Fashioned For Love | Minsung AU

Thirty Nine

~~~~~~~~ 39 ~~~~~~~~

Woosung

As Minho made his way back to Jisung and his family, trying to shake off the bitter taste of his encounter with his father and cousin, Woosung had been watching the whole scene unfold from across the room. He had seen the way Taemin's entire demeanor changed when his golden nephew, Taehyun, had arrived—the smiles, the warmth, the open embrace. It was a stark contrast to the cold indifference Minho had been met with all night.

Woosung was no stranger to the dynamics of difficult family relationships. He could see in Minho's tense shoulders and forced smiles that tonight wasn't just about attending a party—it was about enduring the emotional toll of being in the presence of a father who barely acknowledged him and a cousin who reveled in his superiority.

As Minho finally rejoined them, slipping quietly into place beside Jisung, Woosung caught the way Jisung instinctively reached for Minho's hand, offering comfort in the simplest of gestures. It was clear to Woosung just how much Jisung cared for Minho, and how deeply Minho needed that support right now.

Without a word, Woosung stepped forward, his steady presence a contrast to the chaos of the party around them. He gently placed a hand on Minho's shoulder, a silent but fatherly gesture that spoke volumes. It wasn't just a show of support—it was an acknowledgment, a quiet assurance that Minho wasn't alone in this.

Minho looked up, surprised at the touch, but when he saw Woosung's warm, understanding expression, something in him softened. It wasn't pity—it was genuine empathy, the kind that only someone who had lived through their own struggles could offer.

"You're doing fine, son," Woosung said quietly, his voice low but reassuring. "Don't let them get to you."

Minho's eyes flickered with emotion, the weight of the evening starting to ease just a little. He hadn't expected to find this kind of support from Jisung's father. In all honesty, he hadn't known what to expect from Woosung, but in this moment, he felt a kind of acceptance that he'd never really received from his own parents.

"Thank you," Minho murmured, his voice thick with gratitude. He glanced over at Jisung, who was watching the exchange with a soft smile, clearly relieved that his father was showing Minho the kind of care he deserved.

Woosung gave Minho's shoulder a gentle squeeze before stepping back, letting the moment settle.

Minho

As the tension of the evening began to fade, Minho's spirits lifted, especially with the support from Woosung and the comforting presence of Jisung. They stood together, feeling lighter than before, when a familiar voice broke through the ambient hum of the party.

"Minho! Jisung!"

Turning around, Minho saw Chan and Changbin weaving through the crowd, wide smiles on their faces. Chan had his arm around his boyfriend, Hyunjin, the stunning model who seemed to draw every eye in the room without even trying. Hyunjin waved, his stylish outfit making him look like he belonged in a photoshoot, not a holiday party. Behind them, Changbin grinned, pulling Felix closer by the waist, who gave an enthusiastic wave in Jisung's direction.

The group finally converged, the weight of the earlier events melting away as they exchanged greetings.

"Looking good, Hyunjin," Jisung teased, his eyes flicking up and down at Hyunjin's immaculate outfit. "As usual."

"Please, this old thing?" Hyunjin waved off the compliment, though he preened just a little under Jisung's attention. "You and Minho always have to outshine me, huh?"

Minho chuckled. "Can't help it. Just the nature of the business."

Chan pulled Hyunjin closer, kissing the side of his head. "I don't know, I think Hyun's holding his own tonight."