Chapter 9: Heart & Soul
"Changmin-ah… Changmin-ah…" Minjun's voice was a soft, repeated plea as he clung to the pillow, tossing and turning restlessly.
Changmin glanced up from his exam paper, his expression hardening as he observed Minjun's dramatic display. Minjun's back was raised as he buried his face in the pillow, his silent cries filled with longing. Changmin, with a hint of irritation, aimed and threw a stress ball at Minjun's rear, landing it firmly on Minjun's backside to snap him out of his lovesick daze.
"Ouch…" Minjun sat quickly, holding his buttocks.
"Stop fooling around and finish the paper."
Minjun looked at Changmin with a pouting face.
"But I miss him so much."
"Like I said, you should have asked him for his phone number."
"And like I emphasized, I would have pestered Joon-ah to death."
"True. You almost did that to me. But you would have been the one who's dead if you had carried on."
Changmin said as he marked down the answers on the paper. Minjun silently watched Changmin for a few seconds. Then he looked at the fox keychain in his hand.
'How would I learn to let you go?' he thought somberly.
After weeks of intense preparation, the final study week had arrived, but it felt like an endless stretch for Minjun, and he dreaded being alone at home with his restless heart. He was relieved when Changmin showed up to study with him, knowing he couldn't have faced it alone. Minjun spent countless hours with his books, yet his mind kept wandering back to Seungjoon. With each passing day, his yearning for Seungjoon only grew, making it increasingly difficult to stay focused. There were countless things he still wanted to learn about Seungjoon and so many questions he wished he could ask.
Despite the twins preventing him from seeing Seungjoon, Minjun felt a sense of relief knowing they looked after him so well. Over the past few weeks, he'd come to understand just how much the twins treasured Seungjoon, always protecting and cherishing him. Still, it was troubling to see how quickly their anxiety flared up whenever anything about Seungjoon came to light. Their intense worry was evident, and it left Minjun with a lingering sense of unease.
Even though the twins had prevented him from seeing Seungjoon, Minjun felt a sense of relief knowing that Seungjoon was in good hands. Over the past few weeks, it had become increasingly clear to him just how deeply the twins cherished and protected Seungjoon, always making sure he was safe and well looked after. Yet, it was disturbing to witness how quickly their anxiety would escalate whenever anything related to Seungjoon came up. Their palpable worry was so intense that it left Minjun with a persistent and uneasy feeling that lingered in his mind.
'Joon-ah, why are you such a mystery...'
Minjun settled into his chair with a resigned sigh and turned his attention to his paper, making a conscious effort to ignore Changmin's worried sideways glances. He was fully aware of Changmin's concern, even if he pretended otherwise. From the corner of his eye, Minjun watched Changmin as he diligently worked on his own paper. Despite Minjun's irritation at Changmin's constant vigilance—like a bulldog forever on guard—he knew deep down that his stepbrother was the person he loved most in the world.
Minjun's mind drifted back to the day their parents got married—thirteen years ago. It was a day of pure joy for him, one of the happiest of his life. He had always longed for an older brother, and Changmin seemed to fulfill that wish perfectly. With his serious demeanor and mature manners, Changmin seemed much older than his mere five years. Minjun remembered how he had looked at Changmin with eager, longing eyes, like a hungry puppy yearning for attention. Changmin's only reaction had been a curt, sideways glance, a subtle sign of his reserved nature.
While the adults chatted away over lunch, Minjun noticed Changmin slip out. Curious and giggling to himself, Minjun quietly followed, assuming he was sneaking off to have fun. But as Changmin walked dangerously close to the cliff's edge, where the waves crashed below, Minjun's excitement turned into confusion. What was Changmin doing? The answer didn't come right away, but before Minjun could fully grasp the scene, a sudden, gut-wrenching fear gripped him. His legs moved on their own as Changmin jumped, and Minjun lunged forward, grabbing his arm just in time. That memory, that fear, lived with Minjun as vividly as if it had happened yesterday.
"Hyung.. No… No… Please climb back. Please… Please… Hyung…"
Minjun's cries were frantic, his voice hoarse as he shouted, clinging to Changmin's arm with every bit of strength he had. He didn't register the sharp rocks tearing into his skin or the blood slowly seeping from his bruised arm. He didn't notice the way his tears mixed with the blood, dripping onto Changmin's face. All he knew was that he couldn't let go. When the adults came, pulling them to safety, Minjun collapsed into Changmin's arms, hugging him tightly, his body trembling until exhaustion took over. Just before he passed out, he felt Changmin's arms wrap around him, holding him just as tightly.
Despite bein ten months older, Changmin insisted that Minjun call him by his name. And since the day Minjun rescued Changmin, Changmin has loved Minjun as if he were his own brother. They shared their childhood, growing up side by side, making the most of every moment. Even when Changmin chose to live separately at fifteen, the decision changed nothing between them.
If Seungjoon was Minjun's soul, Minjun knew Changmin was his heart.
Minjun snapped out of his trance when he felt something hit his head. He stared at Changmin as he rubbed his forehead.
"Why does it always hurt to be around you?" Minjun joked, his tone light as he got to his feet, just as Changmin sprang up from his chair. Minjun barely had a second to react before Changmin caught him, pulling him to the floor with a playful grin.
"Do you even know what real pain is… let me show you…" Changmin said as he started to tickle Minjun until he couldn't breathe.
"Hyung, please stop... Stop… I..... I can't…" Minjun giggled, groaned, and gasped for air as he begged.
***
Lately, Minjun had been feeling increasingly anxious as each day seemed to drag on. It had been two weeks since he last saw Seungjoon, and the weight of it gnawed at him. With graduation fast approaching, the strain in his chest only grew heavier. He had already decided not to confess his feelings, but now Minjun realized it would take all his strength to keep that promise. The urge to tell Seungjoon how he truly felt was becoming harder to ignore with each passing day.
On graduation day, Minjun hadn't expected much—just a fleeting glance at Seungjoon, maybe a silent goodbye. But as the hours passed, Seungjoon was nowhere to be found. Panic started to bubble beneath Minjun's calm exterior. In a sudden rush of desperation, he dashed home, changed his clothes in a blur, and hopped into a taxi to D*. His plan was simple: wait by the alley next to Seungjoon's house until he returned from his afternoon class. As Minjun stood there, the dimly lit streets felt eerily quiet. His eyes swept over the empty road, scanning every shadow, every corner. The afternoon light was fading, casting long shadows across the deserted streets. Minjun's gaze swept over the surroundings, but something caught his attention—a slight movement. At the far corner of the road, a man stood, trying to appear unnoticed. But his intent was clear—he was watching, waiting, just like Minjun.
Minjun's heart skipped a beat the moment he saw Seungjoon coming down the road. For a brief second, everything else faded away—he could only focus on Seungjoon's familiar figure. But as Seungjoon passed the man, Minjun's attention shifted back. His heart began to race when he noticed the man discreetly following Seungjoon, careful not to draw attention. Minjun's chest tightened—Seungjoon had noticed him, too. Even from a distance, Minjun could see the fear written all over his face. The streets were mostly lit, but a few alleys remained cloaked in darkness. Without thinking, Minjun sprinted toward a nearby alley, positioning himself to intercept Seungjoon. As Seungjoon neared, Minjun reached out, grabbing him and pulling him into his arms. His hand quickly covered Seungjoon's mouth, silencing him before he could make a sound.
"Joon-ah... It's me," Minjun whispered, his voice barely audible. Seungjoon's wide, terrified eyes locked onto his, but it took a few seconds for recognition to sink in. As soon as it did, Seungjoon buried his face in Minjun's chest, his body trembling uncontrollably. Minjun wrapped his arms tightly around him, his own heart pounding. From behind the dumpster where they hid, Minjun watched the man pass by, his expression perplexed as he scanned the street. Minjun tightened his embrace, and without realizing it, he pressed gentle kisses onto Seungjoon's head, a desperate attempt to soothe him. Only when he felt it was safe did Minjun finally pull back slightly to look at Seungjoon.
"Joon-ah, can you walk?" Minjun asked quietly.
"Yes, hyung."
They moved swiftly but in silence, Minjun keeping a firm hold on Seungjoon as they made their way toward his house. Seungjoon leaned into Minjun, his steps unsteady, still shaken. When they reached the staircase leading up to Seungjoon's home, Minjun paused, glancing at Seungjoon to make sure he could continue.
"I'll wait here. Go."
Seungjoon nodded silently, his legs still trembling as he began to climb the stairs. Minjun noticed his legs were still shaking. Without a second thought, Minjun scooped Seungjoon up into his arms, carrying him up the hill like a child. Seungjoon wrapped his arms around Minjun's neck, resting his head against his shoulder. Minjun felt warm tears seeping into his shirt, mingling with his own unshed tears. Despite the emotional turmoil, he focused on getting Seungjoon safely to the top. Once they reached Seungjoon's front door, Minjun carefully set him down and rang the bell, keeping one arm around him. Taemin opened the door, casting a silent, scrutinizing glance at them both. Without a word, he ushered Seungjoon inside, closing the door with a definitive thud, leaving Minjun standing alone in the hallway.
Minjun turned slowly and began to descend the stairs, his movements mechanical, as if he were moving through a dream. The adrenaline that had fueled him was starting to fade, leaving his legs feeling weak and unsteady. He sank down onto a step, his body trembling with the aftereffects of the intense fear and urgency. With shaky fingers, he dialed Changmin's number.
"Ya. Where the hell are you?" Changmin's thundering voice came through the speaker.
"Hyung, I'm just outside Seungjoon's house," Minjun managed to whisper weakly before he lost consciousness.
***
Minjun woke up in a haze, not knowing where he was. The sight of Changmin, his face pale with worry, met his eyes.
"Hyung, why the long face?" Minjun murmured, managing a faint smile.
Changmin's face darkened with anger, his cheeks flushing as he held back his emotions.
"Fool, you almost gave me a heart attack. I was sure those guys had beaten you to a pulp."
A flicker of pain flashed through Minjun as Seungjoon's face crossed his mind.
"Hyung, I need to see Seungjoon," Minjun said, attempting to push himself up from the bed. A sharp pain shot through his head, and his hand instinctively reached for it. His fingers brushed against the bandage wrapped around his head.
"You must have fallen on the stairs and hit your head. I found you at the bottom, completely out of it. You're in the hospital now, and you're not going anywhere," Changmin said, his voice firm.
"Hyung, please, I have to go," Minjun begged, his body swaying as he attempted to stand.
"You're still on pain meds," Changmin said softly, his voice trembling slightly despite his tough exterior.
"Hyung, take me to him."
With a resigned sigh, Changmin gave in and helped Minjun change. By the time they arrived at D*, the night had already settled in. Changmin handed his phone to Minjun, showing him a number on the screen.
"Call him."
Minjun took the phone, his hand trembling as he dialed the number. He held his breath as the phone rang, his heart racing.
"Hello."
Seungjoon's voice, soft and familiar, washed over Minjun, filling him with overwhelming relief.
"Joon-ah, it's me. Can you come down? I'm near your house."
"Okay, hyung."
As Minjun walked down the narrow alley leading to Seungjoon's home, he spotted Seungjoon leaning against the wall, absently doodling on the dirt-streaked pavement with his head down. The sky was heavy with clouds, and light rain had started to fall. Minjun approached, and as he neared, he lifted his hand to the wall above Seungjoon's head, shielding him from the drizzle. Slowly, Seungjoon looked up, his blue eyes catching the faint glow from the streetlamp, making them shimmer in the dim light. The rain had left tiny droplets clinging to his lips, making them glisten.
Minjun's heart pounded in his chest as he mustered all his courage, closing his eyes as he whispered,
"Joon-ah... let me kiss you... just once…"
For a moment, he was terrified to open his eyes, fearing the rejection or disgust he might see in Seungjoon's face. But when he finally dared to, he felt Seungjoon's soft, damp lips press gently against his own. It was only for a second, but for Minjun, it felt like an eternity had passed.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone