The room was anything but quiet. Closet doors opened and closed, clothes landed on the bed hangers clinked together.
Aran sat on his bed, watching the chaos with a confused expression. "…Are you going on a date," he finally asked, "or just the welcome party?"
Taehyun didn't even look at him as he held up two shirts, comparing them seriously. "It's the same thing," he said.
Aran blinked. "It's not."
Taehyun turned to him with a grin. "There's a lot you need to learn." He tossed one shirt aside and picked another. "You have to dress well. First impressions matter. You need to attract."
Aran frowned slightly. "Attract who?"
Taehyun gave him a look like the answer was obvious. "People,friends, maybe more than friends."
Aran shook his head, unimpressed. "I'm not interested in attracting anyone."
"Oho…" Taehyun pointed at him dramatically. "Don't be dumb, my friend."
Aran raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
"You just got here, new country, new school, new life," Taehyun said, stepping closer. "And you want to just… exist quietly?"
"Yes," Aran replied without hesitation.
Taehyun stared at him for a second then burst out laughing.
"You're unbelievable."
A few minutes later, Taehyun changed into another outfit and turned in front of Aran like he was on a runway.
"How about this one?"
Aran looked him up and down. "It's… fine."
"Fine?" Taehyun repeated, offended. "Just fine?"
"It looks good," Aran corrected calmly.
Taehyun narrowed his eyes. "You're not helping."
Aran shrugged slightly. "You asked."
Taehyun sighed dramatically, then grabbed his phone.
"By the way, I told Jaekyung to meet us at the dorm entrance," he said.
Aran nodded. "Okay."
Taehyun suddenly turned back to him, scanning him critically.
"Wait… what are you wearing?"
Aran glanced down at his simple outfit. "This."
Taehyun froze. "…No."
"Yes."
"No," Taehyun repeated firmly. "We are not going like this."
Aran frowned slightly. "What's wrong with it?"
"Everything," Taehyun said without hesitation.
Aran sighed, already tired. "It's just a party."
"It's not just a party," Taehyun argued. "It's your first weekend here. Your first real social event. You need to look good."
Aran leaned back slightly, clearly unconvinced.
Taehyun crossed his arms, then smirked.
"Or what… are you scared someone might notice you?"
Aran's eyes narrowed slightly.
"I'm not scared."
"Then prove it," Taehyun shot back.
A small silence settled between them then Aran stood up.
"Fine," he said simply.
Taehyun's face lit up instantly. "Yes! That's what I'm talking about!"
As Aran walked toward his small pile of clothes, he paused for a second.
For some reason..A certain face crossed his mind, cold eyes, a slight smirk, annoying.
"…Tch." He clicked his tongue softly.
Why was he even thinking about him?
"Aran!" Taehyun called excitedly. "Hurry up! We don't want to keep Jaekyung waiting!"
"I'm coming," Aran replied.
The evening air was cooler now, carrying a soft breeze as Aran and Taehyun stepped out of the dorm building.
"Jaekyung should be around here," Taehyun said, looking ahead. Aran followed his gaze and spotted him standing casually beside a sleek car.
Aran slowed slightly, eyes narrowing in mild surprise.
"…Is that him?"
Taehyun didn't answer because the next second... "Whoa!"
He rushed forward, eyes wide, practically glowing with excitement as he circled the car.
"Is this yours?" he asked, his mouth slightly open in disbelief.
Jaekyung scratched the back of his neck, a little embarrassed. "Uh… kinda."
Taehyun froze then turned dramatically to Aran. "Oho…" he said, pointing. "My friend is rich."
Aran blinked, looking from Taehyun to Jaekyung, still trying to process it. "You didn't mention this," Aran said.
Jaekyung laughed softly. "It's not a big deal."
"Not a big deal?" Taehyun repeated. "Do you know how much this costs?"
Jaekyung just smiled, clearly not taking it seriously.
Aran shook his head slightly, amused despite himself.
"Let's just go," he said, opening the car door. "We don't want to be late."
Taehyun immediately slipped into the back seat. "I'm sitting here. I need to experience this properly." Jaekyung laughed as he got into the driver's seat, Aran followed, settling quietly beside Taehyun.
As the car started moving, Taehyun looked around like a kid in a toy shop. "This is crazy," he muttered. "Jaekyung, you've been hiding things from us."
"I wasn't hiding anything," Jaekyung replied, smiling. "You just didn't ask."
Aran leaned his head slightly against the seat, a faint smile on his lips. For a moment everything felt easy.
The city lights passed by outside the window, glowing softly against the night.
Music, laughter, and the promise of something new waiting ahead.
"Ready for tonight?" Taehyun asked, nudging Aran.
Aran glanced at him. "…It's just a party."
Taehyun smirked. "We'll see."
The car came to a smooth stop in front of a lively bar, music already spilling out into the night lights flashed faintly through the windows, and voices blended into an excited buzz.
"We're here," Jaekyung said.
Taehyun was already opening the door. "Finally!"
Inside, the atmosphere hit them immediately...Music, laughter, movement. Students filled the space, some already dancing, others gathered around tables.
Aran paused for a second, taking it all in.
"…This is a lot."
Taehyun grabbed his wrist. "Come on. Let's find a seat."
The three of them walked further in, glancing around, unsure where to go.
"Which table are we supposed to sit at?" Jaekyung asked.
Aran shook his head slightly. "I don't know…"
Then...a hand waved from across the room.
"Over here!" Taehyun squinted. "Isn't that—"
"The student president," Jaekyung finished.
Without thinking much, they headed toward the table.
As they got closer...Aran saw him. Minjae.
Already seated like he belonged there more than anyone else.
Aran sighed quietly under his breath. Of course…
Still, he didn't hesitate, he pulled out a chair and sat dow directly facing him.
Minjae's gaze lifted almost immediately.
Locked onto his just for a second,then he leaned back slightly, expression unreadable.
"Glad you made it," the student president said, standing up with a mic in hand. The table quieted, along with the surrounding students.
"We're going to start with a small game," he announced.
Excited murmurs spread around.
Taehyun leaned toward Aran. "This should be fun."
Aran didn't respond. His attention flickered briefly unintentionally toward Minjae.
Who was already looking at him again Aran looked away.
"This game is simple," the president continued. "Two lucky freshmen will get the chance to join a special team."
He paused for effect. "The Great Minds."
The name alone made people react.
"That sounds serious," Jaekyung muttered.
"It is," the president said. "It's an academic team. Only two students will be selected tonight." The room grew more attentive. "You'll each receive a paper," he explained. "If your code matches the team number… you qualify."
Taehyun sat up straighter. "I want this."
Aran blinked. "Why?"
"Because it sounds important," Taehyun replied immediately.
Papers were passed around the room filled with anticipation.
"Check your codes," the president said.
One by one, Students reacted groans disappointment.
"Ahh, I didn't get it!"
"That's unfair!"
Taehyun checked his paper, then dropped his head dramatically. "I failed."
Jaekyung laughed. "Same here."
Aran glanced at them, then down at his own paper.
His fingers tightened slightly.
"…Wait." He looked again.
Then again. "…I think I.."
"You what?" Taehyun snapped, leaning closer. Aran slowly raised his head.
"I got it." For a second silence and then...
"What?!" Taehyun shouted.
A loud cheer suddenly erupted across the room as the president confirmed it.
"We have our first winner!"
Aran blinked, slightly overwhelmed as attention shifted toward him.
"Whoa…" Jaekyung said, impressed. "That's amazing."
Moments later, another voice was called.
A girl from across the room.
The second winner. Applause filled the space.
"Congratulations," the president said warmly. "You are now part of The Great Minds."
Aran stood briefly, giving a small nod, still trying to process everything.
From across the table, Minjae watched him.
One by one, the senior students stepped forward, handing small gifts to the winners.
When it was Minjae's turn, he stood up walked closer.
And stopped right in front of Aran.
For a brief moment neither of them spoke.
Minjae extended the gift. "Congratulations," he said.
But his tone carried something else.
Something only Aran seemed to notice.
Aran hesitated for a second then took it.
"…Thanks." Their fingers brushed slightly.
Minjae's lips curved faintly almost like a smirk.
Around them, whispers had already started.
"Why him?" "So lucky…" "I wanted that…"
Jealousy lingered in the air.
But Aran barely noticed because for some reason that small moment felt louder than everything else...
The party had slowly died down music was softer now, conversations quieter, and students began leaving in small groups. Outside, the night air felt cooler, Aran stepped out first, exhaling slightly as he adjusted his grip on Taehyun who was clearly very drunk.
"Aran…" Taehyun mumbled, leaning heavily against him. "You're my best friend."
"You said that five times already," Aran replied, struggling to keep him upright.
Jaekyung stood beside them, just as unsteady but trying to look composed.
"We should get him back," Aran said. "Help me carry him."
Jaekyung nodded, moving closer to support Taehyun's other side. They managed to steady him between them.
"Okay… let's go"
Then Jaekyung suddenly paused. "…Wait."
Aran frowned. "What?"
Jaekyung scratched the back of his neck, looking slightly guilty. "I can't drive."
Aran blinked. "…What do you mean you can't drive?"
"I drank," Jaekyung admitted.
Aran stared at him in disbelief. "You what?"
"I didn't think it'd be this much..."
"Then why did you drink when you knew you were driving?" Aran snapped, frustration slipping into his voice.
Jaekyung sighed. "We'll just take a taxi. I'll come back for my car tomorrow."
Aran exhaled sharply. "Shia.."
He stopped himself, shaking his head. "Fine. Let's just..."
"Any problem?" The voice came from behind them.
Aran stiffened slightly.
He didn't need to turn to know who it was still he did.
Minjae stood there, hands in his pockets, expression calm as ever. Aran straightened immediately.
"No," he said, his tone firm. "We're fine."
Before anything else could be said "Minjae Sunbae!" Taehyun suddenly exclaimed, lifting his head with a bright, drunken smile. "My friend can't drive… he's drunk…"
"Taehyun.." Aran started. But Jaekyung quickly stepped in.
"Sunbae," he said politely, "can you help drive them home? Their dorm should be on your way."
Aran's eyes widened. "Wait. "
But Jaekyung was already stepping back. "I'll get my car tomorrow. Thanks, Sunbae."
And just like that he left.
Aran stood there in complete disbelief. "…Seriously?"
He turned back to Minjae quickly.
"Don't worry, we're fine," he said again, more controlled this time. Minjae looked at him for a moment.
Then shook his head slightly "No, you're not."
Before Aran could argue "I'll help," Minjae added simply.
Taehyun gasped dramatically. "Thank you, Sunbae!"
And without hesitation he stumbled toward the car and got into the back seat. "Taehyun!" Aran called, frustrated.
Too late he sighed, running a hand through his hair this was unbelievable.
For a second, he considered refusing walking away or finding another way.
But then he glanced at Taehyun, already half-asleep in the back seat. Then back at Minjae who was watching him quietly waiting.
Aran exhaled slowly. "…Fine."
Reluctantly he walked to the car and got in. The door closed.
And just like that he was trapped in a space he didn't want to be in. With someone he definitely didn't like.
Minjae got into the driver's seat started the engine the car moved.
Silence filled the space heavy and uncomfortable.
From the back, Taehyun mumbled something incoherent.
Aran stared straight ahead, refusing to look to his side.
"…You don't like me." Minjae's voice broke the silence.
Aran didn't turn. "…I don't know you," he replied.
A pause then.. "Then why do you look at me like that?" Minjae asked. There was a hint of something in his tone now, amusement?
Aran finally turned his head slightly their eyes met.
"…Because you're rude."
Minjae's lips curved faintly not offended or surprised.Just
interested. "Good," he said quietly.
Aran frowned. "What?"
Minjae's eyes stayed on the road. "It means you noticed me."
Aran blinked caught off guard for just a second.
Then he looked away again. "…You're unbelievable."
Minjae didn't reply but the faintest smile lingered on his face.
The car slowed to a stop in front of the dorm building the engine went quiet. Taehyun shifted in the back seat, mumbling something unintelligible, Aran exhaled softly, breaking the silence first. "We're here."
He opened the door and stepped out, the cool night air brushing against his face then he walked around quickly and opened the back door. "Taehyun," he called, gently shaking him. "Wake up. We're here."
Taehyun groaned. "Already…?"
"Yes," Aran replied, half amused, half tired. "Come on."
He pulled Taehyun's arm over his shoulder, helping him out of the car.
Taehyun leaned heavily against him again.
"Aran…" he mumbled. "You're really a good person…" Aran sighed. "You've said that already."
After adjusting his grip, Aran finally looked up.
Minjae was still in the driver's seat, watching them quietly.
For a second, Aran hesitated then "…Thank you," he said.
The words came out reluctant but sincere.
Minjae didn't respond immediately he stepped out of the car instead, closing the door softly behind him.
The distance between them felt… smaller now.
"Since you're in my group," Minjae said calmly, slipping one hand into his pocket, "we'll be seeing each other often."
Aran's grip on Taehyun tightened slightly right...
The Great Minds. He had almost forgotten.
"…I guess so," Aran replied.
Minjae's gaze lingered on him for a brief moment.
"Take care," he added Aran nodded faintly."…You too."
Minjae didn't stay any longer he turned, got back into his car, and started the engine. Within seconds he was gone.
Aran stood there for a moment, staring at the empty space where the car had been then he clicked his tongue softly.
"…Annoying." But his voice lacked its usual edge.
"Arannn…" Taehyun dragged his name lazily, Aran shook his head. "Let's go inside."
As they walked back into the dorm, Aran couldn't help but replay the night in his head.