Second Chance [SEOKSOO]

05: Drunken Act

Seokmin grimaced as he staggered through the doorway, practically carrying Joshua, who had his arms wrapped tightly around Seokmin’s shoulders like a sleepy koala, refusing to let go. Every step felt like a small battle, with Joshua’s weight pressing down on him, his soft, drunken giggles, and murmurs making it harder to keep his balance.

Inside, Mrs. Lee raised an eyebrow, giving Seokmin an amused look as he struggled to keep Joshua upright. Mr. Lee chuckled, shaking his head as he closed the front door behind them.

“Just take him to your room, dear,” Mrs. Lee said, a hint of sympathy mixed with amusement. “The guest room’s too dusty, and we don’t want him waking up to that in the morning.”

Seokmin blinked, caught off guard. “Wait, my room? But—”

“Unless you’d rather sleep with him on the couch?” Mrs. Lee replied with a knowing smile.

With a resigned sigh, Seokmin adjusted his grip on Joshua, who was now leaning his head heavily against Seokmin’s shoulder, his eyes half-closed. “Alright, alright,” Seokmin muttered, shifting Joshua’s arm to support him better as he led him toward his bedroom.

As they reached the stairs, Joshua let out a sleepy mumble, his grip tightening around Seokmin. "You’re… really nice, Seokmin," he slurred, a dopey smile spreading across his face.

Seokmin couldn’t help but smile slightly despite himself. “Yeah, yeah,” he murmured, carefully guiding Joshua up each step, trying his best not to stumble with every clumsy, affectionate hug Joshua gave him along the way.

Seokmin savoured the warmth of the moment, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he felt Joshua’s sleepy head resting against his shoulder, his breath warm and steady. Joshua’s arm clung loosely around him, and for once, there was no tension between them—just a quiet, unguarded closeness that felt oddly natural.

As he guided Joshua toward his room, Seokmin couldn’t help but think about how rare this moment was, how fleeting. It was something he’d probably never get to experience again, and yet, for now, it was real. The thought brought a bittersweet pang to his chest, but he brushed it aside, content to let himself live in this small, unexpected closeness, even if it was just for tonight.

As soon as they reached his room, Seokmin let out a sigh of relief and eased Joshua onto the bed, his arms finally free from the weight he'd been supporting the entire way. Joshua was heavier than he’d expected, and Seokmin's shoulders ached from carrying him up the stairs. He chuckled softly, brushing a few stray hairs from Joshua’s face as the older boy settled into the mattress, still completely oblivious in his deep sleep.

"You're a lot to handle, hyung," Seokmin murmured, amused by the sight of Joshua sprawled out on his bed, looking far more peaceful than Seokmin had ever seen him.

Seokmin didn’t even consider changing Joshua's clothes—it felt like too much of an intrusion. He knew Joshua would probably be embarrassed enough when he woke up here, in someone else’s room, still wrapped up in his own clothes from the party. Quietly, Seokmin pulled a spare blanket from the closet and draped it over Joshua, making sure he was comfortable.

He watched Joshua’s face for a moment, noting the calmness there, so different from his usual guarded expression. For once, Joshua looked at ease, the tension gone from his brow.

The room was warm, so before heading to the shower, Seokmin switched on the AC, letting the cool air hum to life and spread throughout the room. He glanced over at Joshua, sprawled peacefully on the bed, and adjusted the blanket slightly, making sure it wouldn’t get too chilly for him. With a last look, he stepped out to freshen up, hoping the cool air would keep Joshua comfortable as he slept.