Author's pov...
Jisung had been patient, but the silence between him and Minho had grown unbearable.
The days had become a blur of phone calls and Mafia business, leaving little room for the two of them to connect.
Jisung, though understanding of the demands of Minho's work, had reached his breaking point.
It was time for a change, and today, he was determined to get Minho's attention-away from everything else.
"Minho," Jisung said, his voice light but firm. "We're going out today. No excuses."
Minho looked up from his phone, slightly startled but then amused. "We're going out? I thought we had a lot to-"
"Nope," Jisung cut him off, a grin spreading across his face. "You've been glued to your work long enough. You owe me one day, just us."
Minho hesitated, glancing at the stack of papers on the desk and the constant flood of calls coming in.
But Jisung was already standing by the door, waiting with a playful yet determined expression.
"Alright, fine," Minho sighed, standing up. "But we're making this quick."
Jisung grinned triumphantly. "It's a date then."
---
The small café they visited was tucked away on a quiet corner of the city.
It had an old-world charm-exposed brick walls, soft lighting, and a gentle hum of conversation that made it feel like a secret hideaway.
They sat by the window, watching as the world went by, the atmosphere completely different from the usual intensity Minho was surrounded by.
Jisung had ordered a variety of treats-a warm latte for Minho and a chocolate croissant for himself-while they talked about everything and nothing.
For the first time in days, Minho felt a sense of peace. His eyes softened as he watched Jisung laugh at a silly comment he made, the tension in his shoulders easing.
It was moments like this, small but meaningful, that reminded him of what he was fighting for.
He glanced down at his phone, but this time, he ignored it, leaving it on the table. Jisung raised an eyebrow when he noticed.
"Are you really going to leave that thing alone?" Jisung teased, taking a sip of his coffee.
Minho chuckled. "Maybe just for a little while. You're right. I needed this."
Jisung smiled, looking content. For now, everything was perfect.
---
As the sun began to set, casting a soft orange glow across the sky, Minho and Jisung left the café, hands casually brushing against each other. They walked down the quiet street, the evening air crisp and refreshing. Minho felt a rare sense of relaxation, grateful for the time away from the constant rush of his life.
But as they rounded a corner near their home, the peaceful evening shattered.
Out of nowhere, a group of men appeared, emerging from the shadows like predators. Their eyes were cold, and their posture aggressive. Minho instantly recognized the signs. They were goons-hired muscle, sent to make a point.
Jisung froze, looking up at Minho with panic in his eyes. "Minho..."
The leader of the group stepped forward, a sinister smirk on his face. "Well, well, what do we have here? The boss himself, out for a walk with his little boyfriend."
Minho's body tensed, his hand instinctively moving to protect Jisung. He had been in situations like this before, but tonight, it was different. Tonight, he wasn't alone.
"Stay close," Minho whispered to Jisung, his voice calm but commanding.
Jisung nodded, his heart pounding. He trusted Minho, but that didn't stop the fear from creeping in. He had seen Minho fight before, but never like this-never with him in the crossfire.
The goons lunged, swinging baseball bats and knives. Minho dodged each attack with a fluidity that seemed almost effortless, his movements sharp and precise. He blocked one strike and twisted the attacker's arm, sending him sprawling to the ground. Another goon came at him from behind, but Minho spun, landing a kick to his midsection that sent him reeling.
For a moment, it looked like they might make it out of this unscathed. But then, everything changed.
Minho had just thrown another goon to the side when he saw the attack coming too late. An iron road was hit on his head by someone.
Everything slowed down a bit then.. Blank.
