×Seungmin's pov×

The milk, forgotten on the stove, began to steam gently, a silent testament to Hyunjin's distracted state.

His gaze, fixed intently on Seungmin, held a barely concealed intensity. The younger boy lay sprawled on the couch, a picture of languid relaxation, a stark contrast to the turmoil churning within Hyunjin.

He'd been so preoccupied with Seungmin's cryptic comment about Jeongin, his own simmering feelings for the younger boy momentarily forgotten.

"What did you say about Jeongin?"

Hyunjin asked, his voice low, the question hanging heavy in the air between them.

His heart hammered a frantic rhythm against his ribs, a mixture of apprehension and a desperate need for clarity. Seungmin's lips curved into a slow, ironic smile.

"Sorry, I must rest. I can't talk."

He drawled, his voice laced with playful mockery. Hyunjin rolled his eyes, a mixture of exasperation and affection coloring the movement.

He turned back to the kitchen, the forgotten milk now bordering on a boil. He quickly finished making Seungmin's hot cocoa, the familiar ritual a grounding force in the midst of his internal chaos.

He carried the steaming mug into the bedroom and settled onto the bed beside Seungmin, the warmth of the drink mirroring the warmth that bloomed in his chest as he gently stroked Seungmin's hair. The care in his eyes was unmistakable, a silent testament to the depth of his feelings.

Seungmin took a sip of his cocoa, the rich sweetness a temporary balm to his anxieties.

"I'm a little nervous about tomorrow night. Hanging out with Jisung and everyone... and especially being alone with Jisung, if that happens..."

His voice trailed off, a subtle tremor betraying his unease. Hyunjin's hand stilled in Seungmin's hair.

"You worry too much. You need to stop. All this stress... it'll make you worse. And then you won't even be able to go out tomorrow night."

He said softly, his voice firm but laced with reassurance. Seungmin smiled, a small, hesitant curve of his lips, but the tension in his shoulders remained.

He remained quiet for a few moments, the unspoken worry still clinging to him.

With his free hand, he reached out and took Hyunjin's, his fingers interlacing with the elder's.

Just then, Seungmin's phone buzzed on the coffee table, jolting both boys from their shared tranquility. Seungmin frowned, glancing at the caller ID.

"It's Felix"

"Answer it."

Hyunjin urged, his curiosity piqued. Seungmin reluctantly picked up the phone, placing it to his ear.

"Hello?"

"Seungmin!"

Felix's voice boomed through the speaker, loud and unrestrained.

"You're not going to believe this! Seonghwa hyung asked me to go shopping with him... I mean, the nerve, right?"

"Wait, what did you say?"

Seungmin's brow furrowed as he absorbed the absurdity of the situation. It was classic Seonghwa, always seeking connections, even with someone who clearly loathed him.

"He, like, still wanted to hang out because he got tired of shopping alone."

"What did you say?"

Seungmin pressed, trying to keep the conversation focused. He wouldn't let Felix escape that easily.

"I said yes! I'm on my way to pick him up!"

Felix exclaimed, his excitement palpable even through the phone. Seungmin remained silent, allowing Felix to spill his thoughts. Finally, after a minute, Seungmin replied.

"Okay, good luck with that. Just... try not to do anything reckless."

"Yeah. Right."

The conversation fizzled out, and Felix ended the call abruptly. Seungmin closed his eyes, weary.

"Well, that was unexpected."

Seungmin murmured and left his phone on the floor. Hyunjin, still holding his hand, felt a wave of curiosity.

"What was that about?"

He whispered. Seungmin simply shook his head and snuggled closer to Hyunjin, his breathing slowing into a steady rhythm.

He lay down beside Hyunjin, the familiar rhythm of his heartbeat lulling him into a gentle sense of comfort.

He felt a blend of amusement and concern for Felix; the antics of his friends often felt like a farcical play he was forced to watch.

But an hour later, Seungmin's peace was shattered by another incoming call, the familiar ring tone echoing through the quiet room.

"It's him again."

Seungmin groaned. Hyunjin chuckled softly, allowing him to pick up the phone once more.

"Hello, Felix?"

"Seungmin! Forget what I said before!"

Felix's voice came loud and heated through the speaker. He was almost yelling, and there were no questions - he was mad.

"I absolutely hate asshole! I told him I had something urgent to do too and bailed!"

Seungmin covered the phone's mouthpiece and sighed, glancing at Hyunjin, whose expression was a mixture of concern and amusement.

"You acted childish. Felix, there was no reason for that."

"Every time I hear Seonghwa hyung's voice, he's either on the phone with Minho hyung or talking about him! It's like they're always together, and I'm just pushed aside!"

"Felix, breathe. They are just friends. It doesn't mean he's trying to steal Minho hyung from you. You're overthinking this."

"Overthinking? It's not overthinking if it's a real thing!"

Felix argued, his frustration spiraling. Hyunjin's laughter broke through the tension.

"He's definitely not 'stealing' Minho hyung from you, Felix. You need to trust them."

"Trust them? Trust! Why would I trust someone I can't stand?"

Felix shouted, his voice echoing through the room. Hyunjin and Seungmin exchanged glances, each speechless in the wake of Felix's barrage of emotions.

As Felix continued to rant on the phone, Seungmin couldn't help but feel the wave of emotions crashing over him, unsettled by his friend's intensity.

There was a familiar weight in the air, a tension that had become a hallmark of their little friend group. Hyunjin's comforting presence kept him grounded, but Felix was spiraling fast, and the way he vented was a mixture of heated and hysterical.

"I swear, I'll never speak to him again! I'll just avoid him forever! Why can't he just disappear?"

The frustration in Felix's voice escalated, and Seungmin felt a small pang of sympathy for Seonghwa. Felix was known for his fiery passion, but his feelings for Seonghwa were a tangled knot, filled with equal parts admiration and annoyance.

"Dude, just calm down! You know how Seonghwa hyung is, right? He doesn't mean to bother you."

Seungmin interjected, trying to light a breeze of reason into the storm of Felix's grievances.

"Calm down? Why do I have to calm down? I'm the one being provoked!"

Felix retorted, his voice an octave higher. Hyunjin gave Seungmin a cautious glance, a mix of concern and mischief dancing in his eyes.

It was moments like these that amplified Hyunjin's affections for Seungmin, seeing how he navigated the tumultuous waters of friendship.

Felix's breath hitching through the line signaled an impending meltdown; Seungmin recognized that tone. Felix was furious, but under that anger was a trembling uncertainty that they all felt-an emotional mess they'd danced around for too long.

"Felix, you need to go home and rest before you say or do something you'll regret."

"Why should I? I'm not done with this conversation!"

Felix's stubbornness ignited a laugh from Hyunjin, filling the room with a contagious warmth.

"Seungmin is right, you know. Sometimes a little silence does wonders for a noisy heart."

"Right, because that's what I need - a mute friend!"

Felix shot back, still simmering in his anger. And just as they anticipated, with a huff, he abruptly clicked off the call.

"Wow. He could've just let it out without cursing a mailbox. He really needs to handle his emotions better."

"Or Seonghwa hyung needs to handle his presence better."

Seungmin replied, tightening his grip on Hyunjin's hand, as if he's about to pass out.

"But you're right; Felix is going to be fine after a good night's rest."