Inferno Hearts | Xu Minghao

13. Bound by Struggle

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𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒲𝑒𝑒𝓀𝓃𝒹- 𝑀𝑜𝓉𝒽 𝓉𝑜 𝒶 𝒻𝓁𝒶𝓂𝑒

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In his home office, Minghao turned to drinking as a way to cope with his bitterness. The lively atmosphere of clubs no longer held any appeal for him, and even the alcohol offered little relief. Yet, he found a semblance of refuge in the act of drinking.

Before the enigmatic presence of Nabi entered his life, Minghao rarely consumed alcohol. However, since discovering the identity of his sister's murderer, his nights became restless. Unable to find comfort in sleep, he turned to alcohol as a means of escape, hoping to find a temporary reprieve from the weight that burdened his mind.

Lost in a swirling vortex of thoughts, Minghao was abruptly jolted back to the present when a knock echoed through the room. The sound shattered his reverie, and he looked up to find Hoshi at the door, a tray of dishes in his hands. It was a simple yet meaningful gesture – a silent understanding between friends.

Minghao's gaze softened as he registered Hoshi's presence and the intention behind his actions. His friend's concern and care were palpable, a reminder of the bonds that held them together. It had been a while since Minghao had taken care of his own well-being, his focus consumed by the pursuit of justice for his sister.

Hoshi's offering was a subtle reminder of the importance of self-care, a message that transcended words. It was a reminder that even amidst the storm of emotions and turmoil, moments of solace and nourishment were essential.

"Minghao, can I come in?" Hoshi's calm voice carried through the door, his words gentle yet filled with genuine concern.

"Of course, hyung," Minghao's response came with a sense of relief, his voice tinged with gratitude for Hoshi's presence during the challenging and stressful moments he was experiencing.

"I brought you something to eat since you've only been drinking lately. Someone has to take care of you, and that someone can be me!" Hoshi's words were filled with genuine concern and care as he presented the tray of food. Minghao's response was a heartfelt smile, a silent expression of gratitude for Hoshi's thoughtful gesture.

"Thank you, Hyung. I'll do my best to take care of myself so you don't have too much trouble," Minghao joked, eliciting a hearty laugh from his friend, Hoshi. The exchange carried a sense of camaraderie and lightheartedness, a brief moment of relief from the weight of the challenges they were both facing.

"I want to apologize, Minghao. I know I was irresponsible when it came to the situation with Nabi. I don't want you to misunderstand – I'll always be by your side, and I'll stand up for you," Hoshi reassured him, his sincerity evident in his words.

"But something just doesn't add up. I have a feeling that she might not be the one we were originally after, and it's not just because of her innocent expression," Hoshi continued, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Minghao, if she was truly guilty of Min's case, wouldn't she have given in by now? She must be aware that denying it won't lead to anything good," he reasoned, his concern for Minghao's well-being evident in his words.

"She even seemed prepared to face death, yet she still maintains her innocence. And we can't overlook her panic attack from the day Jeonghan assaulted her," he pointed out, his voice thoughtful. "It's all... puzzling. I just think we need to consider every angle before jumping to conclusions," he added, his gaze fixed on Minghao, his intent sincere.

"I know, hyung. Something is not add up. And it's eating me alive."

Hoshi's expression softened further, a reflection of the empathy he felt for Minghao's struggle. "Minghao, I can see how much this is affecting you," he replied, his voice filled with genuine concern. "But don't let it consume you completely. We'll find the answers we're looking for, and until then, we need to take care of ourselves and each other," he urged, his words carrying a sense of encouragement.