nurse's office | minsung ✓

44

Minho sat at the long conference table, papers scattered before him like fallen leaves in autumn. The recruiters, a panel of stern-looking professionals in sharp suits, leaned forward in their seats, visibly impressed. As he wrapped up his presentation, he could sense the tension in the room dissipating.

"And that's how our project integrates renewable energy sources with urban infrastructure," he concluded, his voice steady and clear. "I appreciate your time and consideration."

As he stood up, a tiny smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, though it was quickly suppressed. Smiling wasn't his strong suit; he preferred to keep his expressions subtle. The recruiters exchanged impressed looks, their murmurs of approval filling the air.

"Thank you, Minho. Your work is exceptional," one of the recruiters said, extending his hand. Minho shook it firmly, trying to mask the relief that coursed through him.

"Your proposal has great potential," another added, giving him an encouraging nod.

Minho felt a wave of satisfaction wash over him, but it was quickly eclipsed by the weight of what lay ahead. Today was the last day before the results of Jisung's bar exam would be released, and he could feel the gnawing anxiety in the pit of his stomach. As the meeting wrapped up, he caught sight of his professor, who approached him with a proud smile.

"You did brilliantly, Minho. I knew you had it in you."

"Thank you, sir." Minho replied, a hint of warmth breaking through his usual stoicism. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he finally stepped out of the conference room, taking a deep breath as he did.

The moment he was outside, Minho exhaled a long, pent-up sigh. The success of the meeting felt hollow without Jisung to share it with. The thought of his boyfriend, likely deep in study or pacing nervously, filled his mind. What was Jisung doing right now? He pulled out his phone, glancing at the screen. No messages from Jisung yet. It was unusual; they often exchanged texts throughout the day.

Minho's chest tightened. He could imagine how anxious Jisung must be feeling. Jisung had worked so hard for this exam, pouring every ounce of his energy into preparation. Minho wanted nothing more than to be there for him, to reassure him and distract him from the worry gnawing at him.

He hurriedly made his way through the bustling campus, dodging students and faculty alike. Each step felt heavier, as if the weight of uncertainty were pulling him back. He tried to focus on the positive: Jisung was resilient, dedicated, and capable. Yet, the closer he got to their apartment, the more Minho found himself dwelling on the "what-ifs." What if Jisung didn't pass? What if all that hard work didn't pay off?

Arriving at their apartment, Minho took a moment to gather himself before entering. The familiar scent of their shared space washed over him—vanilla from the candles Jisung loved, mingling with the aroma of coffee that often lingered. As he stepped inside, he called out, "Jisung?"

The apartment was quiet, and for a moment, his heart sank. But then he heard the soft sound of pages turning.

"I'm in here!" Jisung's voice came from the living room, filled with that unmistakable mix of excitement and anxiety.

Before Minho could take another step, Jisung came barreling into the room, eyes lighting up the moment he saw him. Without a moment's hesitation, he leaped into Minho's arms, wrapping his legs around Minho's waist. The force of the impact almost made Minho stumble back, but he quickly steadied himself, arms instinctively wrapping around Jisung.

"Minho! You're back!" Jisung exclaimed, his voice muffled against Minho's shoulder.

"Yeah, and I'm here just in time to help you with whatever you're stressing about," Minho said, feeling warmth spread through him as Jisung melted into him.

"Did you finish your meeting?" Jisung asked, looking up at him with those bright eyes that always made Minho's heart flutter.

"Yeah, it went well," Minho replied, but his mind was only half on his own success. "But today is really about you. How are you holding up?"

Jisung let out a sigh, his smile faltering. "I don't know, Minho. What if I fail? What if I don't get the results I want?"

Minho's heart ached at the sight of Jisung's worry. "You've worked so hard for this, Jisung. You're going to be amazing, no matter what happens. I believe in you."

As Jisung rested his head against Minho's shoulder, Minho couldn't shake the feeling of protectiveness that washed over him. He wanted nothing more than to shield Jisung from all the uncertainties of life.

"I just want to be there for you," he thought. And deep down, he knew that once everything settled, he would finally confess his feelings. He couldn't keep pretending that Jisung was just a friend. Jisung was everything to him, and he would do whatever it took to make sure Jisung felt loved and supported.

As they sat together, the weight of the day slowly lifted. Tomorrow, they would face the results together, and for now, that was enough.

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