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Minho paces back and forth across the styling room, idly pulling at his sleeves as his eyes jump from his fiancé to the clock that’s slowly but surely ticking towards the award ceremony, and back.
Jisung is seated in one of the stylists' chairs, with a few noonas orbiting around him as they prepare his hair and make-up. He appears calm and collected, but Minho knows better – his attention fixes on the way Jisung’s leg bounces under the table, and his eyes keep zoning out to the further corner of the ceiling, worrying his bottom lip.
Minho creeps up to him when the noonas momentarily leave his side, putting a hand on his shoulder to make his presence known before he leans down to press a kiss to Jisung’s temple. The younger acknowledges him with a quiet hum and a smile directed at his reflection. Minho returns it.
“No worrying your pretty head,” he sing-songs.
“I know,” the younger nods, but his breathless voice shakes nevertheless, “had worse stage frights,” his voice drops below a strained whisper, “but it’s different, right?”
Minho hums in answer, fingers idly tracing patterns on Jisung’s shoulder. He remembers those stages, the many nights he’s held Jisung and reassured him. At the start of his career, Jisung seemed to fall apart under any spotlight – later, he became one with the bright lights, and yet had his knees weak in front of an audience. Those concerns are history now, and Jisung’s become much more confident about presenting himself in front of people.
It’s different now, though. Jisung isn’t scared of being seen or heard, not anymore, and Minho is grateful for the progress they’ve made. From silence to owning the right to speak to millions of people through his poignant songs.
No, he’s worried about Minho.
They had announced their relationship a few years into Jisung’s name being imprinted in the national pride. They confirmed their engagement a few months back – but neither of them had been to public since, Jisung being in the middle of preparations for a new album and busy preparing their wedding. This is the day when everyone’s eyes will be on them.
Honestly, Minho isn’t particularly thrilled about it, but neither he is nervous. It’s only a few hours of standing and walking around, annoying bright lights flashing in their faces and questions being asked. And what’s so scary about questions if the worst that can happen is being told no?
There’s nothing to be scared of.
~♪~
“Did you already know of Jisung’s heavenly vocals when you started dating?” the reporter turns their attention to Minho, who secures his hand around Jisung’s waist a little tighter.
He doesn’t feel as nervous around the cameras as his fiancé, but it doesn’t sit well with him when strangers ask about his personal life – which had been an occurrence steadily increasing in number, ever since they came out. Cameras are everywhere around Jisung when he’s on his schedule, and Minho usually isn’t a part of it, rather closed in one of the company studios or at home, relaxing with their cats, but on occasions such as these, he can’t help himself.
Jisung doesn’t fancy the attention he gets from media, especially if people get this close – Minho makes sure to have someone pick him up from schedules when he’s working, and the company knows to give Jisung space when he needs it.
But that’s on most days – musical awards are such a different occasion. Neither of them can really protest about being invited, Jisung as one of the main stars of the evening and Minho as his plus one. He may or may not have demanded that position from their company, just to make sure Jisung won’t get overwhelmed with so many eyes on him.
Of course, he’s gotten better at dealing with attention and interest, that’s what they’ve been working on ever since they started seeing each other in college. One or two new friends to open up to, class reunition he didn’t want to attend yet enjoyed with Minho at his hip.
Eventually, a handful of staff members all trying to get his attention while shooting and, let’s not forget, the huge number of fans watching his every move on concerts. That one had been a challenge but Jisung already knew the ins and outs of being a public figure. And despite the initial stress, he claims he loves the undivided attention of the endless void of voices – everyone is watching, yet you’re the only person in sight, no one is waiting for you to stumble.
Minho is so in love with the enthusiasm that radiates off of Jisung after concerts, the last remaining of stress turning into gleeful laughter and relief. In moments like those, Minho is truly aware of how far they’ve come, and how happy he is to be with Jisung.
He’s always been intrigued by the younger, drawn towards the adorable exterior and shy demeanour. Right from the start, before he even knew what he was getting himself into. And he loves the outcome as much as he loved the journey.
With the warmth of Jisung’s side pressed into his front as they stand against the blinding flashing lights, and the comforting memory, now also Jisung’s eyes turning to look at him with so, so much admiration stored in them… he doesn’t find himself opposed to answering, after all.
“I haven’t,” he shakes his head gently, and a tiny smile creeps onto his lips. “I wasn’t even sure if he had a voice, to begin with. And yet, his presence spoke to me in the most soothing way.”