Make Me STAY

In My Head

"Should we postpone the comeback?"

"We can't."

"These are exceptional circumstances. Without recovery time, things could be worse later down the line."

Rose inwardly sighed. She was sitting in a meeting with the rest of Stray Kids' managers. It was two days after Minho collapsed due to the death of his soulmate. The dancer had been cleared by the doctor physically, but mentally, no one could understand what the Idol was going through.

"This is what we'll do."

Rose finally spoke up. She turned to the manager in charge of Minho.

"Can you ask Minho if he feels up to completing the comeback on schedule? Remind him it's not just performances, but interviews and such as well."

The manager's eyes widened.

"Ah, yes. Yes, I can ask."

All the other managers shared glances. Rose generally communicated with the Idols herself, since she was so close to them. They wondered why she didn't ask Minho this herself.

"In the meantime, let's split up the schedule and see what can be changed. If the worst is that Minho can't participate, and we can't rearrange things, then maybe there's a compromise of a limited schedule for him. We should prepare for all possible scenarios."

On one hand, Rose knew it was likely that Minho would attest to being capable of completing the comeback schedule on time. However, she also knew the toll losing a soulmate, even an unknown one, could have on a person.

A week later, Rose was cooking dinner as she did on a regular basis. The Idols were resting after a jam-packed day of rehearsals for not only their comeback but also their end-of-year award show performances. It was strangely quiet until Jisung ran into the kitchen carrying his laptop.

"Noona! I've been doing some research, and it says there have been cases of people having another soulmate after their first one died!"

"Uh huh, that's nice... what? Say that again?"

Rose turned away from the stove to face Jisung. The Idol was practically vibrating with excitement, and she could see the hope shining in his eyes.

"Minho-Hyung could have another soulmate!"

The implication of Jisung's words hit her, leaving Rose breathless.

"He could - he still might..."

As she stared at nothing, lost in thought, Jisung frowned as he sniffed.

"Um, Noona? I think something's burning?"

Turning back around, Rose quickly grabbed the spoon and started stirring. Although a few bits were charred, the food was salvageable.

"Where, um, where did you find this out?"

Jisung placed his laptop on the kitchen's island and turned it to face Rose. 

"It took a while to find. I had to read so many boring, scientific articles until one that had any useful information. Here, look, someone in Thailand bonded to their second soulmate after their first one died! There's hope for Minho! Do you think I should show him?"

After turning off the stove, Rose leaned over and read the report on the screen. In front of her was proof that there was still a chance that she could bond with Minho. She felt awful for thinking it. While he was grieving the loss of a soulmate he would never know, she was happy that he could still be hers. 

"I think it's a little soon for that, Ji... Give it some time."

"You're right, Noona. I just got excited."