Withered (Michaeng) ✔️

Chapter 36: Autumn Breeze

Mina smile upon seeing the cub begin eating the cheesecake, sloppily. She has come and visits him in the afternoon along with the desert. And maybe it caused to him, that using a fork with his left hand to eat is uncomfortable and pretty hard for someone who is right-handed. She takes tissues out of her handbag and leans closer to him, wiping his mouth. Chaeyoung just freezes and let her do the works, realizing that he might be too happy that he forgot his manners. He automatically looks away as to avoid Mina's captivating eyes, feeling the sudden heat seared through his cheeks.

Mina pulls away and chuckles. "Looks like I've got a kid to take care off"

Chaeyoung just smiles sheepishly and proceed to eat but this time, slowly and carefully. He stares into the blank space as both of them fall into a comfortable silence. He still tries to calm his pounding heart. Starting to doubt his ability to control his emotion and act like how he used to when they're still best friends. It looks like all the happy, confidence, coolness facade slowly falling apart, revealing the true him. A sad, insecure and pitiful guy who's deeply in love with his best friend. And that fact terrified him.

Chaeyoung keeps thinking about it, pressing his lips together as the anxiety takes over him. Soon after, he feels a poke on his cheeks, cutting his train of thought. He snaps his head to the side and witnesses Mina giggling while she is smiling. Her voice so much ear-pleasing, no one can describe.

"That dimple is so visible. What's with the frown?" She jokes smiling at him. Chaeyoung involuntarily let out a small laugh, his eyes twinkled. I can't believe how hard I've fallen for you.

"Yah! Why aren't you answering?"

"Nothing" He shakes his head and sighs silently "I'm just thinking about something beautiful" Their eyes meet and a smile crosses his face, a sad smile. Though Mina can read him, she decides not to ask about it. For once, she wants happiness. She already decides to stay and learn by herself that she can never leave him, so she'll try and put an effort for them to have their own happy ending.

Mina ignores the urge to question about that forced expression of him and remain her smile. "How's your feeling? You'll discharge from the hospital tomorrow. Do you wanna go somewhere? Or eat anything?" She asks, lifting up the mood.

Chaeyoung raises his chin as to think of something when suddenly he forms a bright smile, staring at Mina with sparkled eyes. "Can I taste your cook? Wait, no, you can't move too m---"

"Alright" Mina cut off. "I'll prepare lunch for you, oh! By the way, Tzuyu said he'll pick you up tomorrow morning. Looks like he has something to say." Chaeyoung subtly nods at the remarks, not really paying attention since his mind are clouded by the idea that Mina will cook for him. To Chaeyoung, that's the very first time, she offers such things and he can't hide his yearning for tomorrow

"Wanna go for a stroll?" Mina asks as Chaeyoung finish eating. He flashes a smile and nods at her before jump off his bed and drags his IV poles along. Mina goes towards his left side, locking their arms as they make a beeline to the hospital park.

"I'll get some drink, wait here kay" Mina leaves the scene as soon as he settles down on a bench under a sugar maple tree. He looks back, eyes following the girl until she disappears. A sigh escapes his mouth, he wants to stop her but Mina doesn't wait for his response and just walks away. You shouldn't tire yourself, Mina ya.

He got no choice but to wait, funny that somehow he'll always be that person that keeps waiting, again and again. Chaeyoung chuckles bitterly and takes a deep breath then heave slowly, releasing the heaviness on his chest. He looks in front and smiles watching the leaves dance from branch to branch, each in a colourful way. The sun hangs low in the sky, it's rays shining through the last few hanging leaves as it provides warmness despite the chilly wind. He closes his eyes, feeling the autumn breeze, listening for the sweet rustling music.

The calmness doesn't last long when a crunching noise is heard caused by footsteps, and soon a presence just ahead of him. He opens his eyes and is taken aback when he meets Mina's orbs. They are facing each other and because of the closeness, their nose brush against one another. Chaeyoung starts to get nervous and hope that the intense eye contact will be over as his hearts feels like it's going to explode anytime soon. Not to mention, he forgot how to breathe because of the mixed emotion and the tangled mind.

Mina's eyes soften then smiles as she pulls away and ruffles the younger's hair. She hands him the hot coffee that she's holding but receives no response from the guy. Chaeyoung is busy calming himself down and try to breathe normally again. He literally holds his breath for two minutes, and now his face as similar to the red maple leaves.

"Are you okay?" Concerned, Mina put her palm against his forehead, afraid that he caught a fever or something. And that sudden move of her is not helping him at all. Chaeyoung just shakes his head and let out a fake cough, before assuring Mina that he is fine. He takes a sip of his drink and the same to her, both clutching their cup with both hands to warm themselves. They stay enjoying the picturesque view in front of them and the moment of them being together. Until Chaeyoung breaks the silence.

"Mina, W-what's that for? I mean..you know earlier you sud---"

"Nothing." She explains, smiling sweetly at him before averting her eyes back to the scenery in front. "I just examine your face" She continues.

Chaeyoung immediately springs up and sit straight. He stares wordlessly at Mina who's currently shut her eyes, feeling flustered somehow. "Why? Is there something on my face?" He finally forms a sentence without stuttering this time.

"It just...I'm happy that you look so peaceful and... the Chaeyoung that I know." She finds his eyes and he is puzzled by the meaning behind those words. But little by little, it's connected and getting pretty obvious for him. I can't keep this feeling much longer. He thought.

"Geez, what I meant is, you always look so serious and worry lines don't suit you" She flicks his forehead and earn whines and glare from him. "That's more like you" She giggles, rubbing the red mark she left.

"By the way, I don't like this position" She blurts out."..sitting on your right side since you still have your cast on" Chaeyoung's brow creased in confusion and only eyed the girl as she moves to his left side. She brings herself closer to him and joins their arms together, resting her head on his shoulder. Sharing the same cream in colour sheet.

"Much better" She mumbles.

He watches Mina slowly drifting to sleep and is about to tuck her strand of hair when she suddenly sits up straight. "I almost forgot" She takes a blue scarf from her handbag---the one that she knitted. She leans forward as she puts the blue scarf on him, taking the longer end and brings it around his neck.

She taps his chest when she's done and says, "I made another one for you. I hope you take care of it well" Chaeyoung bob his head, knowing what it implies to. She's trying to give him a chance, placing her trust on him again and he better not disappoint her for the second time. He's not that stupid after all. And when Mina pulls out, they stare at each other, no words being said. But he's truly happy at the moment.

"I will," He smiles, showing determination as he nods his head vigorously. Mina just grins and back at her position. Her eyes getting heavy and she draws closer, hugging his arms. "Comfy" She murmurs.

Chaeyoung smile contently then stare at their hand, where Mina's are above his. He hesitantly holds her hands but the girl soon pulls away, and intertwine it. He couldn't hide his happiness and are totally shocked by that. He then joins her, resting his head above hers and close his eyes. The silver pendant of their bracelet makes a jingling sound as the wind blows. And somehow it's comforting, sounding musical to them.

- to be continued-