Protector from Afar ✔️

Chapter 24 -Half clear, half confused, half easy, half difficult

Chapter 24
Half clear, half confused
Half easy, half difficult

Minho's POV

Every decision has consequences. Sometimes people are distracted by doubts and delay making a decision until the opportunity is lost. Others make decisions based on gut instinct. Spontaneous, intuitive.

Minho remained silent as he and Hyunjin took the elevator down and exited the JYPE building. His T-shirt was soaked with sweat and stuck uncomfortably to his skin. He could have showered here and gone home smelling good, or talk to Hyunjin - like he had promised Jeongin a few days ago. After dance practice, a nagging feeling had spread in his stomach and his thoughts had repeatedly drifted to Hyunjin.

He pulled a knitted hood over his ears and stuffed his hands into his jacket. Late in the evening the temperature dropped well into the negative.

Hyunjin stopped abruptly and Minho crashed into him.

"I changed my mind," Hyunjin said.
Minho glared at him, but he completely ignored him.
"I want pizza."

Hyunjin marched in the other direction. Minho bit back from saying something sarcastic and followed him.

Do it for Jeongin. Seeing the youngest of the group cry did something to Minho. No matter what the reason was, he would at least try to solve the problem.

They trudged through slushy snow and dodged reckless drivers. The light from headlights and streetlamps reflected in puddles. They each picked up a large slice of pizza from a food truck and stood a little apart to eat it.

Hyunjin broke the silence first.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" he munched with his mouth full.

"Just how you're doing. I really don't see you much lately."

"I'm fine."

Hyunjin folded the rest of his pizza and shoved it into his mouth. Minho had long since finished.

"So you've given up trying to uncover Seraphina's secret."

Hyunjin slowly turned to Minho, his face blank.

"So that's what you're after."

"Yes, because I think you're exaggerating."

"Me? Exaggerating? You're joking." Hyunjin laughed humorlessly. "You're not helping me anyway. So why do you care?"

"Because you're harming others. I'm worried about you. Your behavior borders on-"

Hyunjin suddenly looked startled and grabbed Minho by the arm. He watched motionless as Seraphina marched past them. Her coat flapped in the headwind like the wings of a bat; she seemed to be in a hurry.

Hyunjin pushed past Minho.

"Are you crazy?" Minho hissed, holding his friend back.

"We'll never get an opportunity like this again."

Hyunjin shook off Minho's hand, not missing the crazy sparkle in his eyes.

This borderline situation had one advantage: Hyunjin was tall enough to see over people's heads, so he never lost sight of Seraphina. Minho didn't like that at all. He just didn't understand why Hyunjin was so obsessed with her. He acted almost like a sasaeng. The thought sent shivers down Minho's spine.

The crowd became denser, Hyunjin's pace steadily increased, and Minho actually just wanted to go home, shower and sleep.

He followed Hyunjin and then they found themselves alone in a side alley.