"He's definitely returning this good-for-nothing gun to Mingyu." I said.
"That's good, then." Wonwoo answered.
"What's good with that?" Mingyu raised his voice.
"The pistol belongs to you. It was given by your father himself. So it's good to have it back."
"Right. So, uhm.."
"Will you accept the pistol again?"
"So, uhm.."
"Tall man, what's with you 'uhm's? Weren't you visiting Joshua a while ago to take the gun back?" I said.
"I.. I thought.. I.."
"I don't care about any of this, but can you speak properly?" The8 said.
"All right. Sorry.."
"Mingyu-ah. Don't tell me you don't want to take this anymore?"
"I'm so tired."
"Excuse me." Seokmin raised his hand "I'm just concerned with Joshua. We saw how merciless Woozi is and how strong Vernon is. Then we, we're just a team of five, six if Jun will help-"
"You're just a group of five, no more Jun." The8 interrupted.
"You now have an opinion, huh?" I said. I remembered Jun told us he was his ex boyfriend.
"As I was saying, we're only five in a team, against those people and their power, we're nothing. It's dangerous for Joshua to hold the gun anymore."
"A very good point, Seokmin." I praised.
"I understand that, it's just that.. Uhm"
"Didn't I tell you to speak properly?" The8 raised his voice. It's my first time to hear him in that volume.
"Sorry!"
"What's wrong, Mingyu? You always wanted to be the mafia boss, for SS, right?" Wonwoo moved closer to him.
"Whew." Mingyu exhaled. "Okay. I really want SS to recognize me. But I also want to be with you, Wonwoo."
"Oh come on." The8 rolled his eyes.
"Shh. This is romantic." Seokmin said.
"I didn't say I'll leave you when you become the boss."
"But you'll be in constant danger."
"I can help myself. And The8's going to help to."
"Your bodyguard? Just split up, guys."
"I said shhh The8!" Seokmin slapped his knees.
"Look what happened tonight. If I didn't arrive, you'll be a mess."
"But we're good, right?"
"But-"
"Stop that. Geez." I said "I can't listen to your crap anymore. It's not that of a hard decision, what on earth."
"Huh?" Mingyu smirked.
"If you want to be together, which is so obvious, then be together. If you want to protect each other, then do it. Done."
"Easier said than done."
"True. You're a mafia boss. You're a detective. It's a hassle. Then, decide. Whether you want to continue your relationship or not. Then face whatever consequence your decision has. If you decided to be together, then be ready for all the traps and dangers. If you'd rather be safe than be together, then be ready to be lonely. That's it.
Look at us. I want to stay at Joshua's side so I accepted the part where I'm going to meet psychotic mafia bosses and Nico. If I don't want to deal with those, then I have to stay away from Joshua. I don't want that. I'd rather die.
So, Mingyu, if you don't take the pistol from Joshua, then fine. I'll continue to walk with Joshua and protect him from all those people."
"Jeonghan.." Joshua called so I turned to him. He is tearing up. I read that he's overwhelmed and happy. Why?
Wait.
Did they hear my thoughts? Did I actually tell them everything? Did they hear those cheesy stuff?
"Pffft. I knew you two are dating." The8 covered his mouth.
"You are dating?" Seokmin looked at me.
What on mars. Please someone bury me six feet under the ground. Now.
"We're not really like that. But. Uhm.." Joshua then covered his face.
Oh no. I saw Mingyu and Wonwoo's eyes widened. They just stared at me, no single word coming from them.
I can't take this anymore.
"I'm smoking!" I stood up and went up to the terrace.
"Smoking? Wait." I heard Joshua but I ignored him. I'm trying to get away from everybody right now.
I arrived at the terrace and leaned on the railing. I held my chest and tried to calm myself.
"Jeonghan!" Joshua finally reached the balcony and he's holding a bag.
"What's with the bag?"
"Why do you always forget that we're smoking buddies?" He reached for his bag and brought out a strawberry Pocky. "So, where's your cigarette?"
"I don't have one."
"But I thought-"
"I just want to be alone and have some fresh air."
"Ah.. Sorry."
He lowered his Pocky and walked away. I grabbed his wrist and pulled him back in here.
"How about you? Aren't you going to eat that? You must be hungry."
"Is it okay if I eat here?"
"Of course."
I let go of his wrist and leaned on the railing. He opened the box with his mouth and started munching on the snack.
I stared at the night sky. This house has a nice view of the scenery. Mingyu and Wonwoo must be hanging around here often.
I remembered what happened back in the living room. Well, I hope after all the sermon I did back there, those two will decide and reconcile.
"Jeonghan."
I flinched. Please don't bring up what happened a while ago.
"About what you said a while ago.."
Oh god.
"Please just forget it." I brushed.
"Forget? Oh. I just want to say that I'm super happy to hear that. When I saw the Quartz, I was so anxious and scared. I know it's threatening. But when you arrived, I was so relieved. Of course I don't want you to be tangled in that mess too. But I just want you to be by my side. I don't know how to get out of there but still I want you with me. I can think more properly when I am with you. I thought I was being so selfish."
I looked at him. He holds a piece of Pocky with his right thumb and index finger while the box is hugged by his palm and free fingers. Oh right, he can't use his left hand yet.
"Why? You want?" He asked. He left a stick of Pocky in between his lips and reached the box to me.
"May I?"
He nodded.
I pulled his shoulders to me and I took a huge bite on the Pocky he has on his lips. I moved my face away without letting go of his shoulders.
"Oh. I got the strawberry cream." I said. I chewed slowly while stealing a glance at Joshua. He bowed his head but I can see his ears are so red.
"Uhm.."
"Sorry, did I surprise you?"
"Uhm." He pulled another stick from the box and put it in his mouth. "Do you want, some, more?" He looked up and the Pocky moved upwards too.
No Jeonghan. No Joshua. No. No. No.
Must. Stop. Myself.
I pulled the Pocky and threw it on the ground. I moved my face closer to him and
Smacked his lips.
I moved away but still did not let go of him. I bowed my head. I'm not ready to know what's he thinking yet.
Please I want more- err I mean please I want to disappear right now.
"I.. you.. Jeong.."
"What?" I looked up and he is sooo red. He has his eyes shut. I didn't hear what he's murmuring.
"I can't breathe." He said.
"Okay sorry. Uhm. Sorry." I let go of him and moved away.
Shitake!! This is awkward.
"Yeah, I think we need to go back." I said.
