Feathers And Carnations Chapter Twenty-seven

*Two months later*

“This is literally the dumbest game to ever exist!” Hyunjin huffed, throwing his cards down.”

Jisung laughed. “Looks like I picked the right name for it.”

“The name only works for losers,” Seungmin said smugly as he took his turn.

Jeongin glanced at Jisung. “What do you call it again?”

“Race Inducer.”

“Oh yeah, Hyunjin should definitely not play this.”

Chan was standing off to the side, looking on with his brow furrowed. “I still don’t really get what’s happening.”

Seungmin glanced up at him. “Of course you wouldn’t understand, old man.”

Felix laughed. Changbin pointed at their leader with a loud, obnoxious ‘Ha!’. Chan looked like he regretted life.

Jisung used the distraction to his advantage and made his move.

Hyunjin shoved to his feet. “That’s it, I’m done. I’m gonna go train before I swing on one of you.”

Eui popped to her feet from where she sat at the far end of the table. “I’ll come with you, I need to spar with someone hardcore.” She sent a pointed look at Seungmin, just to get him fired up.

Seungmin, like always, fell for it. Only Eui could get under his skin so easily. “Oh, is that a challenge, rookie?”

“With you? Never a challenge.”

Jeongin suddenly held his hand up, the signal for everyone to quiet down as he looked down at something in his hand. As the room fell silent, the vibration of a phone could be heard. 

Chan stepped closer. “What is it?”

Jeongin slowly raised his head, his expression filled with shock and confusion. “Jaya is calling me.”

The confusion spread through the room. Hyunjin was the first to speak on it. “Jaya? I thought she was dead or long gone from the country. How is she calling right now?”

Jeongin got to his feet. “I’ll check this out. Wait here just in case.” With those cryptic words, he left the room.

Jisung shared a glance with Changbin, but they could only shrug at one another. Nearly five months had passed since the destruction of Chimera, so hearing from Jaya out of the blue was unnerving. It was a tense few minutes before Jeongin came back.

Jeongin looked straight at Jisung. “Minho is alive.”

⧫⧫⧫

Jisung didn’t sleep for days.

Jaya found Minho and decided to save his life since he was the reason Chimera was gone for good. According to her, it was quite a process to revive him, and it was an even longer healing process. She didn’t bother to let anyone know about Minho in case she failed to save him, and now that he was gaining his strength back, it was time for him to come back.

Jisung had never hated waiting so much in his life. Since Jaya had some things to arrange and take care of, he had to wait for nearly a week before she told them a meeting time and place, and he was beyond anxious to see Minho again. He constantly wondered if he was dreaming, despite not having slept in days, but at this point all he could think about was seeing Minho alive and well.

It was hard at first. He just started getting used to missing Minho and carrying the grief of losing him, and now he was back so suddenly. It sent Jisung into a spiral of confused and conflicting emotions. The strangest part was that he was… scared. Nerves and nausea were becoming constant companions, which only made it more difficult to sleep. He hoped that would all dissipate once he was with Minho again.

Jeongin was the one to inform Jisung of everything, and apparently Jaya was doing well for herself. She owned an island where she ran her new business, which she conveniently didn’t elaborate on, and the meeting spot would have to be at a small undisclosed dock a few hours away. Within hours of learning this information, a meeting was set and Jisung had to make sure his heart was still functioning properly. 

Changbin trained with Jisung for several hours the night before the meeting, which helped keep him occupied and tired him out enough to sleep.

And finally, it was time.

Chan offered to drive Jisung, since he was clearly not in a state to drive, and they left the estate early.

An hour into the drive, Chan reached over and set his hand on Jisung’s shoulder. “Make sure you’re breathing, Ji.”

Jisung released a sharp breath and nodded. “Yes, I’m doing my best.”

Chan smiled softly. “It’s okay to feel nervous and uncertain. You watched him die, so I’m this has been a lot to take in and process.”

“Yeah it’s… weird. Nothing feels real and it’s off putting.” Jisung set his hand on top of Chan’s still on his shoulder. “Thanks for coming with me.”

“I just didn’t want you wrecking one of the cars,” Chan teased, playfully patting Jisung’s head.

Jisung managed a small laugh as he pushed his leader’s arm away. “You’re such a dad.”

“Stop calling me that.”

“You know I won’t.”

The remainder of the long drive was mostly quiet and Jisung watched the sun steadily climb in the sky as they went. It rained the night prior, which made the air cool and the sun sparkle. It was a beautiful day, which helped ease his nerves, if just a little.

Finally, around early evening, Chan pulled into a small parking lot that overlooked a large green field fading into the sea. Jisung’s heart launched into a thundering run. He set a hand on his chest and let out a slow breath.

We’re actually here.

Chan put the car into park. “Are you okay?”

Jisung’s response fizzled away when he saw a small boat approach the dock across the field. As if in a daze, he took his seatbelt off and climbed out of the car, eyes never leaving the boat. He only took a few steps onto the grass before his body glued itself into place.

What if this isn’t real? What if I’ve been dreaming this whole time? What if this is a trick?

The boat docked. A tall female figure climbed down to the dock and appeared to give instructions of some sort to someone on board. A second later, a painfully familiar figure emerged and climbed onto the dock. The two exchanged a few words, and then the woman stepped back and the other turned to face the field.

Jisung’s heart came to life, leaping as the man moved down the dock and his features slowly came into focus. It’s Minho. It’s really him.

Minho’s steps faltered as he raised his head, seemingly just noticing Jisung across the field.

Jisung’s feet were moving before he realized it. His heart was flying as he broke into a run, all fear and uncertainty gone like smoke in the wind.

Minho moved faster, a limp stopping him from running completely.

The world faded away in a blur of light and green as Jisung threw his arms around Minho’s neck.

A laugh broke from Minho’s chest, wrapping his arms around Jisung’s waist as he spun them around.

Jisung squeezed his eyes closed, willing himself not to cry all over Minho as his feet settled back on the ground. Minho’s comforting scent surrounded him and he held onto him tightly, afraid that he would disappear if he let go.

The pair stood there for a long time, taking comfort in one another’s arms after being apart for so long. Like two halves, together they were finally whole.

“Have you been working out, love? You seem stronger.”

Jisung laughed through the tears of joy that had finally managed to escape and he pulled back just enough to look Minho in the eyes, cradling his head in his hands. “That’s the first thing you say? Really?”

“What? I noticed, I had to compliment you. But I can try again.” Minho gently cupped Jisung’s face, admiration and love bright in his eyes. “Hi.”

Jisung’s eyes danced over Minho’s features. He’d lost weight and his dark hair was longer than it was last time they were together, but he was alive and beautiful. Jisung grinned. “Dork.” He gently pulled Minho down and kissed him. Minho’s arms tightened around Jisung, pulling him impossibly closer and deepening the kiss.

Their hearts thundered in sync, minds and bodies joining together in joyous reunion.

In a green field overlooking the sea, a reformed love that fought through darkness outshone the sun.

⧫⧫⧫

“I’m nervous.”

“That’s weird.”

“It’s not weird!” Jisung gasped dramatically, glaring at Seungmin standing behind him.

“Yes it is, you’ve lived and slept with Minho for months, it’s weird to be nervous about a date.”

Jisung rolled his eyes. “You’re so mean. No wonder Eui constantly complains about you.” He straightened his tie for the hundredth time, and then unconsciously rubbed the feather earring he wore to calm his nerves. After a week of helping Minho get settled at the Nightfield estate, they’d finally decided to go on a proper date, and now that he was getting ready to go, Jisung was nervous, and he wasn’t really sure why.

Seungmin turned him around by his shoulders. “I’m just teasing you, Han. Relax, take a deep breath. You look edible.”

A laugh burst out of Jisung. “What the hell does that mean?”

“It means you look amazing. It’s a shame I’m not into men, I’d steal you from Minho.”

Jisung smirked. “Oh really?” He puckered his lips in an exaggerated way and leaned toward Seungmin.

Seungmin instantly recoiled, a look of pure disgust written across his face. “How dare you try to kiss me, you cheating freak.”

“Steal me my ass.”

“Who’s stealing your ass?” Minho’s voice interrupted the scene intensely, making Jisung jump.

Jisung was brought to silence at the sight of Minho dressed in a full suit, his tie hanging loose and his hair pushed back. “Uh no one is stealing… wow. You look fancy.”

Minho grinned, stalking into the room as he adjusted his cuffs. “Thank you. And you, Han Jisung, look far too tempting. I don’t think I can let you go out in public looking like that.”

Seungmin made a strange noise. “Gross, I’m leaving. Have fun, and for the sake of my sanity do NOT do anything… spicy in Minho’s room, it’s too close to mine.”

Jisung felt himself blush hot as the underboss left his room, and he suddenly found it difficult to meet Minho’s gaze. Everything with Minho felt brand new all over again. They grew unbelievably close over the course of the past year and then they were ripped apart. It’d been nearly six months since they were alone in a quiet, intimate way. Jisung’s nerves were now completely shot.

A hand gently took his, and Minho intertwined their fingers. “I can see that brain working. Are you alright, love?”

“Yeah, I’m… I don’t actually know.” Jisung tried looking at Minho, but his gaze flicked off to the side. “I just… It’s been so long since we were last together like this that it almost feels like we’ve lost all progress. I don’t know what I’m saying, I’m sorry-” Jisung was cut off by Minho brushing a kiss on his knuckles.

“It’s okay, love, I understand. We agreed to take things slow, right?”

Jisung nodded, letting out a breath once he finally met Minho’s dark eyes. Those eyes brought comfort to his heart so easily. “Slow.”

“Yes. Which means if we have to start from step one in order for you to be comfortable, we’re going to do just that.” Minho stepped back. “Are you ready for our first date?”

Jisung was more than ready. Letting go of his nerves, he linked arms with Minho.

The first thing they did was go to one of Minho’s favorite restaurants. It was high end and luxurious, and the food was to die for. They talked about the memories that had returned to Jisung, what it was like for Minho to recover with Jaya, and how Seungmin and Eui were destined to be together.

After the meal, they found a park that was built around a small lake and walked hand in hand for over an hour, sharing some of their fears and worries about the future with each other and within the mafia. Opening up about such things was surprisingly easy for both of them.

And finally, the pair decided to let loose for the final activity of the night. They changed into dark clothes and prepped the weapons Seungmin and Changbin prepared for them. Missions in the mafia were more stressful than anything, but going back to simple criminal activity was fun and a stress reliever. So they robbed a bank, even daring to stop and kiss in front of the security cameras before flipping them off and making their escape.

⧫⧫⧫

“No, he totally wet himself, I swear it,” Jisung said in between laughs. “If he didn’t, he smelled awful and should be fired for bad hygiene.”

Minho chuckled, pushing the door to Jisung’s room open and letting him through. “Alright, you win. I suppose we should give him some credit though. Most that experience Han Jisung holding a gun to their face pass out. He at least stayed awake.”

“That’s true.” Jisung fell onto his bed with a groan. “I didn’t realize how much we did today, my feet aren’t all that happy with me.” 

“I could be really annoying and say you have no right to complain since I’m the one still recovering from death,” Minho joked, dropping the tote bag full of their stolen bank money. “But I won’t do that. After all, you know what it’s like to be a dead man too.”

Jisung let his eyes close as he smiled. “It’s so weird to think that we’ve both technically died in front of each other and we’re still somehow standing here talking about it.”

Minho snorted. “Some people have communication issues at the beginning of a relationship while we had issues even staying alive for each other.”

Jisung laughed. “I shouldn’t be laughing about this, but I can’t help it. We are far from ordinary, that’s for sure.”

Minho stopped at the foot of the bed and pulled Jisung’s shoes off carefully. “Well I personally like how we are.”

Jisung pushed himself up onto his elbows, smiling softly up at Minho. “Me too.” He watched, mesmerized, as Minho removed his own shoes and ruffled his hair. Emotion suddenly welled up in his chest. Seeing Minho relaxed and tired, winding down from a long day, was something he’d taken for granted. He’d missed seeing him do every day things. Death truly put things into perspective. 

“Are you okay?” Minho asked, concern coloring his eyes when he noticed Jisung’s emotional gaze. 

Oh, I’m gonna cry. Do not cry and mess up this whole date.

“I missed you so much,” he whispered, his voice tight. Damn it, there I go. Jisung wiped his eyes quickly. “I really really missed you. So much. Sorry, I don’t mean to ruin the mood.”

Minho’s eyes softened, and he knelt down in front of Jisung, cupping his face gently. “It’s okay, love. You’re not ruining anything.” He kissed his cheek. “I missed you too. Those months healing alone, knowing you were only hours away, were so hard. All I could think of was you, like I always have.”

Jisung smiled a teary smile. “I can’t believe I’m breaking down over you taking your shoes off,” he said with a small laugh.

Minho returned the smile, brushing Jisung’s tears away with his thumbs. “It’s okay, I love you anyway.”

Jisung wrapped his arms around Minho’s neck, pulling him close and letting Minho’s arms wrap around his waist. “Thank you for tonight. It means everything to me.”

Minho pulled back just barely, a slight smirk on his handsome face. “You mean everything to me, so I’ll do anything for you at any time, no questions asked.” He set a quick kiss on his lips.

Jisung wasn’t going to have that. His fingers dove into Minho’s hair as he pulled him back down, crashing their lips together. Minho smiled into the kiss, biting Jisung’s lip and in turn giving him access to deepening the kiss. Both felt starved for each other, having gone so long without this.

Sparks and butterflies erupted in their souls, warming the air around them and binding them together. Nothing could come between them, not darkness, not fear, not even the forces of Hell could come between them. Finally, they were together. Finally, they were free to explore each other in every possible way.

The pair separated for air, only to draw close again and lose themselves in the heat of the moment. Hands tangled in hair, mouths explored skin, and hearts joined in one.

And in that moment, Jisung knew.

“I love you.”

—————- OH MY GOODNESS
Okay, aaaa I love this book so frickin much it isn’t even funny. It took me less than a month to write it in the first place and then going through and updating it onto here has just put me through the journey of it all over again.
This chapter originally ended with their reunion in the field but I HAD to add more cause love story needed the development, AND I just love them. One more part! Thanks for reading.