Make Me STAY

Don't Say

Rose woke up to the cutest sight. Jisung was fast asleep beside her. His hair was sticking up in all directions. His mouth was relaxed into a pout as he breathed. He looked so peaceful as he slept. No mischievousness, stress, or anxiety marred his handsome face. And he was hers.

She couldn't believe it. Another member of Stray Kids had bonded to her as her soulmate. Seven out of eight. There was no doubt now that they were all meant for her - or rather, she belonged to each of them. Occasionally she still felt bad. Selfish. How could she possibly deserve to be loved by all these beautiful souls? But if she had learnt anything since meeting Stray Kids, it was not to question where she belonged. With them. She belonged with them, and she was happy to accept her fate.

Reluctantly, Rose rolled over to check her phone for the time. They had a schedule to keep to. She turned back and reached out, running her fingers through her new soulmate's hair.

"Sungie? Time to wake up."

Jisung didn't move, but a hum vibrated through him. Rose decided to take that as a sign he was listening.

"I'm going back to my room to get changed then I'll come back and get you for breakfast. Okay?"

This time he nuzzled into the pillow and mumbled something without even opening his eyes.

"Five more minutes."

Rose chuckled.

"Yes, you can have five more minutes. But then we have to go and tell everyone our good news."

She leaned down and kissed the corner of his mouth. As she pulled away, he turned his face towards her as if seeking her out.

"Good news?"

"Hm. Don't you want to tell the others you found your soulmate?"

Jisung smiled, his eyes still closed as he replied in his half-asleep state.

"Soulmate? Rose. Rose is my soulmate. Pretty Rose."

Somehow, Rose managed to pull herself away from her adorable sleepy soulmate, gather yesterday's clothes and go back to her room to get ready for the day. She rushed, and thirty minutes later, she was knocking on Jisung's door. She was surprised to see a put-together Jisung open the door, half expecting him to still be asleep.

"Come on, the rest are already down at breakfast."

Rose went to turn, but a hand on her wrist stopped her. She looked at Jisung, who seemed to be contemplating something before he pulled her into his room with him. The door shut as she leaned against the wall beside it. She frowned when Jisung stood there silently.

"Is everything o-"

She was cut off by Jisung pressing his lips to hers. This kiss was softer than their first one. Last night had been about passion and excitement, but this morning focused on savouring the moment. He pulled away slightly, pressing a few pecks to her lips before leaning his forehead against hers. They stared at each other, not needing words to communicate.

"For a moment I thought last night had been a dream... I'm glad it wasn't."

Rose smiled and leaned in for another peck.

"Me too."

Jisung took a step back and ran his eyes over Rose.

"Urgh, this is such bad timing! I can be professional and go to work. I will be professional... Please tell me you won't be leaving my side today."

It took Rose a minute to process what her new soulmate meant. Her heartbeat sped up at the implication. He was talking himself out of keeping her in his room all day. But a twinge of sadness hit her as she imagined what yesterday had been like for him when work had separated them.