Maybe, just maybe - Minsung

Chapter nine

Sunday - 9:34 A.M.

The sun hangs lazily in the clear sky as the group gathers on the beach. The smell of salt lingers in the air, and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore creates a peaceful atmosphere. Hyunjin has already waded into the water, splashing around while Changbin sets up a volleyball net, grumbling about how the sand is too soft for anything remotely athletic.

Jisung, standing near the edge of the water, peels off his shirt, tossing it to the side with a careless grin. Minho's breath freezes in his throat, his lungs momentarily forgetting their purpose, as if he needs to reboot the system. His gaze draws itself to Jisung's toned chest, the way his muscles move beneath his skin, the droplets of water clinging to him like glittering jewels. The sun glows in his presence, and Minho feels like he's suffocating in the warmth of the day-or maybe it's just the sight of Jisung, bare-chested and carefree.

He tries to focus on anything else-literally anything else-but his eyes keep flickering back to Jisung, as if his mind has a gravitational pull that he can't escape. The smooth lines of his body, the way his hair sticks to his forehead, the bright laughter that escapes his lips-it's driving Minho insane.

"Minho!" Hyunjin's voice snaps him out of his reverie. "You coming in or what?"

"Uh, yeah," Minho mutters, standing up a bit too quickly. He stumbles, brushing the sand off his legs, and glances around to make sure no one's noticed. Unfortunately, Seungmin's raised eyebrow says otherwise.

"Finally awake, Sleeping Beauty?" Seungmin teases, smirking as he adjusts his sunglasses.

Minho grumbles under his breath but doesn't respond. He's too busy trying to keep his gaze anywhere but on Jisung's exposed torso. Jisung, oblivious to Minho's internal struggle, wades deeper into the ocean, beckoning him with a playful grin.

"C'mon, the water's perfect!" He calls out, voice filled with infectious energy. He splashes Hyunjin, and the two of them start laughing, their voices mingling with the sound of the waves.

Minho shuffles into the water, the coolness a welcome contrast to the heat prickling his skin although not walking in deeper than his feet can reach since he doesn't know how to swim properly.

But even as the liquid rises around him, submerging him in its refreshing embrace, he can't seem to cool the feverishness creeping up his neck and face. Jisung is floating nearby, and the sight of him-so effortless and beautiful-makes Minho's stomach flip.

He tries to focus on hovering on his back, stuffed in the large circular floatie, staring up at the bright, cloudless sky, but his concentration shatters when Hyunjin's voice cuts through the peaceful moment.

"Hey, Min," Hyunjin calls out, his eyes squinting in Minho's direction. "What's that on your neck?"

Minho frowns, confused. "What are you talking about?" he asks, his pitch slightly higher than usual.

Hyunjin swims closer, his expression shifting into one of exaggerated shock. "You've got a hickey, dude. Right there. It's all purple."

Minho's heart skips a beat. His hand instinctively flies to his neck, his fingers brushing over a small, tender spot just below his collarbone. His eyes widen when he realises what Hyunjin's talking about-the faint bruise, courtesy of Jisung, now on full display.

His gaze darts to the culprit, whose face immediately flushes a deep red. Jisung freezes mid-splash, his mouth opening as if he's about to say something, but no words come out. The guilt on his face is painfully obvious, and Minho feels his internal organs churn.

"Uh," Minho stammers, desperately searching for an excuse. "I think I, uh... scratched my neck last night? Saw an ant crawling on me, and, y'know..." He trails off, his voice wavering as he hopes against hope that Hyunjin buys the ridiculous story.