𓊆ྀི۫ ̣̣̥ ݂ ⑅ unseen pain 𓏽ִ minsung

𝟎𝟗. // "6pm, saturday."

Minho heard the alarm go off and groaned. Reluctantly, he reached out to hit the snooze button, then burrowed deeper into his quilt, hoping to steal a few more minutes of precious sleep. The morning light filtered through his curtains, casting a soft glow across the room, but Minho paid it no mind, determined to cling to his dreams for as long as possible.

Minho didn't realize it was already 7:21 until his mother barged into his bedroom, her footsteps heavy and determined. "Min, wake up!" his mother, Jihyo, called out, her voice a mix of impatience and concern as she shook him slightly.

"Arg-gh..." Minho whined, his voice muffled by the pillow. He reluctantly sat up, rubbing his eyes and trying to brush his hair out of his face with his hands. The reality of the morning was sinking in all too quickly.

"Get ready quickly. I can drive you since the bus already passed," Jihyo said, her tone leaving no room for argument. Minho just nodded, still groggy but aware of the urgency.

He dragged himself out of bed and stumbled to his closet, selecting slightly baggy black jeans and a white tank top. He accessorized with a few necklaces, rings, and a belt, each piece chosen with care. After a quick look in the mirror, he moved on to brushing his hair, washing his face, and brushing his teeth. With his morning routine complete, he picked up his backpack, slid his phone into his pocket, and hurried down the stairs.

The car ride to school was enveloped in silence. Jihyo and Minho both seemed lost in their own thoughts, the hum of the engine the only sound accompanying them. The streets were beginning to fill with the bustle of the morning rush, but inside the car, it felt like a quiet, isolated bubble.

"Have a good day, Min," Jihyo said softly as they pulled up to the school. Minho nodded, opened the car door, and stepped out, giving a small wave before slamming the door shut. He walked towards the school building, each step bringing him closer to the inevitable chaos of the day.

Taking a deep breath, Minho pushed open the school's door and immediately spotted Jisung, the guy he wanted to see the least. Jisung was at his locker, busy taking out his books, unaware of Minho's approach.

As Jisung was about to leave for his classroom, he looked up and saw Minho towering over him, his presence imposing. Jisung's lips parted in surprise, and he instinctively took a step back, only to be slammed into the locker by Minho. It was 8 in the morning, far too early for such an encounter.

Minho's hand gripped the back of Jisung's head, pushing it into the locker's combination lock with a painful thud. "O-owh-" Jisung winced, the sharp pain shooting through his head. He tried to break free, but Minho's grip was firm.

Minho held Jisung by his backpack, forcing him to look up. As Minho stared at Jisung, he couldn't help but notice the boy's puffy cheeks, plump lips, and small nose. There was something oddly endearing about his features. He looks adorable, Minho thought briefly, before shaking the thought away. No, I hate him.

Before letting go, Minho delivered a swift kick to Jisung's ankle, making him stumble and trip. "Hah," Minho chuckled coldly, turning on his heel and walking away to his classroom.

---

**Jisung's POV:**

I sat in class, trying to focus on the teacher's lecture, but my mind kept drifting back to Minho and the other boys. They seemed nice, and I wanted to hang out with them, but the thought of Minho's reaction kept me in check. Would I get in trouble? Probably.

"Psst," I heard a voice behind me. Turning around, I saw Felix holding a crumpled yellow sticky note. His eyes were earnest, and he gestured for me to take it.

I took the note and carefully unfolded it. The handwriting was a bit messy but readable.

"Hey Jisung, we found out about what Minho did to you. We're deeply sorry. I think he didn't mean it and was just overstimulated. I was wondering if you wanted to come to a sleepover at Minho's house this Saturday. All of us will be there, so no danger haha. If you decide to come or just want to talk, my number is here."

At the end of the note was Felix's number. I glanced at Minho, who was engrossed in a conversation with Seungmin. I flipped the sticky note over and wrote back:

"I appreciate the offer, but I think Minho wouldn't like it. I can add your number though, so we can talk sometime :)"

I folded the note and passed it back to Felix, hoping he would understand.

---

The rest of the day passed with Felix, Chan, and the others trying to talk to me, reassuring me that I could hang out with them. Despite their efforts, it felt wrong to me, like I was betraying some unspoken rule.

When I got home, the house was quiet. I went to the kitchen and grabbed an apple. My mom wouldn't be home until 6 PM because she had a date with some guy. I took a bite of the apple, the crisp taste grounding me for a moment.

I went to my room and flopped onto the bed, wishing the blankets could swallow me whole. I finished the apple and decided to text Felix. Taking out my phone, I typed in his number and hesitantly sent a message.

"Hey, it's Jisung."

Felix replied almost instantly.

"Hey!! I'm glad you texted me. Are you going to the sleepover at Minho's house?"

"I don't think I can haha. Not only would he not let me, but I also think it's for the best but-"

Felix's response was surprising. "Okay! I'll be picking you up at 6 PM on Saturday. Text me your address."

"Wait, what?" I stared at the screen, bewildered. Felix's insistence was unexpected.

I sighed and sent my address, not even bothering to ask my mom for permission. She'd probably be happy I was actually hanging out with people, right?