Chapter 14 - Cracks in the Glass

The soft glow of the late afternoon sun bathed the university courtyard in golden hues, casting long shadows over the stone pathways. Hyunjin sat on a bench near the fountain, fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on the wooden surface as he tried to focus on the book in his lap. But his mind was elsewhere—lingering on the earlier encounter with Seungmin.

His words, laced with quiet venom, echoed in Hyunjin's head like an unwanted melody.

"You and I both know where Minho's heart really belongs."

Hyunjin knew. Of course, he knew. But knowing didn't make it hurt any less.

A sigh escaped his lips as he shut the book. He had planned to use this time to study, but his thoughts refused to settle. The moment was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps approaching, and then

--

"There you are!"

Jisung dropped onto the bench beside him, out of breath but grinning. "I've been looking for you everywhere. You just disappeared after class."

Hyunjin blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "I just... needed some air."

Jisung tilted his head, eyes scanning Hyunjin's face. "You okay?"

Hyunjin hesitated before nodding. "Yeah. Just a lot on my mind."

Jisung hummed, leaning back against the bench. "Well, whatever it is, I say we take a break from thinking. Come on, let's grab some coffee before our next class."

Hyunjin hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Okay."

--

The café was a cozy little spot near campus, filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the low hum of soft music. Jisung led the way, confidently placing their order before dragging Hyunjin to a table near the window.

Hyunjin wrapped his hands around his warm cup, savoring the comforting heat against his skin. Jisung, ever the talker, had launched into a story about how he had nearly tripped down the stairs earlier that day, arms flailing dramatically as he reenacted the scene.

Hyunjin found himself laughing—genuinely laughing—for the first time in what felt like forever.

"You're ridiculous," Hyunjin chuckled, shaking his head.

Jisung gasped in mock offense. "Excuse you! I prefer the term gracefully unfortunate."

Hyunjin shook his head, but the small smile lingered on his lips.

For a brief moment, everything felt... normal.

Then, his phone buzzed.

His heart sank when he saw Minho's name flashing on the screen.

Jisung noticed the way his smile faltered. "Who is it?"

Hyunjin hesitated before answering, "Minho."

Jisung's expression darkened slightly, but he said nothing.

Hyunjin stared at the phone for a second before sighing and answering.

--

"Where are you?" Minho's voice was sharp, almost impatient.

Hyunjin tightened his grip on the cup. "At a café near campus."

There was a brief pause. Then—

"Come home."

Hyunjin blinked. "What?"

"I said, come home," Minho repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Seungmin's coming over."

Hyunjin swallowed the lump in his throat. Of course.

He should have known.

"...Okay," he murmured before hanging up.

Jisung was watching him closely. "You don't have to go, you know."

Hyunjin offered a small, tired smile. "I do."

--

The house was quiet when Hyunjin arrived, save for the distant sound of the television playing in the living room.

Minho was there, sprawled out on the couch, Seungmin curled up beside him like he belonged there. The sight made Hyunjin's chest tighten, but he forced himself to school his expression into something neutral.

Minho barely spared him a glance. "Took you long enough."

Hyunjin ignored the sting. "You said Seungmin was coming over."

Minho scoffed. "And?"

Seungmin, as always, was watching with quiet amusement. "He's acting like we're expecting a guest," he mused. "You do realize I come here all the time, right?"

Hyunjin pressed his lips together. "I know."

Seungmin smirked. "Good."

There was something cruel in his voice, something that made Hyunjin feel like an intruder in his own home. But he didn't say anything. He simply nodded and turned away, retreating into the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea.

But the moment he opened the cabinet, he froze.

The mugs were gone.

He frowned, checking the other shelves. They weren't there either.

A quiet chuckle from behind him made him tense.

"Oh, yeah. I told Minho to get rid of those ugly mugs you always use," Seungmin said casually from the doorway, leaning against the frame with a smug expression.

Hyunjin's grip tightened around the cabinet handle.

Minho... let him?

He took a slow breath, willing himself to stay calm. "I see."

Seungmin smirked, as if expecting a bigger reaction.

But Hyunjin wouldn't give him that satisfaction.

Instead, he turned, offering a polite, practiced smile. "Then I'll just buy new ones."

Seungmin's smirk faltered ever so slightly, as if disappointed that his little game didn't work.

Hyunjin turned back to the counter, boiling water in silence.

He wouldn't let them break him.

Not today.

--

That night, as Hyunjin lay awake in bed, he found himself staring at the ceiling, his mind heavy with exhaustion.

This wasn't home.

It never would be.

But for now, it was all he had.

And he would endure it.

Until he couldn't anymore.