Chapter 46: The Cracks Begin to Show

Minho couldn't sleep.

No matter how many times he tossed and turned, no matter how tightly he shut his eyes—his thoughts refused to quiet down.

Every time he drifted off, his mind dragged him back to the same thing.

The accidental kiss.

Hyunjin's wide, startled eyes.

The way Minho's heart had slammed against his ribs.

And then—

Seungmin's call.

Minho exhaled harshly, rubbing his face with his hands. His body felt restless, his chest unbearably tight.

Everything was wrong.

He needed space.

Needed to clear his head.

Careful not to make too much noise, he slipped out of bed and padded toward the kitchen.

But the moment he entered—

He froze.

Because there, sitting at the dining table with a cup of tea, was Hyunjin.

--

Hyunjin looked up at the sound of footsteps, blinking sleepily.

"Minho?" His voice was soft, hoarse from exhaustion. "What are you doing up?"

Minho exhaled. "Couldn't sleep."

Hyunjin hummed in understanding, gesturing toward the seat across from him. "Join me?"

Minho hesitated.

But then he nodded, pulling out a chair.

For a while, they sat in silence. The only sound was the quiet clink of Hyunjin's spoon as he stirred his tea.

Minho found himself watching him.

The way his lashes fluttered with every blink. The way his fingers curled delicately around the cup.

The way his presence alone made Minho feel at ease.

When did this happen?

When did Hyunjin become someone Minho sought comfort in?

The thought unsettled him.

Hyunjin suddenly sighed, breaking the silence. "You ever feel like you're...changing?"

Minho tensed. "...What do you mean?"

Hyunjin stared at his tea, swirling the liquid absentmindedly. "Like...you look at yourself one day and realize you're not the same person you were before."

Minho's fingers curled into his palm.

Yes.

He knew exactly what that felt like.

But he wasn't ready to admit it.

Not yet.

So instead, he asked, "Do you think that's a bad thing?"

Hyunjin smiled, but it was a little sad. "I don't know. Maybe."

Minho didn't know how to respond to that.

So he didn't.

They just sat there, lost in their own thoughts.

--

The next morning, something was different.

Hyunjin was quieter than usual.

He still smiled, still laughed, still spoke to Minho like nothing had changed.

But Minho felt it.

The shift.

The hesitation.

And it was driving him insane.

At breakfast, Hyunjin moved around the kitchen efficiently, humming softly as he plated food. Minho leaned against the counter, watching him.

Watching the way Hyunjin instinctively set Minho's coffee just how he liked it, the way he always did.

Something in Minho's chest ached.

Because he realized—

He didn't want things to change between them.

And yet, he was the reason they were.

--

Minho hadn't seen Seungmin in a few days, and he hadn't really tried to.

But now, standing face-to-face with him in their living room, Minho realized he wasn't sure how to act.

Seungmin tilted his head, eyes scanning Minho's face. "You look tired."

Minho forced a chuckle. "Didn't sleep well."

Seungmin hummed. "What's been keeping you up?"

Minho hesitated.

But before he could answer, Hyunjin entered the room.

The second Seungmin saw him, his expression changed.

There was something in his gaze—something cold.

Minho frowned. He wasn't sure if Hyunjin noticed, but he definitely did.

"Hyunjin," Seungmin greeted, his tone neutral.

Hyunjin smiled politely. "Hey, Seungmin."

It was the same exchange they always had. But this time, it felt tense.

Minho didn't like it.

And for some reason, he hated the way Seungmin was looking at Hyunjin.

Like he was something less.

Minho's fingers twitched.

He had never paid attention to it before.

But now, he saw it.

And he didn't like it one bit.

--

That night, Hyunjin fell asleep on the couch.

Minho found him curled up, his breathing soft and steady. His arms were tucked under his head, his lips slightly parted.

And Minho—

Minho stared.

Something in his chest tightened.

Slowly, he crouched beside him.

Without thinking, his fingers reached forward, brushing a stray strand of hair from Hyunjin's forehead.

He didn't even realize he was smiling.

Then, before he could stop himself—

He leaned down.

Pressed the softest, most fleeting kiss against Hyunjin's forehead.

And just like that—

Minho knew.

He was falling.

Falling for Hyunjin.

And there was no stopping it now.