The Perfect Mistake COMPLETE

Treat him right or set him free

„I had to give him a strong sedative, so let him rest." The doctor told Minho as they stood at the front door.

"Is it real? Did he really lose his memory?" Minho asked.

"Physically he is not that badly hurt, but a trauma could cause amnesia too. Did something happen?" Dr. Song explained to the boss, and she immediately noticed the guilt showing on the man's face.

"Yeah," Minho answered with a deep sigh.

"Minho, you know you're like a son to me," Dr. Song said, and Minho nodded.

"That's why I'm going to be honest with you," she continued, "he is a good person. Treat him right or set him free."

Minho had to suppress his anger to tell her goodbye. He wasn't angry at her but at himself. She was right, and he knew it. Yet, he couldn't befriend the idea of setting Tae free. Minho wasn't sure what to do, but there was one thing he knew for sure. He must find out whether Tae had lost his memory for real or not, and he must do it now. Just then, something flashed on his mind. He had seen it in a movie. When people pretended to be someone else but turned around when they were called by their real name. Minho was aware Tae might have told him another fake name, but it was worth a try, he thought.

With that in mind, Minho entered the room, calling out loud.

"Tae."

His eyes focused on the younger, waiting for a hint that never came. Tae didn't react. He didn't even flinch at his name. Maybe he should try something else. After all, Tae had lived a long time as someone else.

"Kibum," he tried one more time. Still no response. Minho felt a mix of feelings growing in him. He was relieved, for Tae didn't seem to lie. At the same time, he should be more worried, if the younger had amnesia for real.

"Hey," Minho tapped gently on Tae's shoulder and for the first time, the other showed a reaction, turning his head to Minho. Tae's big round eyes were still glowing due to the tears.

"Do you really remember nothing? You said you wouldn't lie to me. So, do you?" The older said, sitting down on the bed, next to Tae.

"Did I lie to you?" Tae asked and a tear rolled down his cheek, "am I a bad person?"

Minho regretted his question as he saw the panic taking over the younger's body once again. Tae bit on his lower lip, so tight it started to bleed. The younger was shaking. Minho should have listened to the doctor.

"No, you are not a bad person. It's quite the opposite, you're too good for your own good."

Minho corrected, holding the younger tightly. Tae flinched at the sudden hug, but slowly he calmed down. The younger leaned his head on Minho's shoulder and the older couldn't help but smile. After a while, he realised that Tae had fallen asleep. With care, he laid Tae down and covered the younger. Minho wiped away the tears on the younger's cheeks. He couldn't help but stare at Tae's puffed eyes just to let the guilt hit him hard. Since Tae met him, the younger had gone through a lot, murders, attacks, kidnapping, and more. Yet, the younger had only cried exactly three times. The first time it was the shock as he fell down the stairs, breaking his leg. The second time was because of Minho's shot during the kidnapping. And this was the third time. Minho realised each and every time he was the reason. Every single time, it was him who made Tae cry.

Taemin rubbed his eyes, slowly waking up. His throat was dry, and his eyes were so swollen they felt heavy. Walking downstairs, he looked for the kitchen.

"You're up," he heard Minho's voice as soon as he found it. Before he could say anything, the older shoved a glass of water in his direction.

"Here," Minho simply said like it was just another day of him reading the other's mind.