Alone {𝕄𝕀ℕ𝕊𝕌ℕ𝔾}

Chapter Twenty-Seven

THE NEXT DAY, JISUNG HAD DONE HIS VERY BEST TO AVOID JAEHYUN, AND SO FAR, HE'D succeeded. He took his place in the furthest computer from the library's entrance with a heavy sigh, knowing that it was only a matter of time before his parents began questioning how much he'd managed to accomplish already.

He hated the pressure.

He took out his paper and placed it on the desk next to the keyboard, logging into his account. If anything, he hoped this project would prove to be an effective distraction. The chair next to his was pulled out, grating against the ground softly.

The blonde hesitantly looked up, letting out a startled gasp as his wide eyes landed on Jaehyun. The boy sent him a comfortable smirk, as if everything was normal. However, all Jisung could think about was how terrified he was of the older boy now.

It wasn't even the fact that Jaehyun was attracted to him in a non-platonic way; it was the fact that he was willing to disregard Jisung's feelings and comfort for his own gain. He'd never wanted to associate with someone like that. "Can you... please leave?" he whispered, his heart beating erratically in his chest.

Jaehyun's eyes narrowed, a frown pulling at his lips. "Why would I?" He raised an eyebrow, and Jisung turned away, biting down harshly on his lip. "Please," he mumbled, swallowing thickly. Jaehyun stood abruptly, causing the younger male to flinch slightly.

Without a word he left, fists clenched angrily at his sides. Shaking his head, he told himself not to let the older male's reaction bother him. Jisung had always hated others' anger being directed towards him – especially when it came to those he chose to be acquainted with.

He'd even considered Jaehyun a friend, and it was slowly killing him that he'd upset the other. Shaking his head again, he sighed softly, returning his attention to his blank document. He stared intently at the question, his head already beginning to hurt.

He squeezed his eyes shut, leaning against his hand. Too much, he thought, choking out a strained breath. He blinked rapidly in an attempt to clear the tears that had welled in his eyes. You're being ridiculous. Focus.

Of course, this did nothing to help the stress eating away at his heart. It had seemingly sprung out of nowhere; he'd been fine only a few moments beforehand. It hit him like a ton of bricks, though.

He sniffled quietly, eyes snapping up to make sure nobody had heard him. As tempted as he was to leave the library and get some fresh air, he knew he couldn't. The deadline for his extra assignment was only growing closer, and every second he wasted was a second that counted.

He bit his lip to prevent any choked sounds from escaping his closed throat, and to retain the tears that swam on the surface of his eyes. Minho stared intently at him from his spot on one of the lounging chairs, book abandoned in his idle hands.

He looked down at it for a moment before returning his gaze to the clearly struggling boy, eyebrows furrowing. He closed the book, placing it down on the table in front of the chairs, slowly standing.

He slid into the seat next to Jisung, wordlessly wrapping an arm across his shoulders. The blonde looked up through teary eyes, and Minho wondered how nobody else had noticed. He didn't miss the spark of confusion that flashed through the younger's eyes, but he decided to dismiss it.

He scooted his chair closer, and slowly pulled the other closer until his head rested against his shoulder. He brought his other hand to gently comb through the younger's hair, a small smile gracing his lips at the softness. Just like I imagined it would be.

It didn't take long before Jisung wrapped an arm around the older male, clutching tightly onto the back of his shirt, and they remained that way for several moments. Minho was oblivious to the shocked and curious stares of those around him, and Jisung didn't think about their opinions; they were in their own little world, a bubble large enough to fit only the two of them, and no one else.

It was strange, Minho decided, how connected he felt. It was strange, how everything got brighter the moment he saw the other. It was strange how he couldn't think of a better place to be than the place he was in that moment.

Finally, he whispered: "What's wrong?" The question – as simple and typical as it was – was enough to break through the dam Jisung had built for himself, letting everything flood out in a thick tidal wave of emotions. It was the first time in a long time that someone had asked him that.

His shoulders shook in silent cries, and he tightened his hold on Minho. "I... I don't get it," he choked out, feeling so childish for such a reason. The brunet nodded, humming lowly in understanding.

"You'll do great," Minho mumbled against Jisung's ear, soft breath fanning across the side of his face. "You're doing great." Jisung shook his head in protest, chuckling bitterly. "Tell that to my teacher," he stated sarcastically, although his voice quivered slightly.

Minho's lips stretched in a small smile, and he shook his head. "Grades are such a superficial thing... your one hundred percent is the only number you should look to. You don't need someone else to judge your effort," Jisung pulled away, staring at the older as if he were crazy.

He let go of Minho to dry his eyes, laughing a little at himself. "I still don't understand the questions," he shook his head slightly, turning back to stare at the page of despair.

"Then I'll help you." Minho offered, to which the younger's eyes widened. "What? Really?" he questioned, a grin spreading across his brightening features. The older nodded, scooting closer and leaning over Jisung's shoulder to read the questions.

The younger could only hope to any god above that the older couldn't hear the erratic sound of his heartbeat, and he realized in that instance that he was already way past the point of no return. 

A/N: Let the spam b e g i n 

Q: How do you feel today?

A: I am in a strange, unexplainable state of unrelenting happiness. Ever since the Christmas concert at school, I've just been elated (also I may or may not be hyper af 'cause I drank a medium caramel iced coffee, my new love :,)).

Lots of love,

~Junnie