My Lifeline - Jaywon Shortstories

Upper Side Dreaming

* 한여름 밤의 dream*

The song had just finished, the members were on the floor, breathing heavily.

"Let's take a break" suggested Jungwon.

They all thanked him inside. Jungwon had to be a bit more strict with schedules these days. Their concert was coming up and they had to practice harder, so when the leader mentioned a break, they all welcomed it.

"We should drink" added Sunoo.

They all got up and headed for their water bottles, near the mirror. The leader took his and walked away.

Jungwon glanced at his reflection, he looked tired and was sweating. He saw Jay coming closer and closer to him, until he felt his arms wrapped around his shoulders.

Jay rested his chin on Jungwon's shoulder.
"You okay?" asked Jungwon.
"I'm just tired" replied Jay, whispering.
"I know" said Jungwon.

He hated it. He hated to be the one putting the team through all this training. He wished he could take it all himself, just for them to feel less burdened. Especially Jay. He had been working so hard, between preparing his exams, practicing for the concert and working on his personal schedule.

Jungwon patted Jay's arms with both hands. He let his head fall back until it laid on Jay's shoulder.
"I'm sorry" he added.

Jay stayed like that, not moving anymore. Jungwon turned his head and noticed he had closed his eyes.

"Jay" he gently called.

Jay opened his eyes, startled.

"You should go home and rest" said Jungwon.
"But I can take it" replied Jay in a little voice.
"I know you can, but I'm asking you to go" continued Jungwon.
"Let me stay with you" asked Jay.
"I'll come check on you soon" promised Jungwon.

Jay looked indecisive. He wanted to lay down and sleep for a week, but he also wanted to stay like that, koala hugging Jungwon forever.

"What do you say?" asked Jungwon, with the softest tone he could.
"Okay" said Jay, pouting. "But you'll come see me right?"
"I promise" replied Jungwon, smiling at Jay.

They walked back to the members, Jay still hung on Jungwon.

"Guys Jay will go rest now" announced Jungwon. "Does someone else want to go?"
"I'm okay" said Niki, followed by the rest of them.

"I'm really sorry guys" said Jay, looking down.
"Don't worry about it, you deserve to rest" said Heeseung.

~

Jungwon knocked on Jay's bedroom door. He didn't hear any answer, but entered the room anyway.
For a second, he could still hear the members in the kitchen preparing the evening meal, but after closing back the door, it felt like there were only Jay and him.
He walked past Heeseung's and Jake's bed and kneeled in front of Jay's. The latter was asleep on his side, facing Jungwon.

The leader slowly reached for Jay's hair that covered his face. He put them on the side, revealing Jay's forehead. He smiled and admired Jay sleeping.

He really needed to rest.

It broke his heart, but Jungwon decided to leave to room, so that Jay could rest undisturbed. He stood up and turned around, ready to go to the kitchen. However he felt something holding him back.

He looked behind him and saw Jay's hand, firmly grabbing his sweat pants.
"You promised you'd stay" said Jay, looking up at Jungwon.

"I'm here" said the leader, smiling at Jay.

Jay didn't answer, he just opened his arms, inviting Jungwon for a hug. The latter didn't hesitate one second. He lifted the blanket, got under it and felt one of Jay's arm pass under his neck and the other one hugging him.

They stayed like that, spooning under the blanket. It was just warm and cozy. Jungwon felt tiny and protected between Jay's arms. All the stress of the concert, the schedules, the leadership, all that had melted the second Jay had hugged him.

Before they knew it, they had both fell asleep, finally taking the rest they deserved so much.