Vet's Heartbeat | Minsung |

11

Minho's gang members began to disperse, each taking different paths into the night, though a few still cast curious glances back at the two of them.

"Are you okay?" Minho asked breaking through Jisung's thoughts.

Jisung nodded, though the words felt stuck in his throat. "I guess? I’m just trying to process everything." His heart raced as he remembered the confrontation, the danger that had felt so real. The thrill of the adrenaline was still there, but it was now mixed with fear of what could have happened.

Minho studied him for a moment, the shadows dancing across his face, revealing a blend of concern and something else—maybe respect? “You handled yourself well back there,” he said, his tone surprisingly warm.

Jisung was surprised at the compliment, even as he fought to suppress the knot of anxiety in his stomach. "Thanks, but it didn’t feel like it at the time."

The air between them changed. "You were brave. Not everyone would have stood up to them like that."

“So, what now?” Jisung asked. He took a step away from the alley, the gritty pavement scraping against his sneakers. The air felt cooler now.

Minho’s gaze lingered on him, an unreadable expression flickering across his face. “We need to get you out of here. You shouldn’t be alone after everything.” His tone was cold, but there's always a softness beneath it that Jisung found strangely comforting.

They walked towards the front of the alley, the distant sounds of the city growing louder. Jisung’s thoughts raced, battling against his instinct to run. There was something about Minho that both terrified and intrigued him.

“What about my car?” Jisung asked. The memories of the shattered rear window made his stomach drop.

“Not safe to stick around,” Minho replied, his voice low, glancing over his shoulder as if expecting trouble. “I’ll take care of it later. Right now, let’s focus on getting you home.”

Jisung hesitated, he could call Felix to pick him up. “You don’t have to do this. I can call someone—”

“No.” Minho’s voice cut through, firm and unwavering. “You’re coming with me.” The intensity of his gaze made Jisung feel both protected and cornered.

___

The tension in the air wrapped around them as they stepped into the street, and Jisung felt the prickling of unease at the back of his mind. What kind of world had he stumbled into? But even amidst the fear, he felt a strange thrill.

“Can you tell me your name?" Jisung blurted, breaking the silence as they walked side by side. “I mean, if you’re going to help me out, why not get to know each other.” I really need to think before speaking.

Minho glanced sideways at him, surprise flickering in his dark eyes. “Minho,” he replied, his voice softer now. “Lee Minho.”

"Okay, Minho,” Jisung said, trying to lighten the mood despite the heaviness of the night. “What do you do for a living, then? Because clearly, I have no idea. Gangs? Thugs? Mafia?" Just stitch my mouth shut, please.

Minho’s lips quirked into a slight smirk, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Let’s just say I work at an organization involved in one of those.”

Jisung raised an eyebrow, but he didn’t push further. They reached his car, and Jisung’s heart sank at the sight of the damage. “This is a disaster,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I just got this car.”

"Sorry about that, I failed to monitor my team's actions." Minho stepped closer, his presence imposing yet strangely calming. “I'll replace it with a new one tomorrow.”

“Isn't that too much?" Jisung replied, though he felt a flicker of hope. He could barely comprehend the situation, yet the thought of Minho’s offer made his chest feel a little lighter.

“Consider it an apology,” Minho said, his voice steady.

Jisung nodded slowly. “Thanks, Minho. I appreciate it.”

He stepped closer to inspect the damage, running his fingers over the shattered glass, only to be stopped by Minho's hand. "Stop. You'll hurt yourself."

They both paused, the tension thickening again as their eyes locked. Jisung found himself standing close to a man who straddled the line between danger and safety, a combination that excites him.

“Let’s get you home.” Clearing his throat, Minho spoke, breaking the charged silence. “After you.”

With a deep breath, Jisung began giving directions to his house, with Minho helping him walk. The alley was just a street away from his home, and he felt a wave of relief, he had no energy left to walk any further. They pulled away from the scene, leaving the alley behind.

___

As they walked through the quiet streets, Jisung glanced at Minho, who kept his gaze fixed on the road, a hint of concentration in his expression. He could sense the coldness emanating from him, a facade that's hiding something deeper.

“Do you always work late?” Jisung asked, attempting to fill the silence once again.

“Sometimes,” Minho replied shortly, his tone almost evasive. “And you? Late nights at the clinic?”

“Yeah, unfortunately.” Jisung let out a small laugh, the tension easing slightly. “Not the most glamorous job, but it’s rewarding.”

“I can imagine,” Minho said, his voice softer now. “Treating animals isn’t easy.”

Jisung nodded, his heart warming at the unexpected understanding in Minho’s tone. The world outside blurred by, streetlights casting fleeting shadows across their faces, and for a moment, Jisung felt a sense of safety he hadn’t expected.

“Hey. Minho” he started, but the words won't come out. How could he think clearly with the confusion swirling within him?

“Hmm?” Minho glanced over, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

“I just… I didn't mean to raise my voice earlier. Consider it my defense mechanism."

"Understandable. I'm at fault too." Minho’s expression shifted to amusement, revealing a glimpse of warmth beneath his cool exterior. "But your defense mechanism is surprisingly stupid. It attracts trouble."

"Hey! Watch it. I take back my apology. You definitely deserve it."

“Just take care of yourself, pretty. That’s enough for me.”

Once again, he was flustered.

___

As they turned onto his street, Jisung felt the heaviness of the night lift just a little. There was a spark of something new between them. Soon they reached his house.

"So, bye." God, why couldn't he just act normal? He was so done with his awkward self. "Thanks for the company. Take care."

Laughter echoed in the night. "Don't worry about your car, I'll handle it." Minho replied, smiling. Even his smile was perfect. "Rest well, bub. The date's still on for tomorrow."

"Right." Jisung closed the door behind him, leaning against it for a moment as he tried to catch his breath. He needed a minute to rearrange his thoughts and calm the racing of his heart. The warmth of Minho’s presence surrounds him.

He recalled Minho's words from earlier. Ah, yes. He did say he would be back tomorrow. Anticipation stirred in Jisung's chest at the thought. Then his mind began to wander about their date tomorrow.

Date.

Date...

Date?!

Fuck! He left the things he bought in the car!