stray kids imagines

jisung | in the quiet of your arms

ʳᵉᵠᵘᵉˢᵗᵉᵈ ᵇʸ Urfavgirl_lunaa0
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angst. fluff / 1358
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- anxiety/panic attack -

it was well past midnight when you heard the faint creak of the door to your shared apartment. the sound startled you at first, but then the familiar shuffle of feet on the hardwood floor brought relief.

jisung had finally come home.

you had been worried sick all day. he had mentioned earlier that the schedule was packed - from rehearsals to interviews and then meetings about upcoming projects.

you knew how overwhelming days like this could be for him. jisung was hardworking, but he often pushed himself too hard, and it was something you were always keeping an eye on.

"ji?" you called softly from the couch, where you'd been waiting with a blanket wrapped around your legs. you heard him pause, then let out a shaky breath.

"yeah," he answered, voice barely above a whisper.

when he rounded the corner into the living room, the sight of him made your chest tighten.

his shoulders were hunched, his hands gripping the straps of his bag like they were a lifeline. his eyes were rimmed red, and he avoided your gaze as if he were afraid you'd see right through him - which, of course, you did.

you were off the couch in an instant, crossing the room to gently pry the bag from his hands and set it down. "hey, baby," you murmured. "you're home now, okay?"

but instead of responding, jisung let out a trembling gasp and covered his face with both hands. his breathing grew erratic, and a small, almost inaudible whimper slipped through his fingers.

your heart broke in two.

jisung had always struggled with anxiety, but seeing him this distressed was rare and devastating.

without hesitation, you reached for him, pulling his hands away from his face. they were cold and clammy, shaking in yours.

"ji," you whispered, steady but soft, "look at me."

his teary eyes flicked to yours for the briefest moment before darting away again. his breaths were coming too fast now, his chest rising and falling in short, shallow bursts.

you could see the panic gripping him like a vice, and you knew it wouldn't let go easily.

"okay," you said, keeping your voice calm even though your insides were churning. "it's okay, baby. let's sit down, alright? come on."

you guided him to the couch, where he sank down heavily, as though his legs could no longer hold him.

you sat close, one arm draped protectively around his shoulders, the other reaching for his hand.

his fingers curled tightly around yours, desperate for grounding.

"breathe with me," you urged gently. "you're safe. I've got you, ji."

his breathing was still rapid and uneven, his chest heaving as if he couldn't get enough air.

you leaned closer, pressing your forehead to his temple. "in through your nose," you coached softly, exaggerating your own inhale so he could follow. "one... two... three... that's it. and now out through your mouth."

jisung tried, but the exhale came out ragged and choked. his free hand clutched at his chest like it hurt. tears spilt down his cheeks, and he shook his head. "I can't," he gasped. "I c-can't-"