Inferno Hearts | Xu Minghao

60. Insanity

.・。.・゜

The intensity of their eye contact was palpable. Kim Sunghoon, his head slightly tilted, bore his piercing gaze into Minghao, a sly smirk etched across his face. He exuded an aura of unbridled madness, utterly fearless.

In stark contrast, Minghao remained composed, his eyes throwing daggers at the man before him. He refused to yield to the fear that Kim Sunghoon's presence tried to instill.

Minghao scoffed, unimpressed by Sunghoon's response. "Do you truly believe this lie holds any weight?"

"Lie?" The man burst into hysterical laughter.

"You bought into that? Hmm? Her claiming she doesn't remember that day." He continued, his voice laced with mockery. "Oh, I had higher expectations of your intelligence, honestly."

Minghao clenched his jaw, struggling to contain his anger. He knew he couldn't endure this man's provocation much longer before he would lash out.

"Oh, don't get mad, my friend. I'm merely revealing a side of Nabi you might not have known," he remarked with a smug grin. "You've seen the sweet, innocent Nabi—the one who adores animals, radiates with smiles, and treats everyone with respect. If that's the Nabi you've known, well, then you've played the part of her unwitting admirer quite splendidly."

"You truly believe you can manipulate my perception of her, don't you? So that I would hand her over to you, only for you to tear her apart. Do you think I'm that fucking stupid?" Minghao spat out, his anger simmering beneath his words.

"I'm not the one trying to manipulate you, little worm. It's her, playing games with your mind, making you believe she's innocent. You're in for a world of regret," he taunted, a mocking laughter escaping him.

"I'll be honest," he continued, placing a hand over his chest, "You have my word. I know I'm insane, and I admit it, but my word holds value. You will regret it for placing faith in her innocent facade. Yes, her panic attacks are genuine, and I'm well aware, being the one who induced them. But the rest of it? All a charade," he said in a chilling, serious tone, maintaining an unsettling eye contact with Minghao.

Minghao gazed back at him, maintaining his composure. He wasn't swayed or confused; his trust in Nabi remained unwavering. However, a sense of determination welled up within him. He knew there were many secrets he was yet to uncover, and he was resolute in his commitment to uncover the truth.

Kim Sunghoon wore a hurt expression, his mockery cutting through the tension. "Oh, no. Wrestling with your inner doubts now, hmm? All because of a few words?"

Minghao shot back, his voice firm and unwavering, "Fucking old man. Do you genuinely believe your words hold any value for me?"

"It should matter to you," Sunghoon retorted, leaning against the counter. "You know her physical scars, but her emotional wounds are a mystery to you. Has she even allowed you to see beyond her facade?" He taunted, a disdainful edge to his tone, provoking further intrigue.

He edged closer to Minghao, a low whisper dripping with insinuation, "I'm guessing you've had a glimpse of her body by now, haven't you?" His smirk was unsettling, as if hinting at undisclosed knowledge. "I'd be surprised if you haven't already fucked her because who wouldn't? Ah, her body is-"

Kim Sunghoon didn't finish his sentence. Minghao's patience snapped like a taut wire. In one swift, fluid motion, he rose to his feet and retrieved a pocket knife from behind his back, aiming it dangerously close to Sunghoon's throat. The room crackled with tension, both men locked in a dangerous standoff, their eyes ablaze with confrontation.