Favorite book

-Mom? Jisung woke up from a bad dream and took his head in his hands.

-Baby, what's wrong? Minho entered the room worried.

-Nothing... just a nightmare.

-Are you sure you're okay? Minho sat down next to his boyfriend and drew circles on his back.

-Yeah... I just- When do I get discharged?

-Today, Minho cracked a smile. We'll finally go home.

For 3 days Minho hadn't leave Jisung's sight once. Only to go to the bathroom. He stayed in that hospital and slept cuddled with Jisung. He left the shelter in Hyunjin's hands and didn't even think of leaving.

-Can we go somewhere else first? Jisung asked.

-Anywhere you want, Minho kissed his forehead.

Felix was on his way to the high school, his eyes glued to his phone.

He had searched all morning for beautiful places that be could put up a wedding, but nothing was enough. He wanted it to be perfect.

When he approached the entrance he spotted a group of people with cameras peeking through the fence, looking for someone.

He walked past them confused until a hand yanked him harsly back.

The first thing he knew were hundreds of flashes shoved in his face.

Another hand pulled him out of the mess to the back entrance. It took his eyes a while to adjust to the light.

-Min? What's going on?

-Paparazzi.

-Okay?! Why are they here?

-They are here for you, Seungmin showed Felix an article on his phone.

-"Idol SpearB allegedly on a date with a high school teacher", Felix read the title. "Seo Changbin had been spotted at a restaurant with a 23 years old dance teacher. Rumour has it the latter is the choreographer of the very next comeback Changbin has in store. Fans expressed their disappointment throughout harshful comments on every platform." He kept reading.

Under the article was a photo of Changbin and Felix exiting the restaurant.

-"How dare he steal Changbin from us?", "such an ugly bitch", "kill yourself", "you took advantage of our Changbinnie", "bet he's after fame and money", "he ruined Changbin's career", "hope he dies".

Tears fell down on Seungmin's phone. Felix's hand was trembling like crazy.

-Lix, those morons are just jealous. You don't have to take it to heart, Seungmin whiped the freckled boy's tears.

-I ruined him... A dating scandal is going to kill his career and life time work. It's all my fault, he sobbed.

-No no no, Seungmin hugged him. It's not. He knew the consequences. He doesn't blame you, he loves you. You'll go through this...together. You have to.Suddenly a notification popped on Seungmin's phone.

Changbin was giving a press conference right then.

He clicked on the live and listened carefully to the older's speech.

"As you know a picture of me circulated lately on social media. I'm here to clarify the situation. He's my choreographer and my good friend. He's also one of the voices I'll use in my next project. The dinner you saw was NOT a date. We discussed some important issues about the new album and about his payment. It was confidential and I had to make sure the restaurant was empty. Please do not address this issue again and do not bother him again! Thank you!"

-No... Seungmin cursed under his breath. Stupid ass motherfucker...

-At least he solved the problem, Felix's voice cracked.

-Lix, you are NOT the problem here. He didn't solve anything, he just saved his ass. People will still come here and he just denied he ever cared for you. This is not how you handle such thing.

-I didn't expect him to admit to the dating rumour.

-I did! Seungmin got frustrated since Felix was putting up with that with no complain. Lix, you're in danger. He should have protected you.

-Hyung? Jeongin's voice interrupted them. Hyung, here you are!

-You told your client to say that? Seungmin asked furious.

-You saw the conference... There was no other way. He had to make a statement as fast as possible and-

-And didn't bother calling his boyfriend? They are both in this.

-He cannot call Felix now. People will find out if so. The key is to wait for the storm to calm down and then they can date again.

-You're an asshole. How could you do this to him?

-Hyung, we can talk it out. They can still meet in secret. I'll arrange something.

-Secret... Seungmin scoffed. That's how you like it. Secret.

-What's that supposed to mean? Jeongin noticed Seungmin's anger.

It was more than the scandal. Something else was bothering him.

-Hyung, are you mad at me?

Seungmin's silence was enough of an answer.

-Hyung, what did I do? Please tell me so we can fix it!

-You're ashamed of me. Like Changbin is ashamed of Felix. We're just of use at home, when no one sees us. Suddenly when people are there to watch, you just shove us under the carpet.

-Is this about my family? I told you-

-Save it! We're done. And if you meddle one more in Felix and Changbin's relationship, you'll have to face me. Now leave!

Jeongin's eyes became glassy. He felt his heart breaking slowly in pieces.

He knew he's been an asshole but not even in his darkest moment had he imagined it would end like this.

-Alright, hyung. I'll go. But I still love you and I'll wait for us to talk it out. Like adults do, he bit his lip to stop the tears and left the room.

-Minnie... You were really harsh. He's just a kid. Min?

Seungmin crouched down and started bawling his eyes.

Seungmin cried once a year on special occasions. But never in public. Never like that.

It didn't feel like a sad cry. It felt like a mourning one. And it was crushing to watch.

-There they are, Jisung sat down in front of his parents' grave.

He wanted to visit them one last time before he would die.

Minho sat next to him on his knees and held his hand.

-Mom, dad, sorry I haven't come to see you lately. A lot happened. This is Minho, my boyfriend! He's part of that "a lot". He showed me how great is to let yourself be loved. He showed me how beautiful a day can be when you're with the right person. How things that seemed dull before now take a completely different turn. I finally understand why you did what you did. I finally understand that you died for me. You wanted me to be happy. And for that I needed to survive and meet this amazing person I have next to me right now. You made the greatest sacrifice for me and I promise I'll live a life worth of it. I... I want to marry this man, he brought Minho's hand to his own chest. I want to stay in this moment here forever. To have no worries in the world. Just him and me. So... I thought it would be the time for you to meet him. He's making me really happy, so no reason to worry.

Jisung looked to the right and spotted in the distance Areum's grave. He smiled at her and finally let her go. He had found someone right for him.

He sighed in relief and looked at Minho who was on the verge of crying.

-What's with that long face?

-You said you want to marry me, Minho mumbled in shock.

-I do.

-I do too, Minho broke down in tears and Jisung had to engulfed him in his arms and soothe him.

-You cry if I say something mean, you cry if I say something sweet. What should I do? he chuckled. You even cry when I f-

-Don't you dare say that in front of your parents! Minho got up immediately.

-Alright alright, Jisung smiled. Let's go home! he got up. Oh, before I forget! he took out his book from the backpack and laid it flat on the grave. I won't need it anymore.

The very book he bought from Areum's library. The one he held on to for so long because it reminded him of her. Now it was nothing but a bunch of paper files. It didn't matter anymore.

-Why not?

-It's the same story... I have a new favorite book now, he kissed Minho's hand.