Chapter 11

Namjoon adjusted Jin's seat, secured the seatbelt, and started driving. The car was silent; neither of them spoke a word. Gradually, Jin drifted off to sleep. A few hours later, they arrived home. Namjoon carried him inside, placing him gently on the couch. Though Jin could walk slowly with the help of a walking stick, Namjoon refused to let him move alone when he was nearby.

While Jin watched television, Namjoon busied himself in the kitchen, preparing lunch: stir-fried tofu with eggs, some meat, and a fresh salad. He plated the food and approached Jin, ready to carry him.

"I'll walk by myself," Jin protested.

Namjoon paused but didn't relent.

"I want to walk," Jin insisted, retrieving his walking stick.

Namjoon, mindful of Jin's health as a future doctor, knew he needed to move a little to keep his muscles active and blood circulation steady. So, he gently held Jin's waist, supporting him as he walked.

After lunch, Namjoon carried Jin to his room, placing a water bottle on the bedside table. "Hyung, I'll be in my room studying. If you need anything, never hesitate to call me."

Jin didn't even glance at him, absorbed in his phone. Namjoon, however, caught his full attention by leaning over and pressing a soft peck to his cheek before retreating to his room with a mischievous smile. Jin tried to ignore it, but he could still feel his heartbeat racing long after. He didn't know whether it was because of anger or the kiss.

Jin slept through the afternoon, while Namjoon studied diligently, undistracted. Occasionally, he would check on Jin, switching off the lights when he found him asleep. There were only two things Namjoon was truly obsessed with: Jin... and his ambition to become a cardiologist. His dedication was unwavering; he wanted nothing more than to make Jin proud.

Later, when Namjoon returned to Jin's room, he found it empty. He went downstairs to see Jin receiving a food delivery. Namjoon helped him carry the items and said, "Hyung, I would've cooked. Why order out? You could've just called me if you were hungry."

As usual, Jin remained silent. Namjoon unpacked the food, setting it neatly on the table, and they ate together-quietly. Dinner was simple but shared, and afterward, Jin returned to the couch to watch a movie while Namjoon washed the dishes. Jin hadn't ordered dinner out of hunger; he did it because Namjoon had spent the entire day caring for him-cooking, studying, and making sure he was comfortable. His heart ached, the way Namjoon treated him with care despite his usual obsessiveness. He wanted to give back, help him in a small way, without mentioning that the food included all of Namjoon's favorites.

After finishing the dishes, Namjoon changed and went to sit beside Jin on the couch. He positioned himself close, brushing against Jin's side. Jin tried to scoot away, but Namjoon gently pulled him closer by the waist.

"Hyung, university work is stressful... lying on your shoulder helps me relax. Let me stay like this for a few minutes," Namjoon murmured, closing his eyes and interlocking his fingers with Jin's. Jin felt uneasy and tried to remove his hand, but Namjoon's grip only tightened.

Time passed quietly. Eventually, Namjoon spoke again, sleepiness in his voice. "Hyung... let's go to bed."

"Leave me here, I'm not sleepy," Jin replied, annoyed.

Namjoon didn't argue. He carried Jin to the bed, covered him, and lay down beside him. One arm served as a pillow for Jin, while the other wrapped around his waist. Their faces were close; Jin could feel Namjoon's warm breath. Pretending to sleep, Jin stayed still, feeling a mix of anxiety and comfort as Namjoon kissed his forehead. The soft glow of the bedside lamp bathed the room in warmth.

Namjoon fell asleep almost immediately, but Jin couldn't. He turned slightly, facing Namjoon, and realized just how close they were-so close that a single movement could bring their lips together.

Jin studied Namjoon's face: calm, soft, innocent-the Namjoon he had always wanted to protect, not the one who had hurt him. Unable to resist a surge of emotion, Jin brushed against Namjoon's head, then instinctively grabbed his hand, when he realised what he had done as if jolted by electricity, closing his eyes to distract himself from the closeness.