Jellyfish | 2MIN FF

ep 17; hallucinate✨

"Jongin?"

I was so confused but gave him the warmest hug, more warm than the equator. The smile fading away from my pale face. "Why did you leave? You know, you're the only one that truly gets me-"

"Taemin, I left because of something. Probably something selfish. I was never gone and I'll never be gone," he smiled.

Jinki stopped behind us and kept asking questions, but he was muted from my mind.

My body started to shake as I saw Jinki with a worried expression. "What are you doing out here? You're not an outpatient yet," he frowned, but got cut off by a brilliant idea. "I said I'd take you to the aquarium one day, it was when I met you, so let's break the rules and go. I don't care if I get arrested."

I tried so hard to crack a smile, but a tear ended up slipping out instead. Jongin really is dead... isn't he?

Jinki held my hand and caressed it. "I'll do everything I can to make you happy. So much I will do for you. I love you, Taemin. You've made me realize so many things," he smiled while stuttering through his crying. "The aquarium isn't so far from here, let's walk and maybe you could talk to me," he continued.

—

We sat down in front of the tank of purple jellyfish. The purple LED lights reflecting on our faces. Jellyfish repeating the soft strokes and movement with their tentacles.

"Taemin, why do you like Jellyfish so much?"

I've never been asked that questioned. I ignored everyone staring at me for my hospital clothes and thought about the question very deeply. "Jellyfish can't get addicted to anything like I do. It's so significant that there's no substance that they crave so much for, like I do."

Jinki forced a smile on his face and looked at me, worriedly. "I'm not going to be able of adopting you. I really wish I was but.. I'm scared of losing you. You understand, right?"

I looked down and frowned. "That's fine, I'll do better on my own."

Jinki frowned and hugged me. "I have lots of explaining to do, care to listen?", his smile continued to surface his face.

—

Turns out Jinki used to have a daughter when he was younger. She was the reason Jonghyun and Jinki crosses paths; terrible paths. He couldn't afford to take care of her and she soon got taken away by her own mother. Her mother hated Jinki so much. The harm he's caused another young man ruined their relationship.

He really loved her, the both of them were his everything. I always reminded him of his daughter. Never really knew why though. Jinki always hoped of seeing them again, but never had the chance to.

—

I looked up at the Jellyfish tank and saw someone at the bottom of it. He put his bony hand against the thick glass. My eyes widened as I saw Jongin again. I rubbed my eyes and he was gone, still believing he really wasn't gone at all. He was still with me.

"Something wrong?"

"No, I'm just tired."

Just tired..

Knowing that we'll meet again, makes me so happy. Someday I'll be with you. I promise you that.