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Chapter Five: Jinwoo
Malik set down the last plate as his guest walked into the kitchen, still looking cautious but less defensive than before. They exchanged a glance, and Malik decided it was time for introductions.
"So," Malik began, "what's your name, man?"
The guy hesitated, a faint edge to his posture, but replied, "It's Jinwoo."
Malik raised an eyebrow. "Jinwoo? What kind of name is that?" He caught a brief flicker of tension in Jinwoo's stance, the guy's shoulders pulling back slightly, and he could feel the defensiveness spike like a flash of heat.
"It's Korean, you big jerk," Jinwoo shot back, his voice carrying an edge of irritation. His expression softened almost immediately, as if catching himself, but Malik was already smirking.
"Big jerk, huh?" Malik replied, leaning casually against the counter. "I'll let that slide. But you know this big jerk carried you all the way home, bathed you, clothed you, and is now cooking you dinner. Let's see if you still want to call me names after I put this meat in your mouth. And by meat, I mean the steak."
Malik could feel the embarrassment from Jinwoo, his defensiveness melting into a blend of guilt and surprise. Smiling, he softened his tone. "That's just how we joke on the team," he explained. "No harm meant."
Jinwoo seemed to relax, offering a small smile in return. "Oh yeah? What do you play?"
"Cornerback for the North Atlanta Titans," Malik said, pride creeping into his voice. "At least, I was before the accident. Coach is keeping me off the field until he's sure I'm recovered."
Jinwoo's face lit up with recognition. "Cornerback? So you're Malik?"
Malik stared at him, surprised. "You've heard of me?"
Jinwoo nodded. "Everyone has. You and your team made the front page. The whole city was worried. Are you okay?"
"Better than you tonight," Malik replied with a chuckle, though the underlying seriousness was clear. "I've even got a pretty sick scar from the accident." He lifted his shirt, showing Jinwoo the thin line that traveled up his side, his toned abs and chest peeking through. Malik didn't miss the quick look Jinwoo gave him, or the flicker of attraction he felt radiating from him. For a moment, Malik wondered if Jinwoo was more like him than he'd suspected.
Just then, the front door opened, and Malik's dad walked in. Malik quickly lowered his shirt, turning to greet his father.
"My God, son, what happened to you?" David asked, looking Jinwoo over with concern.
Jinwoo met his gaze, a hint of defiance in his eyes. "I think you can guess," he said, his voice tense.
David's face softened. "I would, but I'd rather be told," he replied, introducing himself warmly. "Whatever happened, you're safe in my home, son. And you sure are welcome to join us for dinner--smells like Malik's got something good cooking."
As they gathered around the dinner table, Jinwoo seemed hesitant to speak, his body stiff, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his napkin. Malik could feel his apprehension building, a wave of fear and uncertainty rising. He reached across the table and placed a hand over Jinwoo's, gently dissipating the fear. "You don't have to be afraid," Malik said softly, looking him in the eye. "We're not those kinds of people. You're safe here."
Jinwoo's shoulders visibly relaxed, though he seemed unsure why. After a moment's pause, he began, his voice low and hesitant, but gaining strength as he continued. He told them about being a swimmer, how he was good enough to dream about the Olympics. But things changed when he came out. His parents wouldn't speak to him, friends fell away, and even his own teammates were either hostile or silent. The locker room had become a place of whispered slurs and muttered insults. "I didn't see who attacked me tonight," Jinwoo admitted, "but I have a pretty good idea who's behind it."
David listened intently, his expression one of deep compassion. When Jinwoo finished, he said, "Wow, son. That must be hard. I can't say I understand, but I can say I have compassion."
"That he does," said Tanya, stepping in from work, setting her purse down and joining them at the table. "And that's one reason I love him so much." She leaned down, giving David a quick kiss, and then planted another on Malik's forehead, beaming warmly at Jinwoo. Malik saw Jinwoo observing the interaction, a faint sadness mingling with the calm and warmth he was feeling. I bet he doesn't get to have moments like this often, Malik thought.
Tanya clapped her hands, breaking the moment. "Alright, boys, finish eating! Then I need to check on you," she said, gesturing to Jinwoo with a gentle but firm tone. "Let's take a look at those injuries."
After dinner, David directed Malik to set up the air mattress in his room for Jinwoo, just in case he needed to stay the night. Malik moved quickly, grabbing the spare bedding and setting up a small but cozy area in his room. Not long after, he heard a soft knock at his door.
"Come in," Malik called.
Jinwoo entered, closing the door behind him. "Is it okay for me to stay in here? It's not weird having a stranger in your room?"
"Only if you make it weird," Malik replied with a smirk.
Jinwoo chuckled, the tension between them finally easing. "Thanks, Malik. For everything today. You... you have a beautiful family."
Malik shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Right place, right time," he replied, though he knew that was only half-true.
The boys settled in, Malik on his bed, Jinwoo on the air mattress. Malik could sense Jinwoo's emotions in waves--pain, mixed with growing anxiety, and it was starting to wear on him. They lay in silence for a while, but it was clear that neither of them was able to sleep. Finally, Malik spoke up.
"Jin, I know you're not asleep."
"Jin?" Jinwoo asked, the nickname catching him by surprise.
"Yeah, you," Malik said with a grin. "You're hurt, and that mattress can't be comfortable. Why don't you take the bed? I'll sleep on the floor."
Jinwoo looked over, shaking his head. "You don't have to."
"I know, but we're not gonna get any sleep if you stay down there," Malik replied.
Jinwoo paused before speaking again, his voice soft. "I mean... you don't have to sleep on the floor. The bed's big enough for both of us, if you don't mind."
Malik felt a flicker of nerves at the suggestion but scooted over, lifting the blanket. Without another word, Jinwoo climbed in, lying stiffly beside him at first, but slowly relaxing as they settled in. Sensing the pain Jinwoo was still in, Malik focused on easing it, letting the discomfort fade as much as he could. He didn't know if he could keep it up all night, but he figured he could hold it until Jinwoo fell asleep.
The quiet and warmth of the moment soon lulled them both to sleep. Sometime during the night, Malik stirred, feeling a warm presence pressed against him. Jinwoo had scooted closer, still asleep, his head resting against Malik's shoulder. Malik's heart skipped a beat, but he could feel the contentment radiating from Jinwoo, a deep, unguarded calm.
As Malik lay beside Jinwoo in the quiet dark, he felt a deep, unexpected surge of protectiveness wash over him. Jinwoo, with his calm, brave exterior, didn't deserve any of the pain he'd endured just for being who he was. And in that moment, Malik's heart ached--not just because he understood what it felt like to carry secrets, but because he knew that someone like Jinwoo deserved peace, safety, and acceptance. He didn't know if he had superpowers or what his abilities might mean, but he knew one thing for sure: he could be Jinwoo's hero. If that was all he could offer, it was enough. Malik reached out, letting his arm rest around Jinwoo's shoulders, feeling a sense of purpose settle over him as Jinwoo relaxed beside him.
Malik tentatively wrapped an arm around him, pulling him closer. Even asleep, Jinwoo seemed to relax further, his breathing soft and steady. Malik concentrated on that feeling of contentment, amplifying it, letting it grow. To his amazement, he felt it intensify, his powers deepening Jinwoo's peace as they lay together.
Jinwoo shifted, snuggling closer, his face peaceful as he melted into Malik's embrace. Malik took a deep breath, savoring the warmth of the moment, before drifting back into a comfortable, dreamless sleep.
And that night, they slept that way, nestled close, content.