Midnight Star

6 . Light & Dark

How long has it been?

Running between those trees with shadows reaching for him. How long has it been? He doesn't remember, but it sure feels like it's days on end.

Why is it so dark?... but... not scary.

Hyunjin felt being surrounded by a new kind of darkness that he didn't fear. It was dark but not as cold and ominous as before..

"You did good Hyunjinnie... you are safe now"

That voice again like sparks of light into the darkness. That voice too familiar now... He knows that voice.

Hyunjin slowly opened his eyes to find Minho's face looking down at him.

It took a few seconds to understand where and what he was at.

He was on the ground, his head resting on something... Minho's thigh... Minho's hand gently moving through his hair... Minho's smile is softer. It was warm and safe. He didn't wanted to move, he just laid still looking up at Minho.

Minutes passed and both of them didn't move or say anything, the silence was comforting and safe. Minho's features looked so much different, like he was a different person, no longer cold or creepy but warm and safe.

Hyunjin knew this face, this smile, this touch... He closed his eyes when he felt Minho's fingers touching his cheek... wiping tears... was he crying? Hyunjin didn't know he was crying.

"It's okay... you did good."

"..."

"Just rest now"

Hyunjin opened his eyes once more.

"I know you..."

Minho's breath hitched and his hands stopped. He starred at Hyunjin with a wider smile.

"You know me."

"I think... I don't know."

The smile faded into a sadder softer one
"How?"

"I ... don't... feels like..."

How can someone describe a feeling that he doesn't understand? Hyunjin wondered.. it wasn't just the feeling of safety cause he feels it too with Chan and Felix, the comforting touches and warm smiles... it was something else that he can't even put in words.

"Feels like what?... tell me."

Minho gently caressed his cheek encouraging him to speak but Hyunjin just looked up at him with tears still streaming down his cheeks. Why was he crying?

"It's okay... you will know in time."

"I want to know now... I'm tired of being alone in this... darkness."

"You can light up the darkness."

"How?"

Minho placed his hand on Hyunjin's chest and pressed gently.

"It's in you... you just have to find it."

"I'm scared."

"I know."

"I'm tired."

"I know."

"Help me."

"..."

"Help me"

"I can't..."

"..."

"Only you can do it."

"I don't know anything."

"I know."

Minho's hand wiped again at Hyunjin's tears, he was sad putting on a smile to ease up the weeping boy on his lap. He wished he can take him away, to bring him home where he belongs, but he can't... not with this monster lurking around them.. Minho looked around him through the trees but it was empty, he knows that but he still worries.