Stay ~ A Stray Kids Fanfic

Minho

Minho's POV
The next day

The streets were busier than usual. I keep my hood up at the city bends around me in a sort of optical illusion; as if I was invisible. It was a warm night, perfect for a meet up. I light myself a cigarette and continue down the cracked sidewalk towards Jeongin's apartment.

I knew where it was, but never had I stepped a foot inside. Jeongin had never let me. I think a part of him wanted to keep his home life to himself, to spare us the details of his truth.

I turn into a narrow alley ridden with trash and drunks. Taking a few steps down, I run into a road lined with garage doors and whatever was behind the slats of tin. Old construction tape littered poles and fire hydrants every now at then. It was a part of the city that was invisible from above. Tourists and businesses enjoyed the view of the city above ground, but below was where the rats dwelled.

With all the tight crevices and quick turns, I actually did feel like a rat for a second. The tinted street lights posted above the garages made for mysterious lighting, especially when you came across underground clubs with their purples and reds tinting the faces of their latest victims.

I check my phone, finally able to use my hand without the cast. Only two minutes away from the address.

The smell of a nearby barbecue heightens my senses as I pass by. People are gathered outside, drinking to soju and their problems. The sounds of the kitchen grow distant the further I walk until it's nothing but a memory. But the darkness still lives, and while it does, it's not safe to let my guard down.

The poor beg for some extra won. Prostitutes follow me a few steps, hoping I'll take them in for a night. They're quickly disappointed when I don't acknowledge their lack of clothing and buzz off to pester another passing street rat.

I flick the cigarette on the ground as I turn my last corner where two guys are talking beneath a street lamp. They're also hooded in black, but their faces are more exposed. Pity. My hands stay in my pockets and I keep my eyes forward.

"Hey," one calls out. I don't stop walking. He scoffs, shouting another "hey."

"Fuck off," I say without turning around.

"This fucker-"

"Oh, you look at us when we're talking to you."

'Geez. Why now?'

Their footsteps are close enough for my swing to hit one right in the nose. A crack vibrates through my knuckles and up my arm. It tingles at the sudden force. 'Still not all the way healed.'

"You motherfucker-" he throws a punch, and I dodge, only to knock into one of the garages. It rattles with its graffitied tin and rusting walls. He's quick on his feet and catches me right in the gut. I slide to the ground.

"Ha! Wish you would've fucking listened, don't ya?" The one with a round, scarred face scowls down at me. I knew what was coming the second I caught a glimpse of the other man getting back on his feet, blooding spattering down on the cement.

I cover my head and curling into a ball, preparing for the kicks. They came like a series of thunder, pounding my head in ways that made me detach myself from my body. When they had their fun and walked away satisfied, I uncurled slowly to see my blood on the cement joining the puddle of the man's.

Coughing once, blood sputters from my lips. "Great," I curse, sitting up to feel my ribs ache along with the bones in my legs. At least my teeth weren't knocked out and my head was still in one peace. I had a severe nosebleed and bruised ribs. Maybe even cracked.