Aquarium of Us

Chapter 9: A flicker of jealousy

Over the next few days, Minho couldn't shake the strange feelings swirling inside him. Every time he was with Jisung, the charged atmosphere from that night lingered, unspoken but undeniably present. And Jisung-well, he seemed to act like nothing had happened. He was still his usual, upbeat self around Minho, but something was subtly different, like he was trying too hard to be the same.

Then came the day when Hyunjin invited Jisung out for lunch. Minho had seen them leave together, and something in his chest tightened at the sight. Hyunjin was always the one Jisung gravitated towards when he wasn't with him, and for some reason, today it stung. Minho found himself watching the clock, wondering how long they'd be gone, how long Jisung would laugh at Hyunjin's jokes and share moments that, deep down, Minho wished were his alone.

They finally returned, laughing over something that made Jisung double over with mirth. Hyunjin nudged him playfully, and Jisung's smile grew even brighter. Minho felt the twist of jealousy clawing deeper. He didn't understand it, didn't want to acknowledge it, but it was there.

"Looks like you had fun," Minho said coolly as Jisung walked past him, his voice colder than he intended.

Jisung paused, taken aback. "Yeah, it was great. Hyunjin's hilarious."

The reply only made Minho's irritation flare. He didn't know why, but hearing Jisung praise Hyunjin in that easy, cheerful way made him feel possessive, like he wanted to be the only one who could make Jisung laugh like that.

"Good for you," Minho muttered, barely looking at him.

The smile faded from Jisung's face as he frowned, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "Is something wrong?"

Minho forced a smile, masking the frustration churning beneath the surface. "Nothing. Why would there be?"

But his tone was sharper than he intended, and Jisung's eyes flashed with hurt before he looked away.

"Alright... if you say so." Jisung's voice was soft, almost hesitant, as he turned and walked away, leaving Minho alone with his jealousy and frustration.