Fragile Friendship( InHo x GiHun) Angst

A Fragile Friendship (Part 5)

The next day, InHo arrived at GiHun’s house earlier than usual. He didn’t bother knocking—GiHun’s mother had told him he was welcome anytime—and quietly made his way to the small bedroom.

GiHun was lying on his side, facing the window, his breathing shallow. The faint morning light cast a pale glow over his fragile frame, making him look even smaller.

“Hyung?” GiHun’s voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried a warmth that made InHo’s chest tighten.

“I’m here,” InHo said, pulling a chair closer to the bed. He sat down, glancing at the unfinished puzzle still sitting on the bedside table. “You didn’t finish it.”

GiHun turned his head slightly, offering a weak smile. “I was waiting for you. It’s no fun doing it alone.”

InHo swallowed hard, trying to ignore the lump in his throat. “Then let’s finish it now.”

He set the puzzle pieces on the bed and began sorting them, while GiHun weakly pointed out where each piece might go. It was slow work, but neither of them seemed to mind.

As they worked, GiHun suddenly asked, “Hyung, do you think we’ll still be friends when we’re grown-ups?”

InHo paused, his hands stilling over the puzzle. “What kind of question is that?”

GiHun chuckled softly. “Just wondering. You’re always so serious. I wasn’t sure if you’d get tired of me someday.”

InHo frowned, a pang of guilt stabbing through him. “I won’t get tired of you,” he said firmly, surprising even himself. “So stop saying weird stuff.”

GiHun’s smile widened, his pale face lighting up for the first time in days. “Okay, Hyung.”

Hours passed, and the puzzle was nearly complete when GiHun’s mother brought in a tray with a small bowl of soup and some medicine.

“You need to eat, GiHun,” she said gently, setting the tray on the bedside table.

GiHun wrinkled his nose. “I’m not hungry.”

“You have to,” InHo said, his tone leaving no room for argument. He picked up the spoon and held it out. “Come on. Don’t make me feed you.”

GiHun laughed weakly but obediently opened his mouth. As he ate, InHo watched him closely, noting how even the simple act of swallowing seemed to exhaust him.

After finishing half the bowl, GiHun sank back against the pillows, his eyelids heavy. “Thanks, Hyung,” he murmured, his voice drowsy. “You’re really nice, even when you’re bossy.”

InHo rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at his lips. “Just go to sleep, dummy.”

As GiHun drifted off, InHo stayed by his side, watching over him. He didn’t know why he felt such a strong urge to protect GiHun, but he didn’t question it.

All he knew was that he would do anything to see his friend get better, no matter how long it took.