For Minho, the days elapsed quickly with Jisung, spending more time in the dorm room than in his house. He had found refuge in his boyfriend, who had become his only support. Seungmin seemed to stay away from them, as well as all the problems, being the only concern of the older one to pass the final exams and make his boyfriend happy. He had also been thinking about his future, whether he should go to university, and decided not to do it, although he hadn't talked to his parents about it.

On the other hand, Jisung was very happy and calm. Staying with Minho had become something too comforting. After his roommate had moved in with his friend, he had asked the administrators for a copy of the key to his room so that Minho could stay there. His boyfriend still didn't know, as it was a little surprise Jisung had prepared for him.

After all, sometimes sleeping together in the same bed was uncomfortable, and they could be more at ease. Minho could bring all his things and feel at home.

Minho bit his lower lip with some doubt as he looked at the soda bottles and snacks he had bought for Jisung, starting the arduous task of looking for him in the library, although it had never been difficult. His gaze met the other. Minho couldn't help but smile when he greeted him enthusiastically, raising his hand. Minho hurried to where he was and left the food on the table.

"You didn't have breakfast this morning, and I don't think you bought anything to eat either. You shouldn't skip meals no matter how busy you are. It will make you sick," Minho scolded him, sitting next to him and leaving a small kiss on his cheek. Then, he directed his gaze to the books and open notebook on the table.

Jisung apologized and promised him that he wouldn't do it again, laughing softly. He took one of the soda bottles to drink a little since he was thirsty, and it was at that moment Jisung heard Minho tell him that he could ask him for help if needed since Minho didn't like to see him stressed, much less sleepless.

Jisung smiled gratefully at his words and looked at him.

"I know, Min and I really appreciate it, but I don't want you to feel obliged to help me," he said. "You also have things to do, and I don't want to be a burden to you."

Minho frowned, took his hand and squeezed it affectionately.

"Ji, listen, you're not a burden to me. I'm here because I want to be with you, help with whatever you need and support you in everything necessary. I want you to feel comfortable and know you can count on me always."

Jisung felt his heart beat quickly and leaned his head on Minho's shoulder, thanking and assuring him that he could also count on him. At that moment, he remembered the gift he had brought for the older one and lifted his head with a smile.

"I almost forgot. I have a gift for you."

As he looked for the key in his pocket, the group of the popular ones entered the library, which made Jisung freeze. He knew they wouldn't do anything to them at that moment because everyone was busy with the exams, but he feared when they were over, the lives of the two boys would turn into hell.

"What about the gift?" Minho's soft voice interrupted his thoughts.

Jisung looked at him nervously and took his hand out of his pocket, without the key, telling him he would give it to him later. He lowered his head when he saw the group of the popular ones approaching, not daring to look at them.

Before, Jisung admired them, but at that moment, he hated and was afraid of them at the same time.

Seungmin crossed his arms and spoke.

"Your parents want you to come home," he said. "If you don't come today, they will stop considering you their son."

Minho rolled his eyes and stood up.

"They did that a long time ago, Seungmin. I don't need their love. I've never had it," he said bitterly. "Why should I go home? To keep hearing that I'm a failure in the family and you're perfect?"

Seungmin frowned at Minho's answer, but before he could say anything, he heard the noise of a chair. Everyone present turned to see a blond and freckled boy approaching them.

"We want to study, and you bother, so please, go fuck yourselves, thank you," he said in English.

Seungmin smiled at understanding what he had said. However, his words seemed to have irritated Hyunjin, a member of the unattainable group, who approached him with a defiant look.

"Don't tell us what to do, idiot," he snapped, with his fists clenched.

Felix stood firm, not backing down from his attitude. He looked at Seungmin, who still kept his smile, and then turned his attention to the boy looking at him angrily.

"I'm not trying to tell you what to do. We're just trying to study in peace. Why can't you respect that?"

The tension in the place increased when Hyunjin got closer to Felix with a threatening expression, but Seungmin got in between them, trying to avoid a fight.

"Guys, calm down," he said, raising both hands in a sign of peace. "There's no point in fighting over this."

Hyunjin frowned and seemed about to say something but finally stopped and walked away. Felix sighed in relief and sat back in the same place as before. Then, Seungmin looked at Minho and told him he didn't care if he went home since he had more important things to do. Everyone watched as he walked away and sat beside Felix, apparently asking for his phone number.

"What just happened?" Jisung asked, confused.

Jeongin, the only one in the group still there, said Seungmin probably had fallen in love. He snorted and looked at the two boys, apologizing since the last few days, Seungmin had been acting strangely.

"Uh... sure," Minho said. "Whatever, let's study together, Jisung."

The newly named nodded strangely and started with what they had to do.

(...)

Since the couple had started reviewing everything before the exams that would done in a few days, Jisung had his head on top of all the notebooks and snored loudly. Minho thought to wake him up, but he looked so cute that he decided not to. He put all his things in a bag and carried his boyfriend back, leaving the library and walking to the residence.

Already in the room, he lay down with Jisung and began to caress his silky hair while thinking about how sad it was for him not to be loved by his parents. He really never was. He sighed and saw how his boyfriend opened his eyes, which shone like little stars. Jisung yawned and rubbed his eyes before sitting on the bed, still sleepy.

"Where are we, Min?"

"In the residence, keep sleeping. I think I'm going home. I need to talk to my parents."

Jisung completely woke up at Minho's words, with a worried expression.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" he asked, making a sad face. "Don't go, stay with me, I..." He was about to take the key out of his pocket, but Minho interrupted.

"I love you." The older one kissed him on the forehead and stood up. "I have to go. See you tomorrow." He was about to leave, but Jisung grabbed his arm.

"Do you really have to go today? We can spend the night together, and you can talk to them tomorrow."

Minho sighed, wishing he could stay with Jisung, but he knew he had to face his parents sooner or later. He tried to free his arm from Jisung's grip but didn't let go.

"Please, honey, I have to go today." He wanted Jisung to let go of him but didn't, so he felt frustrated. "Let me go!"

The younger one let go of an arm quickly, realizing he was being a little selfish by not thinking about what his boyfriend wanted to do. Minho let out a snort as he was too stressed. He knew he shouldn't vent by treating his boyfriend that way, but he just couldn't think straight.

"Good night," he said seriously before leaving and closing the door.

Jisung bit his tongue with all his strength, overwhelmed by guilt. Tears began to run down his face as he remembered the previous realities when he cried and felt that he wasn't worth being there. He thought about how things had changed and wanted to try it, just thinking he wanted to go an hour earlier to give the key to Minho just in time.

However, it didn't work because these changes only happened before the destined couples were together, and a kiss with love was enough to show that they loved each other and didn't need help to go back to the past and fix everything.

It was just like that.

Meanwhile, Minho walked through the dark and silent streets. His mind was busy with thoughts about his parents and his life. He wondered why they didn't love him.

He finally arrived at his house and stopped in front of the door, feeling the anxiety grow inside him. After a moment of hesitation, he took a deep breath and opened the door. The house was silent, and darkness reigned everywhere. Minho entered and closed the door behind him. As he walked down the hall, the anxiety intensified, and when he reached the living room, he could see them sitting on the couch, staring at him.

"Where were you?" His mother asked with a cold voice.

"I'm sorry, I stayed at the residence," Minho answered, trying to sound as calm as possible.

His father stood up and approached him with a look of contempt in his eyes.

"That's enough, Minho. From now on, you will only go to school and come home. You will not go anywhere else."

"No, I don't want to keep living in this house. I don't feel loved here."

"How can you say that!?" his mother exclaimed, getting up from the couch. "We have given you everything you need in life. You have money and good health. Also, you attend the most prestigious school in this country. How can you say that we don't love you?"

Minho clenched his fists and felt the tears welling up.

"You gave me everything except your love. And that's the only thing I've ever needed."

With those words, he headed to his room and slammed the door. He fell on the bed and felt the weight of loneliness on him. He wondered why it had to be like this, why he couldn't have parents who loved him and supported him at all times. His mind wandered through his childhood memories, remembering times he had tried to get their attention without success.

He got up and walked to the window, watching the darkness of the night. Loneliness consumed him, making him feel like he was in a deep well that he couldn't escape. But then, he remembered Jisung and the feeling that someone loved him made him feel better.

However, guilt soon overcame him when he remembered how he had treated him. He had nowhere to go.