UNSEEN PAIN. minsung

𝟏𝟗. // for him

It had been two weeks since Jisung agreed to become Minho's boyfriend, and so far, Jisung hadn't cut himself — which he was deeply grateful for.

Each day without the self-inflicted pain felt like a small victory, a fragile testament to his resilience and the newfound joy he was beginning to reclaim.

He felt like he was getting better.

His showers were becoming more regular.

The water washing over him felt like a gentle reminder of life's simple pleasures, each droplet a connection to the world outside his often dark thoughts.

His appetite was returning.

Meals were no longer a chore; the flavors brought a semblance of normalcy and a hint of satisfaction that had been missing for far too long.

He was laughing more.

Real, genuine laughter that bubbled up from deep within, surprising even himself.

These moments of levity were treasures, signs that his old self was still there, waiting to fully re-emerge.

And that was all down to Lee Minho, the boy Jisung loved so dearly - the boy who was bringing the old, happy Jisung back, even though Minho was struggling as well.

Minho had opened up to Jisung about his depression since his therapist told him that it would be for the best. This mutual vulnerability was new territory for both of them, a delicate dance of sharing their burdens without overwhelming each other.

———

"You know you're amazing, right?" Minho quietly whispered one evening, tracing his fingers across the fabric of Jisung's long-sleeved top. The touch was light, almost reverent, as if Minho feared he might break the fragile peace they had found. "I love you so much."

"When I get back from seeing my family, I want to take you to see the stars,"

Minho suggested, a warm smile on his soft lips. His eyes held a promise of a brighter future, one where they could both find peace under the night sky, away from the chaos of their minds.

Jisung slowly sat up to look at him, the idea of escaping into the serene beauty of the stars stirring something hopeful within him. "That'd be beautiful..." he muttered, a small smile forming on his lips. "So beautiful."

Their eyes met, and in that moment, the weight of their struggles seemed to lift. Jisung leaned in, closing the distance between them, and their lips met in a tender kiss. Love and passion intertwined, gluing them together in a moment of perfect intimacy.

———

That night, Jisung laid in silence on his bed, the spot beside him still slightly warm after Minho had left. He wasn't able to stay the night, and now Jisung was wide awake, staring up at the familiar ceiling. Tears rolled down the sides of his face and into his hair, each drop a silent testament to the return of his dark thoughts.

They were back...

The thoughts had returned, creeping in like unwelcome intruders. He felt lonely. He felt tired. So tired... both physically and mentally.

Not only was his mind covered in images of hurting himself, but now also the thought of not seeing the only person who showed him genuine love for a week was destroying him.

The idea of Minho being away, even for a short while, seemed unbearable.

He didn't know what he was going to do with himself. He couldn't handle it.