The Boy Next Door | Wen Junhui

Chapter 16

Third-person |

The morning light filtered through Minyoung's curtains, casting a soft glow across her room. She'd barely slept, her mind tangled with questions and anxieties about what today would bring, even though yesterday was fun and enjoyable. Just as she closed her eyes to steady her breathing, a soft knock sounded at her door.

Her heart skipped. Minghao.

She quickly pulled herself together, walking to the door. When she opened it, Minghao stood there, looking almost as tired as she felt but managing a small smile nonetheless. His hand rested casually against the doorframe, his calm presence somehow grounding her.

"You ready?" he asked, his voice low, as though not to disturb the morning quiet.

Minyoung nodded, trying to muster her own smile. "As ready as I'll ever be."

They walked in silence through the hall, side by side. She could feel the weight of the moment in every step, her pulse thrumming with anticipation. Beside her, Minghao's quiet steadiness was a comfort she didn't know she'd needed.

When they reached the room, there it was—the envelope, sitting in the center of a table, almost plain in its simplicity. Yet to her, it was heavy with meaning.

Minghao turned to her, offering a reassuring smile as he motioned for her to take the lead. "It's your answer, Minyoung. I'll be right here."

With a steadying breath, she took the final steps forward, her fingers grazing the envelope before she lifted it into her hands. She could feel her heart racing, the anticipation almost unbearable. Slowly, she broke the seal, her fingers trembling slightly as she unfolded the paper inside.

The words blurred for a moment, and Minyoung blinked, trying to focus. She read the lines over again, her heart racing as the meaning became crystal clear. The answer was there, plain as day: Yes. A single word that felt like it held the weight of the world.

Minghao's hand rested lightly on her shoulder, grounding her back into the present. She looked up at him, her expression wavering somewhere between disbelief and overwhelming relief.

"It's... it's real," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I thought I was prepared, but..." She trailed off, words failing her as emotions washed over her—joy, fear, hope—each vying for her attention.

Minghao's eyes softened, understanding flickering in his gaze. "Sometimes, even when we think we're ready, reality feels... different," he said gently. He took a step closer, searching her expression. "But you're not alone, Minyoung."

Her eyes locked onto his, and for a moment, all the fears that had kept her awake seemed to quiet down. There was a safety in his presence, an anchor she hadn't realized she needed until this moment.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice thick. She clutched the paper tightly in her hands, feeling the weight of what it meant. After everything, here was someone she could lean on, someone who'd stayed by her side even when things got messy and uncertain.

Minghao's gaze was warm, unwavering. He reached out, squeezing her hand gently, as if to say that no matter what lay ahead, they'd face it together.

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, letting her take the lead.

Minyoung hesitated, glancing back down at the paper that now felt so significant in her hands. "I think... I just need a moment," she said, her voice steadier now, brimming with a newfound determination.

"Take all the time you need," he replied, stepping back to give her space. He leaned against the wall, his presence a quiet reassurance in the background as she took a moment to let the truth settle in.

Slowly, she closed her eyes, letting herself breathe deeply as she held onto the paper. Today had brought an answer she hadn't dared to fully believe in, and now that it was here, she felt a rush of emotions flooding through her.

The yes meant possibilities. It meant a future she had almost given up on dreaming about. With her brother, her own brother beside her, she felt a sense of strength stirring within her. She opened her eyes, looked at him, and gave a small, grateful nod.

"Okay," she said finally, her voice stronger. "I think I'm ready to talk."

Minghao's face lit up with a smile, and in that moment, she felt the weight of uncertainty begin to lift. Together, they would figure out what came next.

Jun-hui |

I wonder if they got their results...

My mind wasn't with me at this point, rather in the possibilities about Minyoung and Myungho. It was 6.27 A.M. yet, I couldn't sleep. We have the MV shooting today, and I was hoping to get some shut eye, but no.

I heard Jeonghan's voice from outside, his cheerful tone cutting through my thoughts. "I'm happy for you, Minnie~"

Curiosity piqued, I stepped closer to the door, straining to catch a glimpse of what was happening in the living room. Peering out, I saw Minyoung and Minghao, their expressions a mix of relief and lingering uncertainty. Jeonghan stood in front of them, a wide smile on his face, exuding his usual warmth.

"What's going on?" I asked, stepping fully into the room.

Minyoung turned to me, a smile breaking through the tension in her features. "We got the results!"

Minghao nodded, his expression more relaxed than I had seen it before. "Yeah, we did. Jeonghan's been cheering us on."

"Good!" I said, my heart lifting at the sight of their relief. "How do you feel?"

Minyoung glanced at Minghao before looking back at me. "It's a lot to process, but... I think I'm okay."

Jeonghan clapped his hands together. "See? I told you all would be well! Now let's celebrate! How about breakfast?"

"Breakfast sounds amazing," Minyoung said, her eyes brightening at the suggestion.

"I'll help," Minghao offered, moving to the kitchen area.

As they began discussing breakfast options, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. It was reassuring to see them buoyed by support, especially after everything they had been through.

"Are you sure you're okay?" I asked Minyoung softly, stepping closer. "If you need to talk or anything..."

She turned to me, her expression earnest. "Really, Jun, I'm fine. I appreciate it, but I feel like I can handle this now."

I sighed, relieved. "You've got this."

Jeonghan was already rummaging through the cupboards, pulling out ingredients for pancakes. "Okay, let's make a feast fit for winners! You two deserve it after facing this with so much courage!"

"Just don't burn anything," Minghao joked, grinning as he joined in on the preparations. 

''I'll go wake up Mr. Giant, so we'll for sure won't burn anything. '' I said, going to Mingyu's room, while the 3 were laughing.

***

Hello lovely people!! I'm so happy for Min siblings~ Minyoung finally meets and confirms her brother after years!! I wanted to thank you all for the reads, votes and supportive comments, they mean so much to me. Well then, till the next chapter Stay safe and take care,

Adiós.