Work Text:
Jisung’s fingers clutched the railing as he leaned over to look down from the rooftop. The hum of passing cars on the next street is fading by the wind whistling in his ears. His gaze lifted to the sky - empty.
No stars. No stars to watch him making his final step.
He leaned back, pulling his phone from his pocket. Resting his elbows on the railing, he stared at the black screen for a few minutes, silently listing every person he knew, every voice he might want to hear for the last time.
There was no one.
Jisung unlocked the phone, fingers aimlessly tapping a random number before pressing the call.
„ Hello?” The female voice echoes in his ear.
„ Did you know elephants purr like cats?” Jisung asked suddenly, his eyes tracing the empty sky.
„ Who are you? Leave me alone.”
The call ended.
Jisung sighed. It wasn’t like he expected anything different. He dialed again.
„ Yeah?” A man’s raspy voice broke the silence.
„ Did you know elephants purr like cats?” Jisung repeated, his voice steady but uncertain.
„ It’s past 11 p.m.” The man replies flatly „Dude, get a life”
The call ended.
Three’s the charm, right? Jisung’s fingers hovered over the screen, eyes fixed on the number for a good few minutes. His thumb lingered over the call button, numb with hesitation, before he tapped in.
„ Did you know elephants purr like cats?” He blurted as soon as the call connected, giving the person no time to greet him.
„ Do they?” A man’s voice replied, intrigued. “Are we talking a house cats or wild cats?”
“ They-“ Jisung paused, caught off guard by the question “ Actually, neither. It’s the low-frequency sound they make but sometimes it’s kind of like a cat’s purr.”
“ Ah” The stranger let out a soft, airy sigh “ Did you know crows hold grudges?”
“ What?” Jisung said, his voice colored with disbelief.
“ They do” The man replied with a half-laugh “Remember to never messed with that little fuckers. Their pircing eyes will remember your face”
Jisung shook his head, turning to lean his back against the railing “ You’re messing with me”
The man’s laugh pitched slightly “ No,seriously. They’ll even teach other crows to hate you. Team up for revenge too. So, yeah - be nice to crows unless you’re ready to take on a black-feathered army.”
“ This is ridiculous “ Jisung said with a laugh. “ How do you even know that?”
“ Maybe I messed with one once” The man said, his voice teasing. „ Ever since, I’ve had to watch my back. You never know when they’re watching”
“Right” Jisung said with a chuckle, sliding down to sit on a cold, rooftop floor. “ Are you safe now? No sharp eyes lurking around?”
“ Safe and cozy in my apartment.” The stranger replied „But, you know, I still closed the curtains. Just in case. What about you? Are you somewhere safe?”
Jisung glanced over his shoulder, his gaze dropping 12 floors down.
“ Yeah.” He cleared his throat „Safe”
“ Still, how would you even know all that?” Jisung pressed.
“ Wouldn’t you want to know, would you?” The man laughed, he had a pretty airy laugh “ I’m a veterinarian. You would be surprised how many random informations comes with the job”
“ Veterinarian, huh?” Jisung asked surprised, his brows slightly raising “ You have the coolest job in the world”
“ I’d love to be humble about it but you’re completely right!” His voice slightly raised. It made Jisung’s lips lift in a smile without realizing it “ I love my job. What about you? What do you do? “
Jisung’s eyes shut tighter, feeling the warmth of the tears slowly gathering in them.
„ I’m a musician” I was. Before they destroyed his life.
„ Do you play instruments or sing?” The man asked, the curiosity waving through his voice.
„ I can play the guitar. „ Jisung replied, his voice faltering „But mostly I sing. Or rap.” He gulped, his throat tightening around the words.
„ Would you sing for me?” The stranger asked suddenly and Jisung’s breath hitched.
He hadn’t done it since everything happened. Since it all fell apart. He didn’t dare to. The thing he once loved with all his heart and soul had turned bitter and cold, a reminder of what he’d lost. Of what they took from him.
Instead of refusing, he asked „ Do you have any requests? „
„ Do you know How do I say goodbye? ”
Oh irony.
And Jisung began to sing. His voice broke through the stillness of the rooftop. His fingers clenched the fabric of his jeans, gripping tightly near the mud stained patch where a passing car had splashed him earlier. He held on the material until his hands felt numb, the pressure grounding him as the first tears slipped over. Jisung feels the tears leaving the corners of his eyes, tracing over his cheeks, dripping at his sweater. Still, he kept singing, his voice trembling but steady - until it wasn’t. Until his throat tightened with the upcoming sob.
„ That was - „ The man paused,his voice quiet like he’d been holding his breath „ That was beautiful”
Jisung swallowed the tears. „ That was nothing”
„If that was nothing” the man said „I can’t imagine what something sounds like to you. Honestly,I wasn’t expecting that voice of yours. I pictured some teenager in a garage band - not..this”
Jisung laughed „Teenager? How old do you think I am?”
„I don’t know” the man chuckled „ You just sound young. And well, calling a total stranger in the middle of the night? That’s classic teenage behavior, don’t you think?”
„I’m twenty-four” Jisung replies softly, then let out a light laugh. „ But I’d like to point out that you answered the call and are still talking with me. How old are you, Mr. Veterinarian? I’m guessing you’re not a teenager either.”
His laughter filled the line „ You’re right. I’m thirty. And you’re keeping me awake so I don't accidentally pass out. I promised a friend I’d pick him up from work”
„What time do you need to pick him up?” Jisung asked, standing and straightening his back with a crack.
„Before midnight. „ Minho replied, his voice muffled by the shuffling in the background. Then came a quiet curse. „ Oh, shit. I don’t have time. I need to go.”
„ Wait!” Jisung blurted before the stranger could hang up. „ What’s your name?”
„It’s Minho” The man said, his voice softer now „Lee Minho”
„I’m Jisung” He said back „ Goodbye, Minho”
He pressed to end the call before Minho responded. He didn’t want to hear him say goodbye.
Jisung stared at the screen, eyes tracing over the number he’d just called. Then, taking a deep breath, he stepped toward the railing.
His heart pounded furiously in his chest , but his mind was so quiet. He never thought it could be so calm. For months it had been chaos inside his head, the thoughts raging uncontrollably.
One leg slipped over the railing, then the other. His hands trembled as they released their grip on the cold, white metal. The wind lashed against his face, sending shivers down his body, turning the tears on his face cold. Jisung’s lips curled in a faint smile.
When the sound of the clock on the tower a few streets away chimed midnight he made a step forward.
12 hits.
12 floors of falling.
Beep beep beep beep
Jisung groaned, blindly reaching for his phone to silence the alarm. Squinting at the screen, he saw the time: 7a.m. Why did he still keep these alarms? He didn’t have to wake up early anymore. He didn’t have a job to go to. His head throbbed painfully, like a late hangover creeping up your skull after the long night.
His dream lingered, but hazy. Jisung had a weird dream. He remembered the wind hitting his face, carrying a soft voice and an airy laugh.
A socked feet met the cold wooden floor as he shuffled to the kitchen. Wrapping his hands around a steaming cup of coffee, his eyes wandered to the memo stuck on the fridge door.
12 April 2024 circled several times with a red marker.
Setting the day of your death was a crazy thing to do. But it was the only thing Jisung could control - to leave on his own terms.
Jisung searched through his closet, relaxing when his fingers found the striped sweater. The faint scent of wash softener clung to it, along with memories of the first time he’d won a Daesang for his song.
Jisung paused, taking a final look around the bright space he’d called home for the past two years. Then, without a second thought, he stepped out , leaving the apartment door unlocked.
It was the least he could do for the people who would come rushing in when the news broke.
Wandering through the Oceanarium Jisung felt strangely at peace with what this day would bring. He’d lived with the thought for weeks now, and he wondered if the finality of the date would make it feel different - it didn’t.
“ Octopuses have three hearts - two pump blood to their gills, and one pumps it to the rest of their body. Fun twist? The heart that pumps blood to the body stops when they swim.”
Jisung’s gaze traced the long stretch of the aquarium, searching for signs of life behind the thick glass. The shifting lights revealed his own reflection. Big, hollow eyes stared back at him - he quickly looked away.
“Shit “ He hissed under his breath as muddy water splashed onto his jeans “ Fucking asshole”
His eyes followed the car speeding away through the puddle. It had been raining for over an hour now. Was the sky crying for him?
Jisung bent down, swiping the mud on his knees, snorting when the effort made it even worse. That’s when the pink neon sign in front of a nearby cafe caught his attention: Count the memories, not the calories. His face twisted into a grimace. Nearly two years he’d been living in the neighborhood but never even noticed this place before.
Cinnamon whisker.
As Jisung reached for the doorknob, someone bumped into him. The man spun around quickly, holding his takeout cup high to keep it from spilling.
Before Jisung could fully process what happened, the man bowed, dark hair falling around his face with the motion. A soft “sorry” left his lips before he turned on his heel and walked in the opposite direction Jisung had come from.
He blinked a few times, stunned, before stepping inside.
The sight of the pastry display made his mouth watered. The cashier greeted him with a sweet smile and wished him a good day as she placed a tray with his order on the table.
Oh, if she only knew.
Digging through a chocolate cake, his eyes snapped to an untouched slice of cheesecake on his plate, sitting next to the still steaming coffee.
A familiar face flashed in his mind - his manager.
They’d kept him under a strict diet for so long, putting harsh words into his head every time he slipped. Would they finally be satisfied seeing how his skin clung to his bones after weeks of crying himself to sleep? Would they look into his empty eyes, the dark circles under them and tell him that this is what they had wanted all along?
Jisung swallowed another bite of cake, sweet cream melting on his tongue. A soft hum of approval left him as he turned his attention to the people coming and going.
The rays of sunset brushed his face, keeping his skin warm for a few more minutes. Jisung closed his eyes, savoring the moment before his feet led him to his old company building.
He slipped in through the back door, moving quickly up the stairs, careful not to draw attention.
A deep sigh escaped his lungs as he reached the rooftop. Weeks of doing nothing had taken a toll, even on his stamina.
Jisung spent maybe an hour, watching the city below him. His head rested lazily on his elbows as they leaned against the cold white railing.
Eventually, he straightened his back, fingers clutching the cold metal. He leaned over the edge to look down. Then his gaze lifted to the sky - no stars.
Jisung leaned back, retrieving his phone from his pocket. His elbows returned to the railing as he stared at the black screen. His mind started to list every person he knew, every voice he might want to hear.
There was no one.
Unlocking the phone, his fingers moved automatically, typing in a number. He frowned at the sequence - it looked oddly familiar. A strange sense of deja vu prickled at the edges of his mind.
He pressed the call.
“ Hello? “ A soft voice filled the silence, strangely familiar.
“ Did you know that goats can have accents?” Jisung asked, leaning further over the railing.
“ Do they?” The voice responded, surprised “Should we go check?”
“What?” Jisung raised a brow, taken aback.
“You know - check if the Gyeonggi goats sound the same as the Chungcheong ones. Oh! And maybe Gangwon goats too. What if they have the funniest accent, and we miss it?”
Jisung chuckled “ You’ve known me for thirty seconds, and you want to go searching for goats with me? What if I'm some maniac planning to kidnap you?”
The strangers laughed, light and airly. He had a pretty laugh - his giggle felt contagious. “ I know you’re not”
“ How do you know that?” Jisung shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips.
“ You have a pretty voice”
The words hit him, the faint echo of the memory.
Jisung furrowed his brows, confused. I wasn’t expecting that voice of yours.
Sliding down to sit, he leaned his back against the cold metal.
“ Still there?” The stranger asked, snapping him from his thoughts.
“Yeah.. umm, sorry. Got lost in my head for a second” Jisung murmured.
A deep breath came through the line “ What were you thinking about?”
Jisung glanced over his shoulder, down the twelve floors below.
Dying.
“ Kangaroos can’t fart” He blurted instead.
The stranger giggled again, the sound filling the empty rooftop “ That’s..not entirely true” He cleared his throat “ They do, but they just produce way less methane gas than other animals”
“Really? “ Jisung frowned, grasping the denim on his knees where the mud stain marked the fabric. “I’ve been lying to people my whole life, then. “
“ I’m sorry for ruining your fun fact.” The stranger teased gently „You’ll have to find a new one to impress people”
Jisung smiled tugged on his lips, for weeks he hadn’t laughed or smile. Closing his eyes, his head fell against the railing.
You are the last person I’m talking with.
“ Where did you learn that about kangaroos?”
“My friends are from Australia.” The man hummed. “ I lived with Channie all through the university - we called him a kangaroo sometimes. And during his whole gym bro, protein shake phase? If you’d lived with us back then, you’d know for sure that kangaroos can fart. “
Jisung’s lips curled into a smile, fighting the laughter for a moment before his giggle echoed on the rooftop. Ridiculous . He was spending the last hours of his life talking about farting. But for the first time in weeks, he was laughing.
“ What’s your major?” He asked after a pause.
“ I’m a veterinarian” The man replied softly.
“Veterinarian, huh?” Jisung’s teased.
You have the coolest job in the world. His brows furrowed, that strange sense of deja vu hit him again.
“Yeah, it pays well and I get to pet cats during my working hours. It’s perfect .” The man said warmly.
“Do you like cats?” Jisung’s curiosity spiked.
“I have three of them. One’s on my lap now. Say hi Dori” The man whispered. After the pause, he added “Well, he’s not the chatty type”
“Maybe next time.” Jisung murmured, knowing well there wouldn’t be any “Sleep well, Dori”
“What’s your name?” The man’s asked.
“Han Jisung” There’s no need to cover his identity anymore. He wondered if the stranger would see the headlines tomorrow and connect the dots. “Yours?”
“ Minho “
Lee Minho.
“Lee Minho”
Jisung's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat. What the hell. Is he losing his mind? Did the universe decide to mess with his head before he end his misery?
“Why are you talking with me, Minho? Why didn’t you hang up?” He looked around over the rooftop.
“Ah, you’re keeping me awake” Minho laughed “ I promised a friend to pick him up from work, and I need to head out in a few minutes.”
“What’s your friend's name?”
“Yongbok, but we call him Felix. He’s one of the Australians I told you about.”
“You’re a good friend, Minho” Jisung said, swallowing hard.
“He bribes me with the vision brownies. That’s why I don’t let him wander alone at night” Minho teased. A muffled sound came from the line “What about your friends? Are they good to you, Jisung?”
The knot tightened around his throat, almost like fingers slowly pulling out his last breath. If he opened his eyes now, would the suffocation wear their eyes?
Jisung swallowed the tears, the weight of his grief choking him . “I…I don’t really have friends” Not anymore.
“Oh” Minho’s voice softened. “Is that why you called me?”
Yes.
No.
I just wanted to hear someone else for the last time.
“No. Just needed something to keep me busy before I fell…asleep.” He took a shaky breath “It was nice talking to you, Minho. Don’t keep Yongbok waiting. Goodbye.”
Before Minho could respond, Jisung pressed to end the call. He didn’t want to hear Minho’s goodbye. The warm tears traced down his cheeks as he stared at the phone for a moment.
His feet led him closer to the railing. One leg slipped over, followed by the other. Eyes closed, he inhaled deeply, the cold air filling his chest. The shivers run down his body. If he held his breath he could hear the heart hammering inside his ribcage. Jisung’s toes met the edge and there was no coming back from that.
When the sound of the clock on the tower a few streets away chimed midnight, he leaned forward.
12 hits.
12 floors of falling.
Beep beep beep beep
Jisung winced, squinting his eyes shut tighter against the relentless sound of the alarm drilling into his skull. Why? Why had he set the alarm when he didn't need to? Jisung never was a morning person, and since his career ended there was no reason to start his day 10 a.m.
Groaning, he sat up, searching for the phone to blindly turn it off. The stiff ache in his bones surprised him - why did he feel so sore?
Dragging his feet into the kitchen, he shuffled under a blanket still draped over his shoulders, the soft fabric keeping him warm. Jisung set the coffee machine, then leaned on the counter, waiting patiently. The aroma filled the air as he wrapped his hands around the steaming mug. His gaze lazily wandered until it landed on the memo stuck to the fridge.
12 April 2024
His brows furrowed. What the hell?
The vision of falling, of cold air hitting his face, the suffocating struggle to breath, flashed behind his eyes.
Jisung’s eyes widened. He dropped the blanket and sprinted , stopping in front of the mirror. The big brown eyes stared back at him. Despite the dark circles under them - they were pretty much alive. His fingers clutched at the white tee he had slept in, pulling it higher up. Eyes traced over his stomach, and chest, twisting to check his back. Not a single scratch.
Didn’t he just lIke… die yesterday? Today ?
Panic clawed at his chest. Was he losing his mind? He’d asked the same question when he was talking to Minho.
Minho.
Jisung’s dropped to his knees, tearing through the sheets to find his phone. He looked at his last calls - no unknown numbers.
Had he imagined it? Had his twisted mind conjured up Minho too? Had he really lost his mind?
Later, stepping out of the aquarium, his mind buzzed with emptiness. The older woman at the counter greeted him exactly the same way as when she sold him the ticket before. A child dropped a lollipop and burst into tears - at the exact same moment as before, just as Jisung passed the turtles. Even the fucking fishes were swimming the same patterns.
The pit in his stomach deepened.
He was losing his mind.
“Shit” Jisung hissed as the muddy water splashed against his jeans “Not again, you fucking asshole!” His shout earned him a few curious glances from the passersby.
The pink sign in front of the cafe was exactly the same. He reached for the doorknob but instinctively pulled his hand back as the door swung open. A man stepped out, muttering a soft “thank you” without breaking the stride. Jisung’s eyes followed the grey, oversized hoodie and the dark messy hair he saw the last time.
It’s the same guy.
Inside, the sweet girl working there smiled at him, wishing him a good day - again - before she placed the same tray on the same table.
Jisung sighed and dug the fork into the cake, his thoughts spiraling into twenty different theories to explain what was happening.
The most logical one? Massive deja vu . Maybe his brain was glitching, slowing down so much it made him feel like everything already happened. But it hadn’t. Because that’s impossible, right?
Right?
Or maybe the months of hating himself, crying himself to sleep and drowning in misery had finally driven him insane. But he didn’t feel insane. He felt… pretty normal. Except now he knew what was going to happen in the next few hours.
But wasn’t it any different from every single day since he scribbled that memo in his fridge? Jisung had known for weeks how this day was going to end.
Or…
He chewed on his lip, contemplating the most absurd possibility. Maybe the universe gave him superpowers. Just for his last day, because why not? He shot his hands forward, palms out, testing if the spiderwebs would shoot from his wrists.
The young couple at the next table raised their brows in unison. He heard the man muttered “ weirdo ” before they went back to their conversation.
Jisung’s cheeks felt hot from embarrassment. He groaned, hiding his face in his palms.
At the rooftop Jisung doesn’t hesitate. He dials the number, hugging his sweater tighter in a futile attempt to fight off the cold.
What if he doesn’t pick up? It’s not the same time as before.
“ Did you know that cats have a special organ to taste the scent?” He blurted the moment the line connected, his voice trembling.
There was a silence on the other end before a soft exhale filled the line.
“I think I actually know everything about cats” Minho said with a light voice “ You can hit me up with another one, but good luck - I probably know that too”
Hearing his voice, Jisung felt an overwhelming wave of relief.
“ A cat's nose has a unique print. It’s like a fingerprint” He tried again.
“Boring ” Minho teased.
“They can jump up to six times their body length?”
“ Are you asking me? I know that” Minho replied with a chuckle. Of course he knows. “ Alright, so who are you and where did you learn all these cat facts?”
“National Geographic.” Jisung admits “It kept me company when my mom worked overtime. My name is Han Jisung”
“ Jisungie “ Minho said casually, the nickname tightens something in Jisung’s chest “ I’m Minho - Lee Minho.“
I know. Jisung wanted to say bit he bites his lips.
“Minho” He began but paused to recollect his words “Have you ever talked to a stranger on the phone like this before? Someone like me?” Or literally me.
Minho laughed, his voice teasing “Where did that question come from?” Wait - are you a possessive stranger, Han Jisung?”
“ Depends“ Jisung shot back, a small smile tugging at his lips “ Are you into possessive strangers, Lee Minho? “
Minho laughed, his voice made Jisung’s smile widened involuntarily. As his fingers comb through his hair, it hits him.
Fuck. Minho doesn’t remember.
“ Wouldn’t you like to know, Jisung?” Minho teased again.
Jisung chuckled softly, biting his bottom lip to suppress the sound. His mouth opened to reply but he paused, closing them again.
What was going on with his life?
Instead of a flirty line on the top of his tongue, he said something else entirely. „ I need to go. Drive safely to pick up your friend. Goodbye Minho.”
„ What? How do you kno-„
Jisung ended the call before Minho would finish.
He paced back and forth across the rooftop. Will everything end for good if he jumps now?
He isn’t afraid of dying - he’s done that already. He’s terrified because he has no idea why the universe is playing this cruel game with him.
Climbing into the railing, Jisung sat, his trembling hands gripping tightly the cold metal. The sunset looked beautiful from the rooftop, and for a fleeting moment he let himself admire it. But when his eyes dropped 12 floors down, the knot in his stomach tightened.
It’s scarier in the daylight.
Jisung’s heart raced at a crazy speed. He squeezed his eyes shut and began to count.
12.
Jisung uncurled his fingers, leaning his body forward in the empty space.
12 floors of falling.
Beep beep beep beep
Jisung groaned, shifting onto his back, his eyes locking on the ceiling. The alarm blared on, drilling into his already aching skull.
Twenty-two days.
He dies every night. For twenty-two days.
He's been stuck in this fucked up time loop for twenty-two days now. It felt like eternity. Every day begins the same, cycling through the same people, cursing at the same driver, climbing the same set of stairs to the rooftop.
On the thirteenth day, he decided to do something different - stay home. He chilled on his couch, rewatching Tokyo Ghoul, ordering takeout pizza - not killing himself.
That day, he’d clutched his phone like it was a lifeline, his knuckles white against the cased eyes glued to the clock. 11:47 - Maybe if didn’t kill himself tonight everything would end? He would be free? But then what? He’d just sit and wait for April 13th to come and end up jumping from the roof anyway? His thoughts drifted to Minho. Was he searching for his keys now? Or had he already left the apartment to pick up Yongbok?
11:55 - Jisung felt fine. Everything was fine. But his heart was racing, anxiety crawling under his skin. He checked his phone again at 11:57 and let out a breath of relief.
And then it started.
His heart began pounding, hammering in his chest with such intensity that it sent waves of pain through his body. His hands flew to his chest, gripping at the skin over his ribs. He couldn’t breathe. He gasped trying to force air into his lungs, but it was useless. It felt like someone was crushing him from the inside.
Jisung’s body fell from the couch, the phone cluttering against the wooden floor with a loud crash. He clawed at his chest, desperate to breathe.
The clock ticked to midnight.
No, no, no.
And then it all went back.
Jisung woke up at the sound of the alarms, his body aching, like he’d been hit by a truck.
He didn’t need to test it anymore. He didn’t need to wonder. He learned that this day would end the same way, whether he chose it or not.
Every night, Jisung's feet led him up the stairs to his rooftop.
The only part of the day that stopped him from completely losing his mind was Minho.
Minho, Minho, Minho.
„ Did you know that a cat’s purring has healing powers?” Jisung asked one night, his voice cutting through the stillness of the rooftop.
„ That’s why I have three.” Minho replied with a light tone „ It’s my sneaky plan to become immortal”
The corner of his lips lifted, and he laughed. Somehow, Minho always managed to make him smile, even though he never remembered Jisung.
„ Tell me about your cats” Jisung said, leaning against the railing. One the day nine he’d started to bringing blanket with him, wrapping it around a his shoulders.
„ As I said - I have three” Minho replied „ Soonie, Doongie and Dori. Dori is the youngest one”
„Ah, Dori, not the chatty one” Jisung said with a smile.
„How do you know that?” Minho asked, surprised.
Jisung's heart dropped. He slipped again, letting something out that he shouldn’t have known. Something Minho told him before, but never today. Not this version of today.
„ It’s just a guess, you know” He replied quickly, sidestepping the truth.
„Ah” Minho hummed, brushing it off „ But you are right. Dori isn’t the most sociable one. Soonie is a people cat, always greeting my friends. Anyway, Doongie though, sometimes pretends.. - „
Jisung closed his eyes, drowning in Minho’s passionate stories about his little brothers until he’s feet once again slipped above the railing.
Jisung turned on the bed to lay on his side, tugging the covers up his chest as his mind drifted back to Minho.
„Tell me about Yongbok” Jisung murmured to the phone.
They‘d been talking for almost two hours, and midnight was closing in.
„Why?” Minho teased „Am I not interesting enough for you, Jisungie?”
„ Ah, so you’re the jealous type” Jisung teased back.
„ I’m not” replied, snorting.
„Then tell me about Yongbok. What is he like?”
„I’ll tell you” Minho began „If you promise you’re completely, absolutely, one hundred percent not interested in him like that”
„So you are the jealous type!” Jisung voice raised with a laugh, shaking his head in amusement. „Fine. I’m absolutely, completely not interested in Yongbok like that. Hand on my heart.”
„Of course you’re not. Why would you?” Minho's giggle echoed on the rooftop. It’s Jisung’s favorite sound recently. „You don’t even know him”
„ You’re so weird. You’re fascinating to me. I want to spend my eternity studying you” Jisung blurted out without thinking. He meant every word.
„I hope you like weird” Minho said with that soft voice that made Jisung melt. „ I need to go. Jisung, will you - would you call me again someday?”
„Of course” I call you every single day. „Goodbye, Minho.”
During all those days Jisung learned one thing: no matter how he started their calls or no matter how ridiculous his questions got, Minho would always played along.
„ What animal would you like to be for one day?”
“A cat, obviously” Minho didn’t need to even think about his answer.
“Right. I don’t know why I even asked.” Jisung muttered “I think I would choose to be a panda”
“A panda?” He can imagine Minho’s smile only from the sound of his voice “Are you also that cute?”
Jisung laughed “No, they just always look happy. I want to be happy too”
“Do you have other friends than Yongbok, Channie and Changbin?” Jisung asked one time.
Minho chuckled “Channie? Are you that close to my friends, Jisungie?”
“I- “ Jisung stammered, his voice faltering as he realized his slip. It was Minho who’d called him Channie before.
“How did you know I’m friends with Chan - with all of them?” Minho asked curiously, his voice tinted with a layer of teasing “Are you stalking me, Han Jisung?”
“What?” His voice cracked in an awkward laugh “Would you hang up if I say yes?”
Minho giggled before clearing his throat “ There’s also Hyunjin. And our baby Jeongin. And that brat, Kim Seungmin that happens to be my best friend too”
“ You’re pretty easy to stalk when you give me all the information on a plate” Jisung smirked.
“But really, how did you know?” Minho asked more seriously.
Jisung let out the breath he was holding “I dream about you”
“What?” This time it’s Minho’s voice who cracks.
“Yeah, I dream about you every night before I fall”
Jisung kept the door open for the man who passed him in the cafe every day. Dark eyes stared into his, black mask covering half of his face as he muttered a soft “thank you ”.
He bought a box of cookies instead of cakes and skipped up the stairs two at a time to the rooftop.
“Hello?”
Jisung smiled widely upon hearing Minho’s voice.
“What would you do if tomorrow was the last day of your life?”
“Am I sick and dying, or the world is ending?” Minho asked back “Can I do anything, like fly to the moon, or just simple things?
“ It’s never easy with you, huh?” Jisung mumbled under his nose “Let’s stick to the simple things. Things you can do in the city because there’s no time to travel anywhere.”
Minho hummed, thinking “There’s this Death Note musical. They're actually performing it in Seoul until the end of the week. I’d go see that.”
„You live in Seoul?” Jisung asked, his brows raised in surprise. They live in the same city.
„I moved here a few months ago. All of my friends are here now. There’s nothing holding me back in incheon anymore. ”
“You have never seen it before? The musical?” His fingers searched through the bag of cookies to pick out one of them.
“I have. It was a lot of fun. That’s why I would go to see it again. You should check it by yourself“
That’s how Jisung started changing his days - doing simple things, planned to the minute, so he could return to the rooftop before midnight.
To buy Death Note Musical tickets he paid triple the price, begging someone who came to the show to sell him their ticket. He sent a picture of the actors and the scene to Minho.
I don’t know who you are but you’re living my dream.
I will take you with me next time
It’s a date
Jisung stupidly smiled the entire way back to the rooftop.
For the first time, he hesitated standing on the edge.
„ What would you do if tomorrow was the last day of your life?”
„A tattoo” No matter how many times Jisung asked this question, Minho always managed to surprise him with something new.
„A tattoo? What would you get?”
„I never really thought about it. Something small and funny. Like… a cat getting abducted by an alien ship. Oh! And the cat needs to hold a slice of pizza in its paw”
”That’s… oddly specific for someone who claims they’ve never thought about it before” Jisung laughed, shaking his head.
It’s ridiculous.
„What do you think?” Jisung asked unsure, stomping from one foot to another.
„Whose idea was this?” The tattoo artist inspecting Jisung’s drawing with a raised brow. He opened his mouth to respond but the artist beat him to do it „It’s dope. Let’s do this”
“ Fucking Minho and his stupid ideas.”Jisung murmured under his breath, squirming in the chair as the needles touched his skin.
But the first thing he did after the artist cleaned his skin was take a picture and send it to Minho.
[Image attached]
This is us in another universe
I like the idea
Why not this one?
Jisung stared at Minho’s reply, a knot tightening in his chest.
Because I can’t stop dying , his mind whispered.
But would he?
If he had a chance, would he stop?
Beep beep beep beep
It had been a month since he’d been stuck in a time loop. The endless cycle of dying and waking up.
But this past month, it was the happiest he’d had in years.
In the past days Minho made him watch a musical, made a tattoo, drive a sport car (it was intense - giving lack of Jisung’s driver license), volunteered in the animals shelter, admiring the city from helicopter, sculpted an ugly mug on ceramic classes, had a picnic in a near park and even, having a walk dressed up as Saiki Kusuo.
The thought of Minho made him hum a song as he held the cafe doors open for the man with dark eyes and black mask, carrying his takeout. As he passed by Jisung his head tilted, brows furrowing.
Weird.
Shrugging it off, Jisung bought his new usual - a box of cookies and decided to take a shorter route to the roof.
„ Are you enjoying your vacation?” A sharp, too familiar voice made him froze in place.
No, no, no.
Jisung turned, his eyes locking onto the very man he wished to never see again. The cold hands of panic were crawling up his legs, chest to finally wrap around his throat. The sour taste in his mouth almost made him gag. He couldn’t breathe.
„ What?” Beomsok said with a cruel smirk „You’re not so mouthy anymore. I’m impressed you finally learned how to shut up.”
Jisung felt cold claws at his chest and throat tightening, his nostrils flaring up to catch a breath.
It was suffocating. And all he could do was turn and run.
„Run, Han! That’s what you are good for. Fucking junky!”
Jisung tripped on the stairs, scraping his knees against the concrete, blood seeping through his jeans. Tears blurred his vision, running down his face as he curled under the railwing. The sob shaking through his body, cold fingers tapping the familiar number.
Please pick up, please pick up, please pick up.
„ Hello?” Minho's warm voice filled the speaker.
„Hyung” Jisung choked out between sobs.
„What’s wrong? Are you hurt?” Minho’s voice shifted, filled with so much worry.
Jisung cried harder, the words caught in his throat. Minho cares even if he doesn’t know him. Minho always cares.
„ I can’t - I can’t breathe”
„ You need to calm down. What’s your name?” Minho voice softened.
„Ji- Jisung” He stuttered through the tears.
„ Okay, Jisungie. Breathe with me in and out. Follow my lead ”
He heard Minho’s steady breath on the phone, his body trying to follow. In and out.
„ That’s right. ” Minho murmured, his voice grounding Jisung “You’re doing good. Just keep breathing, Jisungie”
He closed his eyes, listening to Minho’s voice. His chest loosened, breath slowly got steadier and slower. The silence settled between them, leaving only the sound of their breathing.
„ I was an idol” Jisung confessed after a moment „ A soloist”
„ Did you like it?” Minho asked, softly.
„I -” Did he? The question hit him harder than he expected . „ I-I don’t know.” Jisung admitted, swallowing the tears „I mean - I loved writing, producing. I loved performing. And I loved my fans back then”
„ So why don’t you know now?”
„ They made me hate so many things. They made me hate myself.” He let out a shaky breath „ Have you ever heard of Han?”
„Maybe” Minho said thoughtfully „Or maybe I saw his face on the poster somewhere in the subway or on the-„
„ Or on the news.” Jisung finished bitterly “ They didn’t protect me, hyung. I gave them five years of my life - every single day - and they didn’t protect me when I needed them to” His voice cracked, a new rush of tears gathering in his eyes.
The older one asked quieter now, almost like a whisper „What happened to you, Jisung?”
„ The day before the headlines I met with my friends-„
„Come on, Han. Only for an hour! I feel like you havent hang out with us for years. Please, pretty please. „ Beomsok leaned on his shoulder, pleading into his ear.
„Yah! Stop being dramatic” Jisung laughed, shoving his friend off. „I was quite busy, the world tour - rember?” He added, stretching the middle of the sentence.
„Ah, busy boy” Sohwa teased. „You can always share a bit of your success with us - still waiting for our time to shine.„
„I would if I could” Jisung didn’t know it then, but those words would come back to hunt him. „Okay, one hour. „
One hour stretched into three as Beomsok passed him a glass.
„What is it?” Jisung asked, eyes tracing over a drink.
„Relax, Han” Jaewon laughed „It’s just a beer, a light one. We know you can’t hold your liquor”
„That’s not true!” Jisung shot back, laughing. „Well, not entirely true” He added under his nose, taking the first sip.
The rest of the night was a messy blur.
„What did you do, Jisung?!” He heard his managers yelling, his voice ringing in his ears as he squinted his eyes not knowing where he was.
He opened his eyes but the pain throbs through his skull forcing him to close them again. „ Fucking hell” he muttered.
„Do you realize what you have done? Fuck. Fuck!” His manager yelled again.
Jisung forced his eyes open, wincing as the light hurts. He was in his bed, still in yesterday's clothes. What happened?
„ Hyung..” He mumbled weakly, his brows furrowed in confusion.
The manager slammed the phone onto the sheets, hitting Jisung’s chest. „ You dug yourself a fucking grave, Jisung. This is over for us”
„Does Han have a drug addiction?”
Click to find more - Han partying in Hongdae.
What.
There was also a picture of him in a club, in the shirt loosely hanging around his body. The collar expose his upper chest, drenched in sweat. He couldn’t remember being there. Someone’s hands were on him - someone he didn’t know. His pupils wide and wild, his expression lost in whatever chaos had happened this night.
„ Hyung „ He repeated, his hands shaking as the reality settled in. „ I don’t - I don’t know what happened. You know I didn’t, you know I wouldn’t” The crying sob made him choke.
„It doesn’t matter anymore”
They tested him at hospital, revealing mdma in his blood. The company had no evidence to prove his innocence, and plenty to leave him on his own.
They terminated his contract that same week.
Beomsok, Sohwa and Jae didn’t rrached out ven once. His friends.
„ Those fuckers” Minho cursed into the phone „I’m so angry. You didn’t deserve any of this. No one does. I’m so sorry, Jisung”
It sent a spike of relief, knowing that Minho believed him. Minho was angry for him. That Minho would protect him.
„ You know, the worst part of this” Jisung sighed “isn’t that my friends betrayed me, that the company didn’t protect me, or even that my career ended. The worst part is that they made me associate the only thing I ever loved in my life with them.” His voice cracked as he continued „ I met him today. Beomsok - he smiled and called me a junky” The bitter laugh escaped his lips.
„ I would punch him in that stupid face. And I train boxing every Thursday, so I know I have a good aim” Every day Jisung learned something new about him. Then Minho continued with more serious tone „But for real, fuck them, Jisung. Fuck them. They don’t deserve you. They never did. One day, there will come a time when you learn how to love it again.”
„How?” He asked weakly.
„Step by step” Minho answered gently.
„You know..” Jisung started „I thought I couldn't do this anymore but someone made me sing recently. And for past few days I’ve been trying to sing sometimes”
„ I’m grateful you met someone like that”
„Me too” Jisung smiled faintly. You can’t even imagine.
Minho's voice softened even further. „ Are you feeling better, Jisung? Where are you now?”
„On the rooftop” He replied truthfully.
There was a brief silence before Minho asked, his concern evident „Why are you on the rooftop, Jisung?”
„It’s the only place where I’m feeling alive” And he meant it.
Minho made him feel alive .
„ Hyung..” Jisung's voice trembled, as he wiped his tears „What would you do if tomorrow was the last day of your life?”
Minho hummed. „ There’s this cafe. I go there almost every day after work. I was there today too”
Jisung’s eyes flicked to the abandoned box of cookies. His brows furrowed. “You’d go there?”
It’s the most mundane reply Minho said to him until now.
„Yes. But not only for a coffee” Minho’s voice lightened, excited „ For the cookies. Can you believe they have cat shaped cookies? They are cat shaped, Jisung”
No way. His body shot for the box of cookies. There’s no way.
„ Cat shaped?” His voice cracked, as he rummaged through the box, his fingers brushed a cookie. Pulling it out, he stared at it - cat shaped.
„Yeah, I know!” Minho continued excitedly „The cafe is called-„
„Cinnamon whisker”Jisung finished the sentence for him, the words spilling out his mouth before he could think.
Every day. Minho had been there every day. The same cafe. The same space. They had always been so close.
This time when the clock struck midnight and his feet slipped off the edge, Jisung thought only one thing: there were only 12 floors separating him from meeting Minho.
Beep beep beep beep
Jisung’s eyes shot open the moments the alarm blared. Today he was a man on a mission.
He took a long, hot shower, scrubbing at his skin. The steam on the bathroom mirror slowly began to drip, revealing his reflection. For the first time in weeks, his eyes met his own. There was no shame. No need to look away.
Will Minho like how he look?
Breakfast was next - two toasts with jam and an apple. He wasn’t skipping meals anymore. Small victories.
Dressing in his best, Jisung spent another hour shuffling through his closet and attempting to put on makeup. Usually, someone else did this for him, but when he stepped in front of the mirror before leaving, a smile tugged at his lips. He closed the door too.
He entered the cafe with purpose, headphones sling around his neck, laptop in his bag. It wasn’t like he was sitting there just waiting for Minho - he had to look busy.
Every time a man around his age approached the counter, his heart stopped beating. Is this his Minho?
„ What’s the name for the order?” The cashier asked.
„It’s Haechan”
„It’s Jaehyun”
„It’s Deokyom”
„It’s Min-„
Jisung’s head snapped up, his eyes widening
„-gyu”
He sank back into his chair, sighing. Where are you, Minho ?
Another hour passed. To kill time, Jisung actually started working on a song. It was good. Really good. For a moment he regretted knowing the next day it would all vanished.
„Minho! Hi, how are you today?” The cashier’s melodic voice filled the air.
Jisung froze.
„Hi.” Minho replied with that soft voice Jisung was listening every night. That voice - he’d know it anywhere „Work was pretty busy, so coffee will save my life today”
„The usual?”
Jisung’s counted from ten down to calm himself. His eyes slowly lifted to meet with dark messy hair, peeking out from a hood of a grey oversized hoodie. His black mask pulled down just enough to reveal his lips.
There’s no way.
Jisung world tilted. His eyes widened as he’s drowning in the sight of a man who passed him at the cafe door every day.
Minho turned, coffee in his hand and their eyes met. He paused, brows furrowing slightly before he stepped toward Jisung’s table.
Why is he coming to him?
„Hey, are you okay?” Minho asked, with a concerned voice.
Jisung realized that he was starting to hyperventilate as his eyes were stuck on the other man. He closed his eyes for a moment to recollect his thoughts and steady his breath.
„ Sea otters hold hands while sleeping” Jisung blurted.
The first thing that came to his mind. Good job, not weird at all.
„ I know!” Minho replied excitedly, pulling the chair back to sit on it. His fingers wrapped around the hem of the mask to take it off completely. And he’s stunning. So beautiful. „ Cute”
„What?” Jisung's voice cracked and he’s already embarrassed how flustered Minho made him only by existing.
Minho smiled, sweetly. That smile he was trying to imagine every time they talked. Seeing it in person, right in front of him is on another level. „The otters - they’re cute”
Right . He’s pretty sure his cheeks flamed, already painted red, he felt too hot right now. He opened his lips but Minho’s voice broke the silence again.
„You too, by the way. I like the blush on your cheeks. It’s cute.”
And Jisung can only blink, his mind short-circuited. It’s not the first time when their conversation went into a flirty route but now Minho sees him. All of him.
„ Sorry if I was too forward” Minho added and Jisung realized he still didn't said anything.
„You’re not” He managed to choke out, clearing his throat „I’m just not used to-” his hand gestures between them „this”
„You’re not used to people complimenting you?” Minho’s brows raised. I’m not used to you looking at me like that. Or at all. „ Shame on them. They should do it every day.”
„Shit” He curses under his nose, laughing nervously as he patted his hot cheeks. His wide grin must have given him away because Minho whispered again.
”Cute”
Hours passed like seconds. Conversation with Minho felt effortless. The same as their everyday phone calls. With Minho was easy. Easy to forget everything else, to fall into a possibility of something else.
But there was no future for them to find out.
Jisung will die today and Minho will forget.
„I can’t believe we talked for so long” Minho said, looking at the time on his phone, snapping Jisung out of his head. He stretched his arms, leaning against the bench they were sitting on.
The three cats cuddling together were on his screen. Jisung smiled „Are they yours?”
Soonie, Doongie and Dori.
Minho's expression lit up, his lips curling into a sweet, affectionate smile „ Yes, my brothers” He pointed to one of the orange cats „This is Soonie.” His fingers moved to another „Doongie” Fibally, he stopped at the last one „And that brat is Dori.”
„They’re so cute” Jisung coos, taking Minho's phone into his palms for a better look.
Minho hesitated before suddenly, asking „Do you want to meet them?”
„What?” Jisung’s eyebrows shot up, he didn’t expect that.
„I live close” Minho nodded toward the buildings on their right „ I need to pick up my friend from work soon but you could stop by. Just to meet the babies”
Jisung mouth hangs open, blinking a few time and Minho quickly added „Sorry, I’m being too forward again”
„No,no,no-„ Jisung stammered, eager to reassure him „I would love to meet them. I’m just.. surprised you’re inviting a stranger to your home. I could be a serial killer or something”
Minho grinned standing from the bench „You’re too cute to be a serial killer. Come on, Jisungie”
He was sprawled on the beige, fluffy rug in the middle of Minho’s living room. His fingers gently played with Dori’s paws - he’s not the most sociable one but he seemed to have taken a liking to Jisung. His eyes traced over the cozy space, taking in the plants perched on the furniture and the photos of Minho with his friends hanging on the walls. This place was so different from his own - warmer, safer.
Minho had been watching them from the couch, something glinting in his eyes.
“What?” He asked, his brows knitting in confusion when he caught Minho staring.
“Nothing.” The older said, shaking his head with a smile “ You just make me want to look at you”
“Don’t say things like that” Jisung murmured, feeling his cheeks grow warm again.
“Cute” Minho whispered teasingly, leaning froward, “ But as much as I would like to stay like this, I need to pick up Lix from work”
“Right” Jisung quickly stood up, his eyes flickered to Minho grabbing his car keys and they both headed to the door.
Jisung didn’t want to leave. His time was running out. Midnight was creeping closer, and though he knew he wasn’t going to rooftop anymore, the weight of inevitability was settling in his mind. He couldn’t die in front of Minho. They stood awkwardly on the street for a moment, the silence stretching between them.
“Give me your phone” Minho said suddenly, already holding out his hand.
Jisung handed him the phone without a word, watching as Minho quickly typed something in.
“This is my number” Minho said, turning the screen toward him “ Ask me out again, okay?”
And Jisung smiled widely, like a teenager being asked on the first date. He felt the suffocating sensation in his chest raising with every minute closer to midnight.
“Of course” He replied softly “I’ll call you”.
Minho turned and walked toward his car, while Jisung headed the opposite direction. He quickened his steps, desperate to slip behind the building before tears and grasping for the air would betray him. But just as he reached the corner, a deafening crash shattered the silence.
His head immediately snapped back, and his heart stopped.
No.
Jisung's feet moved before his mind would catch up, breaking into a run as the pain in his chest started to claw at his lungs, leaving him breathless. “Min-Minho”
The car had smashed into the nearest building wall, scattering the shop’s window glass all around the street. The sight of the unconscious driver made his eyes immediately searching for Minho.
And his Minho - his Minho - lay on the cold asphalt, in an unnatural position, his oversized grey hoodie blooming with dark, spreading red.
“Minho”
Jisung's voice faltered as his knees gave out, hitting the ground. Crawling toward him, his breath hitching, agonizing pain rushing through his chest. He reached out, trembling hand brushing air-
And then everything began to fade as the clock struck midnight.
Beep beep beep beep
“Minho!” Jisung shot up, screaming Minho’s name into the empty room. His heart was racing in time with alarm as the wet tears strolled down his face.
Shakily he grabbed his phone. 12 April 2024
Still in the loop.
Relief flooded him, easing the panic he felt a moment ago. If he was still stuck in this endless cycle, that meant Minho was alive - for now.
Jisung's trembling hands dialed Minho’s number. He just needed to hear his voice - but it went straight to his voicemail like always during his work hours.
He’d have to wait until the evening.
Jisung sat at the table, his leg nervously bouncing under as he waited. His stomach twisted as his eyes landed on familiar posture.
And there he was.
Minho. Alive.
Dressed in the same grey oversized hoodie, his dark hair tousled, and those pretty, dark eyes scanning the cafe as he walked in. Jisung let out a shaky breath, feeling the pressure slightly loosened from his shoulders.
Jisung’s body remembered how to move just as Minho opened the door to leave. He catched him a few meters away, jogging toward him.
“Hyung” He called out, his voice stern.
Minho turned around, his eyebrows knitted in confusion. His mask still lowered, giving Jisung clear sight to his lips slightly opened to press into a line without a word a second later.
“Hyung” He repeated, stepping closer. “You can’t go to pick up Felix today. You need to stay home.”
Minho blinked a few times, processing what was going on. “Do I know you?”
“Yes” Jisung replied too quickly “No - I mean..”
Minho cut him off, his voice sharpening “Why should I stay at home?”
Jisung’s throat tightened, the truth was the only thing that came to his mind “Because you will die”
“This isn’t funny” He said coldly, taking a two steps back before turning away and speeding his walk “Leave me alone”
“Hyung..” Jisung whispered, trailing after him.
“Leave me alone, or I’ll call the police” Minho snapped, not leaving any room for argument.
So, he waited outside his apartment like a stalker. Are you stalking me, Jisung? The bitter laugh escaped his lips. He couldn’t let Minho die. Not again.
When Minho finally appeared, his eyes widened at the sight of Jisung.
“I wouldn’t do that if I was you. “ Minho said firmly, trying to pass around him. “ I’m a boxer”
“You're a veterinarian, Minho” Jisung retorted, blocking his path.
“But I know how to throw a punch” Minho warned, his fist clenching “Leave”
Jisung swallowed hard, slowly feeling the process of his daily dying starting. His breath grew shallow, each one harder to take than the last.
”Please, just - just don’t go into the road.” He pleaded, desperate “I don’t want to hurt you. I just need you to stay safe”
Minho ignored him, brushing last with a sharp “Leave me alone”
He felt his chest tightening, the dreading feeling of what is about to happen with Minho made him panic.
“Minho, please - ”
He reached out, grabbing Minho’s shoulder. But Minho spun around and shoved him back.
“Hey!” Minho shouted, his voice wavering between anger and concern. “Are you okay? I didn’t push you that hard - ”
Jisung staggered, collapsing to the ground as his chest tightened unbearably. Midnight was seconds away, and he couldn’t breathe.
“Mi-Min…” he rasped, clawing at the air.
And then it happened.
The loud screech of tires, the sickening crunch of metal meeting brick, and the hollow, echoing chime of the clock striking midnight.
Jisung closed his eyes, the world slipping away once more.
Beep beep beep beep
Jisung opened his eyes feeling calm. He knew what he had to do.
As he sat in the shadows outside Minho’s apartment, his mind replayed every moment they’d shared since the loop began. Every call. Every laugh. The way Minho teased him, the way his voice lit up when he talked passionately about something. Jisung could still remember every detail, from the way Minho’s words made his lips curl into a smile, every moment when he imagined Minho’s expression, until he could met him and see it with his own eyes.
When Minho finally stepped out of the building, Jisung’s feet moved on their own.
“My name is Jisung,” he said, stepping in front of him “I know you don’t remember me, but we’ve been talking for over a month.”
Minho turned, confused “What?”
“Every night,” Jisung continued quickly. “I know it sounds ridiculous, but you talk to me every night before you go to pick up Felix.”
“How do you-” Minho started, but Jisung cut him off.
“There’s no time.” His voice trembled slightly as he took a deep breath. “You told me, Minho. You told me about Felix, about Chan, Changbin, Jeongin, Hyunjin. Even about Seungmin and I know you wouldn’t admit to anyone that he’s your best friend.”
Minho’s eyes widened, his mouth parting slightly in disbelief.
“You told me about Soonie, Dori, and Doongie. I’ve met them. I’ve been in your apartment - your cozy little place with the beige rug where we played with them together.”
“I don’t understand,” Minho said weakly, his voice wavering.
“Hyung,” Jisung stepped closer, his eyes pleading. “One night, you told me I would learn how to love again. And I did.” His voice softened, his hands falling loosely at his sides. “I learned to love singing. I learned to love myself. I learned to love life again.” His voice broke slightly as he whispered, “And I learned to love you.”
Minho’s lips moved soundlessly, his eyes darting across Jisung’s face as if trying to make sense of his words.
“I’m sorry - I just…”
“It’s okay, hyung,” Jisung said, smiling faintly. “I’m dying, Minho. Every single night, I take a step toward the edge and fall. But I’ve been dead for far longer - weeks, months… It feels like an eternity. And every single night, your voice was the only thing that made me feel alive.”
Minho’s lips parted with a quiet, disbelieving oh.
Jisung’s chest tightened as his breath hitched—the first sign that his time was running out. He didn’t hesitate. Leaning forward, he shoved Minho out of the road just as the car appeared in his vision.
The impact came in a flash.
The world blurred, spinning faster and faster, yet Jisung felt nothing. No pain, no fear - just a strange, numbing calm.
“No, no, no - Jisung. Stay with me. Ji -” Minho’s voice broke through the haze, but it sounded distant. His voice mixing with a clock hitting midnight. “Jisung!”
And then there was nothing.
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
The steady rhythm of hospital machinery was the first thing Jisung heard as his eyes fluttered open. The harsh, sterile light stung his pupils, forcing him to squint. He blinked again, trying to focus, and his vision settled on a man standing at the foot of his bed.
The stranger’s eyes widened, panic flashing across his face before he turned and ran out of the room. Seconds later, many of nurses and a doctor bustled in. Everything felt hazy, their voices muffled as they worked around him. Someone removed the tube from his mouth, and the sudden, unfamiliar sensation made him gag slightly. The light from a pen flickered painfully in his eyes as the doctor leaned closer, murmuring instructions Jisung couldn’t quite follow.
The man with a dark eyes was gone.
“Do you remember what is your name?” The doctor asked.
“Han Jisung” He rasped, hus throat hurting like he hadn’t talking in years.
“Do you know what year we have?”
“ 2024?” Jisung asked hesitantly.
“Yes,” the doctor nodded. “April 25th. You’ve been unconscious for almost two weeks.”
Everything started to fade again.
The next time he woke, the room was quiet and dimly lit by the soft glow of hallway lights. His gaze fell on a figure slumped beside his bed, head resting on crossed arms. The stranger’s dark hair fell messily around his face, illuminated faintly by the shadows.
He was here again.
Jisung blinked a few times, his vision adjusting. The stranger’s breathing was slow and steady, his chest rising and falling rhythmically. Jisung’s eyes wandered over the sharp lines of his jaw, the delicate curve of his nose, and the small mole at its tip. Even in sleep, he was stunning—someone who seemed entirely out of Jisung’s reach now.
The stranger stirred, his lashes fluttering as he blinked himself awake. His eyes, dark and expressive, locked with Jisung’s, widening in shock.
“You’re awake,” the man gasped, sitting up straight.
His voice was melodic, soothing in a way Jisung couldn’t explain. He cleared his throat, trying to sound casual, but his voice was still raspy. “They told me I took a hit for you.” He smirked slightly, attempting to shift in the bed, only to hiss as sharp pain shot through his side.
The stranger’s hand shot forward instinctively but stopped halfway, hovering awkwardly between them. His gaze dropped to the bed, breaking their connection.
No. No, no.
Jisung’s chest tightened as he silently pleaded the man to look at him again, to let him see those dark, captivating eyes.
“You did,” the stranger said quietly, his voice tinged with something like guilt. “You don’t remember?” His gaze lifted again, but the light that had been there a moment ago was gone, replaced by a shadow of sadness.
Jisung frowned. “What’s your name?”
“Minho,” the man replied softly, offering him a small, hesitant smile. “Lee Minho.”
Minho.
The name echoed in Jisung’s mind, over and over. It felt familiar, like a word he had repeated in a dream but couldn’t place. Like it was engraved in his mind. Minho.
“Do you know elephants ‘purr’ like cats?” Minho asked suddenly, tilting his head.
The random question broke through Jisung’s spiraling thoughts. He let out a surprised laugh, the sound rasping but genuine. “I do, actually. They use the sound to communicate their feelings.”
Minho’s lips quirked into a smile, the spark returning to his gaze.
“Did you know crows hold grudges?” Jisung added, the words spilling out before he could stop himself. Where did he learned that?
Minho’s brow furrowed in disbelief. “Really?”
Jisung nodded, his grin widening. “It’s ridiculous, but it’s true.”
Minho laughed softly, shaking his head. “How would you even know that?”
“I could ask you the same thing.” Jisung’s eyes crinkled as he took in the way Minho’s laughter softened his features.
“I’m a veterinarian,” Minho explained, leaning back in his chair with an easy smile.
Jisung raised an eyebrow, his grin turning playful. “A veterinarian, huh? You have the coolest job in the world.”