Mingi originally came to the bathroom to pee bit got stopped by someone huddled in the corner, curled up in a small ball of unknown, that until Mingi turned on the lights. Yeosang was whimpering and rocking back and forth beside the bathtub.

"Hey," Mingi said softly, rubbing Yeosang's back and realizing the youngers shaking, hands gripping his sweats. "Baby..."

"N-no, it's not real," Yeosang murmured, his voice trembling as he buried his face into his knees. Mingi's heart ached at the sight—Yeosang looked so small and fragile, a stark contrast to the vibrant and carefree person he usually was.

“It’s okay, Yeosang. I’m right here,” Mingi reassured him, pulling him gently into an embrace. He felt the younger shiver against him as he tried to steady his breathing. “You’re safe. You’re not alone.”

Yeosang’s head shook violently, tears spilling from his eyes. “It’s… it’s not real, but it feels real! I can’t… make it stop!”

Mingi tightened his hold, listening to the frantic sound of Yeosang’s heart racing as he continued to tremble. “Hey, focus on me. Please.” He placed a hand on Yeosang’s chin, guiding his head up slightly so their eyes could meet. “Look at me. You’re with me now.”

The younger’s gaze was unfocused, lost in a world of fear and confusion. “What if it comes back? What if I can’t… What if I can’t get rid of it?”

Mingi’s chest tightened, the urgency in Yeosang’s words cutting through him. “Then we’ll fight it together. I’m not going anywhere, okay? You have to trust me.”

With a shuddering breath, Yeosang finally met Mingi’s eyes. The warmth and sincerity in Mingi’s gaze began to break through the fog of fear that had entangled him. “You—You promise?”

“I promise.” Mingi brushed a thumb over Yeosang’s cheek, wiping away the tears. “How about we take some deep breaths together? In and out. Just like that.”

Mingi demonstrated, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. After a moment, Yeosang followed suit, his breaths still shaky but becoming more measured. Slowly, the frantic shaking began to subside, although the look of vulnerability remained etched on his features.

“See? You’re doing great,” Mingi encouraged, feeling relief wash over him as he noticed some semblance of calm returning to Yeosang. “Now, do you want to talk about what just happened, or do you want to just sit here and breathe?”

Yeosang thought for a moment, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. “I… I don’t know. It was just too loud, and then everything… It felt suffocating.”

Mingi nodded, understanding the struggle far too well. “I know it can feel overwhelming. But remember, it’s okay to feel what you’re feeling. You’re allowed to be upset. I’m here to help you through it.”

Yeosang cling to Mingi like his life depended on him the whole night, gripping tight on his shirt to pull Mingi even closer than he thought possible. Mingi could feel the tension in Yeosang's body, the way his muscles remained coiled, ready to flinch at any unexpected sound or movement. He wrapped his arms securely around the younger, creating a barrier between him and the fear that had nearly consumed him.

“Shhh, it’s okay,” Mingi whispered, pressing a gentle kiss on the top of Yeosang’s head. “I’m right here. Nothing can hurt you while I'm with you.”

Yeosang nodded slightly, but Mingi could feel the silent struggle within him, the way his body still shook intermittently. Each breath was a reminder of the battle he was fighting, and Mingi wished he could take it all away, like some magical remedy. Instead, he just focused on being as present as possible.

They sat together on the cool tiles of the bathroom, the faint sound of running water from the faucet, a soothing backdrop. Gradually, the tension began to ebb away, though Yeosang still clutched tightly to Mingi’s shirt.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Mingi asked softly, sensing that Yeosang needed to release some of the emotions that were pent up inside him.

“I— I don’t want to think about it…” Yeosang whispered, voice choked with emotion. “I just want to stay here with you.”

“Then we’ll stay right here,” Mingi replied, tracing gentle patterns on Yeosang’s back. “We can sit in silence if you like. Just as long as you’re with me.”

Yeosang took a deep, shaky breath, leaning into Mingi’s warmth. The stubborn grip didn’t loosen, and Mingi understood—the younger was trying to anchor himself in a reality that felt elusive. “I’m scared, Mingi.”

“I know. I’m scared too sometimes,” Mingi confessed. “But together, we’re stronger. I’ll never leave you to face whatever’s haunting you alone. We can handle it, I promise.”

As they remained locked in their embrace, a flicker of warmth began to overtake the cold grip of anxiety. The bathroom, once a cage of fear for Yeosang, transformed into a refuge, a temporary haven filled with the grounding presence of Mingi.

In the stillness, Yeosang felt a semblance of safety returning to him. “You make me feel safe,” he whispered, his voice muffled against Mingi's shirt.

“Good,” Mingi replied, his voice low and warm. “You deserve to feel safe. You’ve been through so much. Just remember, I’m here whenever you need me. Day or night, you can always come to me.”

Gradually, Yeosang's grip began to soften as the warmth of Mingi’s words settled over him like a comfortable blanket. Still, he stayed close, letting the feeling of safety envelop him as they sat together, just breathing, grounding each other in a world that felt far too chaotic.

“Can we stay like this for a little longer?” Yeosang asked, finally looking up, his eyes still slightly glassy but brighter than before.

“Of course. As long as you need,” Mingi assured him, settling into the moment and knowing that as long as they had each other, they could face anything that came their way.

...

Mingi was making sujebi for Yeosang when the younger whined, bed creaking as he rolled on it.

"Baby!" Mingi called out, a playful smile tugging at his lips as he stirred the bubbling pot on the stove. "You can’t keep rolling around like that! You have to get up and eat!"

From the bedroom, Yeosang let out another whine, his voice muffled by the pillows. “But I don’t want to get out of bed! It’s too warm and cozy!”

Mingi chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. He glanced back at the pot, making sure the dough was cooking properly before he turned his attention back to the bedroom. “You know I’ll make it all the more worth it once you come out! Fresh sujebi is waiting for you!”

Yeosang peeked out from under the covers, his tousled hair sticking up in a messy halo. His big eyes looked adorably persistent as they narrowed playfully. “But I really like this blanket… it feels like a hug.”

“Then I’ll give you a hug when you come out!” Mingi countered, knowing how to charm Yeosang when he found himself in such playful moods. “Besides, you said you wanted it extra hot, right? You won’t want it cold when it’s ready!”

The younger sighed dramatically, the bed creaking as he reluctantly rolled to the edge and sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “Fine, you win. Just give me a minute!”

Mingi couldn’t help but adore how adorable Yeosang looked, still half-asleep and wrapped in layers of blankets. “Take your time, but don’t take too long! I’m about to serve it up!”

Once he ensured the sujebi was perfect, he set the table, making sure to add a little side of kimchi and some pickled radish for extra flavor. When he heard Yeosang finally shuffle out of the bedroom, Mingi turned to greet him with a beaming smile.

“There he is! My sleepy little giant!” he teased, watching as Yeosang dragged his feet to the kitchen, still looking slightly disoriented.

“Shut up,” Yeosang mumbled, a shy smile creeping onto his face despite himself. He stretched his arms above his head, the soft fabric of his pajama top hugging his frame as he caught a whiff of the simmering soup. “It smells amazing, Mingi.”

“I’m glad you like it. Here, sit down!” Mingi motioned to the table, where two bowls awaited. As Yeosang took a seat, Mingi gracefully ladled the savory broth filled with tender bits of dough and vegetables into the bowls.

“Wow, that looks incredible!” Yeosang remarked, his eyes widening with appreciation. “You really outdid yourself this time.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Just wanted my favorite person to have a good meal,” Mingi said, taking a seat across from him with a content smile. “Let’s dig in before it gets cold!”

As they began to eat, laughter filled the kitchen, buoyed by the warmth of their shared banter. Mingi watched as Yeosang’s cheeks puffed out with food, a giggle escaping him at how cute the younger looked.

“Is it good?” Mingi asked, leaning forward with a teasing grin.

“Mmm!” Yeosang nodded enthusiastically, a satisfied gleam in his eyes. “This is the best sujebi I’ve ever had! You really have a talent for cooking.”

“Well, I’ve got a great motivation,” Mingi replied, charmed by the way Yeosang’s face lit up with joy. “I’d do anything to see you smile like that.”

As they continued to eat, the warmth of the food and the comfort of each other made the small kitchen feel like a cozy haven. With every laugh and each shared bite, Mingi felt a deep sense of contentment envelop him, grateful for the simple, beautiful life they were building together.