Chapter 39 - The Cracks Grow Wider

Minho had no idea why he agreed to come.

Maybe it was the way Hyunjin had smiled at him when he said he would.

Maybe it was the way his chest tightened when Seungmin left earlier, a silent weight pressing against his ribs.

Or maybe... maybe it was the fact that he was terrified of sitting alone in that house with nothing but his own thoughts.

So here he was—walking beside Hyunjin, heading to Chan's place for a night out with Hyunjin's friends.

The same friends who used to look at him like he was the villain in Hyunjin's story.

And maybe, back then, he was.

--

Chan's apartment was loud the moment they stepped inside.

Laughter, music, and the scent of takeout filled the space as Hyunjin was immediately pulled into a hug by Felix.

Minho lingered by the doorway, feeling strangely out of place.

Chan was sprawled on the couch, arm around Changbin, while Jisung was animatedly arguing about some board game with Jeongin.

Felix pulled Hyunjin toward the center of the room, ruffling his hair. "Took you long enough!"

Hyunjin giggled. "Minho decided to come too."

Felix's eyes widened as he turned to Minho. "Wait, really?"

Minho shifted under the sudden attention. "Yeah. So?"

Felix grinned. "So, nothing! Just surprised. Come in, come in!"

Minho reluctantly stepped forward, feeling a little like an uninvited guest at a party.

But strangely, no one treated him like that.

Chan gave him a nod. Changbin tossed him a drink. Even Jeongin—who usually kept his distance except around his friends—showed up, possibly invited by Jisung. He offered a small smile in acknowledgment of his arrival.

And just like that, Minho was included.

He didn't realize how much he'd been bracing for cold shoulders until the tension in his muscles started to ease.

--

It didn't take long for Minho to realize that Hyunjin was, in fact, the fifth wheel.

Chan and Changbin were wrapped up in their own little world, exchanging teasing remarks and soft smiles. Felix and Jisung weren't much different, playfully bickering before Jisung would tug Felix closer like he couldn't bear to be apart for too long.

And then there was Hyunjin.

Sitting between them all, laughing along but untouched.

Minho watched as Felix cooed at Hyunjin, ruffling his hair and calling him "baby," while Jisung practically draped himself over him, whining about how he missed his company.

Hyunjin accepted it all with a soft smile, but Minho could see it now—Hyunjin wasn't used to receiving this kind of attention.

Not like this.

Minho hated how much that bothered him.

And he hated even more that he understood.

--

Somewhere between the laughter and games, someone had the bright idea to introduce Hyunjin to alcohol.

Hyunjin, being the ever-curious soul that he was, accepted a drink without hesitation.

It was innocent at first.

A few sips here and there, his face scrunching up at the bitterness.

But then the warmth kicked in, and Hyunjin's usual shy demeanor melted away into something more carefree.

Minho watched, amused and slightly wary, as Hyunjin giggled at everything.

"Minhooo," Hyunjin whined, leaning toward him, his cheeks flushed. "Why didn't you tell me alcohol was fun?"

Minho smirked. "Because you'd be dangerous drunk."

Hyunjin pouted. "I am not dangerous."

Felix, overhearing, gasped dramatically. "He's adorable! Can we keep him like this forever?"

Minho rolled his eyes. "No."

Jisung, already tipsy himself, grinned. "Hyunjin, if you ever need saving from Minho, you just say the word."

Minho shot him a glare. "Hyunjin doesn't need saving from me."

Hyunjin, completely oblivious to the tension, leaned his head against Minho's shoulder.

Minho stiffened.

Hyunjin had never done that before.

It was probably just the alcohol making him clingy.

Probably.

But even knowing that, Minho couldn't bring himself to pull away.

--

By the time they left, Hyunjin was completely gone.

Minho practically had to carry him to the car, his arms wrapped securely around the younger's waist as he half-dragged him.

Hyunjin giggled against his shoulder. "Minhooo, you smell nice."

Minho sighed. "And you reek of alcohol."

Hyunjin didn't seem to care. He simply snuggled closer, and Minho had to force himself to not react to the warmth of his body pressed against his own.

Getting Hyunjin into bed was another struggle.

The younger flopped onto the mattress, giggling as he reached out for Minho.

"Minhooo, come here."

Minho narrowed his eyes. "No."

Hyunjin pouted. "You're no fun."

Minho sighed, grabbing a bottle of water and setting it on the nightstand. "Drink this when you wake up. You're going to regret everything tomorrow."

Hyunjin just hummed sleepily. "Minho?"

Minho hesitated. "...What?"

Hyunjin's voice was barely above a whisper now.

"I'm glad you came with me today."

Minho swallowed hard, something dangerous twisting in his chest.

"...Go to sleep, Hyunjin."

Hyunjin smiled softly before his eyes fluttered shut.

Minho stood there for a long moment, watching the slow rise and fall of Hyunjin's chest.

This was bad.

This was really, really bad.

He turned away, running a hand through his hair.

And that's when his phone rang.

--

Minho stiffened at the sight of Seungmin's name flashing on the screen.

He hesitated for only a second before answering.

"Minho," Seungmin's voice was quiet. "Are you home?"

Minho exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Yeah."

A pause.

"...Is Hyunjin there?"

Minho's grip on the phone tightened. "He's asleep."

Another pause.

Seungmin sighed. "You're changing."

Minho frowned. "What?"

"You're changing," Seungmin repeated, voice softer now. "And I don't think you even realize it."

Minho's heart pounded. "Seungmin, don't—"

"I don't blame you," Seungmin cut in. "But... I think you need to ask yourself something, Minho."

Minho swallowed hard. "And what's that?"

"Who do you think about first?"

Silence.

Minho's breath caught in his throat.

Because for the first time, he knew the answer.

And it wasn't Seungmin.

It was Hyunjin.