《stray together》

Getting Closer

⚠️mention of human trafficking⚠️

All of the information Seungmin had gathered recently about the members of Stray Kids was that Jeongin was gambling a lot more than before, and rumor had it he car bombed someone. Information was harder to come by, though, ever since Hyunjin and Felix took it upon themselves to kill Namjoon. Seungmin wasn't upset about that, in fact, it made him feel oddly loved, that they were so angry they killed for him. That was just it, he always felt odd. But, they are the only place he's ever felt loved. Maybe that's the kind of love that was made for him.

It still made his job a lot harder. The project of getting revenge, that is. And there was still that bounty on Lino's head. He needed a new contact that had inside information. How did he even get to know someone like Namjoon in the first place? Oh, right, on the forum he frequented to watch out for any slip ups from Hyunjin and Felix being careless and leaving too much of a trail behind themselves, that could lead to someone finding them. It consisted of mostly drug dealers and their customers, but a few accounts would post here and there about recent events, active police scenes, or in search of information.

"Pup." Hyunjin called from the couch behind Seungmin.

Quickly turning to look back, Seungmin was met with Hyunjin staring at him, holding a bowl in the air.

"This is my second meal since you've been sitting there. You need to eat." Though he didn't look like it, Hyunjin was always paying attention to things that mattered... to him.

Seungmin blinked a few times, realizing the sun was starting to set outside. How long had he been buried into his computer? "Oh. Okay." He slipped off the stool, his socked feet hitting the floor with a light thud.

Just as Seungmin passed the couch and was on the way into the kitchen, Hyunjin stopped him. "Where are you going? Your bowl is over here."

When Seungmin stopped and turned around, sure enough there were two bowls on the coffee table. His mouth hung open in an 'o' shape. Hyunjin made enough bukeoguk for both of them. He walked over to the couch to join the elder, who immediately handed him the warm bowl. "Thank you."

Felix was always the one doing things like that for Seungmin. Not like he took advantage of it or purposefully didn't care for himself, knowing Felix would, but that was just who Felix was. So, for Hyunjin to be caring for him, it was unusual. Even though it was unfamiliar, it made him feel warm inside, especially since Felix left earlier in the day, saying he wanted to go find new skirts and dresses. It was the first time he didn't justify them as being for disguises. Perhaps taking that next step in his self expression journey is why he wanted to go alone. The other two happily waved him off.

"I bet Felix comes back with both arms full of shit." Hyunjin remarked before guiding his spoon to his mouth. Comfortable, easy. No big deal made about Seungmin's tendencies to lose himself in work, or forget to care for himself. No complaints about the limited range of food Seungmin would eat, that he had to make for him. No scolding, or yelling, or seeking gratitude for his time or actions.

A string tugged in Seungmin's chest. Maybe it was from the way Felix had been from the moment he first ran into them, showing from day one that he was different- inviting, accepting, loving- that Seungmin assumed only Felix had a nurturing side to him, without exceptions for his 'problems'. His own parents made him feel guilty for his existence. His ex made him feel insufficient. His sister made him feel inferior. But, now it wasn't just Felix that showed him love without limits, it was also Hyunjin, who had a hard time liking anyone to begin with. Hyunjin, who saw the rest of the world as an inconvenience, not Seungmin.

"Hopefully he finds some things he likes." Seungmin pulled his feet up onto the couch before he dug into his bowl. The soup was the perfect temperature, and the flavor was just right.