The Mannequin - Minsung

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."