stars and whispers // minsung

Chapter forty six

Oh God...

My head hurts like fucking hell, man...

Why is it so cold today?

Jisung slowly opened his eyes, wincing as he touched his throbbing head.

"Shit," he muttered, groaning in discomfort.

From his own bed, Minho scoffed, still lounging there. "I told you—you were really drunk last night."

"I was?" Jisung asked, frowning in confusion.

"Yeah, judging by how you're suffering now, I'd say so."

Jisung felt like his entire body was caught in a storm of pain and every single muscle were having an X party.

"What happened? You usually don't drink much," Minho said, getting up. "I think you're sick. I noticed you were missing your coat last night. I looked everywhere for it after you went to sleep. Did you lost it?"

Jisung covered his eyes with his hands. "I can't remember..."

Minho sighed and fetched the thermometer, walking back to Jisung. "Put this on your forehead," he instructed.

"Thought you weren't going to take care of me if I came back drunk?" Jisung said, managing a weak smile.

"You do remember that, you little fucker? Well, shut up, okay? You're way more than just drunk."

The thermometer beeped.

"Yeah, 39.7°C," Minho confirmed, frowning and putting his hand on Jisung's forehead. "That's pretty high. Did you catch a cold last night? Were the windows open or something?"

Jisung closed his eyes, feeling comforted by Minho's touch. "No... I don't think so."

"Then this is really strange. You went from being fine to sick and drunk overnight."

Minho sat on the bed beside him, watching as Jisung's eyes grew heavy. "Ji, I need you to stay awake just a bit longer, okay?" he said gently, giving him a light shake.

"Mhm..." Jisung mumbled.

Minho handed him a hangover drink and some food. "You did well," he said with a smile as Jisung finished almost half of the food. "Now, get some rest. You look wiped out."

Jisung closed his eyes again, smiling softly.

It would be so hot to have a boyfriend who's studying medicine...

He slept almost all day until he heard the door keys jangling and someone entering.

He opened his eyes, smiling faintly, hoping to see Minho.

But instead of Minho, Gyuri walked in.

"Gyuri?" he grunted, sitting up in bed.

"Hi, fag boy," she said curtly, tossing her keys onto a desk. "Where's your asshole of a friend?"

Jisung bit his lip.

"I don't have any asshole friends," he said, looking away.

Gyuri crossed her arms and glared at him. "Oh, really? Did I come to the wrong dorm? Anyway, tell him his spare keys are here and that fuck him," she spat, turning to leave.

"I'll just tell him about the keys, thanks," Jisung said quietly.

"As you wish, little princess," she sneered before slamming the door behind her, making the windows rattle.

Jisung flinched, feeling a sting in his heart.

Why is she calling me that?

Her words stung more than he wanted to admit.

He normally didn't think it was a bad thing until people like her reminded him that it wasn't something normal,

that he was somehow, not normal.

The door opened again, and this time, Minho walked in, muttering slurs under his breath.

When he saw Jisung awake, his face brightened. "Han! You're up! Finally... How are you feeling?" he asked, approaching and ruffling Jisung's hair.

"I'm okay," Jisung whispered. "And you? I heard you cursing."

Minho chuckled and headed to the bathroom to wash his hands. "I'm fine too. Just really tired of Gyuri. I'm finally realizing she's a complete bitch. Do you know what she did? She went to Chan's place without even knowing him and said, 'I don't know what Minho told you guys, but I don't blame you for being gay. I love people like you.' Can you believe that? What does it even mean? Jesus..."

Jisung shook his head. "Damn..." he muttered, remembering her earlier remarks.

So we're all just gay to her? What's her problem?

Minho emerged from the bathroom, his hair damp and tousled. "Is everything okay, Ji?"

Jisung nodded, not wanting to add anything about Gyuri's comments.

So embarrassing...

Minho noticed the keys on the desk. "Shit, Jisung, did she come here too?" he asked, walking over.

Jisung looked up, giving Minho a warm smile. "You look good with your hair like that," he said, trying to change the subject.

"That's not what I asked. Did she come in? What did she say to you?"

Jisung shook his head and looked away. "She just said to give you the keys and that, uhm, fuck you."

"What else?" Minho pressed.

"Nothing," Jisung lied, avoiding eye contact.

Minho gently took Jisung's face in his hands, forcing him to look into his eyes. "Jisung, what else did she say?"

Jisung had been lying almost all his life. "Nothing else."

Minho sat down beside him. "Listen, Jisung, no matter what anyone says, there's nothing wrong with you. You're an amazing person, and no matter how much you change or what happens, I'll always love you just the same."

Jisung was silent, feeling touched by Minho's words.

It was the first time anyone had spoken to him like that.

He sighed dramatically and pouted, then, without warning, threw himself into Minho's arms, hugging him tightly.

Minho's chuckles felt like a soothing balm to Jisung's heart.