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Chapter Text

Hyuna awoke to the sound of birdsong—a melody so sweet, so familiar, that for a moment she forgot everything else. The sun filtered through the blinds of her dorm room, casting golden stripes across her blanket. She blinked, stretching, and glanced at the clock.

7:32 AM.

She sat up, rubbing her eyes. Something felt… off. The posters on her wall were the same, but the colors seemed muted. Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, displaying a message from Luka.

[Luka]: “Meet me at the quad. Something’s weird.”

Hyuna frowned. Luka wasn’t one for cryptic texts. She pulled on her hoodie, grabbed her bag, and hurried out the door.

The campus looked the same—red brick buildings, sprawling lawns, the statue of Anakt University’s founder standing tall at the center. But the air felt heavier, as if the world itself was holding its breath.

Luka was waiting by the fountain, hands shoved deep in his pockets, blue hair gleaming in the morning sun. Last she checked he had blond hair. His eyes lit up when he saw her, a flicker of relief crossing his face.

“Hyuna,” he said, voice low. “You noticed it too, right?”

She nodded. “Everything looks right, but it feels wrong. Like we’re in a dream.”

Before Luka could reply, a familiar voice called out. Ivan and Till approached, bickering as usual. Ivan still looked sleepy, and Till’s hair looked like he’d rolled out of bed five minutes ago.

“I’m telling you, the vending machines are all stocked with the wrong snacks,” Ivan grumbled.

Till rolled his eyes. “That’s your biggest concern right now?”

Behind them, Mizi and Sua arrived, walking close together. Mizi’s hand brushed against Sua’s, and Hyuna caught the shy smile they shared. Dewey and Isaac trailed behind, Dewey’s camera already out, snapping pictures of the sky.

“Guys,” Dewey said, “doesn’t the sunrise look… redder than usual?”

They all looked up. The sky was streaked with crimson, like someone had spilled paint across the clouds.

Hyuna shivered. “We need to figure out what’s going on.”

They gathered in the student lounge, voices low and urgent.

“I tried calling my mom,” Sua said, twisting her phone in her hands. “The number works, but… she didn’t sound like herself.”

“It’s like everyone’s here, but they’re not really… them,” Mizi added quietly.

Isaac, ever the skeptic, frowned. “Maybe we’re just tired. Finals week does weird things to people.”

But Luka shook his head. “No. This is something else. I had a dream last night—about a door hidden somewhere on campus. I think it’s important.”

Ivan perked up. “A secret door? Like in those old adventure novels?”

“Exactly,” Luka said. “And I think we have to find it if we want to go home.”

Hyuna glanced around at her friends—their faces familiar, yet tinged with fear. She reached out, taking Luka’s hand in hers.

“Then let’s find it. Together.”

Chapter Text

The student lounge felt colder than usual, the hum of the vending machines oddly loud in the silence. Hyuna squeezed Luka’s hand, drawing strength from the simple contact. Around them, the others settled into a loose circle—Mizi and Sua sitting close, Dewey fiddling with his camera, Ivan and Till bickering softly over whose idea it was to meet here.

“Okay,” Hyuna started, voice steady, “if we’re really in a parallel universe, we need a plan. Luka, tell us more about your dream.”

Luka’s eyes flickered, searching the ceiling as if the answer might be written there. “It was… strange. I was walking through campus at night, but everything was backwards. The library was on the wrong side, the statue was missing. I saw a door behind the old auditorium—one I’ve never noticed before. It had a symbol on it, like a red meteor.”

Ivan perked up, pushing his glasses up his nose. “A red meteor? That matches the sky this morning. Maybe it’s a clue.”

Till rolled his eyes. “Or maybe you just ate something weird last night.”

Ivan shot him a look, but Hyuna interrupted before they could spiral. “It’s worth checking out. The old auditorium’s been closed since last semester, right?”

Dewey nodded, glancing at his phone. “Yeah, they said it was for renovations, but I’ve never seen anyone working there.”

Mizi leaned forward, her usual cheerfulness tinged with worry. “If there’s a secret door, maybe it’s only visible now that we’re… wherever this is.”

Sua squeezed her hand. “We’ll stick together. If anything feels wrong, we leave. No splitting up.”

Isaac, silent until now, finally spoke. “I’ll bring a flashlight. Just in case.”

The walk across campus was eerily quiet. The usual chatter of students, the distant thump of music from the gym, even the birds seemed muted. As they approached the old auditorium, Hyuna felt the hairs on her arms rise. The building loomed before them, its windows dark, the doors chained shut.

But Luka led them around the side, to a narrow alley overgrown with ivy. He paused, scanning the wall. “It was right here in my dream.”

For a moment, nothing happened. Then Dewey, ever curious, brushed aside a curtain of vines. Beneath, a faded symbol was carved into the brick—a meteor, painted in flaking red.

“There,” Dewey whispered, awe in his voice.

Ivan reached out, tracing the outline with his finger. The brick shuddered, then slid aside, revealing a narrow doorway just big enough for them to squeeze through.

Hyuna’s heart pounded. She looked at Luka, who nodded. “Ready?”

“Ready,” she echoed.

Inside, the air was thick with dust and the scent of old wood. Their footsteps echoed as they crept down a twisting corridor, flashlight beams bouncing off peeling wallpaper. The hallways seemed to stretch on forever, looping back on themselves in impossible ways.

“Are we… going in circles?” Mizi asked, voice trembling.

Ivan frowned at his phone. “No signal. Not even Wi-Fi.”

Till, usually so composed, looked uneasy. “This place is wrong. We should go back.”

But Luka pressed on, Hyuna at his side. “We have to keep going. The dream said the chamber was at the heart of the building.”

As they turned another corner, a sudden chill swept over them. The walls flickered, shifting from brick to glass to stone and back again, as if the universe itself couldn’t decide what this place was supposed to be.

Hyuna reached for Luka’s hand, gripping it tight. “We’re not alone here.”

From the end of the hall, a faint glow beckoned—a door, just like in Luka’s dream, marked with the red meteor.

They gathered before it, breathless.

“This is it,” Luka whispered.

Mizi squeezed Sua’s hand. Ivan and Till stood shoulder to shoulder, their earlier bickering forgotten. Dewey raised his camera, but the lens fogged instantly, refusing to capture the moment.

Hyuna looked at her friends—her family—and nodded. “Let’s finish this. Together.”

She reached for the handle, Luka steady beside her, and opened the door.

Chapter Text

The door swung open with a groan, revealing a circular chamber bathed in eerie, shifting light. The walls shimmered, reflecting not just their faces, but flickering images of memories—some familiar, some twisted in ways that made Hyuna’s stomach twist.

She stepped inside, Luka’s hand still in hers. The others followed, their footsteps echoing on the marble floor. At the center of the room stood a pedestal, atop which rested a crystalline orb pulsing with a faint red glow.

Ivan was the first to break the silence. “Is this it? The heart of the fake universe?”

Till, uncharacteristically solemn, nodded. “Feels like it. Look at the walls.”

The reflections danced, showing scenes from their lives at Anakt University: Mizi and Sua laughing over coffee, Ivan and Till arguing over a chessboard, Dewey snapping photos of the campus festival, Isaac lost in a book beneath a tree. But the images flickered, sometimes warping into strange, impossible versions—Mizi and Sua walking separate paths, Ivan and Till never meeting, Hyuna alone in an empty dorm.

Mizi shuddered, clutching Sua’s hand tighter. “I don’t like this place.”

Hyuna forced herself to look away from the walls. “We’re here for a reason. Luka, do you remember anything else from your dream?”

Luka hesitated, then nodded. “The orb. We have to touch it—together. It’ll show us the way out, but only if we’re honest about what we want.”

Dewey frowned. “Honest how?”

“About what matters to us,” Luka said quietly, glancing at Hyuna. “About why we want to go home.”

Isaac stepped forward, voice steady. “Then let’s do it. All of us.”

They formed a circle around the pedestal, each placing a hand on the orb. The red light flared, and suddenly the chamber was filled with sound—echoes of laughter, arguments, confessions, heartbreak. Their memories, their fears, their hopes, all swirling together.

Hyuna felt Luka’s presence beside her, grounding her as the orb’s power surged. Images flashed before her eyes—her first day at Anakt, meeting Luka in the library, late-night study sessions with Mizi and Sua, Ivan and Till’s endless debates, Dewey’s candid photos, Isaac’s quiet wisdom.

Then the voice came, soft but clear, resonating from the orb itself.

“Why do you seek to leave? What binds you to your world?”

For a moment, no one spoke. Then Hyuna found her voice.

“Because we belong together,” she said, squeezing Luka’s hand. “Because our real lives—our real friendships—matter more than any illusion.”

Mizi spoke next, her voice trembling but resolute. “Because Sua makes me feel brave, and I want to make memories that are real.”

Ivan and Till exchanged a glance, then Ivan grinned. “Because I can’t imagine a universe where I don’t get to argue with Till every day.”

Till rolled his eyes, but his smile was soft. “Yeah, what he said.”

Dewey and Isaac added their voices, each echoing the same truth: they wanted to go home, not just for themselves, but for each other.

The orb pulsed brighter, the red light intensifying until it filled the room. The walls dissolved, the warped reflections fading away, replaced by a vision of the campus—only this time, the sky was alive with a meteor shower, streaks of crimson fire raining down.

Luka gasped. “That’s it. That’s the exit. We have to run through the meteor shower to escape.”

The orb’s light faded, and the chamber’s far wall slid open, revealing a long corridor leading toward the glowing, meteor-lit sky.

Hyuna turned to her friends, heart pounding with fear and hope. “Are you ready?”

Luka squeezed her hand, eyes shining. “With you? Always.”

Together, they stepped into the corridor, racing toward the storm of meteors—and the promise of home.

Chapter Text

The corridor opened onto a rooftop that shouldn’t have existed—a vast, flat expanse atop the old auditorium, bordered by nothing but the endless, shimmering sky. Above them, the meteor shower blazed, each streak of red light illuminating the world in pulses of otherworldly brilliance.

For a moment, no one moved. The meteors fell in slow arcs, burning holes in the sky, yet none struck the rooftop. The air crackled with energy, and the edges of the world seemed to ripple, as if reality itself was growing thin.

Dewey was the first to speak, his voice hushed with awe. “It’s beautiful. And terrifying.”

Isaac nodded, his eyes reflecting the crimson light. “We have to cross. The orb showed us—if we make it through, we’ll go home.”

Hyuna’s heart pounded. She glanced at Luka, who offered a reassuring smile, his fingers lacing through hers. “We’ll make it,” he whispered. “Together.”

Ivan and Till exchanged a look, a silent agreement passing between them. Mizi squeezed Sua’s hand, her grip tight but steady.

“Let’s do this,” Hyuna said, her voice steady despite her fear.

They moved as one, stepping onto the rooftop. The world seemed to shift around them, the ground beneath their feet both solid and insubstantial. The meteors fell faster now, some striking the rooftop with bursts of harmless red sparks, others passing so close they could feel the heat on their skin.

They ran.

Hyuna led the way, Luka at her side, their hands never breaking apart. Ivan and Till darted ahead, weaving between falling meteors with surprising coordination—Till pulling Ivan back just as a streak of fire scorched the path in front of them. Dewey and Isaac followed, Dewey’s camera forgotten as he focused on the friends around him. Mizi and Sua stayed close, Mizi shielding Sua with her body whenever a meteor came too near.

The noise was deafening—each meteor’s impact a thunderclap, the air thick with the scent of ozone and burning stone. Hyuna’s lungs burned, her legs aching, but she didn’t dare slow down.

A meteor crashed just behind them, sending a shockwave through the group. Hyuna stumbled, almost falling, but Luka caught her, steadying her with a strong arm.

“Don’t let go!” Luka shouted over the roar.

“Never!” Hyuna cried, pushing forward.

They reached the edge of the rooftop, where the world seemed to dissolve into a swirling vortex of red and gold. The meteors fell faster now, the sky a blur of light and motion.

Ivan hesitated, glancing back at Till. “Ready?”

Till grinned, grabbing Ivan’s hand. “After you, genius.”

Dewey and Isaac exchanged a nod, then leapt together into the vortex. Mizi and Sua followed, their hands clasped tight.

Hyuna looked at Luka, her heart in her throat. “Whatever happens—”

Luka leaned in, pressing a quick, fierce kiss to her lips. “We’ll find each other. No matter what.”

Hand in hand, they jumped.

For a moment, there was nothing but light and sound and the sensation of falling. Hyuna felt Luka’s grip, warm and real, anchoring her as the world spun around them.

Then, suddenly, everything stilled.

They landed in a heap on soft grass, the air cool and fresh. Above them, the sky was the familiar blue of home, the red meteors gone. The sounds of Anakt University drifted on the breeze—laughter, music, the distant chime of the clock tower.

Hyuna sat up, blinking in disbelief. Around her, the others stirred, groaning and laughing in relief.

“We made it,” Mizi whispered, tears streaming down her face as Sua hugged her tight.

Ivan and Till lay side by side, Ivan grinning up at the sky. “Told you we’d make it.”

Till rolled his eyes, but his smile was genuine. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t get used to being right.”

Dewey checked his camera, finding it miraculously intact. Isaac sat beside him, a quiet smile on his lips.

Hyuna turned to Luka, her heart overflowing. “We’re home.”

Luka smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Told you. Together.”

They leaned into each other, the world finally right again.

Chapter Text

Anakt University was bustling again, as if nothing extraordinary had happened. The grass was lush, the air filled with laughter and the distant clatter of bicycle wheels. Yet for Hyuna, Luka, and their friends, everything felt subtly, beautifully changed.

The Morning After

Hyuna awoke to sunlight streaming through her dorm window, the familiar hum of campus life outside. For a moment, she wondered if it had all been a dream—until she saw Luka’s hoodie draped over her desk chair and her phone buzzing with a group chat notification.

[Ivan]: “Breakfast at the quad. Don’t be late, or Till will eat all the waffles.”

[Mizi]: “Save me a seat! Sua and I are bringing coffee.”

[Dewey]: “I’m documenting this for posterity. Isaac, you in?”

[Isaac]: “Wouldn’t miss it.”

Hyuna smiled, her heart light. She texted Luka, who replied with a simple:

[Luka]: “Meet you there. :)”

Quad Reunion

They gathered at their usual table beneath the old oak tree, plates piled high with waffles and fruit. Ivan and Till arrived first, already mid-argument about the best way to solve a physics problem. Till rolled his eyes, but his hand lingered on Ivan’s arm longer than before, and Ivan’s smile was softer now.

Mizi and Sua showed up next, cheeks flushed from the walk. Mizi handed Sua a cup of coffee, their fingers brushing. They sat close, sharing inside jokes and shy glances, the air around them warm with possibility.

Dewey snapped candid photos, catching Isaac mid-laugh. Isaac didn’t even protest, just nudged Dewey’s shoulder and grinned.

Luka slid into the seat beside Hyuna, their knees touching under the table. He passed her a cup of tea—her favorite, just the way she liked it.

“Sleep well?” Luka asked, eyes shining.

Hyuna nodded. “Best sleep I’ve had in weeks. I kept dreaming of red meteors, though.”

Luka laughed, the sound low and comforting. “As long as we’re together, I don’t mind a few red skies.”

Hyuna squeezed his hand, feeling the truth of it settle in her chest.

New Beginnings

As the days passed, the group found themselves closer than ever. The memory of the parallel universe faded into the background, but the bonds forged there remained unbreakable.

Ivan and Till started a campus podcast, their debates drawing crowds and laughter. Mizi and Sua joined the university’s art club, collaborating on a mural that depicted a sky streaked with red and gold—an inside joke only their friends understood.

Dewey’s photos from that morning, though perfectly ordinary, became treasured keepsakes. Isaac, inspired, wrote a short story about friends who survived a storm together, dedicating it quietly to “those who run through meteors.”

And Hyuna and Luka? They became inseparable, their friendship blossoming into something deeper. They studied together, explored the city, and on quiet nights, watched the stars from the rooftop of the old auditorium—now just a building, no longer a gateway to another world.

Starlit Tomorrows

One evening, as the sun set and the sky turned a gentle pink, Hyuna and Luka sat side by side, their hands entwined.

“Do you ever wonder,” Hyuna mused, “if there are other universes out there? Other versions of us?”

Luka smiled, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Maybe. But I like this universe best. Because you’re here.”

Hyuna laughed, her worries melting away. “Me too.”

Below, the campus lights flickered on, and the world felt full of promise. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together—friends, lovers, a family forged in the fire of a red meteor shower and the quiet, everyday magic of home.

And above them, the stars watched over Anakt University, shining bright for all their tomorrows.

Chapter Text

After returning home, Luka invites Hyuna to the rooftop for stargazing. They bring a blanket and snacks, the memory of the red meteor shower still lingering between them.

Luka points out a faint shooting star.

“Not red this time,” he jokes, nudging Hyuna’s shoulder.

Hyuna smiles, her head on his shoulder. “I’ll take a regular shooting star any day.”

They fall into a comfortable silence, hands entwined. Luka finally speaks, voice soft:

“I was scared, you know. Back there. Not of the meteors, but of losing you.”

Hyuna squeezes his hand. “You won’t. Not in any universe.”

He kisses her gently, and for a moment, the world is just the two of them under a safe, familiar sky.

Chapter Text

At the quad, Ivan and Till’s rivalry over breakfast reaches new heights. Ivan claims the last waffle, only for Till to swipe it from his plate with a smirk.

“Hey!” Ivan protests, mock-offended.

Till shrugs, mouth full. “Survival of the fittest.”

Ivan glares, but there’s a glint of affection in his eyes. “You’re lucky I like you.”

Till grins, offering Ivan half the stolen waffle. Their hands brush, and for a second, neither pulls away.

Chapter Text

Mizi and Sua stay late in the art studio, painting side by side. Mizi’s hands are covered in paint, and Sua laughs as she wipes a streak from Mizi’s cheek.

“Hold still,” Sua says, gently brushing Mizi’s hair back. Their eyes meet, and Mizi’s heart races.

“I’m glad we’re here,” Mizi whispers. “With you, everything feels… real.”

Sua smiles, leaning in to kiss her softly. “Me too.”

Chapter Text

Dewey flips through his camera roll, showing Isaac candid shots from their adventure. One photo catches them all laughing, red light streaking the sky behind them.

Isaac smiles. “You always know how to capture the moment.”

Dewey shrugs, a little shy. “It’s easier when the people matter.”

Isaac nudges him. “We should make a scrapbook. For all our universes.”

Dewey grins. “Deal.”

Chapter Text

The group gathers in Hyuna and Luka’s dorm for a movie marathon. Blankets and snacks are everywhere, and the energy is light, laughter echoing through the halls.

Ivan and Till argue over which movie to watch, Mizi and Sua share popcorn, Dewey documents the chaos, and Luka wraps an arm around Hyuna, content.

-

As the credits roll, Hyuna looks around at her friends—her family—and feels a deep, unshakeable peace.

Chapter Text

The snow had quietly settled over Anakt University, blanketing the campus in soft white. Twinkling fairy lights wrapped around the bare branches of the old oak tree, and the scent of cinnamon and pine drifted from the student lounge, where the group had gathered for their annual Christmas celebration.

Hyuna adjusted the red scarf around her neck and smiled as she stepped inside. The room was warm and alive with laughter. A Christmas tree stood proudly in the corner, decorated with handmade ornaments—some glittering, others quirky and colorful, each one a memory.

Luka was already there, hanging a star-shaped ornament on the tree. When he saw her, his face lit up, and he pulled her into a gentle hug.

“Merry Christmas, Hyuna,” he whispered.

“Merry Christmas, Luka,” she replied, resting her head against his chest.

The others were scattered around the room, each adding their own touch to the festive chaos.

Ivan and Till were tangled in a playful snowball fight—well, snowballs made from crumpled paper since the snow was outside. Till dodged behind the couch, laughing as Ivan pretended to aim carefully.

Mizi and Sua sat side by side on the floor, wrapping presents with clumsy fingers and whispered giggles. Sua handed Mizi a small box tied with a red ribbon.

“Open it,” she urged.

Mizi’s eyes sparkled as she unwrapped a delicate bracelet, its charm a tiny red meteor.

“I love it,” she breathed, slipping it on.

Sua smiled shyly. “I thought it would remind us of everything we went through together.”

Dewey was busy setting up a projector, ready to screen a holiday movie marathon. Isaac helped, carrying a tray of hot cocoa mugs topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.

Hyuna took a cup from Isaac and joined the group on the couch, Luka right beside her. She sipped the cocoa, warmth spreading through her.

“Remember last year?” Dewey asked, settling in with his camera poised.

“Barely,” Ivan grinned, “because you made us watch that weird sci-fi movie.”

Till groaned. “I still don’t know what that ending meant.”

Laughter filled the room.

As the night deepened, the group gathered around the tree for gift exchange. Each present was thoughtful, a symbol of their friendship and the unbreakable bonds forged in both familiar and strange worlds.

When it was Hyuna’s turn, she unwrapped a small box from Luka. Inside was a photo frame holding a picture of the group on the rooftop, under the red meteor shower.

Luka took her hand. “No matter where we are, this is home. With you.”

Hyuna smiled, eyes shining. “Always.”

They kissed softly beneath the twinkling lights, the red glow outside replaced by the warmth of friendship, love, and hope.

Outside, the sky was clear and cold, stars sparkling like promises. The red skies of another universe were gone, but the memories—and the people—remained forever.

Chapter Text

The last day of the semester was finally over. The campus was buzzing with excitement, the winter chill softened by the glow of festive lights strung across the quad. Anakt University had never looked more alive. Snowflakes drifted lazily from the sky, settling on coats and hair, while laughter and music spilled from the student center.

Hyuna tightened her scarf and glanced around. Tonight wasn’t just any New Year’s Eve—it was a celebration of survival, friendship, and new beginnings. After everything they had been through—the parallel universe, the secret chamber, the meteor shower—they deserved this moment.

Luka caught her gaze and smiled, the warmth in his eyes melting away the cold. “Ready?”

“More than ever,” Hyuna said, slipping her hand into his.

Gathering at the Quad

The group had claimed a spot beneath the giant oak tree, now wrapped in twinkling white lights. A small bonfire crackled in a metal pit, sending sparks into the night sky. Blankets were spread on the ground, and a thermos of hot chocolate passed between them.

Ivan and Till were already arguing—this time about which New Year’s tradition was the best. Ivan insisted on the classic countdown, while Till argued for making resolutions.

Mizi and Sua sat close, sharing a scarf and whispering excitedly about their plans for the upcoming semester. Dewey was capturing candid shots, his camera clicking softly, while Isaac sat quietly, a thoughtful smile on his face.

Hyuna took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the past weeks lift. “I’m glad we’re all here,” she said softly.

Luka nodded. “Me too. I don’t think I could have made it without you all.”

Midnight Approaches

As the clock neared midnight, the group huddled closer to the fire. The sky was clear, stars sparkling like scattered diamonds. Hyuna’s fingers found Luka’s, their hands warm despite the cold air.

“Do you remember the red meteor shower?” she asked, voice barely above a whisper.

Luka smiled, squeezing her hand. “How could I forget? It feels like a lifetime ago.”

Mizi leaned over to Sua, whispering, “I’m scared, but also excited.”

Sua smiled reassuringly. “We’re together. That’s what matters.”

Ivan pulled out his phone, setting a countdown timer. “Ten minutes to go.”

Reflections and Resolutions

The group took turns sharing their hopes for the new year.

“I want to stop doubting myself so much,” Mizi said, eyes shining.

“I want to make more time for the people I care about,” Sua added.

Ivan grinned. “I want to win at least one game against Till.”

Till snorted. “Good luck with that.”

Dewey raised his cup of hot chocolate. “I want to capture more moments like this—real ones.”

Isaac nodded. “And I want to write a story about us. About what we survived.”

Hyuna looked at Luka. “I want to be brave. To tell you how I really feel.”

Luka’s eyes widened, then softened. “I was hoping you’d say that. But, you've always been the brave one.”

The Countdown

With just a minute left, the group stood, linking arms. Ivan’s phone beeped softly as the timer hit zero.

“Ten… nine… eight…”

The fire crackled louder, sparks flying.

“Seven… six… five…”

Hyuna’s heart pounded, Luka’s gaze locked on hers.

“Four… three…”

Mizi and Sua squeezed each other’s hands.

“Two… one…”

“Happy New Year!” they shouted together.

Fireworks exploded overhead, bursting in cascades of red, gold, and silver. The cold air was filled with cheers, laughter, and the scent of pine and smoke.

First Kiss of the Year

As the crowd’s noise swelled around them, Luka stepped closer to Hyuna, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

“Can I?” he asked softly.

Hyuna’s breath caught, but she nodded.

Their lips met in a gentle, lingering kiss—warm and full of promise. Around them, the world blurred into the glow of fireworks and the soft murmur of friends celebrating.

When they parted, Luka rested his forehead against hers. “Here’s to us. To all of it.”

Hyuna smiled, heart soaring. “To us.”

Quiet Moments

Later, as the fireworks faded and the group settled back around the fire, Hyuna and Luka sat side by side, wrapped in a shared blanket.

“Do you think we’ll ever forget what happened?” Hyuna asked.

Luka shook his head. “No. But I think it made us stronger.”

Hyuna leaned into him, feeling safe and hopeful.

“Whatever comes next,” Luka said, “we face it together.”

Hyuna smiled, eyes shining with certainty. “Together.”

The new year had begun—not just with fireworks and cheers, but with the unbreakable bonds of friendship and love forged in the stars and the red skies of another world.

Chapter Text

The plan had sounded simple enough: rent a van, pile in, and drive to Seoul for a weekend of sightseeing, food, and fun. But as Hyuna surveyed the battered, slightly-too-small rental van and her seven friends, she realized nothing about this trip would be simple.

Luka loaded the last bag into the trunk. “Everyone ready?”

Ivan bounced on his heels, sunglasses perched upside-down on his nose. “Shotgun!”

Till glared. “You are absolutely not sitting up front. Last time you nearly unplugged the GPS with your foot.”

Ivan grinned, already climbing into the passenger seat. “That was one time!”

Mizi and Sua squeezed into the middle row, giggling. Dewey set up his camera for “road trip documentary footage,” and Isaac quietly claimed the window seat in the back, headphones at the ready.

Hyuna slid into the driver’s seat, Luka beside her. “Everyone buckled up?”

Ivan fiddled with the radio, blasting K-pop. “Let’s hit the road!”

Hour 1: Departure

The van rolled out of Anakt’s parking lot, spirits high.

Ivan sang along (badly) to every song. “I’m a dancing machine!” he declared, waving his arms and nearly smacking Till in the face.

Till ducked, exasperated. “Ivan, if you break the rearview mirror again, I’m making you walk to Seoul.”

Ivan pouted. “You wouldn’t survive without my playlist.”

Mizi passed snacks to Sua. “I made rice balls for everyone!”

Ivan reached for one, knocking over Dewey’s water bottle in the process.

Dewey yelped. “Ivan! My camera—”

Isaac handed Dewey a napkin, unbothered. “At least it’s not coffee this time.”

Hour 2: Chaos on Wheels

The van rattled over a pothole. Ivan, now in charge of navigation, squinted at the GPS.

“Turn left in… uh… 200 meters?” he said, voice uncertain.

Hyuna frowned. “Are you sure?”

Ivan nodded, confidence returning. “Trust me!”

Hyuna turned left. Immediately, the road narrowed into a bumpy, unpaved lane.

Till leaned forward, voice rising. “Ivan, this is a farm road! The GPS says to stay on the highway!”

Ivan shrugged. “It’s a shortcut!”

Luka checked his phone. “Ivan, we’re going the wrong way. We’re heading toward the mountains.”

Ivan grinned. “Scenic route!”

Till groaned, clutching his head. “I’m going to lose my mind.”

Hour 3: Disaster Strikes

After a harrowing hour of detours, the van finally rejoined the main road—just as a sudden downpour began.

Hyuna slowed, wipers squeaking. Ivan fiddled with the AC, accidentally blasting cold air.

“Oops,” he said, twisting the dial the wrong way again.

Till snapped, “Ivan, stop touching things!”

Ivan grinned, unrepentant. “I’m making sure we don’t overheat!”

Suddenly, a loud BANG echoed from the rear. The van lurched, skidding to a stop on the shoulder.

Mizi peeked out the window. “Did we hit something?”

Dewey opened the door. “Uh, guys… the back bumper is hanging off.”

Isaac, ever calm, read the rental agreement. “We’re responsible for damages.”

Till rounded on Ivan. “What did you do?!”

Ivan held up his hands. “I didn’t do anything! Maybe it was the pothole. Or the mountain detour. Or—”

Till groaned. “We’re doomed.”

The Aftermath

The group huddled under the van’s tiny awning, rain pouring down. Hyuna called the rental company, Luka holding an umbrella over her.

Mizi tried to cheer everyone up. “At least we’re making memories?”

Sua giggled. “It’ll be a great story someday.”

Dewey filmed Ivan and Till bickering.

Ivan: “It’s not my fault the van is made of paper!”

Till: “It’s not my fault you can’t read a map!”

Ivan: “I can too! I just… prefer improvising.”

Till: “Next time, you’re in the trunk.”

Ivan: “Joke’s on you, I’d love the trunk. More legroom.”

The whole group burst out laughing, even Till.

Arrival in Seoul (Finally)

After the tow truck arrived and the rental company charged them a small fortune (which they split, grumbling), the group finally made it to Seoul—exhausted, soggy, and a little poorer.

But as they stood in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace, city lights twinkling and laughter echoing, Hyuna realized she wouldn’t trade this chaos for anything.

Luka nudged her, smiling. “Worth it?”

Hyuna grinned. “Every ridiculous second.”

Ivan, sunglasses still upside-down, photobombed Dewey’s group picture, and Till rolled his eyes—but this time, he was smiling too.

Chapter Text

The neon sign outside the noraebang blinked in cheerful pink: “Sing! Sing! Karaoke & Bar – Open All Night!” The city’s glow reflected in the puddles as Hyuna and her friends tumbled out of the cold and into the warmth of the karaoke lounge, laughter echoing off the glass doors.

Ivan was the first to the counter, waving his wallet. “Eight people, biggest room you’ve got! We’re here to make history!”

The attendant eyed their group—already giggling and jostling each other—and handed over a key with a resigned smile. “Room 11. Please don’t break anything.”

Settling In

The private room was decked out in disco lights and plush couches. A massive screen dominated one wall, with a battered songbook and two wireless microphones sitting on the coffee table. Luka immediately claimed the seat closest to the drinks fridge, while Mizi and Sua flopped onto the far couch, hands entwined.

Ivan spun in a circle. “This is amazing! I’m going to sing every song on the list.”

Till, already exasperated, grabbed a mic and pointed it at Ivan. “If you even try, I’m unplugging the machine.”

Dewey set up his phone for maximum candid footage. Isaac, ever the observer, eyed the songbook with a small, amused smile.

Hyuna bounced on her toes, eyes shining. “Let’s start with something lively! Who’s first?”

Ivan leapt up. “Me! Me! I’ll set the bar high!”

Till groaned. “Or low. Very, very low.”

Ivan’s “Performance”

Ivan scrolled through the songbook, his finger landing on a K-pop classic. “I’ll do ‘Bang Bang Bang’! Everyone knows the chorus, right?”

He grabbed a mic and struck a pose as the opening beats thumped through the speakers. The lyrics flashed on the screen, and Ivan launched in—off-key, off-beat, and with the enthusiasm of a caffeinated squirrel.

“BANG BANG BANG!” Ivan screeched, voice cracking spectacularly. “BAAANG BANG BANG!”

Sua clapped politely, Mizi giggled behind her hands, and Luka doubled over with laughter.

Till covered his ears. “Ivan, you sound like a dying ostrich!”

Ivan, undeterred, pointed the mic at Till. “Sing with me! C’mon, you know you want to!”

“No,” Till snapped, but Ivan shoved the mic at him anyway.

Till reluctantly took the mic, and for a moment, it seemed like he might redeem the song. He opened his mouth—

—and promptly missed the note by a mile, his voice warbling off-key.

Luka choked on his drink. “Oh my god, Till, you’re worse than Ivan!”

Till scowled. “It’s his fault! He’s contagious!”

Ivan cackled, launching into the chorus with renewed vigor. “BANG BANG BANG!”

Hyuna’s Turn

When the song mercifully ended, Hyuna leapt up, beaming. “My turn!”

She picked a lively pop song, the kind that filled the room with energy. As she sang, her voice soared—clear, bright, and full of joy. She danced around the room, pulling Mizi and Sua up to join her. Even Dewey put down his phone to clap along.

Luka watched, a soft smile on his lips. “She’s incredible,” he murmured to Isaac.

Isaac nodded. “She always is.”

When Hyuna finished, everyone cheered, even Till. Ivan threw his arms around her in a dramatic hug. “Teach me your ways, oh karaoke queen!”

Hyuna laughed, ruffling his hair. “Maybe after you sober up, Ivan.”

Mizi and Sua Duet

Mizi and Sua chose a sweet ballad, their voices blending beautifully. Mizi’s cheerfulness shone through every note, and Sua’s gentle, lilting voice wrapped around the melody like a warm blanket.

Ivan swayed along, arms around Luka and Dewey. “They’re so cute,” he whispered loudly.

Till rolled his eyes. “You’re drunk already, aren’t you?”

Ivan grinned. “Not yet! But I’m working on it!”

Luka vs. Ivan: The Drinking Game

Luka, who had been quietly sipping soju, looked perfectly composed. Ivan, on the other hand, had decided that outdrinking Luka was his new life’s mission.

“I bet I can drink more than you!” Ivan declared, grabbing a fresh bottle.

Luka raised an eyebrow. “You sure about that?”

Ivan nodded furiously. “Absolutely. Watch and learn, blue hair.”

"I don't have fucking blue hai-... Oh right, the Parallel universe..." He trailed off, remembering their experience a little over 2 years ago.

He downed a shot, then another, and another. Luka matched him each time, but his expression never changed.

Mizi, worried, tried to intervene. “Ivan, maybe slow down—”

Ivan waved her off, already pouring another. “I’m fine! I’m great! I’m—”

He hiccupped, swaying dangerously.

Till groaned. “Here we go.”

Ivan’s Drunken Escapades

Within ten minutes, Ivan was spectacularly, hilariously drunk. He tried to sing a love song to the remote control, serenaded the empty soju bottle, and attempted a dance routine that ended with him sprawled across Luka’s lap.

“Luka, you’re my best friend,” Ivan slurred, patting Luka’s cheek. “You’re like… a blue sheep. A blue… sheepdog. With hair.”

Luka patted his head. “The blue hair... Thanks, Ivan. You’re… something else.”

Ivan squinted at Till. “And you. You’re so loud. Like a… like a fire alarm. But I love you, man.”

Till, mortified, tried to push Ivan upright. “Sit up before you puke on someone.”

Ivan flopped against him, giggling. “You’re so grumpy. I bet you secretly like my singing.”

Till glared. “I’d rather listen to nails on a chalkboard.”

Ivan grinned, unbothered. “You’re just jealous I have more fans.”

More Karaoke Chaos

Dewey and Isaac did a duet, Isaac’s deep voice grounding Dewey’s enthusiastic, slightly off-beat singing. The group clapped along, Ivan waving his arms like a conductor.

Hyuna took another turn, this time with Luka. Their harmonies filled the room, Luka’s low, steady voice blending perfectly with Hyuna’s bright tone.

“Wow,” Mizi whispered to Sua. “They sound like professionals.”

Sua smiled, squeezing her hand. “They’re perfect together.”

Ivan’s Embarrassing Antics

Ivan, meanwhile, had discovered the tambourine and was now shaking it wildly, completely off rhythm.

“Look, I’m a one-man band!” he crowed, nearly tripping over the coffee table.

Till snatched the tambourine away. “Sit down before you break something!”

Ivan pouted, slumping onto the couch. “You’re no fun.”

Till pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m the only thing standing between you and total disaster.”

Ivan grinned, leaning against Till. “You love it.”

Till shoved him upright. “I tolerate it.”

Ivan beamed. “Same thing!”

Sua’s Solo

Sua stood, shyly taking the mic. The room quieted as she began to sing—a gentle, haunting melody that wrapped around everyone like a lullaby. Her voice was soft but strong, and even Ivan sobered for a moment, eyes wide.

When she finished, the room erupted in applause.

Mizi hugged her. “That was beautiful, Sua!”

Ivan wiped a fake tear. “I’m not crying, you’re crying.”

Till rolled his eyes, but even he looked impressed. “Nice job, Sua.”

Ivan’s Final Act

As the night wore on, Ivan’s antics grew wilder. He tried to climb onto the table to “perform an interpretive dance,” but Till caught him mid-lunge.

“Absolutely not,” Till barked, dragging Ivan back to the couch.

Ivan giggled, flopping into Till’s lap. “You’re my hero, Till. My knight in shiny… in shiny… what’s the word?”

“Armor,” Till muttered, trying to push him off.

Ivan nodded sagely. “Yeah. Armor. Or maybe tinfoil. You’re shiny on the inside.”

Till groaned. “Someone help me.”

Luka, still perfectly sober, just laughed. “You’re on your own, man.”

Ivan tried to hug Till, nearly knocking them both off the couch. “You’re my best friend, even if you yell a lot.”

Till finally gave up and let Ivan lean on him, muttering, “I swear, next time you’re drinking water.”

Ivan grinned, closing his eyes. “You’re so nice when you’re mad.”

Winding Down

As the clock ticked past midnight, the group began to wind down. Mizi and Sua curled up together, Dewey scrolled through his phone, and Isaac read the songbook for fun.

Hyuna stretched, smiling at Luka. “This was perfect.”

Luka nodded. “Even with Ivan’s… everything.”

Hyuna laughed. “Especially with Ivan’s everything.”

Ivan, now half-asleep on Till’s shoulder, mumbled, “Are we in Seoul yet?”

Till shook his head. “Go to sleep, Ivan.”

Ivan grinned, eyes closed. “You’ll take care of me, right?”

Till sighed, but his voice was gentle. “Yeah, I will. Now shut up.”

Ivan snuggled closer, snoring almost immediately.

The Aftermath

When it was finally time to leave, Luka and Till had to half-carry Ivan out of the room. Ivan sang a garbled lullaby as they navigated the hallway, waving at strangers and nearly tripping over his own feet.

“Next time,” Till muttered, “we’re leaving him at home.”

Luka grinned. “You’d miss him.”

Till glared, but there was a fondness in his eyes. “Don’t remind me.”

Hyuna and the others trailed behind, still laughing.

Mizi whispered to Sua, “Best karaoke night ever?”

Sua smiled, leaning on her. “Definitely.”

The Next Morning

Ivan woke up on the floor of his dorm room, a blanket draped over him and a glass of water on the nightstand. His head throbbed, and he groaned, rolling over to see Till sitting at his desk, scrolling through his phone.

“You’re alive,” Till said dryly.

Ivan squinted. “Did I… do anything embarrassing?”

Till smirked. “You serenaded a soju bottle, called me your knight in tinfoil, and tried to climb onto the table.”

Ivan groaned. “Please tell me there’s no video.”

Till’s smirk widened. “Dewey got everything.”

Ivan buried his face in the pillow. “Kill me now.”

Till tossed a pillow at him. “Get up, idiot. We’re getting breakfast.”

Ivan peeked out, grinning. “You’re the best, Till.”

Till rolled his eyes, but his smile was genuine. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t get used to it.”

Chapter Text

Thunder rumbled overhead, rattling the windows of Hyuna and Mizi’s dorm. Outside, rain poured in relentless sheets, turning the campus walkways into rivers. Inside, though, it was warm and bright—thanks to a pile of board games, a mountain of snacks, and eight friends determined to make the best of a stormy day.

Ivan flopped dramatically onto the couch. “We’re trapped! Doomed! I’ll never see sunlight again!”

Till rolled his eyes, already setting up the Monopoly board. “You’ve been outside for five minutes today, Ivan.”

Ivan grinned. “And it was five minutes too many.”

Dewey peered through his camera lens at the rain. “This is perfect lighting for a cozy day montage.”

Isaac, curled up with a book, nodded. “As long as no one tries to go outside. The wind nearly took my umbrella last time.”

Mizi bounced into the room, arms full of cookie dough and baking trays. “Let’s make cookies! I found a recipe for triple chocolate chip.”

Sua smiled, taking the bowl from her. “I’ll help. Ivan, you’re on mixing duty.”

Ivan saluted. “Yes, chef!”

Board Game Mayhem

While the cookies baked, the group gathered around the coffee table for Monopoly. Ivan insisted on being the banker.

Till narrowed his eyes. “Last time you were banker, you ‘lost’ half the money.”

Ivan clutched the bank close. “That was a banking error. Very common.”

Luka, shuffling the cards, grinned. “Let’s just keep an eye on him.”

Hyuna rolled the dice, moving her piece. “Boardwalk! Yes!”

Ivan immediately tried to sell her a property at double price. “Limited time offer, Hyuna. You won’t get this deal anywhere else.”

Till snatched the deed from Ivan’s hand. “Stop trying to scam everyone.”

Ivan pouted. “I’m just playing the game.”

Dewey, watching the chaos, snapped a photo. “This is going in the ‘Ivan Cheating at Everything’ album.”

Isaac looked up from his book. “That album must be getting full.”

Ivan grinned. “I’m a collector’s item.”

Cookie Catastrophe

The smell of chocolate filled the air as Mizi and Sua pulled the cookies from the oven.

Mizi gasped. “They’re huge!”

Ivan rushed over, grabbing one before they’d cooled. “Hot! Hot! Hot!” He juggled the cookie from hand to hand, finally dropping it onto a plate.

Sua giggled, handing him a glass of milk. “Maybe wait next time.”

Till took a cautious bite. “Not bad, Mizi. You might have a future in baking.”

Mizi beamed. “Only if you’re my taste tester.”

Till, mouth full, nodded. “Deal.”

Ghost Stories

As the storm intensified, someone suggested ghost stories. The lights flickered, thunder booming in the distance.

Dewey dimmed the lamps. “Who’s first?”

Isaac cleared his throat. “I once read about a dorm haunted by a student who never returned his library books. On stormy nights, you can hear him whispering, ‘Overdue… overdue…’”

Ivan cackled. “That’s not scary, that’s just my finals week.”

Mizi shivered, pulling her knees to her chest. “I don’t like ghosts.”

Sua draped an arm around her. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.”

Hyuna told a story about a mysterious figure in the campus tunnels. Luka added sound effects, making everyone jump.

Ivan tried to spook Till by sneaking up behind him and whispering “boo!” Till elbowed him in the ribs. “You’re scarier than any ghost.”

Movie Marathon (again)

With the rain still pounding, the group piled onto the couch and floor, wrapped in blankets. Dewey queued up old movies—classics, comedies, and one terrible horror film that had Ivan hiding behind a pillow.

Mizi and Sua snuggled together, sharing cookies. Ivan fell asleep halfway through the second movie, head on Till’s shoulder. Till pretended to mind, but didn’t move.

Isaac read quietly, occasionally glancing up to watch.

Quiet Moment: Hyuna & Luka

As the credits rolled, Hyuna slipped away to the window seat. The rain painted streaks on the glass, the world outside soft and gray.

Luka joined her, handing her a mug of tea. “Couldn’t sleep?”

Hyuna shook her head. “I love the sound of rain. It makes everything feel… safe.”

Luka sat beside her, their shoulders touching. “It’s nice. Being stuck here. With everyone.”

Hyuna smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. “Especially with you.”

They watched the rain in comfortable silence, the laughter of their friends a gentle backdrop. For a moment, the world was small and perfect—just the two of them, the storm, and the warmth of home.

Chapter Text

The auditorium buzzed with anticipation, students crammed into every seat and lining the walls. The annual Anakt University Talent Show was always a spectacle, but this year, the excitement was electric—mainly because Ivan had, in a fit of mischief and bravado, signed up the entire friend group for separate acts…without telling them.

Backstage, chaos reigned.

Backstage Antics

Till glared at the sign-up sheet, fists clenched. “Ivan, I’m going to end you. I haven’t played piano in front of people since I was twelve!”

Ivan, grinning ear to ear, bounced on his toes. “You’ll be great! Besides, you need to loosen up. This is for your own good.”

Till’s eye twitched. “You’re lucky we’re in public, or you’d be a pancake right now.”

Ivan just laughed, dodging a half-hearted swipe. “Save the violence for after the encore!”

Meanwhile, Luka—his blond hair shining under the fluorescent lights—sat on a folding chair, tuning his guitar and trying to ignore Ivan, who was now leaning over his shoulder, talking at a mile a minute.

“Luka, you should totally do a K-pop song. Or maybe something with a high note. Or maybe—”

Luka’s jaw tightened. “Ivan, if you don’t shut up, I’m going to shove this capo somewhere you won’t like.”

Ivan cackled, undeterred. “You love the attention, blondie. Admit it!”

Luka shot him a glare sharp enough to cut glass.

The Show Begins

The curtain rose to wild applause. Ivan, as self-appointed MC, bounded onstage.

“Welcome, Anakt! Are you ready to be amazed by the most talented, beautiful, and humble students on campus?”

A chorus of cheers—and a few groans—met his introduction.

“First up, the one and only Till, tickling the ivories!”

Till stalked onstage, shooting Ivan a death glare. He sat at the piano, took a steadying breath, and began to play. The melody was intricate and haunting, his fingers flying over the keys. The audience fell silent, mesmerized.

Backstage, Ivan mimed swooning. “He’s so talented. And so angry. I love it.”

Luka rolled his eyes, but even he watched, impressed.

When Till finished, the crowd erupted in applause. He stood, bowed stiffly, and stomped offstage.

Ivan met him with a huge grin. “See? You didn’t die!”

Till shoved him aside. “You’re dead after this.”

Mizi and Sua’s Dance

Next up, Mizi and Sua took the stage in matching outfits, grinning nervously. The music started—a bright, upbeat pop song—and they launched into a perfectly synchronized routine, spinning and laughing through every step. The audience clapped along, swept up in their infectious energy.

Backstage, Dewey snapped photos, Isaac smiled softly, and Hyuna cheered loudest of all.

When the song ended, Mizi and Sua hugged, breathless and beaming, as the crowd roared.

Dewey’s Stand-Up

Ivan shoved Dewey onto the stage. “Go make ‘em laugh, camera boy!”

Dewey cleared his throat, nerves showing. “So, has anyone here ever tried to take a group photo? With Ivan in it? It’s like herding caffeinated squirrels.”

The audience laughed. Dewey relaxed, launching into a routine about campus life, bad cafeteria food, and Ivan’s never-ending energy. Even Till cracked a smile.

Dewey ended with, “And if you enjoyed this, please remember—I have blackmail on all my friends. Tip me in snacks.”

Applause thundered as Dewey bowed.

Isaac’s Poetry

Isaac took the stage, calm and composed. He recited a poem about friendship and storms, his words weaving images of rain, laughter, and the warmth of found family. The room grew quiet, the mood shifting to something thoughtful and tender.

Ivan, for once, was silent, listening with wide eyes.

When Isaac finished, the applause was gentle but heartfelt.

Luka’s Song

Luka stepped into the spotlight, blond hair catching the stage lights. He adjusted the mic, strummed his guitar, and began to sing—a soulful, bittersweet ballad that had the audience swaying.

Ivan, however, couldn’t resist. He crept up behind Luka, whispering loudly, “Sing higher! Go falsetto! Luka, you’re killing it, but what if you added a dance break?”

Luka’s jaw clenched. He kept playing, but his glare at Ivan was murderous.

Ivan grinned, completely unbothered, and started clapping off-beat.

Till, watching from the wings, muttered, “He’s going to get himself murdered.”

Luka finished his song to roaring applause, then turned and hissed, “Ivan, go find a hobby that doesn’t involve ruining my life.”

Ivan beamed. “But annoying you is my hobby!”

Hyuna’s Surprise

Finally, Hyuna stepped onstage, guitar in hand. She flashed a nervous smile, then launched into a lively, infectious tune. Her voice was bright and clear, and as she played, the whole auditorium seemed to light up.

Mizi and Sua danced in the aisle, Dewey filmed, Isaac closed his eyes to listen, and Luka watched with a soft, proud smile.

Ivan, meanwhile, tried to start a wave in the audience. “Let’s go, Hyuna! Encore! Encore!”

Till grabbed him by the collar. “Sit down before you get us kicked out.”

Ivan wriggled free, only to immediately start chanting, “Hyuna! Hyuna!” at the top of his lungs.

Hyuna finished her song to a standing ovation, cheeks flushed with joy.

Finale: Chaos and Applause

As the show ended, Ivan dragged everyone back onstage for a group bow.

“Give it up for the real stars of Anakt!” he shouted, arms around a scowling Till and a blushing Luka.

Till muttered, “I swear, one day I’m actually going to punch you.”

Ivan grinned, unafraid. “You say that every year.”

Luka, still irritated, elbowed Ivan. “Next time, warn me before you sign me up for public humiliation.”

Ivan winked. “But then it wouldn’t be as fun!”

Hyuna laughed, looping her arm through Luka’s. “It really wouldn’t.”

The curtain fell on chaos, applause, and the unmistakable feeling that, for all their bickering, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Chapter Text

The van rattled up the winding mountain road, packed to the brim with sleeping bags, snacks, and eight overexcited university students. Spirits were high—until Ivan, rummaging through the trunk, froze.

“Uh, guys?” Ivan’s voice wobbled. “Where are the tent poles?”

Till’s eyes narrowed. “Tell me you’re joking.”

Ivan held up a limp tent bag, sheepish. “I thought they were in here! Who makes tents with separate poles?!”

Till pinched the bridge of his nose. “Every tent. Ever. Ivan, you absolute—”

Hyuna jumped in, “We’ll improvise! It’s not raining, and we have blankets. Let’s just… make a fort.”

Dewey, camera already rolling, grinned. “This is gold. ‘Wilderness Struggles: The Ivan Chronicles.’”

Setting Up Camp

They managed a makeshift shelter between two trees, blankets sagging comically. Ivan “helped” by getting tangled in the rope.

Till barked, “Ivan, you’re making it worse!”

Ivan pouted, “I’m trying! It’s not my fault this tree is out to get me.”

Luka, stifling a laugh, handed Ivan a marshmallow. “Here. Occupy yourself.”

Ivan immediately dropped it in the dirt. “Nature is out to get me.”

Fire Fiasco

Till knelt by the fire pit, determined. “I’ve watched like, eight tutorials. This is easy.”

Ten minutes later, smoke billowed, but no flame. Ivan hovered behind him, swatting at imaginary bugs.

“Till, I think something’s crawling on me—OH MY GOD, AN ANT!”

Ivan leapt onto a log, shrieking. “It’s on me! It’s on me!”

Sua, usually serene, tried to soothe him. “Ivan, it’s just an ant. They’re harmless.”

Ivan wailed, “It’s not harmless! It’s plotting against me!”

Till, teeth gritted, flicked the ant away with a snap. “There. Happy?”

Ivan clung to his arm. “Don’t leave me, you’re my only hope.”

Till yanked his arm free. “Get off! I’m not your bug shield!”

Mizi, giggling, handed Ivan a stick. “You can defend yourself.”

Ivan brandished it like a sword. “Back, foul creatures!”

Annoying Everyone

As dusk settled, Ivan’s antics escalated. He poked at Dewey’s camera lens. “Is this thing waterproof? What if it rains? What if bugs get inside?”

Dewey gently pushed him away. “Ivan, go bother someone else.”

Ivan turned to Sua, who was quietly arranging snacks. “Sua, do you think bears like marshmallows? What if they come for us?”

Sua, patience thinning, replied, “Ivan, if a bear comes, I’ll feed you to it first.”

Everyone froze. Then burst out laughing.

Ivan gaped. “Sua! That’s so mean!”

Sua, cheeks pink, shrugged. “You’re the loudest. Bears like noise.”

Till doubled over, wheezing. “She’s got a point.”

Ivan pouted. “You’re all traitors.”

Stargazing & Stories

Mizi and Sua retreated to a quiet spot, lying on a blanket and pointing out constellations.

Mizi whispered, “See that one? It’s the dragon. Like the one in your favorite story.”

Sua smiled, relaxing at last. “I like this. Just us and the stars.”

By the fire, Hyuna and Luka sat shoulder to shoulder, trading stories.

Hyuna grinned, “Remember our first day at Anakt? You got lost in the library for two hours.”

Luka chuckled, blond hair glinting in the firelight. “You rescued me. I thought you were a hallucination.”

Hyuna nudged him. “I’m real. And I’m always here.”

Dewey snapped a photo, capturing the moment.

Ivan’s Meltdown

Suddenly, Ivan shrieked again. “SOMETHING TOUCHED MY LEG!”

Till, exasperated, stomped over. “It’s grass, Ivan. Grass.”

Ivan whimpered, clinging to Till’s sleeve. “I hate camping. I hate nature. I want to go home.”

Till glared. “You were the one who wanted to come!”

Ivan sniffled. “That was before I knew about the ants. And the grass. And the darkness.”

Till raised a fist. “If you don’t stop, I’ll—”

Ivan grinned, unafraid. “You’ll what? Hit me with a tent pole? Oh wait, YOU CAN’T. BECAUSE I FORGOT THEM!”

Till lunged, but Ivan darted away, cackling.

Late Night Laughter

As the fire finally caught, everyone gathered around, roasting marshmallows.

Ivan, still jumpy, eyed every shadow. “If I get eaten by a raccoon(Raccoon_lover28), tell my story.”

Till rolled his eyes. “If you get eaten by a raccoon, I’m not telling anyone.”

Ivan stuck out his tongue. “You’d miss me.”

Till grumbled, “Like I’d miss a toothache.”

Hyuna, Luka, and the rest watched the banter, giggling.

Mizi whispered to Sua, “They’re hopeless.”

Sua smiled, “But it wouldn’t be the same without them.”

Dewey, filming, declared, “This is the best camping trip ever.”

Ivan yelped as a moth fluttered by. “NOPE! I’m sleeping in the van!”

Till, finally softening, tossed Ivan a blanket. “Just shut up and sit by the fire.”

Ivan grinned, scooting closer. “You love me.”

Till groaned, but didn’t move away.

Chapter Text

The sun was high, the waves glittered, and the sand was warm beneath their feet as the group spilled out onto the beach—towels, umbrellas, and snacks in tow. Ivan immediately dropped his bag, kicked off his shoes, and declared, “Sandcastle contest! Winner gets bragging rights forever!”

Till groaned, already regretting everything. “You can’t even build a sandwich, Ivan. How are you going to build a castle?”

Ivan shot back, “With the power of imagination and these guns!” He flexed, nearly hitting Dewey in the face.

Dewey, camera in hand, sidestepped. “Careful, Ivan. I need my face for my modeling career.”

Sandcastle Showdown

Ivan and Till staked out their territories, each determined to outdo the other. Ivan’s castle quickly devolved into a lopsided mound, decorated with broken shells and a stick flag.

Till’s, on the other hand, was a geometric marvel—moat, turrets, even a tiny drawbridge made from driftwood.

Ivan squinted at Till’s creation. “You’re cheating. Nobody’s castle looks like that.”

Till smirked, “It’s called engineering, Ivan. You should try it sometime.”

Ivan retaliated by flicking a handful of wet sand at Till’s masterpiece. “Oops. My hand slipped.”

Till’s eyes narrowed. “You’re dead.”

Within seconds, the sandcastle contest exploded into a full-blown sand war. Ivan shrieked as Till tackled him, both of them rolling through the sand, flinging handfuls at each other.

Mizi, watching from a safe distance, giggled. “They’re like kids.”

Sua nodded, picking up a pretty shell. “At least they’re not fighting over Monopoly this time.”

Seashells and Strolls

Mizi and Sua wandered along the shore, collecting shells and sea glass. Mizi held up a pink one. “This one’s for you, Sua. It’s as pretty as you.”

Sua blushed, tucking the shell into her pocket. “Let’s find enough to make matching bracelets.”

A little further down, Hyuna and Luka walked barefoot in the surf, letting the waves lap at their ankles.

Hyuna grinned, “I bet Ivan gets sunburned in exactly ten minutes.”

Luka, blond hair shining in the sun, laughed. “I give him five. He’s already forgotten sunscreen.”

They walked in companionable silence, the ocean breeze ruffling their hair.

Dewey’s Wet Adventure

Dewey crouched low, snapping candid shots of the chaos. He tried to get a perfect shot of Ivan and Till mid-sand battle, but Ivan spotted him.

“Dewey! Action shot!” Ivan yelled, sprinting straight at him.

Dewey barely had time to react before Ivan tackled him into the shallow surf. The camera went flying (thankfully waterproof), and Dewey surfaced, spluttering.

“You’re a menace, Ivan!” Dewey laughed, wiping saltwater from his eyes.

Ivan grinned, “You love it!”

Ivan vs. The Crab

Ivan, now soaked and sandy, spotted a crab scuttling along the rocks. “Hey, little buddy!” he cooed, reaching out.

Till, from a distance, yelled, “Ivan, don’t—!”

Too late. The crab latched onto Ivan’s finger. Ivan’s eyes went wide.

“AAAAAHHH! IT’S GOT ME! IT’S GOT ME!” Ivan wailed, tears streaming as he danced around, shaking his hand.

Till stomped over, pried the crab off, and tossed it back into the water. “You absolute idiot. Stop touching wildlife!”

Ivan sniffled, clutching his hand. “It was so mean. I just wanted to be friends.”

Till rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of concern. “You’re lucky it wasn’t a jellyfish.”

Ivan vs. The Jellyfish

Minutes later, Ivan, undeterred, sprinted into the water, arms flailing. “I’m swimming to Japan!”

Dewey called, “Don’t drown, Ivan!”

Ivan splashed around, triumphant—until he froze. “Something touched me. GUYS. SOMETHING SLIMY—AAAAAAH!”

He bolted out of the water, clutching his leg. “I GOT STUNG! I’M DYING! THIS IS IT!”

Till facepalmed. “You got stung by a jellyfish, didn’t you?”

Ivan wailed, “IT HURTS! I’M GOING TO LOSE MY LEG!”

Mizi hurried over with a water bottle. “Let’s rinse it. You’ll be okay.”

Sua, ever the gentle one, tried to soothe him. “Ivan, breathe. You’re not dying.”

For the first time ever, Sua’s patience snapped. “Ivan, if you don’t stop screaming, I’ll throw you back in the ocean myself!”

The group burst out laughing, even Ivan through his tears. Till doubled over, gasping, “Oh my god, Sua, I’ve never been prouder.”

Ivan sniffled, “You’re all monsters.”

Evening Calm (Sort Of)

As the sun set, the group gathered on their towels, eating snacks and watching the sky turn orange and pink.

Ivan, wrapped in a towel and still sniffling, muttered, “Worst beach day ever.”

Till ruffled his hair. “You say that every time. And you always want to come back.”

Ivan grinned, “Yeah, but next time, I’m bringing armor.”

Hyuna leaned against Luka, smiling. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Dewey snapped one last photo, catching everyone mid-laugh—sandy, sunburned, and completely happy.

Chapter Text

Stacks of textbooks, highlighters, and empty coffee cups littered the dorm’s common room. The air was thick with the collective anxiety of finals season, but the group had vowed to study together—if only to keep Ivan from burning the place down.

Till sat at the head of the table, surrounded by color-coded notes and a fortress of flashcards. “We’re not leaving until everyone knows the difference between mitosis and meiosis,” he declared, glaring at Ivan, who was already spinning his pen like a ninja.

Ivan grinned. “Did you know octopuses have three hearts? That’s two more than you, Till.”

Till didn’t even look up. “If you spent half as much time on biology as you do on random facts, you’d pass for once.”

Ivan beamed. “I’m aiming for improvement, not perfection.”

The Study “Session”

Mizi and Sua set up a snack station: cookies with “YOU CAN DO IT!” written in icing, and fruit skewers arranged to spell “PASS.” Mizi handed out cookies. “Sugar helps the brain!”

Dewey, hunched over his notes, blinked blearily. “I think my brain’s already gone. Someone quiz me on the periodic table.”

Isaac, quietly reading in the corner, recited, “Potassium: K. Ivan: F for effort.”

Ivan gasped, mock-offended. “I’ll have you know I’m the king of effort.”

Till snapped, “You’re the king of distractions. QUIET!”

Ivan, undeterred, leaned over to Luka. “Hey, Luka, did you know the inventor of the frisbee was turned into a frisbee after he died?”

Luka, fighting a smile, whispered back, “Ivan, if you don’t let me finish this chapter, I’ll turn you into a frisbee.”

Hyuna nudged Luka. “Want to sneak out for coffee?”

Luka’s eyes lit up. “Absolutely. If Till asks, we’re researching the effects of caffeine on memory.”

They slipped out, leaving Ivan to narrate, “And thus, two more were lost to the dark abyss of the campus café.”

Snack Break & Chaos

Mizi offered a fruit skewer to Till. “You need a break.”

Till shook his head. “I need quiet. Ivan, stop humming the Jurassic Park theme.”

Ivan hummed louder.

Sua, ever gentle, finally snapped. “Ivan, please. I can’t hear myself think.”

The room fell silent. Ivan blinked. “Sorry, Sua. I’ll be quiet.”

Ten seconds later: “Did you know honey never spoils? They found edible honey in Egyptian tombs!”

Till slammed his book shut. “I’m going to fail because of you.”

Ivan grinned. “At least we’ll fail together.”

Dewey’s Downfall

Dewey’s head drooped lower and lower until he face-planted into his notes, snoring softly. Isaac draped a blanket over him, muttering, “He’s dreaming of passing.”

Ivan drew a mustache on Dewey with a marker. “Now he’s dreaming of being a villain.”

Mizi giggled. “You’re going to regret that when he wakes up.”

Ivan shrugged. “Worth it.”

The Results

A week later, the group gathered around the bulletin board, hearts pounding.

Hyuna squealed. “I passed! Barely, but I did!”

Luka grinned, showing his score to Hyuna. “Looks like caffeine works.”

Till scanned his grades, relief flooding his face. “I did it. I actually did it.”

Mizi and Sua hugged, both passing with flying colors. Dewey, still half-asleep, blinked at his passing grade and fist-bumped Isaac.

Then Ivan strutted up, waving his paper. “GUYS, GUYS! I GOT A 48! EXACTLY 13 POINTS HIGHER THAN LAST YEAR!”

Till stared at him. “You still failed, Ivan.”

Ivan puffed out his chest. “But I failed with STYLE. Progress, baby!”

Till groaned, “You’re impossible.”

Ivan slung an arm around him. “And you love it.”

Till shoved him off, but he was smiling. “I tolerate you. Barely.”

Ivan grinned at the group. “Next year, I’m shooting for a 60!”

Everyone burst out laughing, even Till.

Chapter Text

The dorm kitchen was a battlefield of mismatched pots, flour-dusted counters, and the cacophony of eight university students determined to cook a “simple” group dinner. Hyuna, sleeves rolled up, surveyed the chaos with a mix of hope and dread.

Ivan, recipe in hand, announced grandly, “I’ll handle the main dish! How hard can it be?”

Till, already on edge, eyed him suspiciously. “Ivan, you once boiled water without water. Don’t touch anything sharp.”

Ivan waved him off. “Relax, Till! I’m a culinary genius. Watch and learn.”

The Mayhem Begins

Mizi and Sua occupied the far counter, rolling dough for adorable bunny-shaped cookies. Mizi piped little faces, tongue sticking out in concentration. Sua giggled, dusting her nose with flour.

Dewey set up his phone for a “Cooking Chaos” timelapse. Isaac read the instructions aloud, only to be ignored by everyone except Luka, who quietly prepped vegetables in the corner.

Ivan, meanwhile, squinted at the recipe and dumped an entire cup of salt into the soup. “It says ‘season generously!’”

Till spun around. “That’s for the chicken, not the soup, you absolute menace!”

Ivan shrugged. “Salt is salt. It’s all going to the same place.”

Till snatched the salt away. “You’re going to kill us all.”

Knife Catastrophe

Ivan grabbed a knife, hacking at carrots with wild abandon. “Look, I’m a pro!”

Till’s voice hit a new octave. “You’re holding it wrong! You’re going to cut off your—IVAN!”

Ivan’s carrot went flying, hitting Dewey in the forehead.

Dewey deadpanned, “I’m keeping that in the montage.”

Ivan grinned. “Action shot!”

Till lunged, grabbing the knife. “You’re on stirring duty. No sharp objects for you.”

Ivan pouted, but obeyed, immediately splattering sauce everywhere. “Oops.”

Rice Rescue

The rice cooker beeped ominously. Smoke curled from the lid.

Ivan lifted it, coughing. “Uh… is rice supposed to be black?”

Till groaned. “You burned the rice?!”

Luka stepped in, calm as ever. “I’ve got it.” He scraped out the burnt bits and whipped up a new batch, humming to himself.

Hyuna smiled, “Luka, you’re a lifesaver.”

Ivan, undeterred, tasted the burnt rice. “It’s… crunchy. Like popcorn!”

Till glared. “You’re not allowed to taste-test anything ever again.”

Fire Fiasco

Ivan, determined to redeem himself, cranked the oven to max and shoved in a tray of garlic bread. Five minutes later, smoke billowed out.

“FIRE!” Ivan shrieked, waving a towel.

Till grabbed the fire extinguisher, spraying Ivan and the oven. “You’re banned. Forever.”

Ivan, covered in foam, whimpered, “It was an accident!”

Till deadpanned, “So would be your disappearance.”

The Booboo Incident

While cleaning up, Ivan reached for a hot pan and yelped. “OW! My hand! I’m dying!”

Till rolled his eyes but grabbed the first aid kit. “Hold still, drama queen.”

Ivan sniffled as Till bandaged his hand. “Will I live?”

Till tied the bandage a little too tight. “Not if you keep talking.”

Ivan stuck out his lower lip. “Kiss my booboo better?”

Till’s face turned red. “I’m going to kill you.”

Ivan grinned, waggling his bandaged hand. “You love me.”

Till muttered, “I tolerate you. Barely.”

Mizi & Sua’s Sweet Success

Meanwhile, Mizi and Sua’s cookies were a triumph—tiny bunnies with chocolate chip eyes. Mizi presented them to the group. “For motivation! And because we might need comfort food after Ivan’s cooking.”

Sua smiled, “They’re almost too cute to eat.”

Ivan popped one in his mouth. “Delicious! Not burnt at all.”

The Great Post-Abortion

As everyone sat down to eat, Hyuna raised her fork. “I propose we post-abort Ivan from the universe. All in favor?”

Every hand shot up, even Ivan’s.

Ivan grinned. “By the power of fantasy, I am banished! I’ll supervise from afar in the parallel universe.”

Till muttered, “If only that worked in real life.”

Dinner Together

Despite the chaos, the meal was… edible. The rice was perfect (thanks to Luka), the soup was salty but fixable, and the cookies were a hit.

Ivan beamed, “We did it! Group effort!”

Till rolled his eyes, but there was a smile tugging at his lips. “Next time, you’re on dish duty. Forever.”

Ivan saluted with his bandaged hand. “Yes, chef!”

The group burst out laughing, the kitchen filled with warmth, crumbs, and the kind of joy only shared disasters can bring.

Chapter Text

The October night was crisp, the moon hanging low as the group gathered outside the infamous “Nightmare Manor”—the university’s annual haunted house attraction. The line buzzed with nervous energy, but Ivan was determined to be the bravest.

Ivan bounced on his toes, grinning. “Prepare yourselves! I’m going to prank every single one of you. Ghost Ivan is on the case!”

Till glared. “If you jump out at me, I’m leaving you here.”

Ivan cackled. “Promises, promises.”

Mizi and Sua linked arms, eyes wide as they watched the costumed actors lurching at the entrance. Dewey checked his camera settings, already plotting the best angles for “accidental” jump-scare photos.

Hyuna nudged Luka. “Ready to be terrified?”

Luka shrugged, blond hair glinting under the streetlights. “I’m only here for the snacks at the end.”

Into the Darkness

The doors creaked open, swallowing the group into darkness and fog. Ivan darted ahead, whispering, “Watch this,” as he ducked behind a coffin prop.

Till rolled his eyes. “Here we go.”

Suddenly, Ivan leapt out—“BOO!”—but instead of scaring the group, he startled a costumed zombie, who shrieked and chased him down the corridor.

Ivan screamed, sprinting back. “IT’S REAL! TILL, SAVE ME!”

Till barked, “You brought this on yourself!” but grabbed Ivan by the collar and yanked him behind the group.

The Maze of Mayhem

The halls twisted and turned, filled with flickering lights and eerie sound effects. Mizi clung to Sua, whispering, “If anything jumps out, I’m hiding behind you.”

Sua squeezed her hand, voice trembling but steady. “We’ll survive together.”

Dewey snapped a shot of a shadowy figure in the corner. “That’s going on the Halloween highlight reel.”

Ivan tried to sneak up on Hyuna, but tripped over a fake skeleton and landed in a pile of rubber spiders. “WHY ARE THERE SO MANY LEGS?” he wailed.

Till, barely holding it together, yelled, “Get up! You’re embarrassing us!”

Ivan scrambled to his feet, clutching Till’s sleeve. “Don’t let go of me, or I’ll haunt you forever.”

Till muttered, “You already do.”

Hyuna & Luka: Lost in the Dark

A sudden strobe light flickered, and the group was split by a curtain of hanging cobwebs. Hyuna and Luka found themselves alone in a pitch-black hallway.

Hyuna reached for Luka’s hand. “Well, this is cozy.”

Luka squeezed her fingers, his voice low. “I’m not scared. Just… mildly concerned.”

Hyuna laughed softly. “You don’t have to pretend with me. I’m terrified.”

He smiled in the darkness. “I know. But I don’t mind being lost if it’s with you.”

They leaned against the wall, listening to the distant shrieks (mostly Ivan’s) echoing through the house.

Hyuna whispered, “Thanks for being here. Even if we get eaten by a zombie, I’m glad it’s you.”

Luka squeezed her hand again. “Me too.”

Mizi & Sua: Bravery in Numbers

Mizi and Sua shuffled through a corridor lined with mirrors, their reflections multiplying in the dim light.

Mizi whispered, “If I see one more clown, I’m running for the exit.”

Sua giggled, heart pounding. “Let’s just keep moving. I think the exit’s this way.”

A costumed ghoul lunged out, and both girls screamed, then burst into laughter when they realized it was just Dewey with a mask.

Dewey grinned. “Gotcha! Best picture of the night.”

Ivan’s Meltdown

Back in the main group, Ivan was now glued to Till’s side, jumping at every creak and groan.

Ivan whimpered, “Till, I think something’s following us.”

Till snapped, “It’s your own shadow, genius.”

Ivan sniffled, “I want to go home. This place is cursed.”

Till rolled his eyes, but his grip on Ivan’s arm tightened. “Just stick with me. If you get possessed, I’m not paying for the exorcism.”

Ivan wailed as a bat prop swooped overhead. “I’m too young to be haunted!”

The Grand Escape

Finally, the group stumbled out the exit, breathless and laughing. Dewey showed off his camera roll—dozens of photos of Ivan mid-scream, Till mid-yell, and Mizi and Sua clutching each other.

Hyuna and Luka emerged, still hand-in-hand, smiling softly.

Ivan flopped onto the grass, dramatically. “I survived! Barely! Till, carry me home.”

Till snorted. “I’ll carry you to the dumpster.”

Ivan grinned, “You love me.”

Till muttered, “I tolerate you. Barely.”

Mizi handed Ivan a Halloween cookie. “You earned this.”

Ivan took it with a sniffle. “Best haunted house ever.”

Everyone burst out laughing, the night echoing with joy and relief as they headed home—one more ridiculous memory richer.

Chapter Text

There was a tension in the dorm lounge that could only mean one thing: the Wi-Fi had died, and Ivan had volunteered his “tech expertise” before anyone could protest.

Ivan rolled up his sleeves with a dramatic flourish. “No fear, folks, I’ve watched at least three YouTube tutorials. By the end of today, we’ll have internet—or a complete system meltdown!”

Five minutes later, Hyuna’s phone was stuck on a login screen, Dewey’s laptop refused to recognize English words, and Mizi just stared as her music app suddenly began blasting reggaeton remixes. Ivan shrugged, poking the modem. “Have you tried pressing all the buttons at once? It works on microwaves.”

Till, eyebrows twitching, did his best to follow Ivan’s “troubleshooting” guidance, which mostly involved wild, erratic button-spamming, random password resets, and, at one surreal point, a full dance break “to activate the signals.”

Ivan grinned wickedly. “Okay, what language should I set the router to? English or Spanish?”

Till, not missing a beat (and very much missing his patience), deadpanned, “Spanish. All Spanish. Maybe I’ll finally understand what my GPS keeps yelling at me.”

Ivan’s eyes sparkled—ominous. “Your wish is my command!” With a flourish, he switched every device in the dorm to Spanish and cackled as panic swept the room.

Hyuna wailed, “IVAN, HOW DO I TURN IT BACK?!”

Mizi pressed random buttons, unleashing a robotic Spanish voice that seemed to be threatening her with salsa lessons.

Dewey just filmed everything, giggling.

Till lunged, shoving Ivan with a groan. “Are you ACTUALLY STUPID?!”

Ivan doubled over in laughter. “You said ‘Spanish!’ Did you not mean it, Tillerino?”

It took thirty minutes and two Google Translate printouts to undo the damage. The only device still functioning was the printer, which, naturally, began spitting out page after page of candid, deeply embarrassing photos of Till: mid-yawn, face-stuffed with chips, one where he looked like a startled herd animal.

“Where did you even get these?” Till demanded, crimson-faced.

Ivan grinned. “A magician never reveals his secrets.”

Once chaos ebbed and devices returned to normal, the room settled—except Ivan, who sidled up to a still-brooding Till. “Don’t hate me,” Ivan whispered, and when Till finally deflated, Ivan caught him off-guard with a quick kiss on the cheek.

Till spluttered, blushing scarlet. “What the F—”

Hyuna—who’d finally gotten her phone to English—whooped, “That’s the best troubleshooting I’ve ever seen!” and immediately began teasing Till: “Look at that color, is that embarrassment OR love, Till?”

Luka, from the couch, smirked even harder. “Don’t worry, Till, red’s more your color than blue anyway—and the technology clearly ships you two together.”

Till shot a glare at Ivan, who just cackled, looking smug and victorious as always. Ivan definitely had the upper hand in terms of their dating life.

(No one dared let Ivan near the router again, but his “tech support” remained legendary.)

Chapter Text

Secret Santa at Anakt University was supposed to be wholesome—a little tree, a lot of cookies, and safe, sensible gifts. Then Ivan got ahold of the hat full of names and, with suspicious speed, declared, “Oh, look, I got Till!” No one saw the mischief sparkle in his eyes.

"You're not supposed to say who you're gifting dumbass! It's called Secret Santa for a reason."

When gift exchange day arrived, Till eyed Ivan’s present with deep suspicion. Ivan grinned, patted Till on the head, and cooed, “For my favorite angry wet cat. Open up!”

Gift one: a clear box. Till yelped as a horde of fake bugs tumbled out. Ivan howled. “Calm down, kitty, they’re not real! Oh, you should see your face—priceless.”

Gift two: a pair of socks that randomly sang “Macarena” at full blast whenever they detected movement. Till tried to stuff them in his pockets but they chirped “HEY MACARENA!” every time he shifted. Ivan cackled.

Gift three: a hideous neon shirt emblazoned with “World’s #1 Ivan Defender.” The group roared as Ivan forced Till to pose, arms crossed, scowl locked in place. “Smile! You’re my champ, Till the Grumpy.”

Livid, Till swore, “I’m getting you back,” and quietly formed an alliance with Luka. They plotted decoy presents and even tried to switch assignment cards, but Ivan anticipated every move. Luka’s plan to gift Ivan hot peppers backfired when Ivan just ate them all on a dare.

The final showdown: Ivan presented a huge, innocuous box. “For my sweet, soggy cat,” he trilled, ruffling Till’s hair. As Till opened it, he was showered in glitter, confetti, and a spray of paper hearts that spelled “Ivan was here!” Till sputtered and chased Ivan around the dorm, both laughing like lunatics.

In the end, everyone agreed Ivan had outmenaced himself—especially after finding that the socks had been reset to play “Meow Mix” instead. Luka, a smirk on his face, documented every glittery disaster and texted clandestine photos to the group chat for future blackmail material.

Hyuna teased, “Aww, look at Till—glitter in his hair and love in his heart. Ivan, you’ve made him beautiful!” Ivan just grinned, wrapping an arm around a sputtering Till. “Who’s my angry wet cat? Still you!”

Even as Till glowered through a storm of laughter, he couldn’t quite hide the fond smile sneaking onto his lips, especially when Ivan winked and softly patted his head again, like the smug champion menace he was.

Chapter Text

The morning light spilled warmly through the window as the group readied themselves for the trip to Canada. Emotions bubbled under the surface like a summer brook—excited chatter mixed with an undercurrent of nerves. For all of them, it was their first time visiting Acorn since his big move with Hyunwoo, the man he’d been dating—someone Hyuna often spoke about with both admiration and an undercurrent of sisterly concern.

Hyuna lingered by the mirror, reflecting over her own reflection and that of the day ahead. She felt the tug of missing her brother deeply but it was woven with pride and joy—knowing he was happy now made the waiting easier. Her phone buzzed with a message from Hyunwoo: a goofy selfie of him with Acorn, captioned "Waiting for you guys to arrive! Can’t freakin’ wait."

Not long after, the living room was a bustle of movement and energy. Mizi was inspecting her luggage with a meticulous eye, making sure everything was packed perfectly. Dewey fidgeted with his camera gear, rehearsing mental shots for their upcoming adventure. Till slung his heavy backpack over one shoulder, casting a barely concealed scowl at Ivan—the source of so many of his headaches. But he loved him anyway, what a weak resolve.

Ivan sprawled in an armchair, looking entirely too relaxed for someone about to endure hours cramped on a plane. But that was Ivan’s way—always the wild card. His eyes caught Till’s, and in a low voice he muttered, “Hey, angry wet cat, ready for the trip of your life?” Till’s teeth clenched, but he held back the retort, already resigned to the long fight ahead momentarily seated beside him.

"Are you going to keep stretching the wet cat joke?!" Ivan didn't answer, he only smiled mischievously.

The ride to the airport was a cacophony of overlapping voices and laughter. Hyuna found herself stealing glances at the passing landscape, her mind dancing between happy memories and the hopes for the reunion waiting across the ocean.

At the airport, the group’s excitement grew. They lined up amid the sea of strangers, tickets and passports at the ready. Hyuna held her phone tight, occasionally catching little updates from Hyunwoo, building the anticipation with each ping.

Dewey was the first to break the quiet tension with a grin. “Can you believe we’re actually doing this? Getting on a plane, flying out to see Acorn and Hyunwoo’s world?”

Mizi smiled warmly. “Yeah. I want to see what kind of 'Mr. Rich' Hyunwoo is after inheriting the business, and how he’s spoiling Acorn.”

A ripple of laughter followed, easing the last of the stress. Ivan, of course, smirked and said, “I’m just here to see how many pranks I can get away with. Till, you’re my prime target.”

Till shot him a withering look, masking the twitch of a smile. Even after the chaos he expected, the idea that they were all making this trip together, sharing this moment, was a comfort he didn’t expect.

The group moved steadily through security, the cacophony of wheels on tile and announcements mixing with their excited voices. As they waited at the gate, Hyuna’s thoughts found focus. This trip was more than a visit; it was a chance to weave together time lost apart, to make new memories stronger than the distance yearned to be.

Ivan stretched lazily, head tipping close to Till’s as he murmured, “You ready, wet cat? Keep your claws sharp.”

Till didn’t respond, bracing himself for the inevitable storm of mischief Ivan would bring once they were airborne. But underneath the frustration, he felt the steady beat of friendship anchoring them all.

Soon, the PA would call for boarding, and the wheels of anticipation would finally begin to turn.

-

The announcement finally crackled over the loudspeaker. “Flight 472 to Toronto, now boarding at Gate 17.” With a collective sigh of anticipation, the group moved as one towards the gate, luggage wheels squeaking and bags swinging. Hyuna took one last look at her phone, clutching her ticket tightly as if it were a lifeline. A message from Hyunwoo flashed across the screen: “Almost there! Can’t wait to see you all!”

Ivan was already in rare form. As they entered the plane, he clamped himself onto the seat next to Till, who immediately knew this was not going to be an ordinary flight. Ivan’s grin widened as he examined the rows of seats and passengers.

Once seated, Ivan leaned over with a mischievous glint, whispering, “You know, I’ve always wondered—what happens if I press every button on the armrest? Think the plane will fly sideways?”

Till shoved Ivan’s arm away. “Don’t even think about it. You’re going to get us kicked off this flight, and I’ll blame you for life.”

But Ivan, with a devilish chuckle, already reached for the emergency button. “Relax. I’m just saying—I could cause some serious chaos.”

The plane took off with a shudder, and Ivan immediately began to stir trouble. He grabbed a soda from Dewey’s bag without asking, sprayed a tiny bit of soda on Till’s sleeve, and then started giggling uncontrollably, eyes gleaming with mischief.

“Hey, “Ivan whispered, voice dark with playfulness. “Watch this.” He leaned toward Till and, in an overly dramatic motion, sprayed Till with water from his tiny spray bottle. “Now you’re a wet cat,” he declared gleefully.

Till, already exasperated, grimaced, grabbing Ivan’s arm. “Cut it out, Ivan. We’re on a plane.”

Ivan cackled louder. “Nope. We’re in my comedy special now. And you’re the star—‘The Wet Cat and the Menace’!”

The chaos continued. Ivan, despite being told repeatedly to sit still, pressed random buttons on the entertainment console, causing the screen to flicker wildly. Popcorn bags spilled, snacks flew, and the flight attendants shot annoyed glances as they hurried over to calm them down.

Near the back, Dewey was recording everything, footage that would undoubtedly make it into their trip album—or blackmail material. Mizi tried to hold back her laughter but couldn’t suppress a giggle every time Ivan did something new, like accidentally pressing a button and causing the seatbelt sign to flicker on and off like a disco.

The worst moment came when Ivan, clearly in control of nothing but trouble, reached for the overhead compartment—and, with a loud crash, knocked over half the snacks, causing a domino effect of spilled drinks, scattered headphones, and blinking “Fasten Seatbelt” signs.

As the turbulence rocked the plane, the crew’s patience wore thin. “If you don’t settle down,” one flight attendant warned, “we might have to ask you to leave at the gate.”

Ivan sat back in his seat with a triumphant grin. “And miss all this fun? Never.”

Till looked at the chaos with a mixture of despair and reluctant amusement. Ivan’s antics had become legendary, even before the plane landed.

The flight was far from over, and already, the story of Ivan’s chaos was shaping up to be one for the books.

-

The plane finally made its descent into Toronto, trembling slightly as it hit the tarmac. The clatter of the wheels touching down was almost drowned out by the collective sigh of relief and exhaustion. The chaos aboard the plane had only added to the anticipation—they all looked at each other with wide, amused eyes.

As they disembarked, Ivan winked at Till and whispered, “Well, wet cat, you survived the flight—and I still have plenty of tricks left for the trip.” Till shot him a glare, but even he couldn’t hide the faint smile tugging at his lips.

The group stepped into the bustling airport, a whirlwind of luggage, excited chatter, and hurried footsteps. Hyuna’s eyes shimmered with happiness, her heart pounding. She nearly sprinted toward the arrival hall, where her brother Hyunwoo and Acorn waited, waving eagerly with wide grins.

When they finally saw each other, it was like a dam breaking—tears, laughter, and shouts of joy as hugs were exchanged in tight embrace. Hyunwoo’s arms wrapped around Hyuna first, a deep smile on his face, eyes shining with affection. Acorn joined in, grinning sheepishly at the tears and the noise, his cheeks flushed with happiness.

Ivan, standing nearby, pushed his way into the hug, dramatically wrapping his arms around both Hyunwoo and Acorn. “Look at this—ourselves, reunited! And I’m the biggest menace, of course,” he said with a wink, causing Hyunwoo to laugh and Hyunwoo's eyes to roll.

The reunion was filled with warmth and teasing, each person embracing the moment. “It’s been too long,” Hyunwoo said softly, voice thick with emotion. “I missed you all so much.”

Acorn nodded happily, stealing a glance at Hyunwoo. “It’s good to be back… and I guess I’ve missed you guys, too.”

Ivan, of course, couldn’t resist adding his own flair, cracking a joke, “And I’ve missed causing chaos, but mostly, I missed making sure everyone’s hair was messier than usual.”

-

The drive from the airport to Hyunwoo’s home was a pleasant mix of chatter and quiet glances out the car windows. Hyunwoo’s car gleamed with sleek luxury, the kind that immediately announced both success and comfort. Acorn sat beside him, fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of his jacket, his gaze drifting between the passing cityscape and the friendly faces around him.

Hyunwoo caught his glance and smiled warmly. “You look good,” he said softly, “really good.” Acorn’s cheeks tinted at the praise, a bit embarrassed but clearly pleased.

Till, sitting across from Hyuna, noticed the soft tension, the feelings that both Acorn and Hyunwoo kept subtle but unmistakable. His eyes flicked sideways to Ivan, who was twirling a pen between fingers and already eyeing everyone like a mischievous storm waiting to unleash.

Their arrival was nothing short of impressive. The house was perched on a quiet street, modern and spacious, with big windows that caught the late afternoon light just right. Hyunwoo threw open the door with pride. “Welcome to our humble palace,” he said, beaming.

Inside, the space was filled with light and warmth. Hyunwoo gave the group a tour: the sleek kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, the cozy living room decked with plush sofas, and the spacious guest rooms that practically screamed comfort.

Acorn lingered near the plush armchair, biting his lip nervously. “Hyunwoo really spoiled me,” he said quietly. “I don’t know how I deserve this.”

Hyunwoo shook his head, pulling Acorn close in a quick embrace. “You deserve everything and more.” Their brief, intimate moment didn’t go unnoticed, especially by Ivan, who sidled up with a smirk.

“Ahhh, the honeymoon’s still glowing, huh?” Ivan teased, ruffling Acorn’s hair before thievesmaking his way over to Till. “Don’t get too comfy, Acorn. I’m the one who keeps the chaos alive around here.”

Till rolled his eyes, trying not to smile at Ivan’s antics, but also feeling a protective warmth watching the affection between Acorn and Hyunwoo.

As they unpacked and settled in, the hum of laughter and soft bickering echoed—the perfect mix of friendship and family blending seamlessly.

The night promised comfort, shared stories, and definitely Ivan’s next round of well-planned (and poorly executed) mischief.

-

The sun dipped behind the horizon as the group unpacked and settled into Hyunwoo’s spacious home. Conversations mingled with laughter as they explored the rooms and reacquainted themselves with the comforts of being together.

Acorn paced nervously in his assigned guest room, eyes darting to the luxury around him. “Hyunwoo really went all out,” he murmured to Hyuna in the hall. “I don’t know how I’ll live up to this.”

Hyuna smiled and squeezed his hand warmly. “It’s a fresh start, Acorn. You deserve this.”

Meanwhile, Ivan was already plotting. Though he smiled and joked, his eyes gleamed with the promise of mischief. Unfazed by the softness filling the home, he drew close to Till. “Ready for some nighttime chaos, angry wet cat?”

Till grimaced playfully but secretly knew resistance was futile.

Later, as the house settled into peaceful quiet, Ivan quietly slipped from his room and padded silently through the dimly lit hallways. At Till’s door, he paused a moment—smiling wickedly before gently slipping inside.

He snuggled close, warmth and mischief in equal measure. Till stirred, waking to find Ivan’s familiar grin inches from his face. “You’re impossible,” Till muttered, part annoyed, part fond.

Ivan smirked. “And you love it.”

Their lips met, soft and teasing, years of tension burning quietly beneath the surface. Ivan’s fingers tangled gently in Till’s hair, stroking slowly—a lullaby of chaos and comfort.

Till closed his eyes, letting peace wash over him as sleep finally claimed him with Ivan close beside him—the biggest idiot, and the sweetest as well.

-

The morning sun streamed gently through the open curtains, casting soft light over the group as they began to stir in the spacious guest rooms. The house hummed with the slow awakening of sleepy voices and the scent of fresh coffee wafting from the kitchen.

Till blinked open his eyes, the lingering warmth of Ivan’s presence beside him wrapping him in comfort despite the usual chaos the menace brought. Ivan was already awake, fingers lazily brushing through Till’s hair as if marking his territory with gentle affection.

“Morning, kitty,” Ivan whispered with a grin.

Till groaned softly but couldn’t help the teasing smile tugging at his lips. “You’re insufferable.”

Their quiet moment was shattered by the sounds of the others gathering downstairs, laughter and playful jabs echoing through halls. Hyuna peeked into Till’s room, a mock-serious expression on her face. “Get up, sleepyhead! We’re going exploring, and you don’t want to miss a second.”

Luka joined her, smirking. “Besides, Ivan’s probably already planning his next prank.”

Ivan shot Luka a playful glare but only smiled wider. The trip was far from calm, but the bonds they shared made the chaos a welcome part of the adventure.

As the group gathered for breakfast, stories of the flight’s madness were swapped and retold, laughter filling the room. Each moment was a piece of their reunion—a tapestry woven from friendship, mischief, and quiet love.

-

The last night arrived too quickly, and the group gathered in the cozy living room of Hyunwoo’s home, the soft glow of lamps casting warm light over familiar faces. The trip had been a whirlwind of laughter, arguments, and unexpected revelations—but most of all, it was a reminder of how close they’d grown.

While Ivan and Till once again engaged in their familiar back-and-forth banter, settling onto the sofa with a mix of grins and glares, the quieter magic occurred across the room—between Hyuna and Luka.

Hyuna sat near the window, knees hugged close, gazing out at the city lights. The gentle hum of the night felt heavy with unspoken words. Luka settled beside her, careful to leave just enough space but close enough that their shoulders brushed.

“I missed this,” Luka admitted softly, voice barely more than a whisper.

Hyuna turned to him, warmth filling her chest. “Me too.” Her eyes searched his face, finding the easy smile that always made her heart skip a beat.

“I was worried things would be… different,” Luka confessed, “but it’s like no time has passed.”

Hyuna nodded, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on her sleeve. “Even when things change, some connections don’t.”

They talked late into the night, reminiscing about old times and sharing hopes for the future. Luka’s hand found Hyuna’s, a gentle squeeze that spoke volumes.

Meanwhile, the room buzzed softly with other conversations. Acorn and Hyunwoo shared plans for the days ahead, while Mizi and Sua exchanged knowing smiles in a quiet corner.

As the night drew to a close, Hyuna rested her head on Luka’s shoulder, the simple comfort of the moment sealing a promise—no matter where life took them, they would always find their way back to each other.

The trip was ending, but the bonds they’d reinforced would carry them through whatever came next.

Chapter Text

The group was pumped for a casual shopping trip, their chatter blending with the mall’s lively hum. Ivan hovered near the entrance, eyes sparkling with unspoken mischief. Till, already bracing for chaos, patrolled nearby with a wary eye.

No sooner had they split into smaller groups than Ivan disappeared into the crowd like a shadow. Minutes later, he reappeared triumphantly, arms overflowing with the most absurd items imaginable—a pair of fluffy cat ears, a frilly pink maid dress, and an assortment of sparkly accessories.

Till’s mouth dropped open. “Ivan, seriously? What are you planning?”

Without a word, Ivan pinned the cat ears onto Till’s head, adjusting the maid dress over his shoulders with wild enthusiasm. “Now you’re the perfect angry wet cat cosplay!” He whipped out his phone, snapping a ridiculous photo of Till mid-eye-roll.

“Wait!” Till protested, futile as Ivan already uploaded the edited image to the group chat—complete with a photoshopped maid outfit that exaggerated every detail to hilarious effect.

The notification pinged instantly. Luka’s response was merciless—he collapsed into fits of uncontrollable laughter, clutching his stomach. “I can’t, I literally can’t breathe!” he gasped, tears streaming down his face.

Hyuna teased Till mercilessly, while Mizi and Sua cracked up beside her, and even Dewey captured every moment on camera, grinning from ear to ear.

Till tried to rip off the ears, but Ivan held firm, “Nope. You’re stuck with this ‘til next Christmas, angry wet cat.”

“Mark my words,” Till growled, though the smile tugging at his lips betrayed his amusement, “I’m getting you back. Double.”

Ivan chuckled. “Bring it on.”

-

“It’s payback time, you rat bastard” Till declared, dragging Ivan into the store’s tacky outfit section with a mischievous grin. They disappeared behind the curtain of the changing rooms, the sounds of fabric rustling and muffled protests coming from inside.

Moments later, Ivan emerged in a shiny, over-the-top emo ensemble—leather, chains, and dramatic eyeliner painted on by Till’s surreptitious hand. To everyone’s shock, especially Till’s, Ivan somehow made the ridiculous look absolutely smoldering.

Till blinked, mouth slightly open, muttering, “How... how is Ivan being this hot in this garbage?”

Ivan caught the expression and smiled innocently, his eternally puppy-dog eyes wide and unblinking. “What? I’m just trying it on like a good model.”

Till wasn’t done. He grabbed a feminine Oujji-inspired outfit—crisply starched shirt, black tie, and tailored black pants—and shoved it at Ivan. “Try this next. Let’s see if you can survive looking like a victorian twink.”

Ivan slipped behind the curtain again, emerging like a vision straight from a fashion magazine. Clad in the black tie and perfectly fitted shirt, he looked so majestic with his cheeks flushed crimson at Till’s stunned stare.

“It’s not fair,” Till muttered, voice low and rough with disbelief. “Someone like you shouldn’t be this hot, for no reason.”

Ivan, completely oblivious, tilted his head, puppy dog expression more pronounced. Then it clicked. “Are... you flustered because I’m hot?” he teased softly.

Before Till could answer, Ivan closed the distance, pushing Till gently but firmly against the changing room wall. His hands slid down to loosen his tie, purposely teasing Till with his collarbone, playfully tugging it until it hung loose and messy.

Then Ivan’s lips were on his, soft but insistent in a kiss that sent an electric pulse through Till’s whole body.

Suddenly, the curtain rustled violently as Luka burst in, laughing breathlessly. “Hyuna sent me to get you! You two are taking forever! Everyone else is starting to wonder if you got lost in there. Well... it looks like you did in some other way.”

Till, flushed and wide-eyed, shot a glare at Ivan, who just grinned cheekily.

“Looks like we’re done here,” Till said with a grin of his own. “But just wait, Ivan. Payback’s coming.”