THE8 | Junhao | *EDITING*

THIRTY - FOUR

| CHAPTER THIRTY - FOUR |

Minghao types away on his computer, glancing back and forth between his cubby and Jun's. It's been a bit awkward between them now, and Minghao can most likely guess it's because of their phone call the other night.

Jun wasn't ignoring him, but he wasn't paying attention either. He simply just worked on his assignments, and glanced up at his computer every once and a while.

Minghao watched him scroll, dumbfounded.

Jun would only pay him mind when Minghao asked a question or spoke to him at all, but then after answering, he'd turn away, all cooped up and silent once more.

Minghao feels bad.

He feels bad for calling Jun that night, and he feels even worse for building up the wall between them once again.

He would say the barrier even broke, but now he can't even speak at all without feeling like the culprit of the situation.

He feels his shoulders slump, and he tells himself to apologize. He turns to face Jun, only to get interrupted right when the words tickle the tip of his tongue.

"Alright guys, we've got a hostage situation down at 236 avenue." Seungkwan walks in the office, already throwing on his uniform jacket, tucking a walkie on his belt loop.

"How many?" Everyone's immediately on their feet, following Seungkwan's actions as they grab their own equipment.

"Not sure, but there's call of a weapon involved." Seungkwan sighs, stuffing his gun on his other side, sighing deeply. His eyes soon catch Minghao. the boy hadn't moved an inch, "The8?" He walks over, "You alright?"

"Fine." Minghao sighs, "Is— Sorry, is it alright if i sit this one out?" He asks, "I mean... to be frank, I don't wanna mess up another mission." He laughs through the pain, trying to lighten the situation.

Seungkwan hesitates before nodding, "Okay." He turns on his heel to lead the team, "We'll be back soon, hopefully with the defendant."

Minghao nods, giving the chief a small smile.

Jun glances at him before walking out of the room, the rest of the officers following, but Dino stops at the door, Minghao raising his brows in surprise when he jogs back.

"The8."

"Yeah?" Minghao's confused.

Dino gives him a smile, "My arm might be kinda fucked up, but even so, I know I won't mess up the mission." The boy sighs at Minghao, patting his shoulder, "Have some confidence in yourself, okay? Your arm is completely fine, and so should your determination be."

Minghao's face goes blank, and he doesn't really know how to take that in. That was comforting yet offensive, but he finds himself nodding at Dino's words.

Dino seems to catch onto Minghao's expression, "Sorry..." He sighs, "I'm shit at giving advice, but what I'm trying to say is, don't underestimate yourself."

Minghao looks at him, giving him a smile. He nods, assuring him that he won't, and then Dino's leaving.

Almost immediately after the door shuts, Minghao's shooting up from his spot, speed walking towards the chief's office. He pushes the door open, closing it behind him very quietly, just to be careful.