A lovely change with love|2min

chapter 15

Seungmin and Minho stepped into their home, instantly greeted by the soft, eager meows of their feline companions. The familiar sound brought a small smile to Seungmin's lips as she knelt down to scoop Soonie into her arms. The cat purred in contentment as Seungmin gently cradled her, feeling the soft fur brush against her skin. Across the room, Minho crouched down, affectionately scratching Doongie and Dori behind their ears. The sight of him, so naturally at ease with the cats, made Seungmin's heart feel a little lighter.

"You should take a shower, or you'll catch a cold," Minho said after a moment, his voice soft but firm. "I'll make dinner for us."

Seungmin nodded, placing Soonie back on the floor. The warmth of the cat's body left her arms, but the comfort lingered as she turned to head towards the bathroom.

The hot water from the shower washed away the chill that had settled on her skin, soothing her tired muscles. As she stood under the gentle stream, her thoughts wandered to Minho, to the quiet warmth that had been growing between them. It was subtle nothing overt, but it was there, like a low hum in the background, filling the spaces between words. She felt it even now, alone in the shower, a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the water.

By the time Seungmin returned to the kitchen, her hair still damp and her skin glowing from the heat of the shower, dinner was already set on the table. The aroma of the freshly cooked meal filled the room, making her stomach growl in anticipation. She couldn't help but smile at the sight of Minho's quiet efficiency.

"Looks good," she said softly, taking her seat at the table. This time, Minho sat beside her, close enough that their thighs touched. The contact was small, almost accidental, but the warmth of his body pressed against hers was oddly comforting. Seungmin hadn't realized how much she'd been craving that simple, reassuring presence.

They ate in silence, the only sounds being the quiet clinking of utensils and the occasional soft meow from the cats circling their feet. Seungmin found herself glancing at Minho more than once, noting the way he seemed more relaxed than usual. His shoulders weren't as tense, and there was a softness in his expression that hadn't been there before.

As she finished her last bite, Minho cleared his throat, breaking the comfortable silence. Seungmin turned her attention to him, her eyes meeting his. There was something in his gaze hesitation, maybe, or perhaps a vulnerability he wasn't used to showing. It made her heart tighten in her chest.

"I'm ready," he said quietly, his voice just loud enough to be heard over the ambient noise. "For the therapy sessions."

Seungmin felt a surge of emotion relief, hope, and something deeper that she couldn't quite name. She smiled softly, but before she could respond, Minho continued.

"But," he added, his tone more serious now as he turned to face her fully, "there's one condition."

Seungmin blinked, her heart skipping a beat at the sudden shift. "What is it?"

"If you're going to take this journey with me," he said, his voice low and steady. His eyes locked with hers, unflinching. "I want us to do this together. Let's heal together."

For a moment, Seungmin couldn't breathe. The weight of his words, the way he was looking at her like he was offering her a lifeline, an invitation to something deeper than just therapy it made her heart race. Her chest felt tight, but in a way that wasn't unpleasant. It was warmth, spreading from her core, wrapping around her like a comforting blanket.

Minho's eyes softened as he reached out, his hand resting lightly on the table. "I don't want to do this alone," he said quietly. "And I don't want you to, either."