Dinner

If Minho never met Jisung, he wouldn't have known to open the cage

Jisung arrived at work and noticed that no one was there.

He went in the back and saw Minho crouched down in front of a cage.

-What's wrong, kitty? Minho asked genuinely worried.

A cat kept meowing no matter what Minho did.

-I fed you, I gave you water. What do you want from me?

-She's dying, Jisung said bluntly.

Minho looked up and saw Jisung lost in his thoughts.

-What?

-Sometimes, when they feel they are dying, cats tend to run away from their owner.

-It's true that this cat has been here for the longest. I was thinking of adopting her myself, but I already have three at home, Minho spoke sadly. I wanted her to find an owner.

-People go for kittens. No one wants something ancient, Jisung crouched down too, his elbow touching Minho's.

-So... we just let her go?

-This is the course of nature.

Minho nodded and opened the cage.

The cat stole a glimpse of both of them before running to the front door.

A tear found its way down Minho's cheek and Jisung couldn't help but notice.

He awkwardly placed his hand on the other's back and tapped it twice.

-Some of us are not meant to find a home. I know the feeling, he added.

Seungmin went to a café and met with Jeongin at a table in the corner.

-You actually came. I was getting worried, Jeongin said.

-Weird way to greet your date, Seungmin raised an eyebrow.

-My bad, Jeongin chuckled. I'm glad you're here.

They ordered each one a coffee and talked about each other, making some innocent jokes in order not to cross the line.

Jeongin had a spark in his eyes when he was looking at Seungmin.

The latter noticed and it made him feel awful, cause he couldn't return the feeling to him.

He couldn't look at him that way.

It was not fair.

After they finished their lunch, they went outside to say their goodbyes before parting.

-Listen...Seungmin began.

-You didn't enjoy our date as much as I did, Jeongin cut him off.

-I'm sorry! When we met I was drunk and I always make bad decisions while drunk.

-So I am a bad decision?

-No, I...

-Hyung, it's alright. I figured it out. Why do you think I insisted we take lunch together and not dinner? I wanted to talk to the sober you.

-And now you hate me, Seungmin sighed.

Jeongin gripped on his shoulders and went for a short kiss.

It took Seungmin by surprise, but he didn't reject it.

In fact, he quite enjoyed it.

When their lips parted, Seungmin had a red shade spread on his cheeks.

That made Jeongin break into a smile.

-I wouldn't say I hate you. Call me, alright? If you don't, I will leave you alone. Goodbye, Seungmin!

After work, Seungmin went to Felix, hoping for a chat about what just happened on his date.

He knocked at the door and found Felix with his pink apron on, mixing the dough for cookies.

-Minnie! I would hug you but I am full of flour.

-What's going on?

-Cooking dinner for some guests. Wanna help?

-Sure.

Seungmin explained the situation while cutting the vegetables.

Felix nodded and put everything in the oven.

-I think...you are scared of the fact he is younger and the dominant one. You will be fucked by a younger guy and this is out of your comfort zone. Am I right?

Seungmin hated how well Felix could read him.

-Well...kind of. I mean...He kissed me! Without consent! Can you believe it?

-But you enjoyed it and this is exactly why you hate it, Felix smirked.

-Stop reading my mind!

-Min, I'm just saying... It doesn't necessarily mean you guys should be something serious. Just have some fun! You are obviously both horny, so what's the matter? It's been forever since you had a partner. Give it a shot!

Seungmin looked at the phone on the counter, balancing the reasons he should call Jeongin and the reasons he shouldn't, but it was impossible to make up his mind, so he just groaned in frustration.The doorbell rang and Felix sprinted to greet his guests.

-Channie hyung! Felix hugged the older.

-Hi! Do I look too overdressed? Is my hair ok? Am I too much? Why am I sweating? he rubbed his palms against each other.

-Hyung, breath, Felix placed his hands on Chan's shoulders. It's gonna be alright. And you look stunning. You remember Seungmin, right?

-Yeah, Chan waved.

-Just relax. I'm right beside you to help, Felix winked.

-He just loves to play Cupid, Seungmin made conversation.

-He does, Chan chuckled.

Before realizing, Chan saw Felix talking with Hyunjin in the doorway.

-I'm glad you accepted the invitation, Hyunjin! Felix smiled.

-Thank you for inviting me! And for bringing me food.

-No problem! There is Seungmin, my co-worker and you remember Chan, the freckled pointed to the older.

-Of course! The pretty guy! Hyunjin said excited.

Chan blushed at the nickname and couched nervously.

-Let's eat, shall we? Felix broke the awkwardness.

-Thank you for bringing me home! Minho flashed a smile at Jisung.

They both stopped in front of Minho's door to say goodbye.

-I just came to make sure you don't end yourself because of that cat. I know you love animals and I need a boss to give me money, Jisung replied bluntly.

Minho unlocked his door and slammed it open, revealing all four heads staring at them.

-Hyung! Come here! Felix yelled happy to see more people. And bring your friend too!

-I should really go, Jisung said panicking.

-Please stay! Minho begged with his eyes. One time. I promise! Stay and tomorrow I won't talk to you all day! Not even using notes.

-Fine, Jisung rolled his eyes.

Minho and Jisung took seats at the table and Felix rushed to bring more plates.

He was quite enjoying the drama in front of him, while Seungmin was staring at everyone in confusion.

-So...Minho started speaking. This is Jisung, my co-worker, as most of you know. Jisung, you already know Chan hyung, my brother Felix, you met Hyunjin and this is Felix's co-worker, Seungmin.

The latter shortly waved in awkwardness, receiving not even a glance from Jisung.

-Hi, Jisung! Hyunjin waved with a smile.

Jisung looked for a second at him, then proceeded to ignore him.

That infuriated Chan. How dare he ignore Hyunjin?

-I don't know in which cave were you born, but here we have manners. Try to comply, he scoffed.

-Or what? You're gonna break my nose this time? Is this your only option for dealing with problems? No wonder no one can cope with you, Jisung replied while balancing a knife on his index finger.

-You're not in a position to say this when you clearly have no friends.

The knife fell on the table, startling everyone.

Jisung was incredibly calm, unbothered. Like he hears those comments daily.

After that they remained silent, stuffing in their mouths Felix's food.

Minho's eyes were glued to Jisung's figure. His puffy cheeks.

Jisung looked so peaceful while eating. It was indeed a rare view.

Jisung looked back at Minho in disgust.

-Do you mind?

-Oh, sorry! Minho rubbed his nape awkwardly.

Chan was also staring at the long-haired boy who was smiling with his eyes every time he would take a bite, followed by praise of Felix's cooking skills.

He looked unreal to Chan. The purest thing in the world.

Chan was so afraid to even say something to him. He was afraid he could break Hyunjin's pureness.

In his eyes, Hyunjin was living in his own bubble of happiness and art.

Fragile like made of glass.

He wasn't completely wrong. Hyunjin was an airhead person. So he didn't notice at all Chan staring at him. But there was much more behind those eyes.

Seungmin leaned toward Felix to whisper in his ear.

-What's going on?

-Ok, so I watch Minho hyung and Jisung and you look at Chan hyung and Hyunjin. Then we exchange the tea tomorrow during the break.

-It's like watching a cheap drama. You know what? Maybe I will call Jeongin. I can't be like these oblivious heart-shaped-eyed men.

-Yey! Felix clapped. Fighting! Go get that d, Min!

Seungmin widen his eyes and went into another room embarrassed.

He dialed Jeongin's number and waited in anxiety for someone to answer.

"Hello?"

-Jeongin, I've made up my mind. Let's try it!

"Are you sure? I don't want to pressure you"

-I know. I am sure.

"Great! I can't wait to meet you again. Goodnight, Seungmin!"

-Goodnight, Jeongin!

While Seungmin was talking on the phone, Felix tried to start a conversation with Jisung, but the latter proceeded to ignore him.

The heavy atmosphere was killing everyone in the room.

Felix's eyes slipped to Jisung's hands fidgeting and noticed the number on his half-covered wrist.

-You have a tattoo! That's so cool! I wanted one too, but Minho hyung didn't let me. Can I see it?

Felix got up and went next to Jisung to see the tattoo better.

However, the moment he touched Jisung's hand, the older pushed him in reflex.

The freckled boy fell to the floor and that is when Chan slammed his hands on the table.

-Don't touch me! Jisung said, holding his wrist covered.

-That's it! I'm gonna smack him again! Chan proclaimed. Minho, if you don't fire him, I swear...

-Don't bother to finish, Jisung cut Chan off. I'm tired of your threats. You are boring. I'm leaving.

He took his coat and slammed the door behind him, then went down the stairs in a rush.

-Jisung, wait!

The younger turned around in confusion and saw Hyunjin running towards him.

-Are you gonna punch me too?

-What? No, of course not, Hyunjin smiled. Here! he handed Jisung a casserole.

The latter took it, then furrowed his eyes at Hyunjin.

-You didn't finish eating. It was too good to be wasted.

-Why are you kind to me? I pushed Felix. Chan hyung is mad and I just caused a scene.

-But we didn't behave properly either. We ignored you for half of the dinner. I'm sorry! They were a little passive towards you. I know what it's like to enjoy isolation. I'm not a social butterfly at all. I used to push people away.

-What changed? Jisung asked completely involved in the conversation.

-The Lee brothers. It seems that they push harder, Hyunjin chuckled. They literally broke into my apartment. But to be fair, I usually forget to lock the door.

-That's just stupid, Jisung replied.

-It is. But I made friends this way. No risk, no win. It was good to meet you, Jisung!

-See you then! Jisung turned around to go home.

-Oh! Hyunjin remembered. If Minho hyung fires you, you can come to the salon.

Jisung looked back at Hyunjin and nodded without saying a word.

For Jisung, that was the longest conversation he had ever had with anyone.

And he didn't get annoyed by Hyunjin.

That was surely surprising.

But now I'm unintentionally pressuring youI just wanted to be with you, the two of us, together(Sorry, I love you by Stray Kids)

_______________________________Hyunsung friendship can save the day

Thank you for reading!