FALSE HALO Chapter 4
619 Words
Chapter 4 – An Idea
It was one of the group's rare free afternoons.
Hanjin had told the members he was meeting a few friends before returning to the dorm later that evening.
"Have fun," Shinyu said.
"Don't come back too late," the leader added with a small smile.
"I won't."
Dohoon looked up from his phone.
"Bring snacks."
Youngjae laughed.
"That's all you care about?"
"I'm helping everyone's mood."
"You just want free food."
Dohoon shrugged.
"Same thing."
The room filled with laughter as Hanjin quietly left.
---
A small café.
Hanjin greeted two friends he hadn't seen in a while.
"It's been forever," one of them said.
"I know."
They spent the afternoon chatting about work, music, and the idol industry.
At one point, one of his friends unlocked his phone.
"Look."
Hanjin glanced at the screen.
It was filled with fan edits, artwork, and comments about a popular idol pairing.
"The fans are crazy," his friend laughed. "They notice every little interaction."
"The ship became huge."
"Companies don't control all of it. Sometimes fans just become invested after seeing members spend a lot of time together."
Hanjin watched another edit play on the screen.
Millions of views.
Thousands of comments.
Endless discussions.
His expression remained calm.
"...Interesting."
---
On the way back, he walked silently through the streets.
A ship...
Fans pay attention to it.
The more people talk... the more attention follows.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
Attention creates popularity.
Popularity creates opportunities.
He wasn't interested in romance.
He wasn't trying to prove anything about himself.
To him...
People were simply pieces on a board.
Useful if placed correctly.
A connection doesn't have to be real.
It only has to look convincing enough for people to notice.
---
Back at the dorm, he observed the members without saying much.
Shinyu naturally checked on everyone.
"Did everyone eat?"
Youngjae raised his hand.
"I did."
Dohoon answered without looking up.
"I stole Youngjae's dessert."
"You WHAT?"
"I was hungry."
Youngjae stared at him.
"I trusted you!"
"You shouldn't."
Jihoon burst into laughter.
Even Shinyu covered his mouth to hide a smile.
---
Hanjin quietly watched.
Shinyu...
Kind. Patient.
People naturally feel comfortable around him.
His gaze shifted.
Dohoon...
Blunt. Funny without trying.
People laugh because he says ridiculous things with a straight face.
Another glance.
Jihoon, Youngjae, Kyungmin...
Each of them reacts differently.
For the next several days, Hanjin paid closer attention than anyone realized.
He noticed who spoke first during conversations.
Who disliked physical contact.
Who accepted casual gestures without thinking.
Who trusted people easily.
Late at night, he searched interviews, fan discussions, and old videos.
Not because he admired them.
Because information was useful.
The more I understand someone...
...the easier they are to predict.
---
A week later, he made a decision.
Nothing dramatic.
Nothing obvious.
Small changes.
He started joining conversations a little more often after practice.
He offered to help clean up equipment.
He lingered near the others instead of immediately leaving the room.
Just enough to become more familiar.
Not enough for anyone to question it.
---
Dohoon noticed first.
"Hanjin."
"Hm?"
"You're talking more lately."
Hanjin smiled gently.
"I thought I should get closer to everyone."
Dohoon nodded once.
"Fair enough."
Then he walked away without another thought.
Across the room, Shinyu smiled warmly.
"I think that's a good idea."
"We're a team, after all."
Hanjin smiled back.
"I think so too, hyung."
Neither of them saw anything unusual.
To them, Hanjin was simply making an effort to bond with his teammates.
Only Hanjin knew the real reason.
This is only the beginning.
If I want people to notice me...
I need everyone to believe the first step is completely natural.
- Writer
