a/n: same POV as last chapter

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"You know that's not enough right? What will you do once I move away for college and you become a trainee or do whatever you have to do to become a singer?"

Seungmin's expression darkened as she mentioned moving away for college. The thought of no longer being able to hold her like this and be with her whenever he wanted, horrified him.

"You're not allowed to go."

Seungmin said firmly, his hold on her tightening even more as he said it.

"I know you have dreams to go to some fancy college. But...just don't. Stay with me. I don't want you to go."

"Is it about that again?"

"Stop it, please don't keep bringing it up"

"I'm sorry, but you have to accept and move on Seung. whatever happened in the past, its not going to happen again. You wont lose another friend, ever. I'm not leaving you so easily"

That was always a sore spot for him. He hated being reminded of his past. His hands clenched into fists, and his jaw clenched as the memories started playing in his mind

"I don't want to move on. And I don't want to forget, Its too selfish."
"And I can't lose you too. I can't. I refuse to."

"I'm not leaving forever, Seung, Ill be back for you and my parents every break? Ill meet you every time I come, while you'll be an amazing, successful singer. Imagine, you'll have amazing new friends, you'll get to enjoy life. Its been too long since we did that."

Seungmin was feeling conflicted. That was a good point, she'd be back on every break, and that thought helped to soothe some of Seungmin's concerns. But not being there for her, not knowing if she was okay, still troubled him.

"You're right..."

His grip on her slightly loosened. He was starting to come around to the idea.
But he was still clearly unhappy about it

"i wont lose my best friend, no, never."

Seungmin took a slow, shaky breath, trying to steady himself. He didn't want to come off like he was pressuring her, but the fear was still there, heavy in his chest.

"But... please, promise me you'll come back every break. And... text me, like, every day, alright? I just... I'm worried that we'll grow apart..."

His gaze softened, as if searching for reassurance. He wasn't angry—just terrified of what it would mean if things changed between them.

"Of course, how could i live without that? And besides we have an entire year to go before all that, so don't worry about it now, okay?"

Seungmin's expression softened as he heard her reply. Her words and the determination in her voice, helped to quell most of his worries. Though he still didn't like the thought of her going far away from him.

"Good. Because if you forget about me, I'll never forgive you"

"ill deserve that if i ever did that."

"Damn right you will" Seungmin grumbled

He held her closely for a moment. Although his voice and expression were grouchy, he couldn't hide the slight hint of affection in his eyes. Their trauma always over powered the really wanted.

"Lets go have dinner now?

"Okay, yeah...Food sounds real good right now."

They got up from bed and walked downstairs

"Hi mom and dad" They said, taking a seat at the table.

"Hello you two. Have a seat, dinner is ready.

They all ate their food quietly, before mom asked,

"Seungmin, sweetheart what's that bruise on your face? Did you get into trouble again?"

Seungmin's expression immediately dropped as she mentioned he got into trouble again.

"some boys tried to pick on me, he stepped in and beat them up. Not the best way to handle it, but he did it for the right reason"

Seungmin's jaw clenched as he listened to Minji explain what had happened. He looked a little embarrassed to have his actions out in the open. But he also felt a little proud of himself for beating up the boys, though his expression didn't show it.

Minji's parents looked at Seungmin with disapproving but softened expressions. Though they didn't like him getting into trouble, they understood his actions. So they still held some level of fondness in their eyes

"Seungmin, dear, you have to stop getting into fights". Minji's mum said, shaking her head.

"You know we don't like it when you do that, especially when you get in trouble with the teachers at school. It worries your parents, and us when you turn up home like this."
Her dad chimed in, looking at Seungmin with a similar expression.
He looked disapprovingly but still loving.

Seungmin's expression darkened slightly as he heard what they said.
He looked down at the tabletop, avoiding their gazes as he mumbled

"I know, I know... I'm sorry. But it's not like they didn't deserve it"

Minji's parents sighed, a mixture of tiredness and fondness on their face as they heard Seungmin's response. It wasn't the first time he had said that. It was his usual reply. No matter how many times they scolded him, he would always stay the same way. They knew he meant no harm. But they still didn't like him fighting and getting into trouble.

"But Thank you Seungmin, you're a great boy. Thanks for always protecting her."
"We know we can count on you."

Your mum spoke up again, a smile tugging on the corner of her mouth.
"What are we going to do with you..." She said, shaking her head again.

"Ill protect her, from whatever. I owe her."

He replied and everyone went back to their dinner.

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