Chapter 44: A War Within

Minho had been on edge all day.

It wasn't that anything particularly bad had happened. In fact, the day had been just as ordinary as any other.

But that was the problem.

Everything felt too normal.

And Minho hated that he was starting to enjoy it.

--

Hyunjin had always been warm. That was just who he was.

But lately, Minho found himself noticing it more.

Like now, as they walked back home from campus together.

Hyunjin was rambling about something—probably an art project, judging by the way his hands moved animatedly as he spoke. Minho wasn't really listening. His focus was elsewhere.

Hyunjin had slowed his steps so they could walk side by side, occasionally brushing against Minho's shoulder. He didn't seem to realize it.

Minho did.

He also noticed the way Hyunjin instinctively hugged himself when the wind picked up, his fingers rubbing at his arms for warmth.

Before Minho could think about it, he shrugged off his jacket.

"Here," he muttered, holding it out.

Hyunjin blinked in surprise. "Huh?"

"You're cold, aren't you?"

Hyunjin's eyes softened, but he hesitated. "But won't you—"

"Just take it."

Hyunjin bit his lip before finally accepting the jacket, slipping it on. It was big on him, the sleeves slightly covering his hands.

He smiled. "Thanks, Minho."

Minho looked away. "Whatever."

But his ears burned.

--

They arrived home just as the sun was setting.

Hyunjin stretched with a satisfied sigh. "I'm going to take a shower."

Minho hummed in response, flopping onto the couch.

A few minutes later, the sound of running water filled the the house.

Minho exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face.

Why was he doing things like this? Offering his jacket, getting irritated over Jisung, finding himself watching Hyunjin more than he should?

It didn't make sense.

He didn't even realize he had fallen asleep until he heard Hyunjin's voice.

"Minho."

He blinked, adjusting his position on the couch. Hyunjin was standing in front of him, hair damp from the shower. He was wearing one of Minho's hoodies again.

Minho should've been used to it by now.

But he wasn't.

Hyunjin smiled. "Come eat. I made dinner."

Minho stared at him for a moment before finally sitting up.

They ate together in comfortable silence, only occasionally exchanging words.

And for the first time in a long time, Minho didn't feel like something was missing.

--

It was past midnight when Minho found himself unable to sleep.

He tossed and turned, but his mind refused to shut down.

With a sigh, he sat up, running a hand through his hair. Maybe a drink of water would help.

As he stepped out of his room, he noticed the light in the living room was still on.

His brows furrowed.

When he walked closer, he found Hyunjin curled up on the couch, fast asleep. His sketchbook lay open beside him, pencil loosely hanging from his fingers.

Minho sighed.

Carefully, he took the pencil from Hyunjin's hand and set it aside. He grabbed a blanket, draping it over him before crouching down beside the couch.

Hyunjin's face was peaceful, his lips slightly parted as he breathed evenly.

Minho stared.

He didn't know why he did it. Maybe it was exhaustion, maybe it was something else entirely.

But before he could stop himself, he leaned in—just a little—pressing the softest of kisses against Hyunjin's forehead.

The moment his lips touched Hyunjin's skin, Minho froze.

What the hell was he doing?

He pulled back immediately, his heart pounding.

But as he stood up, about to leave, Hyunjin stirred.

Minho held his breath.

Hyunjin's eyelashes fluttered slightly before his eyes barely cracked open.

"...Minho?"

Minho swallowed. "Go back to sleep."

Hyunjin hummed softly, shifting under the blanket. "Mm... you're warm."

Minho clenched his jaw.

And before he did something stupid, he turned on his heel and walked away.

But no matter how much he tried to ignore it, the feeling of Hyunjin's skin against his lips lingered.

And it terrified him.