Fear

15. hiding something

12:57AM.

The air is heavy with a sense of calm, only broken by the faint murmurs of voices emanating from the television. The television became a distant beacon of light in the dimly lit living room. Occasionally, the flicker of movement catches my attention, drawing my drowsy gaze back to the screen. My eyelids grew heavy over time with the weight of exhaustion while the television casts a gentle glow, creating a warm ambience and making me feel sleepier.

As I slowly recline into the cushions of the couch, the atmosphere around me became heavier with a feeling of comfort. I tried to fight against my exhaustion but I could feel myself losing the battle to be conscious. It was until when I felt a presence near me and the television fade out into silence. I fluttered my eyes open and realised Minho bending at my eye level, a gentle smile could be visibly seen on his face. It's been almost a week, and Minho and I were back to that level of bond again.

My conscious came back slowly as I sat up, rubbing my eyes. "You're still awake?" I asked him in a frazzled tone and realised his eyes looked rather depleted.

Minho's smile grew wider until his eyes were slightly smiling too. "I have some work to sort out. You should be the one sleeping, you sleepyhead." His voice, like a gentle breeze while carrying a tender warmth to it.

I stood up from the couch and steadied myself and he followed along, now towering over me. "Yeah, I'm going to sleep. You should sleep soon too." I reminded him and I feel myself drawing closer to the edge of oblivion.

Minho nodded his head, a smile still plastered across his face despite the visible exhaustion on his face. "I will. Goodnight, sweetheart." he says delicately with a subtle sweetness in his tone.

I cast a small smile back to him. "Goodnight, Minho."

The morning sun has already ascended, the sun rays through the parted curtains, bathing the room in a soft and golden glow. Consciousness stirs within me and I feel myself waking up from my slumber. With a languid stretch, the comforting and soft blanket feels like it is coaxing me back to sleep but I still woke up either way.

I sat up from my bed with a contented sigh and got up from my bed, preparing myself for the day. Once I was done, I stepped into the kitchen and spotted Minho making himself an espresso while his back is facing me.

"Good morning," I greeted him and it was almost instantly that Minho turned around, his body tensed for a second until he realised it was just me. I frowned slightly upon his reaction as he is usually sharp and could sense my presence coming. However, he seemed slightly dazed and unaware.

"Oh, good morning." he forced a smile, though I could tell his expression looked strained and he look rather tired.

"Woah, you don't look so good. Did you not sleep well?" I asked, feeling concerned about his well-being as I recalled he was still awake last night.

Minho turned back around after hearing the coffee machine stopped brewing, taking his espresso and sipped onto it. His tired eyes then gazed towards me with a soft look. "My work kept me up almost all night." he admitted and took a few more sips of his espresso.

"I could tell. You look haggard." I remarked, opening the fridge to make food to eat. "You should rest. No, you need rest." I added on, feeling worried about him.

"I will, don't worry about me. I just have some important and urgent matters to do." Minho tried to reassure me but it wasn't convincing, especially when his face seemed rather worried as well.

I wanted to ask about his 'important and urgent matters', since I feel like it's more than just that. But knowing his personality, he would've already told me what it is if he wanted me to know.