Object of Affection [Mina X Male Reader]

Ch. 9

The week Chaeyoung visited was spent with Haru and his family. He learned that Haru's sister got engaged not long ago and has been planning her wedding, and Haru's mom is back in shape, so there is more to celebrate. During the duration of the trip, Haru had been avoiding talking about Mina ever since finding out the truth; in a way, he was kind of hurt. The spark in Haru did somewhat return as his family situation improved, but Chaeyoung could sense that there was still something bothering him. Despite this, they all made the most of their time together, enjoying family dinners and exploring the local attractions. As the week came to an end, Chaeyoung couldn't help but wonder if Haru would eventually open up about his feelings towards Mina.

The last night there, Chaeyoung asked to sit and drink beer with Haru again on the porch.

"Hyung..." Chaeyoung began, hesitating for a moment before continuing, "Are you going to come back with me to Japan?" Haru looked at Chaeyoung, his expression filled with uncertainty. "I'm not sure," he replied softly. "There's still so much I need to figure out here." Chaeyoung nodded understandingly, realizing that Haru needed more time to confront his feelings and make a decision about his future.

"Mina—" Chaeyoung paused, "She's important to you, isn't she?" Haru sighed and nodded, his eyes filled with a mix of longing and sadness. "Yes, she is," he admitted quietly. "But she's important to you too; I want her to be happy, and I'm glad it's you."

"However, she doesn't feel the same way that I do," Chaeyoung says as he leaves with a sigh.

"What are you saying? You two are seeing each other." Haru confusedly arched his eyebrows, trying to process Chaeyoung's words.

"Seeing each other doesn't necessarily mean we have the same feelings," Chaeyoung explained, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "I've come to realize that I can't force someone to love me back; she tried, but in the end, she couldn't, she said". Haru's expression softened as he listened to Chaeyoung's heartfelt words. He could sense the pain in his friend's voice and understood the complexity of the situation. "I'm sorry, Chaeyoung," Haru said sympathetically. Chaeyoung got up and yelled "Ahhhhhh" and started to laugh afterward. Haru was startled by Chaeyoung's sudden outburst. It was a moment of release, a temporary escape from the weight of his emotions.

Chaeyoung then sits back down and finishes his drink. "Haru, Mina has feelings for you." Haru was now the one laughing. "Mina? Are you sure?" he asked.

Chaeyoung nodded, and a genuine smile appeared on his face. "I've seen how she looks at you, Haru. It is undeniable." Haru's laughter subsided when he noticed Chaeyoung's expression. The fact that Mina had feelings for him puzzled him.

"I, too, am fine because it is you. I know how much and for how long you have held her in your heart. I think you should speak with her, Haru; she's been asking a lot about you since you left." Haru's mind was racing with ideas and questions. He simply drank his beer while processing the information. The gravity of the situation became clear, and Chaeyoung excused himself to bed. The next day Chaeyoung headed back to Japan.

3 months later...

Finally, there was news. Chaeyoung gathered Mina and Sana over at LowKey.

"He's back in Japan," Chaeyoung announces.

"What really?" Sana exclaimed, her eyes widening with excitement.

"Haru's back," Mina thought to herself. She was happy about the news but at the same time nervous, as things left off badly.

They order some food and drinks as they wait for Haru. A few hours go by, a figure walks in, catching the eyes and attention of many.

"It's been a while, huh?" Haru says with a playful smile as he approaches the table where Chaeyoung, Mina, and Sana are sitting. Chaeyoung went to hug him, welcoming him back. Haru hugged Sana and gave Mina a warm smile. Mina looked at Haru; she saw the difference in his eyes and how he'd lost some weight. Mina rushed and hugged Haru. "I'm so sorry," Mina said.