Chapter Text
Three days had passed, and Minho was now in the café with Hyunjin,Jisung and of course, Seungmin as a result of Chan asking for a group lunch together.
Until, like always, half of them backed out due to - “last minute plans” -“I cant make it this time : ( “
“Where’s Jeongin” Hyunjin whined while almost choking on his roll.
“Are you fucking serious right now Hwang Hyunjin.” Minho groaned “He texted thrice in the group replying to you about his class schedule.”
He couldn’t possibly take a second more of hyunjin complaining about jeongin not being there. Especially not with a certain Seungmin sitting in the table across from him,leaning over to take the sandwich from Jisungs plate.He wasn’t even sure what it was, but the sight of Seungmin, the way he moved, the little grin he flashed when he teased Jisung about the horrible food he ordered, it made minho s stomach twist in a way he didn’t want to acknowledge.
Minho’s mind kept drifting. He wasn’t even sure why.
“Minho,” a voice cut through his thoughts. He looked up to see Seungmin standing in front of him, casually setting the plates aside like its no big deal. Hyunjin and Jisung were nowhere to be found now,probably giving each other company for one of their bathroom breaks.But in front of him, there was that usual mischievous gleam in Seungmin’s eyes.
“Yeah?” Minho asked, trying not to sound too defensive, even though he immediately felt on edge.
Seungmin grinned, looking more relaxed than usual. “So, when are you gonna set me up with one of your friends?”
Minho froze, a sharp jolt of confusion running through his chest. He glanced at Seungmin, trying to figure out if this was another one of his usual jokes.
“Excuse me?” Minho asked, tone carefully neutral.
Seungmin wasn’t looking at him directly now, just taking another bite of the roll, one leg casually slung over the edge, as if this was a completely normal conversation. “You know, your ‘bad boy’ buddies. You said you could set me up, right?” Seungmin met his eyes, the playful smirk still there, but Minho could sense something... different beneath the teasing.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Minho said, raising an eyebrow. He reached for his drink to hide how his pulse had picked up. There was something about Seungmin’s directness today that made it feel like more than just a passing joke.
“Oh, come on. Don’t pretend. You know exactly what I mean,” Seungmin pressed, his voice soft but insistent. “You said I could meet your friends, the ones who, you know... don’t mind breaking the rules. The ones who aren't—” He stopped himself before saying boring.
Minho’s stomach dropped. His gaze flicked over Seungmin's expression, trying to find some hint if this was just playful teasing.
“Alright, stop nagging me,” Minho grumbled, turning away, trying to brush it off, but his voice was tight. “Ill do it. Soon. Stop bothering me”
“You’ll do it right? Set me up?”
Minho’s breath caught, his heart kicking into an unexpected rhythm. He turned away quickly, almost too quickly, trying to hide the way his stomach clenched. “You’re ridiculous.”
There was a glint in Seungmin’s eyes, and probably something else too, if you searched thoroughly. But Minho couldn’t do that right now,he had to look anywhere but.
“Thank you,Hyung.”
Minho rolled his eyes. “Fine. Whatever,”
Minho didn’t continue. His mind was too busy spiraling. Why did that sound... strange? Why did it bug him so much?
He was already regretting the entire conversation.
It was only a few days later when Minho found himself walking through campus, heading toward the library. He was distracted, mind still whirling with thoughts
That was when he saw them.
Across the quad, near the coffee cart, standing side by side and talking like they’d known each other for years. Seungmin and Jaewook.
Seungmin, with his easy smile, laughing at something Jaewook had just said. Jaewook, looking uncharacteristically relaxed, his eyes crinkled at the edges as he smiled faintly. It wasn’t a big deal. Minho told himself that. It wasn’t anything special.
But still.
There was a weird... feeling in Minho’s chest as he watched them interact.
They were too... comfortable. Too familiar with each other. Minho's chest tightened as he took in the way Seungmin leaned in just a little too close, the way Jaewook didn’t seem uncomfortable with it, smiling like they had all the time in the world. Minho felt something shift under his ribs, like a dull throb. It was subtle, but it was there.
Minho’s footsteps faltered for a brief moment, almost like he was about to step into the street, but he caught himself. He didn’t want to stare. He didn’t want to seem like the jealous asshole who had no reason to care.
But still, the picture didn’t sit right with him. Seungmin had said he was looking for someone like Jaewook. The guy Minho was suddenly realizing he didn’t want to share.
Not that it mattered.
Seungmin had gotten what he wanted.
Minho had even offered to set it up.
The words echoed in his head, the frustration starting to build again.
“I’ll set you up.”
Minho’s jaw clenched.
Later that day, Minho found himself alone in his room, replaying the scene over and over in his mind. He didn’t know why it bugged him so much. He’d never once cared about Seungmin’s dating life, or about who Seungmin spent time with. But today? Seeing them together like that? It felt like a slap in the face, even though Seungmin had every right to be hanging out with Jaewook.
But the more Minho thought about it, the more his chest tightened.
Why does it feel like I’m losing something?
He pushed the thought down, refusing to acknowledge it. He had nothing to be jealous of. Seungmin had asked for Jaewook, not him. Seungmin was clearly happy with whatever this was.
He should be fine.
Right?