𝑭𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝑭𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅𝒔 - 𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓼𝓾𝓷𝓰

𝓒𝓱; 79 𝓢𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓽

Jisung's heart beat in his chest, this clenching feeling mixed with nervousness igniting more with every step he got closer. He was on his way to his working place. He would resign. Jisung took in another deep breath when he passed a block, closing his eyes. God, he hated conflict. And now actually needing to have the guts to stand his ground? Standing up for himself? Yes, he had that confidence with people he knew personally. But to strangers? "It'll be over soon," he assured himself, repeating it like a mantra until he arrived at the bar. 

It wasn't as bustling as it used to be. The lights, shapes, and letters flickered in neon colors, and a few staffs walked back and forth while some stayed behind counters. It was logical. However, this time he arrived here in the afternoon, and not almost at midnight. Trembling hands, buried in his pockets, reached out for the push door as he entered. No bell rang above his head. The only thing you heard when entering was the blaring music coming from the speakers to the point you could feel the beat drum in your body. He walked up to the counter, a staff member raising their head while they waited for him to speak. 

"Can I talk to our manager?" 

The door opened to which Minho lifted his head, watching Jisung enter with a gloomy look over him, heavy eyes, corners of his mouth downturned instead of the smile he used to give him when visiting, and skin slightly paler than usual. He looked absolutely exhausted. What caught Minho's eye the most, however, was the dark, purple bruise across the other's pale neck. "Han Jisung, what is this?" Minho pointed out, voice changing. Out of habit, Jisung's hand reached up to his neck to cover the evidence which he was caught with. The older shook his head at the other's silence. 

"Jisung, why didn't you tell me?" Minho looked up at him, that rigid, cold gaze piercing into Jisung's eyes. 

"I'm not asking because I want to scream at you, Love." He held Jisung out of his terrified state, leaning toward him, and reached for his hand, locking it in his own, giving it a barely noticeable squeeze. "I'm asking because you scare me to death like this. I'm worried about you, Han Jisung. Is it still that difficult to see?" 

Jisung raised a hand to cover the bruise, avoiding the other's eyes as he cowered slightly. "I'm sorry... I really am. I am sorry for worrying every one of you." 

"Next week is my last shift, I promise." 

"Jisung." 

"Please, Minho. I already promised my mom I would resign. I won't continue." 

The other let out a heavy sigh, closing his eyes momentarily before looking back at Jisung. "Fine. I hope you'll hold on to your promise." His tone still lurked with dissension, however, even with his own conscience disagreeing with this, he gave Jisung the benefit of the doubt. Jisung laid his hand on top of that of Minho, caressing it softly. "Come on, Minho. It's fine. I'm fine. It'll all be fine. You can stop doubting me now." Jisung stated, pointing out the dispute look on his lover's face. "I swear, I think maybe locking you up will help sometimes." Minho grumbled while he rolled his eyes, averting his gaze from him to which Jisung chuckled. "This is where we're similar, there is no stopping you either when you have your eye on something. I know you still love me." Jisung shook Minho's hand in his, pulling another adorable face so Minho would finally come down from his on-edge protectiveness. 

"Now you are turning this on me." he retorted, but softened his expression, relaxing his body. "And of course I love you. Why else do you think I react like this? You're too precious to me, Jisung. Whatever happens, I can't lose you. I won't forgive myself." 

"I know," Jisung leaned into Minho more, almost against his chest. "You told me." His face fell into a frown. "And unfortunately had to show me that too." The older pulled him into him, wrapping his arms around him. "I would do anything for you, Jisung. Anything to keep you safe." 

"Please, never do that again. You have to think about yourself too sometimes. I can't live without you. I hope you remember that." 

Another sigh left Minho's mouth, hidden with a breathless laugh. "I told you, I am not leaving." 

"You promise?" Jisung lifted his head from his position, glued to the other before. 

"I promise." Minho confirmed, caressing the side of Jisung's face. 

"Where are you going?" Hyunjin lifted his head from behind the couch as Chan trudged down the stairs and past the living room without a word, reaching for the doorknob. Chan seemed to hesitate at first, eyes scanning from one side to the other corner of the room. "I just have to go somewhere. I'll be back." he cut off short before Hyunjin could ask more, and unlocked the door, letting it shut behind him. 

Hyunjin stared at the door in utter silence. It is so clear he is hiding something. But what frustrated Hyunjin the most was that he couldn't figure out what it is he is hiding. And even more, why he didn't tell him anything about it. "Why is he always like this?" Hyunjin rose his voice, gripping the strands of his hair until his scalp hurt, letting go with an aggravated groan out of rage. Even after all these years, Chan still can't trust him?