27| weight of silence

                                    

                                          

The day of their departure to Malaysia had finally arrived. Minho's father, Mr. Lee reminded him, "Don't forget to pick up Jisung on your way to the airport."
Minho nodded, his expression a mix of obligation and anticipation. It was a given, a silent understanding between them. He would always pick up Jisung, they didn't doubt. 
As Minho drove to Jisung's place, his thoughts drifted to their tumultuous past. 
Would Jisung be ready on time? Or would he make Minho wait, as he often did? Minho's lips curled into a wry smile. He knew Jisung's habits all too well.
Upon arriving at Jisung's residence, Minho's eyes scanned the area, searching for a glimpse of the person who still held a piece of his heart.
Minho stepped into the warm embrace of the Han household, greeted by Mrs. Han's radiant smile.
"Minho, dear! You're right on time," she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with warmth.
"Come in, come in," 
she urged, beckoning him inside.
"Jisung's still getting ready," 
she added, her voice dripping with motherly concern.
"He's been a bit...off this morning," 
Mrs. Han confided, her brow furrowed with subtle worry.
Minho's expression stiffened, his eyes narrowing slightly as he grasped the unspoken meaning behind Mrs. Han's words.
But he swiftly masked his concern with a gentle smile.
"Guess he's just nervous about the trip," Minho said, his tone light and reassuring.
Mrs. Han nodded, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Yes, that must be it," she agreed, though her voice hinted at a deeper understanding.
Minho's smile faltered for an instant, his gaze drifting towards Jisung's closed door.
He knew better.
Jisung descended the stairs, his footsteps quiet on the crystal white floor. 
As he entered the living room, his gaze instinctively sought Minho's. Their eyes met, and for a moment, Jisung's anxiety spiked.
He quickly looked away, focusing on his mom.
"Ah, there you are," Mrs. Han said, her warm smile a contrast to Jisung's inner turmoil.
"Minho has been waiting for you," she added, her voice gentle.
As Jisung hugged his mom tightly, Minho stood beside them, and his eyes observed the tender moment. Mrs. Han released Jisung and turned to Minho, her arms opening wide.
"Take care, both of you," 
she said, enveloping Minho in a warm hug.
Minho's expression softened, his arms wrapping around Mrs. Han. Jisung watched, his emotions swirling. The familiarity between Minho and his mom was a painful reminder of their complicated past.
Mrs. Han stepped back, her eyes shining.
"Have a safe trip, boys," she said, her voice firm. Jisung nodded, shouldering his bag. 
"Let's go," Minho said, his voice low.
The heavy silence between Jisung and Minho hung like a suffocating shroud. Jisung's purposeful strides toward the car betrayed his inner turmoil. Minho followed closely, his keys at the ready eyes fixed on Jisung's rigid back.
As Jisung loaded his luggage into the trunk, Minho's gaze lingered on the tense lines of his shoulders. The soft creak of the trunk closing seemed to echo through the stillness.