stars and whispers // minsung

Chapter Thirty Four

"Hyunjin, Minho's been smoking all night," Changbin said, leaning against the wall.

Hyunjin crossed his arms, eyes narrowing. "I don't care. It's his fault Jisung and Innie disappeared."

"Please, let's not start this," Changbin pleaded.

"We should call Chan."

"No. We're not calling anyone. It was his birthday, okay? Let him rest."

Minho was on the other side of the rooftop, sitting in a chair, a cigarette dangling from his lips as he nervously fidgeted his leg.

"What's Seungmin supposed to tell Felix then? That we couldn't make it to the airport?" Hyunjin asked, growing impatient.

"Yes! He'll figure something out, okay? Now shut up, I'm tired of hearing you."

They both sighed, tension thick in the air.

Even though Changbin kept insisting everything would be fine, deep down, he wasn't so sure even himself.

Suddenly, his phone rang.

"Fuck."

"What?"

"It's him."

Hyunjin rushed over. "Answer it!"

Changbin obeyed, quickly bringing the phone to his ear.

"Jisung?" he asked urgently.

"Hi," came Jisung's weak voice from the other end.

"Fucking hell..." Changbin sighed in relief. "Jisung, are you okay? Where are you? Did something happen? Are you alone? When... how...?"

"I-I'm fine, thanks. Just tell everyone I'm safe."

Out of nowhere, Minho appeared, snatching the phone from Changbin's hand.

"Jisung?!" he called out, tossing his cigarette aside.

Jisung didn't reply, but Minho knew he was still there, listening.

"Why didn't you text me back? Are you okay? Where are you? I'm coming to get you. Please, Jisung..."

The silence made Minho clench his fists, fury directed inward.

"I'm okay," Jisung muttered before hanging up.

"Jisung? Han? Han!" Minho called, frustration boiling over.

Changbin retrieved his phone, glancing at Hyunjin.

"The airport. He'll be there, I'm sure of it."

-

"I'm so excited to see Felix..." Jisung whispered, slipping his phone into his pocket.

"You think he knows?" Jeongin asked, sounding a bit nervous.

"Nuh-uh... I'm pretty sure he and Chan have no idea. I know Changbin—he's considerate like that. Seungmin probably doesn't know either."

They arrived at the airport quickly, heading towards the gate where Felix was expected to arrive.

"Minho's not going to show up... right?" Jisung asked, anxiety creeping in.

"Not right now... but I'm sure he'll come."

As they approached Felix's exit gate, they immediately recognized Seungmin's fluffy hair.

Jisung walked over, feeling awkward. "H-hey..." he muttered.

Seungmin turned around instantly, pulling Jisung into a tight hug, nearly knocking him off balance.

He knew something happened.

"Jisung!" Seungmin exclaimed, closing his eyes as he held on.

Jisung closed his eyes too, gently rubbing his friend's back. "I missed you."

"You scared me to death, Han Jisung... What happened?" Seungmin asked, finally letting go.

"It's... a long story. I'll tell you later, okay? Just know Jeongin was a lifesaver... my lifesaver."

Seungmin smiled at both of them and nodded. "Okay then... let's wait for Felix."

Chan was still in his dorm, sleeping soundly, blissfully unaware of everything. Felix had excused him, letting him rest.

When Felix finally arrived, it was clear he knew nothing of the situation.

"Guys!! I missed you so much!" the freckled boy said, embracing all three of them. "Where are the others?"

"They're on their way," Seungmin explained, smoothly lying. "Hyunjin woke up late and made everyone else late too..."

"Not even surprised! That's so Hyunjin," Felix chuckled.

They went to a café in the airport to wait for the others, chatting as they caught up.

But Jisung wasn't really smiling.

He couldn't stop imagining what would happen when the others arrived.

He hadn't had a proper meal in months, and the hunger made his head pound.

"Jisung?" Felix called, noticing his expression. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah... I missed you, that's all," Jisung lied, standing up. "I need to use the bathroom."

They nodded as he walked away, heading towards the restroom area.

What should I say to them?

Do they know exactly what happened?

He rubbed his face, sighing, not even looking for the bathroom anymore.

People were bustling around him, and Jisung felt the urge to ask a random stranger:

What the fuck do I do?

His phone buzzed again, but he ignored it.

The kiss with Minho kept replaying in his mind.

Gyuri's voice.

His mother's voice.

Lights.

Scents.

So I do like him after all...

How do you fall in love with your bully?

"Jisung."

The voice made him stop in his tracks, his blood running cold as he looked up and locked eyes with Minho.