Withered - Chapter 37: Chapter 37

Tzuyu and Chaeyoung stand on the Hospital's rooftop, looking towards the scenery up front. "Hyung, stop trying to light a candle with an unlit match. Don't you feel tired? Over the never-ending cycle of depression, it's that hurtful, you cannot control another person. It's okay to let go and run" Tzuyu starts while putting his hand inside his pocket for warmth, his duffle coat flapped wildly behind his back. Chaeyoung stands on his left, hair fluttering in the wind, revealing his forehead time to time. Both stares out at the morning sky.
"It's not that simple Tzuyu ya." Chaeyoung whispers, hand gripping tightly the IV poles beside him. "I'm lying if I say I'm okay. The thing is, I'm used to it. For years, I've been through it, so why not a little bit more suffering? it's a small matter. I'm not affected by it.....But, yeah I'm exhausted"
Tzuyu turns his head and glance over his brother. Chaeyoung does the same and flashes a small smile when their eyes meet. "She gives me a second chance," He grasps the blue scarf he's wearing then avert his eyes back towards his younger brother. "I'm not going to give up until I take every opportunity to have her. Besides, it's not only about Mina and me, but it also involves our child"
"If we're separated, what will happen to the baby's future? Will she stay with her mom or her dad? The baby doesn't deserve all those lacks of attention or love....you know, I'm not only fighting for Mina but for the baby too..." He continues, it may sound like an excuse that one of the reasons he can't get rid of his feeling and wants Mina to stay with him is because of the baby. But truthfully, he already grows fond to their child. And wish to provide a nice environment and perfect family for the baby.
"I just want you to be hap--"
"I am...I'm happy Tzuyu ya" Chaeyoung cut in, assuring his younger brother. He's being honest about it. Chaeyoung is genuinely happy and thankful for his little brother's concerns.
"If you say so.." The tall trails off then shoots a glare at Chaeyoung when he remembers the cause for the recent fight. "Then, don't lie to Mina Unnie again..even over small things, cuz it does mean a lot" He says firmly, more like a command for Chaeyoung. The latter laugh nervously seeing Tzuyu with his poker face sends shivers down his spine.
"I know, I know. It's my fault and I've learned from my mistakes" Chaeyoung states but Tzuyu isn't buying it. The guy folds his arms over his chest, fully facing his brother with the judging look he throws at him. Chaeyoung just laughs and raise his hand, putting it on his forehead as he gives a military salute "Aye Aye captain. I'll obey you to the word" His smile showing off his most attractive facial features, the deep dimple.
Tzuyu scoff and walks away, Can't believe he's older than me. He shakes his head, smiling on his way "You better hurry! Or I'm just going to leave you" Shouts him, without looking back and waves his hand.
"W-what! Yahh!! won't you help your adorable brother to walk" Chaeyoung whines, as he drags the IV poles with him, pretending to walk painfully slow.
"Adorable brother my foot!"
Chaeyoung laughs at the remarks and starts to jogs when Tzuyu no longer in sight. Someone jealous. He thought. "Yah! Wait for me!!"
*  *  *  *
Mina greets the brothers that just arrives and ask Tzuyu to stay for lunch but the guy already has his plan---a date with Sana. Mina just laughs at the younger's lame excuse declining the offers, she knows too well that Tzuyu and her sister are finally official. She gives him a wink as he leaves the house with a red face.
Chaeyoung who stand beside the girl notices the little action Mina does and is a bit sulk about it. Mina faces him, and his pouted lips immediately turn into a smile, hiding the fact that he's a bit...a bit jealous.
"Go and change. I'll call you when I'm done with the cooking"
Chaeyoung nods and goes upstairs. He takes a quick shower and brushes his teeth in an awkward way. Groaning when the brush hit his gum too hard, his teeth might break. The cast is still on, and he's not used to the idea of leaning everything on his left hand.
Mina places the plate of food on the dining table, arranging it neatly before she makes a beeline towards her room. She knocks the door asking him if he's done but earn nothing from the inside.
"Chaeyoungie? Are you done? Let's eat" Unfortunately the calls fall into silence when again there's no response. Worried, she turns the doorknob just to witness the cub struggling to put a shirt on, oblivious of the girl's presence. She stares at his back view and chuckle as she watches the younger trying to put his casted arm through the t-shirt but failed miserably. Head is still inside the clothes, finding the right hole while his left hand hanging in the air.
She shakes his head and sighs as she walks closer to him. "You'll get the collar stretched out if you keep doing that" Chaeyoung stop whatever he's doing and let his hands fall to his side. Since his head buried under the shirt, his eyesight is covered by the piece of clothing. He stares down at his feet, surprised when he feels hands lightly brushing the side of his stomach. The hem of his shirt pulled upwards, and their eyes meet.
Mina smiles at him and proceeds as Chaeyoung lifts his arms. He couldn't help but to unknowingly chewing the inner of his cheeks while trying to cover his exposed upper body. Face turned into an embarrassing reddish hue. Although Mina often sees him without a shirt before, it feels different now, at least for him. He's always super confident about his muscular body but now, something has changed. The scars on his stomach making him anxious and afraid. Hoping the girl fails to notice it.
"You should wear a slouchy sweater with elbow-length sleeves instead, it's a lot easier" Mina explains as she goes through each item in the walk-in closet, searching for the right one. She found a cream sweater and face the younger who's staring blankly into nothing.
"Chaeyoungie, raise your hand" She orders and he immediately obliges. Mina tip-toed and helps to place the sweater over his head, then ask him to stretch his arms through the sleeves. The material of the sweater and length of the sleeves making it effortless for Mina to put it on him.
"Done," Mina says as she fixes the turtleneck then look at him. Chaeyoung only smiles shyly, rubbing his nape as he mumbles a thank you. The girl then gestures him to sit on the dressing chair and grab a comb from one of the makeup drawers. She smoothes his hair, but end up playfully trying different hairstyles on him. And the first is the hair split in the middle one. It may look great but his hair is too long and straight for it, making him look like an idiot.
"Minari? I look like...umm I don't know, a rock star who teleport from the 19th century?" He raises his brow, shaking his head in disbelief as he studies his reflection on the mirror while the girl clutching her stomach and she keeps laughing. Chaeyoung secretly smiles hearing her angelic voice. At least, I make you laugh for once.
When Mina regains herself, she wipes the tears of joy in the corner of her eyes then excitedly takes a hair gel, dye colors, and a blower.
"Oh no"
*  *  *  *
Chaeyoung sigh as his eyes caught a bowl in front of him---the one that Mina put on top of his head to do a bowl cut. The girl comes back after cleaning the mess and meet with Chaeyoung's fiery eyes. He quickly stands and walks closer to her, with grinding teeth and a clenched fist.
"Y-you look good. Really. Like..so cute haha" She nervously takes a step backward while he steps forward, and it keeps going until Mina feels the back of her knees touch the edge of the bed. She can no longer move, and it terrified her that she can't see anything through his eyes. The younger keep a blank and darken faces. She leans backward when Chaeyoung leans forwards. Her hearts starts to pound real hard, feels like it's repeating.
She's about to push him and runs when Chaeyoung suddenly smiles and tickles her down. Mina is caught off guard as she falls to the soft mattress, giggling while whining, asking him to stop. She grabs a pillow and hit him but it doesn't work as the guy set his mind to take revenge. Competitive Mina, reach for his hair and pulls it harshly, earning a cried from Chaeyoung. Feels like he's going to take off bald. The cub catches her hands and quickly hover over her, knowing not to put unnecessary pressure on her stomach.
He's pinning the girl as they stare at each other and both are smiling and laughing childishly. Mina is still catching her breath, showing her gummy smile. While Chaeyoung looks at her lovingly, the sensation of his heart has skip a beat. He smiles before getting off of her and sits beside the girl.
"Your nails are too long. It's unfair. I've got a scratch because of it" He complaints as Mina slowly raise up. Chaeyoung laughs seeing the girl's hair sticking out and pulls his hand to brushes her messy hair then tucks a strand behind her ear.
"You deserve it anyway" She sticks her tongue out and look away.
"Seriously? You make me look like a walking coconut or someone with a helmet 24/7 Why are you doing this to me Mina yaa..how can I go out?" He whines while clapping his feet, irritated somehow. Mina turns her head and smile, watching the guy express his annoyance.
Mina calls out for him, causing the guy to stop and throw a hopeless expression at her. She can't stop smiling and chuckle whenever she sees his face, it just that, for her, Chaeyoung is too cute and that styles suit him.
"Lay down, here" Mina taps his lap and Chaeyoung hesitantly follows, resting his head on her thighs and settle down. They face each other as she caresses his hair. "Is this the scratch?" She asks pointing to a thin red line on his cheeks. He nods and glare at her. Mina just laughs before she leans down, blowing the small wound. Chaeyoung's eyes widen from the approximate closeness. Her hairs fall perfectly covering his face from the world outside, and it feels like they are the only one exist. He can smell her natural jasmine scent and the fragrance shampoo. Ignoring the fact that the small cut is stinging in every breathe.
"We need to put a bandage on," Mina says as she pulls away. She's about to stand when Chaeyoung grabs her hand---stopping the girl to move any further.
"Can we stay like this...just for a while" He pleads as he lay to the sides, facing her belly and wraps his arms around her waist. Mina doesn't answer him but just smile again and continue stroking his hair, until she heard a small snore coming out from him. He must be tired. She thought. Mina stays for some time before tracing her fingers over every detail of his features. She swipes his bang to the side and put her palm against his forehead, rubbing it with her thumb.
Mina then replaces her lap with a pillow as she remembers the food must be cold already and she have to re-heat it, and plan to wake him when she's done.
She keeps him warms by bringing the comforter up to his shoulder then stares at his sleeping face. Mina pulls her hands and roams around his stomach, she stops when she can feel the scars that she sees before and even a lot more. She sighs and looks up to him.
I need an explanation for this.