Always Seven // Xdinary Heroes 7th Member

ׂ╰┈➤ part 2.

I.

Fast forward to the third week of January, it was currently 5 in the afternoon and Minhee was deeply immersed in her textbooks in the living room. Her finals were looming, just a week and a half away, and the pressure was immense. The table was cluttered with notes, highlighters, and an array of books, reflecting the chaotic state of her mind. She and Seungmin were the only ones in the dorm, their classes in the company having ended much earlier than the other members. 

The soft hum of the coffee maker in the kitchen added a soothing background noise to the otherwise silent apartment. Seungmin was preparing his coffee, the rich aroma of the brew wafting through the air, offering a small comfort in the midst of their busy lives. Minhee, visibly drained from hours of relentless studying, finally decided to take a break. 

She walked into the kitchen, her footsteps heavy with exhaustion, and grabbed a cup for herself. Standing beside Seungmin, she leaned heavily on the counter, her body language screaming fatigue. Seungmin glanced at her, noticing the deep frown on her face. He couldn't help but giggle softly at the sight of her, taking the cup from her hand and placing it down on the counter. 

Without a word, he enveloped her in a warm hug, his arms wrapping around her protectively. Minhee sighed, a small smile escaping her lips as she leaned into his embrace, finding solace in the comfort he offered. "Tired?" Seungmin asked softly, his voice filled with concern. Minhee nodded almost instantly, burying her face in his chest. 

Seungmin sighed, his hand moving in soothing circles on her back. "You've been pushing yourself too hard, Minhee. You need to take it easy," he murmured, his voice gentle yet firm. Minhee pulled back slightly, looking up at him with tired eyes. "I know, but there's just so much to cover. I feel like I'll never get through it all," she admitted, her voice tinged with frustration. Seungmin gave her a reassuring smile, his eyes filled with understanding. 

"You always say that, and yet you always manage to do just fine. Better than fine, actually," he reminded her, his confidence in her unwavering. He offered to help her study, but Minhee immediately shook her head. "I don't want to burden you even further. Your schedule is just as hectic as mine, if not more," she argued, her frown deepening. 

Seungmin, ever the supportive friend, refused to back down. "I want to help you, Minhee. Even if it's just a little bit. Let me ease your worries," he insisted, his voice filled with determination. Minhee hesitated, breaking off the hug as she considered his offer. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, but she still felt guilty about dragging him into her stress. 

II.

Seungmin noticed her hesitation and gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze. "I mean it, Minhee. I insist," he said firmly. Minhee rolled her eyes playfully, letting out a small sigh. She placed her cup under the coffee machine after Seungmin was done with his, pressing the buttons with a practiced ease. She then leaned back against the counter, her arms crossed over her chest as she regarded Seungmin with a mix of gratitude and exasperation. 

"You're too nice, you know that?" she said, her tone light but her eyes serious. "I just don't want you to get overwhelmed because of me." Seungmin chuckled, shaking his head. "I won't get overwhelmed, I promise. Besides, I know how important these finals are for you. We're a team, right? We help each other out," he reminded her, his smile warm and encouraging. 

Minhee couldn't help but smile back, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "Fine, but if you start to feel overwhelmed, you have to tell me, okay?" she said, her voice firm. Seungmin nodded, giving her a mock salute. "Yes, ma'am," he said, grinning. Minhee laughed, the sound light and carefree, a stark contrast to her earlier demeanor.