The Mannequin - Minsung

forty-fOive

"Minho..." Jisung says. Quietly. They're on the car. On the way back. "Minho, d-did I do something wrong?"

Minho pulls himself out of his thoughts. "No. You did fine."

"But... are you mad at me?"

"No, I am not. I was just thinking..."

"About what?" Jisung says.

"About... everything." He sighs. He doesn't know... if Mrs. Hwang will believe Hyunjin. If she will come interrogate him again in their next visit.

"I'm sorry..." Jisung says. Softly. "When Mama Hwang asks me hard questions... and I know I can't answer... I tell her I can't. Maybe she doesn't like that and it made her mad. I think I told her some things I shouldn't have, though. Like my age. I'm sorry..."

Minho glances at him. His eyes are tearful.

"It's okay... don't cry, Jisung. You did well."

"B-But... will they let me see Mama Haeun again?"

Minho honestly doesn't know either.

So he stays silent. Till they arrive home.

"Jisung..." Minho closes the door. Wipes Jisung's tears off his cheeks. "Enough crying, sweetheart. You didn't do anything wrong, okay?"

"Whatever happens, it's not your fault. Maybe we can't go see Grandma Hwang soon, but you will get to see her again. I promise."

"She loves you and Mrs. Hwang does too. She's just worried. Hyunjin will tell us what happened and how she reacts to you... being a mannequin. But whatever happens, I'm with you, okay?"

Jisung sniffs. Nods. Leans his head on Minho's shoulder. He wraps his arms around his waist. Minho strokes his back.

"Thank you," Jisung says. His voice's muffled. "I love you."

"I love you too," Minho says. Smiles. He feels warmer.

Then he remembers... "Jisung... do you know how old you are?"

"Hm? I'm twenty two."

"How long have you known that?"

Jisung blinks. Pouts as he thinks. "I don't know... I just..."

He stops. His eyes glance away... into the distance...

Minho touches his face. "Sungie?"

Jisung doesn't look at him. He seems to be somewhere else.

Minho shakes his shoulder. "Jisung... Jisung!"

The other jumps. Breathes in deeply.

"Sorry Sungie," Minho says. "What's wrong?"

Jisung looks a little unwell. Not from his tears alone. But he's paler.

Minho kisses him again softly.

Jisung shakes his head. Tears fill his eyes.

"Minho... I d-don't think I just... had dreams..."

"W-What? What's that supposed to mean?"

"I think... I dreamt about things from before... in my life..."

"What— Oh my god, Jisung!"

Minho immediately holds Jisung. From sinking to the floor.

Because Jisung's eyes have closed. He has fainted.

To be continued...

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