Scarlet(Red 3) JC [Revised]

7: Keeho's Crush

Keeho's heart raced as he stood outside the club, the neon lights flickering against the night sky. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves before approaching Taehyung.

"Have you seen Seungcheol?" Keeho asked, his voice betraying a mix of concern and uncertainty.

Taehyung glanced at Keeho with a knowing look, taking a final drag of his cigarette before flicking it away. "Seungcheol? Yeah, he's inside. Probably tearing up the dance floor with his friends," Taehyung replied casually, though his eyes lingered on Keeho with a hint of sympathy.

Keeho nodded, trying to process the conflicting thoughts racing through his mind. He had heard about this club being Seungcheol's favorite haunt, but knowing he was here didn't settle his unease. He couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right, especially given Seungcheol's secretive behavior and the rumors of his flirtations.

People came to clubs to have fun, to let loose, and sometimes to meet new people. Keeho couldn't help but wonder if Seungcheol was among those looking for something—or someone—else. The thought gnawed at him, casting a shadow over their budding relationship.

They had been together for a month, but Seungcheol insisted on keeping their relationship hidden. Keeho agreed reluctantly, hoping it was a phase that would pass. Yet, Seungcheol's evasiveness whenever the topic of commitment arose left Keeho feeling empty, lying awake at night with unspoken fears.

The bruises and scars on Keeho's body were a silent testament to their tumultuous relationship. Whenever questioned by concerned friends, Keeho brushed it off with a smile, masking the pain behind clumsy excuses. Only he knew the truth—that Seungcheol's temper often spilled over into violence during their arguments, their intimacy.

Yet, Keeho clung to the belief that love was meant to be endured, even if it meant enduring pain. He couldn't bring himself to expose Seungcheol's darker side, clinging to the hope that things would change, that love would conquer all.

As Keeho stepped closer to the club's entrance, the bass thumping inside seemed to mock his insecurities. He steeled himself, preparing to confront Seungcheol, to demand answers or perhaps find the courage to walk away from the turmoil that defined their relationship.

"Keeho, what are you doing here?" Jimin's voice startled Keeho out of his thoughts. He turned to see Jimin's concerned expression, clearly taken aback to find him outside the club at such a late hour.

Keeho hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I... I was looking for Seungcheol," he finally admitted, his voice tinged with unease.

Taehyung, who was nearby, glanced at Keeho with a knowing look before speaking up. "Choi? Oh, he's probably with Kihyun," Taehyung said casually, though there was an underlying tension in his tone.

Jimin's eyes widened in alarm, and he cursed under his breath. He knew Kihyun well—everyone did. He was a legendary senior at the university, known for his charisma and his influence over younger students like Seungcheol. There were rumors, too—rumors that Kihyun and Seungcheol had history together, something that Jimin had hoped Seungcheol had moved past.

Keeho's stomach churned with anxiety. He had heard whispers about Kihyun and Seungcheol, but he had pushed them aside, wanting to believe in the sincerity of their relationship. Now, standing outside the club, he couldn't ignore the sinking feeling in his chest.

Taehyung, meanwhile, seemed unfazed by the tension. Keeho glanced over and saw another guy being overly familiar with Taehyung, who appeared either oblivious or indifferent to the advances. Keeho couldn't help but feel uncomfortable witnessing the scene—it was a stark reminder of the uncertainties in relationships, especially his own.