8: Heartfelt.

Minho was walking through the hallways when he saw Changbin waving at him. His heart started beating fast, watching his wrist get tangled with the red string that was extending to a room that was nearing as he walked.

"Minho..."

"How is he? Can I see him?" That was the first question he uttered after reaching there. His forehead was covered in sweat, and his shirt was disheveled. Changbin sighed at the latter's state.

"Dr. Song said he was fine. Just sleeping from the effects of medicines." Minho sighed in relief. Just then, Chan and Hyunjin arrived, holding a bag of medicines. Chan looked tired, like he was ready to pass out at any moment.

The duo looked up to see Minho. Minho smiled. "Hey," He paused, "Thank you." He muttered. Even though the words are modest, the impact they hold is what made the duo smile.

Chan smiled, "Don't be," He uttered, "Jisung is like a younger brother to me. It's my responsibility to look after him too." Chan patted Minho's shoulder with a smile.

"Chan, it's better if you go to Seungmin's room. We are all here." Changbin said to his best friend, who nodded while Minho looked at them confused.

"What happened to Seungmin?" Chan sighed. "He fell unconscious due to stress and panic." He rubbed his face with both hands.

"The doctor said there was an 88% chance of losing our baby, but luckily our baby is strong." Minho patted Chan's head with assurance.

"Okay, Chan, let's go now; if Seungmin doesn't see you after waking up, it will risk his life again." Chan nodded, knowing the latter would go into another panic mode if he didn't see him.

"I'm going then; bye guys." Saying this, Chan left, leaving the trio alone.

"How are you?" Changbin asked the latter, who was glancing at the closed door. The taller man hummed, glancing at his friend.

"Do you want to see him?" Hyunjin asked, looking at the vulnerable Minho.

"Will it be okay?" The soulmates got sad hearing their friend's weak voice.

"It will be, Minho. Just don't make him feel overwhelmed, okay?" The taller one nodded, sighing.

"Then... I'm going to see him."

Jusung was looking out of the window, watching the setting sun with a blank mind.

He woke up a few minutes ago, and the hospital smell and its atmosphere were already making him feel smothered. He despised hospitals to the core.

He snapped out of his thoughts, hearing the doorknob twist. He glanced at the person, who wasn't glancing at him but everywhere.

Minho entered the room and closed the doors. He stayed there and didn't move further.

Stillness surrounded them as no one began to start a chat at all. After a moment of silence, Jisung sighed,

"Sit over there," He said, pointing at the small sofa that was placed near the wall. Minho shook his head.

"I will stay here," Jisung hummed, then looked outside, watching the darkness slowly gathering around the sky.

"How are you feeling now?" A moment later, Minho asked, glancing at the younger

"Fine, I guess?" I'm not sure of the answer. He can still feel a bit dizzy, but not much. Maybe it's because of the glucose trip.

"Did you eat?" Minho asked after seeing the latter being calm and answering. Jisung didn't say anything for a while, making Minho feel a bit restless.

"Jisung,"

"Why didn't you show up today?" The older man's eyes widened at the short revelation.

"How did...,"

"I know? Well, who will send gifts and flowers for a half-burned human like me other than you?"

"Jisung! Stop saying that!" Minho yelled, making Jisung flinch a bit, but he continued.

"What? It's the truth." Jisung said with small tears, "If you didn't get me as your soulmate, you wouldn't have come this far, right?"

"Jisung... " Minho muttered sadly.

"Just stop already, Minho. Don't give me fake hopes, please. I don't want to feel or create a bond between us. It will only hurt us more than now." Jisung said, looking down at his lap and looking up at Minho with tear-filled eyes.

The pent-up emotions started streaming down after seeing Minho in front of him; he then looked down, fidgeting while shakily breathing.

Minho's eyes are red from the already-formed tears that he has been controlling until now. Watching his soulmate doubt his worth was something that he couldn't bear to hear.

One by one, it started flowing as Minho moved forward and halted after reaching Jisung's bed.

Jisung didn't say anything, nor did he try to move away. Slowly leaning down, he held Jisung's face delicately, making the younger man's eyes go wide.

He looked at Minho with so many emotions that both of them couldn't seem to control them, but he silently let the tears fall.

"Minho," Jisung's broken voice got cut off as Minho placed his thumb against Jisung's trembling lips.

"Shush," Minho whispered slowly, closing his eyes. He started caressing the latter's face, making him close his eyes.

"Do you know how much I hate to see you cry like this?" Minho asked, opening his eyes and watching Jisung shake, taking breaths.

"Why did you come here?" Jisung asked, wanting to leave from there because his heart was betraying him by beating for the man in front of him.

"To see you, sunflower." Jisung shook his head and pushed Minho's hands away from his face.

"Why? Why are you sending me gifts, trying to see me, and all? Aren't you doing enough for my pathetic self? Just go away as everyone does."

"You are not pathetic," Minho exclaimed, making Jisung scoff brokenly.

"Don't be ridiculous, Minho. Don't try to butter me with fake words. Just go away and leave me alone."

"I won't let you be alone," Jisung laughed sarcastically.

"That sounds straight from a Disney movie. Minho, this is not the typical directory stuff you do in your movies."

Minho held Jisung's face, who turned his face away from the palm, making the older man smile sadly. "I don't care if you believe me or not, but let me tell you, whatever I said now is all true."

Jisung looked at Minho sharply. "Why do you care so much for me? I'm nothing! Can't you see it? I am a pathetic, unlucky person. You will leave me eventually when you get judgments thrown at you, so why are you trying so hard?" He fumed in anger when he heard silence.

"You're precious, and for me, you'll always be," Minho uttered, slowly grabbing Jisung's face. The warmth coming from the hand made Jisung's heart tremble.

"Which I will love and treasure with all my heart... for the rest of my life, no matter what happens." Saying this, Minho leaned forward, kissing Jisung.