Stay With Me

Chapter Seven

As soon as Yeosang spotted his brother at the front door, he realized his time had come. After ending his call with Jeongguk, he decided to savor the last moments of his life.

True to his word, he had dropped Hwanwoong off at home. The adorable boy had repeatedly invited him over, but Yeosang knew the devil awaited him. With no time to waste, he politely declined. 

Hwanwoong looked disappointed but didn't push the issue. Yeosang promised to meet him again soon—if he was still alive, he added. Hwanwoong didn't grasp the gravity of the comment but smiled nonetheless. 

Seeing that cute smile made Yeosang feel at peace with his fate. He stepped outside and stood by the car, where all his hyungs were gathered in the foyer. Among them, he quickly spotted Taemin. 

Yeosang felt a sinking feeling; he knew Taemin had already spilled the truth. He was well aware that Taemin was Jeongguk's loyal follower, and there was no escaping this situation. With his head bowed in shame, he waited. Jeongguk approached him, followed closely by Namjoon and Yoongi.

"Jeongguk, Yeon was quick, but don't be too harsh," Namjoon urged. Jeongguk glanced back at the others, who were watching him with sympathetic eyes. They clearly didn't want him to scold Yeosang. He sighed and turned back to Yeosang.

"Now tell me, what happened? How did this occur?" he asked, gesturing toward the car.

"Hyung, that—" Yeosang began.

"What?" Jeongguk raised an eyebrow. 

"By the way, you said I'd be proud of you—was this what you meant?" he added. Yeosang pouted at his brother's teasing tone; he knew he had caused trouble but felt embarrassed by Jeongguk's public reprimand.

"Hyung, I was helping a kid in need," he replied softly.

"A kid in need?" Namjoon echoed.

"Yes, hyung! He needed to get to the Municipal Office before a deadline today, but his scooter broke down in the middle of the road. I gave him a ride, and while rushing, this happened," Yeosang explained.

"And you always tell me we should help everyone in need—good or bad," he added.

"Was he really that cute?" Jeongguk asked, surprising Yeosang.

"What?" Yeosang blinked in disbelief. Jeongguk ignored him and turned to Taemin.

"Did you see that boy Yeon is talking about?" Jeongguk asked.

"Yeah," Taemin replied.

"What did he look like?" Jeongguk pressed.

"Why do you care how he looked?" Jimin chimed in.

"He's just trying to figure out why Yeon drove so recklessly for someone," Yoongi teased with a smirk.

Laughter erupted around them while Yeosang's eyes widened in shock; he never expected this turn of events. Instead of scolding him, Jeongguk seemed more interested in his crush, making him blush furiously.

"Oh look, our Yeon is turning red!" Jin pointed out, causing more laughter.

"I promise I'll fix the car by tomorrow," Yeosang assured Jeongguk earnestly.

"Alright then; let's see," Jeongguk replied nonchalantly.

"So now that everything's settled, can we start our celebration?" Jimin suggested cheerfully.