= The Man In the Mirror = {[Nomin]}

• Chapter 21 •

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"Jeno, let me introduce Na Jaemin, the real version of the boss you despise," the monster laughed while holding his chest, finding it the funniest thing in the world.

Jeno was speechless. His mind was suddenly swimming and his eyes seemed like they were playing tricks on him. This couldn't be the Jaemin that played his boss, the one that scared him and caused him to be miserable. It couldn't be, but all the evidence was standing right there, right where Nana was.

"I can see you need some time to take this in, so I'll go for now. I'll be back soon though... don't worry," monster Jeno smirked evilly and gestured Jaehyun to follow him, then jumping through one of the downstairs windows and leaving as if they never came.

Nana was crumpled to the floor, hiding his face with his hands again and feeling utter shame. He hated this, and he hated himself the most.

Jeno stared at the ground without saying a word. He felt conflicted and betrayed, not thinking anything like this could be possible. But it all made sense. That weirdly familiar feeling he got occasionally, the reason he continued to wear the mask, the reason he was so nervous when he mentioned his boss.

The silence was deafening to them both, especially to Nana who covered his ears, hating the quietness. He messed up, and he knew it. If he can just explain-

"I... I need some time alone," Jeno said, sharply cutting through the air and making Nana's heart sink.

He didn't bother to say anything back, listening as the older hesitated for a moment, then the sound of his feet padding on the ground as he walked away from the living room. The stairs creaked as Jeno made his way up, feeling a pang in his chest.

Nana only sunk into the floor further, laying on his back and draping an arm over his eyes.

Why did that monster have to be his reflection? Now Jeno is never going to like him, not ever.

So much for staying friends as long as possible. He should've known this would happen eventually.

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The simulated light had darkened in Jeno's room, currently where he was lying in order to run things through his mind. His head rested on the end of the bed as his hair dropped down on the covers, his feet resting on the pillows.

Nana was his boss. Someone he detests more than anything in this world. Someone who ruined his life the instant he was persuaded into taking that job. Someone who's face he can barely stand when an evil look came upon his features. He hated his boss, but...

but he doesn't hate Nana.

Jeno swallowed a breath and felt his heart grow heavy. It felt as if someone had laid a stone on his chest, slowly suffocating him with conflict and confusion.