A Guardian's Promise- Minbin

FOURTEEN: The aftermath of love

Minho slowly fluttered his open, letting out a groggy groan as he slowly became aware of his surroundings.

There was the steady sound of beeping beside him, and the lights of the room were faint and not overwhelming.
Minho looked to his side, viewing the IV attached to himself and filtering and giving blood to his body. He was in a cozy blanket, along with a white hospital gown.

"Oh, you're awake hun?"
Minho looked over to the side, smiling slightly as he viewed a familiar face at the desk beside his bed.
"Doctor Lim..." Minho greeted her.
"How are you feeling?" she asked, checking his eyes with a light.
"I'm fine." Minho said.
"That's good. Your ribs were fractured and you were bleeding internally. Chaewon kept you stable before transporting you here for treatment."

"Have I been here a while?" Minho mumbled as the events from the fight returned to his memory.
"Yes, but it's fine. It's only been two days. You're awake now, and you'll be fine by tonight."
"Thank you so much, Doc."
"No need to thank me. Oh, by the way," Doctor Lim smiled.
"I talked with Changbin earlier, the kid looks so different now... but besides that, he'll be coming in today to see you."

Minho's tired eyes lit up as much as they could a smile plastered on his face.
"Really?"
"Yes, he cares a lot about you. Have you two finally come to an understanding?" Doctor Lim asked.
"You could say that." Minho nodded. Doctor Lim smiled and nodded.
"I have some things to attend to, I take it you will be fine here?" Doctor Lim asked.
"Of course. Thanks again." Minho said.
"Always."

Doctor Kim got up and left, closing the sliding door and leaving Minho in the room in silence. As he looked around more, he observed the window that had an open curtain which let in morning light, along with flowers and gifts left on a table. He smiled softly, trying to sit up.
"Argh...!"

He kept his position on his back, realizing that his healing would take a while.
After some time, he heard a knock at his door.
"Come in."
The sliding door opened up, Minho smiling as he set his eyes on the man.
"Officer, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Minho asked with a smirk.
Changbin laughed, closing the door behind him as he came in. Minho realized he had a bouquet of flowers in his hands.

"I got you these, they're peonies and roses."
"Ever the gentleman. Thank you." Minho laughed as the officer placed the bouquet with the rest.
"Did you look at the letters?" Changbin asked.
"I just woke up earlier and I can barely get up. So no." Minho said. Changbin sighed with a frown, pulling up a chair and sitting beside Minho.

Changbin held the other's hand in his own, taking his free hand and resting it on Minho's cheek.
Minho sighed in content as he relished in the touch, closing his eyes on comfort.
Changbin smiled, swiping his thumb over the older man's cheek.
"I've missed you. I couldn't visit you before because I've been helping Miss Kim with handling the Oyster case. Chan and the others are working on a way to deliver the news to the public. I think they'll make their speech tonight." Changbin said.

"I see." Minho said as he opened his eyes.
"I missed you too, Changbin."
Changbin smiled widely.
"Come find me later, okay?" Minho pleaded.
"Of course. I have to go, but I just wanted to see that you were okay."
Changbin smiled as he stood, placing a kiss on Minho's forehead.
Minho smiled as he leaned up, making their lips meet briefly.
They parted, Minho kissing the other's hand.
Changbin smiled and left, leaving Minho alone again.

Minho was able to sit up and stand after two hours- it was now noon.
Minho stood up from his bed and dragged his IV around with him, walking over to the plethora of gifts on the table.
There were flowers from Chaewon, food from Sakura, a quilt made by Hyunjin, one of Jisung's handmade 'get well soon' cards, among others. Chan didn't give anything, most likely because Minho knew he was very busy with adjusting to a new life at HQ.