This is the first time Changmin lives far away from his family. He got accepted into his dream college in another city. Though he’s happy preparing for his first day, he can’t deny that he’s kinda worried about some things. No one from his high school got accepted here so Changmin is basically alone. But he has to do it, right?
Being an introvert makes it hard for Changmin to make friends. He’s always hesitant to approach people first so he’s just standing awkwardly in the middle of people passing by, introducing themselves to each other.
But then there’s this tall guy walking closer to Changmin with a smile plastered on his face. Changmin quickly puts on his smile just like how he practiced this morning in front of the mirror. It turns out to be unnatural, though. But Changmin has no time to think about it.
“Hey. You’re in this class too, right?” The tall guy asks. He looks friendly and not really intimidating so Changmin slowly puts his guard down.
“Y-Yeah! I am!” Changmin answers, a little too excited he wants to slap himself.
“Cool. I’m Juyeon.”
Changmin looks down at the hand in front of him, forming a small smile before taking his hand.
“Changmin.”
They become buddies in no time. Changmin is grateful that Juyeon is willing to initiate things first because he’s too shy to ask for anything. Even for the simplest thing, like some meds from the drugstore that he needs when he’s sick.
Being sick is inconvenient, moreover when you’re away from your family. Changmin is used to being pampered by his mom whenever he’s sick. But no one is here to do it for him.
Unless…
“Why don’t you tell me earlier that you’re sick?”
Juyeon sounds upset and worried at the same time. He brings some meds that he grabbed on his way to Changmin’s dorm. Helping Changmin to eat his food and then his pills.
“Sorry I made you come all the way from your home to my place,” says Changmin. “You didn’t need to do it, though.”
“And letting you suffer here alone? I’m worried.” Juyeon lets out an exasperated sigh. “Also I’m your friend, Changmin. You can rely on me.”
Changmin suddenly feels bad. Juyeon is such a nice friend to him. “I get it. Thank you, Juyeon. I really appreciate it.”
“Good. Now let me stay here at least until your fever subsides.”
Changmin can’t argue. Also he has no energy anymore so he just lets Juyeon sit on the floor, back resting against Changmin’s bed.
“Juyeon.” Changmin whispers. “It’s almost holiday.”
“Hm? Yeah.” Juyeon turns his head, giving Changmin a smile. “Any plan?”
“Me? Nah. I’ll just sleep all day. And watch some shows on Netflix probably. How about you?”
“Actually I have a family event.”
“Right. Must be fun.”
Juyeon watches as Changmin’s eyes are gradually closing. He chuckles to himself before letting Changmin sleep as he keeps him company.
It’s finally holiday. The dorm is quiet because many students have their own plan. And then there’s Changmin wrapping himself with a blanket, still not getting up from his bed. His only plan is to stay inside his room.
But what’s not on Changmin’s plan is finding Juyeon in front of his door with that big smile of his.
“What are you doing here?” Isn’t Juyeon supposed to have a plan with his family?
“Picking you up.”
“Picking me up…for?”
“Holiday celebrations!”
“Wait, I’m invited? I thought you said holiday celebrations were a family only event.”
Juyeon shrugs. He puts his hand on top of Changmin’s head.
“You are family.”
Well, maybe going outside is better than sleeping all day. But one thing for sure, spending time with Juyeon would be much much better than being alone.
Changmin nods happily. “Okay!”