Hell & Back

9: Spider Boy

As Minho slept peacefully on the couch, Chan and Felix began to strategize, their resolve stronger than ever. They were determined to protect Minho and put an end to the Spiders' reign of terror. For now, though, they would let Minho rest and regain his strength, knowing that they had a tough battle ahead.

The next morning, Minho woke up feeling slightly better but still haunted by the events of the previous night. He sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes. Chan and Felix were in the kitchen, talking in hushed tones. When they saw Minho was awake, they immediately went over to him.

"How are you feeling?" Chan asked gently, his eyes filled with concern.

Minho managed a small smile. "Better, thanks to you guys."

Felix handed Minho a glass of water and some painkillers.

Minho took the pills with Felix's help, grateful for the support. He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "It's... a long story," he began, his voice trembling slightly. "But you both deserve to know what happened."

Chan and Felix sat down beside him, their expressions filled with concern and determination.

"Take your time, Minho," Chan said gently. "We're here for you."

Minho nodded, feeling a surge of courage from their presence. "After I left here, Jackson made sure I was always under his watch. He wouldn't let me out of his sight, and I had to do everything he said. I got this tattoo," he said, showing them the spider symbol on his wrist, "and he took my old phone, giving me a new one to control me even more."

Felix's jaw clenched in anger, but he remained silent, letting Minho continue.

"Last night, Jackson... he did things," Minho's voice broke, tears welling up in his eyes. "He drugged me, and when I woke up, I was tied up. He and some other guys... they..." Minho couldn't finish the sentence, the pain too overwhelming.

Chan reached out, wrapping Minho in a tight embrace. "You don't have to say it, Minho. We're so sorry you went through that. But you're safe now. We'll make sure they never hurt you again."

Felix placed a comforting hand on Minho's shoulder. "We'll protect you, Minho. And we'll make sure those bastards pay for what they did."

Chan smiled at Minho, trying to lift his spirits. "Oh wait, I don't have my phone. My family must be worried about me," Minho said, looking down at his hands with a pout. "I haven't talked to them in over a month."

Chan looked at Minho, noticing his pouting expression. Minho reminded him of a pouting kitten or a baby bunny, and he couldn't help but smile at the sight.

Minho noticed the way Chan was looking at him and blushed. "What?" he asked, feeling a bit self-conscious.

"Nothing," Chan replied, still smiling. "You just looked really cute for a moment."

Minho's blush deepened, and he looked away, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Stop teasing me," he mumbled.

Chan chuckled, reaching out to gently lift Minho's chin. "You're cute when you blush," Chan said, laughing at Minho's reaction.

Minho's blush deepened, and he playfully swatted Chan's hand away. "Stop teasing me, hyung."

Before Chan could respond, Felix ran to the front entrance of the apartment with excitement. "Hyung, Changbin and Hyunjin are here!"

Chan's smile widened. "Perfect timing. Let's go greet them."

As they headed to the front entrance, Minho felt a mix of nervousness and anticipation. He had heard a lot about Changbin and Hyunjin from Chan and Felix, but he hadn't met them yet. Knowing they were part of the Hell's Strays made him feel a little more secure, but he still worried about what they might think of him.