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It was nearly 8 in the morning when Hyunjin got awakened by a loud thunder, trembling the walls of their dorm. With a low grunt, Hyunjin extended his arms over his head, stretching his back as there was a lingering pain in there. He shuffled on top of his bed, a portion of his blanket hanging low to the floor, one pillow already undressed from its cover, and Hyunjin—of course—was a tousled mess alike to his bed.
Rubbing his eyes, he sleepily shot his gaze towards the window—in which, for the uncountable time, he had forgotten to close the curtains again. Good for him that it wasn't too bright outside. In fact, the weather was somewhat gloomy that morning. When he went up from bed, Hyunjin almost tripped from the stray book on the floor but he immediately regained his balance and aimed for the window.
The glass was covered in moist and droplets of water. Hyunjin wiped the surface with his hand to have a better view outside. The sky was covered with thick, heavy, gray clouds; too greedy to even let an arm of sunlight peek through it, any sign of sun barely showing as the rain was pouring heavily towards the land.
How long has it been raining? Hyunjin thought, rubbing at his eyes gently. Walking away from the window, Hyunjin took his towel hanging on a metal rod. As he was already awake and alive, he noticed the dorm was quiet and it felt empty the moment he stepped out from his room. Maybe Minho already left for his morning classes.
After walking past the kitchen, he spotted a plate with egg fried rice, three slices of spam, and enoki mushroom pancakes sitting on the table. There's also a steaming bowl of soybean stew beside it. He felt his mouth water just by the smell. It looked like Minho left not too long ago just by looking at the bowl of stew.
"I wonder what time he woke up just to prepare all these," Hyunjin whispered with a slight pout. He turned away from the kitchen and proceeded to the bathroom to wash his face so that he could start eating. He's starving judging by how his stomach grumbled that disturbed the silence of the place.
Once he's done with his morning routine, Hyunjin decided to prepare himself a cup of tea. His headache didn't leave him just yet. It's been there since last night, or maybe for the past few days. The pain would go away for a while but when he's seated on his study desk, his head would act up again, the pain waving back at him as though it was an invited visitor. Hyunjin already drank some medicine but maybe it wasn't just a regular headache. Normally, when he had taken a pill, it would suffice after a few moments and he would feel alright again. Maybe he's too stressed because there's so much going on in their university regarding the projects, assignments and other tasks that he needs to finish before the deadline.
Yes, the headache was probably because of those because right after thinking about it, he felt his temples thumping again.
The smell of brewing tea once he's done preparing it enabled him to loosen up a bit. He took a sip or two—taking the tense away from his body. He grabbed utensils from the rack, making his way to the dining table to start feasting on the foods present there.
Peeking through the kitchen window, Hyunjin couldn't help but to think about Minho. He knew the older wouldn't be careless enough not to bring an umbrella with him but he couldn't help but to wonder if Minho was doing fine. The rain seemed to fall endlessly and it's becoming heavier by each second.
"I'm sure he'll be alright," Hyunjin whispered while looking down on his food, stuffing his mouth with two spoonfuls of rice, his cheeks puffing.
Later on after doing the dishes, vacuuming the floor and cleaning some places, Hyunjin went back to his room to start with his tasks again. He left it unattended last night. Fuck. He remembered the document he was doing last night. Hurriedly, Hyunjin went to check if he did save it or he's just dreaming that he did. A sigh of relief escaped his mouth when he's rest assured that the document was safely saved. He let himself fall atop his rolling chair.
He still got a few hours before his class, it was later that afternoon but just by looking at the weather, there was a thought creeping at the back of his head, telling him to ditch those and allow himself to relax for that day, snuggle up to his bed, cuddle the pillow or sleep for the entire day to cure that lingering headache. But nah, that's just the lazy part of his brain talking. He knew how important attendance was, and he needed that for his dear life.
Instead of slacking off, Hyunjin decided to play some calming songs that fit the weather the best. He took his favorite neck pillow and hung it on his nape, cracked his knuckles and stretched his limbs, then went ahead to work on his undone tasks.
He wasn't even touching the mouse when he heard some noise outside, somewhat dial tones coming from the door and since it was a quiet rainy morning, Hyunjin heard the door click. Curious, he went up from his seat to check, although he knows that it's just Minho. But why did he go back? Wasn't he supposed to be in his class at that hour?
Hyunjin peeked his head at the gap, watching the soaking-from-probably-rainwater Minho remain standing at the doorstep. He cleared his throat, that caught the other's attention. Minho blinked at him, Hyunjin blinked several times before his eyes landed on Minho's hand that seemed to be supporting something from underneath his shirt. But what's the use of keeping something underneath his shirt, maybe to shield that something from the rain, when Minho's clothes were already drenched in water?
Most importantly, what was he hiding in there?
"Hyung?" Hyunjin said, curiosity flowing on his face as he stepped out from his room. "What do you have in there?"
Meow!
That sound alone was enough to answer Hyunjin's question. His ears perked up, walking closer to Minho. Crouching to level Minho's stomach, Hyunjin poked the cat hiding behind that wet clothing.
"Hyunjin, your position is kinda something, you know?" Minho said, Hyunjin looked up at him innocently. "Get up."
Hyunjin did and cleared his throat, pointing at Minho's stomach. "Why did you bring that here? You know pets aren't allowed at the dorms, right?"
"Then what do you want me to do? I don't possibly have the heart to just ignore a kitten's cry for help," Minho said, carefully taking the little creature out.
Just like Minho, it was soaking wet. It looked pitiful, but thankfully it's not thin nor did Hyunjin see any signs of lice. But they still have to check if there really wasn't even a single one hiding in its fur.
Hyunjin held his laughter away when he looked up at Minho. They looked alike. Minho gave him a glare.
"What about you get me a towel and bring this cat to the bathroom?" Minho declared and Hyunjin quickly acted as he dashed to the storage closet and took a clean towel out. When he handed it to Minho, he took the kitten in his hand and sprinted to the bathroom as per Minho's instructions.
Blinking, he sat down as he observed the feline creature walk around for a few moments while high-pitched mewls spilling from its mouth, then sat down as well to start cleaning itself.
Hyunjin stood up to check Minho if he needed any sort of help. Upon reaching the small living room, he spotted Minho's back turned on him and was already on his way to take his shirt off.
"Hyung," Hyunjin went on, stopping Minho from his movements. "Do you need something?" He asked, then watched how Minho completely took his shirt away.
"Yeah, can you bring me some clothes? I'll just take a bath and the kitten as well," Minho said and turned to face Hyunjin. Without saying anything, the younger just nodded and headed out for Minho's room to do as he was asked.
*
Once the two cats were already clean and dry, they all settled by the living room—Hyunjin and Minho sitting beside each other while the kitten was sleeping comfortably on Minho's lap. Hyunjin couldn't help but coo at the adorable sight, bringing a hand close to it as he touched its nose. A smile lit up his face. Minho, who was looking at Hyunjin, smiled at the sight.
"Should we keep him?" Minho asked in a soft voice, petting the cat gently.
"You mean to say we're sneaking this kitten in here? But we aren't allowed to–" Hyunjin was only halfway through the sentence when Minho grabbed him by his nape and pressed their lips together. It surprised Hyunjin so he pulled away and glared at Minho.
"You can't just kiss me when there's this kid in here!" Hyunjin whispered-yelled at him. Minho chuckled softly before leaning in for another kiss but Hyunjin quickly moved away.
"Stop kissing," Hyunjin groaned softly and swatted Minho's shoulder.
With a soft chuckle, Minho just nodded. "Alright, alright."
"So, back to this cat," Hyunjin said. Another poke on the kitten's nose. "We're gonna be hiding him here. But what if we get caught?"
"Yes? If we get caught, then leave? There's no way I'm putting this cat away from me," Minho said as he looked down at the little creature who was now sleeping peacefully. He smiled, then spotted Hyunjin's hand. He took it and interlaced their fingers.
Looking up at Hyunjin, Minho held their hands up and kissed the back of Hyunjin's palm while looking at the other directly in his eyes
"Fuck you," Hyunjin said with a soft groan, tearing his gaze from Minho and cleared his throat. Minho knows him an awful lot, knows that he would easily give in to his request if Minho does something like that—acting romantic, and since it's not something he usually does, that alone would melt the younger. Hyunjin hates how Minho could easily capture him with small gestures because Hyunjin was just too fragile for this goddamn man.
"Please? Honey?" Minho said, voice dripping honey as he squeezed Hyunjin's hand. Rolling his eyes, Hyunjin slightly slapped Minho's back.
"You only call me that when you need something," Hyunjin said, quite sulky. He took his hand away from Minho's grip and crossed his arms, lips forming a little pout.
Chuckling, Minho put his arm over the other's shoulder, pulling him in and planted a chaste kiss on Hyunjin's cheek. Hyunjin bit his lower lip.
Don't give in. Don't give in. Don't give in. Don't give in.
"Honey?" Minho whispered, nuzzling his nose at Hyunjin's cheek. Annoyed, and maybe flustered as well, Hyunjin reached his hand to squeeze Minho's thigh.
"I really hate you," Hyunjin said and turned to look at Minho smiling cheekily at him.
"And I love you too," Minho said with an annoying grin. Instead of pulling away, he took his arm off from Hyunjin's shoulder and used that to hold the younger's hand, then leaned his head down on Hyunjin's shoulder.
Stroking the kitten's soft fur, Minho spoke softly, "Why would you want to put our son away? I exerted so much effort to get him from that gutter just for him to be denied by his own parent?"
"You're so dramatic," Hyunjin chuckled and gave a gentle squeeze on Minho's hand. "But that's probably why you smell kinda awful earlier."
"Yes, and you wanted me to get rid of him?" Minho closed his eyes to feel more of Hyunjin's warmth.
"I didn't say it like that. I'm just asking if we're actually keeping him here, and some what ifs," Hyunjin said.
"It's just the same for me. But Hyunjin-ah?" Minho said, pulling away to look at Hyunjin who looked back at him. "We're keeping him, right?"
Hyunjin just shrugged, reaching a hand out to pinch the tip of Minho's nose. "I mean, what can I do when you're so persistent in keeping him here? Might as well just let you."
Minho smiled warmly at the remarks, taking Hyunjin's hand and pressed it to his cheek. "That's why I really love you."
"I love you too," Hyunjin said and for a moment, he caught a glance of the time on the wall clock. "We're supposed to be in class right now, you know?"
Momentarily checking the clock, Minho shrugged and gave Hyunjin a small smile. A crease formed at his forehead when he felt Minho's skin was kind of hot. He moved his hand away from his cheek and checked the older's forehead and neck.
"Minho, hyung.. You have a fever!" Hyunjin said, slightly panicking. He sprang up from his seat but Minho easily pulled him down.
"Aish," Hyunjin shook his head, glancing at Minho who was now leaning against his shoulder.
"Did you bring an umbrella before you leave?" Hyunjin asked. Minho only responded with a slight nod. "Where was it now? And yes, why were you wet when you got home?" He asked again.
"I forgot it when I saved our son," Minho said, and he really did claim that that cat was already their son huh.
"Geez, and look at you now," Hyunjin sighed and carefully guided Minho to rest his back on the couch. Hyunjin took the kitten away from Minho's lap and that quickly alerted the other.
"Are you throwing him out?" Minho asked with hooded eyes.
"No, I'll bring him to your room. Can you stand up? Will you be able to go to your room?" Hyunjin asked. Now the cat found its way to climb on Hyunjin's shoulder. It seemed to be comfortable enough so Hyunjin didn't bother putting it away.
"Don't worry, I can manage," Minho gave him a soft smile as he went up from where he's seated. Hyunjin made sure to follow him from behind, keeping an eye on him to make sure that he wouldn't fall on his way. Thankfully, Minho safely made his way to Hyunjin's room. There was no protest coming from Hyunjin, only letting Minho to comfortably place himself atop the bed, getting under the sheets. Once Hyunjin was rest assured that Minho wasn't going anywhere, he went out with the kitten still seated on his shoulder.
"Looks like you're having fun there?" Hyunjin said—the kitten did answer him with a tiny meow! —, chuckling softly as he proceeded to the kitchen. He thought of reheating the leftover soybean stew for Minho so that he could drink medicine after eating.
The smell alerted the cat, soft mewling noises ringing in Hyunjin's ear. He took it and placed it on the floor. Since Minho just gave it some cat food he bought before heading home, Hyunjin didn't bother feeding it another portion. He'd just give it some more later once it's time for lunch. For now, Minho should be his main priority.
Meow! Meow! Meow!
He wasn't used to hearing that sound, Hyunjin was also worried that the dorm beside theirs would hear those, but hopefully they won't. Maybe some time soon, he would learn to get used to hearing that sound everyday as long as they're not getting caught yet.
"Shush, okay?" Hyunjin leaned down a bit to poke the kitten's nose. "Your dad needs some rest, so don't make so much noise." Seems like the cat understood what he just said, becoming quiet as it only sat there on the floor while looking up at Hyunjin with its big, doe eyes. Hyunjin chuckled the moment he noticed. He slightly shook his head then went to prepare Minho's meal on a tray.
*
"How are you feeling now?" Hyunjin asked while laying beside Minho (as per the older's request), the kitten was also with them, curled up at the top of their heads above the pillow.
"Much better now because you're taking care of me," Minho said with a raspy voice. Hyunjin sighed softly, extending his hand to pinch Minho's cheek.
Minho had already finished his meal, and had also taken his medicine and Hyunjin was hoping his fever wouldn't go higher.
"Should we get you to the hospital?" Hyunjin said, hand was now laying flat against Minho's cheek. It was warm, Minho's face showed a soft touch of blush, maybe because of his fever.
"No need, I have what I need here," Minho said and gave Hyunjin a delicate smile. "My son, and of course, you."
"Mhm. Then don't be stubborn and tell me when you're feeling unwell, okay?" Hyunjin said, thumb smoothing over Minho's cheek. He had to admit it but Minho's words had his heart beating too fast. It's been a long time since they got together but Minho still has that same effect on him. After roaming his gaze on Minho's face for a moment, Hyunjin said, "Let me take care of you this time, you're the one who always looks after me, and I wanted to do the same for you. Will you let me?"
Minho smiled at him, nodding slowly. Scooting to the younger closer, Minho snuggled up on Hyunjin's chest, inhaling the soft scent coming from him.
"You just always hide it from me when you're struggling. If I didn't find out that you're sick, I'm sure you wouldn't tell me about it too," Hyunjin frowned and slightly pinched Minho. The other flinched slightly.
"I'm just not used to it. But even so, maybe I still look for some care, still want some attention, still find some affection," Minho mumbled against Hyunjin's chest.
"I'll gladly give them to you," Hyunjin whispered, planting a kiss at the crown of Minho's head.
"And I'll be accepting all of those," Minho said as he closed his eyes. It didn't take a long time for him to fall asleep, Hyunjin's warmth probably helped, or maybe it was because he's actually feeling drowsy. But either way, he's found comfortably asleep on Hyunjin's hold.
It was raining, but it was warm. Maybe somehow, Hyunjin liked the weather a little bit that day.