PLOT : 𝗛𝗲'𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗶𝗺

𝗼𝗰 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲 : 𝗞𝗶𝗺 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗷i

_

Minji had always known Kyung-jun was a stubborn idiot. But when he didn't show up for class or reply to any messages, even she started to worry.

And now, standing in front of his apartment door, banging on it like a crazy person, she was getting annoyed.

"If you don't open this damn door, I swear—"

The door creaked open slightly.

Kyung-jun stood there, looking like absolute hell—disheveled hair, flushed face, and sweat dripping down his temple. His usual sharp, grumpy glare was dull and tired.

"...What do you want?" he muttered hoarsely.

Minji's eyes widened. "Oh my god. You look like you're dying."

"Gee, thanks." He rubbed his temple. "Now leave."

Minji shoved past him before he could protest. "No way. You have a fever, Kyung-jun!" She pressed the back of her hand against his forehead. It was burning.

He groaned, leaning against the door. "I'm fine—"

"You almost collapsed just now!" She crossed her arms. "Why didn't you tell anyone?"

Kyung-jun muttered something under his breath and staggered toward his couch, collapsing onto it with a sigh.

Minji sighed, rolling up her sleeves. "Alright, grump. I'm taking care of you."

"Don't need it."

"Too bad."

She moved quickly, grabbing a cold towel from his bathroom, a blanket from his room, and rummaging through his cabinets for medicine. The whole time, Kyung-jun just watched her, his fevered eyes half-lidded.

When she pressed the cold towel against his forehead, he let out a relieved sigh. Minji couldn't help but smile a little.

"See? Isn't this better?"

"Mm." His voice was quieter now. "...You're bossy."

"And you're an idiot who doesn't take care of himself." She flicked his forehead lightly.

He groaned in protest but didn't fight her. Instead, he grabbed her wrist, holding it gently.

Minji blinked.

"Stay." His voice was softer than she had ever heard it. "Just... for a bit."

Her breath caught in her throat. Kyung-jun never asked for anything.

"Okay," she whispered, sitting beside him.

And to her shock, he moved closer, resting his head against her shoulder.

Minji's face burned hotter than his fever.

But she didn't move away.

Because for once, Kyung-jun wasn't pushing her away.

And maybe... just maybe... she didn't want him to.

---

Minji's heart was racing. Kyung-jun—the grumpiest, most insufferable guy she knew—was resting against her shoulder like it was the most natural thing in the world.

She barely breathed, afraid to move and ruin the moment.

"You're so warm," he mumbled, voice heavy with exhaustion.

"That's because you have a fever, idiot," she whispered, but her voice was softer than usual.

She felt him smirk against her shoulder. "Mm... still bossy."

Minji rolled her eyes but didn't pull away. Instead, she carefully adjusted the towel on his forehead, her fingers grazing his burning skin.

Kyung-jun let out a small sigh, his body relaxing completely against hers.

And then, just when she thought her heart couldn't take any more surprises—

"You're annoying... but I like you."

Minji froze.

Her eyes widened as his words sank in, but when she looked down, Kyung-jun's eyes were already closed.

Was he—was he asleep?!

She stared at him, completely flustered.

Did he just confess in his sleep?

Minji swallowed hard, her face burning. She wanted to wake him up, shake him, demand he explain himself—but he looked so peaceful, his usual sharp features softened in exhaustion.

Instead, she exhaled slowly and smiled, brushing a few strands of hair from his forehead.

"Idiot," she whispered, barely above a breath.

She knew he wouldn't remember this when he woke up.

But she would.

And next time?

She'd make sure he said it when he was fully awake.

For now, she let him rest—his hand still gently gripping hers, as if even in his fevered sleep, he didn't want to let go.

---

The next morning...

Kyung-jun stirred, his head feeling less foggy but still heavy. He blinked, adjusting to the soft morning light filtering through his curtains.

Something was... off.

It was warm.

Too warm.

He turned his head slightly—and that's when he realized.

Minji was asleep next to him.

His hand was still gripping hers.

And his arm was loosely wrapped around her waist.

His brain short-circuited.

What the—?!

Memories from the night before came back in flashes—her scolding him, taking care of him, holding him when he asked her to stay.

And then—

His body went rigid.

Had he... said something?!

His heart slammed against his ribs.

Before he could panic further, Minji stirred beside him, letting out a sleepy mumble as she buried her face into the pillow.

He held his breath.

Then, still half-asleep, she whispered, "Told you... you'd say it when you were awake."

Kyung-jun froze.

Minji's eyes fluttered open slightly, a teasing smile forming on her lips.

"You remember, don't you?" she murmured, her voice laced with amusement.

His entire face turned red.

Minji giggled, poking his cheek. "Looks like I win, grump."

Kyung-jun groaned, burying his face into the pillow.

She laughed—bright, soft, and so annoyingly cute.

And somehow... Kyung-jun didn't mind losing this time.

---

𝐄𝐍𝐃 ! 

( requests open : )