Inferno Hearts | Xu Minghao

69. Trace My Skin

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾

Minghao, with an air of contemplation about him, stood on the chair, assuming a posture of deep introspection.

The dim glow of the studio lights creating a cocoon of concentration around him, he found himself lost in a profound tapestry of thoughts. The rhythmic buzz of the tattoo machine filled the air, a comforting background hum that seemed to synchronize with the rhythm of his introspection.

Wonwoo, a master of his craft, worked meticulously, each precise movement of the needle translating Minghao's musings into permanent art on his skin.

Images of Nabi flashed before his mind's eye—her delicate yet determined face, the echo of her laughter, and the tender warmth of her embrace.

The memory of her father, a looming figure casting a dark shadow over her life, gripped his thoughts.

Despite her being in his embrace, he carried a heavy weight of fear, a gnawing concern that her father's influence could extend its poisonous reach at any moment.

Yet, as the needle kissed his skin, Minghao's determination surged like a tempest within. It wasn't just a tattoo being etched; it was a symbol of defiance, a declaration of his commitment to protect Nabi.

He steeled himself, resolving to be a fortress for her in the tempest, to make the choices that would untangle the web her father had woven around her, and set her free to embrace the life she deserved.

However, despite the tattooing process, Minghao remained stoic, the pain a distant echo. His focus was unyielding, an unbroken thread weaving through his thoughts, binding his determination to protect Nabi.

"Lost in thoughts, aren't you?" Wonwoo remarked, perceptive to Minghao's distant mental state.

Minghao, momentarily pulled from the depths of his contemplation, turned his gaze toward Wonwoo.

There was a quiet sadness in his eyes, a reflection of the turmoil that churned within him. He sighed, the weight of his thoughts evident in his response.

"It's Nabi," Minghao admitted, his voice soft and filled with a mixture of love and worry. "I can't help but think about her and what her father might do next. I can't shake that fear."

"Do you have a plan?" Wonwoo asked, his gaze focused on the tattooing process even as concern knitted his brows.

Minghao, after a few moments of silence, finally spoke, his voice laced with the weight of the decision he was contemplating. "Hyung, if I were to ask you to leave the country with Nabi, would you do it for me?"

Wonwoo paused, the tattoo machine momentarily stilling against Minghao's skin as he absorbed the gravity of Minghao's question. His eyes met Minghao's, and he saw the desperation mingled with determination in his friend's gaze.

Taking a deep breath, Wonwoo carefully considered his response, fully aware of the magnitude of the choice that lay before them. "Of course. Minghao, you know I'll stand by you, no matter what," he began, his voice steady and resolute.

"But do you think Nabi would consider leaving the country without you?" Wonwoo asked.

Minghao exhaled a heavy breath, grappling with the moral dilemma before him. "That's the most challenging part," he confessed, his voice heavy with the gravity of the situation.

"I want to ensure her safety, but I can't force such a decision on her. My initial thought was for her to leave with you and another member, while the rest of us deal with that bastard."

"Try not to carry the burden alone," Wonwoo said, his voice filled with reassurance. "We will find a way through this together. If it becomes necessary, I will leave the country with her to make sure she's shielded her from any danger." He continued his work on the tattoo, a calming rhythm in the midst of their deep conversation.