Saudade (A newtmas story)

Chapter 4- accepting help

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They left the room, and Minho began to slowly lead Newt down the hallway towards the exit. Thomas awkwardly walked along beside them.

During the walk to the exit, Minho had to keep a tight grip on Newt's upper arm, as Newt's balance was quite bad. The walk was mostly silent and a bit awkward.

After a short walk they got to Minho's car. Newt had been too focused on not falling to even acknowledge their surroundings.
Minho let go of Newt's arm, and opened the passenger side door. "Get in" he said, trying to sound encouraging.

Newt leaned against the car to keep his balance, and did a few deep breaths before mumbling a grumpy "yeah, yeah". He then got into the passenger seat, with Minho watching closely to make sure that he didn't fall.

Minho closed the door and looked up and realised that Thomas was still there, just awkwardly stood a bit away from the car. "You sure you want to walk?" Minho asked, as he felt a pang of guilt.
"I can ask one of my friends to pick you up instead.."

Thomas shook his head at the offer, and shrugged. "I'll be fine" he answered, trying to sound as if he didn't care. Minho wasn't convinced, but didn't argue with him.

"Alright, just be careful man" Minho said, looking a bit worried.

"I will" Thomas responded. They looked at each other for a moment, before Minho turned around and got into the driver's seat.

He closed the door and put the keys in the ignition. He then rolled down the window, before looking at Thomas. "Try to keep yourself out of trouble." He warned in a jokingly tone.

"I will" Thomas responded in a joking tone as well, trying his best to pretend, as if what had happened earlier hadn't affected him. Minho gave a slight nod, and began to roll up the window. Thomas took a few steps back to let them leave.

Minho started the car, and after checking behind the car and that there wasn't any cars driving along the street, he backed up and began to drive away. Newt was in the passenger seat, slumped back with his eyes closed. Thomas just watched as the car started to get smaller and farther away.

As Minho drove through the parking lot, he looked at Newt. He was looking worse than ever. He was looking both pale, weak, and tired. Not only that, but he just looked miserable in general.

Minho felt guilt and a pang of worry. He was worrying about his friend. He'd not seen Newt like this in a really long time. The last time he remembered his friend looking this bad was back in ninth grade, when Newt had a bad depressive episode.

Minho glanced at Newt, who was still leaning back in the seat with his eyes closed. He really wanted to say something to start a conversation, but didn't know what to say. Suddenly Newt suddenly spoke up, which surprised Minho for a moment.

"This is all your fault you know" Newt grumbled without even opening his eyes. Minho gave him a slightly confused look. "How the hell is any of this my fault?" he asked puzzled.

"You're the one who let Thomas into the house late at night." He turned his head to glare at his friend.

Minho gave an annoyed sigh, and mumbled "oh come on" in a exasperated tone. "Stop blaming other people, and start taking some responsibility!" he snapped at Newt.

Newt went quiet in surprise.

Minho was aware that he might've come on a bit strong, but the whole situation just frustrated him. "Look, Newt I'm just worried about you alright?" he said, trying to sound a bit calmer.

Newt just huffed back in response, refusing to speak. "Oh come on don't just ignore me" Minho mumbled, annoyed by Newt's attitude.

Newt didn't respond, instead he just chose to look out the window and keep his mouth shut. Minho let out a frustrated sight, as he was well aware that getting Newt to talk right now was quite hopeless.