"My grandma's a nutcase.." Woorim said matter-of-factly, tossing his keys into his palm. "That's why she's in Mongolia and my grandfather is here… when they're not even divorced."
He gave the men a long, sideways look. "Now, are you going to drive me home, let me drive myself, or are you planning to just keep orbiting my car like snakes in a security drama?"
The men quickly parted like the Red Sea.
"Sorry, sir!" Jung Min jumped forward. "We'll drive you home. Would you like to have something to eat or drink on the way?"
Woorim gave him a deadpan stare. "Stop acting like you like me."
Jung Min cleared his throat with a tight smile.
"But..." Woorim continued, sliding into the backseat as the door was held open for him, "take me to Café Latte. I want to see Noh-jin."
Jung Min froze halfway around the car.
"Uh… Sir. With all due respect… the last time you went to see Mister Shin, he… uh… viciously threw you out."
Woorim settled into the leather seat and crossed his legs, smug. "That's because I caused trouble."
Jung Min didn't move as his lips twitched, he had caused awfully alot of trouble.
Woorim arched a brow. "What?"
"…You set his record player on fire."
"Okay, it was an accident, how was I supposed to know his cat could jump that high?"
"Sir, you insulted his playlist, pushed his friend into a fountain, and tried to fight with the barista."
"I was young and he said something wrong."
"You were twenty-two. That was last year."
Woorim waved a hand airily. "And yet I have grown since then. Look at me now. I've been dumped, humbled, emotionally wrecked and promoted in less than 24 hours. I think it's safe to say I've matured."
"…If you say so, sir."
Woorim tapped his fingers on the door. "And besides, Noh-jin's probably missed me. Who else yells at him for being too emotionally constipated to get a boyfriend?"
Jung Min muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like "someone sane."
"What was that?"
"Nothing, sir."
Woorim leaned his head against the window, watching the city blur past as they pulled away from the estate.
His reflection stared his back hair neatly tied, sharp blazer buttoned over a crisp white shirt, silver pin gleaming on his lapel.
Not the club-rat version of himself. Not the guy Hana cried over. This version of him was someone even he might have respected.
He sighed and closed his eyes.
Maybe it was time he started making amends.
Even if he had to start with Noh-jin… and whatever sharp object would inevitably be thrown at him when he walked in.
The moment Woorim stepped into Café Latte, the comforting scent of roasted beans was shattered by a ceramic cup flying straight at his head.
He ducked just in time. The cup hit the wall behind him and shattered.
"I come in peace! Jesus!" he said quickly, hands raised.
"Get out!" Noh-jin's voice rang loud and clear from behind the counter.
Woorim straightened, brushing imaginary dust off his shoulder. "Is this how you welcome old friends now?"
"You set my café on fire last time," Noh-jin snapped, already storming from behind the counter. "You insulted my playlist, knocked my cat off the counter, and nearly fought one of my regulars."
Woorim winced. "That wasn't entirely my fault."
"You lit incense next to an open whiskey bottle."
"I was trying to create an atmosphere."
"You were trying to get drunk indoors and almost set my curtains on fire."
Woorim sighed. "I know. I was a mess."
Noh-jin narrowed his eyes. "Why are you here?"
"I came to apologize."
There was a beat of silence. The café staff froze. Even the few customers present looked up in surprise.
Woorim met his friend's eyes and spoke carefully.
"I was wrong to treat you the way I did. I never considered your feelings. You warned me about the path I was on, and instead of listening, I dismissed you. You were the one person who never gave up on me, and I treated you like you didn't matter."
The anger in Noh-jin's face faltered.
"I made a lot of mistakes.." Woorim continued. "And I hurt people who genuinely cared about me. I won't make excuses. But I came here today because I realized how much your friendship means to me. I'm sorry."
For a long moment, Noh-jin said nothing.
Then, without another word, he stepped forward and pulled Woorim into a tight hug.
Woorim stood frozen, surprised by the sudden warmth.
"That's all I wanted to hear," Noh-jin murmured.
Woorim slowly returned the hug, shoulders dropping.
"I'm not here to act like I've changed completely overnight.." he said quietly. "But I'm trying. My mother asked me to manage the clan temporarily while she's away, and I'm doing my best not to screw it up."
"You're capable.." Noh-jin replied, stepping back. "You've always been capable. You just refused to take anything seriously."
"I do now."
"Then don't waste the second chance you've been given."
"I won't."
Noh-jin nodded, then glanced at him. "Don't touch the cat."
"I won't."
"Don't insult my playlist."
Woorim raised a hand. "I'll even compliment it."
Noh-jin rolled his eyes and headed behind the counter. "Sit down. I'll get your usual."
After Noh-jin stepped away to make his drink, Woorim turned toward the rest of the café.
There were only a few patrons, scattered in corners with their laptops or coffee cups.
Some of them were already staring. One or two had their phones out, clearly recognizing him.
Woorim hesitated for a moment.
Then he exhaled, took a step forward, and bowed.
"I sincerely apologize.." he said, voice steady. "To everyone here who may have witnessed or been affected by my previous behavior… I was careless, disrespectful, and thoughtless. I'm deeply sorry for the disruption I caused in this place. I've been given a chance to change, and I intend to take it seriously."
A brief silence followed.
Then one older man nodded slowly.
Another woman gave him a small, surprised smile.
No one clapped. No one booed either. And for Woorim, that was enough.
He returned to his seat in the corner just as Noh-jin placed a steaming cup in front of him.
"You actually apologized to the customers.." Noh-jin said, raising an eyebrow.