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Jisung picked up the glass bottle, as if it were pure gold. He removed the cap and displayed it to his friends.
"Look at that. My oud. It's an Arab perfume." He sprayed himself a few times.
Jeongin stood nearby, waiting for the oldest among the three to finish getting dressed. He shot a knowing, tired look to Seungmin when Jisung was dramatically spraying himself.The fragrance sent a sharp sting up Jeongin's temples.
Woah, that's strong.
"C'mon, Ji. We have to go. Now." Seungmin said with a pinch of annoyance in his drowsy voice.
The night had started to spread it's wings over the bustling city of Seoul, and both Seungmin and Jisung had flights to catch. Jeongin, being the sweet maknae he was, gladly offered to drive them to the airport. He sat in the front seat of the car, Seungmin sat beside him in the passenger seat and Jisung sat in the back seat with all the luggage that didn't fit in the trunk.
"How come I have to sit here?"
"Cuz you can't drive and I don't want you pestering me. I know what I'm doing." Jeongin monotonously replied.
Mindless banter, rude comebacks, and the occasional sentimental "I will miss you"s passed their time. Jeongin rolled down the windows, hoping the chill air would blow away the pins piercing his temples, and behind his eyes. The drive was short. They did live in the city, after all. Jeongin helped them with their luggage and bid their farewells.
He got back into the car. It was around 8 pm now. He drove slow, letting his thoughts run free. He was eager to get home, pop a few painkillers and unwind with an old cartoon, but driving fast meant more thinking. Fast decisions and stress were the last things he wanted right now. He parked his car, making sure it was locked. He was always paranoid now, after he accidentally left it unlocked one night. It was a miracle that no one broke into it.
I can't wait to get home. I wonder if there's still some lemon tea left. God, this headache is killing me. I...shoes?
He halted infront of his apartment door to see a pair of Louis Vitton trainers placed next to his doormat. He knew who they belonged to. He knew that the visitor wouldn't be nuisance, or ever deliberately add to his pain, but he was not in the mood.
"Hi, Innie!" Felix sounded joyously from the couch.
"Hey, hyung. What're ya doing here?"
"Minnie left and I felt lonely. Channie-hyung said he was making some alfredo pasta and I can't say no to that."
Jeongin turned his head to see his oldest hyung meticulously working in their now messy kitchen. He was boiling milk, measuring salt, seasoning chicken and whatever else went in to making a good meal.
Jeongin stayed silent, walking robotically to his bedroom. He ripped of his already comfortable hoodie and jeans, to change into a pair of shorts and a white cotton shirt. It was cold but he liked covering himself in blankets, sort of like a cocoon. He opened his bedside table and found a strip of paracetamol. He swallowed it with the last bit of water in his bottle.
He wanted something, anything to distract him from the pounding in his head. He turned on his phone to open YouTube.
Too small. Too bright. Hurt.
He then grabbed his laptop and settled onto bed. The "No Power" sign blinked on his screen, slightly worsening the pain behind his eyes. With a sigh of disappointment, he left his room and made his way to the kitchen.
I drink tea. Maybe that better.
Jeongin dragged his heavy feet across the cold tiled floor.
"Hyung?"
Chan turned his head at the sound of Jeongin's voice. He had a feeling something was wrong. A tiny, little whisper in the back of his mind, telling him so.
"Have lem'n tea?" Jeongin asked, head low, voice groggy.
Yep. He was right.
"Yea, there's a couple tea bags left. Why don't you go wait in your room while I make it?"
"Hyung busy?"
"No, no. I'm not busy." Chan replied, fondness dripping from his mouth.
The younger waddled towards his bedroom, when a certain animation from their tv caught his tired eyes. He stood there in awe for a few moments.
"What's this?"
"This is a cartoon I used to watch. Harold and The Purple Crayon. It's really nice. There's this kid and his crayon can bring his imagination to life."
As Felix was busy explaining the cartoon with child-like wonder in his voice, Jeongin carefully sat next to him, legs crossed, and borrowing the blanket that was draped over Felix's legs. He watched the little bald character run around the screen in his baby blue onesie.
He was enjoying it thoroughly, the calm narration, the light colors, the animals, the soothing music - all were enough for him to fall into a careless, innocent state of mind. But he hated this part. The icky transition stage. He wished it were shorter. His eyes wandered off, and finally landed on the boy next to him-- Felix. Pure, soft, kind, warm, welcoming Felix. He wasn't exactly sure what he was doing, but he was doing it.
Felix looked down to the head that was resting on his lap, facing his stomach. Jeongin was never much of a hugger, or kisser, or hand holder, or anything. The sight perplexed Felix, but he was not going to lose his chance of showing the younger his love. He combed his short fingers through Jeongin's rough, freshly dyed hair. Jeongin mumbled something in response.
"What was that, Innie?"
"Head huwt."
"Oh no." Felix replied, as if he were entertaining a small child "Why does your head hurt?"
"Sungie spray perfume. It too much." Jeongin explained, lifting his head to meet Felix's eyes.
"Oh. Did you try laying down?"
"Dat makes eyes hurt." Jeongin huffed "Channie-hyung make tea."
"Is he? Channie-hyung? Are you making some tea for our little Innie?"
Chan paused for a moment.
Little?
Did Jeongin regress? Already? Infront of Felix? Oh no. Chan rushed to the younger boys sitting on couch, careful not to spill the hot beverage that was in his hands. To say he was concerned was an understatement.
"Hey, Jeongin-ah. Here's your tea."
"Tanks, Dada." Jeongin sat up, grabbing the cup and blowing on it before taking a small sip.
Chan's eyes widened with fear. He wasn't scared of Felix finding out. No,no. He was just unsure if Jeongin wanted his fellow Aussie to find out this way.
"Awhhh. He calls you a nickname too! That's adorable."
Chan furrowed his eyebrows in response. Why was Felix not shocked? Why didn't he bombard Chan with questions? Chan voiced his doubts.
"I read fanfiction." Felix replied with pride."It's a pretty popular thing in writings. I mean, I thought he was joking and stuff, but when he didn't fight back after I called him "Little Innie", I was sure."
"Oh. Well, that saves me time."
"Who else knows? " Felix asked, grabbing the remote to turn the TV off.
"Only Minho. He was the first person to find out. You can ask him, it's his story to tell."
Chan sat down beside Jeongin. The youngest began dramatically explaining how horrible and utterly unbearable his day was. The older two listened with awe as Jeongin slurred and stuttered over his words. Eventually, Chan got up and re-entered the kitchen, leaving the other two to their own conversation.
"What cartoons you like?"
"Me?" Felix paused in thought "I like Max&Ruby, The Koala Brothers, Scooby-Doo, I can't really think of any others right now. We can watch them." He offered, pointing to the TV.
"No, eyes hurt. Wan' eat n' eep."
"Alrighty. Channie-hyung, is the food ready?" Felix yelled.
"A few more minutes. "
Jeongin groaned as he let his head fall into Felix's lap once more. He didn't exactly understand why Felix was so nice. Why was he able to be little in front of Felix? A tiny smile of content tugged at Jeongin's lips as Felix began caressing his hair.