Lovely Boxer - LeeKnow

19: Mad?

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

No one's POV:

Minho was startled when Hana rushed to him, enveloping him in a tight, wistful hug before he even had a chance to step past the foyer. For a moment, he stood still, his arms hovering uncertainly before settling on her back, reciprocating the embrace with a gentle firmness. He could sense the weight of her relief and tension through the hug. His hands moved instinctively, rubbing soothing circles on her back, trying to offer comfort.

"Whoa, hey..."
Minho said softly, trying to catch his breath from the suddenness of the moment.

Hana's voice was shaky as she spoke, her head resting against his shoulder.
"I was really worried you wouldn't come back.
I know I was a bit harsh, and I thought I might have messed things up between us."

Minho gently pulled back to look at her, his hands resting on her shoulders as his eyes searched hers for a moment.
 "Why would you think I wouldn't come back? I told you I'd be late. I just went to the gym and caught up with some other friends."

Hana's eyes were downcast, and her voice was barely above a whisper.
"I didn't know how late you meant. I assumed you were too mad to come home and that I'd really messed up. "

Minho's expression softened.
"Hana, listen to me. I get it and sure, I was upset, but we're friends, and friends argue sometimes. "

"Except we didn't just argue—I yelled at you."

"Yeah, I know."

Hana sighed and looked down.
"I know I've said this before, but I'm really sorry for how I yelled.
I was just so frustrated, and I let it get out of hand. That wasn't okay."

Minho nodded.
"I understand. We're good now."

Hana looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the vulnerability she felt.
"You could've called, you know."

Minho gave a small, rueful smile.
"I was mad, remember? I needed some time to cool off."

"Are you still mad?"
Hana asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"Was,"
Minho corrected, emphasizing the past tense. The simple word brought a flicker of relief to Hana's face.

"I'm really sorry,"
she said, her eyes sincere.

He shook his head, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
"Stop apologizing. We all have moments when we lash out, especially when we're stressed. I'm not going to hold it against you. And I've realized I don't know you enough to be mad at you."

She looked puzzled.
 "What do you mean?"

Minho's smile softened.
"I mean, I don't know what you're going through or what's troubling you. And I understand that, it's perfectly okay, I'm not going to ask unless you tell me. We all have our struggles, and I can't judge what I don't understand."

Hana smiled sheepishly, her nerves starting to settle.
"Right, that makes more sense. Have you eaten?"

"Yeah, I've eaten. What about you?"