Only one? [male Chaeyoung x TWICE]

(25) charmer

The pair were talking when a few people suddenly appeared in front of their table. 

"Well, well, well. Look who it is," a voice sneered. 

Mina and Chaeyoung looked up to see Lisa, flanked by a couple of her friends, all wearing smug expressions.

"What do you want?" Mina asked irritably, her patience already wearing thin.

"I didn't know you downgraded to hanging out with losers," Minnie chimed in, her tone dripping with condescension.

What in the American movie bullies-

Who do they think they are?!

Chaeyoung felt his blood start to boil at their ignorance. He was ready to snap back, but before he could, Mina subtly squeezed his hand under the table, signaling for him to hold back. He caught on immediately, the silent communication clear.

Lisa, unbothered by Mina's tone, continued her ridicule. "You've really lost yourself, haven't you? Hanging out with poor people? What, are you too good for us now? I can't believe you actually cut ties with us."

Lisa's face turned red with anger, and she took a step toward Mina, as if ready to throw a punch. Mina flinched slightly, but before anything could happen, Chaeyoung moved, positioning himself between the two.

Lisa's eyes narrowed. "Get out of the way, brokie," she spat, her tone venomous.

Chaeyoung stood his ground, his voice firm and unwavering. "No way." He wasn't backing down this time.

The atmosphere thickened with tension.

 As Lisa's friends stood there, unsure of how to react, one of them, Mingyu, stepped forward. Taller and more muscular than Chaeyoung, he tried to assert his dominance, his chest puffed up as he moved closer.

"You don't want to mess with us, buddy," Mingyu warned, trying to intimidate him.

Chaeyoung remained calm, his eyes narrowing just slightly. 

He knew Mingyu was all show, a tough guy act with no real substance.

He knew what to do. 

Instead of backing down, Chaeyoung leaned in, speaking just loud enough for Mingyu to hear.