3

Sigh.

Sigh.

Sigh.

Minho has been sighing for who knows how many times. It's been a week after that dangerous introductions they had with Chan and the older seemed to tag along with them after that. And every time he sees him, his mind would automatically make up excuses that he has some other things to do. Now it's his turn not to join lunch with his friends.

The first time they ate together with their friends, the two were the only ones who were silent, not speaking a word unless they were being asked. Minho's friends immediately warmed up to Chan, as the older was all smiles and seemed very approachable. But he knew better than the rainbows and cupcakes that Chan was showing them. He had to be careful. Who knows what plans Chan has up his sleeves.

Chan and Minho would share eye contact and both of them would just turn away. It was awkward. Very awkward. The group was so loud and other students would occasionally glance their way. But even though  they were like caught up in their own world, the seven of them weren't oblivious with their actions.

They understood that Chan would still feel held back because he was just starting to know them; except for Changbin and Jisung. The two asked Chan right in front of them why he's so quiet when in fact, Chan was friendly and talkative. The older just smiled, or more like grimaced, saying that he has a lot in his mind.

When it was just the six of them, Minho was barely quiet and he would get to throw in his opinions if he had the chance. Felix and Hyunjin gave Minho some sort of are you okay look and he would give a face in return that said hell yeah I am! It was weird that they understood each other just by looking at their facial expressions. But maybe it wasn't, since they've been together for too long, they could even guess who's coming just by the sound of the their footsteps.

"Is he having trouble breathing?"

"I don't know. Maybe he's just being dramatic."

"He's spacing out all the time."

"When does he not space out?"

"His weirdness is taking a toll on him. Look at him, so strange. I wonder why people date him."

"I wonder why we're friends with him. How are we friends with him again?"

"What's wrong with him? He looks like he was dead for decades and forgot to feed his cat so he just magically hopped off his coffin."

"That's so unrealistic, Jeongin. He looks like he's been having problems because he hadn't got a date for two weeks already. He broke a record."

"Oh right. I couldn't see him hanging around with someone other than us."

"Maybe he's delirious because he's slowly losing his powers in flirting."

"What should we do? Give him someone?"

"Not a bad idea, Seungmin."

"Hey that wasn't an idea."

"Maybe we should let him date Chan hyung."

"Right. Chan seemed alright."

"So we tell Chan that Minho is a miserable single bit—"

Minho rolled his eyes and grunted, giving his attention to three unwanted visitors inside the dance studio. "I could hear you, you know."

Seungmin nodded. "Good. It would be scary if you didn't." Minho looked at him warily. "What?" Seungmin asked, "you were dead a while ago, we just resurrected your soul by mentioning Chan hyung's name." Now the three of them gave him the same look Felix and Hyunjin were giving him.

Minho unintentionally breathed a sigh of frustration. He was perfectly dancing alone until these three nutheads interrupted his solemn world.

"There he goes again with his sighs." Jeongin said, as if he was studying Minho all the time they were there.

Woojin squinted his eyes. "Maybe he's being delusional. He's seeing things we couldn't see."

"Would you shut up? Why are guys even here?"

Seungmin raised his brow, looking at Minho questioningly. "We've been here like 30 minutes ago and you're just asking that now?"

"I was busy."

Woojin scoffed, visibly unconvinced. "You we're just repeating dance steps over and over until you layed there on the floor."

"And that made me busy." Minho never wants to lose an argument, even if his responses don't make sense anymore. This was the way he is. That led to his friends always adjusting for him, which was no problem at all. They already know how Minho was. Honestly, he was even grateful for having these idiots around. He would sometimes feel that he's not alone in being stupid.

"Hyung, it's already dark. We just came to visit you three, but turns out they were dating with Jisung and Changbin. And they even said they were just hanging out as friend! Liars." Woojin's face contorted, remembering very well what he saw when the spoon he's using fell and he had to duck his head to get it. He saw Felix and Changbin intertwining hands under the table and Hyunjin's was on top of Jisung's knee.

Felix and Hyunjin weren't subtle about their feelings towards the other two when it came to Minho. In fact, they always bragged it to him all the time. Saying that Minho should just go get himself a man, not just a random guy who would want to be with Minho for one night. And for a moment, he suddenly pictured Chan, with his goofy smiles and charming wavy hair, in his mind. He quickly let go of the thought, embarrassed about thinking such thing.

"Anyway, you should probably stop overworking yourself."

"I'm not overworking myself. I'm enjoying myself. There's a difference." He knows that everyone knows how he loves dancing. But now, his friends could see that he wasn't dancing to enjoy, bit to somehow distract himself from something. Minho may not be that easy to read, but his eyes just gives him away sometimes.

"You know you could share your problems with us." He heard Woojin softly mumble, his motherly role showing. "Yeah. We're always here hyung."

Minho felt guilty. He was stressing himself over some guy he met in a dark alley and was acting very strange since he saw him. Chan was distracting him. And it was true that Minho never had the chance to flirt with someone for 2 weeks, which was so not him. He usually had flings here and there. Even though his friends opposed the idea of having temporary people on Minho's side, he couldn't just stop. He wasn't ready to commit since he has yet to find the one for him. But he's in no way searching for that someone right now. He just wants to be free and enjoy life.

So he came to a decision. "Guys, tell Hyunjin and Felix I'll be back in the apartment at dawn. I'll have a little fun tonight."

"That wasn't the plan but at least you're back." Seungmin said, scratching his head. "I don't know if that's a good thing, though."

Minho could hear the music booming from inside the bar. Hyunjin had sent him texts to be careful and come home or Felix would poison his cats if he didn't. Minho scrunched his face, as if the two were right in front of him. He replied that his cats will scratch their faces if they did it.

He was about to go out from his car when his phone vibrated again. Felix sent him a message. He opened it and immediately rolled his eyes. Use protection! He responded:

You should be the one to use protection if you're gonna poison my cats.

He turned the device off and decided that leaving it inside his car was a good idea. He doesn't want any kind of disturbance now that he has the chance to have fun.

He quickly slid out from his car and placed the key in his pocket. He was wearing tight jeans, too tight that it hugged every part of his leg and showing off his curves. A plain old white shirt tucked in, covered with a leather jacket. He just wore light make up. No need to dress too much. What does it matter? It would just be taken off soon and his face was quite enough to attract preys. He smirked. Time to go fishing!

He walked to the entrance with grace, the music getting louder with each step. He felt giddy. He hadn't walked into a bar for weeks now and this just gave him adrenaline to let himself loose for the night. The bouncers just nodded at him and soon enough, he was met by drunk people going wild on the dance floor. He made his way through the moving crowd, feeling some hands touching and tapping his shoulders on the way.

He just couldn't dance without having alcohol in his system. He first needs to clear his mind through it, so he could totally enjoy without thinking about something, or someone else.

He went and rested his forearm on the counter. "Give me the hardest one you got." He was tough because his alcohol tolerance was also tough. He wasn't that drunk easily. The bartender gave him his drink and without further ado, he downed the glass in one shot. He felt like his throat was on fire, his face twisting due to the bitterness it brought. He motioned for the bartender to pour him some more, not caring what type of liquor it was. He just wants to bring the feeling of being intoxicated. Being sobber makes him overthink.

"Quite the drinker we have here."

Minho glanced on his left side, noticing a dark-haired boy with a glass on his one hand. Minho subtly checked him out, without getting noticed. He could see that the guy was somewhat handsome, having a perfect set of eyebrows and a killer smile. He turned to his drink and had some, but didn't directly finished it like the first shot.

"I'm Sungyoon by the way." The guy said, scooting closer to Minho.

Minho almost laughed. It didn't have to take him minutes to get the attention he wanted. He was still facing front, letting the guy watch his side profile. He knows he looks good at any angle, but he also knows how girls and guys at the university drool over his side profile. "Minho." He said shortly, but with enough amount of sexiness, downing the remaining of his drink.

"So, you're here by yourself."

It wasn't a question. Good for him because Minho really can't take stupid people around. He just arrived and he clearly didn't have anyone beside him, so it was obvious that he was alone. He just hummed as an agreement, wanting to see how the other would take his actions.

"I take that you're here to have... fun." Sungyoon scooted loser to Minho, hands almost touching his side. Again, Minho just hummed, quite enjoying the attention he got.

"I heard quiet ones are loud on bed." And just as how fast this guy had his attention, was also as fast as he lost it. It was  quite easy to catch Minho's interest, but keeping it was hard. He quirked up an eyebrow when the guy whispered on his ear. After how many sentences, he already had the audacity to talk dirty to him. How advanced. Minho was up for people who are hard to get. This one is so easy, he didn't even have to do anything. And for the record, he's not drunk yet. He called out to the bartender again and had him pour another one.

He slowly turned around to see a smirking face. Arrogant. He instantly remembered Chan and was quick to let go of the thought. He smiled ever so sweetly before beckoning the guy to come closer so he could also whisper on his ear. The look on Sungyoon made Minho laugh inside his head. He leaned and then said, "You wouldn't know because you're not my type." He moved away. "Now stop bothering me, bitch." He spat.

"Oh. Feisty. I like it." Sungyoon continued, not bothered by Minho's words. He rolled his eyes and moved away. The guy was about to move closer again when someone approached him. "Yoon, there's someone that wants to talk to you."

"I'm busy."

"Yoon, it's important. He's already here."

Minho could hear the guy grunt but nevertheless left. Good. Minho wasn't ready to bitch-slap someone.

After how many drinks, he got tipsy. He could feel eyes on his back, but he didn't mind. He was handsome, and he knows it. So it's not new anymore that someone would be staring at him.

Some of the people attempted to flirt with Minho but it was as if he couldn't feel them or they were trying so hard to get his attention that they looked like a fool in front of him. He sighed, downing another shot before leaving cash rolls on the counter and proceeded to the dance floor. Might as well shake things a bit.

He was still walking normally, despite the alcohol taking a toll on his mind. He bumped into a few people but he didn't care, just went down to the center and started to move according to the rhythm. It felt hot. Maybe because of the accommodated sweats that people around him released, which was gross. Or maybe because of that alcohol he had. Or... He was just hot.

He was closing his eyes until he felt someone grab a hold of his waist, swaying in the same direction. The person was on his back, putting his head on the crook of Minho's neck, sniffing wildly.

Minho opened his eyes, feeling familiarity with the stranger's presence. When he couldn't help himself, he turned around only to find a tall, smirking devil, watching him with lustful eyes. His heart began to race and all he could think of was to punch his face and knock out his air.

"Hey babe, miss me?" His voice sent shiver to Minho's spine. He once adored that voice, now he's only feeling a mixture of disgust and anger. Even with the blaring music, he could still hear his heart beating, ready to jump out at any moment. He immediately stepped back, hitting someone in the process, but he didn't mind. There's a jerk in front of him.

"Hyunho. What are you doing here?" His voice was venomous, like he was ready to inject venom on this guy's body.

Surprisingly, Hyunho pouted. Minho's faced was showing how disgusted he was with the sight. Now he was questioning his life choices. Why did he even agreed to date this fag before? Why did he choose him as his boyfriend before? He was sure that there were lots of choices to choose from, but why again did he ended up with a psychopathic jerk? Maybe he was drugged.

"I miss you, my Minnie..." Yuck. What is it with this guy? "...I miss kissing everything you have. I need you back." Oh, gosh. Completely vomitory. At that, Minho had enough. "Well, too bad, I didn't miss you." He quickly moved back and turned around, annoyed that his night didn't go exactly as he planned.

He was supposed to go back to the counter, thinking that Hyunho would just leave him alone. He forgot that this guy was hard as a rock and stupid as a person pushing a door that said pull. Hyunho grabbed his shoulder and turned Minho to face him. "Where you goin', my angel?" He smirked, making Minho want to throw up.

Minho could feel his hot breath on his ear, sending shivers down Minho's spine. The first thing he thought of was to kick the guy on the shin. But he was too weak and intoxicated to do that, and Hyunho would just get back to him. So he just pushed him with all his strength, making Hyunho stumble backwards and losing balance, before quickly leaving. He was practically pushing people just to get the hell out of the place.

When he reached the exit, he felt himself inhale and exhale heavily. He looked at his watch and was still 11 in the evening. He usually came home at dawn. This is such a terrible timing!

Minho was cursing under his breath and was about to walk to the parking lot when he a felt a hand grabbed his wrist and dragged him beside the bar, to an area with less people. He struggled to get out but was also very tired to do anything else. Tired from those exhausting self-practice sessions in dancing and tired because of the alcohol's intoxication. Great. Just great, Lee Minho.

"Let me go!" He shouted when they came to a halt. He could see the anger burning holes at him through Hyunho's eyes. For a moment, he felt scared. He knew how destructive Hyunho could get if he was angry. But he never showed his fear. He could take this guy on, just like what he did the last time when Hyunho tried to do something to him.

"I said let me go, you son of a bitch!" His wrist was still held tightly.

Hyunho smirked at him. How he wished to wipe that smirk off of his face. "You don't know how long I've been waiting for you, Minho. You're friends are such nuisance, getting in the way between us."

"You're sick! Now let me go before I call the cops!" But Minho suddenly remembered that his phone was left on his car, which he immediately regretted doing.

"You won't do that. I know you miss me, too. Miss my hot touch on your skin, my lips, my everything. I know you miss—"

"Oh for crying out loud, Hyunho! I didn't miss you a single bit! Now let me go or you'll regret seeing me tonight." Despite being weaponless, Minho still tried to act tough. He knows people won't hear him when he screams because they were either on the inside or making out somewhere else on the outside, and the music would just filter out his voice. He thinks that pretending to be brave would send Hyunho off, silently hoping that he'd remember how Minho beat the shit out of him the last time.

But last time was different. He wasn't tired. He wasn't drunk. His mind wasn't dancing and his vision wasn't blurry. All he could trust now is the adrenaline rush.

"Bitch!" He thought that Hyunho would hit him, but instead went for his lips and kissed him roughly. He could feel the bitter taste of liquor and cigarette on his mouth. You know that feeling when something really, really gross, something icky and sticky touch your skin? That's what Minho is dealing right now. He backed away but Hyunho just trapped him. Now he was attacking Minho's neck and all he could do was cry out in disgust and frustration. He was so disgusted with himself. His eyes began to water but he couldn't wipe it off because this revolting man was gripping both his wrists.

He was so stressed about Hyunho and all he could think about was Chan.

Please Chan, or anyone, please help me.

Oh wait, last time he remembered, he was completely avoiding Chan even though the older was making small talks to him. Why would Chan help him? They're not friends yet. And why would Chan be here? He's not the type to go to bars and stuff.

He was still pushing Hyunho. "Stop it, you freaking asshole! You are so gross!" His voice was already shaky, proving that he was nervous. But Hyunho paid him no mind, still sucking on hiss delicate skin.

But he remembered that Chan wasn't also the type to kick ass in a dark alley, and yet that happened. So Minho was just hoping a little bit that Chan would magically appear in front of them.  But again, why would Chan risk his life facing a psychotic, jerk-assed idiot just to save someone who had nothing to do but judge him? And the question above all questions, why would Minho think of Chan in times like this? He could just think and wish for cops to be here. Or someone who's brave enough to help him. Why Chan?

"I said stop it!" He was still struggling against his hold. Minho closed his eyes and was trying really hard to push the hideous monster in front. Hyunho must have been annoyed by his moves that he stopped and faced Minho. "Jerk, let me go!"

But there was no Chan. He was alone with a monster, who used to be his abusive ex, without enough energy to fight back and take him down. So he guessed that it was all up to him if he wanted to go home and look normal than to be harassed and get multiple bruises and be disgusted with himself every time he remembers this.

So when his other hand was free, he never wasted another second to land a punch on Hyunho's jaw. It was strong, yes. But the impact only made the other slightly turn away, but his eyes were becoming intense and scary. Minho felt weak when Hyunho faced him. He whispered, "Hyunho. Let me go, please..." But the other was just staring at him, mocking him that he couldn't do anything. And then he shouted once again when he couldn't help it anymore. "Let me go!"

Hyunho only looked at him with pure madness. Minho closed his eyes when he saw that he lifted this hands and was about to hit Minho on his face. He was preparing for the impact.

Minho waited.

And waited.

And waited.

But nothing came. All he could hear was a groan and something like a person hitting the ground. What happened? Was it some kind of sick dream? Is this just something to scare Minho off? Was this Hyunho's revenge for downgrading his ego by beating him up months ago?

He didn't open his eyes just yet, afraid that Hyunho might just be making a fool of himself and was waiting for Minho to open his eyes, to see his fate. Until he heard the most comforting voice he could ever hear right at this moment. "He told you to let go, jerk. Didn't you hear him? Are you deaf? Or are you just plain stupid?"

That voice...

Chan?

Hi. Okay, I was supposed to update this yesterday but then before I could do it, it just disappeared in my drafts and apparently, I didn't type it on other apps. Dude! That was like two chapters and both were gone! So I just made a new one earlier 😂

I'm sorry if there are mistakes and errors. Happy reading!