Healing

VIII - turbulence

I hope you guys enjoy this chapter :3

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Playing with cats and keeping the conversation about that, the rest of the date goes by fairly quickly. For the sake of his own emotions Jinyoung decides to focus on the cats only, ignoring the way Jaebeom makes him feel with just little things. He's hyper aware and that is exhausting, especially for him who rarely experiences anything other than apathy and disillusionment. It is taxing to be feeling so many things, fluttering emotions that unsettle him.

Jinyoung needs a break; he's not used to this.

Jaebeom probably notices he's shut down for now and keeps the conversation simple, mostly about cats and random facts he knows about felines and taking so many pictures. It's actually Jaebeom who needs to end the date not much later, and even if Jinyoung doesn't ask, the older tells why him.

"Eomma has physiotherapy and I'm taking her today."

Jinyoung nods, wondering how bad was Jaebeom's mother accident to have been left with sequels that still need physiotherapy. Surely worse than his own accident, or maybe she just had worse luck. Regardless, the younger feels sorry for her and hopes she can overcome all the future obstacles.

"Sure, good luck with that." Jinyoung smiles, feeling a bit awkward and not sure how to say goodbye as they stand outside the cat café.

"I can still take you home," Jaebeom offers but Jinyoung is shaking his head without having to even consider it.

"Thanks but I prefer going home alone, not that I think you're a psycho or anything, but who knows?" Jaebeom laughs out loud at that. "I rather keep my home secret in case you're a psycho and you're planning to murder me after fattening me with all these coffee dates."

"That's the last thing I'd do," Jaebeom answers. "It's much easier to hide a skinny body."

Jinyoung honestly did not expect that comment at the end, it takes him by surprise so much that he snorts in a very embarrassing way, laughing out loud and clearly making Jaebeom proud of his nonsensical remarks.

"Can't argue with that," Jinyoung smiles. "But honestly, I just prefer being alone now. I don't think I'll go home just yet."

No need to mention how he feels even more suffocated when he's at home, how the darkness inside him creeps within him to make him wish even more everything was over once and for all. He doesn't like seeing the guilt in his sister's face, or the tired expression on his parents' faces. He hates knowing it's not because they understand him but exactly because they can't and they don't know what to do about him.

"Oh," Jaebeom hums. "Then I guess I'll see you soon? The weather is getting nicer so we could go somewhere fun."

"Are you thinking of a cliché amusement park date?" Jinyoung laughs.

"First, let me point out how I enjoy you don't refuse they are dates," Jaebeom states, looking clearly pleased and making Jinyoung blush, embarrassed. "Second, I might consider that option. You in cute animal headband like in dramas? I'd love to see that."

"I refuse now, before it even comes as a proposition. No." Jinyoung states coldly, not wanting to be a cliché from drama, ever.

"Ah, it would be fun. And think of all those super high places where we could be? I can't believe someone who sits on bridges rails doesn't want to ride rollercoasters," Jaebeom is clearly challenging him, and Jinyoung is this close to fall for it.

"As appealing as that is, I prefer calm encounters with heights to appreciate the view and think, not mindless screaming and crowds. Thank you very much."