stars × cnblue kangminhyuk

3 : Beer, Brats and Bad Decisions

Then he stopped the car. His eyes locked onto mine, sharp and unreadable.

Oh my god. I froze, suddenly struck by the reminder that this brat was still... a guy. Slowly, he leaned closer, and I panicked, slamming my eyes shut. His warm breath brushed against my neck, the faint scent of his cologne wrapping around me.

Sheeeeep! I screamed in my head.

Click.

What was that sound?

I peeked one eye open and found Kang Minhyuk smirking, lips pursed like he was about to burst out laughing. That's when I realized—he had only unbuckled my seatbelt. I jerked my gaze toward the window and nearly choked. The car was already parked in front of a restaurant.

When did we even get here?!

I grabbed at the door handle, but it was locked. His quiet giggles filled the car.

"Aren't we going inside?!" I snapped, glaring at him.

Still laughing, he finally unlocked the doors. "Okay, let's go."

Aaaaahhhhh sheep. I panicked for nothing!

Inside the restaurant, I slid into an empty seat beside Jungshin after greeting everyone. Of course, Minhyuk dropped into the chair on my right.

The table was loaded with food, clearly waiting for us. Great, Hyojin. Time to prepare for bread-and-water meals all week. If I keep eating dinners like this, I'll blow up in an instant.

"Why are you late?" Yonghwa raised a brow, looking between Minhyuk and me. Most of the staff were caught up in their own conversations and hadn't noticed our arrival.

"Yeah, where were you? Did Minhyuk take you somewhere first, huh?" Jungshin teased, slinging an arm over my shoulders. My cheeks burned red as tomatoes. My voice got stuck somewhere in my throat—I couldn't even deny it!

"Yah~ what do you think I'd do with this noona?" Minhyuk sighed, pretending to look annoyed. "You know I've got an image to keep."

His words only made Yonghwa and Jungshin exchange mischievous smiles.

"Enough, boys," Jonghyun cut in, standing to grab everyone's attention. "Since our newest team member is here, let's give a warm welcome to intern Han Hyojin."

"Ah, so her name is Han Hyojin," I heard Minhyuk mutter under his breath.

I nearly exploded on the spot. A whole month working together, and he didn't even know my name?! That's why he kept calling me noona?!

I forced a polite smile and bowed slightly. "Please take care of me, sunbaenim-deul."

I glanced around—wow. I hadn't realized there were this many people tonight. Five from fashion: Siwon, Seokjin, Jackson, Youngji, and Nana. Five from our team: Sooyoung, Eunji, Hyejeong, Sunny, and me. Then the seven from CNBLUE—the members and three of their managers. Fashion and makeup always worked closely with CNBLUE, so it made sense they acted like best friends.

"Welcome to the team!" They clapped and whistled.

"Let's eat!" Sooyoung shouted, sparking cheers and goofy noises all around. What a weird bunch.

"Wait, wait. Celebration toast first." Siwon slid a huge glass of beer toward me. "This is for you."

I nearly choked on my own spit. That was the biggest glass I'd ever seen. "But I don't drink..." I stammered.

Siwon smirked. "How old are you, kid?"

"I'm 22, sunbae-nim."

"You mean you've never drunk in the two years since you turned legal?"