The Mannequin - Minsung

thirty-seven

"Is this okay? Do I look okay? Do I look the same?"

Minho combs Jisung's hair with his fingers. Looks him up and down. The clothes he wore as a mannequin were washed carefully.

Black pants. White shirt.

Minho observes his appearance for a few more seconds. Moving around the pretty creature. "Oh!" He says. Realizes.

He brushes Jisung's soft bangs away. "Sungie... hasn't your hair... grown a bit? It falls a little more over your eyes..."

"Oh no! I'm different? How will she know me..."

"No, sweetheart, you're fine," Minho says. He takes Jisung's hands. "She'll recognize you. Don't worry."

Jisung breathes in. The poor thing looks so nervous.

Minho kisses him. "It'll be alright. We'll try not to take long. But please... please don't... become a mannequin, okay? I... I need you—"

Jisung hugs him. "It's alright, Minho! I won't leave you! If I feel scared, I will hold your hand, okay?"

"Okay..." Minho says. Gulps. Takes a deep breath in. "Okay. Thank you."

He tries not to think too much. He has to focus on Jisung instead. He covers him up in a scarf and coat. The other blinks. 

Minho puts a hat on him. Then slips on his own coat and shoes.

"Alright, come on, then..." Minho says. Tries to be cheerful. "Oh, yeah, this will be your first time in a car! Right?"

Jisung nods. Quiet.

It's one in the afternoon. They're headed to the Hwangs. Hyunjin's at work. Minho will say whatever to his mother.

Just to at least meet Grandma Hwang.

But he's not sure what to do... what to say...

He'll have to figure out how to deal with everything from there.

- - -

- - - - - -

Minho holds Jisung's hand. All the way to the Hwang's door.

Mrs. Hwang's surprised at their visit. But she smiles. Lets them come inside. She hurries off because she left something on.

Jisung squeezes his arm. His eyes are filled with worry. Minho takes off Jisung's hat. Lowers his scarf for him. Helps him out of his coat.

"Will she let us stay?" Jisung whispers. "Isn't she angry?"

"No, Sungie. She likes me a lot, so she'll like you too."

"I... I don't know..."

"Trust me. She will."

"Sorry about that," Mrs. Hwang says. She's back. She hugs Minho. "It's wonderful to see you, dear..." Her eyes land on Jisung. Who grabs Minho's arm tighter. "Hello! You're Jisung, right? Hyunjin's mentioned you. It's so nice to see you too, dear."