thirty-nine

Grandma Hwang's now in the living room. Her hand holds Jisung's sleeve whenever he moves. But Jisung's bright and sweet.

He sticks close to her. Murmurs softly. And sends smiles to Minho. Whenever he notices him looking.

Mrs. Hwang's in the kitchen. She is eyeing the two in the living room. And Minho and Hyunjin. Who have stayed in the hallway.

Hyunjin arrived a few minutes ago. He left Kkami at a dog café this time. And Minho's relieved about that.

"Why'd you come here without me?" Hyunjin whispers.

"I just wanted to get it over with. She's fine with him, see?"

Hyunjin looks back at the two on the sofa. He's suspicious. Still not believing this. "You didn't say anything about him being a mannequin, right? He didn't say that to her, did he?"

"She knows him, Hyunjin. He doesn't need to. And your mom keeps looking strangely at Jisung too... she said he looked familiar..."

Hyunjin's now uneasy. "Well, she's had to take care of Grandma's house to sell it, so she's seen the mannequin a few times. This is really weird, Minho. I don't know what to tell her."

Minho's nervous too. Not just about this. But Grandma Hwang seems to... not want Jisung out of her sight. That's why Hyunjin's mother just let him sit there. Didn't ask him many questions.

"Minho..." Hyunjin says. Touches his elbow. His mother's heading towards them. Minho curses mentally.

Since he noticed how Grandma Hwang has been clinging to Jisung... he has only been thinking of what excuse to use. To get Jisung out of here.

"Minho," Mrs. Hwang says. Puts on a quick smile. "Um, mind telling me where she knows this young man from? I feel like I've seen him, but I just can't recall when and where..."

Minho exchanges a look with Hyunjin.

"I think... he looks familiar to you b-because there used to be a mannequin here that... looked like Jisung?" He says. "Y-Your husband bought it... for Grandma Hwang."

Mrs. Hwang's now staring far ahead. "Ah, I see..." Any mention of her husband gets her all sad. "So, where are Jisung's family?"

"Uh, um, his p-parents have passed away... b-but he visited Grandma Hwang before... when he was younger and... then had to leave for school, so he hasn't seen her for a long time..."

Mrs. Hwang's frown deepens.

"I'm sorry," Minho says quickly. "Jisung and I really have to go now. We, uh, have an... appointment..." He looks at Hyunjin for help.

"Oh," Hyunjin says. Steps aside so Minho will be able to slip past. "You'll come for dinner another time, right?"

"Yes! I just have a lot of work to do a-and I've fallen behind so..." He sees Jisung. Who's still with his Mama Haeun. "Um, I'll go get Jisung now."

Mrs. Hwang blinks. "Oh, yes..."

Minho's heart is beating in worry. He needs to take Jisung and get out. Without problems. He steps quietly in front of the two.

"Jisung..." He says softly. "We have to go..."

Jisung's smile falters. His eyes flick to the way Grandma Hwang is holding his hand. "Oh..." He says.

"You can come back and see her another time..." Minho says. "But right now, we have to go, Sungie..."

The old woman's watery eyes stare at him. Minho feels so bad. But he can't leave JIsung here. He won't.  He's stopping himself from just pulling him up. Running away.

"Mama Haeun," Jisung says. His voice's kind. "I'm sorry. Can you let my hand go? I have to go to Minho now..."

The woman looks frightened. Shakes her head.

"I'll come back, Mama. I'll come back and we will bake cookies again!" Jisung glances up at Minho. Who nods immediately.

"Don't leave me..." Grandma Hwang says. Almost whimpers.

"Mother," Mrs. Hwang says. Leans down to speak to her. "He has to go. He will come back and see you again. You have to rest too now, okay?"

But Grandma Hwang's eyes have reddened. She shakes her head again. Grips Jisung with both hands. Jisung has teared up too.

Minho panics. He reaches for Jisung's scarf and coat. Then his arm. Pulls him up. Holds his waist. Close to himself.

"We really have to go," he says to Jisung. And to the Hwangs. He pleadingly looks at Hyunjin. "I'm sorry."

Jisung's hand is still clasped by Grandma Hwang.

"Mama, I'm sorry," he says. His voice quivers. "Please, I can't stay. I have to be with Minho. He... he will get sad and lonely, and then I will too..."

Hyunjin comes around to gently move Grandma Hwang. He removes her hand from Jisung carefully. "He'll come back, grandma," he says.

The woman is crying now. Minho is about to do that himself. But Jisung's freed. So he pulls him back. Away. Towards the door.

"I'm sorry for all this," Minho tells the Hwangs. He nods to Hyunjin. Heads towards the door. To quickly leave.

"Wait," Jisung says. He moves out of Minho's arm. Runs to the old woman. Wraps her in a hug.

"I'm sorry," he says. Sobbing softly. "Please don't cry. I'm so happy I could see you again. I will see you many more times... "

"Can't you wait for me? You can think of it like before. I'm turning mannequin and then I'm coming back, okay?"

Minho doesn't see his words having any effect on Grandma Hwang. He bites his lips. His heart keeps pounding. He waits patiently.

Jisung mumbles an apology to the Hwangs too. Then turns around. Rushes to Minho. He takes his hand in his.

Minho feels so much relief. He bids the Hwangs goodbye. Hurries out.

As relieved as he is... he is still pained.

Because Jisung's quietly crying in the passenger seat.

"Jisung, I'm so sorry..." He says.

Jisung sniffs. "It h-hurts..."

Minho hugs him tightly. It hurts for him too. Seeing Jisung crying. Thinking of how he was scared of having to give Jisung away.

For a long time... Jisung cries there in his arms. Minho just holds him. Kisses his head. Rubs his back soothingly.

"Minho..." Jisung says. Sniffs. Pulls away. Minho's heart hurts all over again. Jisung's eyes are red. Swollen. So is his nose. Lips.

"Yes?" He kisses his lips softly. Wipes his cheks.

"I love you," Jisung says. "I love you a lot."

"Me too, Sungie. I love you. A lot."

"Is it true? D-Did you mean it?"

"Mean what, Jisung?"

Jisung takes his hand. His eyes seem hesitant. "C-Can I love you...and be with you forever... but still see Mama Haeun?"

Minho laughs a little. Sniffs and cries a little too. "Yes," he says. "I meant it. You can visit her. Everyday, if you want."

"R-Really? I can do that? It will be okay?"

"Yes. If the Hwangs don't have a problem, which I don't think they will, I can take you to see her everyday."

As long as you come back to me.

"Okay," Jisung says. Breathes out. Finally smiles.

Minho gives his pretty lips another kiss.

"B-But what if she cries every time like today?"

"I... I don't know," Minho says. He's nervous again. "Maybe she'll feel better if you keep visiting her often?"

Jisung nods slowly. Then he beams again. Leans in to kiss Minho. Hugs him. "Okay, I'll believe you. I trust you, Minho. And I love you." His voice comes out soft. It makes Minho's chest flutter with affection.

"I love you too, my Jisung." He says.

To be continued...