PROTECT.
to keep safe from harm

.❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。

EVERY STEP FELT EMINENTLY SLOW.

        Chenle had already expected for the tall boy to be heavy, but he still got a little bit over himself and thought it would be easier at first glance.

        But things took a turn for the worst, and pulling Jisung off of his feet was only level one. He still had to tackle the part where in he'd have to carry the boy up on his worst enemy, ever—a metaphor he'd like to associate the viscous flight of stairs with. It was quite fitting of a description, in Chenle's humble opinion.

        The blonde-haired male was already breathless before arriving at the foot of the staircase, with an arm around Jisung's torso and the other supporting his joints. The younger had his head burried on Chenle's warm chest, and the boy could feel himself cooing at the adorable sight.

        And of course, Jisung's touch.

        The feeling of his cheek against his chest was enough for the boy to show a small smile, reminiscing the times when Jisung would often cuddle with the older beneath the soft, comfy sheets, an arm around his waist, pulling their bodies even closer with little to no space between them.

        Reminiscing the times the younger would pepper him with small, innocent pecks on every inch of his face.

        Cherishing the times Jisung would delicately press his lips on his, engulfed in the sparks of bliss and ecstacy, drowning in their never-ending love and desire each other.

        But all Chenle could do was just look over those memories, and accept the fact that all of those times were just merely the past.

        At last, after frolicking his way through the kitchen and down the living room, with a huge chicken in his arms, he'd successfully arrived at the foot of the staircase.

        "This isn't the right time to give up," Chenle murmured to himself helplessly, glancing down at the younger in his arms. He bit his lip anxiously, quite terrified of all the possible outcomes of this big risk he's about to take.

        The boy was debating whether or not he'd continue on.

        Who knows? He could be the cause of Jisung breaking a couple bones.

        Heck, he could be the reason for his death.

        But he could also be the reason he'll be all right.

        Chenle took a deep breath, inhaling the cold, thick atmosphere that was slowly building up around the stressful situation. He didn't want to admit it but he was shaking.

        He was nervous.

        But he won't let the negative thoughts hinder him from his abilities.

        With persistence fueling his system, Chenle takes one, careful step, laying a foot down the first step slowly and steadily, maintaining his balance. The boy exhales, having a small celebratory party in the pit of his stomach—but it was only one out of the numerous other steps he'd have to take in order to reach the top floor.

        Chenle raised his foot off of the ground and laid it down carefully on the second step, grasping balance as he was so close to tripping on thin air.

        His grip tightened on Jisung's shoulder, afraid to let go of the weak, frail boy.

        Feeling hesitant, he took another step, and then another, and another. The adrenaline coursed through his veins as he used every pint of energy he had left, from the weight in his arms, the weight in his foot,

        —the weight in his heart.

        And sure enough, after breaking a few bones, cramping a couple muscles, and sucking out all the life out of him, Chenle finally arrived at the top floor, sweat trickling down his cheeks, chest heaving up and down in a rapid pace, shallow breaths escaping his lips, and his heart palpitating in insane speeds.

        The boy parted his lips ever so slightly, allowing air to enter his system as he was going breathless.

        Chenle readjusted Jisung around his arms, making sure the younger won't fall, and continued walking down the hallways.

        It was silent—and it was slowly killing him.

   
        Everyone was now asleep, without a doubt.

        After taking a few slow steps through the narrow corridor, Chenle was now near his room. Well, he and Jisung used to sleep there together.

        Chenle heaved a heavy sigh as he pushed the door open. Lucky for him, the door was slightly open by around three inches, so he didn't have to worry about grasping the doorknob and possibly dropping Jisung down the cold, wooden floor.

        Chenle stepped inside the room, immediately engulfed in the cold, thick air that was almost suffocating. He took small, careful steps until he was just right beside the comfy bed.

        Gently, Chenle stepped closer and laid Jisung carefully down on the fluffy sheets and pillows, laying him flat on the bed as he draped a thick fleece blanket over him and added a soft pillow under his head.

        The boy stood up and had a small smile plastered on his face. He heaved a sigh of relief as he walked out of the room, shutting it tight.

        Chenle speed-walked his way down the stairs and through the living room, finally arriving at the bathroom as he passed by the kitchen.

 
        "Now," Chenle breathed out airily, resting on his knees as he was catching his breath. "Where do I get the medicine?"

        The male spotted the medicine cabinet hung on the wall, and immediately scurried his way towards it, swinging the door open and rummaging through its shelves.

        He'd carefully look at every box, finding the proper medication for Jisung's cold.

        After going through for long enough, Chenle now has a box of medicine in-hand, and quickly he runs back upstairs to Jisung.

        He walked towards the frail boy and sat on the edge of the bed.

        Looking at Jisung only broke Chenle's heart.

        Determined to let Jisung take the medicine, he gently tapped the younger's arm.

        "Jisung?", Chenle whispered softly, his voice delicate and featherlight.

        No response.

        Chenle frowned. Maybe he could just let him take the medicine tomorrow.

        He slowly ran a hand through Jisung's soft brown locks, ruffling it softly while his hand trails down his cheek.

        He diverts his gaze on Jisung's lips, and oh god, did Chenle want to kiss them so badly.

        He missed the feeling of the younger's lips on his.

        But no. He couldn't take advantage of Jisung, especially in this weak, vulnerable state.

        Chenle had to retsrain himself, and restrict his hormones from doing disgusting things.

        The blonde-haired male heaved a sigh and threw his head back on the headboard, and immediately shutting his eyes tight after a long, tiring day.

.❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。

        ❀ | a/n !
— I REVISED CHAPTER ONE AND TWO SO THATS ONE REASON WHY I HAVENT MADE A NEW CHAPTER QUICK ENOUGH pls read it btw 👌
— HYUCKHAN !