TWINEMY (Hyunjin FF)

((55))

(My bias is Lee Know in a million ways, so why am I only using his perspective again now, when the story's nearly over 😭😭)

~ Minho ~

I really didn't expect Felix or Hyunjin to show up at lunch, since the younger obviously just got discharged, and Hyunjin went to be with him the first day back.

So I was a bit surprised when I saw him sitting in what I was told is the "gay club with no alcoholic affiliation" during lunch.

I'd been invited—finally!!—and I obviously accepted. Bangchan was also invited, so the whole group was finally here.

Except for maybe Sam, Jisung, and Jeongin, I guess. They're more distant, though, and I feel they'll prefer being by themselves in a small group amongst the bustling cafeteria rather than in an intimate group... called the "gay club".

I guess everyone present must be gay or something. That's a reasonable assumption, isn't it? I mean, look at the name.

"Hyunjin?" We were the only two ones there, both being exceptionally early, so the obligation to ask what's up fell on me.

"Oh, hey, HoHo." He turned back just as wuick as he had turned to me and looked deeply at the table in front of him.

"Why're you so interested in the table? What's on your mind?" I had to ignore the nickname, despite it being kinda rude. "And why aren't you at Felix's right now?"

He frowned and shrugged tiredly. "He wanted me to go. He wanted to be by himself. And.. I just have a lot on my mind about him."

"Damn." I sat down beside him and patted his back. "You can tell me, if you want. I'll always listen."

He began chewing on his lip. "Well.. I'll tell you, but please don't tell others. Felix made it clear he doesn't want to talk about it yet."

I nodded to show my promise. "Of course."

"Well..." He sighed heavily. "Felix knows who hurt him. And now I do too. Because he came to his house when I was there earlier and tried to hurt him again, but I stopped him. So I obviously talked about calling the police, but Felix refused.

"Why would he refuse?!" I shook my head. Why wouldn't he turn them in??

"He didn't really explain much, just that he didn't want to. Then, I tried to convince him, since the guy literally came back to hurt him again! He just had me leave.

"And.. he's been distant lately. I get he's healing, but it's almost like he doesn't like me anymore. Like I'm being annoying to him."

I gave it a few minutes to let the news sink in, and leaned back to think what to say.

"I'd be worried about him being home alone. All with that criminal running around and his injuries."

"Well yeah. I am worried, but he really didn't want me to stay."

I hummed in thought. "You think he's losing feelings? Like you're being too clingy?"

"UGH!" He expressively writhed around momentarily. "Maybe."

"Then.. lay off a bit. But not too much. He shouldn't be left alone too much, especially when we have no idea what he's thinking and feeling lately."

"Okay.."

Ryujin walked in, a bright smile painted on her face. "Hey guys! Oh, hey Jinnie. I didn't think you'd be here today."

He shrugged and smiled back.

Behind her came Changbin, Chaeryeong, then Chan. They all greeted us happily and sat down.

I noticed Chan and Chae sitting next to each other, even pulling the seats closer between them. What's.. this?

"Where's Seungmin?" Ryu asked with a huge bite of pasta hanging out of her mouth.

"Working on a project. It's actually with Jeongin, so that's interesting." Changbin also spoke with a mouthful, and I felt slight cringe crawl up my neck.

Is this table mannerless?

"Can y'all not speak with food in your mouth.. please? I don't mean to be like annoying, but.. it's kinda bothering me."

A few chuckles broke the awkward silence from my offer and they seemed to listen, since we had many hilarious pauses in conversation from then on when someone had to swallow before responding.

——

"Hi," Bangchan said to me with his typical cute flat smile.

"Hi."

"You didn't speak to me during lunch. Did I do something wrong?"

I shook my head. "Nah. You were all the way across the table, though, and it's rude to speak over everyone. And you seemed real interesting with Chaeryeong's conversation."

He frowned a bit. "I was just talking to her. We're good friends now, so.. There's nothing wrong with me talking to her."

"Are you into her?" I accused. I just had a feeling he was getting so close to her so suddenly, maybe more than me... :(

"What?! No!" His eyebrows furrowed and he began walking away slowly. "Are you jealous or something? Because you're not my only friend now?"

I scoffed, though it felt forced. "Why would I be jealous? Of course not. You can hang out with whoever you want?"

I shrugged and patted his shoulder before walking away as well.

That whole conversation.. Why do I feel like.. whatever I'm feeling..?