[ There are some things that being a genius and naturally good at a lot of things can't quite prevent.
One of those things is falling off stairs, apparently. Not that Minhwan remembers much of how it happened - he was busy harassing Sejoon (much like always), so he most likely just misstepped or someone bumped into him accidentally just a little too hard. He's a twig, so it's not like it's very hard to throw him off balance enough to send him downwards.
It's all just a vague blur though, considering he blacked out from the impact of the drop. He's only slowly starting to regain consciousness now, at first only registering that his head is throbbing like crazy. Did he hit it when he fell down? He doesn't even know.
His next impression is that the world is a big blur as well when he opens his eyes, his vision having to adjust to everything once more. The fact that he's lying down on a bed and the colors of the room make it pretty obvious at least that he's at the school's infirmary - that much isn't a surprise. Where else would he go after something like that happened? It's only logical.
He's surprisingly unbothered by the fact it happened though, instead just calmly waiting for his vision to return as he tries to move his fingers a little bit. That much seems to work, at least. Not being paralyzed sounds like a good start.
But then Minhwan's vision starts to come back more and more, and suddenly it comes obvious he isn't alone here. And that the person sitting next to the bed sure isn't the school nurse.
.. Instead it's Sejoon. Which is the first surprising thing he's noted about this situation so far, honestly? Why would Sejoon be here?
He swallows (his throat feels rather dry from just lying there) before trying to sit up a little - it isn't going very well, but this situation feels a little too odd to him to just keep lying there. It's even hard to muster up one of his usual lines when everything is still spinning a little, so instead he just ends up rapidly blinking at the other boy. ]
[A fall like that had been pretty horrifying to watch. It'd been a long way down, and it'd looked bad. Especially because head injuries always bleed an awful lot...even though knowing that didn't help him feel any better. But the absolute worst part, had been the stunned silence of everyone around after it'd happened...and Minhwan himself not moving a muscle. Like everything was frozen in place for a few seconds.
Minhwan might be obnoxious...and egotistical, and an asshole, but Sejoon never would've wished that on him. Which must've been made clear to anyone watching, when he'd shoved the crowds of students aside and rushed over to the other boy- tugging him up off the ground, and making a beeline towards the infirmary. Or when he'd insisted to the nurse on staying in a chair by his side, for the better part of the afternoon. She'd agreed, seeing that it's a legitimate injury to worry over, even though she'd promised the other boy would regain consciousness that day.
But actually seeing Minhwan start to open his eyes again now...there's a flood of instant relief passing through him. Even if it takes a little more waiting for the other boy to get his bearings, at least he's awake.
The surprise on Minhwan's expression though- Sejoon doesn't think it's got anything to do with him being here...obviously it's just getting startled from waking up in the infirmary, right? Why wouldn't Sejoon be here? He'd been around to see the other boy fall, and he'd been the one to drag his ass all the way to the nurse's office...what was he supposed to do- just dump him there and leave? Of course not.
When Minwhan tries to sit up, Sejoon takes notice right away and leans over- pressing a hand against his shoulder to push him back down. It's definitely the most gentle push he's ever given the other.]
What're you doing!? Don't get up yet!
[He probably sounds irritated, but it's actually more out of worry this time around.]
[ At least it's not very hard to get Minhwan to lie back down again. Even if the shove is hardly even a shove to begin with, it's not like he has any strength in his body right now to fight back against it. Sure, he might have regained consciousness, but his body itself is still recovering from the impact of the fall.
But at least it confirms that Sejoon really is here, considering that push - no matter how light - felt very physical. Very real. Not that it makes anything about this situation more understandable, but.. you know, it at least means he isn't hallucinating Sejoon. Because he doesn't even want to think about the things that might imply.
Sucking in a breath as he tries to gather his bearings, Minhwan's hand reaches up a little shakily to feel the bandages circling around the top of his head. He really must have hit his head, huh.
Slowly his gaze finally turns back to Sejoon. ]
Aigoo, what kind of way to treat a patient is that.. [ Not that he really cares how he's being treated right now. Honestly, if he hadn't been pushed down just now, he might just have tried to stand up and get out of bed. Minhwan just doesn't fuss about anything, not even his own physical wellbeing.
He tries to use his usual tone, but it doesn't quite have the same effect when it still sounds weak and a little disoriented. Mostly because of his head, yes, but also just since he doesn't get what's going on here. At all. ]
Is that why you're here? Grabbing your chance to scold me? [ What else could it be? He makes it sound jokey, but it's what he genuinely thinks Sejoon came here for.. kicking someone when they're down? That much he'd understand. ] Woah, guess you're not right behind me in grades for nothing, smart enough to find the right timing.
[No Minhwan, it's not a hallucination. A hallucination definitely wouldn't have been sitting there waiting all that time for him to wake up. And a hallucination wouldn't reach over- taking Minhwan's shaking hand and setting it back down by his side.
Sejoon's here, still in one complete piece. He can be the one to check all the injuries and the bandages...At least he can be good for something else. And it's probably lucky that he stayed, if Minhwan's the type to try and get up as soon as he's awake. Luckily, there's at least one person good at fussing in the room.
The "aigoo" actually makes Sejoon laugh a little, even if it's said through a weaker tone...It's a relieved laugh. The anxiousness hasn't completely drained out of him, but at least it's good to hear Minhwan's still his regular self. Except... the last statement draws an incredulous look onto Sejoon's face. Does Minhwan really think he's here to make fun of him??
Grades don't matter a whole lot in a situation like this.]
Stop trying to be a smartass. I wasn't waiting around to scold you! I could do that anytime.
[He's trying to use a sort of jokey tone here too, which is weird considering he's usually either somewhere between aggravated or irritated or humiliated. It's a bit closer to something of a "normal" tone, compared to all of that.
Sejoon looks him over- eyes scanning the bandages again. There's still a little bit of blood on the other's head, but it's nowhere near as bad as it'd been earlier.]
[ All of this is so weird. It's not like he's never surrendered control to Sejoon or anything, but that was much different. It was amusing because Sejoon was angry and just wanted to humiliate him so badly, giving him so much attention.
Here Sejoon is giving him attention too, but Minhwan doesn't really know what to do with this kind of attention. Maybe if it came from someone else-- Vivi, maybe, or even just the school nurse since it's what she's supposed to do. If it was them, it'd be one thing, but Sejoon is.. well, he's just always harassed the boy to try and get him angry on purpose. Why would he bother to sit here then instead of being in class to make sure he doesn't fall too far behind?
In fact, if things had turned out worse than just this, wouldn't it have been more convenient for Sejoon if he had gone out of the running entirely so Sejoon could easily claim the first place spot?
Yet here he is, asking if Minhwan needs anything. Guiding his hand around more gently than he's ever felt from the other guy. It's weird as hell, since nothing logically adds up in Minhwan's mind. ]
Why are you here?
[ Instead of answering the questions he decides to ask a more important (more important to him, anyway) question first. It's still weak, but it does manage to carry across some of the emotion. Rather than being offended, Minhwan just sounds.. a little surprised, almost. Confused.
"What do you want?" almost resounds in it, because surely Sejoon must have some ulterior motive to stick around like this. ]
[This whole thing is a bit weird for Sejoon too, sure. It's definitely different for the two of them...but it's only natural to worry, after seeing someone get injured that badly. Honestly, Sejoon would've fussed over anyone who'd fallen down a whole flight of stairs, but he feels more...personally responsible for Minhwan? If you could call it that.
The two of them aren't friends, but they're certainly involved in each other's lives. And with Jaejin constantly absent from school, he wouldn't have left Minhwan alone with no one looking after him. The school nurse was around, naturally, but she couldn't check on him all the time.
But Minhwan's question actually shocks him a little this time around. Does he really think Sejoon hates him so much? That he wouldn't care at all if things actually had been worse? That he doesn't care now, when he'd already gotten hurt? As much as Minhwan gets on his nerves...he hasn't done anything that'd warrant a reaction like that. Does he really come across that heartless...?
On top of the nerves that'd already been building up, the question stabs him with a sudden onslaught of guilt, too. There's nothing between them that's ever been "normal"...and while Sejoon's fine with the way things have been, more or less, he doesn't want this. He doesn't want Minhwan thinking that he couldn't care less about his wellbeing.]
What're you talking about? I...I was worried...Wouldn't anyone be?
[Really...why else would he be here?]
You looked like you cracked your head open...I wanted to make sure you were alright.
[ His answer is a little more in the usual smartass kind of direction Minhwan's tone tends to go. After all, is there anyone else here other than Sejoon? Minhwan might be an ass and an attention whore at the same time, but he's not oblivious enough to believe anyone would just pay attention to him without him putting any effort into dragging their attention towards him. (It'd be nice, though - it would certainly make things easier.)
Maybe Jaejin would have been worried, but the moment he woke up the other would have joked he's apparently too fat to even climb stairs now and they would have laughed it all off instantly. Jaejin would have asked to touch his wound and Minhwan would have punched him in the shoulder in the middle of an attempt to do so. That's just the usual. Even Minji worrying would only feel natural since they're twins. It could all logically happen.
But Sejoon? Despite all the times they've banged, it doesn't feel nearly as natural for him to worry. People don't worry that easily - or at least, they don't from Minhwan's point of view, considering he hardly ever fusses. So why would anyone else?
His head lulls a little to the side so he can glance at the other guy. ]
Out of all the people in the school, it's you sitting here. There's plenty of people who would find that weird. [ Considering Minhwan isn't exactly subtle in the ways he tries to piss off Sejoon..
.. so it's still weird. Why is Sejoon being so genuine about all this? He doesn't even look remotely annoyed, what's up with that? Would he really worry that easily about Minhwan?
Attention might be attention and therefore good no matter what to Minhwan, but somehow that specific notion feels harder to place in his head. ]
.. Are you saying that if the roles were reversed, you'd expect me to be sitting there now? Ahh, Sejoonie, you really ask a lot from people.
[ (Even though if the roles were reversed, Minhwan would have been the one to drag Sejoon over to the infirmary without having to think twice about it. Not that he consciously realises it right now.) ]
[So...another person who couldn't care less if Sejoon ended up in an infirmary, huh. Maybe he should've known that'd be the case, except...
It's surprising just how much a comment like that stings, even if it's coming from Minhwan. But Sejoon manages to keep it all internalized this time around- without any difficulty. Being hurt...that's always something he's been much better at hiding. A lot better than anger, that's for sure. Because in this case, it's something he's had much more practice with. And it's a lot easier for him to smile, even a little, when he's still worried like he is now.
All for the better, anyway. He's not about to let Minhwan know something like that bothered him so much.]
If you're trying to scare me off, don't bother. I'm here now, and I'll be here the next time you trip and fall on your face too.
[Even if Minhwan wouldn't do the same for him.
And it's easier to shove those thoughts aside, if he focuses on the rest of what Minhwan had said. Which...somehow, still isn't much better. Just because...is it really so hard to believe another person could worry over him? He's always known Minhwan is weird...and doesn't have a whole lot of friends. But the guy always seems so full of it, Sejoon's never even imagined him like this. Like a person who thinks it's obvious most of the school wouldn't give him a second thought if he got hurt.]
Besides...You're the weird one. Why not just be glad someone is here?
[Sejoon still carries on like he had been earlier- reaching over and gingerly lifting up the bandage on Minhwan's head to see if it needs changing. He takes a warm, wet towel and dabs it softly against some of the dried blood near the injury.]
[ Poor Sejoon. Minhwan hardly even realises what he's done with what he said just now - because Sejoon is so good at hiding it, for one, but even if he was a little worse at it, it's still doubtful that Minhwan would have picked up on it all the same. He's never been good at understanding other people's emotions or problems since he himself doesn't experience most of those. He doesn't feel particularly sad or bothered when he thinks that probably no one would give a shit if he nearly died, so why would anyone else? Clearly everyone thinks the same way as him, right?
Instead he's just distracted by.. well, Sejoon. Everything Sejoon is doing right now, since it makes no sense. Sejoon is not the kind of guy who can pull off a prank this elaborate or keep it going for so long. But that means he really does care, especially with how he's even trying to clean his wound..
It's completely something Minhwan can't understand. He doesn't even feel upset about the lack of control over this situation right now, it's all just straight up confusion. Did he hit his head so hard that he's in a coma and having the weirdest coma dreams ever? Is that it?
Yet he finds himself not bothering to move when Sejoon dabs at the blood - so not making the other's life harder for once. ]
Because it's the first time you aren't mad at me. [ Or annoyed, but.. you know, same thing.
Not that it's a complaint against the usual situation. He likes it when Sejoon is angry, it's the most amusing thing. But it makes this whole situation just.. weird? What is he supposed to do when Sejoon is acting like this, it breaks all social patterns they've had so far. Especially when Minhwan can't even understand why Sejoon is being like this. ]
[Not being very empathetic is one thing...but does Minhwan not get it at all? It's some strange mixture of sad and cute to see him so confused over it.
To be fair, this is a bit weird for Sejoon too- not feeling angry at Minhwan. But considering what he'd seen, it makes sense to him! Head injuries aren't anything to laugh at, especially if they look serious.
Besides, in the grand scheme of things...as much as Minhwan riles Sejoon up and pisses him off, he's really not that awful of a person. He harasses Sejoon about his grades and all, but...well, what would happen once they're both out of school? Minhwan would probably find something else, yeah. But Sejoon doesn't think it'd ever be much "worse". No matter how you look at it, Minhwan's not a person who doesn't deserve any worrying or fussing when he's hurt.
And, for once, Sejoon's got zero problems with spelling out what's on his mind.]
I can't be mad after that! I had to watch the whole thing! It looked pretty bad, ok? I'm really glad you woke up at all.
[He would've kept on worrying until he'd seen Minhwan up with his own eyes, no matter what any professional told him.
Somewhat impulsively, Sejoon leans over again and gives Minhwan a very small kiss, careful on the forehead. It feels like the right thing to do- maybe to help him understand a little more.]
And yes, I'm really glad your stupid giant brain is okay too. Even if you still beat me on the next test with it.
[ Nothing of what Sejoon is saying or doing here is making any of it less weird. If anything, it's just making it more weird, since everything settles it more that he really is just here because he cares. No matter how much Minhwan might harass him or act like an asshole in general, Sejoon is right here with him. Even though Sejoon would be the person benefitting the most from something bad enough happening to Minhwan that he wouldn't be able to maintain his first place position, he's glad he's okay.
Weird. Just weird. Minhwan just doesn't understand empathy on that level.
But he does slowly start to understand that it feels kind of.. good? It's weird, sure, and he doesn't understand a single bit of what Sejoon must be thinking, but Minhwan does know that he loves attention, and that only makes this situation a bonus, considering he expected to be waking up all alone. Instead of him trying to get out of bed instantly with his half still half shaken up, there's Sejoon taking care of him. Maybe, just a little bit, Minhwan is starting to understand what got Jaejin so incredibly sappily gay for Sejoon.
His arms feel like lead, but when Minhwan moves them a little and it doesn't feel like they hurt too badly, he slowly moves one of them over to lazily latch onto the other guy's arm. He was probably going for wrist, but hand-eye coordination isn't exactly great when you're still suffering at least half a concussion. ]
If you really want to take care of me so bad, come lie down already, Sejoonie. [ Sure, the infirmary beds aren't so big, but with a little bit of squeezing it should fit just fine. And if Sejoon really is insisting on staying here with him a little more, then Minhwan sure wants to prevent him from upping and leaving after all.
And honestly, being as close as possible to Sejoon sounds pretty good right now. Maybe since his brain feels so rattled up - he must have lost all capability for logical thought right now, surely. ]
[After spending so much time thinking Sejoon's weird...Minhwan goes and says something like that? Something so completely normal, it's not normal at all?
Except...in this case, Sejoon thinks he does get it. It still shocks him either way, and he sits there staring wide-eyed at Minhwan for a few seconds. He wasn't really expecting much of a reaction when he came here...and he really wasn't expecting much in terms of "thank you's" or anything like that. But that was never his reason for staying here anyway.
And this...? This is more than he'd ever thought he'd get.
Sejoon smiles widely and starts to pull his arm back- gently sliding it through Minhwan's loose grip. For a heartbeat, it probably looks like he's just going to tug it away completely...but he stops right when his hand falls into Minhwan's, and gives it a small squeeze.]
I think I can manage that.
[He leans over- carefully tugging the thin bedsheet to the side, then crawling into the small bit of free space on the mattress. Minhwan can have most of the room, seeing that he's the patient here. And...also taller.
Each of his movements stay gentle- still worried about hurting Minhwan while he shifts around and settles down next to him. But even as he finally rests his head on the pillow, he seems more relaxed...It's nice to know when someone wants you to stay. And it's nice too- to be able to stay like this, and have the person you've been worrying over be so close. It's more reassuring than he'd realized it would be.]
[ It's still weird to see this side of Sejoon. Not that Minhwan didn't know it existed - he's seen the other interact with other people, and even without that it'd be obvious that Sejoon wouldn't just be as angry all the time as he is whenever Minhwan does his best to rile him up. But seeing that sort of attitude being displayed towards him like that, even so over the top with the way Sejoon squeezes his hand lightly..
He was fully prepared there for a moment to feel Sejoon's hand slip away entirely so the other could gloat about the fact that for once he's the one in control here and that he sure got Minhwan good there for a moment, but nothing of the sort happens. Rather than being a little shit the way Minhwan usually would have acted, Sejoon is displaying a strange kind of gentle kindness.
It's still weird, but that doesn't mean Minhwan stops Sejoon from climbing into bed - he's doing what Minhwan asked, after all. In the end, that's what this comes down to. It's just that usually he wouldn't have asked for this to begin with.
That doesn't mean he moves aside all that much to make room for the other, Minhwan isn't that selfless.. but apparently Sejoon seems content enough making himself comfortable with the space he's getting anyway, so who's there to complain?
Not while Minhwan wants to try something right now, anyway. He doesn't really understand it himself, maybe it's just that his head is so messed up right now, but he has no shame that holds him back from doing it anyway. So he scoots a little closer to Sejoon (not difficult when they're only just squeezing into the bed together anyway), lifts his head (it's a little dizzying) and, with the help of some curling up thanks to the height difference, manages to lay his head down again on Sejoon's chest instead. All the blood from the injury should have dried so it won't get all over Sejoon's shirt, but honestly, Minhwan doesn't really care enough about the state of Sejoon's shirt to care whether it's all dried up or not, he's too busy doing what he wants. As usually.
He can't really explain it himself, so he doesn't bother saying anything else (not like he feels he owes Sejoon even the slightest hint of an explanation anyway), Minhwan just closes his eyes.
Despite the fact that he's been lying in this bed here and not Sejoon, the other still feels rather warm like this. ]
[It's one surprise right after another with them now...and there's another that Sejoon keeps to himself, when a feeling of warmth starts blossoming in his chest from laying down with Minhwan. And also that the feeling gets a little stronger when the other boy rests his head against Sejoon's chest too. He doesn't care about getting blood on his shirt...and he definitely doesn't need to ask for an explanation either. (Not even taking into account that he knows he won't get one).
It really is a relief...he can't let go of the thought. Memories of the fall are still so fresh, and they keep playing back in his head, so it's hard to block out all the "what if's" this whole thing conjured up. It makes Sejoon shift just a little bit closer to Minhwan- arms folding around him in a somewhat protective embrace. Being this close is what Minhwan'd asked for, but it's definitely offering him some comfort on his own.
Sejoon decides not to say anything either. At least, not for right now. This is the most peaceful he's ever felt when they've gotten together, and he doesn't want to risk saying anything that might make the other doubt his intentions again. Even if Minhwan decides to tease him for it.
So instead, Sejoon moves his hand- very gently pressing his fingertips against Minhwan's head, and letting them slide softly up and down along the side of it.
Not including the bandages he'd been tending to, it's the softest his hands have ever been against the other. Gentle touches like these are usually so easy for him, but...he'd never imagined giving them to Minhwan before. Not because he'd be completely against it...that's just not how they are together. But that doesn't stop him from doing it now...and it doesn't stop him from closing his eyes too.
There's no tension in him at all, and no shame in the way he's stroking Minhwan's face. It's the best way he can think of to say "I mean it. I'm glad you're alright." without actually putting anything into words.]
[ All of this is so weird.. it's a good thing that Sejoon isn't questioning it, because Minhwan wouldn't be able to give him a good explanation for any of this whatsoever. Usually when they're near each other things are always hard, sharp, but that's the way Minhwan likes. He loves it when Sejoon is angry and intense and trying so hard to make him bend to his will, yet never reaching the point where he actually wins from Minhwan.
.. but what does that make this? There's nothing hard about it this time. Instead everything is just soft and warm and unlike anything he's ever felt before. But it's not.. bad. It's not something that's giving him the dokis either, but he can't deny that it feels nice to get a different kind of attention from Sejoon for once. It's just what's behind it that he doesn't get. The Sejoon that carried him here, that waited until he woke up, that climbed into his bed when he asked and is now stroking his face - all versions of him that Minhwan never thought he'd see aimed at him. There was no reason to, after all.
And yet they're still here like this now. ]
You're such a weird guy.
[ It's half-mumbled against Sejoon's chest from where he's lying, his eyes still closed. But there's nothing sharp about the words, nothing in it that's designed to make Sejoon throw a fit or at least get him worked up. They sound oddly genuine, and it's because they are. He doesn't get how Sejoon can care so much in general, let alone already display this much towards him. ]
I don't get it.
[ And yet he doesn't move an inch, nor does he do anything at all to stop Sejoon from stroking his head like that. ]
[Sejoon never thought he'd be soft and warm with Minhwan without getting made fun of, at the very least. Isn't it weird...that up until now, he never thought he'd have a reason to act like this with his own boyfriend? Maybe it's because Minhwan never seems vulnerable at all...he's never ashamed, and he's never really upset. The word "strong" probably isn't right, but Sejoon's never imagined any weaker side to him before today.
And really...that was just stupid of him. He realizes it now. Minhwan is still human, no matter how big his ego is, and no matter how weird he is. Sejoon knows he'd take getting pissed off and riled up every single day, if it meant Minhwan didn't have to go through something like that again- he'd gladly take it. As much as there're things about the other boy that really do get to him...he couldn't even imagine losing that. The thought makes his chest tighten up into hard knots and he opens his eyes again.
Maybe Sejoon didn't really come close to losing him today...but the scare was more than enough to get him thinking. And it was more than enough to realize that it's a very real fear somewhere inside of him. It's weird to think of, considering the way they usually spend time together...but he really does want Minhwan in his life. So this soft moment...it definitely isn't bad. Not at all.
The comment makes him smile, but his hand doesn't miss a beat- continuing with gentle back and forth motions along Minhwan's face.]
You think I'm weird?
[His voice is actually pretty affectionate when he says that, so it'll be obvious he's not trying to be harsh.]
It's alright. For now...just as long as you know I'm here to stay, that's enough.
[ Sejoon is a sap. A huge incredible sap that Minhwan has no way of easily understanding when those kind of emotions just.. well, it's not even that they don't come to him easily, it's that they don't come to him at all most of the time. It's beyond his emotional understanding.
And yet he doesn't dislike any of this. Even if it's so different from when Sejoon gets all aggressive with him, which he loves, it's not like this is bad either. When he's saying he'll stay so.. oddly genuinely, as if he really has no plans of leaving no matter what happens.. It's weird for sure, but there's one thing Minhwan does know. And that's that he doesn't want Sejoon to leave either, not when he's the only guy who throws him for these kinds of loops which Minhwan finds strangely enjoyable for some reason he can't quite grasp. It's since his mind is still so blurry, right?
And his body still feels heavy and sluggish as hell, but despite that, Minhwan moves. He hasn't ever realised before just how easy it is to fool around with Sejoon most of the time, not until it takes him a longer time before he manages to have moved enough to position himself over Sejoon, leaning on the bed with his elbows.
(His body trembles from the effort, but it doesn't matter. Minhwan has never paid a whole lot of attention to physical matters, let alone his own physical wellbeing.. he's just entirely focused on the other guy right now.) ]
Yah, Sejoonie.. You sure you want to say that?
[ It does take a lot of effort to not let his body collapse right now, but all Minhwan does is stare straight into the other's eyes. ]
I could do a lot to make you want to leave, you know..
[ Even his words lack energy and are almost a little slurred. But he doesn't want Sejoon to answer just yet anyway - first he wants something else. His movements are a little clumsy from the way his body just refuses to cooperate, but he leans forward until he's kissing the other. There's definitely still a big part of Minhwan in there (hungry for the attention despite his current state), but it's not entirely as aggressive and intrusive as it usually is. There's something like a softer edge in there, like he's trying to mimic the same feeling in it like the one from when Sejoon moved his fingers across his face like that.
Why Sejoon feels this way, why he likes this stuff so much.. that's something he wants to learn more about as well, after all. It's something he's also greedy for. ]
[Minhwan's words don't do a whole lot to scare Sejoon...if there's one thing he feels pretty confident in, it's that the other boy still likes the attention. That being said, he does look worried anyway- at least, when Minhwan starts propping himself up on the bed like that. It's obviously a struggle for him to to get up at all, and Sejoon's instinctive reaction is to reach up to try and pull him back down. He doesn't though...not yet. Exerting so much effort like that...Sejoon can't help but wonder what Minhwan will do next.
And what does happen actually manages to take his breath away. He sucks in a small gasp of air before Minhwan's lips press against his, and somehow...it feels like he's melting- sinking down right into the infirmary bed.
For the time being, his eyes fall closed. He let's himself drink in the feeling- a kiss that's so much softer than what he's used to from the other. The warm feeling in his chest starts spreading, and in that moment... very, very carefully...Sejoon does reach up- wrapping both his arms gently around Minhwan- slowly tugging the other boy down on top of himself. It's only to get this idiot to stop exerting himself...and it only makes them closer, anyway...which is nice too. But he doesn't move away from the kiss at all- sitting there quietly and letting the sensation fill his mind so he won't ever lose the memory of this exact moment.
It just doesn't seem real...even though he's not the one who hit his head. Could've fooled him. It feels like something's filling him up, somehow. Minhwan...kissing him like that...? Without any prompting, even...How could Sejoon be in his right mind?
Either way...he doesn't move for a while...for as long as he can get away with. Eventually though, his eyes do open again- looking completely dazed at first. That look doesn't fade, but a small smile starts to brighten up his face a little.]
You know...if that's what you're going for, you're doing an awful job.
[Especially considering those words hadn't made him expect anything like that. Not at all. Even if Minhwan hadn't said anything, Sejoon wouldn't have seen it coming. But that doesn't mean he's upset from it.
He pulls the other boy a bit closer to him, and lets his hand resume the soft stroking motions- against Minhwan's back now.]
[ Even in the kiss itself, he doesn't really understand it. Sure, it's not like the kiss feels bad, it just feels like a kiss but less thirsty than usually.. But he doesn't get what must be so special about it. Minhwan thought he'd just instantly get it if he tried, but it seems it wasn't that easy.
Except when Sejoon has completely pulled him down onto himself and starts pulling away little by little.. then he can see Sejoon smile in a way he hasn't really seen on the guy around him before - at least never aimed at him, anyway - and there's Sejoon's hand on his back, and there's Sejoon saying he really can't leave.
When all of this started, he honestly didn't think it'd last long. Minhwan has messed with plenty of people before in the past, and it's usually all just been short since it's hard to just tolerate a guy like Minhwan for longer than a few days. But then Sejoon declared him his rival and got so worked up at every little thing they did, and then it all escalated in Sejoon getting so mad at him that he kissed him, fucked him-- and now he's lying here, staring at the other, with the vague awareness in the back of his mind that he'd actually feel bad if Sejoon did leave at this point.
Weird, the way things can go. He doesn't know what kind of weird charm Sejoon used, but it sure made him feel some things he hasn't often felt before.
Feeling tired from all the movement just now, Minhwan's body relaxes a little on top of the other guy's, his head resting on top of Sejoon's chest again as he turns it sideways. ]
Maybe it's on purpose.
[ The bad job is definitely on purpose. But then again, he doesn't bother to hide that fact either. ]
You can't go until I've got this figured out. [ Why Sejoon makes him feel like this. How Sejoon can just.. care so much. How any of this works.
He slowly breathes out. ]
I'll just come back to harass you if you try, no matter where you go.
I already know that first hand. There's no way to escape from you, ever.
[Considering this was the guy who followed Sejoon way out of town before, just to keep on harassing him. But he's lightly teasing again- there were never any plans to leave. It's already late in the day anyway, and he's going to stay with Minhwan until he's well enough to go home. Walking him home too, because he's not about to let a guy with a head injury do that alone, least of all his own boyfriend.
There's no rush, though. He's already committed himself to this, and he's got no plans to be anywhere else right now. Schoolwork can absolutely take a backseat. Besides...a calm moment with Minhwan is one he should induldge in for as long as he can. Who knows when he'd get a chance like this again...?
Especially with Minhwan acting serious with him like that...The least he can do is give a proper answer back too. When the other boy relaxes on top of him, Sejoon let's his hands move slowly against him too- combing softly through his hair now.]
And I don't want to, anyway. I already told you I want to stay...I wasn't lying.
[Even if he never thought he'd hear himself saying that.
He never knew what to expect when he started a relationship with Minhwan. He had no idea how long it would last, or where it would go, or if it would ever be anything other than Minhwan having some sort of edge over him.
So he just decided to let things play out on their own and...somehow, they did. Even if this is just one small moment between them, it's not one he'll let go of easily. It's definitely not one he'll ever regret...he's glad that they're having it, no matter where it takes them next.]
You've got plenty of time to figure things out.
[And it's clear from the way he says it, that he doesn't mean it's limited to just today.]
[ It's way too comfortable like this. Just lying here on Sejoon, having the other's hands move through his hair, hearing those words.. it's almost enough to lull him back into sleep again, although he's not entirely sure if it's just the effect Sejoon is having on him right now, putting him at ease, or if it's just that his head injury is playing up again.
Either way, he doesn't want to sleep.. not for now. This moment is incredibly weird and Minhwan doesn't even know where to start trying to make sense of it or of what he feels about it, but he does know that he doesn't want it to end that easily. Even if Sejoon says he has enough time to figure it out, it feels like this feeling will slip away from him if he takes too long. ]
If this happened again, would you worry again then?
[ It's not even the first step towards a plan to do this again, honestly.. Although he might think of it later, right now that definitely isn't something on the front of his mind. It's just something that's part of all of this. Part of figuring out how Sejoon's weird care works, trying to figure out what's behind it.. and trying to figure out how he feels about it, although that's the most difficult part. It's easier to start here with this.
Minhwan doesn't even move from his spot. Not even to try and annoy Sejoon, he just keeps lying there, letting the other run his hands through his hair. ]
[Honestly...hearing Minhwan asking him that question worries him almost as much as the thought of this actually happening again. His heart starts beating a little faster in his chest- trying to imagine what it must be like to wonder if your own lover would care or not if you got injured. And no matter what Minhwan's attitude on the subject is...the thought still makes him feel lonely.
Even when the words are out there, Sejoon finds himself instinctively pulling the other boy closer to himself- inching his arms a little further around him. It's not like Minhwan needs any protection right now. He's definitely safe from any falls in here...It's probably more because of the question itself instead. No matter how they regularly act together, he doesn't want things to continue at this level. He wants to make it clear that, no matter what, Sejoon would worry- would care if Minhwan got hurt.
For once, he's starting to feel more comfortable about being open with Minhwan...about being direct about what's on his mind. It's not without any difficulty at all...because it still makes him feel vulnerable, in a sense. It's hard to drop a feeling like that entirely. But even more strongly than that, Sejoon's sure he needs to try something here- to make Minhwan understand that he's being honest.
When he talks again, his voice sounds quiet...almost like he's hurt at the very thought of it.]
Of course...of course I would.
[His hand doesn't stop moving through Minhwan's hair- continuing with the gentle back and forth motions. It seems like the other finds it comforting, at least...so he'll keep doing it. But his movements still seem more careful now, even moreso than before...like he's holding something delicate.]
I don't...want you to think that I wouldn't...I never want you to feel that way...
[Sejoon's free hand reaches to take one of Minhwan's- holding it in a grip that's just as tender as the other- and he tugs it carefully over towards his mouth. Closing his eyes, he presses a soft kiss to the back of the other boys' hand.]
I really wasn't sure if you'd come back...
[Meaning...wake up again. He'd said as much earlier, but it could've just as easily sounded like teasing. This time, there won't be any room for misinterpretation.]
[ It doesn't feel bad to Minhwan. It doesn't even feel weird. Even though any normal person would realise that no one would ever worry whether the person they're in a relationship with would care or not if something bad would happen to them, it's not normal to Minhwan.. he's not used to it, after all. The weird warm feeling Sejoon gives him in his chest is something entirely new, and things like love, relationships.. they're things Minhwan has heard of, sure, but he's never experienced it for himself until now. He doesn't even know if he'd worry if something would happen to Sejoon, it's just something he's never even thought about since it never came up - nothing ever happened to Sejoon.
Would their positions be reversed if Sejoon got injured? Probably, he wouldn't want to let Sejoon keep lying there, and it's not like he'd rather be in class instead of at Sejoon's side where he can easily harass the other.. but would he worry this badly? Would he also experience this much care for once? He isn't sure at all.. it's just something he can't even imagine.
But apparently it's a natural thing. It must be a natural thing when Sejoon acts like it is - Minhwan is at least not blind to the fact that Sejoon is much more emotionally and socially gifted than Minhwan could ever be, for better or worse. ]
You worried so much.
[ That's one conclusion he can at least draw from all of this. As weird as it is.. why would Sejoon worry that much, after all? About him, of all people? Even if they're dating, it's not like their relationship is exactly a normal one, and Minhwan has just been treating it lightly as he treats everything in life..
Sejoon worried about him. Why does that thought make him feel so weird?
Once Sejoon removes his lips from Minhwan's hand, he stretches out the fingers of that hand, idly touching Sejoon's lips - almost as if he needs something to occupy himself with while he's trying to think and process all of this. For as much of a genius as Minhwan is, all of this is really, really complicated. ]
I've never felt like that. [ Mostly since there never was a reason to worry about anything. Even if Jaejin or Minji had any sort of problems, they always hid them around Minhwan - and he's oblivious enough to other people's trouble that he just doesn't notice. Why worry about anything when everything is going well enough in life?
But he's slowly realising that now. He never had any reason to worry, so if there was one.. would he feel it then? Is that how that sort of emotion is supposed to work? ]
If this had happened to you..
[ To Sejoon, who.. well, Minhwan sure doesn't dislike. He doesn't have any of the annoyed feelings Sejoon has for him in return, he just thinks Sejoon is amusing. Sejoon who easily gets riled up, who goes along with his every whim even if he can complain about it the whole way, who's been interesting enough that Minhwan entered this sort of relationship with him to begin with.. ]
.. would I feel it too then? [ His fingers trace the outlines of Sejoon's lips idly, his voice a little light - like he's talking to himself more than anything, even if the words come out of his mouth all the same. ] Would I be that worried..
[ It seems like a weird idea to him. Minhwan can't even start to imagine what it feels like, honestly. It's why he doesn't sound upset about it, there's nothing sad. It's just curiosity, trying to graps something that's way beyond his own emotional levels. ]
[Minhwan's questions- whether they're meant to be addressed to him or not- still hang in the air...and...surprisingly enough, dig up some feelings of fear that'd been buried down in his heart.
There've already been people in his life who were...at least, on paper...supposed to care if something happened to him...but didn't.
With Minhwan...the question's never come up before- there hasn't been a situation that's put Sejoon at risk at all since they've been together. But somewhat unconsciously, he'd been bracing himself for the fact that...there's a good chance Minhwan probably wouldn't care much about him. He already knows...how apathetic Minhwan can be about things most people would care about. It always...always comes back to apathy...and Sejoon can't even stand that word.
It's a strange realization to have...considering how much this guy drives him nuts usually. Why should it bother him, if Minhwan didn't end up caring...? It's already obvious enough that Minhwan doesn't handle emotions the same way most people do...Is it naive of him to think Minhwan might feel different for his own boyfriend...?
...Maybe it hurts because...Sejoon knows he can't help but care. It's why he's here, isn't it...? He would have brought any other classmate to the infirmary, but...the more he thinks about it, the more he realizes he wouldn't have worried this much. Or stayed this long. No matter what kind of guy Minhwan is, against all odds...he's still one of the very few people Sejoon's chosen to let in, and get a little bit closer. To bring him into a more intimate part of Sejoon's life, and to show sides of himself he never has before. Not to anyone else.
And it's hard- to know that he cares, even that much, and think again about how it might be unrequited.
But...maybe...just, maybe...from the way Minhwan's acting? Maybe he really doesn't have to worry about it all much. Sejoon only hopes that isn't just wishful thinking on his part. For now, he closes his eyes and soaks in the feeling of the other boy softly touching his lips...realizing that it feels strangely soothing.]
I'd like to find that out too, someday...
[He speaks in a slow, hushed tone- letting his lips move gently against the fingertips pressing against them.
The question itself still- would Minhwan worry?- brings out a sense of vulnerability in Sejoon...but more importantly, there's hopefulness now too. And he finds himself...very grateful that Minhwan had asked something like that on his own too.]
[ At least Minhwan doesn't miss that there's something a little weird about Sejoon's voice when he replies. It isn't just a normal casual tone, and even in Sejoon's expression there's a hint of something else, even though Minhwan can't fully place it.. which is probably not as much as a result of the wound on Minhwan's head as much as it's just him not being good at this whole emotions thing when it comes down to it.
He shifts a little from where he's lying on Sejoon - not moving off the other boy, but at least making sure he can look at the other a little more properly, as if he'll be able to understand him more that way. There's some of Sejoon's emotions that Minhwan can understand, most of them having to do with anger or annoyance.. but when it comes to less aggressive emotions, he's completely lost. ]
Would you feel bad if I didn't?
[ Some other people might take it as Minhwan being Minhwan - teasing by stating the obvious. Of course anyone would feel bad at their lover not worrying about them when something bad happens to them, after all. But to Minhwan nothing is that simple.. no matter how smart he is, he just can't grasp even the most basic things about emotions. He mostly sounds just curious, at least, like he's not out to tease Sejoon by asking that. Even if it ends up being a little blunt and straightforward.. but then again, that is very much like Minhwan too.
He pulls his hand back to himself, off Sejoon's lips, but keeps staring at the other. ]
I wouldn't have been upset if you didn't worry about me, you know. [ Not that it means Sejoon doesn't mean anything to him. He likes Sejoon, he likes being around him -- hell, for all the flirting around he does with just about everyone, he still likes being Sejoon's boyfriend. If he had to pick one person to be in a relationship with, it'd be Sejoon. Sejoon is special to Minhwan in Minhwan's own dumb unique emotionally dumb way, but it's just that Minhwan doesn't know what it's like to feel bad. He never has. He can't imagine suddenly feeling that way just because Sejoon didn't freak out over him falling down the stairs. ] If you weren't here, I just would have gotten up and harassed you while you were in class.
[ It's a sign of how little it would bother him if Sejoon didn't worry. Sure, it isn't the best idea to immediately get up and walk around with his kind of injury, but has that ever stopped Minhwan? Of course it wouldn't. Harassing Sejoon would be much more fun than lying around here bored by himself on this bed. ]
[Sejoon, at least, can tell that Minhwan isn't teasing him this time around. It's not the sort of thing he'd put past Minhwan...but this isn't a normal circumstance for either of them. So even though the question itself is a strange one, he can at least take all of this seriously.
But Minhwan saying he wouldn't have been upset...that Sejoon can't say he's very surprised about. Maybe Minhwan would want the attention, sure...but he wouldn't be angry if Sejoon didn't show up, or sad. Which...doesn't quite sit right with him, even though he was expecting it. The thought makes him feel a little strange...because he sure knows that Minhwan wants him (considering he'd get off his infirmary bed to go to class)...and it's not like he legitimately wants Minhwan to get upset...but...maybe it would just feel nice to know that Minhwan would miss him for something more than just a source of attention. Or maybe it's because...]
Yeah...It would bother me. I don't think I'd feel very happy if I was lying here...and I knew you were off somewhere in class. And you weren't going to come.
[And he'd just be left there by himself.
It's one of the first times he's ever willingly admitted that something Minhwan could do would actually get to him, in any way. That's why his voice still sounds softer than usual...and that's why he moves his hand to gently smooth Minhwan's bangs out of his face- letting himself get a better look at the other boy too.
Even after, for all intents and purposes, he made himself vulnerable in front of Minhwan...he doesn't feel bad about it. As much as the other boy likes to tease him, even Sejoon knows well enough that he'd never do anything to intentionally hurt him that way.
Still...this is something he knows he has a chance to work on fixing...and making Minhwan realize that Sejoon really does care about him as more than just a sex partner, or a school rival. He still calls him his boyfriend for a reason, after all...]
But like I already told you anyway- I'd be here if this happens again...so don't roll out of any infirmary beds, ok? Even if I wasn't here right when you woke up, I'd be on my way.
[ The last statement is comforting.. in a weird way, though. It's not like Minhwan needs the reassurance, after all. He just said as much. He wouldn't be upset if Sejoon didn't show up, so if he isn't upset, then there's nothing to comfort. But even so, the statement does make him feel a little oddly warm.. maybe it's since it's at least a reassurance that Sejoon will always come to give him attention, no matter what. That he'll show up to give him attention even if he isn't there yet. And that is an idea that Minhwan sure can get behind, and one that makes him grin a little again - although there's not as much of an edge behind it as there usually might be. Even though it would be easy to blame it on Minhwan's head wound maybe still causing him to be light-headed.
He lets his head drops for a moment to lean it against Sejoon's chest again, grinning against the other. It's almost a little oddly giddy (but in that subdued Minhwan sort of way). He just loves the thought of Sejoon going out of his way to give him attention. Sejoon coming to fuss over him when stuff like this happens.. it's something he never could have imagined when he started something with the other guy to begin with, but he's glad for it all the same.
And at least Sejoon is right on another count - Minhwan would never consciously want to hurt the other. Sure, he might be an asshole most of the time, but a lot of it has to do with just being unable to understand how most normal people's emotions work. If Sejoon directly says that something would upset him as much as he is saying now, then Minhwan can at least listen to that. He's not a totally rotten boyfriend, although he hasn't exactly proven as much yet until this point.
At least he speaks up again the moment he lifts his head to look at the other once more. ]
Then I'll be there too if it'd happen to you. [ "So you won't get sad".. he doesn't say it explicitly, and it's hard to tell if it's in there that way directly, but there's still a hint of it in the way he says it. Sejoon can translate Minhwan speak well enough in his head to probably catch onto it anyway. He's trying, in his own dumb emotionally challenged way. ]
Or are you saying you would roll out of an infirmary bed without waiting for me first, Sejoonie?
[ See, it's Minhwan, so of course he immediately has to follow it up with something like that, grinning a little the entire time. ]
[Sejoon can't say he ever imagined them in a situation like this either, even when they first agreed to start dating. But no matter what he thinks of Minhwan normally, he never wants the other to get hurt...And besides, it's impossible for him to spend so much time with the other, and not grow closer to him - even if it happens in strange ways.
He already gets the sense that things will be different between them after today. Not everything...he knows Minhwan will still drive him absolutely crazy, he knows he'll still put everything he has into beating him, he knows the other guy will still be able to bring out that more intense side of him...But even with Minhwan's usual teasing, things are already different too- right here, right now. This is already the first time they've been softer with each other...And he definitely knows he won't be able to stop fussing for a while yet.
Either way, Minhwan still gets all the attention he wants from Sejoon. And...maybe it's just that he's still worried, or maybe it's from a few of the things Minhwan had said, but...Sejoon actually feels...like he's glad to give it to him too.
That feeling only got stronger when Minhwan said he'd be there for Sejoon too...because he does know the other guy well enough to pick up on the meaning there. He's...not surprised to realize that Minhwan really would do something like this, but it's still comforting all the same. Maybe because Sejoon was right...that Minhwan really isn't the sort of person who would want to hurt him. And the sense of trust that it instills in Sejoon is surprising.
Sejoon manages a grin at Minhwan's statement- like the other's giddiness is spreading into him. He tilts his head down to press it very gently against the other's.]
I guess I could wait for you. You going to bring me flowers too?
[He rolls his eyes- already guessing what the other might say next...but he's still smiling when he says it.]
And before you even say anything, I didn't have time. I'll have to get you some later.
[It's hard to tell if he's joking or not, although he can honestly say he wouldn't actually mind getting Minhwan a bouquet of "get well soon" flowers.
But the smile does fade from his face as he starts to grow a little more serious again. He cups Minhwan's cheek after a small moment of quiet- keeping his face in a gentle hold as he leans his head down again and closes his eyes. His hand tilts the other's head up carefully...only to get his attention, and let him know he is being serious now.]
[ See, how can his odd giddiness go away when Sejoon just keeps saying stuff like that? Because Minhwan sure was about to make a joke that would only be half an actual joke (because getting flowers from Sejoon would be funny as hell, and it's another form of getting attention that Minhwan will gladly soak up), but before he does it, Sejoon already half-jokes back that he'll get him some later.
It's a slightly strange thought, the idea that he can just rely on Sejoon for stuff like this. That Sejoon will understand what he needs - attention, mostly, in its many forms - and give it to him before Minhwan even has to ask for it somehow. Minhwan is so used to just practically dragging it out of other people by harassing him to death that the idea never occurred to him that there'd be someone who'd just give it to him this easily. Voluntarily. Not that it's a bad thing, it's definitely a great thing, but it's just.. well. New.
What's also new is Sejoon seeming so serious about this. Minhwan can't ignore him when the other tilts his head a little like that to make him look at him.. and even though Minhwan sucks at emotions, he can tell it's not a joke. It's not the usual, not something like Sejoon being frustrated with him. He's happy, and he's genuinely thanking him.
.. Definitely new. But something Minhwan will happily get used to, anyway. ]
Does it really mean that much to you?
[ Not that he can help speaking up again.. It's Minhwan, after all. He can never shut up, and he's always incredibly straightforward and honest to a point that it's just blunt - just because of the way his brain works. He can't not be upfront about this stuff, even when it concerns him not understanding normal small social things like people being able to genuinely thank him this happily for something. ]
Have I ever refused you something..? [ He tilts his head just a tiny bit - just the bit that Sejoon's grip allows.
Okay, so he's definitely refused Sejoon some things before. Mostly things that involves Sejoon saying something along the lines of no, Minhwan and Minhwan's response was definitely a yes, Minhwan as he continued to harass the other.. but it's not like he's ever said no when Sejoon asked him to do something other than to stop. Even if Sejoon had asked for sappier stuff before, he would have done it. After Disney villain laughing, sure, but Minhwan is an incredibly easy guy. Hell, he didn't even start topping Sejoon until the other asked for it. ]
If you want something, then just ask me. I'll do it.
[ And although there's no real weight in his tone - it just seems natural to Minhwan, really - he means it. He would, because what Sejoon thinks is true.. he doesn't want to seriously hurt the other. ]
[It's hard not to figure out that attention is exactly what Minhwan wants, no matter what form that attention may take...which is definitely worrisome. And it's true enough that sometimes Minhwan does have to drag that attention out of him. But not for a situation like this one...there's no pulling teeth here. It'd been easy enough to guess that if he made a comment about flowers, Minhwan would make a comment about Sejoon getting them for him. And honestly...why not? His boyfriend fell on his head, Sejoon can at least give him a little extra attention right now, even without giving him a hard time.
Honestly, it's also not surprising that Minhwan asks him if it really means that much to him. Especially given how Minhwan's reacted to all of this so far.
What does catch him by surprise this time, is Minhwan saying that Sejoon can ask him for anything he wants. And even though they both know Minhwan has refused some "no"s from Sejoon before...Honestly- looking at him now, he can believe what Minhwan's saying. Sejoon himself hasn't had many situations where he's wanted to ask anything from the other, at least not in all seriousness. But Minhwan really is the kind of guy who would just...do it, isn't he? If Sejoon really needed something. And the casualness to his answer only feels reassuring too.
His arm gently wraps around Minhwan's head...and Sejoon lets out a small breath- smiling softly as he does.]
Yeah...I will.
[Even though he's sure a lot of the things he'd ask for could earn some teasing along with it.
It's another strange realization that he can rely on Minhwan too...but he is always upfront about everything. And Sejoon can't imagine that now would be any different.]
You can do the same, you know. If you ever really need something.
[And Minhwan will probably ask for it anyway, won't he...? But Sejoon can't help but return that offer. And he never could refuse the other anything important.]
[ Honestly, it's just part of dealing with Minhwan. Even though he's not nearly as bad as a guy as he might seem, it's true that he's still completely obnoxious and has a hard time understanding how empathy is supposed to work. Or understanding social situations. Which means he will do absolutely anything for the people he likes, but it will definitely come with teasing, that's for sure.
But hey, with Minhwan people are going to endure teasing either way when they're around him, so they might as well ask for something and at least get something out of it that way.
Even Sejoon's statement here is an opportunity for more teasing, no matter how the other might be meant it. At the very sound of it Minhwan can't help but widely grin against the other in his current position, the thoughts immediately popping up in his head. He's never had trouble thinking of stuff to ask from Sejoon, if not just because he's constantly very attention hungry. ]
No matter what it is? [ Not that Sejoon said that much, but Minhwan is feeling like it's implied anyway since Minhwan himself said as much. And sure, his boyfriend did say "really need something," but it's not as if he hasn't had trouble differentiating what's truly important and what's not in the past. Minhwan's brain works in strange ways, and considers some absolutely stupid stuff of the utmost importance.
It's why he still stupidly grins, making sure he can at least look at Sejoon to soak in every moment of the other's reaction to what he's about to say - it's only natural when it's Minhwan. ]
Even if I texted you in the middle of class to come out and fuck me in some broom closet here?
[ Because when he thinks of stuff he really wants, of course that's where his mind goes to first - no matter how relatively soft this moment might be between the two of them. ]
[Of course Sejoon let's his guard down long enough to really get emotional with Minhwan...to start opening his heart for a little bit...and then he gets a reaction like that. He should've seen it coming a mile away. It doesn't actually upset him or anything though, it just makes him roll his eyes in a more lighthearted exasperated way than usual.
This sure as hell is a good example of Minhwan's usual obnoxious behavior, but it doesn't feel like it has as much bite to it now. Maybe it's that Sejoon's already feeling softer from all of this, or maybe it's just that he's finally started getting used to the way the other guy is...but either way, it feels easier to just do a bit of back and forth with him. Besides, given everything that's happened today...he really should know better by now- that the "really" would've flown right over Minhwan's head, and the other guy would figure he COULD actually ask for anything.]
Oh my god...really?
[But of course he knows Minhwan's serious. If there's anything he's tried to get out of Sejoon this whole time, it's for them to fuck in school, and apparently...he's not even deterred from asking about that in an intimate moment in the infirmary together. Sejoon laughs a little at least and shakes his head after he says that- but he doesn't seem too flustered otherwise. Still pretty different from a usual response, all things considered.]
You're really trying to flunk us both out of school, aren't you? Wouldn't you miss fighting over the top spot?
[There's no way he's giving an absolute "yes" to a request like that. Even if someday he feels like giving in to something like that, he definitely doesn't right now. But he still doesn't want to deter Minhwan from thinking he can actually ask for something he wants...because now he's worried if he says no to one thing, Minhwan might not take him seriously. He'll have to work on that a bit, huh?]
[ Minhwan doesn't even seem bothered that the other isn't flustered at what he's saying. Not that he's usually easily bothered, but still - there's not even a reason for him to be bothered by it to begin with. For one, he likes how Sejoon laughs a little at it instead, if not just since it makes Minhwan feel like somehow Sejoon has really given in a little... Even if it's not really about the sex at school. It more just does give Minhwan the impression that he could ask for anything from the other - a thought that's a little weird, but definitely not in a bad way.
And secondly.. well, it's not like he meant to rile up Sejoon for once. He genuinely didn't intent to ruin the atmosphere they've got going on here - it's just that Minhwan sucks at telling the mood in any situation. He's just the kind of moron that will bring up something completely inappropriate without it seeming weird to him in the moment. Even while he's lying here propped up against Sejoon, much closer and softer than they have ever been before.
So he still smiles. It's definitely a grinny smile, considering how Minhwan works, but there's a genuine kind of joy and almost childish giddiness behind the expression. It's not that he doesn't like Sejoon getting mad at him, it was funny as hell plenty of times before, but he likes this too somehow. Sejoon just laughing as he pokes back at him a little, seeming exasperated yet amused at the same time.
It's nice. Minhwan could definitely get used to this. ]
Who says I'd have to miss it? We can just continue where we left off at another school. [ It's said with a surprising amount of genuinity.. because it really doesn't bother Minhwan that something like that might get him kicked off school. There's no way something like consequences could ever get through that deeply to Minhwan - instead the thought of it is just funny. Sejoon going through all the schools in the city, flunking out of them one by one, fighting for the top spot the whole time...
He laughs, even if it's not as over the top as his usual one due to the fact that he is still wounded, despite how he's acting. ]
Are you saying you think there's anyone else at another school who could take it instead?
[ No way, that's his and Sejoon's battle. It couldn't be as much fun with anyone else, Minhwan is convinced of that much. ]
[There's no way Sejoon's letting them get flunked out of school...no matter how easily Minhwan can think about that sort of scenario, it's different for him. Mostly just because he's the one who actually cares about school, and his grades and all that. Flunking out wouldn't exactly look great for someone who wants a career in education, would it? Even if he went back to another school and still did great.
Not that he's worried about that happening...But even if it did happen, he couldn't imagine things going any other way than they are now with Minhwan. It's weird how much of a normal everyday thing this has turned into for him- like he can't imagine going through the rest of school without battling for the top spot with the other guy. It'd just feel weird, wouldn't it...? Even though there were plenty of years without this rivalry before either of them ever met.
In a way...it's actually kind of weirdly comforting to here that, in the worst case scenario (worst case scenario to Sejoon meaning he gets kicked out of school for some reason), Minhwan would apparently still follow him on to the next school. It's one thing that Sejoon doesn't have to worry about losing...it's one thing that'll stay the same, no matter what he does. And he actually believes Minhwan would follow through on something like that- the guy's followed him in crazy enough ways so far...why would he stop there?]
What, so we'd just pick right up where we left off? Or...then again, who knows? Maybe you'll be trying to get number one back from me by then.
[For some reason, he can't stop himself from smiling while he's seeing Minhwan be all grinny like that. He knows very well that a pretty similar expression could still rile him up just as easily...but no matter whether Minhwan can or can't read the mood right now, he's not doing anything right now except making Sejoon feel good.
He laughs a little and leans over to give Minhwan's forehead another small, soft kiss...it just feels right for some reason, no matter how weird the thought of that is.]
I think if we're going to stay on the same path, we might as well stay in the same school too.
[ There's definitely a feeling of satisfaction when he doesn't hear Sejoon mentioning the possibility of letting anyone else fight with him for the top spot. Minhwan sure doesn't mind Sejoon implying that he'll have the top spot and Minhwan will have to steal it from him - mostly since the spot never really mattered to Minhwan the way it did to Sejoon, the only reason he went along with the rivalry was purely for Sejoon's reactions and all the attention he gave to him. But even though Minhwan is someone who has never felt jealousy in his life before and would never rip Sejoon away from someone else if he did find someone else - he still likes things the way they are right now, and he's glad to keep them like this.
Even with these new things between them right now today. Switching it up is only fun, so Minhwan welcomes even the soft kisses like the one Sejoon plants on his forehead, smiling like he isn't still wounded in the head from his fall earlier. ]
Do you like this school that much, Sejoonie?
[ Not that Minhwan dislikes this school. Sejoon is here, and his sister is, and his best friend is, and other fun people-- but he's less attached to things, has less trouble leaving things behind. Even if he went to another school, he could just contact all of those people outside of school. ]
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One of those things is falling off stairs, apparently. Not that Minhwan remembers much of how it happened - he was busy harassing Sejoon (much like always), so he most likely just misstepped or someone bumped into him accidentally just a little too hard. He's a twig, so it's not like it's very hard to throw him off balance enough to send him downwards.
It's all just a vague blur though, considering he blacked out from the impact of the drop. He's only slowly starting to regain consciousness now, at first only registering that his head is throbbing like crazy. Did he hit it when he fell down? He doesn't even know.
His next impression is that the world is a big blur as well when he opens his eyes, his vision having to adjust to everything once more. The fact that he's lying down on a bed and the colors of the room make it pretty obvious at least that he's at the school's infirmary - that much isn't a surprise. Where else would he go after something like that happened? It's only logical.
He's surprisingly unbothered by the fact it happened though, instead just calmly waiting for his vision to return as he tries to move his fingers a little bit. That much seems to work, at least. Not being paralyzed sounds like a good start.
But then Minhwan's vision starts to come back more and more, and suddenly it comes obvious he isn't alone here. And that the person sitting next to the bed sure isn't the school nurse.
.. Instead it's Sejoon. Which is the first surprising thing he's noted about this situation so far, honestly? Why would Sejoon be here?
He swallows (his throat feels rather dry from just lying there) before trying to sit up a little - it isn't going very well, but this situation feels a little too odd to him to just keep lying there. It's even hard to muster up one of his usual lines when everything is still spinning a little, so instead he just ends up rapidly blinking at the other boy. ]
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Minhwan might be obnoxious...and egotistical, and an asshole, but Sejoon never would've wished that on him. Which must've been made clear to anyone watching, when he'd shoved the crowds of students aside and rushed over to the other boy- tugging him up off the ground, and making a beeline towards the infirmary. Or when he'd insisted to the nurse on staying in a chair by his side, for the better part of the afternoon. She'd agreed, seeing that it's a legitimate injury to worry over, even though she'd promised the other boy would regain consciousness that day.
But actually seeing Minhwan start to open his eyes again now...there's a flood of instant relief passing through him. Even if it takes a little more waiting for the other boy to get his bearings, at least he's awake.
The surprise on Minhwan's expression though- Sejoon doesn't think it's got anything to do with him being here...obviously it's just getting startled from waking up in the infirmary, right? Why wouldn't Sejoon be here? He'd been around to see the other boy fall, and he'd been the one to drag his ass all the way to the nurse's office...what was he supposed to do- just dump him there and leave? Of course not.
When Minwhan tries to sit up, Sejoon takes notice right away and leans over- pressing a hand against his shoulder to push him back down. It's definitely the most gentle push he's ever given the other.]
What're you doing!? Don't get up yet!
[He probably sounds irritated, but it's actually more out of worry this time around.]
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But at least it confirms that Sejoon really is here, considering that push - no matter how light - felt very physical. Very real. Not that it makes anything about this situation more understandable, but.. you know, it at least means he isn't hallucinating Sejoon. Because he doesn't even want to think about the things that might imply.
Sucking in a breath as he tries to gather his bearings, Minhwan's hand reaches up a little shakily to feel the bandages circling around the top of his head. He really must have hit his head, huh.
Slowly his gaze finally turns back to Sejoon. ]
Aigoo, what kind of way to treat a patient is that.. [ Not that he really cares how he's being treated right now. Honestly, if he hadn't been pushed down just now, he might just have tried to stand up and get out of bed. Minhwan just doesn't fuss about anything, not even his own physical wellbeing.
He tries to use his usual tone, but it doesn't quite have the same effect when it still sounds weak and a little disoriented. Mostly because of his head, yes, but also just since he doesn't get what's going on here. At all. ]
Is that why you're here? Grabbing your chance to scold me? [ What else could it be? He makes it sound jokey, but it's what he genuinely thinks Sejoon came here for.. kicking someone when they're down? That much he'd understand. ] Woah, guess you're not right behind me in grades for nothing, smart enough to find the right timing.
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Sejoon's here, still in one complete piece. He can be the one to check all the injuries and the bandages...At least he can be good for something else. And it's probably lucky that he stayed, if Minhwan's the type to try and get up as soon as he's awake. Luckily, there's at least one person good at fussing in the room.
The "aigoo" actually makes Sejoon laugh a little, even if it's said through a weaker tone...It's a relieved laugh. The anxiousness hasn't completely drained out of him, but at least it's good to hear Minhwan's still his regular self. Except... the last statement draws an incredulous look onto Sejoon's face. Does Minhwan really think he's here to make fun of him??
Grades don't matter a whole lot in a situation like this.]
Stop trying to be a smartass. I wasn't waiting around to scold you! I could do that anytime.
[He's trying to use a sort of jokey tone here too, which is weird considering he's usually either somewhere between aggravated or irritated or humiliated. It's a bit closer to something of a "normal" tone, compared to all of that.
Sejoon looks him over- eyes scanning the bandages again. There's still a little bit of blood on the other's head, but it's nowhere near as bad as it'd been earlier.]
How're you feeling?
[Bad, probably.]
Need me to get you anything?
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Here Sejoon is giving him attention too, but Minhwan doesn't really know what to do with this kind of attention. Maybe if it came from someone else-- Vivi, maybe, or even just the school nurse since it's what she's supposed to do. If it was them, it'd be one thing, but Sejoon is.. well, he's just always harassed the boy to try and get him angry on purpose. Why would he bother to sit here then instead of being in class to make sure he doesn't fall too far behind?
In fact, if things had turned out worse than just this, wouldn't it have been more convenient for Sejoon if he had gone out of the running entirely so Sejoon could easily claim the first place spot?
Yet here he is, asking if Minhwan needs anything. Guiding his hand around more gently than he's ever felt from the other guy. It's weird as hell, since nothing logically adds up in Minhwan's mind. ]
Why are you here?
[ Instead of answering the questions he decides to ask a more important (more important to him, anyway) question first. It's still weak, but it does manage to carry across some of the emotion. Rather than being offended, Minhwan just sounds.. a little surprised, almost. Confused.
"What do you want?" almost resounds in it, because surely Sejoon must have some ulterior motive to stick around like this. ]
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The two of them aren't friends, but they're certainly involved in each other's lives. And with Jaejin constantly absent from school, he wouldn't have left Minhwan alone with no one looking after him. The school nurse was around, naturally, but she couldn't check on him all the time.
But Minhwan's question actually shocks him a little this time around. Does he really think Sejoon hates him so much? That he wouldn't care at all if things actually had been worse? That he doesn't care now, when he'd already gotten hurt? As much as Minhwan gets on his nerves...he hasn't done anything that'd warrant a reaction like that. Does he really come across that heartless...?
On top of the nerves that'd already been building up, the question stabs him with a sudden onslaught of guilt, too. There's nothing between them that's ever been "normal"...and while Sejoon's fine with the way things have been, more or less, he doesn't want this. He doesn't want Minhwan thinking that he couldn't care less about his wellbeing.]
What're you talking about? I...I was worried...Wouldn't anyone be?
[Really...why else would he be here?]
You looked like you cracked your head open...I wanted to make sure you were alright.
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[ His answer is a little more in the usual smartass kind of direction Minhwan's tone tends to go. After all, is there anyone else here other than Sejoon? Minhwan might be an ass and an attention whore at the same time, but he's not oblivious enough to believe anyone would just pay attention to him without him putting any effort into dragging their attention towards him. (It'd be nice, though - it would certainly make things easier.)
Maybe Jaejin would have been worried, but the moment he woke up the other would have joked he's apparently too fat to even climb stairs now and they would have laughed it all off instantly. Jaejin would have asked to touch his wound and Minhwan would have punched him in the shoulder in the middle of an attempt to do so. That's just the usual. Even Minji worrying would only feel natural since they're twins. It could all logically happen.
But Sejoon? Despite all the times they've banged, it doesn't feel nearly as natural for him to worry. People don't worry that easily - or at least, they don't from Minhwan's point of view, considering he hardly ever fusses. So why would anyone else?
His head lulls a little to the side so he can glance at the other guy. ]
Out of all the people in the school, it's you sitting here. There's plenty of people who would find that weird. [ Considering Minhwan isn't exactly subtle in the ways he tries to piss off Sejoon..
.. so it's still weird. Why is Sejoon being so genuine about all this? He doesn't even look remotely annoyed, what's up with that? Would he really worry that easily about Minhwan?
Attention might be attention and therefore good no matter what to Minhwan, but somehow that specific notion feels harder to place in his head. ]
.. Are you saying that if the roles were reversed, you'd expect me to be sitting there now? Ahh, Sejoonie, you really ask a lot from people.
[ (Even though if the roles were reversed, Minhwan would have been the one to drag Sejoon over to the infirmary without having to think twice about it. Not that he consciously realises it right now.) ]
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It's surprising just how much a comment like that stings, even if it's coming from Minhwan. But Sejoon manages to keep it all internalized this time around- without any difficulty. Being hurt...that's always something he's been much better at hiding. A lot better than anger, that's for sure. Because in this case, it's something he's had much more practice with. And it's a lot easier for him to smile, even a little, when he's still worried like he is now.
All for the better, anyway. He's not about to let Minhwan know something like that bothered him so much.]
If you're trying to scare me off, don't bother. I'm here now, and I'll be here the next time you trip and fall on your face too.
[Even if Minhwan wouldn't do the same for him.
And it's easier to shove those thoughts aside, if he focuses on the rest of what Minhwan had said. Which...somehow, still isn't much better. Just because...is it really so hard to believe another person could worry over him? He's always known Minhwan is weird...and doesn't have a whole lot of friends. But the guy always seems so full of it, Sejoon's never even imagined him like this. Like a person who thinks it's obvious most of the school wouldn't give him a second thought if he got hurt.]
Besides...You're the weird one. Why not just be glad someone is here?
[Sejoon still carries on like he had been earlier- reaching over and gingerly lifting up the bandage on Minhwan's head to see if it needs changing. He takes a warm, wet towel and dabs it softly against some of the dried blood near the injury.]
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Instead he's just distracted by.. well, Sejoon. Everything Sejoon is doing right now, since it makes no sense. Sejoon is not the kind of guy who can pull off a prank this elaborate or keep it going for so long. But that means he really does care, especially with how he's even trying to clean his wound..
It's completely something Minhwan can't understand. He doesn't even feel upset about the lack of control over this situation right now, it's all just straight up confusion. Did he hit his head so hard that he's in a coma and having the weirdest coma dreams ever? Is that it?
Yet he finds himself not bothering to move when Sejoon dabs at the blood - so not making the other's life harder for once. ]
Because it's the first time you aren't mad at me. [ Or annoyed, but.. you know, same thing.
Not that it's a complaint against the usual situation. He likes it when Sejoon is angry, it's the most amusing thing. But it makes this whole situation just.. weird? What is he supposed to do when Sejoon is acting like this, it breaks all social patterns they've had so far. Especially when Minhwan can't even understand why Sejoon is being like this. ]
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To be fair, this is a bit weird for Sejoon too- not feeling angry at Minhwan. But considering what he'd seen, it makes sense to him! Head injuries aren't anything to laugh at, especially if they look serious.
Besides, in the grand scheme of things...as much as Minhwan riles Sejoon up and pisses him off, he's really not that awful of a person. He harasses Sejoon about his grades and all, but...well, what would happen once they're both out of school? Minhwan would probably find something else, yeah. But Sejoon doesn't think it'd ever be much "worse". No matter how you look at it, Minhwan's not a person who doesn't deserve any worrying or fussing when he's hurt.
And, for once, Sejoon's got zero problems with spelling out what's on his mind.]
I can't be mad after that! I had to watch the whole thing! It looked pretty bad, ok? I'm really glad you woke up at all.
[He would've kept on worrying until he'd seen Minhwan up with his own eyes, no matter what any professional told him.
Somewhat impulsively, Sejoon leans over again and gives Minhwan a very small kiss, careful on the forehead. It feels like the right thing to do- maybe to help him understand a little more.]
And yes, I'm really glad your stupid giant brain is okay too. Even if you still beat me on the next test with it.
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Weird. Just weird. Minhwan just doesn't understand empathy on that level.
But he does slowly start to understand that it feels kind of.. good? It's weird, sure, and he doesn't understand a single bit of what Sejoon must be thinking, but Minhwan does know that he loves attention, and that only makes this situation a bonus, considering he expected to be waking up all alone. Instead of him trying to get out of bed instantly with his half still half shaken up, there's Sejoon taking care of him. Maybe, just a little bit, Minhwan is starting to understand what got Jaejin so incredibly sappily gay for Sejoon.
His arms feel like lead, but when Minhwan moves them a little and it doesn't feel like they hurt too badly, he slowly moves one of them over to lazily latch onto the other guy's arm. He was probably going for wrist, but hand-eye coordination isn't exactly great when you're still suffering at least half a concussion. ]
If you really want to take care of me so bad, come lie down already, Sejoonie. [ Sure, the infirmary beds aren't so big, but with a little bit of squeezing it should fit just fine. And if Sejoon really is insisting on staying here with him a little more, then Minhwan sure wants to prevent him from upping and leaving after all.
And honestly, being as close as possible to Sejoon sounds pretty good right now. Maybe since his brain feels so rattled up - he must have lost all capability for logical thought right now, surely. ]
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Except...in this case, Sejoon thinks he does get it. It still shocks him either way, and he sits there staring wide-eyed at Minhwan for a few seconds. He wasn't really expecting much of a reaction when he came here...and he really wasn't expecting much in terms of "thank you's" or anything like that. But that was never his reason for staying here anyway.
And this...? This is more than he'd ever thought he'd get.
Sejoon smiles widely and starts to pull his arm back- gently sliding it through Minhwan's loose grip. For a heartbeat, it probably looks like he's just going to tug it away completely...but he stops right when his hand falls into Minhwan's, and gives it a small squeeze.]
I think I can manage that.
[He leans over- carefully tugging the thin bedsheet to the side, then crawling into the small bit of free space on the mattress. Minhwan can have most of the room, seeing that he's the patient here. And...also taller.
Each of his movements stay gentle- still worried about hurting Minhwan while he shifts around and settles down next to him. But even as he finally rests his head on the pillow, he seems more relaxed...It's nice to know when someone wants you to stay. And it's nice too- to be able to stay like this, and have the person you've been worrying over be so close. It's more reassuring than he'd realized it would be.]
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He was fully prepared there for a moment to feel Sejoon's hand slip away entirely so the other could gloat about the fact that for once he's the one in control here and that he sure got Minhwan good there for a moment, but nothing of the sort happens. Rather than being a little shit the way Minhwan usually would have acted, Sejoon is displaying a strange kind of gentle kindness.
It's still weird, but that doesn't mean Minhwan stops Sejoon from climbing into bed - he's doing what Minhwan asked, after all. In the end, that's what this comes down to. It's just that usually he wouldn't have asked for this to begin with.
That doesn't mean he moves aside all that much to make room for the other, Minhwan isn't that selfless.. but apparently Sejoon seems content enough making himself comfortable with the space he's getting anyway, so who's there to complain?
Not while Minhwan wants to try something right now, anyway. He doesn't really understand it himself, maybe it's just that his head is so messed up right now, but he has no shame that holds him back from doing it anyway. So he scoots a little closer to Sejoon (not difficult when they're only just squeezing into the bed together anyway), lifts his head (it's a little dizzying) and, with the help of some curling up thanks to the height difference, manages to lay his head down again on Sejoon's chest instead. All the blood from the injury should have dried so it won't get all over Sejoon's shirt, but honestly, Minhwan doesn't really care enough about the state of Sejoon's shirt to care whether it's all dried up or not, he's too busy doing what he wants. As usually.
He can't really explain it himself, so he doesn't bother saying anything else (not like he feels he owes Sejoon even the slightest hint of an explanation anyway), Minhwan just closes his eyes.
Despite the fact that he's been lying in this bed here and not Sejoon, the other still feels rather warm like this. ]
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It really is a relief...he can't let go of the thought. Memories of the fall are still so fresh, and they keep playing back in his head, so it's hard to block out all the "what if's" this whole thing conjured up. It makes Sejoon shift just a little bit closer to Minhwan- arms folding around him in a somewhat protective embrace. Being this close is what Minhwan'd asked for, but it's definitely offering him some comfort on his own.
Sejoon decides not to say anything either. At least, not for right now. This is the most peaceful he's ever felt when they've gotten together, and he doesn't want to risk saying anything that might make the other doubt his intentions again. Even if Minhwan decides to tease him for it.
So instead, Sejoon moves his hand- very gently pressing his fingertips against Minhwan's head, and letting them slide softly up and down along the side of it.
Not including the bandages he'd been tending to, it's the softest his hands have ever been against the other. Gentle touches like these are usually so easy for him, but...he'd never imagined giving them to Minhwan before. Not because he'd be completely against it...that's just not how they are together. But that doesn't stop him from doing it now...and it doesn't stop him from closing his eyes too.
There's no tension in him at all, and no shame in the way he's stroking Minhwan's face. It's the best way he can think of to say "I mean it. I'm glad you're alright." without actually putting anything into words.]
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.. but what does that make this? There's nothing hard about it this time. Instead everything is just soft and warm and unlike anything he's ever felt before. But it's not.. bad. It's not something that's giving him the dokis either, but he can't deny that it feels nice to get a different kind of attention from Sejoon for once. It's just what's behind it that he doesn't get. The Sejoon that carried him here, that waited until he woke up, that climbed into his bed when he asked and is now stroking his face - all versions of him that Minhwan never thought he'd see aimed at him. There was no reason to, after all.
And yet they're still here like this now. ]
You're such a weird guy.
[ It's half-mumbled against Sejoon's chest from where he's lying, his eyes still closed. But there's nothing sharp about the words, nothing in it that's designed to make Sejoon throw a fit or at least get him worked up. They sound oddly genuine, and it's because they are. He doesn't get how Sejoon can care so much in general, let alone already display this much towards him. ]
I don't get it.
[ And yet he doesn't move an inch, nor does he do anything at all to stop Sejoon from stroking his head like that. ]
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And really...that was just stupid of him. He realizes it now. Minhwan is still human, no matter how big his ego is, and no matter how weird he is. Sejoon knows he'd take getting pissed off and riled up every single day, if it meant Minhwan didn't have to go through something like that again- he'd gladly take it. As much as there're things about the other boy that really do get to him...he couldn't even imagine losing that. The thought makes his chest tighten up into hard knots and he opens his eyes again.
Maybe Sejoon didn't really come close to losing him today...but the scare was more than enough to get him thinking. And it was more than enough to realize that it's a very real fear somewhere inside of him. It's weird to think of, considering the way they usually spend time together...but he really does want Minhwan in his life. So this soft moment...it definitely isn't bad. Not at all.
The comment makes him smile, but his hand doesn't miss a beat- continuing with gentle back and forth motions along Minhwan's face.]
You think I'm weird?
[His voice is actually pretty affectionate when he says that, so it'll be obvious he's not trying to be harsh.]
It's alright. For now...just as long as you know I'm here to stay, that's enough.
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And yet he doesn't dislike any of this. Even if it's so different from when Sejoon gets all aggressive with him, which he loves, it's not like this is bad either. When he's saying he'll stay so.. oddly genuinely, as if he really has no plans of leaving no matter what happens.. It's weird for sure, but there's one thing Minhwan does know. And that's that he doesn't want Sejoon to leave either, not when he's the only guy who throws him for these kinds of loops which Minhwan finds strangely enjoyable for some reason he can't quite grasp. It's since his mind is still so blurry, right?
And his body still feels heavy and sluggish as hell, but despite that, Minhwan moves. He hasn't ever realised before just how easy it is to fool around with Sejoon most of the time, not until it takes him a longer time before he manages to have moved enough to position himself over Sejoon, leaning on the bed with his elbows.
(His body trembles from the effort, but it doesn't matter. Minhwan has never paid a whole lot of attention to physical matters, let alone his own physical wellbeing.. he's just entirely focused on the other guy right now.) ]
Yah, Sejoonie.. You sure you want to say that?
[ It does take a lot of effort to not let his body collapse right now, but all Minhwan does is stare straight into the other's eyes. ]
I could do a lot to make you want to leave, you know..
[ Even his words lack energy and are almost a little slurred. But he doesn't want Sejoon to answer just yet anyway - first he wants something else. His movements are a little clumsy from the way his body just refuses to cooperate, but he leans forward until he's kissing the other. There's definitely still a big part of Minhwan in there (hungry for the attention despite his current state), but it's not entirely as aggressive and intrusive as it usually is. There's something like a softer edge in there, like he's trying to mimic the same feeling in it like the one from when Sejoon moved his fingers across his face like that.
Why Sejoon feels this way, why he likes this stuff so much.. that's something he wants to learn more about as well, after all. It's something he's also greedy for. ]
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And what does happen actually manages to take his breath away. He sucks in a small gasp of air before Minhwan's lips press against his, and somehow...it feels like he's melting- sinking down right into the infirmary bed.
For the time being, his eyes fall closed. He let's himself drink in the feeling- a kiss that's so much softer than what he's used to from the other. The warm feeling in his chest starts spreading, and in that moment... very, very carefully...Sejoon does reach up- wrapping both his arms gently around Minhwan- slowly tugging the other boy down on top of himself. It's only to get this idiot to stop exerting himself...and it only makes them closer, anyway...which is nice too. But he doesn't move away from the kiss at all- sitting there quietly and letting the sensation fill his mind so he won't ever lose the memory of this exact moment.
It just doesn't seem real...even though he's not the one who hit his head. Could've fooled him. It feels like something's filling him up, somehow. Minhwan...kissing him like that...? Without any prompting, even...How could Sejoon be in his right mind?
Either way...he doesn't move for a while...for as long as he can get away with. Eventually though, his eyes do open again- looking completely dazed at first. That look doesn't fade, but a small smile starts to brighten up his face a little.]
You know...if that's what you're going for, you're doing an awful job.
[Especially considering those words hadn't made him expect anything like that. Not at all. Even if Minhwan hadn't said anything, Sejoon wouldn't have seen it coming. But that doesn't mean he's upset from it.
He pulls the other boy a bit closer to him, and lets his hand resume the soft stroking motions- against Minhwan's back now.]
Now I really can't leave.
[Even though he hadn't wanted to before.]
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Except when Sejoon has completely pulled him down onto himself and starts pulling away little by little.. then he can see Sejoon smile in a way he hasn't really seen on the guy around him before - at least never aimed at him, anyway - and there's Sejoon's hand on his back, and there's Sejoon saying he really can't leave.
When all of this started, he honestly didn't think it'd last long. Minhwan has messed with plenty of people before in the past, and it's usually all just been short since it's hard to just tolerate a guy like Minhwan for longer than a few days. But then Sejoon declared him his rival and got so worked up at every little thing they did, and then it all escalated in Sejoon getting so mad at him that he kissed him, fucked him-- and now he's lying here, staring at the other, with the vague awareness in the back of his mind that he'd actually feel bad if Sejoon did leave at this point.
Weird, the way things can go. He doesn't know what kind of weird charm Sejoon used, but it sure made him feel some things he hasn't often felt before.
Feeling tired from all the movement just now, Minhwan's body relaxes a little on top of the other guy's, his head resting on top of Sejoon's chest again as he turns it sideways. ]
Maybe it's on purpose.
[ The bad job is definitely on purpose. But then again, he doesn't bother to hide that fact either. ]
You can't go until I've got this figured out. [ Why Sejoon makes him feel like this. How Sejoon can just.. care so much. How any of this works.
He slowly breathes out. ]
I'll just come back to harass you if you try, no matter where you go.
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[Considering this was the guy who followed Sejoon way out of town before, just to keep on harassing him. But he's lightly teasing again- there were never any plans to leave. It's already late in the day anyway, and he's going to stay with Minhwan until he's well enough to go home. Walking him home too, because he's not about to let a guy with a head injury do that alone, least of all his own boyfriend.
There's no rush, though. He's already committed himself to this, and he's got no plans to be anywhere else right now. Schoolwork can absolutely take a backseat. Besides...a calm moment with Minhwan is one he should induldge in for as long as he can. Who knows when he'd get a chance like this again...?
Especially with Minhwan acting serious with him like that...The least he can do is give a proper answer back too. When the other boy relaxes on top of him, Sejoon let's his hands move slowly against him too- combing softly through his hair now.]
And I don't want to, anyway. I already told you I want to stay...I wasn't lying.
[Even if he never thought he'd hear himself saying that.
He never knew what to expect when he started a relationship with Minhwan. He had no idea how long it would last, or where it would go, or if it would ever be anything other than Minhwan having some sort of edge over him.
So he just decided to let things play out on their own and...somehow, they did. Even if this is just one small moment between them, it's not one he'll let go of easily. It's definitely not one he'll ever regret...he's glad that they're having it, no matter where it takes them next.]
You've got plenty of time to figure things out.
[And it's clear from the way he says it, that he doesn't mean it's limited to just today.]
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Either way, he doesn't want to sleep.. not for now. This moment is incredibly weird and Minhwan doesn't even know where to start trying to make sense of it or of what he feels about it, but he does know that he doesn't want it to end that easily. Even if Sejoon says he has enough time to figure it out, it feels like this feeling will slip away from him if he takes too long. ]
If this happened again, would you worry again then?
[ It's not even the first step towards a plan to do this again, honestly.. Although he might think of it later, right now that definitely isn't something on the front of his mind. It's just something that's part of all of this. Part of figuring out how Sejoon's weird care works, trying to figure out what's behind it.. and trying to figure out how he feels about it, although that's the most difficult part. It's easier to start here with this.
Minhwan doesn't even move from his spot. Not even to try and annoy Sejoon, he just keeps lying there, letting the other run his hands through his hair. ]
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Even when the words are out there, Sejoon finds himself instinctively pulling the other boy closer to himself- inching his arms a little further around him. It's not like Minhwan needs any protection right now. He's definitely safe from any falls in here...It's probably more because of the question itself instead. No matter how they regularly act together, he doesn't want things to continue at this level. He wants to make it clear that, no matter what, Sejoon would worry- would care if Minhwan got hurt.
For once, he's starting to feel more comfortable about being open with Minhwan...about being direct about what's on his mind. It's not without any difficulty at all...because it still makes him feel vulnerable, in a sense. It's hard to drop a feeling like that entirely. But even more strongly than that, Sejoon's sure he needs to try something here- to make Minhwan understand that he's being honest.
When he talks again, his voice sounds quiet...almost like he's hurt at the very thought of it.]
Of course...of course I would.
[His hand doesn't stop moving through Minhwan's hair- continuing with the gentle back and forth motions. It seems like the other finds it comforting, at least...so he'll keep doing it. But his movements still seem more careful now, even moreso than before...like he's holding something delicate.]
I don't...want you to think that I wouldn't...I never want you to feel that way...
[Sejoon's free hand reaches to take one of Minhwan's- holding it in a grip that's just as tender as the other- and he tugs it carefully over towards his mouth. Closing his eyes, he presses a soft kiss to the back of the other boys' hand.]
I really wasn't sure if you'd come back...
[Meaning...wake up again. He'd said as much earlier, but it could've just as easily sounded like teasing. This time, there won't be any room for misinterpretation.]
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Would their positions be reversed if Sejoon got injured? Probably, he wouldn't want to let Sejoon keep lying there, and it's not like he'd rather be in class instead of at Sejoon's side where he can easily harass the other.. but would he worry this badly? Would he also experience this much care for once? He isn't sure at all.. it's just something he can't even imagine.
But apparently it's a natural thing. It must be a natural thing when Sejoon acts like it is - Minhwan is at least not blind to the fact that Sejoon is much more emotionally and socially gifted than Minhwan could ever be, for better or worse. ]
You worried so much.
[ That's one conclusion he can at least draw from all of this. As weird as it is.. why would Sejoon worry that much, after all? About him, of all people? Even if they're dating, it's not like their relationship is exactly a normal one, and Minhwan has just been treating it lightly as he treats everything in life..
Sejoon worried about him. Why does that thought make him feel so weird?
Once Sejoon removes his lips from Minhwan's hand, he stretches out the fingers of that hand, idly touching Sejoon's lips - almost as if he needs something to occupy himself with while he's trying to think and process all of this. For as much of a genius as Minhwan is, all of this is really, really complicated. ]
I've never felt like that. [ Mostly since there never was a reason to worry about anything. Even if Jaejin or Minji had any sort of problems, they always hid them around Minhwan - and he's oblivious enough to other people's trouble that he just doesn't notice. Why worry about anything when everything is going well enough in life?
But he's slowly realising that now. He never had any reason to worry, so if there was one.. would he feel it then? Is that how that sort of emotion is supposed to work? ]
If this had happened to you..
[ To Sejoon, who.. well, Minhwan sure doesn't dislike. He doesn't have any of the annoyed feelings Sejoon has for him in return, he just thinks Sejoon is amusing. Sejoon who easily gets riled up, who goes along with his every whim even if he can complain about it the whole way, who's been interesting enough that Minhwan entered this sort of relationship with him to begin with.. ]
.. would I feel it too then? [ His fingers trace the outlines of Sejoon's lips idly, his voice a little light - like he's talking to himself more than anything, even if the words come out of his mouth all the same. ] Would I be that worried..
[ It seems like a weird idea to him. Minhwan can't even start to imagine what it feels like, honestly. It's why he doesn't sound upset about it, there's nothing sad. It's just curiosity, trying to graps something that's way beyond his own emotional levels. ]
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There've already been people in his life who were...at least, on paper...supposed to care if something happened to him...but didn't.
With Minhwan...the question's never come up before- there hasn't been a situation that's put Sejoon at risk at all since they've been together. But somewhat unconsciously, he'd been bracing himself for the fact that...there's a good chance Minhwan probably wouldn't care much about him. He already knows...how apathetic Minhwan can be about things most people would care about. It always...always comes back to apathy...and Sejoon can't even stand that word.
It's a strange realization to have...considering how much this guy drives him nuts usually. Why should it bother him, if Minhwan didn't end up caring...? It's already obvious enough that Minhwan doesn't handle emotions the same way most people do...Is it naive of him to think Minhwan might feel different for his own boyfriend...?
...Maybe it hurts because...Sejoon knows he can't help but care. It's why he's here, isn't it...? He would have brought any other classmate to the infirmary, but...the more he thinks about it, the more he realizes he wouldn't have worried this much. Or stayed this long. No matter what kind of guy Minhwan is, against all odds...he's still one of the very few people Sejoon's chosen to let in, and get a little bit closer. To bring him into a more intimate part of Sejoon's life, and to show sides of himself he never has before. Not to anyone else.
And it's hard- to know that he cares, even that much, and think again about how it might be unrequited.
But...maybe...just, maybe...from the way Minhwan's acting? Maybe he really doesn't have to worry about it all much. Sejoon only hopes that isn't just wishful thinking on his part. For now, he closes his eyes and soaks in the feeling of the other boy softly touching his lips...realizing that it feels strangely soothing.]
I'd like to find that out too, someday...
[He speaks in a slow, hushed tone- letting his lips move gently against the fingertips pressing against them.
The question itself still- would Minhwan worry?- brings out a sense of vulnerability in Sejoon...but more importantly, there's hopefulness now too. And he finds himself...very grateful that Minhwan had asked something like that on his own too.]
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He shifts a little from where he's lying on Sejoon - not moving off the other boy, but at least making sure he can look at the other a little more properly, as if he'll be able to understand him more that way. There's some of Sejoon's emotions that Minhwan can understand, most of them having to do with anger or annoyance.. but when it comes to less aggressive emotions, he's completely lost. ]
Would you feel bad if I didn't?
[ Some other people might take it as Minhwan being Minhwan - teasing by stating the obvious. Of course anyone would feel bad at their lover not worrying about them when something bad happens to them, after all. But to Minhwan nothing is that simple.. no matter how smart he is, he just can't grasp even the most basic things about emotions. He mostly sounds just curious, at least, like he's not out to tease Sejoon by asking that. Even if it ends up being a little blunt and straightforward.. but then again, that is very much like Minhwan too.
He pulls his hand back to himself, off Sejoon's lips, but keeps staring at the other. ]
I wouldn't have been upset if you didn't worry about me, you know. [ Not that it means Sejoon doesn't mean anything to him. He likes Sejoon, he likes being around him -- hell, for all the flirting around he does with just about everyone, he still likes being Sejoon's boyfriend. If he had to pick one person to be in a relationship with, it'd be Sejoon. Sejoon is special to Minhwan in Minhwan's own dumb unique emotionally dumb way, but it's just that Minhwan doesn't know what it's like to feel bad. He never has. He can't imagine suddenly feeling that way just because Sejoon didn't freak out over him falling down the stairs. ] If you weren't here, I just would have gotten up and harassed you while you were in class.
[ It's a sign of how little it would bother him if Sejoon didn't worry. Sure, it isn't the best idea to immediately get up and walk around with his kind of injury, but has that ever stopped Minhwan? Of course it wouldn't. Harassing Sejoon would be much more fun than lying around here bored by himself on this bed. ]
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But Minhwan saying he wouldn't have been upset...that Sejoon can't say he's very surprised about. Maybe Minhwan would want the attention, sure...but he wouldn't be angry if Sejoon didn't show up, or sad. Which...doesn't quite sit right with him, even though he was expecting it. The thought makes him feel a little strange...because he sure knows that Minhwan wants him (considering he'd get off his infirmary bed to go to class)...and it's not like he legitimately wants Minhwan to get upset...but...maybe it would just feel nice to know that Minhwan would miss him for something more than just a source of attention. Or maybe it's because...]
Yeah...It would bother me. I don't think I'd feel very happy if I was lying here...and I knew you were off somewhere in class. And you weren't going to come.
[And he'd just be left there by himself.
It's one of the first times he's ever willingly admitted that something Minhwan could do would actually get to him, in any way. That's why his voice still sounds softer than usual...and that's why he moves his hand to gently smooth Minhwan's bangs out of his face- letting himself get a better look at the other boy too.
Even after, for all intents and purposes, he made himself vulnerable in front of Minhwan...he doesn't feel bad about it. As much as the other boy likes to tease him, even Sejoon knows well enough that he'd never do anything to intentionally hurt him that way.
Still...this is something he knows he has a chance to work on fixing...and making Minhwan realize that Sejoon really does care about him as more than just a sex partner, or a school rival. He still calls him his boyfriend for a reason, after all...]
But like I already told you anyway- I'd be here if this happens again...so don't roll out of any infirmary beds, ok? Even if I wasn't here right when you woke up, I'd be on my way.
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He lets his head drops for a moment to lean it against Sejoon's chest again, grinning against the other. It's almost a little oddly giddy (but in that subdued Minhwan sort of way). He just loves the thought of Sejoon going out of his way to give him attention. Sejoon coming to fuss over him when stuff like this happens.. it's something he never could have imagined when he started something with the other guy to begin with, but he's glad for it all the same.
And at least Sejoon is right on another count - Minhwan would never consciously want to hurt the other. Sure, he might be an asshole most of the time, but a lot of it has to do with just being unable to understand how most normal people's emotions work. If Sejoon directly says that something would upset him as much as he is saying now, then Minhwan can at least listen to that. He's not a totally rotten boyfriend, although he hasn't exactly proven as much yet until this point.
At least he speaks up again the moment he lifts his head to look at the other once more. ]
Then I'll be there too if it'd happen to you. [ "So you won't get sad".. he doesn't say it explicitly, and it's hard to tell if it's in there that way directly, but there's still a hint of it in the way he says it. Sejoon can translate Minhwan speak well enough in his head to probably catch onto it anyway. He's trying, in his own dumb emotionally challenged way. ]
Or are you saying you would roll out of an infirmary bed without waiting for me first, Sejoonie?
[ See, it's Minhwan, so of course he immediately has to follow it up with something like that, grinning a little the entire time. ]
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He already gets the sense that things will be different between them after today. Not everything...he knows Minhwan will still drive him absolutely crazy, he knows he'll still put everything he has into beating him, he knows the other guy will still be able to bring out that more intense side of him...But even with Minhwan's usual teasing, things are already different too- right here, right now. This is already the first time they've been softer with each other...And he definitely knows he won't be able to stop fussing for a while yet.
Either way, Minhwan still gets all the attention he wants from Sejoon. And...maybe it's just that he's still worried, or maybe it's from a few of the things Minhwan had said, but...Sejoon actually feels...like he's glad to give it to him too.
That feeling only got stronger when Minhwan said he'd be there for Sejoon too...because he does know the other guy well enough to pick up on the meaning there. He's...not surprised to realize that Minhwan really would do something like this, but it's still comforting all the same. Maybe because Sejoon was right...that Minhwan really isn't the sort of person who would want to hurt him. And the sense of trust that it instills in Sejoon is surprising.
Sejoon manages a grin at Minhwan's statement- like the other's giddiness is spreading into him. He tilts his head down to press it very gently against the other's.]
I guess I could wait for you. You going to bring me flowers too?
[He rolls his eyes- already guessing what the other might say next...but he's still smiling when he says it.]
And before you even say anything, I didn't have time. I'll have to get you some later.
[It's hard to tell if he's joking or not, although he can honestly say he wouldn't actually mind getting Minhwan a bouquet of "get well soon" flowers.
But the smile does fade from his face as he starts to grow a little more serious again. He cups Minhwan's cheek after a small moment of quiet- keeping his face in a gentle hold as he leans his head down again and closes his eyes. His hand tilts the other's head up carefully...only to get his attention, and let him know he is being serious now.]
Thank you, though...really...
["For saying that you'd come."]
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It's a slightly strange thought, the idea that he can just rely on Sejoon for stuff like this. That Sejoon will understand what he needs - attention, mostly, in its many forms - and give it to him before Minhwan even has to ask for it somehow. Minhwan is so used to just practically dragging it out of other people by harassing him to death that the idea never occurred to him that there'd be someone who'd just give it to him this easily. Voluntarily. Not that it's a bad thing, it's definitely a great thing, but it's just.. well. New.
What's also new is Sejoon seeming so serious about this. Minhwan can't ignore him when the other tilts his head a little like that to make him look at him.. and even though Minhwan sucks at emotions, he can tell it's not a joke. It's not the usual, not something like Sejoon being frustrated with him. He's happy, and he's genuinely thanking him.
.. Definitely new. But something Minhwan will happily get used to, anyway. ]
Does it really mean that much to you?
[ Not that he can help speaking up again.. It's Minhwan, after all. He can never shut up, and he's always incredibly straightforward and honest to a point that it's just blunt - just because of the way his brain works. He can't not be upfront about this stuff, even when it concerns him not understanding normal small social things like people being able to genuinely thank him this happily for something. ]
Have I ever refused you something..? [ He tilts his head just a tiny bit - just the bit that Sejoon's grip allows.
Okay, so he's definitely refused Sejoon some things before. Mostly things that involves Sejoon saying something along the lines of no, Minhwan and Minhwan's response was definitely a yes, Minhwan as he continued to harass the other.. but it's not like he's ever said no when Sejoon asked him to do something other than to stop. Even if Sejoon had asked for sappier stuff before, he would have done it. After Disney villain laughing, sure, but Minhwan is an incredibly easy guy. Hell, he didn't even start topping Sejoon until the other asked for it. ]
If you want something, then just ask me. I'll do it.
[ And although there's no real weight in his tone - it just seems natural to Minhwan, really - he means it. He would, because what Sejoon thinks is true.. he doesn't want to seriously hurt the other. ]
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Honestly, it's also not surprising that Minhwan asks him if it really means that much to him. Especially given how Minhwan's reacted to all of this so far.
What does catch him by surprise this time, is Minhwan saying that Sejoon can ask him for anything he wants. And even though they both know Minhwan has refused some "no"s from Sejoon before...Honestly- looking at him now, he can believe what Minhwan's saying. Sejoon himself hasn't had many situations where he's wanted to ask anything from the other, at least not in all seriousness. But Minhwan really is the kind of guy who would just...do it, isn't he? If Sejoon really needed something. And the casualness to his answer only feels reassuring too.
His arm gently wraps around Minhwan's head...and Sejoon lets out a small breath- smiling softly as he does.]
Yeah...I will.
[Even though he's sure a lot of the things he'd ask for could earn some teasing along with it.
It's another strange realization that he can rely on Minhwan too...but he is always upfront about everything. And Sejoon can't imagine that now would be any different.]
You can do the same, you know. If you ever really need something.
[And Minhwan will probably ask for it anyway, won't he...? But Sejoon can't help but return that offer. And he never could refuse the other anything important.]
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But hey, with Minhwan people are going to endure teasing either way when they're around him, so they might as well ask for something and at least get something out of it that way.
Even Sejoon's statement here is an opportunity for more teasing, no matter how the other might be meant it. At the very sound of it Minhwan can't help but widely grin against the other in his current position, the thoughts immediately popping up in his head. He's never had trouble thinking of stuff to ask from Sejoon, if not just because he's constantly very attention hungry. ]
No matter what it is? [ Not that Sejoon said that much, but Minhwan is feeling like it's implied anyway since Minhwan himself said as much. And sure, his boyfriend did say "really need something," but it's not as if he hasn't had trouble differentiating what's truly important and what's not in the past. Minhwan's brain works in strange ways, and considers some absolutely stupid stuff of the utmost importance.
It's why he still stupidly grins, making sure he can at least look at Sejoon to soak in every moment of the other's reaction to what he's about to say - it's only natural when it's Minhwan. ]
Even if I texted you in the middle of class to come out and fuck me in some broom closet here?
[ Because when he thinks of stuff he really wants, of course that's where his mind goes to first - no matter how relatively soft this moment might be between the two of them. ]
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This sure as hell is a good example of Minhwan's usual obnoxious behavior, but it doesn't feel like it has as much bite to it now. Maybe it's that Sejoon's already feeling softer from all of this, or maybe it's just that he's finally started getting used to the way the other guy is...but either way, it feels easier to just do a bit of back and forth with him. Besides, given everything that's happened today...he really should know better by now- that the "really" would've flown right over Minhwan's head, and the other guy would figure he COULD actually ask for anything.]
Oh my god...really?
[But of course he knows Minhwan's serious. If there's anything he's tried to get out of Sejoon this whole time, it's for them to fuck in school, and apparently...he's not even deterred from asking about that in an intimate moment in the infirmary together. Sejoon laughs a little at least and shakes his head after he says that- but he doesn't seem too flustered otherwise. Still pretty different from a usual response, all things considered.]
You're really trying to flunk us both out of school, aren't you? Wouldn't you miss fighting over the top spot?
[There's no way he's giving an absolute "yes" to a request like that. Even if someday he feels like giving in to something like that, he definitely doesn't right now. But he still doesn't want to deter Minhwan from thinking he can actually ask for something he wants...because now he's worried if he says no to one thing, Minhwan might not take him seriously. He'll have to work on that a bit, huh?]
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And secondly.. well, it's not like he meant to rile up Sejoon for once. He genuinely didn't intent to ruin the atmosphere they've got going on here - it's just that Minhwan sucks at telling the mood in any situation. He's just the kind of moron that will bring up something completely inappropriate without it seeming weird to him in the moment. Even while he's lying here propped up against Sejoon, much closer and softer than they have ever been before.
So he still smiles. It's definitely a grinny smile, considering how Minhwan works, but there's a genuine kind of joy and almost childish giddiness behind the expression. It's not that he doesn't like Sejoon getting mad at him, it was funny as hell plenty of times before, but he likes this too somehow. Sejoon just laughing as he pokes back at him a little, seeming exasperated yet amused at the same time.
It's nice. Minhwan could definitely get used to this. ]
Who says I'd have to miss it? We can just continue where we left off at another school. [ It's said with a surprising amount of genuinity.. because it really doesn't bother Minhwan that something like that might get him kicked off school. There's no way something like consequences could ever get through that deeply to Minhwan - instead the thought of it is just funny. Sejoon going through all the schools in the city, flunking out of them one by one, fighting for the top spot the whole time...
He laughs, even if it's not as over the top as his usual one due to the fact that he is still wounded, despite how he's acting. ]
Are you saying you think there's anyone else at another school who could take it instead?
[ No way, that's his and Sejoon's battle. It couldn't be as much fun with anyone else, Minhwan is convinced of that much. ]
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Not that he's worried about that happening...But even if it did happen, he couldn't imagine things going any other way than they are now with Minhwan. It's weird how much of a normal everyday thing this has turned into for him- like he can't imagine going through the rest of school without battling for the top spot with the other guy. It'd just feel weird, wouldn't it...? Even though there were plenty of years without this rivalry before either of them ever met.
In a way...it's actually kind of weirdly comforting to here that, in the worst case scenario (worst case scenario to Sejoon meaning he gets kicked out of school for some reason), Minhwan would apparently still follow him on to the next school. It's one thing that Sejoon doesn't have to worry about losing...it's one thing that'll stay the same, no matter what he does. And he actually believes Minhwan would follow through on something like that- the guy's followed him in crazy enough ways so far...why would he stop there?]
What, so we'd just pick right up where we left off? Or...then again, who knows? Maybe you'll be trying to get number one back from me by then.
[For some reason, he can't stop himself from smiling while he's seeing Minhwan be all grinny like that. He knows very well that a pretty similar expression could still rile him up just as easily...but no matter whether Minhwan can or can't read the mood right now, he's not doing anything right now except making Sejoon feel good.
He laughs a little and leans over to give Minhwan's forehead another small, soft kiss...it just feels right for some reason, no matter how weird the thought of that is.]
I think if we're going to stay on the same path, we might as well stay in the same school too.
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Even with these new things between them right now today. Switching it up is only fun, so Minhwan welcomes even the soft kisses like the one Sejoon plants on his forehead, smiling like he isn't still wounded in the head from his fall earlier. ]
Do you like this school that much, Sejoonie?
[ Not that Minhwan dislikes this school. Sejoon is here, and his sister is, and his best friend is, and other fun people-- but he's less attached to things, has less trouble leaving things behind. Even if he went to another school, he could just contact all of those people outside of school. ]