Secret Love

46| touch of heart

The next day, Jisung didn't want to wait around for Minho to visit, so he spent his morning getting ready to head out. After a warm shower, he dressed in layers to brave the chilly weather.

He pulled on a thick, warm overcoat that reached down to his knees, wrapping him in a cozy cocoon. A soft, fleecy head warmer covered his ears, and a scarf wrapped snugly around his neck, protecting him from the cold wind.

With his hands tucked deep into his coat pockets, Jisung set out into the crisp winter air. He walked at a leisurely pace, taking in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood. The fresh air and exercise did him good, clearing his mind and lifting his spirits.

Meanwhile, back in Jisung's apartment, Minho arrived as expected. He climbed the stairs, expecting to find Jisung waiting for him. But when he reached the door, he found it locked. Minho's brow furrowed in surprise. Where could Jisung be?

Minho turned around, wondering if he had missed Jisung somehow. He checked his phone, but there were no messages from Jisung.Minho got back into his car.

Jisung continued his leisurely stroll. He walked along the roadside, his eyes scanning the walkway, taking in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood.

The pavement was lined with bare trees, their branches etched against the grey winter sky like delicate pen and ink drawings. The air was crisp and cold, filled with the scent of wood smoke and roasting chestnuts from a nearby street vendor.

The afternoon sun cast a pale, golden light over the scene, illuminating the frosty landscape and casting long shadows behind the trees.

Jisung's feet crunched on the frosty grass, the only sound breaking the silence of the afternoon. He walked at a slow pace, lost in thought, his mind wandering back to Minho and the complicated emotions that swirled between them.

Suddenly, the phone rang, and it was coming from his pocket. He took out the phone to see and wasn't surprised to see Minho's ID on the screen. He didn't know what to do. He stared at the phone in his hand, wondering whether to answer or not. It stayed like that until the phone stopped ringing.

He was about to put his phone back in his pocket when it rang again. Jisung bit his lip, then releasing a breath, he picked up the call.

"Hello," he simply responded.

The other side of the call was silent for a second. Then, a question was asked.

"Where are you?" Minho asked, his voice tinged with a hint of wonder.

But his eyes were already looking at Jisung from a distance across the road. He had seen Jisung before even calling him.

"Outside," Jisung answered, quite honest.

"Alone?" Minho asked, his tone slightly softer, as if asking why Jisung was going out alone.

Jisung hesitated for a moment before responding. "Uhm...no, with a friend," he lied, trying to sound casual.

But he didn't know he was caught before even lying. Minho's response was a simple "Hmm," followed by a brief pause.

"Bye then," Minho said, his voice neutral, before ending the call.

Jisung didn't expect Minho to end the call just like that, but when he did, Jisung stared at his phone blankly. Then, with a soft sigh, he put his phone back in his pocket and began to walk again.

His gaze locked downcast as he walked, lost in his own thinking, his mind reeling with thoughts and his heart racing with unsettlement. His heart was heavy, and he felt a lump in his throat.