neon roses ~ l.mh • h.js

capitolo undici: nuova memoria

Low humming could be heard next to Jisung. He raised his head, rubbing his eyes confusedly. Why aren't I at school right now? What time is it? He looked over at his phone that was on his nightstand and tapped it so the screen could light up, and it read 6:23pm. Not only did he miss school, but he'd be late for work too. Now Jisung was panicking.

"Oh, you're awake." The same voice that was humming said. Jisung jumped and looked over to the foot of his bed and saw Changbin sitting on it, giving him a pressed-lip smile. He looked across the room and saw his roommate sitting on his bed, doing homework and ignoring them.

"I know you're confused from that look on your face so I'll just tell you. I informed all of your teachers and your two jobs that you'd be staying home sick today."

"How'd you know my schedule or where I worked?" Jisung sat up, rubbing his eyes.

"You told me, dipshit."

"Oh.." Jisung sat still for a moment, absorbing this information. But once he realized what was said, his eyes widened and he whipped his head back to Changbin.

"No- Wait, I can't miss work. You shouldn't have let me stay! I can't afford to skip work!" Jisung sprang up from the bed, but quickly after Changbin got up too and pushed his shoulders down to force him back into a sitting position.

"If you went to work this tired, you probably would have gotten fired anyways. Both of your bosses understood and said they wouldn't take it out of your paycheck because you need a day off."

"Really...? But.."

"No buts. You needed this." Changbin walked over to their makeshift kitchen. "Are you hungry?"

"A little.."

"Hmm.. I'm a shit cook, I don't know what I'd be able to give you." Changbin scanned around for some instant noodles or something to make that was easy but all they had was dry cereal and bottled water.

"Okay.. Uhmm.." Changbin tapped his foot on the floor in thought.

"I'll get something from the dining hall." The voice from across the room finally spoke up. Jisung's eyes widened again.

"No, you don't need to do that, hyung. I'm totally fine."

"You're not fine. Cereal is not good enough, you need something more nutritious. Do you have any allergies?"

"No.. but-"

"Anything you don't like?"

"Green beans.. but wai-"

"Okay, I'll be back in a few." Minho put his jacket on and grabbed his phone and wallet, heading for the door.

"Hey! Wait—!" Jisung started but Minho was already gone, the door closed behind him. Jisung sighed and rubbed his forehead.

"Now I'm going to have to find a way to pay him back.." Jisung laid back down on his bed, stuffing his face into his pillow.

"Take that up with him when he gets back. He's being considerate enough to buy you food, think about that instead."

"That's almost even worse! Now not only am I conflicted but I'm confused too, I mean, why is he buying me food?"

"Because he cares about you more than you think."

"He didn't say a word to me the whole time I've been awake until just a minute ago—"

"He didn't want to interrupt us, and he was focused on his work."

"—And he's barely been talking to me since this morning—"

"He barely talks to you in general anyways."