The Odd Doctor Out | A Drama | S. 2

204 🩺 Finally Introduced

When the apartment door swung open to show Jongho and his genuinely happy yet concerned expression, Yeosang's heart melted.

'You came,' Jongho breathed, and Yeosang rolled his eyes.

'Funny, I thought I remembered telling you a million times already that I was coming.'

Stepping forward, Jongho wrapped him up in his arms, pulling him against his chest and resting his head against his. Grandly comforted by his embrace, Yeosang let out a long breath, holding him close.

'Jongho darling, is everything okay?' Mrs. Choi's soft voice floated over to them, and Yeosang took that as a cue for them to separate.

But Jongho clearly thought otherwise.

Keeping him pressed firmly against him, Jongho let the door rest against him as he hugged his body close, rubbing his thumbs over his skin.

'Jong-ah,' Yeosang whispered, not particularly hating the affection, but feeling increasingly watched. 'Your mom is looking at us,' he whispered, unable to move in his arms.

'I don't care.' Squeezing him tighter for a moment, he finally let go, holding him at an arm's length to get a good look at him. 'You look better,' he said softly.

And Yeosang didn't doubt it, considering the last time he'd been here, like many times over the past fortnight, he had been a teary mess, crying himself to sleep next to Jongho - the one place he felt comfort through all of the pain.

'I told you, I feel a lot better.'

'But not perfect...' Jongho's voice was devastatingly sad when his words floated between them, making Yeosang's heart beat out of his chest.

'I feel much better now I'm here,' he said softly, his hands on his sides.

'Honey, is he coming in? Tell him he can come in! Don't stand out in the cold!'

Yeosang gave Jongho a smile, amused at his mother's chirpy yet slightly concerned voice drifting over to them. Exchanging a deep gaze for a moment, Yeosang felt his heart fill with content as Jongho slipped his hand into his and led him inside.

And the moment Yeosang met eyes with Jongho's mother, he saw the relief on her face.

'Oh darling, you look much more lively,' she gasped, coming over.

Yeosang bowed respectfully. 'I'm sorry I kind of intruded in your home...'

'Oh hush. None of that. I've been telling Jongho to invite you over more. It seemed like you felt comfortable here.'

Yeosang smiled shyly, remembering the countless times he had escaped to this very household. 'I did... do... Thank you...'

'You're always welcome, honey,' she said kindly, giving him a warm smile. She seemed to almost glow with heavenly mother-ness, her long white dress swaying as she walked, and her red cardigan giving off warm vibes.

'Do you want to have dinner with us?' She asked, and Yeosang felt bad for having to turn her down.

'I already ate with my family, but thank you... I don't mean to be rude.'

'Oh hush. None of that. What kind of person would I be if I didn't ask and accommodate you?' she said softly, her smile filling her eyes with kindness.

It made Yeosang miss his own mother. 'You're very kind, thank you, M-...' his voice trailed off, unsure of what to call her. Glancing at her fingers, he saw she had a ring on, but not on her ring finger...

'Just call me Byeol,' she said, smiling.

A/N: Byeol or however it is romanised means 'star' :) ♡

Yeosang's eyes widened, glancing between Jongho and his mother. 'I- I can't do that...'

'You most definitely can.'

'Ugh, mom, you're spooking him. He's not usually this passive. I'm taking him to my room to talk. Call me if you need me.' And with that, he took his arm and started dragging him off down the hallway.

'U-uh, thank you! Eomoni!' he called politely, unable to tear free of Jongho's grasp. And the last thing he saw before Jongho pulled him into his room was Byeol's kind smile and soft laughter as she watched her son drag him away.

~~~

A/N: Posting a few Chaps since I didn't post for a while and possibly might not get to till next week. idk. maybe I'm just keen to get to the yungi... 🙊