𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐳𝐳𝐥𝐞𝐬 | 𝐡𝐡𝐣

fifteen.

Hyunjin has secrets. Secrets from you. He has people he trusts, more than you. You're no longer his rock or shoulder to lean on. These are all things you've come to know recently.

Somewhere during the time you began working again, he found a new sense of comfort and safety. Now he trusted Minho more than anyone, and Han was his second choice for everything. And you, well, you're beginning to feel unnecessary in his life.

On the other hand, Hyunjin has become such a staple in your day, it's weird to see him blatantly avoiding you. Even after that night two weeks ago when you confronted him, he still keeps his distance, always opting to turn the other way or whisper something to Minho when he thinks you aren't listening. And honestly, it's starting to hurt.

Maybe it's silly that you've become so attached to this relationship the two of you built, since it's only meant to be temporary and almost professional, but you don't care. You want the Hyunjin who always looked for you in the room, always asked you for help, and always wanted to be with you back.

And so, you've done the most logical thing you could think of...

You've sent Minho on an endless errand run, without cooking for Hyunjin. Oh, and maybe all the reheatables in the fridge happened to go bad yesterday.

Hyunjin's fumbles around the kitchen, looking for some sort of easy snack to munch on while Minho's out. He may be a grown man, but he's never really set foot in the kitchen to cook—only assist minorly when needed. When he finds none, he has no choice but to suck up his pride and—

No, he won't ask for your help. He can't allow himself to depend on you in any way anymore. He needs to be detached. Otherwise leaving will be too difficult when the time comes, which should be sooner than later, if Chan could just find somewhere for him to go. That night, Chan called Hyunjin at an illegal hour to warn him that he was unable to secure a safe house and that it may take a while, so Minho had been staying over since then.

The blond's stomach growls painfully, and he can't take it anymore. Screw this tiny granola bar, he needs help.

Waddling over to your room, his fist hovers over the wooden door, knocking lightly. He keeps his face down when you open it, stubbornly avoiding your beautiful face. He needs to preserve his resolve and keep himself from getting close to you again.

"What's up?"

He bites his cheek, taking a heavy breath before asking. "Can you help me make breakfast?"

You smile—not only because your plan worked and now Hyunjin's been forced to say something other than 'hi' or 'good morning' to you—but because you honestly just want to do something with him. "Yeah, what do you think about pancakes?"

Hyunjin's obviously not the most independent person, but he tries. Even when asking for help, he never takes advantage of someone who can do what he needs done for him. He much prefers actually asking for help—or, being avid in the activity so he can not only learn a bit, but feel as if he's in control of the situation at least a bit—than having you do the task for him.

In other words, it's not surprising for you to find him mimicking you and trying to be as helpful as possible while you make the batter. It's adorable how his sharp eyes are big and round with curiosity and attentiveness. "Hyunjin, pass me the butter now."

He nods, happily passing it to you. "Here you go. Should I turn on the stove?"

With a warm smile, you mutter a quiet yes, staring at him fondly as he proudly turns on the stove. You remember when you first taught him that, how pleased he'd been with himself when he finally learned how to turn it on without making the entire kitchen smell of gas. "Thank you."