THE8 | Junhao

FIFTY - FOUR

| CHAPTER FIFTY - FOUR |

Minghao looks at Jun with soft eyes.

He was lying on the man's chest, arm wrapped around his front as Jun's wrapped around the back of his neck, hand landing to drape over his shoulder.

The sheets were tugged up to both of their chests, covering their vulnerable bodies. The warmth from inside the blankets made Minghao's mind fuzz, and the sting of Jun's hands from just hours ago still made their own tingle on his skin, goosebumps arose.

Minghao played with Jun's fingertips, not looking away.

His eyes glide over Jun's face, taking in the beauty.

From his soft hair to his eyebrows, from his eyes to the bridge of his nose, from his cupid's bow to his lips. Everything about him was perfect, Minghao couldn't point out a single flaw.

His heart was hurting at the moment, as he knew what the future would bring.

He knew Jun would be waking up to an empty bed soon, and the thought that he most likely wouldn't be followed by him the next morning was making Minghao's heart throb uncomfortably.

That was probably the best though, Minghao wouldn't want Jun getting hurt.

If Jun even got injured just a little bit, for example, a simple scratch.... Minghao would never be able to forgive himself. With even that scratch, he'd be the first one to blame.

Minghao takes a shaky breath, sniffling. He folds his lips together, wanting to snug closer, wanting to do anything but leave this beautiful soul in a bed alone, all helpless and heartbroken.

He's doing it to protect him, that's the one thing that's allowing Minghao to slide off the bed.

He gently lies Jun's arm on the pillow, freezing when he tosses and turns just a bit, only to relax when he falls right back asleep.

Minghao closes his eyes in relief.

He finds himself stuck in his spot for a moment, tears building up in his eyes.

His chin quivered, but he sealed his lips shut, only allowing silent tears to fall. He couldn't risk waking Jun up now.

Taking cautious steps backwards, Minghao takes a breath, eventually turning on his heel.

He walks around the house, searching.

Jun had to have a room where he kept any sort of weapons. He had to have a room that held at least a few knives, maybe even a gun if he were lucky. The one he'd used last night was almost out of bullets, and he didn't know about Jun's. He'd have to check that one later.

Minghao walks down the hallway. He opened almost everything he laid his eyes on, drawers and cupboards, doors and closets.

Near the beginning of his search, his immediate thoughts were that he wouldn't find anything.... that he'd be weaponless and have to fight Seungcheol and his guards with nothing but his fists.

He'd die in seconds.

But by early dawn, Minghao finds himself full of everything he needed. He'd even call himself fully weaponed up.

He had on a tight belt, and at least two guns tucked in the loops, as well as a few knives, some even hidden in his shoes. He even carried extra bullets in his pockets, just in case.

He wouldn't miss though, he's too good for that.

But it's not a crime to go safe.

Minghao looks in the bathroom mirror.

His hair was as bright as the rage in his eyes, and it framed his face well. He was wearing all black, having stolen some clothes from one of Jun's closets. He also had on black boots, having tied the knots as tight as he could.

He stares at himself in the mirror for what feels like forever.

He assumes it's the nerves that freeze his muscles, and he thinks the abnormal pumping in his heart is caused by the fear itself.

He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath.

He was ready.

Minghao clenches his jaw, practically running out of the bathroom.

Ready for anything.

Minghao had opened the front door now, but he found himself stopped again.

Paused in place, he found his head turning, eyes staring down the hallway where he knew Jun lied fast asleep, just a few doors down it was.

He wondered if the boy was having a good dream. He hoped he was. He wanted Jun as happy as he could be for at least a few more hours. He'd be crushed within the first few minutes of waking up.

He wanted Jun to be happy, even if it were just for a little bit.

Safe was better than sad.

Minghao takes his lip between his teeth, fist gripping the knob tighter.

He doesn't know how he does this, but he eventually finds himself outside, watching the door close softly as he pulls it shut, giving the house one last look before turning on his heel, not glancing back.