Hell & Back

14: Date Night???

The next day, Minho, Seungmin, and Jeongin headed to their dance class at the college. For Minho, it felt like a return to normalcy, a chance to immerse himself in something he loved and find peace amidst the chaos of his recent life. Ballet had always been his passion, a way to express himself and escape from the pressures around him.

In the dance studio, they met a new student, Han Jisung. Jisung, a boy from Korea, had recently moved to Australia in search of a good education. Though he wasn't particularly fond of dancing, his mother had encouraged him to try it out. As they got to know each other, Minho, Seungmin, and Jeongin found Jisung to be friendly and fun to be around.

Jisung was enthusiastic, if a bit awkward in his dance moves, but his positive energy was infectious. He shared stories about his life in Korea and his aspirations in Australia. Despite his initial reluctance, Jisung was determined to make the most of this new experience, and his efforts quickly endeared him to the group.

As the four of them practiced together, they laughed and encouraged each other. Minho felt a sense of camaraderie he hadn't experienced in a while. Being with his friends in the dance studio, moving to the rhythm of the music, helped him momentarily forget the troubles that had followed him.

By the end of the class, they had formed a bond, sharing their dreams and struggles. Jisung, despite his initial hesitation, found himself enjoying the class more than he expected, thanks to his new friends. For Minho, it was a reminder that even in the midst of challenges, there were still opportunities for joy and connection.

After a day of classes at college, Minho walked with his three friends—Seungmin, Jeongin, and Jisung—and some of Chan's gang members to the café where Minho first met Chan and learned a bit about the Hell's Strays. Despite the circumstances back then, that meeting had turned into one of his favorite memories, full of unexpected humor and significance.

As they entered the café, Minho noticed the sudden hush that fell over the room. Patrons glanced nervously at the group, particularly at Chan's gang members, who exuded a certain intimidating aura. Minho sighed in embarrassment, realizing the effect their presence had on the atmosphere.

"Why do they look scared?" Jisung asked, his face a mix of confusion and curiosity.

Jeongin and Seungmin chuckled, exchanging knowing glances. They proceeded to explain everything to Jisung: how Minho had first met Chan in this very café, the run-in with the Spider gang, and the significance of the tattoos they all wore.

Minho listened as his friends recounted the story, the initial tension of that encounter giving way to camaraderie and trust. They spoke of the Hell's Strays, not just as a gang, but as a community that had offered Minho protection and a sense of belonging when he needed it most.

Jisung listened intently, absorbing the story of Minho's journey and the bonds he had formed along the way. The seriousness of the situation was clear, but so was the strength of their friendship. By the time they finished their explanation, the atmosphere in the café had shifted. The nervous glances softened into understanding, and the group settled down to enjoy their time together, sharing stories and laughter over cups of coffee.

As Minho and his friends chatted at their table, enjoying their time together, the café's atmosphere shifted once again with the arrival of Hyunjin and Felix. Hyunjin, with his general tattoo prominently displayed, walked in with Felix, who, while not sporting a Hell's Strays tattoo, was still recognized as Chan's younger brother. The presence of these two, especially Hyunjin's intimidating aura, made the patrons in the café look even more nervous.

Felix's eyes quickly scanned the room, and he spotted Minho and his friends, who were sitting at one table, and Chan's gang members, who were at another. Felix smiled and waved, his usual friendly demeanor making him instantly recognizable. Minho's face lit up with a warm smile upon seeing Felix.