Will You Catch Me When I Fall? || Minsung

36

A/N: How were your guys' Christmas? Hope it was at least alright! This is most likely the last update of 2024, please enjoy ^o^

TW: Small mention of SH and even smaller mention of bullying, but I'm writing it here just in case!

Minho kept his head low as he followed Chan inside his house. He politely greeted Chan's mother with a tiny, appreciative nod. 

During his stay at their house he had been treated like a family member more than ever before. 

He went upstairs and headed directly to his temporary room.

"Minho-ah," 

He stopped in his steps.

"Come, let's have a little chat." 

Minho walked into Chan's bedroom, the neat and calming atmosphere soothing his racing thoughts. "What's up?" He asked nonchalantly, picking at his nails as he sat himself on the foot of Chan's bed. Chan didn't bat an eye, instead sitting next to the younger with his arm draped around Minho's shoulders.

"So, are you-"

"Oh yeah I was, I'll return it now, here you go. Thanks." 

Minho took off the jacket, handing it to Chan

"You're welcome, but that's not what I was going to say. What I was going to say was-"

"Is that a baby photo of you or Lucas..? Oh- nevermind, it's not in black and white, it's got colour so it must be Lucas."

Chan pursed his lips. "You're doing it again, Minho."

"Doing what?"

"Avoiding the subject."

"It was worth a shot."

Chan sighed, squeezing Minho's shoulder. "Anyway. I wanted to check in on you. Are you alright? I know taking your hoodie off wasn't ideal for you."

"I'm fine, thanks."

 Chan examined the younger's face. The short response was unsettling. After a moment, Chan nodded, averting his focus to the bandages on Minho's forearms.

"Can I have a look? It's completely up to you if that's okay or not." 

"Go ahead, I guess." The younger nodded, holding out his left hand first. He seemed distracted, not paying mind to Chan's gentle touches until his finger lightly traced on of the long scars. Minho froze, gaze darting to where Chan's index finger was now hovering slightly above the skin.

"I didn't hurt you, did I?" Chan murmured, looking a bit uncertain. Minho shook his head, waiting for the other's next movement. 

Chan's fingers drifted over the longest, most jagged scar and Minho shivered, releasing a taut breath.

"Min," Chan whispered. "I'm so fucking proud of you. I'm so proud of how you helped Jisung even if it took some bravery and putting yourself in an uncomfortable position. I'm so proud of how you're becoming a better you, of how well you're healing - It took the time and effort, but you're doing it, Min. I'm so proud."

The older pulled the other closer, their legs millimeters away but broader shoulders brushing.

"No one else may know of these barriers you've been facing, but deep inside we know and are proud you made it this far."

Minho looked down at the plush carpet. 

"I admit, it's been stressful recently and it's tempting to just relapse, but I don't understand why I find myself caring so much. That omega... that damned omega..." Minho's heart twisted and he shut his eyes tightly.

"He makes me stressed, he makes me worried for him. Why am I so worried for him?" Minho whispered, subconsciously letting his head fall on Chan's shoulder.

"He's an omega, I bullied him and hurt him and almost strangled him to death. But now he's acting like it never happened, like he forgives me. I don't even forgive myself. He's so confusing, I don't know what the fuck he's doing to me." 

Chan listened to the rant silently, breathing out a soft laugh once Minho finished. The younger looked at him exasperatedly.

"Oh, Minho-ah. You care for people who are important to you or are significant in your life. You don't want to see them hurt or upset. You care for Jisung. And so now that he's really struggling, it's gonna impact you too. Maybe it's time you let go of your resent towards omegas." Chan carded his fingers through the black and purple locks of the younger.

"Jisung forgives extremely easily. It's just a part of his nature. And we can't do anything about it except help protect him from people that will take advantage of that." Chan murmured, voice growing a bit husky. 

"He's fragile, in a way. Once glass is shattered and you lose even the tiniest fragment, you repair it, but you're missing that piece and the glass won't ever be the same again. And when it keeps shattering, each time the fragments get smaller and smaller, harder to find again, harder to repair. Until you're left with something you could never recognize or is just completely irreparable again. And you lose it, forever."

Minho bit his lip.

"I... I- I don't..." He trailed off. Chan held him a bit tighter. "Go on."

"I don't want to lose him." Minho blurted, his eyes becoming watery. "He confuses me, but I really don't want to lose him." 

Chan crooned gently, lightly scenting the younger in reassurance. "We're not going to lose him. We'll make sure of it." Minho nodded.

I really, really hope so.

A/N: Sorry, this was a bit short and was kinda more of a filler than an actual chapter, next one will be better though! 

See you guys next update!