hers

⋆ 𐙚 ̊.CHAPTER 28✶⋆.˚

🇽​​🇴​, ​🇪​​🇻​​🇪​​🇱​​🇾​​🇳

Minho couldn't sleep.

It had been hours since they got home, but his mind was still racing. Every time he closed his eyes, all he could see was Evelyn's pale, trembling figure in his arms. The way she had clung to him, the way her body had shuddered with silent cries—he couldn't shake it off.

He didn't care what time it was. He needed to see her.

Without hesitation, he slid out of bed and walked to her room. Knocking was out of the question in the middle of the night, so he turned the doorknob lightly, careful not to wake her. But when he stepped inside, her bed was empty.

His heart stopped.

The door to the balcony was wide open, and cold air drifted in through the curtains.

Minho lost it.

"No, no, no, no—" he muttered, his pulse skyrocketing. His worst fears flashed in his mind as he sprinted forward, bursting onto the balcony.

But there she was.

Evelyn sat on a beanbag, knees pulled to her chest, staring at the night sky.

Minho released the biggest sigh of relief of his life and ran a hand through his hair. His legs felt weak as he dropped onto the ground beside her.

She didn't acknowledge him.

Her gaze was locked on the stars, her face blank, emotionless.

"Ev?" Minho called softly.

"Don't make me talk," Evelyn replied, her voice cold, distant.

Minho said nothing. He simply sat beside her, looking up at the sky, letting the silence settle between them.

Minutes passed. Then an hour.

Neither of them spoke. Neither of them moved.

It was strangely peaceful—Evelyn trapped in her thoughts, Minho patiently waiting. But he couldn't let her keep shutting him out.

"Go to sleep, Minho. This isn't helping," she finally said, breaking the silence.

Minho turned to look at her. "I didn't even help?"

"Please, I'm not in the mood for your petty fights right now," Evelyn muttered, irritated.

Minho let out a dry laugh. "Oh, come on, Evelyn. You think you're doing a great job keeping things to yourself? You think facing everything alone makes you brave? Well, here's what I think—you couldn't be more stupid."

Evelyn's jaw tightened, but she stayed silent.

"You can't just bottle everything up inside," Minho continued, his voice rising slightly. "Speaking up about something that hurts you doesn't make you weak. It doesn't mean you're incapable. It's human. If you've ever heard of the saying, 'communication is key,' this is the time. Stop burdening yourself. Stop."

Evelyn clenched her fists. "And here's what I think. People should know better than to meddle in others' business when they're clearly uncomfortable."

Minho let out a sharp breath. "Stop lying to yourself, Evelyn."

She flinched.

"It's just me here," he said, his voice softer now. "It's okay to let your guard down. I'm Minho. The same six-year-old Minho you used to play with all the time. The Minho whose hand you never let go of at the school fair. The Minho who helped you up when you fell on stage. The Minho who was your best friend... and still wants to be—if you let me."

Evelyn's mask cracked.

Her eyes wavered, her lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but no words came out. And then, suddenly—

She broke.

"W-why are you doing this to me?" Her voice was a broken whisper before she completely fell apart.

Minho pulled her into his arms before she could even think.

Her body trembled as sobs racked through her, her hands clutching onto him as if he was her only lifeline.

"Cry all you want," he whispered, his hand running through her hair gently. "I'm here."

"I was so scared, Minho," she hiccupped, her voice barely audible.

Minho's arms tightened around her. "I know."

"H-he was there," she stammered.

Minho's eyes darkened. "Who?"

She swallowed hard before whispering, "He hurt me in the past. He was the reason I had to go to Korea."

Minho stiffened.

His blood boiled, but he didn't say anything. He just held her tighter as her cries grew louder.

"Shhh... it's okay now. I'm here," Minho murmured, his voice softer than ever. "I won't let him come near you again. If he does, well..." His lips curled into a dangerous smirk. "You might have to witness 'devil Minho' for a moment until I knock his senses out."

Evelyn let out a broken laugh between her cries.

Minho smiled, still stroking her back, waiting for her to calm down.

After a few minutes, her breathing steadied.

She pulled away slightly, staring at him.

There was something different in her eyes now. A vulnerability, yes—but also something else.

Something deeper.

Minho blinked. "What is it?"

"I don't want to," Evelyn said suddenly.

His brows furrowed. "Huh?"

"I don't want you to be my best friend."

Minho's face fell.

His entire world stopped.

But then—

"Instead..." Evelyn continued, her voice barely above a whisper.

Minho looked up, his heart in his throat.

"How about being my boyfriend?"

The world tilted.

Minho's breath caught in his chest as he stared at her, waiting for her to smirk, to say she was joking.

But she didn't.

She just gazed at him—raw, real, and completely serious.

Minho had been ready to fight for her. Ready to be her best friend, her protector, anything she needed.

But this?

This was something he never expected.

His lips parted slightly, his heart hammering against his ribs. "Evelyn..."

Her gaze didn't waver.

"I mean it Minho," she said softly. 

Silence.

The stars above them burned brighter than ever, but all Minho could see was her.

And then—

He smiled.

Not his usual cocky smirk. Not his teasing grin.

A real smile.

"You just love catching me off guard, don't you, princess?" he murmured.

Evelyn rolled her eyes, but her cheeks flushed slightly. "So, is that a yes?"

Minho chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief.

Then, gently, he reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"It's a hell yes. You have no idea how long I've been wanting to hear that."

Evelyn's lips parted slightly, her breath hitching. "Then what took you so long to answer?"

Minho grinned. "Wanted to savor the moment."

And before she could roll her eyes at him, he closed the distance between them, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead.

It wasn't rushed. It wasn't desperate.

It was just them.

Evelyn let out a small, content sigh, closing her eyes. Minho stayed there, holding her, feeling the steady rhythm of her heartbeat.

"Get some sleep now," he whispered against her skin. "I'm not going anywhere."

Evelyn hummed in response, finally allowing herself to relax.

And that night, under the quiet glow of the city lights, Minho realized—he had always been hers. And now, finally, she was his.

ruka:

a triple update for my sweethearts because last chapter was so full of tension.