Evanesce

(Chapter 19) Cloud 9

Jongin must've expected me to bolt at the sight of Leeteuk, a small part of me wanted to, but the numbness still remained. Which made me more indifferent to my own survival, and less fearful of the Demon standing in front of me. Leeteuk watched me in avidity, as if daring me to flee, but I only stared blankly back at him. Suddenly he broke into a loud, airy laugh, causing Jongin to stir uneasily. 

"Hello again, Minji" Leeteuk flashed a wide, bright smile as he bowed elegantly to me. I felt Jongin's grip tighten slightly before I pulled away, returning the respectful gesture. 

"Hello, sir. It's nice to see you again." I feigned a sweet smile, stepping back to the confused Jongin pouting behind me. Leeteuk nodded at me familiarly, suddenly completely comfortable with my presence. I looked up inquisitively at Jongin's anxious face, guilt slightly nawing at my gut. 

"I'm gonna get her to bed..." Jongin mumbled dreamily, as if dazed by his own confusion. Leeteuk snickered, waving as Jongin teleported me back to my room. I crossed the chilled wood floor to my bed, patting the spot next to me as an invitation. Though this was ignored as he paced toward my desk, looking deep in thought. It was silent for a while, the only sound being our calm breathing, until I puffed out a dramatic sigh. Jongin's attention was immediately back to me, though I couldn't read his expression. It was something lost and sad, innocent. 

"I guess I'm not afraid of your dad anymore. Silver lignings really do exist." I shrugged, attempting to calm his obvious tension. He continued staring at me, presumably waiting for me to continue. I took a long breath before explaining. 

"Look it's not like I'm not afraid, it's just that I'm learning to deal with it and I'm not gonna get anywhere by running from things that are not a threat, right?" I rambled on quietly, periodically glancing at Jongin to gauge his reaction. "That was kinda the point you guys were getting to earlier, wasn't it?" This seemed to snap Jongin out of it as he nodded profusely, stepping forward to me, inch by inch. 

"Essentially but we never planned on brute forcing you into some kind of exposure therapy." He looked at me now with full, apologetic eyes. The kind that could make anyone melt. Jongin knelt before me, holding my hands in his and staring at the point of contact. "I was really scared it was going to screw everything up.." He mumbled solemnly, refusing to look up. 

"Give me a little more credit than that. I think I learned the first time, there's no running from you." I joked dryly, earning a slight, sad smile from Jongin. I'm not sure what triggered my response, the urge to cure his sadness or the personal need to feel something. I slowly removed my hands from his, grabbing his soft face gently. I lifted his face toward mine to place a small, delicate kiss to his lips. 

As I pulled away, Jongin's eyes went wide, a slight blush forming on his skin. His innocent reaction caused me to laugh, genuinely, for the first time in a while. The sound startled both myself and Jongin. His surprise quickly was shaken off and replaced with a radiant smile. 

"We'll have to do this more often if I'll get that kind of reaction." He smirked coyly at me, grabbing my waist and yanking me back to him. His soft lips crashed against mine passionately as I clung to his shirt for stability. His strong arms held my body to his, gently holding me prisoner. Our mouths moved in sync while he pulled me even closer, securing my arms around his neck. As I pulled away to catch my breath, Jongin peppered my face with kisses. I smiled, lightly shoving him away. He leaned in for one more peck before standing suddenly, still grasping me. I gasped, clinging to his shoulders desperately while Jongin chuckled. 

"All this excitement will keep you up. Bed time." He announced, placing me gently on the bed and smothering me with blankets. I pouted childishly at him as he stood, fixing his clothes.