I'm In Trouble

Clip 26

The second Baekho received the message, he responded despite telling himself he should probably wait but seeing the words I need help made him worried. He knew Minhyun was the impulsive type when he wanted or needed something. That was made quite clear to him and if Minhyun had already put away his pride to ask for help, he felt it was only right that he should help. He snatched his wallet and laptop, stuffing everything that he needed into his bag and rode to the apartment in a rush. He hopped down and messaged Minhyun to open the door for him once he was upstairs. He heard a scramble followed by heavy thuds before the door slammed open and the tall frame enveloped him in a tight hug.

"Minhyun, hey, calm down. Let's go inside first," Baekho said and had to push the taller man back to make him walk. Minhyun refused to let go as they stumbled into the apartment. Baekho managed to shut the door behind him and they both collapsed onto the ground from Minhyun's weight alone. He could feel Minhyun shaking and he sighed, hugging him close. "What happened?"

Minhyun shook his head, holding back his voice. Baekho patted his head and he flinched. He peered up at Baekho. "I want... To be held."

"I'm here."

"Not enough. I want more," He whispered and squeezed Baekho.

"Minhyun, let's get you to bed. You sound drunk."

"I didn't even drink a single drop of alcohol. I don't drink," Minhyun said and slowly pushed himself up as Baekho got up and helped him up as well. Minhyun wobbled and he blinked. "You're... Really here, right?"

Baekho chuckled and nodded. "I am."

"Nngh... Why are you so nice to me when I don't deserve it?"

Baekho blinked and tilted his head. "Stop thinking. Let's just move."

Minhyun nodded as Baekho held his hand and pulled him towards his bed. Baekho looked around the apartment and found his bed easily. The apartment was small anyways with only two rooms. He motioned Minhyun onto the bed and the pop star scrambled onto it. Baekho put his bag aside and sat down. Minhyun hugged him from behind and buried his head on his shoulder.

"Why don't you lay down on my lap?" Baekho offered.

"Huh?"

"You didn't call me here... For sex, right?"

Minhyun bit his lip and nodded his head. "I just needed...company. I thought I've managed to forget all about what happened but our conversation... Brought back all these repressed emotions. I... I don't know what to do about them. I didn't want to go out and find a random person to hold me again."

"You sure this isn't a ploy to get me to stay here with you?" Baekho asked jokingly as Minhyun let him go and he lifted his legs onto the bed. Minhyun shook his head vigorously.

"I promise you... I really... Really am trying my best to make amends. I just..."

"I'm just kidding. Here," Baekho said and patted his lap. Minhyun wanted to hug. He wanted to touch but he didn't want to go against Baekho so he laid down, placing his head on Baekho's lap as he stared at the male. Baekho gently ran his fingers across Minhyun's hair. Somehow it made him relax and the feelings earlier slowly dwindled.

"Baekho... You have... So much to offer this world," Minhyun whispered and Baekho raised his brows. "Even if you don't have a family or a job right now, you still have so much... To offer."

"Where is this coming from?" Baekho asked with a slight head tilt.

"I... It was just a random thought."

"Okay. Well, do you like teasing people because it makes you feel bigger?" Baekho asked.

"Huh?"

"Before this," Baekho said while waving his hand at their seemingly unnatural situation now. "You kept calling me little Baekho or small Baekho. Those things. But you don't say it anymore."

Minhyun blinked. "I don't know. It almost feels like I got possessed for years and now I just feel liberated."

"Makes you feel vulnerable too, doesn't it? That's why you unintentionally want to fall back into your old habits to cope."

Minhyun squeezed his hand and sighed. "Perhaps that's the truth. I really am all sorts of messed up, aren't I? Sorry if I offended up with the name calling."

"Sort of but I'm over it. Although it's a little hard to imagine that you're the same person..." Minhyun looked down and Baekho patted his head. "I don't hate the current you if you're worried about that."

"Did you hate the me that pushed you around?"

"Well, not really either. How do I put it? I can't really hate you in general. Maybe it's your hideously handsome face or the way you string words together but it was hard to push you away. I found myself thinking about you and being worried too. Even though I might have tried to convince myself that I was only approaching you to use you, it didn't exactly work out either."

Minhyun rolled onto his side and gulped. "Baekho...will you let me rely on you?"

"Eh?"

"I know I'm selfish and this is also selfish to ask but can I... Rely on you to catch me if I fall again? Just like now. I feel safe with you here."

Baekho smiled and leaned down, kissing his forehead. "I'll be glad to. I'll catch you again as long as you don't fall into anyone else's hands. Just keep falling into mine, okay?"

Minhyun smiled and wrapped his arms around Baekho's waist. He closed his eyes and felt the fatigue from his emotional breakdown catch up to him. He started falling asleep as Baekho combed his fingers through his hair gently. Baekho kissed his head and smiled, checking to be sure that he was asleep.

"Don't fall into anyone else's hands, please. I can't let myself be greedy when I have nothing to offer you but I don't want to give you away to anyone too. I'm the selfish one, Minhyun ah, because I don't want to live without you in my arms anymore. I like you more than I want to admit. I'm sorry that I can't tell you now but just a little longer. Let me end this first."