With You [minjoon]

seven

The doorbell was what had gotten Namjoon out of bed that morning. He was worn out from last night.

It was likely Jimin standing behind the door. He didn't know who else it would be.

He ran his hand through his hair, putting on his best smile and tried looking like he wasn't in his final stage of lung cancer.

He creaked the door open.

At first glance, it was obvious Jimin had been crying all night. His eyes were red, puffy, and dull. Streaks of stained tears trailed down his cheeks.

"I'm sorry,"

The guilt he felt at that moment made him feel sick. Like he was stabbing Jimin with a knife, right in the chest.

"For what?" he frowned, "Having cancer?" He let out a sigh, "Don't apologize, Namjoon." He looked down, feeling like a dog with his tail tucked between his legs.

"I just hate that I have limited time left. I wish I could be with you for longer." he admitted. They made eye contact. "Jimin, have you been crying?" He knew the answer. It was obvious. But he wanted Jimin to be honest with him.

"No," he stammered.

Namjoon softened his gaze, cupping one side of Jimin's face. "I can see the stained tears and your red eyes, Jimin."

He let out a soft, disheartened chuckle, "I'm just a mess, as usual."

Gently, he stroked Jimin's cheek with his thumb. "Do you want to come in for some coffee?" The man's lips curved to a small smile, "Sure."

He brewed some coffee while Jimin sat on his couch. Pushing the guilt aside, he felt he was on top of the clouds.

"Do you want something to eat?" He placed a hot, steaming mug before Jimin on the table. "No, thanks. I'm not really hungry."

He frowned, "It's important that you eat," he told him. Jimin's lowered his gaze, "I know. But if anything, I feel nauseous."

He couldn't help but feel it was partially his fault that Jimin was so sad.

...

"Are we... a thing now?" Jimin asked warily. "If you want to be," he told him, "Though, I really don't want you to get hurt."

"I want to be with you, Namjoon. Fully." His voice was firm, "I've fallen in love in the month we've known each other, I want to spend the last two we have together."

"Well, I'm fully committed."

Jimin sipped his coffee. They were silent for a moment.

"How bad is it affecting you right now?" he asked, "Like, the cancer." He let out a sigh, "It's getting harder. It's been hitting me hard lately," he admitted.

Just then, by coincidence, a few coughs itched at his throat. "Are you okay?" Jimin asked. He nodded, shooting him a reassuring smile, "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Why aren't you on chemo?" he asked, concern laced all over his gaze. "Well, I'm going to die either way. I'd feel sicker, had I stayed on chemo. And what's even the point? It only extends my life by a little." he explained, "I'd rather live my last days feeling the best I can."

"That makes a lot of sense." Jimin said, shifting slightly in his seat, "I'm going to help take care of you to make your last days as good as possible."

"Thank you, Jimin, but you don't have to..." his voice trailed off. "I want to," he started firmly, "After all, we're partners now."

"I guess you're right." He felt lucky to have Jimin in his life. Such a kind, beautiful soul.

He waited for Jimin to finish his coffee.

"Do you want to head out for some fresh air?" He nodded, "I'll just quickly stop by my apartment and grab a jacket," he excused himself.

While Jimin was away, he checked the weather. It was going to rain soon. He put on a jacket, grabbing the black umbrella gathering dust in the corner of his hallway.

He waited outside for him to return. It was cold. He could feel the wind blowing lightly on his face and hands. He jammed his hands in his pocket.

"Hey, are you sure you're okay to go out right now?"

He turned around, met with Jimin, only just emerging from his apartment. He nodded, "I'll be fine. I promise."

They took a stroll around the area. Hand in hand. As he had expected, it wasn't long before rain drops started splattering onto their heads.

He lifted the umbrella in his hand, holding it high over them both. The man scooted closer to him, keeping close to his side.

Jimin smiled, "I remember that umbrella."

"I do, too."