THE GIFTED | STRAY KIDS ✔

18

Minho couldn't help but replay the battle scene in his mind, the vivid images etched into his consciousness. The sight of Changbin, wounded and lying on the ground, haunted him relentlessly. It felt like a memory that would forever remain imprinted in his thoughts.

The scene reminded him of his mother's battle with cancer, a grueling and agonizing journey that he had witnessed firsthand. Each stage of her treatment had left a lasting impact on him, and now, the image of Changbin's suffering stirred up those painful memories once again.

As he absentmindedly stirred the soup pot, Minho found himself contemplating the uncertainty of life. People often said that when faced with death, one's life flashed before their eyes. He wondered which moments would define his own existence.

So far, his life seemed filled with anguish, with only fleeting moments of happiness when his father was still alive. That was until he met the seven individuals who had quickly become his new family.

Within a month, they had made him feel cherished and valued, offering a sense of belonging he had never truly experienced. These boys had become his family, a dynamic he had longed for.

"You're doing it again," Jisung's voice broke through Minho's reverie, startling him.

"What?" Minho asked, his stirring becoming more hurried.

"Zoning out," Jisung replied. "You do it quite often, you know?"

"Do I?" Minho chuckled, extending a spoonful of soup toward Jisung. "Here, taste this."

Minho gently held Jisung's chin, carefully blowing on the soup to cool it down before guiding the spoonful toward Jisung's waiting lips. Jisung's face lit up with delight as he savored the delicious flavor.

"How is it?"

"It's amazing, hyung!" Jisung exclaimed. "I want more!"

"Haha, alright," Minho laughed, feeding Jisung another spoonful of soup.

"Anyone who marries you would be incredibly lucky," Jisung admitted. "You're an incredible cook."

"What makes you think someone would want to marry me?" Minho chuckled softly, turning off the stove and settling down on a chair opposite Jisung.

"Who wouldn't?" Jisung argued. "I genuinely believe people should be competing to have you."

"I'm flattered, Hannie," Minho smiled warmly. "But I've never even been in a relationship before."

"Really?!" Jisung exclaimed, surprised. "Don't joke around, hyung."

"Is it that hard to believe?" Minho asked.

"Well, yeah," Jisung replied. "You're easily one of the most attractive men I've ever met. It's surprising to think you've never dated anyone."

Minho's eyes widened at Jisung's words, and Jisung himself slowly realized what he had blurted out. Both of their cheeks flushed with embarrassment as they avoided each other's gaze.