nurse's office | minsung ✓

31

It was a Wednesday evening, and the week was slowly drawing to a close. Jisung had been studying relentlessly for the upcoming bar exam, feeling the pressure mount with each passing day. But today was different; a small glimmer of hope flickered within him. Minho was home early, and he felt an irresistible urge to seek comfort in his presence.

As Jisung entered the kitchen, he saw Minho focused on preparing dinner, a soft melody playing in the background. The scent of garlic and ginger filled the air, making Jisung's stomach rumble. He felt a wave of warmth wash over him as he took in the scene—Minho, his back turned, immersed in his task. Without thinking twice, Jisung tiptoed up behind him and wrapped his arms around Minho's waist in a sudden back-hug. He just hid his face within his shoulder, snuggling into it.

Minho didn't flinch. Instead, as calm as ever, he leaned back into Jisung's embrace, as though he had been expecting it all along.  Except, he wasn't. His head hit Jisung's, and the sudden contact made them both feel all giddy inside. "Hey," he greeted softly, his voice smooth and reassuring, like he knew exactly what Jisung needed. "Everything a'right?"

Jisung buried his face into Minho's shoulder more, his voice muffled slightly. "I just wanted to hug you."

Minho hummed in acknowledgment, his hand still stirring the pot. "Good timing," he said, a hint of a smile in his voice. "Dinner's almost ready."

Jisung chuckled softly into his back, finding comfort in how normal this all felt. "You always know how to make things better."

"I try," Minho responded, turning his head slightly, not breaking the calm flow of the moment. "You've been working hard. You okay?"

Jisung nodded against Minho's back, the tension in his body slowly melting away. "Yeah...it's just, the exam's coming up, and everything feels like a lot."

Minho placed the spatula down and turned around in Jisung's arms, facing him now. His calm demeanor never wavered as he brought his hands to rest on Jisung's waist, rubbing the sides comfortingly. "You'll get through this. You've been preparing so much, and you're more than capable. Just remember, you've got this. And I'm here if you need me."

The sincerity in Minho's voice wrapped around Jisung like a warm blanket, easing some of the tension coiling in his chest. "Thanks, Minho. I really appreciate it. I just get scared sometimes. What if I'm not good enough?"

Minho shook his head, a soft smile spreading across his lips. "You're more than good enough. You've got the talent and determination to make it through. Just trust yourself, alright?"

Jisung felt a flicker of hope ignite within him. "I'll try," he murmured, feeling comforted by Minho's unwavering belief in him.

"Now," Minho said, shifting the topic as he gestured toward the stove. "How about you help me with dinner? I could use an extra pair of hands."

"Sure! I'll try helping." Jisung insisted, his spirits lifting as he took a step back to grab a cutting board.

As they worked side by side in the kitchen, laughter filled the air. Jisung chopped vegetables while Minho stirred the simmering sauce, their banter flowing easily between them. The warmth of their friendship, coupled with the delicious aroma wafting through the kitchen, made Jisung forget the stress of studying, if only for a moment.

Once dinner was ready, they settled down at the table, plates piled high with Minho's delicious cooking. "You really outdid yourself this time," Jisung praised, taking a bite and savoring the flavors.

"I always do," Minho replied, a playful smirk on his face. "But I have to say, having you here makes everything taste better."

Jisung felt a rush of happiness at the compliment, and the warmth in his chest spread as they ate together, sharing stories and laughter. As the evening wore on, he realized that despite the challenges ahead, having Minho by his side made everything feel just a little more manageable.

They finished their meal and cleared the table, and as they settled into the living room to unwind, Jisung felt a sense of gratitude wash over him. In that moment, he understood that no matter how tough things got, he would always have Minho to lean on. And that thought brought him a sense of peace that he desperately needed.

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