𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝐼 𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑟 [2min]

ch - 45

Seventeen days

That’s all the time Seungmin had left

But today wasn’t about that. Today was Minho’s birthday

The morning started quietly. Minho wasn’t the type to make a big deal out of his birthday, and with everything going on, he wasn’t in a celebratory mood

Still, when he walked downstairs, he was greeted with a warm surprise

Mrs. Lee and Mr. Lee had prepared a small breakfast spread, wishing him a happy birthday with gentle smiles

And then there was Seungmin

Sitting at the table, looking as pale as ever, but smiling—just for him

“Happy birthday, Minho" Seungmin said softly

Minho’s heart clenched

Even when he should be the one receiving love, care, and attention, Seungmin was still thinking about him

“Thanks” Minho muttered, sitting down beside him

Seungmin pushed a small box toward him “It’s not much, but…”

Minho carefully unwrapped it. Inside was a bracelet—simple, black with silver details. It had his initials engraved on one side

Minho stared at it, his throat tightening “You… got this for me?”

Seungmin nodded “I asked Felix to help me order it”

Minho clenched his jaw. He didn’t deserve this

“Idiot” His voice was gruff, but he gently took the bracelet and slipped it on

Seungmin chuckled, his voice a little weak “Do you like it?”

Minho didn’t answer right away. Instead, he reached out, ruffling Seungmin’s soft hair “I love it”

Seungmin beamed, his eyes lighting up, and for a moment, Minho forgot about everything else

The day continued normally. Minho didn’t go to college. Instead, he stayed home with Seungmin, making sure he rested

In the evening, Felix, Chan, Jeongin, and Changbin showed up with a small cake

“Minho, you’re old now” Jeongin teased

“Shut up”

They sang, they laughed, but there was an underlying sadness to everything. Everyone knew what was coming

And then, as they cut the cake, Minho turned to Seungmin

“Make a wish” Seungmin said with a soft smile

Minho’s fingers tightened around the knife

He had only one wish

That Seungmin would stay

But he knew… even wishes wouldn’t work this time

_____

every one make a wish

Ayir09