with you × 𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗺𝗶𝗻

- six

six | developing

when renjun was finally allowed to leave the hospital at times, it felt surreal. he and jaemin walked side by side through the snow-covered streets. the quiet was broken only by the crunch of their footsteps.

"what are you thinking about?" jaemin asked, glancing over at him.

"getting used to being out."

"ah, i see." jaemin said. "there’s no rush, so take your time."

they stopped by a small park, benches and trees covered in snow. jaemin brushed off the snow from a bench and sat down, motioning for renjun to join him.

"it’s so different out here," renjun murmured, his fingers trembling slightly from the cold.

"yeah," jaemin said quietly, his gaze soft. "but you’re doing okay, right? even if it’s hard."

renjun hesitated. he was still struggling with the same feelings and the emptiness that lingered. but jaemin’s kindness felt like a warmth he hadn’t experienced in a long time. love deprivation. that’s what it was. he had pushed people away for so long that accepting care felt strange.

"i’m trying," renjun said quietly, looking at the snow falling around them. "i’m not used to... this."

"this?"

"someone caring," renjun admitted. "it feels strange."

jaemin watched him for a moment, then reached out, his hand brushing against renjun’s. "you deserve it." he said softly. "you deserve to be cared for."

renjun’s heart ached at the words. "i don’t know if i do," he said, shaking his head. "i’m still... messed up."

"we all are," he said. "but that doesn’t mean you’re not worthy of love."

renjun’s breath caught in his throat. he didn’t know how to respond, but the warmth in jaemin’s words made him feel a little better.

"you’re not alone." jaemin said softly. "you have me."

renjun looked at him, a faint smile appearing on his lips.