There is mentions of domestic abuse/child abuse in this chapter. Please do not read any further if this topic is sensitive to you.

✧━━ .·:*¨¨* 𓆩♡𓆪 *¨¨*:·. ━━ ✧

❥ 𝐉𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕 •°. *࿐

Just as fast as Jisung could blink, graduation looms and passes, disappearing in the essence of a second.

The school year had ended without incident, rolling through the final few days that were spent busy with exams, followed by the celebration and levity of graduation nearing from around the corner. Jisung had continued to avoid his parents, and for the most part, his plans had worked.

His mother, for the time being, kept her comments to herself, refusing to speak at dinner and withdrawing from the circle of conversation. She seemed rather irritated, maybe a bit helpless, but Jisung knew more than anything else, did she wish to know what was going on with her own son. Partially, Jisung felt bad for continuing on a path that his parents disliked, but the other half of him knew better than to fall back into her grasp. Jisung wanted to control his own life, especially now more than ever, and with the knowledge of Minho having to leave the country to pursue his own career in the states, Jisung felt himself stuck with a decision that felt rather weighty.

Though, deep down in the folds of his mind, he knew exactly what he wanted, he just needed to figure out a way to achieve said dream.

Currently, Jisung was busy texting the group chat, listening as Minho shuffled about the space before him, changing his clothes carelessly and without worry. Jisung's parents were out of town for the weekend, attending some sort of a conference for medical professionals that would occupy their focus for more than three days. Brazenly, Jisung asked Minho to spend the night, not wanting to sleep alone, and really not wanting Minho to sleep in his own home.

As of late, Minho had been escaping the confines of his own home to stay with Wooyoung or Felix, appearing with bruises or a busted lip, having been arguing with his father about the entire situation in regards to his college choice.

Minho had explained that he wanted nothing more than to remain in Korea, to be where Jisung was at, to follow him around and live beneath his wing, safe and away from the things that dared to hurt him. However, after dealing with his father, Minho turned silent. He would act calmly, sleep without a wink, keep his voice low and even, ignoring everything that came with going home to be with his father.

Jisung worried that things were getting out of control, but Minho assured him that everything was fine, that he had control over everything that was happening. Minho was resilient, at least he seemed to be from the outside, but there was a glimmer of darkness that seemed to plague Minho's eyes, a change that Jisung noticed almost immediately. On the surface, he was resilient, putting on a front and ignoring all of the anxieties that developed in regards to simply being in his own home. Though, on the inside, Jisung feared the storm that had been brewing internally.

Even now, as Jisung watched his phone screen move with an abundance of messages, his eyes casually flicked up to watch Minho, studying the way he folded his previous shirt before stuffing it back into his bag, looking more content to be in a shapeless hoodie, hiding away in the comfort of something baggy.

Jisung wondered if Minho was trying to hide himself away in the depth of his own clothes sometimes, maybe in regards to his scars or the parts of himself he might've disliked. Though, Minho likely wouldn't reveal the reason he chose to always wear a hoodie or sweatshirt, especially in the depth of summer, and Jisung knew better than to pry about it. Afterall, if Minho wanted to tell him, he would. Minho wasn't one for secrets, especially given the looming uncertainty in regards to their relationship. Jisung wanted to hope that Minho would want to fight for everything they had, but the idea of having distance physically placed between them felt like an insurmountable fear that was too difficult to breach across.

Looking back down, Jisung watches his phone breeze through more messages, simply watching the group move through their plans, almost unaware of Jisung's silent judgment.

"They really still want to go to this college party," Jisung says, almost with a huff. "Who even is this Chan guy?"

"We all know of him, but Wooyoung is the one who really knows everyone. Yeosang is his cousin, and he's a freshman at that school, but he just so happens to room with Chan and Seonghwa. Haven't I told you about Hongjoong and Seonghwa before?"

"Hongjoong?" Jisung raises a brow. "No? I don't think you've mentioned anything about them."

"Ah, well," Minho pauses, taking a breath as he turns to face Jisung, likely trying to find the right words. "He. . . used to be friends with Mingi and Jongho for a long time. Hyunjin too, but they never really spoke the way Joong and Mingi did. I haven't heard anything about him in a long time, especially with everything that happened. I wasn't there for much of it, but I know everything because Mingi can never shut his damn mouth."

"What happened? If. . . if I'm allowed to ask," Jisung pries carefully, watching as Minho shrugs his shoulders and looks away, leaning down to dig into his bag again.

"It's a long story, Ji, and I. . . I don't know if you want to know. Besides, the party is in a few hours, and I don't want the events of the past to dampen what will be a good evening for us."

"Minho, it's okay if you tell me, I won't let it ruin my mood or anything–"

"I know, Ji, but still. It's a hard story to tell, but I promise, after tonight, I'll tell you everything. Let's just. . . just forget about it–" Minho pauses, likely feeling Jisung's concerned gaze boring into him. "Just for now, alright?"

Jisung studies Minho, watching as his body tenses, their eyes trying to connect and breach across that electric spark that always seemed to tie them together, but the glimmer Minho's eyes used to hold seemed to fade away. Minho looked nervous, maybe a bit unsure or timid, things that Jisung wouldn't readily see within the male's gaze unless they were discussing something obviously uncomfortable. This Hongjoong-thing, whatever it was, proved to be one of those unnerving topics, and Jisung could only imagine the things that Mingi had done to cause such a trivial memory.

"Okay," Jisung concedes, keeping his tone light, avoiding a further argument in something that Minho still seemed hesitant about. Secret or not, whatever this was, it made Jisung feel uneasy.

"I'm not trying to keep things from you," Minho says softly, his tone hesitant still, likely afraid that he had crossed a line.

"I know, Minho, and I understand. But if you want us to just focus on this party, then let's do that. No more Mingi talk, just us, just the party, just the fun we're gonna have. Okay?"

"Okay," Minho says, nodding his head slightly. Jisung offers him a smile before looking down at his phone again, eyeing the conversation with a curious gaze.

Jung Wooyoung

I mean it, it will all be fine! We will have each other, and besides, I'd be surprised if Mingi would show up now, anyway.

Lee Felix

Why would you be surprised? Mingi is friends with Chan. For all we know, he'll use that as an excuse to make an appearance.

Choi San

Even still, Mingi has lost two of his friends, has he not? Hyunjin and Minho don't talk to him anymore, and all he has left is Jongho.

Lee Felix

Doesn't mean the dude's ego will hide away for the night just because two people aren't his friends anymore. He could likely give less of a shit.

Yang Jeongin

What's even the point of going? This is a college FRAT party, mind all of you. I thought we agreed months ago that we weren't going?

I mean. . . Minho and I want to go, so why not just enjoy a night together? We don't have long before we all part for college, Innie.

Jung Wooyoung

See! Exactly. There's no reason to not go, you know?

Lee Felix

It'll be fun, Innie. Bring Seungmin too, why don't you? He's your friend from the other school district, right?

Yang Jeongin

Yeah, but I'm not sure if he'd want to go. He's not really one for parties.

Jung Wooyoung

Based on my observations, I think he'd go wherever you go. He seems awfully keen to be wherever you are, Innie.

Yang Jeongin

What are you getting at?

Jung Wooyoung

Maybe Seungmin has a. . . I don't know. . . a crush?

"Good lord," Jisung scoffs, reading the messages with subtle bewilderment, obviously amused by the entire conversation.

"Hm?" Minho hums softly, moving to settle down on the bed next to Jisung, leaning back on his palms as he peers over to sneak a peek at Jisung's phone.

"Do you know anything about this Seungmin guy? Wooyoung and Felix are teasing him about Seungmin having a crush or–"

"Ah, yeah, Seungmin," Minho says quite fondly, as if reminiscing on a lost memory. "He used to go to our school, but he moved away before this previous school year because his parents got divorced. He's a nice guy, pretty funny, but he's always been keen on being close to Jeongin, no one else."

"Is he just. . . reserved? Or usually pretty quiet?"

"Mostly, yeah, especially with unfamiliar people, but Jeongin somehow made him overly comfortable. I mean, you know how Jeongin is. He's sarcastic and pretends to be miserable at all times, but in truth, he really loves to be around all of us, he'll just never admit to it."

"He's funny to be around," Jisung attests in agreement, continuing to watch the messages scroll past. "To know that someone wants to pry into Jeongin's cold demeanor reminds me a lot about you and I, you know?"

"I know, I see what you mean," Minho says in a low murmur, nuzzling closer before pressing a kiss to Jisung's cheek.

Yang Jeongin

He doesn't have a crush on me, are you insane? Not everyone in our group craves to be in a relationship like you love sick weirdos.

Jung Wooyoung

Hey, being in love isn't like the plague, you negative nancy. Give it a chance. Who knows? Maybe Seungmin is your knight in shining armor ;)

Yang Jeongin

You're literally disgusting.

Choi San

You were the one encouraging me to be friendly to Wooyoung when he joined the table all those years ago, Innie. You might want a relationship more than you lead to believe!

Okay, okay– hey. Don't pressure the guy. Relationships can be scary, you know? Not everyone wants to take the leap into the unknown.

Lee Felix

Okay, Mr. Romance. Says the man who is quite literally in love with Lee Minho but won't tell him.

Jung Wooyoung

Busted.

Quickly, Jisung hides his phone away, rolling his eyes with an excessive flush rising to his cheeks. Minho laughs softly, watching Jisung with an amused glimmer before trying to reach for Jisung's phone, but failing in the process.

"What did that text say?" Minho asks with subtle laughter, earning a defiant groan in protest from Jisung, who was adamant on not showing Minho that text message from Felix.

"Felix is just being annoying," Jisung attests, reaching for his phone and tucking it away, hiding the evidence of a secret that Jisung wasn't keen on sharing just yet.

"Oh, come on, Jisungie–" Minho teases with a lilt, pressing his palms into the bed as he moves closer, leaning his body against Jisung's as the male playfully tries to resist. "Let me see! What's the point in hiding it?"

"Minho'ah, it's not that important, stop it–"

"Jisung," Minho says, raising a brow, his lips slightly curled into a smirk. "What're you hiding?"

"Nothing!"

"I don't believe you," Minho replies, a pout quickly forming. Jisung's eyes widened, moving to lean backwards, his elbows propping him upright as Minho slowly began to tower over him.

"Well, believe me," Jisung tries to convince, his voice trailing into a mere whisper as Minho drew closer, the space between them diminished into a small crater, a cavern that ached to be reached across. "Minho–?"

"What, Ji?"

"If you keep inching closer to me like this, we might never leave for the party," Jisung admits, watching as Minho's entire being pulsed with a new loud levity, his aura seeming to gleam brighter than it had in the last few hours.

They hadn't been intimate, at least, not yet. They had come close, glued behind closed doors, encapsulated in the moment, safe from prying eyes and lost in the essence of one another. Though, an abrupt phone call from Minho's father had interrupted them the first instance, followed by the sudden arrival of Jisung's parents back in his apartment the second time, leaving them continually dancing along a boundary of unknown desire. They longed to grow even closer, teetering with words that seemed hard to admit to, but even still, the electric current that seemed to draw them to this exact moment made Jisung feel breathless, sinking into an abyss of wishing to be closer, yet feeling unable to make the plunge.

"Would that be so bad?" Minho asks timidly, his voice a soothing murmur, a stark contrast to the visible tension building in the small space between them.

"Maybe– no, I don't know– Minho–" Jisung struggles to form his words properly, waiting, drawing in an uneasy breath.

"Relax," Minho breathes out, leaning away slightly. "I'm right here, and nothing has to go farther if you don't want it to."

"You know that I trust you," Jisung says quietly, reaching a hand up, gently caressing the side of Minho's jaw. Minho simply looks at him, his eyes searching for something; maybe a cast of hope or something similar, Jisung didn't know. All he knew was that this feeling that had been simmering in the back of his mind was becoming ever apparent, and Felix's teasing words had a whole different sense of truth to them.

Jisung did love Minho; incredibly so. He just didn't know how to tell him.

"I know you do, but we have all the time in the world to delve into this part of us. It doesn't have to be now, Ji."

There it was once again, the aching urge and desire to let the words flood his tongue, bleeding with a genuine truth that would come to alter their relationship in the matter of a coin flip. Part of him wanted to hope that Minho loved him too, just based upon the male's actions and devotion to spending time together ever since classes had ended, but he couldn't assume. He'd have to confess, to let the words fly free, to reveal his secret in the mere hope that Minho wouldn't reject everything that Jisung had begun to understand.

But, he keeps quiet, allowing a smile to curl on his lips as a replacement to the words that simply wove themselves deeper, planting roots for the inevitable moment where they could hopefully blossom freely.

"Thank you," Jisung murmurs, brushing his thumb against Minho's cheek. "You're everything to me."

"Just as you are to me," Minho mutters back, smiling tenderly, allowing the moment to truly stretch between them.

With a gentle push of subtle guidance, Jisung coaxes Minho into leaning closer again, allowing their lips to meet in a soft embrace. Minho smiles into the kiss, pressing even closer based upon Jisung's continued pull, leaving each breath to be swallowed by the other, feeding into the allure that they drew from their connection.

Slowly, Minho pulls away, his lips moving to drag across and press against Jisung's cheek and the tip of his nose, slowly raising upwards to press against the younger's forehead. Jisung hums warmly, moving his other hand upwards to caress the other side of Minho's jaw, keeping him in place, not yet wanting to ruin the calamity of their shared moment.

"We should get ready to go to the party," Jisung says, trying to bridge onto their next venture.

Minho smiles, nodding slightly as he leans away, his eyes locking onto Jisung's in an instant. "I've been ready, Ji. We're just waiting on you."

"Well, maybe if you stop kissing me, then I could get ready."

With a playful scoff, Minho leans away, catching Jisung's falling hands with his own as he rises off of the bed, gently tugging Jisung towards him.

"Let's go then," Minho tries to coerce. "No more lazing about. It's time to enjoy ourselves, right? Isn't that what you said?"

"Fine, fine, smartass," Jisung quips, allowing Minho to pull him off of the bed. "If you insist."

"C'mon," Minho chides. "It'll be fun. After all, what could go wrong?"

As time moved on, Jisung and Minho found themselves walking down the street, hand in hand, striding towards the supposed house where the party was being held. Jisung felt a bit unsure about the evening in itself, but Minho assured him with light kisses and gentle touches, trying to smooth over the anxiety that made itself present.

Now, as they rounded the corner, Jisung could see the house in the distance, stark against the other homes that seemed to stand still. The home was grand, centered around other buildings that Jisung could only assume were other frat houses or college townhomes, or just something of the sort. The streets were lined with parked cars and street lamps that illuminate the path they had been walking down, listening to the noises of a quiet evening that seemed to wrap them in an embrace of solitude. It was a tranquil, peaceful walk towards the notorious frat house, leaving the air to ripple around them wordlessly, pacing through the branches of thick trees and green leaves, dancing along the curve and curl of uncut grass. It all felt to be a precursor, like a means to acknowledging a sudden shift in the atmosphere.

Minho squeezed Jisung's hand as they grew closer, the sound of incoming music filling the space that words hadn't occupied. Jisung watched as the details grew to be more apparent, taking in the color of the home and the black frames adorning the widows, along with the lights that had shone down the pathway and the porch itself. The mailbox was silver, the house numbers stacked neatly against the house, the driveway large and spacious with two separate garage doors. The home looked like a mansion, yet had been anything but, though the grandeur of the home itself nearly brought a wordless gasp to Jisung's lips.

"Here we are," Minho begins, taking a breath as they move to approach the porch. "Nervous?"

"Just a bit, but I have you, so I know I'll be okay."

Minho glances at Jisung, smiling small before he faces forward again, stepping closer to the front door before reaching for the handle, pushing the door open with a subtle shove. Jisung waits for Minho to step inside first, following him indoors, listening to the crowd of voices and loud music slur over every single thought that presents itself.

"There you are!" A voice calls out beyond the threshold of the music, bringing Jisung's focus to the male that had approached. He was taller, muscular in stature, yet his eyes were incredibly kind, his hair a deeply faded brunette, though his clothing spoke of athletic leisure, matched with sneakers and a silver necklace.

"Chan," Minho says, giving his nod of gratitude before speaking again. "Thanks for having us. I know it's been a long time, and I'm not the greatest person about keeping in touch."

"Ah, water under the bridge!" Chan's accent nearly reverberated around the space that Jisung was present in. He hadn't known that Chan wasn't from Korea, but rather from Australia, making him wonder why and how he'd end up in Korea of all places. "Your friends are all gathered around the pool table, having drinks and sharing a laugh. They've been waiting for you and–?"

"Jisung," Minho finishes, smoothing his thumb against Jisung's hand. "He's my partner."

"As I've heard from Wooyoung," Chan attests, glancing at Jisung. "It's a pleasure. Promise I don't bite. We're here to have fun, after all. Go enjoy yourselves; get a taste of college life."

Minho smiles slightly, beginning to tug Jisung towards the open corridor that lay to their left, laden with laughter and more unknown faces. "Will do. You better come have a drink with us though. I know Wooyoung won't let you live it down if you don't."

"Oh, for sure!" Chan laughs. "Woo wouldn't let me escape the night if I didn't enjoy a drink or two with you all."

Jisung follows Minho's lead as they move through the home, clinging to one another as the lively sounds of the party begin to cloud Jisung's senses. He's slightly uncomfortable, way out of his element, far from anything he's truly ever known. He had only been familiar with school gatherings and quiet libraries, the safety of his own home and the solitude of his bedroom, never anything of this vibrant magnitude.

The lights were dimmed, the tables and countertops of the kitchen were dappled with an array of solo cups and pizza boxes, leaving a cluttered mess to hide the white marble that lay beneath. Jisung hangs onto Minho even tighter, shuffling closer, trying to ignore the noise that threatened to drown out every sense that he clung to.

But, eventually, Minho finds said pool table, the incoming flurry of familiar laughter and voices now having drawn Jisung away from a place of anxiety, swallowing the rush of emotions that clung to the fabric of his shirt.

First he spots Felix, who was settled next to Wooyoung, who was already likely a drink or two in and was clinging to San lovingly; adoringly. Next, he finds Jeongin standing idly by, a slight frown of unamusement settled on his lips as the male next to him chatted away, holding a solo cup in his hands with a beaming smile. Jisung could only assume that this was Seungmin, especially given the small little details that Minho could recall. He was slightly tall, his hair a ruffled black, his eyes shining with adoration as he spoke to Jeongin, who seemed uninterested on the surface, but beneath all of that did Jisung see a spark of something more laced beneath his intentions.

As his gaze moves around the familiar crowd, his eyes wander across a doorway, spotting the figures of people annoyingly familiar to him, but lacking in the usual number they came with. Mingi was standing far away, flirting with girls with a drink plastered in his hand. Jongho was to his right, smiling and laughing without a care in the world. But, in all of that chaos, Jisung takes note that Hyunjin wasn't even present. Either he was here and hiding off elsewhere, or he just hadn't bothered to come. Regardless, Jisung was proud of Hyunjin for taking a stand.

Minho settles into the banter that the room falls into, and all Jisung can do is listen. He's overtaken by a myriad of thoughts and feelings, flooded with the remnants of what felt like overstimulation and subtle anxiety, but he felt unable to express how he was truly feeling. Words couldn't be articulated, and even moreso, the shock of seeing all of these unfamiliar faces and submerging himself into an environment that wasn't typical of him; Jisung was terribly confused of how to even feel.

Minho, ever perceptive, placed his hand on Jisung's lower back before curling it around and gently gripping his waist, pulling him closer, pressing their bodies flush together in a rush of warmth. Their sides were touching, and somehow, that was all Jisung needed. He was immediately brought back down from the mountainous climb he had ascended to, taking in a subtle, rapt breath that seemingly calmed every nerve that had been alight. Minho was a grounding force, a place to tether himself to, a means of hiding away from the storm that his life would likely become. So, he turns and begins to truly listen to the conversation ahead of him, only then taking note of Chan's arrival into the room, followed by two other people.

"Alright, alright! Time to party," Chan suggests, raising the bottle that had been in his palm. "You all remember Hongjoong, yeah?"

"Of course," Wooyoung speaks out. "How could we forget when he beholds such a reputation?"

Jisung's gaze turns, studying the features of the new people with a curious glint. Hongjoong, as he stood close to Chan, had split-dyed hair, his eyes a deep ember, his clothes edgy yet stylish in choice. He wore black and gold framed glasses, his fingers adorned with rings, a tattoo showing on the underside of his arm as he reached to place a hand on San's shoulder, laughing at something Wooyoung must've said while Jisung hadn't been paying attention.

"Oh, everyone," Hongjoong says, breaking Jisung out of his reverie. "This is Seonghwa. He's my partner, and he studies here on campus with the rest of us."

Seonghwa, as he was called, was enigmatic. His presence demanded attention, as his clothing was an allure in itself. He was taller than Hongjoong, wearing a warmer-looking sweater, his hair long and ebony in color, slightly curled on the ends as they loosely framed his face. He was angelic, seemingly quiet yet friendly, his lips turned in a smile as he greeted everyone nicely, completely oblivious to Jisung's curious stare.

"Ah, Minho–" Chan calls out suddenly. "Can I chat with you for a sec? I need to ask you about something."

Minho shares a look with Jisung, a silent question, but Jisung simply nods and waves off his worry, silently mouthing I'll be fine in turn. Minho smiles back before leaving, walking with Chan out of the room, moving beyond the threshold where Jisung could see him.

With a breath, Jisung turns, facing the crowd of faces again, listening to the conversation readily.

"Oh come on," Wooyoung says with a whine. "Don't sugar coat it!"

"I'm not sugar coating anything," Hongjoong laughs, reaching over to nudge Wooyoung's shoulder. "College is a breeze. Ask Seonghwa– he's in the arts building. If you both want to pursue dance, he's the one to ask."

"Oh?" San questions. "You're in the arts program?"

"Yeah," Seonghwa replies quietly, though his voice was audible over the music. "Fine arts with a minor in fashion."

"What's that like?" Felix chimes in, placing his hands on the edge of the pool table before slightly leaning into them.

"It's. . . stressful, but it's rewarding. Hongjoong studies music, so we see each other often, but I can imagine how hard the other courses may be. I didn't anticipate a fine arts course to be so demanding." Seonghwa sighs, but he smiles regardless, glancing at Hongjoong. "Grateful for him through it all, truly."

"Wooyoung doesn't know what he wants," San proclaims, earning an eye roll from his partner. "But I told him that he should pursue what he's best at, and that's dance or singing. Even writing, if he so wanted."

"You always encourage me to chase after those things, San'ah, but I don't know how capable I am." Wooyoung frowns, but San reaches over, pinching his cheek, smiling all the while.

"Gross," Jeongin chimes in, raising a brow unenthusiastically. "Be in love elsewhere."

"Oh, come on," Seungmin chides, gently nudging Jeongin. "Don't be so negative. Just relax, let loose."

"Says you, Mr. 'I'm too shy to talk'." Jeongin glances at Seungmin, who simply laughs, allowing the comment to roll off of his back. Jisung's eyes widened, happily assessing the situation before him, wondering how someone could so easily deal with Jeongin's antics.

Just as the conversation was finally reaching an impasse, a sudden shout of raised voices stirs Jisung's attention elsewhere. His eyes frantically search the space around him, laden with unfamiliar paint and decor, unsure of where to look. But, at another shout and a clashing of noise, his body moves on its own, moving towards the doorway as he looks into where the altercation had broken out, spotting a scene he would've never anticipated.

Minho was standing before him, a few feet away, his fists clenched, words being harshly exchanged between himself and the man who stood barely a few inches away. Mingi stood definitely, a smirk smeared across his expression before he leaned closer, whispering one more statement, trying to get the final word in before he began to turn away, fully prepared to leave Minho in his angrily vulnerable state.

"Don't you dare turn away from me like that–!" Minho shouted, reaching to grab the collar of Mingi's shirt before he held onto him for dear life, pulling the male closer. Mingi scrambled to say something incoherent, but it hadn't been enough. Minho took one breath, one final look at the male who used to be his best friend before hooking his arm backwards, and with a deft swing, Minho's fist collided into Mingi's jaw.