyuvin's mysterious confidant-was the father of someone from Hanbin's childhood, though he hardly cared to remember the details. Ricky's presence felt invasive, like a shadow that loomed larger than it should.

"You're still worse than me," Hanbin grumbled, frowning as yet another loss flashed across the screen. Gunwook laughed, clapping a hand on his shoulder with mock sympathy.

"Nah, I'm just the better player," Gunwook teased, his tone dripping with cheeky arrogance. "Take the L like a man."

Hanbin rolled his eyes and pushed himself off the carpet, muttering, "I'm grabbing some snacks."

He left the room, his steps echoing faintly in the quiet house. The kitchen greeted him with its familiar scent of spices and a faint chill from the tiled floor. Hanbin went straight to the pantry, rummaging through the shelves in search of his favorite snacks. His fingers skimmed over bags of chips and boxes of cookies, but his attention wavered when he noticed Gyuvin's phone lying on the counter.

A series of notifications lit up the screen, the device buzzing faintly like a restless bee. He might have ignored it if not for the sheer number of alerts pouring in, one after another.

"Dad, someone's blowing up your phone!" Hanbin called out, his voice slicing through the silence. The sound of running water from the bathroom paused briefly before Gyuvin's muffled voice responded, "Check who it is!"

Regret prickled at Hanbin immediately. He should be quiet. He sighed, annoyed with himself for even getting involved, but curiosity got the better of him. Picking up the phone, he unlocked it with ease-Gyuvin had never bothered with passwords.

His brow furrowed as he read the messages. They were from Ricky.

Ricky:P♡
Hao is back in the hospital.

Ricky:P♡
I'm still not sure if I did the right thing, but he wanted to spend a night there with his friend. Maybe i did good, because police will came to my place today. It will be better if he is not here.