Minchan: Fighting The Storms With You

06

That day, I felt like I had achieved my goal—I got to spend time with Minho, and he was genuinely happy. It was fun hanging out with him, discovering that he had a vast knowledge of music and could sing too. He even mentioned that he could play the piano, and I found myself wanting to see him play someday.

But the next day, Minho was nowhere to be found. He wasn't on the rooftop, and he wasn't in class either. My heart pounded with worry. I didn't have his number, and a sense of dread washed over me. Then I saw Jisung and hurried to him.

"I can't find Minho," I said, my voice laced with concern.

Jisung sighed. "Me neither. He's not even picking up the phone."

"Can't we go to his place or something to check?" I asked, desperation creeping into my tone.

"He doesn't want us to be there...trust me," Jisung replied.

As I stood there, unsure of what to do next, someone tapped on my shoulder. It was Jeongin.

"So you hang out with them now?" he said, smirking.

"Yeah...so?" I replied, my annoyance evident.

"You guys didn't do anything to Minho, right?" Jisung asked, his voice tinged with anger.

"What do you think of us? Unbelievable. He must be with Seungmin," Jeongin said defensively.

Jisung shook his head and walked away, frustration etched on his face. I was about to follow suit when Jeongin stopped me.

"So what's going on?" he asked.

"Look, I'm not ditching you guys. I'm just worried," I said, trying to explain my concern.

"For Minho?" Jeongin questioned.

"Yes," I admitted.

"It's your choice... I don't care. But you can still hang out with us...you know?"

"And listen to you guys gossip about him."

"Hey, we are not wrong. Look for him if you don't trust me. I am sure he is with Seungmin. Jisung knows that too."

I remained silent, feeling torn. Whether Minho was with Seungmin or not, it didn't change my worry. I walked away, my mind in turmoil.

As I wandered through the garden, I couldn't help but look around for him. And then I saw him, sitting on a bench with Seungmin. I couldn't see their faces clearly, but it was definitely them. An inexplicable sadness washed over me, seeing him with that rude guy.

The bell rang, and I headed back to class, but Minho didn't show up. Anger bubbled within me. How could he chase after someone so rude to him? Negative thoughts swirled in my mind, and I found myself thinking he might be faking everything just to grab attention.

I sighed, feeling guilty for even thinking that.

Minho skipped all the classes that morning, and when lunch break finally arrived, I couldn't shake off my worry.

I went to the canteen and saw Jeongin. As I sat beside him, he smiled at me.

"So I was right?" he said.

I sighed.

"Bro...the whole school hates him for a reason... Jisung just needs to get that through his head."

I couldn't really protest. I focused on my lunch until I saw Seungmin walking to a table. My eyes followed him, hoping to see Minho with him. But Minho wasn't there. Again, I felt uncomfortable, as if something was wrong.

I took my tray, dumped the leftover food, and ran to the class. Minho wasn't there. Then I ran to the rooftop—Minho wasn't there either. Finally, I ran to the infirmary, but again, Minho wasn't there.

I was breathing heavily. Where the hell was he?

I ran back to the canteen and went straight to Seungmin's table.

"Where is Minho?" I asked, still catching my breath.

"Don't tell me...you are Minho's new boyfriend. Is he bored with Jisung already?" a guy beside Seungmin laughed.

Seungmin looked at me, raising his eyebrows. "Why?" he asked.

"I can't find him, and he was with you the last time I saw him," I said.

Seungmin's eyes narrowed. His friends were still laughing as he stood up and gestured for me to follow him.

"He didn't come to class?" he asked. To my surprise, he looked a bit worried. But his next words made me think otherwise.

"I am sick of this," he mumbled as he pulled out his phone.

"Did something happen between you two?" I asked.

He ignored my question. He dialed Minho's number, but there was no answer. He called again. After calling four times, Minho finally picked up.

That was it. At that moment, I was convinced Jeongin was right. Jisung had tried calling Minho too, but Minho never picked up. I didn't wait to hear what was wrong. I left. I wasn't interested in this Minho anymore.