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"OK, let's take a break everyone."
Sighs of relief echoed around the dance studio. Stray Kids were once again practicing the choreography to the title song of their new album. They have just finished practicing an extra hard part, and everyone was exhausted.
Felix, Hyunjin and Jeongin all immediately ran over to the couches to secure themselves a spot. Chan and Changbin stood in the corner to discuss changing the tempo of the second verse, whilst Seungmin sat down and tried to find his water bottle in the mess of bags against the wall. Jisung was about to join him when he spotted his boyfriend leaning against the mirror, looking slightly more sweaty than he usually would after practise.
"Hey, Minho, everything alright?" said Jisung with a hint of concern in his voice. In return, his boyfriend looked up and gave him a weak smile.
"Yeah, just tired. Difficult choreography."
Jisung looked him up and down, before gently squeezing his hand and going over to where Seungmin was crouching.
Minho immediately closed his eyes. Stupid, he told himself. You made Jisung worry, he shouldn't have to worry about you. Those thoughts were quickly silenced by a wave of pain that echoed through his head. Minho winced and his hand shot up to his temple. He closed his eyes and breathed deep, shaky breaths.
Jisung was by his side in no time, arms wrapped aeound the elder's shoulders. "Minho, you're not fine-"
"I am, Sungie. Don't worry." Minho tried to smile, but it came out more like a pained grimace.
"No, you're not, let me take care-"
"I said I'm fine." Minho's tone was sharper now, as he gently removed his boyfriend's arms from his shoulders.
"Okay, guys, let's wrap it up for today. You have no work to do tomorrow, except if you were specifically asked to meet me at the studio. You can all go home now." Chan's voice cut through the silence that settled over the studio. The three occupying the couch practically shot out of their seats to grab their stuff and leave. Seungmin rolled his eyes and muttered something under his breath before following them out. Chan and Changbin were headed out, but just as they reached the door, Chan turned around. "You okay to close up here, Jisung?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine, you go on ahead."
Chan smiled before stepping out, the door closing softly behind him with a click. Minho went to grab their stuff, but he was swaying slightly as he stood by the door. Jisung wrapped an arm around his waist and brushed a few strands of hair off of his forehead. He reached over to take the bags and gently guided Minho over to their dorm. This time, Minho didn't resist.
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When they reached the dorm, Jisung locked the door before kicking off his shoes and placing their bags on the floor. Minho suddenly felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. He gripped the counter tightly and pressed his eyes shut. Jisung noticed and walked over to where Minho was now breathing heavily, his knuckles turning white from where they gripped the counter top. Jisung gently pressed his hand against his boyfriend's forehead, to which he let out a small whimper. "Min, baby, you're burning up. Let's get you to bed, hm?" Jisung took hold of his hand, surprised by how cold and clammy it felt. Minho followed Jisung to the bedroom, where the younger gently laid him down on the bed. He pulled the covers all the way up to his neck and kissed the top of his head. "I'll be right back, m'kay?"
Jisung walked into the kitchen and pulled out his phone to text Chan.
[20:47] Jisung: HELP!!! Min is burning up and he almost fainted in the kitchen
[20:48] Jisung: I dont know what to do!!
[20:48] Chan: Relax. Is he in bed?
[20:48] Jisung: yeah
[20:49] Chan: Good. Make sure he eats and give him paracetamol. He needs to drink plenty. If his temperature goes over 40.5°, take him to the hospital. Any more problems just text me.
[20:50] Jisung: Okay thanks hyung x
Jisung dug around in the cupboards until he found a packet of rice that he quickly prepared. He returned to his room to find a shaky Minho standing by the window. "Hyung! You need to be in bed!" Jisung immediately rushed over to catch Minho just as he fell. "I'm okay..." the older boy slurred. "No, you're not. I'm taking care of you, whether you like it or not."
Jisung carried Minho back to bed and sat him in a sitting position. He tucked a pillow behind his back and started feeding him the rice. After three bites, Minho leaned back, too tired to chew anymore. His face was twisted with pain and he shook slightly. "Jisungie...hurts..." He closed his eyes and whimpered slightly. Jisung swore he could feel his heart breaking. He'd never seen Minho like this. He couldn't bare to watch the love of his life suffer.
He retreated back into the kitchen. He rummaged around until he found a thermometer. He filled a glass with water, and a large bowl with ice. He grabbed a clean kitchen towel and walked back into the room.
He was met by the sight of a shivering Minho, knelt on the ground in the middle of the room grabbing his stomach. In front of him was what looked like a puddle of vomit. "I-I'm sorry, I tried m-making it to the bathroom..." He was crying, tears steadily rolling down his cheeks and dripping into the puddle. "Minmin, do you still feel like throwing up?" Minho shook his head weakly. Jisung grabbed an empty bowl and held it in front of the boy. He raised the glass to his lips. "Rinse and spit," he gently instructed. Minho slowly took in a mouthful before spitting it into the bowl. He rested his head on Jisung's shoulder, tears forming tracks on his cheeks. "I'm sorry, I'll c-clean it up..."
"No. You have nothing to apologise for. Baby, you need to get rest, okay? I'll clean this up. And don't even dare protest."
Jisung cleaned while Minho took a nap on the bed. After he finished, he wet the kitchen towel in the ice before placing it on his boyfriend's forehead. The boy stirred in his sleep but didn't wake. Jisung slowly parted his lips to slide the thermometer inside, carefully placing it under his tongue. 39.4°. This time, Minho's eyes flickered open. He tried to move but winced at the pain. Jisung gently cupped his face, sliding his thumb over the elder's hot cheek."Shh, don't push yourself." Minho leaned in to the touch. "Talk to me jagi, what hurts?" Jisung's tone was gentle, one that he only used with Minho.
"M'head...and stomach..." replied Minho in a hoarse voice. Jisung placed a paracetamol tablet on his tongue, shortly followed by the glass of water. "Drink."
Jisung covered the boy with an extra blanket and put another pillow under his head. He climbed in beside him and wrapped his arms around the elder tight. Minho instinctively curled up, resting his head on the younger's chest. They lay there like that for a while in a comfortable silence. "I love you Sungie."
"I love you too, Min."
And with that, the both of them drifted asleep.
At around 1 in the morning, Minho was woken by a sudden coldness on his head. He tried to sit up, but was gently pushed against the pillows. "Relax, your fever spiked." It was Jisung, holding an ice pack to his head. He placed the ice pack on the bedside table and climbed back into bed, gently caressing the elder's stomach, before both of them fell asleep.
Sometime in the night, Minho's fever broke. He woke up the next morning feeling much better. He turned around and was greeted by a smiling Jisung, his hair still messy from sleep. "Good morning," he said, leaning down to plant a lingering kiss on his lips. "How are you feeling?"
"Good."
"That's nice to hear." Jisung peppered little kisses all over Minho's face, earning a giggle from the other. "Thank you," whispered Minho. "For everything."
"There's no need to thank me. It's what boyfriends do." Minho pulled Jisung into a tight embrace. They just lay there for a while, comfortable in each other's presence.
"I love you Min."
"I love you too, Jisungie."