𝕄𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕞𝕖 𝕗𝕖𝕖𝕝 𝔸𝕝𝕚𝕧𝕖 || 𝟚𝕞𝕚𝕟

18 | Soon You'll Get Better

"Are you ready?" Minho asked softly, watching as Seungmin adjusted the strap of his bag on his shoulder.

Seungmin nodded, his lips pressed into a thin line, though his eyes betrayed his nerves.

"Okay, let's go."

The two stepped out of the college gates, walking in companionable silence toward the taxi stand. At the stand, Minho flagged down a taxi, and they climbed in, Seungmin settling nervously beside him.

As usual, Seungmin had told Hyunjin that he was tutoring Jeongin after school. It wasn't a complete lie—Jeongin had asked for help with his studies before—but it wasn't today's plan. Minho never asked why Seungmin couldn't just tell Hyunjin the truth. He had a feeling he already knew the answer. He just didn't understand how deep the resentment ran. But then again, it wasn't his place to pry. As long as Seungmin was with him, nothing else mattered.

The ride was quiet, the sound of the city outside filling the space. Seungmin stared out the window, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his sweater. Minho noticed and gently placed a hand over Seungmin's, stopping the nervous movements. Seungmin glanced at him, his expression softening.

When they reached the hospital, the imposing building loomed ahead of them. Minho stepped out first, holding the door open for Seungmin, who hesitated before following. The air inside was cool and smelled faintly of antiseptic. Without thinking, Minho reached for Seungmin's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"It's okay," Minho whispered as he felt the slight tremor in Seungmin's hand. "Everything's going to be okay."

Seungmin nodded, though his grip on Minho's hand tightened.

Every Tuesday after school, this was their routine: heading to the hospital for Seungmin's appointment with the speech therapist. Dr. Bang—Chan's mother—had been kind enough to offer her help for free, though both Seungmin and Minho had tried to pay her. Chan had insisted Minho to consider it a small way to make amends for his absence last year.

Their first session had been mostly an introduction, with Seungmin sharing the details of his condition: the exact cause of losing his voice, how it had happened, whether it had been painful, and how long he'd been mute. Dr. Bang had carefully ensured that this was something Seungmin genuinely wanted for himself.

Now, the real work was set to begin. To say that Seungmin was nervous was an understatement.

As they made their way through the brightly lit hallways, Minho noticed how Seungmin's steps faltered. By the time they reached the nurse's station, his friend was visibly trembling. When a nurse called them in, Seungmin stood but didn't release Minho's hand.

"You want me to come with you?" Minho asked, surprised by the unspoken request.

Seungmin nodded, his wide eyes betraying his anxiety.

"Are you sure?" Minho asked again, his voice softer.

Another nod. Without hesitation, Seungmin tugged Minho along with him. Minho squeezed his hand once more, silently vowing to stay by his side for as long as Seungmin needed.

The door to Dr. Bang's office swung open, revealing a warm and inviting space. The walls were painted in calming pastel shades, and the room smelled faintly of lavender. A desk covered with neatly stacked papers and a small nameplate reading 'Dr. Evelyn Bang, Speech Therapist ' was positioned near the window. Behind it, a woman with kind eyes and an easy smile rose to greet them.

"Seungmin! Minho! Welcome back," she said warmly, stepping around the desk. "How are you feeling today?"

Seungmin offered a polite nod, his gaze flitting nervously around the room. His hand clung tightly to Minho's, and Minho gave it a reassuring squeeze before speaking up.