Harmony of Hearts

Unspoken Gazes

Hongjoong sat back in his chair, letting the last sip of green tea settle warmly in his stomach. The convenience was quiet, the aircon just above him, making it uncomfortably cold. It had been Mingi's request for the little trip to the store, though Hongjoong still had a weird feeling, Mingi was there to help him. Make him feel better.

Mingi was in his usual carefree mood, leaning back, eyes half-closed in contentment. "That was so good," Mingi said, taking his wallet out to pay for the snacks. "You always pick the best restaurants."

Hongjoong smiled, but his mind wasn't entirely there. He shifted in his seat, eyes flickering over to the entrance. Something didn't feel right. For the past few minutes since they entered the store, an odd sensation had been creeping over him, like there were eyes on them. Useen but present. He could feel it.

"Did you notice that?" Hongjoong asked, his voice quieter than usual.

Mingi opened one eye, raising an eyebrow. "Notice what?" He asked, paying and finding a small spot to sit.

"I don't know," Hongjoong frowned, turning his gaze towards the far corner out of the store, where something shadowy had went passed.. The corner was empty but the unsettling feeling remained, gnawing at his nerves. "I just feel like something's been... watching us."

Mingi chuckled, a low, reassuring sound. "Come on, Joong. It's probably just your imagination. We're in public, and fans are everywhere. Maybe someone recognize us, but they're too shy to say anything."

Hongjoong didn't respond immediately. His fingers tapping the table, still restless. Maybe Mingi was right. They were celebrities, after all. Being recognized was part of the package. But something about those corners... It gave him the chills, he was more worried than scared.

"Maybe," Hongjoong muttered, but the unease didn't leave.

As they stood to leave the store, Hongjoong couldn't shake the feeling that they weren't alone. He glanced over his shoulder again, scanning the area for anyone who might be watching them. Nothing. The streets outside which was bustling in the evening, now was quiet.

They started walking down the streets back to their dorm, Mingi casually wrapping an arm around Hongjoong's waist. "You're too tense, Joong," Mingi teased, squeezing him gently. "You need to relax more. Or do you want... Something?" Mingi asked, voice dropping to a low tone.

Hongjoong rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips. "It's not that," he said, leaning into Mingi's touch. "It's just a weird feeling. Like something's been keeping an eye on us all night."

Mingi laughed, his deep voice filling the air.
"If someone's watching us, they must be really bored. We're not that exciting."

As they walked through an alleyway, Hongjoong's hand instinctively tightened around Mingi's jacket sleeve. Mingi noticed the shift, looking down at him with a slightly concerned expression.

"You good?" Mingi asked, his voice now serious.

Hongjoong shrugged, trying to brush it off, but the creeping sensation wouldn't leave him. "Maybe it's nothing. I don't know. It just feels like... we're being followed."

Mingi's expression softened, his playful tone gone. He didn't dismiss Hongjoong's worry this time, but he still kept a relaxed demeanor, hoping to calm his boyfriend down. "Hey, if it's really bothering you, we can check around before we leave. But I'm pretty sure it's just the fame thing. Fans can be sneaky, you know."

Hongjoong immediately protested, the thought more scarier than him getting scolded by Seonghwa. As they walk out, Mingi couldn't help but feel something off with the environment as well. Swallowing hard, he spoke.

"Want to take the bus? There's a last stop. There wouldn't be more than 5 people on it too." Mingi added, holding Hongjoong closer.

____
Mingi allowed Hongjoong on the bus first, slipping into a seat, but just as Mingi was about to climb in after him, something flickered in Hongjoong's peripheral vision.

A figure stood across the street, half-hidden behind a parked car, watching them intently.

For a second, Hongjoong's breath caught in his throat. The figure didn't move, didn't even flinch when their eyes met. Hongjoong stared back, frozen, heart hammering in his chest. He could barely make out the person's features in the dim light, but the way they were standing, so still, so focused...it wasn't normal.

"Mingi," Hongjoong's voice was barely a whisper, his hand gripping the seat tightly.

Mingi leaned over, concern lacing his voice. "What is it?"

Hongjoong pointed across the street, but when Mingi turned to look, the figure was gone. The space where they had stood was now empty, as if they had never been there at all.

"I... I swear someone was just standing there," Hongjoong said, his voice shaking slightly. "They were watching us."

Mingi scanned the area, his brow furrowed, but there was no one in sight. He turned back to Hongjoong, his expression soft, though a little more serious now. "Maybe you're just tired, Joong. It's been a long day."

Hongjoong shook his head, frustration bubbling up inside him. "No, I saw them. I swear."

Mingi reached over, placing a hand on Hongjoong's knee, grounding him. "Okay. We'll keep an eye out, alright? Let's get home, and if we see anything else, we'll figure it out."

Hongjoong nodded, though the pit of unease in his stomach didn't subside. As they drove away, he couldn't stop himself from glancing back, eyes scanning the streets. But no matter how hard he looked, the figure was gone.