Hell & Back

4: Black Out

Minho spent the rest of the morning trying to get back into his usual routine. Despite the lingering anxiety from the previous night, he pushed himself to focus on his studies and his passion for music and dance. He attended his classes, struggling with the language barrier but determined to keep up.

During lunch, Minho found a quiet spot on campus to eat and review his notes. He was so absorbed in his work that he didn't notice Seungmin and Jeongin approaching until they sat down beside him.

"Hey, Minho," Seungmin said, offering a warm smile. "How are you holding up?"

Minho looked up, grateful for the familiar faces. "I'm okay. It's been a bit rough, but I'm managing."

Jeongin nodded, his expression serious. "We heard about what happened last night. Are you sure you're okay?"

Minho sighed, feeling the weight of their concern. "Yeah, it was scary, but Chan helped me. He and Felix have been really supportive."

Seungmin exchanged a glance with Jeongin before turning back to Minho. "That's good to hear. Just be careful, okay? The gangs around here can be unpredictable."

Minho nodded, appreciating their concern. "I will. Thanks, guys."

They spent the rest of lunch talking about their classes and upcoming assignments, the normalcy of the conversation helping to ease Minho's anxiety. By the time they headed back to their classes, Minho felt a bit more grounded.

After his last class of the day, Minho decided to visit the same park he had found the night before. He needed a place to clear his mind and relax. As he walked through the park, he heard the faint sound of music again and followed it to the small amphitheater.

This time, the musicians were playing a lively tune, and a small crowd had gathered to listen. Minho found a spot on the grass and sat down, letting the music wash over him. He closed his eyes, feeling the tension in his body slowly melt away.

"Mind if I join you?" a familiar voice asked.

Minho opened his eyes to see Chan standing beside him, holding two cups of coffee. "Sure," he replied with a smile.

Chan handed him one of the cups and sat down next to him. "I figured you could use a pick-me-up after last night."

Minho took a sip of the coffee, grateful for the gesture. "Thanks, Chan. I appreciate it."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, listening to the music and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Minho felt a sense of calm he hadn't experienced in days.

"I'm sorry about last night," Chan said quietly, breaking the silence. "I never wanted to drag you into this mess."

Minho shook his head. "It's not your fault, Chan. You did what you had to do to protect me. And I'm grateful for that."

Chan looked at Minho, his expression serious. "I mean it, Minho. I'm trying to find a way out of this life. For Felix, for myself, and now for you too."

Minho felt a surge of empathy and admiration for Chan. Despite the danger and uncertainty, he was trying to make a better life for himself and those he cared about. "I believe in you, Chan. And if there's anything I can do to help, I'm here."

Chan smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "Thanks, Minho. That means a lot."

As the sun began to set, they continued to talk, sharing their hopes and dreams. Minho found himself opening up to Chan in a way he hadn't with anyone else, and he could see that Chan was doing the same. 

Over the next few weeks, Minho and Chan continued to grow closer. They met regularly, finding solace in each other's company. Minho helped Chan with his English, while Chan taught Minho more about the city and its music scene.

Despite the looming threat of the gang conflict, Minho felt a sense of normalcy returning to his life. He attended his classes, worked on his music and dance, and spent time with his friends. The fear was still there, but it was tempered by the support and friendship he had found in Chan and Felix.

One evening, as they were walking through the park, Chan turned to Minho with a serious expression. "I've been thinking about what you said. About helping me find a way out."

Minho nodded, sensing the gravity of the moment. "Yeah?"

Chan stopped walking and faced Minho, his eyes filled with determination but also a deep worry. "I can't have you help me."

Minho's heart sank. "Why, hyung?" he asked, a note of desperation in his voice. "I want to help you. I believe we can do this together."

Chan shook his head, his expression growing more serious. "I can't endanger my brother... or you," he said, his voice tinged with regret.

Minho felt a surge of frustration. "But, Chan, we've come so far. We can't give up now."

Chan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, Minho. But this isn't just about us. If something were to happen to you or Felix because of me, I wouldn't be able to live with myself."

Minho looked at Chan, seeing the worry and fear in his eyes. He understood the weight of Chan's responsibility, but he couldn't shake the feeling that they were stronger together. "I understand, Chan. But you don't have to do this alone. We're a team, remember?"

Chan's gaze softened, but the worry remained. "I know, and I appreciate that more than you can imagine. But I've made up my mind. I need to do this on my own."

Minho's heart ached at the thought of Chan facing this danger alone, but he respected his decision. "Okay, hyung. But promise me you'll be careful. And if you ever need anything, anything at all, you'll let me know."

Chan nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I promise, Minho. And thank you for understanding."

They continued their walk in silence, the weight of their conversation hanging between them. Minho felt a mix of sadness and determination. He knew Chan was trying to protect him, but he couldn't shake the feeling that they were stronger together.

The next few days were a blur of classes and rehearsals for Minho. He threw himself into his studies and his music, using them as a distraction from the worry gnawing at him. He couldn't stop thinking about Chan and the danger he was facing alone.

Seungmin and Jeongin noticed Minho's distraction and tried to cheer him up, inviting him to study sessions and outings. Their support helped, but Minho couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness.

One evening, after hanging out with the two boys, Minho decided to take a shortcut home. The narrow alleyways were dimly lit, and the quietness of the night made him uneasy. As he walked, he noticed two figures approaching him from a distance. An instinctive chill ran down his spine, and his gut told him something was wrong.

Deciding to trust his instincts, Minho turned around to find another way home. But as he was about to turn, a sharp pain exploded at the back of his head, and his vision went black.