Chapter 7 - Shattered Glass

The supermarket was bustling with people, carts rattling against the floor, voices blending into an indistinct hum. Hyunjin gripped the handle of his shopping cart, scanning the produce section with a focused expression.

"Are you sure you don't want me to carry that?" Chan asked, pointing at the basket of vegetables Hyunjin held in his arm.

Hyunjin smiled. "I'm fine, hyung."

Chan scoffed. "You always say that. But next thing you know, you're struggling, and I have to step in like some superhero."

Hyunjin laughed, nudging Chan playfully. "You are my superhero, though."

Chan rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his smile. "Alright, what's left on the list?"

Hyunjin glanced down at his phone. "Just eggs, milk, and maybe some snacks for the week."

Chan hummed. "Snacks? You mean junk food?"

Hyunjin grinned. "You know me too well."

Chan sighed dramatically. "You're lucky I love you."

Hyunjin beamed. "I know."

They continued shopping, filling the cart with fresh vegetables, fruits, and essentials. Hyunjin was meticulous, checking expiration dates and choosing the best produce, while Chan made a game of sneaking in unhealthy snacks when Hyunjin wasn't looking.

By the time they reached the checkout line, Hyunjin caught him red-handed with a bag of chips.

"Hyung!" Hyunjin gasped, snatching the bag from the cart.

Chan feigned innocence. "What? You said snacks!"

Hyunjin gave him a look before sighing. "Fine. But only one."

Chan grinned. "I knew you had a soft spot for me."

--

After unloading the groceries, Chan helped Hyunjin put everything away. They worked in sync—Chan handing over items while Hyunjin neatly stacked and organized the pantry.

"Should I put the rice here?" Chan asked, holding up the bag.

Hyunjin nodded. "Yeah, and the pasta can go next to it."

Chan did as instructed before turning to Hyunjin with a smirk. "Look at you, all domestic."

Hyunjin rolled his eyes, laughing. "What else am I supposed to do? Starve?"

Chan chuckled. "I guess not. But still, this feels... nice."

Hyunjin tilted his head. "What does?"

Chan leaned against the counter. "Just... us doing normal things like this."

Hyunjin smiled softly. "Yeah. It does."

They continued talking as they worked, giggling at inside jokes, teasing each other, and reminiscing about old memories. The atmosphere was warm, filled with comfort.

Until the front door slammed open.

--

Minho stepped into the house, the sight before him sending an instant wave of irritation through his body.

Hyunjin and Chan were laughing.

Chan was standing too close.

Hyunjin looked too comfortable.

Something inside Minho snapped.

"What the hell is going on here?" His voice was sharp, cutting through the warmth of the moment like a blade.

Hyunjin and Chan turned in surprise. Hyunjin's smile immediately faded.

"Minho—"

"I asked you a question," Minho interrupted, his tone cold.

Chan stepped forward, brows furrowed. "He asked me to help with groceries. That's all."

Minho scoffed, eyes flicking to Hyunjin. "Groceries? Is that what you're calling it?"

Hyunjin's eyes widened slightly. "What?"

Minho took a step closer. "You're really shameless, aren't you?"

Chan tensed. "Watch it, Minho."

Minho ignored him, his gaze locked onto Hyunjin. "Bringing another man into our house, laughing and giggling like some cheap—"

"Enough." Chan's voice was dangerously low.

Minho's lips curled into a sneer. "What? You don't like hearing the truth?"

Chan's hands clenched into fists. "You don't get to talk to him like that."

Hyunjin quickly placed a hand on Chan's arm, shaking his head. "Hyung, please. It's okay."

Chan turned to him, eyes still burning with anger. "No, it's not."

Hyunjin forced a small smile. "But I want you to go home."

Chan's expression softened slightly. "Hyunjin..."

Hyunjin squeezed his arm. "Please."

Chan hesitated before exhaling sharply. "Fine." He shot one last glare at Minho before grabbing his coat.

But before leaving, he turned to Hyunjin again. "Call me if you need me. Anytime."

Hyunjin nodded.

The moment the door closed behind Chan, silence filled the space.

Then Minho turned back to Hyunjin.

--

"Are you proud of yourself?" Minho's voice was laced with venom.

Hyunjin looked at him, confused. "What do you mean?"

Minho scoffed. "Are you really going to act innocent? Do you think I don't see what you're doing?"

Hyunjin furrowed his brows. "Minho, I swear, I just asked my hyung to help me—"

"Your hyung?" Minho laughed bitterly. "Right. And I suppose that's all he is to you?"

Hyunjin frowned. "Of course. Chan hyung is like family to me."

Minho stepped closer, forcing Hyunjin to instinctively back up until he was pressed against the counter.

"You're a real piece of work, you know that?" Minho whispered.

Hyunjin's breath hitched. "I don't understand."

Minho's eyes darkened. "Of course you don't. Because you think you're so pure, so innocent. But I see right through you."

Hyunjin swallowed hard. "Minho, please—"

"Whoring around in our house like some desperate—"

The slap echoed through the room.

Hyunjin's head snapped to the side, his cheek stinging from the impact.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Hyunjin brought a trembling hand to his face, touching the spot where Minho had struck him. His vision blurred, not from the pain, but from the sheer disbelief of it.

Minho's chest rose and fell rapidly, his own hand frozen in place.

He had never hit anyone before.

But he had hit Hyunjin.

Hyunjin, who had done nothing but try.

Hyunjin, who was still standing there, looking at him with so much hurt in his eyes that it made Minho feel sick.

But instead of apologizing, instead of doing anything else, Minho turned away.

Without another word, he stormed off, slamming the bedroom door shut behind him.

Hyunjin was left alone in the dimly lit kitchen, his fingers still grazing his cheek, his heart breaking in silence.