Crime, Betrayal, and Love (A Seventeen Street Racing AU)

LII | Apologies

I'm exhausted. My legs are sore, and my arms are aching. DK and Hoshi already helped Mingyu out of the car, likely dragging him to Joshua so he could patch Mingyu up. But I'm still sitting in the car, too tired to move.

The car was freezing, and I hadn't eaten anything since afternoon. I might have stayed the night in the car if I had a blanket and something to eat; however, I do not.

I step out of the car, recoiling as my feet reach the cold concrete. Quickly tip-toeing, I rush out of the garage and enter the kitchen. It's empty, and I'm thankful.

As I walk to the fridge, my mind is clouded with too many thoughts. I didn't think much more could surprise me anymore, but tonight proved me wrong.

How often did people die in this business? How many times was it at the hands of Mingyu? I wish I could trick myself into believing this was the first time, but he didn't flinch. He didn't look shocked at his actions. He showed no guilt.

"Even more dangerous than Monsta X."

Chankgyun's words ring in my ear. Surely, he would have mentioned murder to me and Jisoo if he knew about it.

I try to shake off the feeling. I'll never be able to fall asleep if I don't push those thoughts away.

Opening the fridge, I search for leftovers or something small to snack on. Naturally, it's practically empty. I have no clue how they afford so much food and how it's always gone. The only thing inside is a pack of berries that's molding over. With a sigh, I grab the berries and throw them away.

I'll just have to wait until the morning.

"No food?"

I spin around to see Jeonghan standing in the archway. He's changed from his party clothes into a pair of sweats and an oversized sweater, his blonde hair hung loosely, reaching his shoulders.

"Here." He walks past me and reaches for one of the higher shelves. Jeonghan struggles momentarily but eventually grabs a package and brings it down. "Me and Joshua have a secret stache," He explains. Popping open the package, Jeonghan pulls out a half-empty bag of chips, three granola bars, and way too many wrapped sweets.

Jeonghan hands me one of the granola bars, taking one for himself. "S.Coups told me what happened with Mingyu and Bambam," he says while unpeeling the bar.

"Why do they hate each other?"

"He hasn't told you?" Jeonghan raises an eyebrow. "I'm surprised. Well, I'll leave him to tell you that. Sorry."

I push my lips into a frown, disappointed. "Thanks for the granola bar."

Jeonghan nods. We sit in silence, slowly eating the bars.

"Y'know, I might have been too harsh on you and Jisoo before."

My head shoots up. Did he really say that, or am I imagining things?

"You two haven't been bad."

"Thanks?"

Jeonghan exhales, "I've always been protective of them. They're practically family, and I treated you guys meanly." I must not look amused because Jeonghan groans. "Look, I'm trying to apologize."

"Why?" I ask before thinking.

"Uhm, well." He looks embarrassed. "For a couple of reasons."

Realizing I've already stirred the conversation, I decide to push forward. "Such as?"

"Okay, two reasons specifically. Firstly, Mingyu likes you. He really likes you." Jeonghan shakes his head. "So, for his sake, I decided I would be less hard on you. Especially since you seem to like him too."