Chapter 52: The Weight of Choices

Minho had always known that Seungmin was sharp.

Seungmin saw things before they happened, read between lines others missed.

So why was Minho even surprised that he had figured it out?

It wasn't just a random phone call—it was a warning.

A warning that Seungmin wasn't going to let this go.

And that?

That made Minho uneasy.

Because Seungmin never spoke without a reason.

And whatever he was planning—it wouldn't be good.

--

Minho didn't sleep after the call.

He lay awake, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts tangled.

He should have expected Seungmin to be upset.

He had every right to be.

But there was something in his voice—something calculated.

Like he was waiting for Minho to slip up.

Like he wasn't done with him yet.

Minho sighed, running a hand through his hair.

He needed to be careful.

Because if he knew Seungmin, he knew one thing for sure—

He wouldn't go down without a fight.

--

The next morning, Hyunjin was as bright as ever.

He moved around the kitchen, humming softly, seemingly unaware of the storm brewing inside Minho's mind.

Minho, on the other hand, was distracted.

His thoughts kept drifting back to Seungmin's voice, to the unspoken threat lingering in his words.

"Are you even listening to me?"

Minho blinked.

Hyunjin was standing in front of him, arms crossed, pouting.

Minho frowned. "What?"

Hyunjin huffed. "I asked if you wanted eggs or toast. You've been staring at your coffee like it insulted you."

Minho sighed. "Sorry. Eggs are fine."

Hyunjin squinted at him. "You okay?"

Minho hesitated.

He could tell Hyunjin—could confide in him, let him know about Seungmin's call.

But something stopped him.

Instead, he forced a smirk. "Why? You worried about me?"

Hyunjin rolled his eyes. "I live with you. If you suddenly turn into a zombie, I'd like some warning."

Minho chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."

But even as they bantered, his mind was elsewhere.

And Hyunjin—whether he realized it or not—wasn't the only one watching.

--

At school, everything seemed normal.

At least, until Minho saw him.

Seungmin stood near the entrance, casually chatting with a few classmates.

But when his eyes met Minho's, the smirk that curled on his lips was anything but friendly.

Minho's stomach twisted.

Seungmin wasn't going to make this easy.

And Minho had a feeling—this was just the beginning.

--

Hyunjin, oblivious to Minho's inner turmoil, was busy with his group project.

Jisung, Felix, Yeonjun, and Ahyeon had gathered at a table, discussing their assignments while Hyunjin jotted down notes.

"You guys are way too serious about this," Jisung whined, slumping in his seat.

Yeonjun raised a brow. "Do you want to pass or not?"

Jisung groaned. "Ugh, fine. But if I die from stress, my ghost is haunting you first."

Hyunjin chuckled, nudging Jisung playfully. "Don't worry. If you fail, Felix will still love you."

Felix grinned, throwing an arm around Jisung. "Of course, I will."

Jisung gasped dramatically. "See? This is why I'm with him."

Hyunjin watched them with a fond smile.

It was nice.

To be surrounded by love.

Even if it wasn't directed at him, he still felt it.

And for once, that was enough.

--

Meanwhile, Minho was trying to avoid Seungmin.

He wasn't in the mood for another cryptic conversation.

But Seungmin had other plans.

"Running away now?" Seungmin's voice was light, teasing.

Minho exhaled sharply, turning to face him. "What do you want?"

Seungmin tilted his head. "Oh, nothing. Just wondering how married life is treating you."

Minho's jaw clenched. "It's fine."

Seungmin smirked. "I bet it is."

Minho narrowed his eyes. "What's your deal, Seungmin? You broke up with me, remember?"

Seungmin hummed, leaning against the wall. "I did. But that doesn't mean I like seeing you get all soft for someone else."

Minho stiffened.

Seungmin's gaze darkened. "Be careful, Minho. Feelings make you weak."

Minho swallowed. "Hyunjin isn't—"

But he couldn't finish the sentence.

Because it would be a lie.

And Seungmin knew it.

That was the worst part—he knew.

Seungmin scoffed. "I knew it. You're already falling, aren't you?"

Minho glared. "Stay out of this, Seungmin."

Seungmin chuckled, shaking his head. "I almost feel bad for you."

Minho clenched his fists. "I mean it, Seungmin. Leave him out of this."

Seungmin shrugged. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."

With that, he walked away, leaving Minho standing there, fists clenched, heart pounding.

Because for the first time—

He realized that this wasn't just about him anymore.

This was about Hyunjin, too.

And Minho wasn't about to let Seungmin mess with that.

Not anymore.

--

That night, Minho lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.

Seungmin's words echoed in his mind.

"Feelings make you weak."

But Minho didn't feel weak.

He felt alive.

And for the first time, he knew what he had to do.

He wasn't going to run from this.

Not from Hyunjin.

Not from his feelings.

Because maybe—just maybe—

Loving Hyunjin wasn't a mistake.

Maybe it was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

And this time, Minho wasn't going to let anyone take that away.

Not even himself.