Efflorescence (2won)

12. I'm safe with you

It was two days since Hyungwon went to the hospital because of his migraine. He was feeling a lot better now and Wonho was relieved. They sat on the couch listening to the radio. Hyungwon was wearing Wonho's shirt again. By now, it had become a habit.

It didn't bother Wonho, on the contrary, he liked it. He dreamed that Hyungwon was his partner and they were enjoying their day off in their home, relaxing. Hyungwon would have curled into his arms, closing his big eyes. Wonho would strike his hair gently and lovingly.

Hyungwon yawned loudly, which got Wonho back to reality. They weren't partners. They weren't cuddling on the couch. They were just sitting there, like friends.

"I'd like to visit the flower shop." Hyungwon said.

Wonho nodded but looked at him with concern. "Is that a good idea? You would start missing your job..."

"Even if I did, I want to see the place... and I want to see my boss. She's like a mother to me." Hyungwon reasoned.

Wonho was about to argue back, but he just sighed in defeat. "Alright. When?"

"Now."

"N-now?"

"Yeah. I'm bored." Hyungwon stated.

Wonho sighed again, getting up. "Just promise me that you tell me if your head starts hurting again, okay?"

Hyungwon nodded and got up too. He walked to his room to get his phone. Then they left.

Outside, the weather was beautiful. Sunny, a gentle breeze wandered along the streets and it was warm. Hyungwon seemed to enjoy it a lot, assuming by the way he was walking slowly and looking around, smiling. Wonho wanted him to be happy, so this was good. This was a good opportunity to make an impact.

They arrived at the flower shop and Hyungwon literally ran inside.

"In-Sook!" He yelled and went to the older woman at the counter.

"Hyungwon?" The lady asked. "What on earth are you doing here? You should be home, resting." She nagged.

Wonho snickered at the conversation.

"Sorry, I just really wanted to come check on the shop and you." Hyungwon smiled. "How is the shop?"

"Actually well, we've had a lot of customers." In-Sook said. "How about you? How are you?"

Hyungwon looked down a bit. "It's fine. It's not hurting that bad anymore."

"You're lying." In-Sook stated.

Hyungwon seemed surprised. "N-no..."

"He is." Wonho butted in.

"That's what I thought..." In-Sook sighed. "Who is he?" She then asked Hyungwon.

"That's Wonho... He's living with me, helping me." Hyungwon explained.

In-Sook looked at Wonho and winked. "What a fine man."

Hyungwon blushed immediately.

"Anyways... has the police asked you anything?" Hyungwon asked.

"Hmm, you didn't know?"

"Know what?"

In-Sook smiled gently. "They already got her. She had robbed other places too."

Hyungwon looked defeated. "I thought she might just had no other choice, but to rob us... I didn't think she meant anything bad."

"You're always so kind, but Hyungwon, dear... she had robbed many other places, hurting the workers... she even pointed a gun at one of them. You're actually lucky, because she was armed." In-Sook said calmly.

Hyungwon seemed scared. His hands started shaking.

"It's alright... hey..." Wonho whispered and gently stroked Hyungwon's shoulder. "You're fine now. She didn't point a gun at you."

"S-she seemed so nice..." Hyungwon said quietly.

"I know, but it's over and it won't happen again." Wonho said, trying to calm the younger down.

"I didn't want anything bad to happen... I just tried to be nice." Hyungwon was starting to hyperventilate.

In-Sook looked at them with worry. "Take him home. It's not good for him to be here. He's having a panic attack..." She said to Wonho.

Wonho nodded and turned to Hyungwon. "Let's go home, okay?" He said gently.

"W-wonho... I..."

"Shh, it's okay. I'll make you a hot chocolate at home, let's go." Wonho guided Hyungwon out.

They walked slowly, because Hyungwon was having a panic attack. Wonho held his hand and guided him home. When the door shut behind them, Hyungwon fell on the floor, hiccupping and sobbing.

Wonho quickly went to him and crouched before him. "Hey, Hyungwon... please, talk to me."

Hyungwon sobbed harder. "I don't know... I feel horrible, I can't breathe."

Wonho rubbed his back. "Let's get you on the couch, okay?"

Hyungwon nodded and Wonho helped him up and on the couch. Hyungwon curled up his knees and kept sobbing.

"W-wonho..."

"Please, call me Hoseok." Wonho smiled gently.

Hyungwon stopped and looked at him. "I-is that your real name?"

"It is. Wonho is just a nickname." Wonho, or rather Hoseok smiled.

Hyungwon didn't even realize, that he stopped crying almost immediately.

"See? That helped." Hoseok laughed.

Hyungwon looked at him, with a questioning expression. "What?"

"You stopped crying."

Hyungwon smiled. "I did... Wonh- uh, Hoseok?"

"Yeah?" Hoseok hummed.

"Thank you."

Hoseok let out a small laugh. "For what?"

"For everything..."