The Mannequin - Minsung

seventy-one

Jisung's been getting those dreams. Not nightmares. Just the strange memories. Confusing ones.

Minho's afraid. But so is Jisung.

He has reminded Jisung. Of what he'd told him. It's in the past. Jisung needs to focus on now. Try not to get affected. About whatever it is. 

Minho tries to help. However he can.

He keeps Jisung occupied. So he's not thinking too much.

Minho's been taking him out. Every day.

Before... they usually went out only for groceries. Snacks. Walks. Or for visiting the Hwangs. They still do that too. But Minho's taken him on some dates the past week. Around the city.

It got Jisung very interested. They've gone to three restaurants so far.

Minho has brought him to the same mall twice. Once by car. Then by subway. He took him to a street market too.

Minho has been letting him pay for some food.

He always stands beside Jisung. Hands him money.

Minho thinks... it has helped. Jisung's so happy. He thinks about all he's done that day. Talks about it. Asks.

His days are busier. His attention's on what's around him. Whatever's happening. In the present.

Yesterday, Jisung woke up with a troubled expression. But when Minho told him their plan for the day... his face brightened

This has also meant... Minho doesn't get time to work. He thinks he'll fall behind soon. Those days when Jisung was a mannequin... he had gotten a lot done. So he's okay. For now.

But his deadlines are creeping up... and he's barely getting two pages done per day. Maybe he'll stay up some nights. Or he'll just let Jisung stay with the Hwangs longer.

- - -

- - - - - -

Minho has told Mrs. Hwang about Jisung's dreams. That it was this... that made Jisung start sleep walking and disappearing last time.

Since Jisung's awake... it should be okay. But he just wants Mrs. Hwang to inform him. Of anything strange. To keep an eye on Jisung.

 She's very understanding. Minho is so thankful. To have all the Hwangs there for him and Jisung.

Mrs. Hwang hasn't told him anything new. But she always asks about Jisung. Talks to Jisung. Whenever he's home.

The more Jisung remembers... dreams... or if he starts sleep walking and talking... Minho knows: He'll need to tell him everything Mrs. Hwang shared about the old village.

- - -

- - - - - -

Minho tries to get some work done. In the hours Jisung stays at the Hwangs. He's been gone for an hour and a half now.

Jisung's very comfortable with them. He calls Minho sometimes. Asks if he can stay longer. Or he'd call and say: Mama Haeun fell asleep! Can you come pick me up, please?

Today... Minho gets a call from Mrs. Hwang.

Minho answers quickly. "Hello?"

"Minho? How are you, dear?"

"Oh, I'm good— is something wrong?"

"Oh, I hope not... it's just... Jisung's taking a little nap? He seemed a little tired... so he fell asleep on her bed. I thought I'd let you know so you don't worry if he doesn't call you like he usually does."

Minho frowns. "Mrs. Hwang... he can get weird in his sleep..." He gulps. "When he disappeared that time... he'd just fallen asleep while I was in the kitchen... then he was gone."

Mrs. Hwang's quiet. She hums. "Okay, I can watch him.. but it's just me and mom. Would you like to come here and wait for Jisung to wake up?"

"Yes," Minho says. "I'll be there soon."

To be continued...