Chapter 3: Two Flames
✨ Oracle Problems
It started with Seungmin sighing. That’s how they should’ve known it was going to be a problem.
They were back in the hotel living room — an explosion of snack wrappers, costume bits, someone’s sock in the lamp (Han swore it wasn’t his), and Changbin snoring lightly on the couch. Felix sprawled across two chairs, teaching Jeongin a tongue twister. Hyunjin lounged on the carpet, legs kicked up against the wall like royalty on vacation.
Seungmin, perched at the coffee table with a battered notebook and a deck of cards that shimmered faintly indigo, let out a long, exhausted breath.
Minho glanced up, claws lazily tapping his phone. “What is it, prophet boy? Your horoscope say ‘try again tomorrow’?”
Seungmin didn’t blink. “No. Try: ‘world-ending doom courtesy of you and our fearless commander.’”
Han perked up. “Ooh, spicy. Go on.”
Seungmin drummed his fingers. The cards twisted into impossible patterns, shadows bending around their corners.
“Two flames bind us,” he quoted. “One must fall, or all burns.”
The room fell still.
Even Felix stopped giggling. Jeongin’s mouth hung open, tongue twister forgotten. Hyunjin dropped his legs, face losing its playful mask. Changbin stirred, groggily muttering, “M’up, m’listening…”
Han broke the tension with a whistle. “Well. Guess we’re doomed. Ice cream, anyone? I vote mint choco — controversial, like our impending deaths.”
Felix barked a startled laugh. Jeongin giggled. Hyunjin dramatically flung an arm across his eyes.
“Betrayed by dairy. What a way to go.”
Seungmin shot Han a look. “You’re an idiot.”
“Maybe, but I’m a fun idiot. Way better than ‘broody prophet with nice hair.’”
Even Seungmin almost smiled.
Through it all, Chan stood near the window, arms folded tight. His jaw ticked. His eyes never left Seungmin.
Minho leaned back, feigning ease. “Sounds vague. Could mean anything. Maybe a dream about Felix setting the tour bus on fire again.”
“Hey!” Felix squawked.
But Seungmin’s eyes cut sharp to Minho. “It was you. And Chan. Two flames. One falls. Or everything burns.”
The bond between them — that molten thread under skin — pulsed once, painfully.
Minho scoffed. “Cool. Can’t wait for the merch. ‘I survived my best friend trying to kill me because destiny said so.’”
“Shut up, Minho,” Chan snapped.
Everyone jumped.
Minho blinked, grin slipping. “Touchy.”
“Maybe because it’s our lives on the line?” Chan’s voice was low, sharp. “Or do you not care?”
YOU ARE READING
Where Shadows Bind
FanfictionSaving the world was part of the job. Catching feelings for the half-demon you're bonded to? Definitely not in the briefing. Stray Kids fight monsters, dodge prophecies, and look flawless onstage. But when destiny demands blood, and one of them migh...
