Inferno Hearts | Xu Minghao

14. Danger

.·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·.

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓼𝓮 𝓐𝓽𝓵𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓬 - 𝓼𝓵𝓸𝔀 𝓭𝓸𝔀𝓷

↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺

After the argument between Minghao and Jeonghan, the atmosphere in the penthouse becomes tense once more for the group. Recently, Jeonghan has been causing issues due to his lack of self-control.

Minghao turns to alcohol for solace, while Jeonghan resorts to aggression.

Their distinct coping mechanisms highlight their differences, and the revelation about Min's supposed murderer intensifies their actions.

Minghao, extremely irritated by Jeonghan's strange behavior, tries to pacify his frustration by drinking alone in his office.

However, a significant issue arises: Nabi, who has been stuck in the bathroom for over thirty minutes now. Minghao had entirely forgotten about Nabi.

He was supposed to check on her after fifteen minutes, but Minghao's memory fails him, which is odd considering this was the root cause of their argument.

Seungcheol steps into the office, feeling somewhat exasperated by the actions of the two members.

"Why did you two end up in a fight?" Seungcheol asked, his frustration apparent as he continued, "Jeonghan won't open up to me. If I approach him once more and he refuses to talk, I might just lose my patience and punch him myself!" Seungcheol's tone clearly carried his exasperation.

Minghao's realization hits him. The cause of their fight becomes clear: Nabi! He gazes at Seungcheol in astonishment and without hesitation, he dashes out of the office and up the stairs to his room.

This sudden action leaves the other member utterly puzzled and frustrated, as nobody had explained him the reason behind the argument.

"These little mothefuckers! I swear, they're driving me insane!" Seungcheol exclaims, frustration evident as he grabs at his own hair. "Maybe I'm already losing it," Seungcheol mutters to himself as he exits the office. "I should consider getting a check-up," he adds under his breath.

Upon reaching the upper floor, Minghao heads directly to the bathroom door and knocks.

Clearing his throat, he asks, "Are you done?". Nabi, who had been lying on the floor due to the pain, is taken aback by Minghao's sudden voice.

She gets up and replies from the other side of the door, "Y-Yes," her voice hoarse.

He turns the doorknob, allowing the door to swing open, and there stands Nabi. She's adorned in the new outfit he had chosen for her — a simple, yet fresh outfit.

Her long black hair cascades down, still wet, reaching almost to her waist, creating a captivating contrast against the fabric.

Yet, despite the fresh start represented by the outfit, traces of the past linger. Marks and hits she had endured are evident on her face and body.

These imperfections are a stark reminder of the challenges she has faced, the battles she has fought.

Nabi's eyes meet Minghao's as they stand there, a mix of emotions passing between them. Relief, concern, and perhaps a hint of vulnerability dance in her gaze.

And for a moment, they communicate in a silent understanding that surpasses words.

He opens his mouth to speak, but the silence speaks volumes, the weight of the situation lingers in the air, making words unnecessary.