Despicable! • JUNHAO

PART TWENTY NINE.

- THE WAKE.

「ｓｅｕｎｇｃｈｅｏｌ」

I stand in front of the seating, ready to play my part in what may be the beginning of the end.

And it will begin with a simple question I've asked to all of those who have been seated in the pews of Joshua's home church.

"May I take your condolences and handhelds?"

The boys stop as I ask, but the glare from Minghao is frightening as the accent on his tongue fights my request.

"And why would I give you anything. "

I crack my knuckles behind my back, extending only one hand.

"If you cannot tell I'm offering my services to the family. They requesting everyone be empty handed to avoid distractions during the hearing from his family. Along with safely securing them, I'll be taking condolences such as flowers and cards to a separate table.. though i don't expect that you would bring any sympathies." I end with a straight face.

You don't want to draw attention to yourself Minghao.

Comply.

With a sigh, he and his silent companion empty their pockets, key watches and wallets falling into my hands as I extend the other one.

I stutter out a quiet thank you, trying not to show a quiver in my voice or a shake in my hand.

It was that easy.

「ｍｉｎｇｈａｏ」

Being separated from anything that belongs to me brings anxiety, no matter the object or person.

But everything is within reach and I didn't bring anything I shouldn't have.

I'm fine.

Listening to the heartbroken family preach to their God was quite the bore. And as friends speak now, I'm almost irritated.

They're all the same.

I came here with Jun, because I know he wanted to come— but I also needed to know just who Joshua was to everyone else.

But everyone mourns the same, everyone says the same things, and everyone will move on.

Joshua died alone.

Just like the rest of them .

I'm snapped back into my body by the eruption of those in the pews standing and exiting around me. Jun is still in his seat. We glance at one another briefly, but stand slowly.

But as I do, I feel something.

I can tell.

I snap my head to my right where Seungcheol was.

But he's gone.

And so are my things.

I run to the table—

I was wrong.

Seungcheol has disappeared, but my and Jun's wallets lay along with Junhui's hat undisturbed.

It's fine.

You're fine.

「ｓｅｕｎｇｃｈｅｏｌ」

I look at the time— Jihoon should be pulling up to the front any minute now.

I had set everybody's stuff down, with the illusion Minghao's were part of it.

But what he didn't see was me taking the house key I've seen him place at the bottom of his wallet.

After all, him handing me his possessions is completely legal.

Xu Minghao, you are not fine.

As soon as the key is in my coat pocket,  I turn swiftly for the exit until I come to a hault at the bottom of the church steps. As I do, Jihoon pulls around the corner into a stop in front of me.

I throw the door open in shut, bouncing into the front seat, and look at him.

"Hurry."

「ｍｉｎｇｈａｏ」

I don't know how long I've been here, though it feels like hours.

I tap my foot, people watching as Jun is off on his own.

For his sake, I will stay compliantly.

There's several eyes which lock with mine- Seungkwan and Vernon, Soonyoung and a boy named Chan.

But never again will they be the eyes of Joshua.

Just for a moment, as I think this, I allow myself to laugh without regard of who may be watching.

"Minghao."

I snap my head up— but thank god, it's only Jun.

"Hey. How's it going?" I ask, a twitch in the side of my mouth creeping up as I do.

He doesn't answer.

"Do you have a dime? I would like a bottle of water but I ran out."

I nod with a silent oh, and pull out my wallet and hand a dime pinched between my fingers.

I look down to close it.

But then snap it back open.

Something isn't right.

I reopen it. Close it.

Turn it upside down.

Fit my hand in every pocket.

It's gone.

And I know where it is.

Jun still stares at me panicking, an eyebrow raised.

"Seungcheol has my key."

His eyes open more, almost immediately kicking in after is a fight or flight response.

I don't wait to follow him.

As soon as we realize the danger, we're running out into the street.

Running straight into Seungcheol's trap.