josushishushi

[josushishushi]

A Love to Lean On | Mingyu x Reader

flulf, comfort | 748 words

Mingyu stepped out of the elevator, his smile unwavering as he jingled his keys in his hand. He was finally home after a long day at work, energized by the thought of seeing his one and only. Usually, she’d be waiting in the living room, curled up on the couch with her favorite show or rushing into his arms the second he walked through the door.

But tonight felt… different.

The apartment was dark, the curtains drawn, and the usual warm, comforting aura was replaced with a somber stillness. His smile faltered slightly as he called out, "Y/n? I'm home!"

No answer.

Mingyu frowned. He slipped off his shoes, setting down his bag carefully, and checked the living room—empty. His heart started to beat faster, worry seeping into his mind.

“Y/n? Where are you?” he called again, softer this time, heading towards the bedroom.

He noticed the faint sliver of light spilling through the cracked door. Mingyu pushed it open gently, his eyes scanning the dim room.

There she was. Lying on her side, facing away from him, her small frame curled up under the blanket. Relief washed over him, thinking she was asleep, and a soft smile returned to his face.

He stepped closer, but as the stillness enveloped him, he caught the sound—soft, muffled sobs. His heart sank.

"Y/n?" he said cautiously, his voice tinged with concern.

No response.

He sat down carefully on the edge of the bed, his hand hovering over her shoulder, unsure if he should touch her. He leaned forward slightly, trying to get a look at her face. “Y/n… what’s wrong?” he whispered.

It took a moment, but she shifted slightly, turning to face him. Mingyu's heart clenched as he saw her red, tear-streaked face. Before he could say anything, she sat up and threw herself into his arms.

“Y/n…” he murmured, holding her tightly. He cradled the back of her head, one hand stroking her hair in soothing motions. “Hey, hey, it’s okay. I’m here. What happened?”

Her sobs quieted just a little as she felt his warmth surround her, grounding her. She took a shaky breath before she spoke, her voice barely audible.

“I… I couldn’t do it today, Gyu,” she started, her words trembling. “I was so drained and stressed. I just couldn’t go to work. And everything… it’s too much.”

Mingyu’s brows furrowed, but he didn’t interrupt, gently encouraging her to continue.

“My coworkers…” she sniffled. “They always have something to say about me. It’s like—no matter what I do—it’s never enough. And what if I mess up tomorrow? What if they fire me? Then what? How will I live? How will I even—”

Mingyu shushed her softly, pulling her even closer as if he could shield her from the world. “I’ve been telling you to quit, haven’t I?” His voice was gentle but firm.

She pulled back slightly to look at him, tears still welling in her eyes. “How will I live then, Mingyu? Huh? Just quit and what? I can’t afford to just—”

“Live off of me,” he said simply, his tone leaving no room for argument.

She shook her head quickly. “You know I can’t do that, Gyu… I don’t want to be a burden.”

He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs wiping away her tears as he looked straight into her eyes. “You’re not a burden. You never have been. I want this to be the last time I see you crying alone like this, okay? I mean it.”

Her lips quivered, but she remained quiet, listening as he continued.

“Besides,” he smiled softly, leaning his forehead against hers. “You’ve always wanted to open a coffee shop, right? Let’s start there. I’ll help you. We’ll do it together, Y/n. Okay?”

Her tears flowed again, but this time they were mixed with relief and a fragile hope. “…M’kay, Gyu,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be,” he said immediately, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “But promise me one thing—next time you feel like this, call me. I don’t care where I am or what I’m doing. I’ll drop everything and come to you, okay?”

“…Okay,” she murmured, burying her face in his chest once more, clinging to him as if he were her anchor in a turbulent storm.

Mingyu smiled faintly, holding her just as tightly. “Good. Now let’s get you to bed, hmm? Tomorrow, we’ll figure everything out. Together.”

“Thank you gyu… love you…”

“I love you too”