↱RIBS↲ ⇾seongjoong⇽

じゅういち

When It's Over

When it's over, Seonghwa's not sure if he feels better or worse.

His therapist is a perfect fit, and Seonghwa realizes how lucky he is that he's able to say that.

He can't really believe it himself, and he's so glad he'll have some good news to tell Hongjoong.

He knows the other was worried about Seonghwa liking the therapist.

She's ridiculously nice, and Seonghwa felt a good connection with her.

After his initial awkwardness and near silence at how anxious and out of place he felt, he eventually warmed up to her, and even found himself feeling comfortable talking to her.

It helped that she made him some chamomile tea, just like his mom used to.

It made him feel at home.

But now, he just feels exhausted.

Jongho's waiting for him when he gets out, a plastic bag hanging from his hand.

He must've gotten restless waiting and gone back to the CU they passed on the way in.

He never could sit still for too long.

There's strawberry milk bottles inside the bag, the same brand they drank when they were kids at the park (it's like Jongho can read Seonghwa's mind).

Jongho doesn't ask him anything, but Seonghwa smiles at him, small but genuine, and tells him it went well.

Jongho's teeth show when he smiles back, his shoulders settling as the tension ebbs out of them.

The bus ride home is peaceful.

Seonghwa hits shuffle on an indie playlist he put together on soundcloud and hands one earbud over to Jongho who takes it silently.

The bus isn't too full.

They sip quietly from their straws, knees knocking together.

The winter sun is starting to descend, casting warm light through the windows and over their thighs.

Seonghwa's able to appreciate the view of the river, better than he was on the way there, as the bus goes over the bridge.

Jongho walks him to his apartment and stays with him until Hongjoong comes home, absolutely demolishing him in Mario Kart in the meantime.

Seonghwa will never understand how he manages to come first every time, even against Yeosang, even on Rainbow Road.

When Hongjoong does get home, keys dropping in the bowl, cheeks pink from the cold, Jongho declines an invitation for dinner claiming he's got 'some stuff to do.'

He offers a strong hand to pull Seonghwa up from the floor and smacks an obnoxious kiss on Seonghwa's cheek.

"Love you, hyung!" He calls as he pulls open the door, "Tolerate you, Hongjoong-hyung!" And with a cheeky smile and a funny wave, he's gone.

"Aish, what a brat," Hongjoong rolls his eyes, but there's fondness there.

Hongjoong doesn't ask him about the appointment either, which Seonghwa appreciates.