{ 𝙈𝘼𝙕𝙀 𝙊𝙁 𝙅𝙅𝘼𝙈 🍓 𝙎𝙆𝙕 }

3.

On the way home, Minho couldn't help but think about what happened at the shop. The more he thought about it, the weirder it seemed. He couldn't help but wonder what Seungmin and Jeongin were talking about. Then he remembered the noise, was that what they were talking about? If it was, where did it come from?

🍓

"You should really find a different way to get home. I don't like you coming home late" Minho turned around to find Chan standing in the doorway, leaning against the wall.

Minho took his shoes off and sighed. "What am I supposed to do, break through construction?"

Chan sighed and shook his head "Whatever you say..just be careful"

Minho nodded "Will do, Father"

They both walk into the kitchen, Chan sitting at the counter and Minho looking through the cabinets for food. "Did you ever get some of that jam?"

Minho paused and turned around, facing Chan. "Jam? What jam?"

Chan furrows his eyebrows "The jam we were talking about yesterday...you said you would buy more on your way home"

Minho blankly stared at Chan, his brain empty until it finally clicked in his mind what he was talking about. Minho nodded, clearing his throat while reaching for his bag and pulling out 2 jars of strawberry looking jam.

"Oh, yeah- I got it..."

Chan stares at Minho, noticing the slight change of tone in his voice. "What's wrong? You sound like you're unhappy?"

"Yeah, it's just, uh-when I went to the jam store..." Minho seemed hesitant, almost doubtful about what he was going to say next. Chan waited until Minho gathered his thoughts and was ready to talk again.

"When I was at the jam shop, it was creepy. When I walked in, i-it was normal, but then I heard a noise and th-the workers were whispering-

Chan stood up and put his hands on Minho's shoulders, trying to calm him down. "Hey, breathe. Do you know what they were saying?"

Minho shook his head and paused. "Actually- something about keeping someone quiet and keeping them out of somewhere. I didn't hear much after that"

Chan took his hands off Minho and stood up straight, shaking his head "You're not going back there, at least not alone. Especially at night. Who knows what goes on in that shop. I can't risk you getting hurt."

Minho was about to protest but knew it was for the best. Chan meant well, and he cares a lot. One thing Minho has learned is that Chan's instincts are always right, that's why he would trust Chan with his life.

Minho nodded. "I understand, but I can't help but feel intrigued. Every time I leave or walk past that place, I get this urge to go back, to explore. Even now, I feel like there is more to that place than what it seems."

Chan understood that Minho would not stop thinking about that place until he got what he wanted. Minho was the type of person who would not let things go. If there was something Minho was curious about, he would do anything in his power to find out more about it. No one can change his mind.

"Fine, but next time you go, at least take me or Felix with you. From what you told me, this place sounds dangerous, and I don't want you getting hurt or disappearing. Understand?"

Minho wanted to say something but decided against it. He didn't need a babysitter; he's 26 years old. He knows he acts like a child sometimes, but that doesn't mean he is one. He knows Chan cares about him, but he can't help but feel irritated by this.

"Fine" Minho sighed

Chan blinked at Minho "I mean it. Don't go there alone"

Minho huffed and rolled his eyes "I said okay, geez" Honestly, how many times does he have to confirm he won't go there alone anymore?

"Thank you, Minho"

Minho nodded "mhm, I'm going to bed now. I'm tired, goodnight, Chan"

"Goodnight, Minho. Sleep well"

The entire time Minho laid in bed, he couldn't stop thinking about the events earlier and the conversation he had with Chan downstairs. He can admit that what happened at the shop is strange and weird, but Chan might be overreacting. It's just an old jam store, the noise could have been an old pipe or something that needs maintenance. That just leaves what Jeongin and Seungmin were talking about.

Minho tried to think of an explanation, but he couldn't find one. The more he thought, the heavier his eyelids got until they finally closed, shutting his thoughts off.