connected|chan

-three-

"Where the hell is he?" ChangBin grumbles, dropping his arms to his side as he stares up at MinHo in search of an answer.

"I don't know. He didn't call. I assume something came up. He'll let us know as soon as he can. It's Chan. He doesn't screw us over and leave us out of the loop without a reason." MinHo insists, as he scrolls through his phone. He's also a bit concerned, but he can't show it. If he shows his worry, it'll make the others even more anxious.

"You don't think she's mad at me—do you? I didn't do it—right? It's not my fault they aren't here yet—is it?" SeungMin lays out a few questions he knows none of the others can actually answer, but he can't help it.

"Why would she be mad at you? Please—enlighten us on how that makes any sense." HyunJin rolls his eyes as he props himself up on his elbows to see him better.

"Because MinHo mentioned my lesson—it wasn't like it was a big deal if she came or not. I just had a few questions—nothing Lix or Channie couldn't answer." SeungMin explains softly, fully aware of how ridiculous he sounds.

"I mean—I doubt she's mad at you—hell—I know she's not mad at you. If she's mad at anyone it's probably herself because she missed it. I have a feeling it's a mixture of things. She got hurt—didn't she? She was probably worked up from that and then finding out she forgot your lesson probably pushed her over the edge. I'm calling meltdown—that's why they aren't here yet." Felix places his bet, wagering absolutely nothing, but still wanting to start a bit of a game just to see who's right.

"Meltdown. Make out. Breakfast date. Who knows—could be anything." JeongIn shrugs, not thinking about his words.

"Shut up." ChangBin nudges him roughly as SeungMin lowers his head and lets out a shaky sigh.

"Oh—I—I doubt they'd actually do the second one—it was just a joke." JeongIn tries to correct his mistake, but the damage is already done.

"Has he told any of you about liking her like that? I mean—I can't just assume he doesn't. He seemed kind of annoyed when I told him. I don't know if he was just upset I didn't tell him sooner or—or if—if something is going on between them." SeungMin mumbles, his head filled with endless possibilities—very few ending in his favor.

"You know he'd never tell us unless he was planning on acting on it. He's not gonna act on it even if he does—not until he's sure she's in a good enough place to hear it. I know you're worried, Seung—but it's Chan—he isn't mad at you even if he does have feelings for her. The only thing he might be is jealous and protective. He would never hate you for something you can't control." JiSung plays the reassuring hyung role despite being just barely older than him.

They all fall silent as footsteps approach the practice room door. SeungMin takes a deep breath, his body tensing in fear as they wait to identify the potential guest.

"I'm sorry we're late. I was gonna call, but I couldn't." Chan apologizes as he glances down at his and EunHye's intertwined hands. His other hand grips tightly onto his and EunHye's bags.

"It's fine. Is everything alright? Nothing bad happened, right?" MinHo quickly moves, jumping into action and taking the bags from Chan.

"Everything's alright. Just a bit of a hiccup—nothing to be concerned about." Chan smiles reassuringly, stealing a quick glimpse at EunHye as she slips her hand from his to wrap her fingers around his bicep. She rests her head on his shoulder, ensuring it's angled just enough to hide most of her face.

"As long as everything's alright now, it doesn't matter." SeungMin speaks up, but quietly. He's far too caught up in his head to display any sort of confidence.