Seokmin sat in the back of the large lecture hall, his usual bright and playful demeanor replaced by something smaller, more withdrawn. His knees were tucked up under the desk, and he was barely listening to the lecture. It wasn't like him to feel this overwhelmed, but the day had been too much. The constant pressure from assignments, classmates, and the fast-paced university environment had sent him spiraling down into his little space without warning.
And the worst part? He had to hide it.
He glanced up at the front of the classroom where his boyfriend, Professor Joshua Hong, was teaching. Joshua, with his poised and confident presence, was the picture of professionalism, as always. No one in the room could guess that the two of them were anything more than teacher and student. That they shared secret kisses, quiet evenings, and soft words of affection. They had been careful to keep their relationship hidden, not wanting to stir any controversy or gossip at the university.
But today, Seokmin needed Joshua in a way that made hiding almost unbearable.
Joshua caught Seokmin's eyes for the briefest second as he lectured, and Seokmin immediately looked down, trying to keep himself together. He couldn't fall apart in the middle of class. Not here, not now.
After what felt like an eternity, the lecture ended, and students began packing up their things, chatting as they headed out of the room. Seokmin stayed seated, waiting for everyone to leave. His breathing was shaky, his mind struggling to stay grounded.
Joshua noticed. Of course he did. Once the room was empty, he subtly locked the door before approaching Seokmin. His steps were calm, but there was concern in his eyes. "Seokmin," Joshua said softly, standing in front of his desk. "Stay behind for a moment."
Seokmin didn't meet his gaze, just nodded silently. Joshua's voice was gentle, but in front of others, it was still his professor tone-no sign of their relationship. Once they were alone, Joshua's hand rested on Seokmin's shoulder. "Come to my office," he whispered softly, his touch reassuring.
Seokmin swallowed hard, nodding again. He needed Joshua, needed the comfort only he could provide. But here, in the university, they couldn't be anything but professor and student. It was suffocating.
They walked together in silence to Joshua's office, both keeping their distance to avoid drawing attention. Once they entered the small, cozy room, Joshua locked the door behind them, drawing the blinds for privacy. The second the door clicked shut, Seokmin let out a shaky breath, feeling the tightness in his chest loosen slightly.
Joshua turned to him, his expression softening instantly. "Baby, what's wrong?" His voice was no longer the professional tone of Professor Hong-it was his Joshua, the loving boyfriend who always took care of him.
Seokmin's lip quivered as he tried to speak, but all that came out was a quiet, "Too much... too much today, Shua hyung."
Joshua's heart clenched at the sight of Seokmin so vulnerable, his small voice trembling with the weight of everything he had been carrying. He walked over and pulled Seokmin into a tight embrace, his hand resting at the back of Seokmin's head. "I've got you, baby. You're okay now," Joshua whispered, his voice soothing as he kissed the top of Seokmin's head.
Seokmin buried his face into Joshua's chest, clutching at his shirt, trying to ground himself. "I couldn't be big today," he mumbled into Joshua's shirt. "It was too much. I tried... but..." His voice trailed off, his body shaking slightly as he fought back tears.
Joshua rocked him gently, rubbing his back. "You don't have to be big all the time, Seokmin. Not with me. It's okay to feel small," he murmured, knowing exactly how to comfort him. Seokmin had slipped into his little space, and Joshua was the only person who knew how to guide him through it.
Joshua leaned back slightly, cupping Seokmin's face in his hands. "Look at me, baby," he said softly. Seokmin's tear-filled eyes met his, and Joshua wiped away a stray tear with his thumb. "I'm here. You're safe with me."
Seokmin nodded, his bottom lip trembling. "I... I hate hiding," he whispered, his voice full of vulnerability. "I wanted to come to you in class, but..."
Joshua pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, his heart aching. "I know, baby. I know. But we have to be careful here. You understand, right?"
Seokmin nodded again, even though it didn't make it any easier. Being so close to Joshua, yet having to hide their love, was hard, especially when he was feeling so small.
Joshua guided him over to the couch in his office, sitting down with Seokmin curled up beside him. Seokmin leaned into Joshua's side, clutching onto him like a lifeline. Joshua wrapped an arm around him, holding him close. "You can stay here as long as you need, okay? You don't have to go anywhere until you're ready."
Seokmin let out a soft sigh of relief, his body finally relaxing in Joshua's protective embrace. "Thank you, Shua hyung," he whispered, his small voice full of gratitude.
Joshua smiled, running his fingers gently through Seokmin's hair. "Always, baby. I'll always take care of you."
For the rest of the afternoon, Seokmin stayed in Joshua's office, curled up in the safety of his boyfriend's arms. No one else knew about the sanctuary they had created in this little room, but for Seokmin, it was a lifeline-a place where he could feel small, safe, and completely loved.
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I thought that every chapter is so similar so i tried something new in this one, hope you guys like it 😺 I'll try to improve ,i promise.
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Fanfiction𝕵𝖔𝖘𝖍𝖚𝖆 ~ 𝖈𝖆𝖗𝖊𝖌𝖎𝖛𝖊𝖗 𝖘𝖊𝖔𝖐𝖒𝖎𝖓 ~ 𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖙𝖑𝖊 A bunch of kyeomshu little space oneshots. Them as boyfriends.