neon roses ~ l.mh • h.js

capitolo diciannove: la malattia chiamata "amore"

Approaching the bakery doors and entering together, Chan seemed surprised to see the two.

"Hey, Ji. Why's Minho with you?" Chan asked curiously, deciding not to give Jisung shit for being late because he knew what Jisung was going through at the moment.

"He walked me here like a protective dad and his 3 year old daughter." Jisung stated, walking towards the back of the counter to put on his apron. Minho scanned the room and making sure that no one other than Chan and Jisung was there, he spoke up.

"I think the scientists that captured Jisung are putting their plan in action now. New girl showed up at school looking for Jisung, and Jisung claimed she was from the lab too. Before you ask, yes, I know everything." Minho explained. Chan was confused at first, but that soon switched to worry. He didn't fully trust Minho, but if Jisung did, then that was enough for him. Pushing it to the back of his mind, he took Minho's words into consideration as the boy looked down at his phone.

"You're not planning on taking Jisung to his second job and back too, are you?" Chan asked.

"I am."

"He gets out at 2 am."

"What's your point?" Minho deadpanned, not looking up from his phone. Chan just raised his eyebrows, a surprised look eased it's way across his face not so subtly. He turned to Jisung who shrugged. Minho finally looked up from his phone, pocketing it.

"I'm going to head off now. Chan, keep an eye on him, please." Minho curtly nodded to Chan, opening the door and seeing himself out. Chan opened his mouth to say something but closed it just as fast, turning to Jisung with a peculiar countenance.

"Did he just.. not use honorifics on me?" Chan raised an eyebrow, not mad but rather amused.

"He's.. uh.. pretty worried and alert."

"You don't say." Chan chuckled after Jisung smacked him on the shoulder,

"To be honest, I'm not sure why he's so worried." Jisung sighed,

"And I'm not sure why you aren't so worried."

"I mean, It doesn't have anything to do with him and we just met. I don't get it."

"There's a lot of things you don't get." Chan shook his head, making Jisung's jaw drop to the floor.

"No- Wait- I didn't mean that offensively—I just meant, there's a lot you don't know about, yknow, relationships."

"Okay, sure, but what's the significance of saying that?"

"..Nevermind." Chan sighed, understanding that the younger didn't know whether Minho liked him or not. Even though it was obvious to Chan, he forgot it wouldn't be obvious to Jisung and his inexperienced ass. So the two got back to work, Chan humming softly to the music playing in the background and Jisung wondering what his older friend meant.

🌙 

The clock read 9:45. It was time for Jisung to report to his next job. Jisung finished wiping down the baking counter and heard the bell on the door ring, raising his head to meet Minho's eyes. He didn't say anything, waiting for Jisung to finish. Jisung said a quick goodbye to Chan, turning back to Minho to smile at him. Minho smiled back but it looked very forced. Chan saw the interaction from behind the counter and sighed. Poor boy, he looks really stressed. Chan thought to himself.

"Minho, wait up." Chan said, jogging up to Minho before they walked out. Minho hummed.

"Let me put my number in your phone. In case anything happens." Chan smiled, holding out his hand. Minho nodded and unlocked the device for Chan before handing it to him. Once they were done, the pair walked out together, Chan immediately noticing the close proximity of Minho. Well, Jisung, at least the feelings are mutual.