19 | minsung

36

the cold air nipped at minho as he made his way to the cafeteria in the grand building, navigating through the bustling crowd of people. the rain hadn't ceased, leading the group to opt for lunch inside clé hall, the grandest building on campus.

clé hall was a favored spot for many students due to its indoor cafeteria, numerous classrooms, and the famous rooftop boasting one of the best views on campus. although open to all students, it primarily housed science-related classes, earning its alternative name—the science department building.

most of minho's classes were in clé hall, often alongside felix, making it easy for them to head to the cafeteria together when chan suggested eating indoors due to the pouring rain.

beside minho walked felix; the older had made a quick detour to join felix after his class. soft laughter echoed among them as they entered the cafeteria. however, the laughter abruptly halted when minho felt a hand harshly slap his backside.

his laughter-filled face contorted into a scowl as he turned to face the perpetrator in disgust.

"dude, what the fuck?!" he exclaimed, his revulsion evident, prompting felix to tug at his arm, trying to prevent any escalating confrontation.

the person responsible only smirked, eyeing minho and felix up and down while running his tongue along his lips.

"come on, baby boy, i know you'd like a quick fuck," he sneered, earning loud encouragements from his table.

"so, soft boys are your type now, ha joon?"

"they are a cute pair."

"i want the one with freckles."

the comments from the group spurred on the unsettling situation.

minho's ears burned red with anger as he instinctively positioned himself in front of felix, sensing the younger male's growing discomfort at the group's comments.

his hand clenched into a tight fist, his gaze drilling into the group as he forced a laugh, his jaw locked in rage, the strained laughter escaping through gritted teeth.

minho was ready to retaliate when felix continued tugging at his arm, whispering, "minho, just ignore them," not wanting a scene in the cafeteria.

with simmering fury, minho grabbed felix's hand and swiftly steered them away from the table, making sure to raise his middle finger at the group. though he heard their mocking laughter, he fought to suppress the urge to react violently.

arriving at their table, the group, previously immersed in their own jokes, became concerned upon seeing the fury in minho's expression and felix's discomfort.

hyunjin, deeply worried for felix, sat beside him, wrapping an arm around the younger male, gently asking, "what's wrong?"

felix shook his head, trying to reassure hyunjin. "it's just that ha joon and his group harassed us. more so, minho, since they touched him," he admitted, glancing at minho, who was still seething with rage from the encounter.

minho despised the invasive touch from someone he disliked. the memory lingered, contrasting sharply with jisung's loving touch. thoughts of his boyfriend's affectionate gestures only fueled minho's fury. he contemplated turning back, the desire to confront the person who had touched him inappropriately intensifying.

upon hearing felix's explanation, chan placed a comforting hand on minho's, attempting to soothe him. "they're always like that, min. they've got multiple marks against them in the guidance system. another one, and that guy will be kicked out for good."

minho sighed, offering chan a reassuring smile as the anger slowly dissipated, jisung starting to occupy his thoughts once again.

at the moment, minho had no intention of divulging his romantic relationship with his roommate to the group. he knew they'd incessantly pry into his and jisung's relationship, and considering jisung's personality, he probably wouldn't appreciate being interrogated by minho's friends either. besides, this being minho's first relationship, he wanted to stabilize everything with jisung before openly sharing with his friends.