Inferno Hearts | Xu Minghao

41. Emotional Confrontations

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The revelation of Minghao's confession sent shockwaves through the members. The gravity of his audacious plan weighed heavily on their minds, casting a pall of apprehension over their thoughts.

"Minghao, what the fuck are you saying?" Seungcheol's voice cut through the stunned silence as he rose abruptly from his chair, his features a canvas of astonishment.

"Have you lost your mind?" The words escaped him, laden with disbelief, his very demeanor reflecting the gravity of Minghao's revelation.

Minghao's gaze fixed upon Seungcheol, his expression resolute. "Hyung," he began, his voice steady despite the gravity of his words, "I'm aware how absurd this might sound but this could very well be the motive that's driving Kim Sunghoon to come after us."

Seungcheol's brows furrowed deeply, his voice escalating with a mix of anger and exasperation. "Fuck, Minghao, do you even realize the implications of what you're suggesting? This guy appears to be mental, insane enough to resort to burning us alive just to reclaim Nabi," he spat out, his tone laced with a raw intensity.

"Hyung you need to hear me out," Minghao's voice grew more insistent, his frustration evident as he raised his own volume. He couldn't help but feel exasperated by Seungcheol's apparent resistance to listening.

Jeonghan stood up, addressing the increasingly tense situation. "I have to agree with Seungcheol," he interjected firmly. "The moment he discovers that we have Nabi, he won't just sit. We're dealing with someone who won't hesitate to take drastic measures."

Joshua swiftly stepped into the conversation, attempting to offer a different perspective. "Minghao, consider the fact that Kim Sunghoon resurfaced after all these years solely to track down Nabi," he pointed out, his words gentle yet logical, as if trying to erase the rising tension.

A frustrated sigh escaped Minghao's lips, his hand running through his hair in agitation. His gaze shifted to the members, his words carrying a heavy burden. "He holds the key to all the questions I've been grappling with, those surrounding Min's death," he confessed, his frustration palpable. "If I can't find a way to reach him, then he'll find his way to me," he added, his tone edged with a sense of urgency.

Minghao took a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking once more. "I understand if you're reluctant to get involved, and I won't pressure anyone," he stated calmly. "Whoever chooses to stand by my side is more than welcome," he stated, his tone a mix of understanding and determination.

Minghao's voice grew resolute as he made his intentions clear. "I'm fully aware of the risks, and I'm prepared to confront whatever comes our way. If this is the sole path to uncovering the truth behind my sister's death, then so be it. It's a battle of life and death—either he dies, or I do," he proclaimed, his unwavering gaze reflecting his determination.

The members exchanged knowing looks, realizing that Minghao's determination was unshakable. They had seen his unwavering resolve when he had taken matters into his own hands and abducted Nabi, convinced that she was responsible for his sister's death.

"And what's your plan if it turns out Nabi actually did kill Min?" Wonwoo's voice resonated through the room, raising a crucial question.

Minghao's expression froze, a sudden realization dawning upon him. He hadn't contemplated this possibility anymore, but Wonwoo's words forced him to confront a troubling thought.

All eyes remained fixed on him, a collective anticipation hanging in the air. The weight of everyone's expectations bore down on him, awaiting his response.