The following days passed by in a steady rhythm.
Ji Hyo threw himself into training, attending every class with unwavering dedication. Whether it was dance, vocal, or even rap—he showed up early, stayed late, and pushed himself harder each time. Though his talent was still rough around the edges, his determination more than made up for it.
What surprised him most was how peaceful things had become.
Ever since that scuffle in the trainee lounge, Jihoon and his group seemed to keep their distance. Perhaps it was because Felix was constantly at his side—whether in class, at lunch, or during their short breaks. With Felix around, Ji Hyo finally felt like he could breathe freely.
They became inseparable in a way Ji Hyo never experienced before. It was strange but comforting—to have someone who genuinely cared about him, who looked after him not because of status or obligation, but because he simply wanted to.
On days when training was lighter, they'd meet up with Soomin Cheon, Felix's cheerful and stylish friend. The three of them had grown surprisingly close, and their dynamic quickly became natural—like a small pocket of warmth in the otherwise competitive atmosphere of trainee life.
Sometimes, when Jihoon did try to stir trouble—subtle remarks, mocking glances, or attempts to find faults in Ji Hyo's performance—Ji Hyo didn't back down. Not anymore. He'd glare right back, counter the remark, or even talk back when necessary. He wasn't going to play the victim anymore.
But those moments never escalated—not when Felix was around. One glare from him was enough to shut Jihoon down completely. That alone made Ji Hyo feel safer than he ever did before.
As for the debut team—they were practically invisible.
Ever since their names were announced, the debut team had been isolated from the rest of the trainees. They had their own training schedules, separate instructors, and even stricter evaluations. Word eventually spread that their official debut would happen in May—a surprisingly fast timeline that left most of the other trainees stunned.
But Ji Hyo didn't let that bother him too much. He hadn't seen much of Mo Jin or June either, aside from passing nods in the hallway. They were busy preparing for something bigger now, walking a path he wasn't a part of—at least not yet.
Still, Ji Hyo didn't feel bitter.
He had his own journey.
He had his goals.
And more than anything… he had people now. Something he never truly had in his past life.
Felix. Soomin. Even the instructors had started treating him more fairly now—some of them even praising his small improvements in class. It wasn't much, but it was progress.
Ji Hyo knew he still had a long road ahead. But for the first time in a long while, he didn't feel like he was walking it alone.
Absolutely! Here's a polished and more immersive version of your scene. I've expanded it with some engaging descriptions, smoother dialogue, better flow, and consistent tone to enhance both the family dynamic and Ji Hyo's internal reactions. Let's build up the tension, elegance, and awkwardness just right:
Weekend came faster than expected.
By late afternoon, Ji Hyo found himself being picked up by the family butler in a sleek black car, comfortably seated in the back as the city slowly passed by outside the window.
He had assumed they would be heading back to the Hyun family residence, but halfway through the drive, the butler politely informed him otherwise.
"We'll be dining out this evening, Young Master. Madam Hyun has made a reservation at Le Solace."
Ji Hyo blinked. Le Solace? That name sounded faintly familiar—wasn't it one of those high-end restaurants celebrities and CEOs were always spotted in?
He tilted his head and muttered under his breath, "How rich is this family again…?"
Upon arrival, his suspicions were confirmed.
The restaurant was beyond extravagant—golden chandeliers hanging from vaulted ceilings, marble floors polished to a mirror shine, and soft classical music playing in the background. Staff in pristine uniforms bowed at every corner, guiding guests like royalty.
But oddly enough, Ji Hyo wasn't completely awestruck.
He had already accepted that his new life came with absurd privileges. But this—this level of wealth still made him a bit nervous.
Inside the private dining area, his mother stood up from their elegantly set table, beaming the moment she saw him.
"Ji Hyo!" Jun Ji Hyun waved excitedly, hurrying over to embrace him. "You look so pretty! Just like me!"
Ji Hyo chuckled awkwardly, "Um… thanks, I guess."
She linked her arm around his and pulled him toward the table, chatting non-stop along the way. "I already ordered your favorite dishes! Or at least, what used to be your favorite. Maybe you'll discover new ones now!"
Seated across the table was Nam Su Hyun, his father, already nursing a glass of wine. He glanced at Ji Hyo with his usual stoic face and gave a faint nod.
No words. No smile.
That was about as warm as Nam Su Hyun got.
Ji Hyo offered a polite greeting nonetheless. "Good evening, Father."
His father merely grunted in response, eyes already drifting back toward the wine menu.
Dinner began with appetizers, and most of the conversation was carried by his mother. She was cheerful, expressive, and almost too excited about everything Ji Hyo said—even when he answered vaguely or gave short replies.
Still, Ji Hyo was grateful. Even if her energy was overwhelming, at least it was warm.
Just as the main course was about to be served, the double doors to the private room opened again.
Ji Hyo barely turned to look—until he felt it.
A sharp, heavy chill crawled down his spine.
The room's temperature didn't change… but the air did.
Footsteps clicked slowly against the marble floor, steady and composed.
And then, he saw him.
A tall man in a sleek, tailored suit entered with perfect posture and an aura so cold and piercing, it made even the restaurant staff stiffen. His features were sharp and aristocratic—like he had been sculpted from ice itself.
His gaze, however… was even colder.
Ji Hyo didn't need anyone to tell him who this man was.
Ji Hwan Hyun.
His older brother.
There was no denying the resemblance—Ji Hwan looked almost like a younger clone of their father. From the sharp jawline to the stern eyes, the cool expression to the perfectly combed hair, everything about him screamed strict discipline and unshakable pride.
Definitely father and son, Ji Hyo thought dryly. Just copy-paste and done.
But if Nam Su Hyun was like a wall of ice, Ji Hwan was a blizzard. His aura wasn't just cold—it was suffocating. Each step he took toward the table carried the silent pressure of someone who was always in control and never pleased.
Ji Hyo sat up straighter without even realizing it, his posture stiffening instinctively. He had no memories of this brother… but his body was reacting all on its own.
Muscle memory of trauma? Possibly.
Ji Hwan's sharp eyes flicked toward him once more—just a glance, but enough to send another chill crawling down his spine.
"What evil dream did you wake up from," he said flatly, "to think you deserved a seat at this table?"
Ji Hyo nearly choked on air.
His shoulders slumped a little. "Gosh… I'm gonna fail the task for sure."
"Still sitting there?" Ji Hwan said, as he pulled out a chair with practiced grace. "You haven't been mistaken for the waiter yet?"
Ji Hyo blinked.
Did… did his brother just insult him for merely existing?
His mother gasped and immediately kicked Ji Hwan's shin under the table. "Yah! That's your little brother!"
"He looks like a stray kitten," Ji Hwan replied without even flinching. "Did he get lost on his way to the shelter?"
Ji Hyo almost stood up. "Excuse me, I'm sitting right here, you know!"
"Oh," Ji Hwan said coolly, finally turning his full attention toward him. "You speak now. Good to know you're not just here for decoration."
Jun Ji Hyun groaned, burying her face in her hands. "I was so looking forward to this family dinner, and this is what I get. Can't you two just try to get along for five minutes?"
"No promises," Ji Hwan said flatly, reaching for the wine glass in front of him.
Ji Hyo sighed in disbelief. So this is what having a brother feels like, huh? Lovely.
As the meal progressed, Ji Hyo kept mostly quiet, letting his mother steer the conversation. His father said little, only offering occasional nods or brief comments when spoken to. Ji Hwan? Well, Ji Hwan clearly had no intention of pretending to be nice.
But Ji Hyo didn't miss the subtle looks his brother threw his way—measuring, calculating, judging.
And as much as Ji Hyo wanted to ignore it, a part of him was curious too.
What was their relationship before this? What did Ji Hwan think of the old Ji Hyo? Or more importantly… how will he treat this new one?
The tension was cut briefly when the waiter returned with dessert.
"Oh, you'll love this," his mother chirped. "Ji Hwan, this is your brother's favorite!"
Ji Hwan raised an eyebrow. "Is it now? I thought his favorite was running away from responsibilities."
"Enough," his mother snapped, clearly reaching her limit.
Ji Hyo, on the other hand, was trying not to laugh.
Because somehow, despite the verbal daggers, the cold stares, and the frostbitten ego damage…
It felt a little familiar.
Maybe, in another life, this was just their version of bonding.
A weird, twisted, slightly aggressive sibling dynamic.
Ji Hyo looked at Ji Hwan once more and smirked faintly. "Don't worry, hyung. You can keep glaring at me all night. I'm not going anywhere."
Ji Hwan raised his glass without a word, but his eyes narrowed in response.