Chapter 11 - The Fragility of Hope

The house was silent when Hyunjin woke up.

A soft glow of morning light seeped through the curtains, painting his bedroom in muted golds and grays. He lay still for a moment, eyes fixed on the ceiling, listening to the stillness around him.

Minho and Seungmin were probably still asleep.

That was good.

It meant he wouldn't have to see them.

Hyunjin turned on his side, the cold sheets brushing against his skin. His body ached—not from anything physical, but from the weight he had been carrying on his shoulders for so long. The weight of pretending. The weight of being strong.

He let out a soft sigh, closing his eyes.

Just one more day.

One more day of smiling.

One more day of pretending it doesn't hurt.

He sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes before swinging his legs over the bed. His bare feet touched the cold wooden floor, grounding him as he forced himself up. Today was just another day. Another endless cycle of silent endurance.

And so, he moved.

Because there was no other choice.

--

The kitchen smelled like coffee when Hyunjin walked in. He wasn't surprised to find Minho sitting at the counter, his dark hair still slightly tousled from sleep. He looked effortlessly beautiful, even in his cold indifference.

But he wasn't alone.

Seungmin sat beside him, his head resting against Minho's shoulder, a lazy smirk playing on his lips as he whispered something into Minho's ear. Whatever it was, it made Minho chuckle softly.

A real laugh. A genuine one.

Hyunjin felt something twist inside him.

So, he's capable of laughing like that.

Just not with me.

He forced his gaze away, moving towards the fridge as if their presence didn't affect him.

Seungmin noticed, of course. He always did.

"Oh, you're up early," Seungmin said, his voice smooth, taunting. "Couldn't sleep?"

Hyunjin pulled out a carton of milk, setting it on the counter. "I always wake up early."

Seungmin hummed, resting his chin in his palm. "Must be lonely."

Hyunjin didn't respond. He simply poured himself a glass of milk and took a slow sip, his expression unreadable.

Minho didn't say anything. He never did.

And somehow, that hurt more than the words.

--

The day passed in a haze of nothingness.

Hyunjin busied himself with schoolwork, keeping his mind occupied with lectures and assignments. But no matter how much he tried to distract himself, the ache in his chest never fully disappeared.

It was early evening when a knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.

Hyunjin frowned, setting his book aside before making his way to the entrance. When he opened the door, he was met with a familiar face.

Chan.

The moment Hyunjin saw him, something inside him cracked.

"Hyung," he whispered, his voice barely above a breath.

Chan's expression softened, his eyes scanning Hyunjin's face carefully. He looked exhausted, his usual radiance dulled by the weight of everything he was carrying.

Without another word, Chan stepped inside, closing the door behind him before pulling Hyunjin into a tight hug.

Hyunjin froze for a second before melting into the embrace.

The warmth, the familiarity, the comfort—he hadn't realized how badly he needed it.

Chan didn't say anything, just held him.

And for the first time in days, Hyunjin allowed himself to breathe.

--

They ended up sitting in the living room, cups of tea in their hands, the warmth of the drink doing little to ease the cold inside Hyunjin.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Chan finally asked, his voice quiet but firm.

Hyunjin lowered his gaze, his fingers tightening around his cup.

"There was nothing to tell," he murmured.

Chan let out a sharp breath, setting his cup down with a little more force than necessary.

"Don't do that." His tone was different now—stern, almost angry. "Don't pretend like everything is fine when it's not."

Hyunjin swallowed, his throat tightening.

"I just... I didn't want to burden anyone."

Chan's expression softened, but the frustration didn't leave his eyes.

"You're not a burden, Hyunjin." His voice was quieter this time, gentler. "You never have been."

Hyunjin didn't realize his hands were shaking until Chan reached over, covering them with his own.

It was such a simple gesture.

But it made Hyunjin feel seen.

And for the first time in a long time, he didn't feel so alone.

--

Their moment was cut short by the sound of the front door opening.

Hyunjin knew before he even turned around.

Minho.

Chan's grip on Hyunjin's hands tightened slightly before he pulled away, leaning back against the couch just as Minho entered the living room. His gaze landed on Hyunjin first, then shifted to Chan.

His expression darkened.

"What is he doing here?" Minho's voice was sharp, laced with irritation.

Hyunjin straightened his back, his calm demeanor slipping back into place. "He came to visit."

Minho scoffed, stepping further into the room. "I don't remember inviting guests."

Chan's jaw clenched. "I don't need your permission to visit my friend."

Minho's eyes flickered with something unreadable before settling into a glare.

"This isn't your house, though, is it?"

Chan didn't back down. "And? That doesn't mean I can't be here when my friend needs me."

Hyunjin felt the tension thickening in the air, suffocating and heavy.

"Hyung," he said softly, placing a hand on Chan's arm. "It's okay."

Chan turned to him, eyes searching his face.

But Hyunjin just smiled.

It was a quiet plea.

A silent please don't fight because of me.

Chan exhaled slowly before nodding. He stood up, grabbing his coat. "Fine. I'll go."

But before he left, he turned to Minho one last time, his eyes cold.

"You can hate this marriage all you want," Chan said. "But you don't get to break him like this."

Minho didn't respond.

And just like that, Chan was gone.

Leaving Hyunjin alone with the man who would never love him.