strawberry shortcake

1. strawberry shortcake

Minho shuddered as autumn breeze crept under the fabric of his black hoodie and tickled his sore body.

He was barely holding up on his feet after the four hour dance practice. His eyes were closing, but he still managed to get into the convenient store just a few blocks away from his house and was immediately greeted by a warm smile.

"Oh hello dear, I was worried something happened to you, you're coming so late today. Sore after the dancing as always?"

"Good evening Namni ajumma. I'm okay you don't have to worry. You know how it is, the dancing is tough.." he groaned in exhaustion as the kind lady lead him to his usual place at the front of the store, where he sat down at the bar stool and gave her a thankful look.

"Stay here. I'll make you your favorite ramen," she said leaning to her side, her hand grabbing one of the many plastic cups and putting it on the table in front of him. "And here is some milk tea for the meantime."

Minho bowed and thanked her before she left back to the front of the store. He opened his phone with a sigh and tired expression that soon changed into a small smile as he spotted the many messages from his little brother, Yongbok.

As he was scrolling and answering the endless questions, memes and videos that his brother had sent him during the day, the bell over the front door of the store rang and a tall man with black hair with red highlights walked in.

The poor lady almost poured the hot water on her hand as she spotted the tall male who was dressed in all black techwear outfit and a small unsettling smile was occupying his lips as he greeted her.

He looked around the store, grabbing the thing he was there for initially; a strawberry shortcake, and leaned against the counter as he was patiently waiting for the lady to scan the item so he could pay her.

"Can I sit there?" He asked, pointing towards the stools where Minho still was texting his brother about everything that came into his mind, carelessly sipping on his tea.

"Of course," she answered with a bright smile towards the man that he returned before making his way to the seats.

Minho raised his eyes from his phone as he felt a new presence next to him and carefully looked up into the strangers eyes that were already on him.

"Hello..?" He said rather sheepishly and the stranger tilted his head to the side while returning the greeting with a big grin spread across his lips.

"Your girlfriend?" He signaled towards Minho's phone that was still blowing up with the messages from Yongbok, since he left in the middle of their debate about which ice cream flavor would have the kindest personality.

It's obviously chocolate.

"No," Minho let's out a small laughter and looked back down on his phone where was still Yongbok spamming him with whatever came to his mind. "It's just my little brother." He quickly texted him: Gotta go, ttyl, love u bokkie! and turned his attention towards the male.

"Little brother has a phone already?" He chuckled and Minho shook his head with a little smile as he took another sip of his tea before answering: "he's twenty two."

The stranger's lips formed into an o shape as he nodded in understanding.

"Here you go dear," Namni set the bowl of noodles in front of him and he gave her a thankful look. "Thank you ajumma." He said gratefully, taking the chopsticks she gave him.

Namni left with a smile, leaving Minho alone with the stranger. He tried to ignore him as he started to eat the delicious ramen, but the staring from the latter made him shy and pretty self conscious.

"You live around here?" The stranger supported his chin with the palm of his hand as he leaned his elbow on the table. "I guess you could say that." Minho answered as simply as he could. He didn't like the stranger. Something about his smile and care seemed off and it was making him feel anxious.

"What's your name?" The stranger pushed further and Minho was too tired to try and tell him to leave him alone.

"Lee." He muttered with his mouth full and closed his eyes as he felt his body relaxing after the long day as it finally got some warm good food.

"Hungry, huh?" The stranger teased, making Minho open his eyes and nod. A rather uncomfortable silence settled between them as the stranger was still watching Minho finish his bowl of ramen.

"It's quite late, don't you have somewhere to be?" Minho raised his eyebrows in confusion and was getting ready to stand up and walk away from the strange man, but he was stopped by a hand harshly gripping his forearm.

"What are you-" his breath hitched as the man pulled him closer and unzipped the bottom of his jacket, which revealed the unmistakable holder of a gun.

"Say bye to your auntie and come with me. There are bombs under this building so I advice you to cooperate." The male also revealed a little red button that he was carelessly holding in his hand and Minho's eyes widened.

"O-okay." He stuttered. His whole body started to tremble at what was happening. He didn't know any better than to obey the man. The last thing he wanted was for anyone to get hurt, just because of his stupidity.

"Good bunny," the man chuckled and walked right behind Minho towards the cash register. "Going already dear?" Namni asked and he just nodded, giving her a tight smile. His heart felt like it was going to jump out of his chest and he was pretty sure there was already a thin layer of sweat visible on his forehead.

"I'm ready for a bed Namni ajumma," he replayed pulling the smaller woman into his gentle embrace and giving a fond peck on her cheek as a goodbye that meant something very different for the both of them.

"Thank you so much for everything." He pulled away, Namni giving him a big smile. "My childhood friend offered me a job. It's very well paid so I took it. Unfortunately it means that I am going away for some time. There won't be any phone service there, so please tell Yongbok I love him and keep an eye on him for me." He quickly came up with an excuse and Namni pulled him into another hug that he returned.

"Sure thing dear, take care." Minho tried not to tear up at her words and forced a little smile again. "Thank you, again." He pulled away from the hug and waited for the man to say his sweet goodbye that suddenly Minho found so fake.

Minho was nervously nibbling at the inside of his bottom lip as his eyes bore little holes into the man's fingers that were too close to touching the red button and setting everything off.

He flinched as he felt a hand on his back and moved his eyes back up to meet the cold ones that were staring down at him in a warning.

With a last glance around Minho left the store right before the male who's body he could feel pressed against his.

"Good bunny." He heard the man chuckle behind him, making his stomach twirl in disgust and fear. They walked in what felt like forever for Minho's exhausted body until he found himself standing in front of a black van.

The feeling of fear raised within him and subconsciously squeezed a little cat plushie that he got from his brother on his nineteenth birthday as tightly as he could.

The plushie was already a little bit worn off, because he's been wearing it on his keys for four years now, but he still loved and cherished it. The little kitten always brought him peace as well as the thought of his sunshine brother that he loved so much.

I'm so sorry Yongbokkie. Please forgive me.

"Let's put the bunny to sleep now, shall we?" The stranger opened the door of the van, taking Minho by surprise as two large men jumped out and made their way towards him.

He took a panicked step back, tripping as he bumped into the men who had lead him into this and almost screamed out as they all circled around him, somehow tying his arms and legs and throwing him into the back of the van.

He didn't even get a time to realize what was happening before a white cloth was pressed against his face and his panicked breathing together with the unknown substance on the cloth caused him to black out.

~
A/N
Aaaaaaaaa, what are your thoughts on this?

I'm very excited for this book, I just hope it turns out good!!