Lee Minho ²⁴

The locker room smelled of soap and damp. Han was finishing putting his things away, focused on his backpack. He didn't look up when the door opened, but his body tensed nonetheless.

Minho entered unhurriedly. He stared at him for a few seconds before speaking.

—I saw you earlier.

-AND?

—In the cafeteria… with that guy. He had you by the waist.

The lock sounded sharp. Han looked up, expressionless.

—Are you watching me now?

Minho ignored the tone, taking another step closer.

Are you with someone?

—That's none of your business.

—Just answer.

Han let out a short, humorless laugh.

—After disappearing for two years, you come out with this?

There was no need to explain further: that night in the hallway, the argument that started because of jealousy and pride, Han saying things he didn't fully mean just to hurt, Minho responding even worse, losing his patience… and in the end, him being the first to walk away, blurting it all out with a “then that's it” before leaving without looking back, putting an end to the beautiful relationship they had painted.

—Are you or not?

Han held his gaze, tense.

-No.

-Sure?

That sounded worse.

-What's the matter?

Minho clenched his jaw.

—I don't like seeing you like this with someone else.

Awkward silence.

—You have no right.

—He didn't have it either.

Han stepped forward, genuinely annoyed.

—Get over it.

Minho didn't move.

—If I had done it, I wouldn't be here.

And the way he said it made it clear that this was far from over.