The morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow around Mingyu's room. Joshua slowly opened his eyes, feeling disoriented for a moment before taking in his surroundings. He was in Mingyu's room, wrapped in the familiar warmth of Mingyu's blankets. Everything from the night before came rushing back the heartbreak, the betrayal, the way he had cried himself to sleep in Mingyu's comforting embrace. His chest tightened, and tears threatened to spill again, but he forced himself to take a shaky breath.
Joshua rubbed his eyes and sat up slowly, his body aching from the emotional exhaustion. The pain from remembering Jeonghan's betrayal cut deep, and he had to take a moment to steady himself. He hated how easily the tears came, but he couldn't help it. Everything still felt raw and overwhelming.
After a few moments, he managed to push himself out of bed. He noticed the faint smell of something cooking, and the sound of sizzling drew him out of his thoughts. Joshua quietly made his way down the hall, following the aroma to the kitchen.
Mingyu was there, standing by the stove with a focused expression as he prepared breakfast. When he heard Joshua's soft footsteps, he turned, his eyes lighting up with a gentle smile. "Morning, Shua-hyung," Mingyu greeted, his voice warm and calm. He set down a spatula and approached Joshua, guiding him to sit at the kitchen table. "Come on, take a seat. I made breakfast."
Joshua sat down reluctantly, his eyes downcast. Mingyu placed a plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of him, but Joshua shook his head. "I'm not hungry," he murmured, his voice almost a whisper. "I don't have an appetite."
Mingyu's smile softened, but he didn't give up. He knew Joshua hadn't eaten anything since the previous night, and he was worried. "I know you don't feel like eating," Mingyu said gently, "but you need to, even if it's just a little. Please, Shua-hyung. Just a few bites."
Joshua looked at Mingyu, feeling a wave of stubborn resistance. But when he saw the genuine concern in Mingyu's eyes, his resolve wavered. Mingyu had always been there for him, and he didn't want to make him worry even more. With a reluctant sigh, Joshua picked up his fork and took a small bite.
Mingyu watched with a hopeful expression, and when Joshua seemed to stop after just a few mouthfuls, Mingyu didn't push him further. Instead, he carefully took the fork from Joshua and offered him another bite, gently coaxing him until Joshua managed to eat a little more. Joshua eventually pulled away, whispering, "That's enough."
Mingyu nodded, his heart aching at how fragile Joshua seemed. "Okay," he said softly. "At least you ate something. That's all that matters." He tried to smile, though he knew that Joshua's pain wouldn't disappear so easily.
An awkward silence settled between them, heavy with unspoken words. Joshua played with his hands, his mind swirling with uncertainty. Finally, he gathered the courage to speak, his voice hesitant and uncertain. "Mingyu... can I... stay here for a few days?" Joshua's eyes darted up to meet Mingyu's. "I promise I'll leave once I find a new place to stay. Just... until then, is it okay if I stay?"
Mingyu's heart clenched at the vulnerability in Joshua's voice. He immediately shook his head, stepping closer. "Hyung, you don't have to leave," he said firmly. "You can stay here as long as you want. This is your home too, and you're not a stranger. You're very important to me, and I want you to feel safe and comfortable here."
Joshua's eyes filled with tears at Mingyu's words, and he looked away, trying to hold back the flood of emotions. Mingyu's unwavering support and kindness made him feel both grateful and unworthy. "Thank you," Joshua whispered, his voice cracking.
Mingyu reached out, gently squeezing Joshua's shoulder. "Always, Shua-hyung," he said softly. "I'll be here, for as long as you need me." The sincerity in his voice wrapped around Joshua like a warm embrace, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Joshua felt a sliver of comfort amidst the heartbreak.
Joshua had been staying at Mingyu's place for two weeks now, spending most of his time holed up in the guest room Mingyu had kindly offered him. He hardly ventured out except for meals, and even then, he barely spoke. The air around him was heavy, and Mingyu couldn't help but feel his heart ache every time he saw how broken and distant Joshua had become. Joshua had been ignoring Jeonghan's calls and, on the one occasion Jeonghan tried to visit, Joshua had begged Mingyu to turn him away. Mingyu did as Joshua asked, understanding that Joshua wasn't ready to face Jeonghan yet.
One night, Mingyu noticed that Joshua hadn't come out for dinner. He prepared a simple meal and went to the guest room, knocking softly. "Shua-hyung," Mingyu called, concern lacing his voice, "you need to eat something." There was a long pause, followed by Joshua's muffled response. "I'm not hungry, Mingyu. Please... I just want to be alone."
Mingyu sighed, leaning his forehead against the closed door. He knew Joshua was hurting, but he also knew Joshua couldn't keep bottling up his pain like this. Determined to lift Joshua's spirits, Mingyu came up with an idea. He knocked again, this time with more energy. "Okay, fine," Mingyu announced. "I'm going out to get some ice cream. If you want some, you better come with me."
There was silence from the other side of the door. Mingyu smirked a little, knowing Joshua's love for ice cream. "I guess I'll eat it all by myself then," he continued, his voice teasing. "It's from that cute little ice cream truck down the street. You know, the one that has your favorite flavors. Their ice cream is so good, but if you're not interested..." Mingyu trailed off, feigning indifference.
Suddenly, he heard the sound of the door unlocking, and a small smile spread across his lips. The door cracked open, and Joshua peeked out, looking hesitant but undeniably curious. His eyes were slightly puffy from days of crying, but there was a flicker of interest in them. "Ice cream?" Joshua asked softly, his voice fragile.
Mingyu's heart warmed at the sight, and he had to stop himself from reaching out to pinch Joshua's cheeks like he used to do when they were joking around. Joshua looked so small and vulnerable, and Mingyu wanted nothing more than to protect him. But he held back, knowing now wasn't the right time for playful teasing. Instead, he gave Joshua a gentle smile. "Yeah, ice cream," he said. "Go get dressed, and let's go."
Joshua nodded and retreated to get changed. A few minutes later, he emerged wearing a simple, oversized hoodie and some sweatpants, looking a bit more like himself. They left the apartment together, walking slowly to the ice cream truck under the cool night sky. The silence between them was comfortable, a sign that Joshua was beginning to feel more at ease.
When they reached the ice cream truck, Mingyu made sure to buy Joshua's favorite flavor. He handed the ice cream to Joshua, who took it with a small, grateful smile. They found a bench nearby and sat down, and as Joshua began to eat, Mingyu couldn't help but watch him. Joshua's lips puckered slightly as he took a bite, a small pout forming when the cold treat made his lips tingle. He looked so adorable, and Mingyu had to fight back the urge to reach over and ruffle his hair or pinch his cheeks.
Instead, he simply admired Joshua from beside him, his heart swelling with a bittersweet mixture of feelings. Seeing Joshua smile, even just a little, was a victory Mingyu cherished. The way Joshua's cheeks puffed up with each bite, how he would occasionally lick his lips, and the slight upward curve of his mouth made Mingyu's heart race. Joshua was truly precious to him, and at that moment, he felt a deep desire to make sure Joshua never hurt like this again.
Joshua seemed to notice Mingyu watching and looked up, his eyes meeting Mingyu's. "What?" he asked, his voice still soft.
Mingyu quickly looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. "Nothing," he said, a blush creeping up his cheeks. "You just... look cute eating ice cream, that's all."
Joshua's eyes widened slightly, and for the first time in days, a tiny giggle escaped his lips. It was quiet, almost shy, but it was there, and it made Mingyu's heart skip a beat. Seeing Joshua smile, even for just a moment, was enough to make everything feel a little brighter.
