My Hand And Yours

Dirty.

He shut his mouth immediately, silently feeling his panic level rise again as he placed his hand on his throat. Baekho watched him and tilted his head.

"What's wrong?" he asked. Minhyun looked at him and shook his head. "Are you seriously still not willing to talk to me?"

Minhyun wanted to reply Baekho that he was over that but he was lacking the ability to do so now. He could barely even whisper and that scared him. He just turned back to the bowl of soup and attempted to drink it again, hoping that he just needed some moisture to get his voice working again but the shaking of his hand had worsened from his internal panic and the spoon kept slipping out from his grip. Baekho noticed that and got up from the chair.

"Here, I'll feed you," Baekho said and Minhyun blinked. He hesitated from letting the spoon go but Baekho's approaching hand made him pull back anyways. Baekho scooped the soup up and carefully blew it cold before bringing it close to Minhyun's lips. Minhyun didn't want to be treated this way. It made him feel pathetic but he didn't have a choice right now. He sipped the soup while keeping an eye on Baekho who just made sure he didn't spill anything onto Minhyun. Once he felt the liquid scrape his throat, a burning sensation replaced the dryness but he didn't stop drinking whatever Baekho offered him until he felt himself feeling better and more energized. "That's great. How does it taste like?"

Minhyun was confused as to why Baekho asked him that at first but then he recalled the other mentioning that he made it himself. He tried to speak again but only felt a silent whisper escape his throat. Baekho didn't know what was going on so he could only presume the worst which was Minhyun still didn't want to talk to him. Minhyun tried to smile instead, his lips curving upwards in an awkward twist since he barely smiled. He can't remember the last time he actually smiled or had a good laugh if he was to be honest.

"Not good, huh... You didn't have to force yourself to finish it," Baekho said while keeping the bowl. He even cleaned the table before rolling it away. Minhyun felt bad that Baekho would assume so but he didn't want Baekho to know that he couldn't speak now. It would make him look even weaker than he felt right now. Minhyun gulped and looked at his hands.

Dirty.

He breathed in and shut his eyes, trying to forget what happened earlier but it was still clear in his mind. He wanted to ask Baekho about the men and what they actually wanted but since he couldn't, he just sat there quietly.

"Minhyun? If you're tired, I can let you go to sleep," Baekho spoke and Minhyun opened his eyes again to see the other holding out a tissue for him. He took it and nodded, trying to whisper a thank you but it didn't work. He cleaned his lips with the inner part of the tissue before handing it back to Baekho who threw it into the dustbin. "Do you want to rest?" Minhyun nodded in response and Baekho helped lower his bed again so he could lay down. Once he was laying down again, Baekho tried to tuck him in but Minhyun grabbed the blanket first before Baekho could. "Alright then. If you need anything, your phone is here. You can call or text me. I have already set my number inside."

Why are you being so nice and caring right now?

That question crossed Minhyun's train of thoughts but he couldn't voice it out so he just stared at Baekho who stared back at him until it became awkward and they looked away. Baekho cleared his throat and nodded absent mindedly.

"Okay... Guess I'll just be around outside."

Minhyun nodded and Baekho turned to leave. Eun Jung came inside right after Baekho exited. She had a duffle bag with her which she placed onto the table too. She smiled and took out a pair of gloves from the bag.

"This is for you in case you need to go toilet. I brought you a change of clothes too but it's best if you rest for a little longer before you take a shower." Eun Jung sat down and sighed. "How do you feel, brother?"