Flames | NCT

Chapter 33

Somthing's off, Renjun thought as he left his spells class, heading to his locker to drop off his things before making his way to the cafeteria for lunch.

Renjun thought about how quiet Haechan was for the first time in his life. At first, Renjun thought that is was because he was showing Sungchan around but the second he walked into his spells class and Minjee was equally as quiet, he knew that something had happened between the two.

Renjun jumped as the door to his locker suddenly closed and let out a deep breath as Haechan turned out to be the person behind it.

"Don't do that." Renjun scolded but Haechan ignored him.

"What happened?" Haechan demanded, eyes dark. What's up with him?

"What do you mean, what happened?" Renjun asked, raising an eyebrow.

"What happened between you and Minjee?" Haechan asked, sourness in his voice. Renjun held in the urge to roll his eyes. Jealous boyfriend mode, activated.

"Literally nothing." Renjun said, turning to walk away but Haechan held onto his sleeve, pulling him back.

"Don't lie to me." Haechan told him.

Renjun held his fists in anger. Haechan was a good frined but he was beginning to get on Renjun's last nerve.

"Look, I don't know why you're acting like this but nothing happened between Minjee and I. We went to her house, questions her mom, she got kicked out of the room while I had a long chat with the Coven Leader, and then we left. Once we came back, i went straight to Doyoung-hyung to report and I have no idea what she did so don't get mad at me when you're the one being insecure about your relationship with her!"

Renjun let out a long breath before turning to the students that had gathered around. "What are you looking at?"

The students quickly scurried away, heading to the cafeteria. Haechan's head hung low, Renjun's words clearly hitting him hard.

"Do you like her?" Haechan asked quietly. Renjun was surprised by the question.

No, Renjun wanted to say so badly but he knew that wouldn't be the truth. His silence and bowed head made the answer evident.

"Alright." Haechan said, putting his hands in his pockets, turning around.

"I would never go for her, though." Renjun said before Haechan could leave. Haechan froze in his place.

"I know where the boundary is." Renjun told his friend. "You asked her out first, so I backed off. I care more about you being happy. than dating some girl. Plus, there's plenty of fish in the sea."

Renjun watched as Haechan turned around, his eyes soft.

"Thanks." Haechan said softly. "That means a lot to me."

Renjun smiled as he patted Haechan's back. "Feel better Haechan. You look weird when you're sad."

Renjun's comment made Haechan chuckle as they walked together towards the cafeteria. They stopped in their places at the sight of a girl waiting outside.

"Hey." Minjee said, pushing herself off the doorframe she was leaning on. "You wanted to talk."

Renjun glanced at Haechan who gave him a nod, a serious look on his face.

"Yeah, let's talk."

...

Eunjung watched as her brother wrestled Jeno, losing miserable. As expected.