The Legacy (Underworld 1) JC

30: The Side Stories

As Mingyu and Seokmin stepped into the cafe together, the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped them, but Seokmin's usually cheerful demeanor was noticeably subdued. Mingyu couldn't help but notice the change in his friend's expression, and he furrowed his brow in concern.

"Seokmin, is everything alright?" Mingyu asked softly as they found a table and settled into their seats.

Seokmin let out a heavy sigh, his gaze distant as he absently stirred his coffee. "I was just hoping to see that pretty bambi-eyed guy again," he confessed, his voice tinged with disappointment.

Mingyu's eyes widened in understanding as he recalled Seokmin's infatuation with the mysterious stranger from their previous visit. "Ah, I see," he murmured, placing a comforting hand on Seokmin's shoulder. "I'm sorry he's not here today."

Seokmin managed a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, me too," he replied, his tone wistful. "I was hoping to get to know him better."

"Wait, I'll just go and ask," Mingyu approached the counter, he couldn't shake the lingering curiosity about the mysterious bambi-eyed man that had captured Seokmin's attention. With a friendly smile, he greeted the girl behind the counter.

"Hi there," Mingyu began, his tone polite yet curious. "I was just wondering if you've seen the guy with the bambi eyes around today?"

The girl behind the counter paused for a moment, a thoughtful expression crossing her features as she considered Mingyu's question. "Ah, you must be talking about Jisoo," she replied, a hint of recognition in her voice. "Unfortunately, he's not here today. His grandmother fell ill, so he's in Daegu taking care of her."

Mingyu's heart sank at the news, a pang of sympathy tugging at his chest. "I see," he murmured, his gaze dropping momentarily. "I hope she gets better soon."

The girl nodded in agreement, a sympathetic smile on her lips. "Yeah, me too. Jisoo's been really worried about her," she said, her voice tinged with empathy. "He'll be back as soon as he can, though."

Mingyu offered a grateful smile, touched by the girl's kindness. "Thank you for letting me know," he said sincerely, feeling a sense of closure wash over him. "Take care."

As Mingyu returned to their table, Seokmin looked up with a hopeful expression, silently awaiting any news about the bambi-eyed guy. Mingyu took a seat and sighed, a mixture of disappointment and sympathy evident in his eyes.

"Seokmin, I asked about him at the counter," Mingyu began, his voice gentle as he relayed the information. "His name is Jisoo, and unfortunately, he's not here today. His grandmother is ill, so he's in Daegu taking care of her."

Seokmin's shoulders slumped slightly at the news, a flicker of sadness crossing his features. "Oh, I see," he murmured, his tone tinged with regret. "I hope she'll be alright."

Mingyu nodded in agreement, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on Seokmin's shoulder. "Yeah, me too. The girl at the counter said he'll be back as soon as he can," he said, offering a comforting smile. "But in the meantime, maybe we can plan something nice for when he returns."

Seokmin's eyes lit up at the suggestion, a spark of excitement igniting within him. "You're right!" he exclaimed, his spirits lifting at the prospect. "Once Jisoo is back, I'll finally ask him out on a date. It's about time."

As Seokmin and Mingyu delved into a discussion about their gang's recent activities, the atmosphere at their table shifted from anticipation to solemnity. Mingyu leaned in closer, his voice low as he recounted the details of their failed attack on the Midnight gang, led by none other than Seungcheol.