fifty-four

Minho tries to get his work done too. Like normal. Like all's okay.

Jisung sits beside him. He's forcing smiles at Minho too.

When Minho stops for a break... Jisung scoots closer. He seems unsure.

Minho turns to him. Holds out his hand.

Jisung takes it. Then immediately hugs him.

It makes Minho's chest ache. He hugs him back tightly.

"I love you, Minho..." Jisung says.

Minho holds his face. "May I kiss you?"

Jisung just leans in eagerly. Presses their lips together.

Minho's heart leaps. Twists. He misses doing this...

What's he been doing these past few days?

Restraining himself. From showing too much love to Jisung.

But clearly, holding back hasn't helped Jisung.

It hasn't done anything. It's just painful. It has made Jisung smile sadly. Gaze at him nervously. Become hesitant.

Minho pulls him closer. He's so soft. Warm. Full of love and want.

Jisung's clutching the sides of Minho's shirt.

Minho can't stop kissing him.

Jisung slowly pulls away from the kiss. "Minho... You may do anything with me. I miss doing things like this with you..."

Minho kisses him again. His whole being aches now. He doesn't want anything. He just wants Jisung to be well. Happy.

"I'm sorry," he whispers. "Me too. I love you."

Jisung sighs. Snuggles into his neck. "I love hearing that from you. It makes me feel better... Do you know that I've been so sad lately because you were being so distant to me? I was... so hurt."

Minho hugs him. Presses kisses to his head.

He feels so terrible. "I'm so sorry," he says.

"No," Jisung says. He strokes Minho's face gently. "I think... I understand why you were being like that..." He smiles then. It's still a sad smile. But Minho feels the deep love from it.

"I am sorry," Minho says. Again. He pecks his lips. He's still uncertain if he should. But he doesn't know what else he should do. Because this makes Jisung feel better too.

"Um, so, Jisung... I've been thinking..."

Jisung's eyes become worried. Minho kisses his forehead. He needs to tell him. So Jisung doesn't feel alone. Doesn't feel unsure and lost.

"You still try to leave during the night..." He begins.

Jisung's eyes tear up. He nods. "I know, I'm sorry—"

"No, it's not your fault... Do you remember being up during the night?"

Jisung shakes his head. "I remember parts... like... trying to open the door. A-And your worried face."

"Do you remember anything you say? Or any... dream?"

Jisung sniffs. "No," he whimpers.

So it's just like the first day he disappeared.

"So Jisung... since it hasn't changed... or gotten better... I thought... I will open the doors for you... and I will go with you... wherever you go... so we can learn about you... okay?"

Jisung cries quietly. He shakes his head. "Will you bring me back? To you? Even if I say I don't want to?"

"Y-Yes?" Minho says. "Whenever you... snap out of it. Whenever you wake up from that. Yes. I'll bring you back home."

"What if I wake up and... I'm like that. Not like this?"

Minho's silent. He doesn't know.

He breathes in slowly. "I'll... still love you. I'll do what you need me to do." He wipes Jisung's cheeks. "As long as you're okay."

"I won't be okay," Jisung says. "If I'm not with you."

Minho closes his eyes. Sets his forehead on his.

"I won't be okay without you either... so we'll have to try out best..."

Jisung's body relaxes. He hugs Minho. Puts his head on his shoulder.

Minho gently moves him. Lies him on the sofa. Kisses his head.

"Don't worry about it now. Whatever needs to happen... it will happen. And I'll be there for you. Always. Okay?"

Jisung rubs his eyes. Manages a nod. "Okay..." He says. "Oh, Minho... maybe we can see Mama Haeun tomorrow?"

Minho's heart jumps. "Really? W-Will you be fine?"

"Yeah... she came here. Even when she doesn't always feel okay. The Hwangs let her come for me... they think I can take care of her... right?"

"Definitely." Minho kisses both his cheeks. Then his lips.

He laughs. He's so glad to hear this.

"D-Did you finish your work? Do you need me to be quiet?"

Minho chuckles. "You don't need to be quiet. I can still work."

When Minho finishes... it's six in the evening.

Jisung has dozed off first.

Minho smiles at that. He's cute. Beautiful. His lips are pouty.

Minho covers him with a blanket. Pecks his head. Trudges to the kitchen.

He'll wake Jisung once dinner is prepared.

- - -

- - - - - -

Minho clears the kitchen. The pots and pans. He puts their food on the table. He's been making some noise. Unfortunately.

But he can finally go get Jisung. Most of the cleaning's done. So Jisung will just have to do their dishes. Later. After they eat. And if he wants to.

Minho checks the table again. A satisfied smile's on his lips.

He walks out. Towards the sofa. His heart's hopeful.

Jisung might have a better appetite now. He'll be excited. He'll enjoy the food. Because he's feeling a little better...

But Jisung's not on the sofa. The blanket is left there...

"Jisung?!" Minho calls. Turns instantly.

The first thing he's been doing now... if Jisung's not in his sight... or is suddenly gone... is to look at the front door.

Minho's heart drops. "No..." He breaks out in a cold sweat.

Every single lock that he added... has been undone.

And the front door's open. No. No. Not again...

To be continyohhedddd...

AHAHAHAHAAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAH