The Mannequin - Minsung

forty-three

Minho drops off Jisung at the Hwangs again. He assures Jisung: Grandma Hwang won't be mad. He tells him that he'll also wait for him. In case she is unwell and he can't stay.

After ten minutes of waiting in the car... Jisung calls.

Minho answers immediately. "What's—"

"Minho!" Jisung shouts. "I'm doing puzzles with Mama Haeun! She says hi! You can go to the gym now! It's okay!"

Minho relaxes. Smiles. Jisung's cute even on the phone.

"That's great, sweetie. Can you call me when you're done? You can stay longer today if you want, okay?"

"Okay! Bye bye! I love you! Mwah!"

Minho's done his workout. He has showered. Changed.

He has even gone for groceries. To pass time.

But there's no call from Jisung. It's been three hours.

He bites his lip. Decides to call. It goes unanswered.

He puts the groceries away slowly. His worry's growing...

Then he shuts the fridge. Grabs his jacket and runs out.

He's halfway to the Hwangs' when Jisung calls him.

"Sungie! Where were you? Why didn't you answer my calls?"

"Sorry!" Jisung's voice is the same as before. It's loud. Happy. "I was helping Mama Hwang with dinner! She wants me to stay! She said to tell you to come too! Mama Haeun wants to have dinner with us!"

Oh, great... Jisung obviously felt more comfortable with them. After Mrs. Hwang took care of him last time. So it seems... he forgot his reminders.

But Minho didn't remind him today. He even told him to stay long if he wants. So it's on him... isn't it?

"Minho?" Jisung's voice is softer. Concerned.

"Yes, I'll be there in five minutes. I'm on my way."

"Oh, okay! Mama Hwang! Minho said he's on the way!"

Minho can hear him. He's running. Yelling excitedly.

Minho laughs. Jisung forgot to hang up. Or forgot how to.

Minho turns off the call. Sighs. He'll have to use his storymaking skills. But he doesn't feel nervous now, though.

They like Jisung. They like Minho. Jisung likes them. Loves him.

Soooo... Everything will be fine, right?

To be continued...