The Mannequin - Minsung

fifty-nine

"Jisung? Is that really my name?"

"Yes," Minho answers. He takes the plate from him. Wipes his lips. Smiles at how he blushes afterward.

"It... it feels like it's true. How do you know that?"

"You told me," Minho says. He puts the plate in the sink. 

It's the second night. Minho prioritizes feeding him.

After all... Jisung needs everything. The love. The care. The time. The learning. Relating. Remembering.

And Minho needs patience. Understanding.

"Minho..." Jisung says behind him. To himself. "Minho..."

"Does it feel familiar? Sound familiar?"

"I don't know," Jisung says. "M-Maybe... a little?"

Minho turns to see him pouting. His heart skips.

He has missed Jisung and his cuteness.

Jisung touches his own chest. "It makes something happen here. Why?"

Minho takes his hand. "I guess it's your heart. Baby, can I get you a different shirt, before you turn mannequin?"

He didn't get the chance yesterday.

"Baby..." Jisung says. His eyes have widened.

"Oh, sorry. I used to call you that. Come here."

He leads Jisung to his room. To his closet.

He hears Jisung murmuring baby to himself.

"You can take whatever you like," Minho says.

"Oh." Jisung glances at the clothes. Then at his own. He sees the long rip on his shirt. "Do you know how this happened?"

Minho shakes his head. "No, I'm sorry."

"Are these your clothes, Minho?"

"They're mine and yours."

Jisung looks at him. His eyes are wide again. But with wonder. Curiosity. A deep emotion. "Mhm..."

Minho pulls out a warm shirt. There's not a lot of time.

"Here. Maybe you can wear this."

"Okay..." Jisung says. He lets Minho help him put it on.

"Great, that's better," Minho says. He brushes his hair. Smiles.

"It feels nice," Jisung says. Touches the material of the shirt. Its long sleeves. They cover half of his fingers. "I... I think I must go now."

"I understand. I'll see you again tomorrow, okay?"

Jisung nods. Smiles a little. "Okay. Goodbye."

Minho's heart aches. He steps closer. Gently hugs him.

He can't help his tears. Or himself.