BLOSSOMED | SEOKSOO FF

PART 37

The end of Seokmin’s third year in prison marked a significant milestone in his journey of self-reflection and healing. Therapy sessions were still ongoing, and his art was gaining recognition among the prison staff and fellow inmates. However, amidst the routine, an unexpected visit from an old friend brought an unexpected warmth to his world.

Seokmin was led to the visiting area, unsure of who could be waiting for him. As he walked in, his heart skipped a beat when he saw Mingyu—grinning ear to ear, radiating his usual puppy-like energy. Mingyu waved enthusiastically, almost knocking over the chair in front of him.

“Seokmin!” Mingyu exclaimed, his voice filling the room with an infectious energy.

Seokmin couldn’t help but smile, a rare occurrence these days. “Mingyu?” he asked, disbelief coloring his tone. “What are you doing here?”

“Visiting you, obviously!” Mingyu said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

They sat down, and Mingyu wasted no time diving into updates. “So, life’s been... busy,” Mingyu began, leaning forward like an excited kid about to share a secret. “I’ve been working with Dr. Jeon, you know, the guy always looks like he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders? Well, guess what? I finally proposed!”

Seokmin blinked, surprised but delighted. “You proposed to Dr. Wonwoo? The guy who scared you half to death every time he asked you to organize his files?”

“Yes!” Mingyu laughed, his face turning slightly pink. “It was terrifying. But I did it! And he said yes! Can you believe it?”

Seokmin chuckled, a genuine sound that hadn’t graced his lips in days. “I can’t decide what’s more surprising—that you proposed, or that he actually said yes.”

Their conversation turned nostalgic as they reminisced about their time in the mental hospital. Mingyu and his clumsy yet earnest attempts to help the patients had endeared him to everyone—including Seokmin.

“You were the only person who didn’t laugh at me when I dropped that entire tray of meds,” Mingyu said, mock-pouting. “Instead, you helped me pick them up.”

“That’s because I didn’t want the nurses to kill you,” Seokmin teased. “You were like a walking disaster zone.”

“Hey!” Mingyu protested, though his grin betrayed his mock indignation. “I was trying my best, okay?”

As their laughter subsided, Mingyu’s expression grew serious. “I’ve missed you, Seokmin,” he admitted softly. “You were my first real friend in that place. Seeing you here... it’s hard, but I’m proud of you. You’re doing the work. You’re trying to be better.”

Seokmin’s smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of gratitude. “It means a lot that you came,” he said. “Sometimes it feels like the world outside has moved on without me. But seeing you here... it reminds me that there’s still something to look forward to.”

“There’s a lot waiting for you, And I mean it, a lot.” Mingyu said firmly. “And when you get out, we’re throwing the biggest welcome party. Dr. Wonwoo might even smile. Or, you know, nod. That’s basically a smile for him.”

Seokmin laughed, shaking his head. “I’ll hold you to that.”

As the visit came to an end, Mingyu stood and pulled Seokmin into a tight hug. “You’ve got this,” he whispered. “One step at a time.”

Seokmin nodded, his throat tight with emotion. “Thank you, Mingyu. For everything.”

As Mingyu left, his infectious energy lingering in the room, Seokmin felt a renewed sense of determination. The road ahead was still long, but for the first time in a while, he felt like he wasn’t walking it alone.