Stealers & Thieves

Twelve

Kevin nudged Juyeon who nudged Changmin who nudged Younghoon who glared back. The younger three flinched and turned away. Younghoon let out an inaudible sigh and glanced towards the backyard through the window door. 

Chanhee was sitting, hugging his knees on the white yard chair. Hyunjae was standing right at the door with his hands in his pocket, staring at the curled up boy. After their encounter with Stray Kids, they had returned home safely. But Hyunjae had said some harsh words to Chanhee. 

Hyunjae had sort of pointed out how foolish Chanhee was. But that was the usual. WHat did the trick was when Hyunjae mentioned how Chanhee still hadn't changed from how he was before. 

An opportunist. 

Changmin had punched Hyunjae after Chanhee stomped up to his room. It wasn't a fight since Hyunjae didn't punch back. But the mood was cold as ever. 

"He needs to apologize or something." Kevin mumbled.

"He does. Hyunjae hyung is a jerk." Changmin huffed. 

"And an idiot." Juyeon added. 

Younghoon didn't deny the accusations. Hyunjae was an idiotic jerk who was numb to his own feelings and end up hurting people. The four of them watched from the couch when Hyunjae made his move. 

Their eyes followed Hyunjae as he walked towards Chanhee. They couldn't hear but Kevin could read lips. 

"Damn, Hyunjae just has to stand in the way." Kevin snapped.

Oblivious to their audience, it was quiet outside in the backyard. Hyunjae stood right in front of Chanhee who looked zoned out. He sighed when Chanhee ignored and didn't look up at him. 

"You've been sitting out here for more than two hours now." Hyunjae started.

"And?"

"Aren't you going in yet? The sun is about to set."

"Why should I?"

"Cause it's gonna get dark soon." 

"Hyunjae, what do you want?" Chanhee finally looked up. 

Hyunjae could sense the annoyance in Chanhee's tone. He kept his expression neutral as he cleared his throat. 

"What are you being sulky for? I always say stuff like that." Hyunjae said. 

".......I'm being sulky?" 

"Yes. It's not my fault that the guy is a gang leader. You're the one who met him. I did warn you." Hyunjae continued, not noticing the rising angry red hue on Chanhee's face.

"So it's my fault." Chanhee said calmly.

"Well, I did try to warn you but you didn't listen, did you?" 

"Hyunjae. I don't care if Chan was an enemy or not. Neither of us knew." Chanhee said. 

"Who says? For all you know, he could be lying to you."

"There's such a thing as honesty. Both of us were truthful to each other. Unlike someone." Chanhee mumbled the last part. 

Hyunjae raised a brow at the attitude. Chanhee had let out a light scoff. He broke off eye contact again and rested his head against his knees. Hyunjae's eyes twitched in irritation. Why is Chanhee getting angry at him and not Chanhe when that guy was the enemy?

"Ok, this is ridiculous." Hyunjae blurted out. 

He slammed his hands onto the arms of the chair on either side of Chanhee. Chanhee flinched at the unexpected action. Hyunjae glowered at the boy who returned a passive look.