𝑆𝑇𝐴𝑅𝑆 • 𝑀𝐼𝑁𝑆𝑈𝑁𝐺

𝑆𝑇𝐴𝑅𝑆 30 ☆

☆ Song recommendation:
"Mind Is A Prison" Alec Benjamin

Minho's drive to Jisung's apartment was a blur of frustration and worry. The steady hum of the engine did little to soothe the knot in his stomach as he navigated through the city streets. Jisung's voice on the phone had been strained and urgent, his words tinged with an emotion that Minho recognized all too well—desperation.

When Minho finally pulled up to the apartment complex, his hands were clenched tightly around the steering wheel. He took a moment to compose himself before stepping out of the car. His footsteps echoed as he made his way to the elevator, each ding of the ascent seeming to amplify his growing frustration.

The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, and Minho stepped out onto Jisung's floor, his heart pounding with anticipation. He reached Jisung's door and knocked firmly. The seconds stretched long before the door finally creaked open, revealing Jisung's pale face. The strain in Jisung's eyes were red and swollen, deepening Minho's worry.

"Hey," Jisung greeted, forcing a small, weary smile. "Come in."

Minho entered the apartment, noting the stark contrast between the usual warmth of Jisung's home and the palpable tension that filled the space. Jisung led him to the living room, where Minho sat on the couch, his eyes never leaving Jisung's face. Jisung settled beside him, his posture tense, his hands fidgeting with the hem of his shirt.

"So," Minho began, his voice steady but laced with concern, "what happened? You said on the phone that your dad was really mad."

Jisung sighed deeply, rubbing his face with his hands before meeting Minho's gaze. "It's all a mess. My dad found out we were seeing and well..." he made quotation marks with his fingers "Going out because Mr. Lee told him. Apparently, my dad and Mr. Lee had a discussion, and somehow Mr. Lee mentioned us. He made it sound like it was a big deal."

Minho's expression darkened as Jisung's words sank in. His anger bubbled up, and he clenched his fists, struggling to keep his voice steady. "Wait, so my father—after everything he's already done—decided to interfere in our lives again? That's how your dad found out?"

Jisung nodded, his eyes reflecting his own frustration. "Yes. And it didn't go well. My dad was furious. He accused me of putting in risk the family business and being disloyal. It's like he's more concerned about appearances and business than about me. And if this is how he reacts when we don't even have a real relationship yet, imagine how he would react if it really were real."

Minho's anger flared. He stood up abruptly, his hands running through his hair in exasperation. "This is too much. First, he meddles by bringing Seojin back into my life, and now this? He had no right to interfere like this. I can't believe he's done this."

Jisung reached out, placing a hand on Minho's shoulder in an attempt to calm him. "Minho, please. Don't let this make you do something you'll regret. It's already bad enough. We don't need more conflict right now."

Minho shook his head, his face set in a grim expression. "I can't just sit here and let him get away with this. I need to confront him, make him understand how he's messing things up."

Jisung's eyes widened with alarm. "Minho, please. If you go now, you might make things worse. I-I promise, I'll be fine. I don't want you to get into trouble because of this."

Minho's anger was a storm brewing just beneath the surface, and his resolve hardened. "I need to do this, Jisung. You're obviously not okay. And it's not just about you and me; it's about my father overstepping his boundaries. He's had his say, and now it's my turn to set things straight."

Jisung's voice trembled with a mix of fear and desperation. "Please, Minho. I understand you're angry, but don't let this drive you to make a rash decision. I don't want to see you in trouble, and I don't want things to get worse between you and him."