*timeskip to Monday*

"Excuse me, sir, may I use the restroom?" I asked. My professor nodded and mouthed, "Quickly." I nodded back and climbed out of my seat. 

Chan still hadn't woken up. I hadn't visited him at the hospital ever since that day. Who knows what other stupid things I'd try to do? I decided it was the best for now, at least until I can get my thoughts under control. As much as it hurt, it was best to just not think about him right now. 

While making my way down the empty hallways, my ears picked up on what sounded like a whimper by the stairs. Specifically the stairs where Chan saved me, but that's besides the point.

"Uhm... Hello? Are you alright down there?" I hissed, trying not to get any nearby classroom's attention. As I got closer to the top of the stairway, I noticed someone familiar sitting at the bottom. His head was hung low in between his knees, and was visibly shaking in tears. Definitely not 'Alright', I said to myself. 

Cautiously, I stepped down the stairs one by one, trying not to startle him. My fingers brushed past the metal rail, causing me to flinch at a spark it created. I cussed under my breath, telling myself to focus on the situation ahead. How was I supposed to help him? I don't even know him, and even then I can't touch him. Fuck, I thought. Curse you, haphephobia. 

I awkwardly sat down a couple feet in front of him, unsure if I should attempt to get his attention. After a whole inner battle with my annoying ass self, I cleared my throat. He froze, controlling his sobs at my presence. Slowly and carefully, he raised his head to glance at me through his red eyes. 

I gasped and immediately scooted closer on my knees. "Minho?"

He only turned his stare onto the ground, avoiding my worried expression. I reached up and placed my hand on his shoulder without thinking. I could care less about the burn at this point, for the boy that saved my life yesterday was now in front of me, vulnerable as ever. 

"Do you want to talk about it?" I bit my bottom lip, anxious for my friend. He shook his head quickly, wiping his face with his sleeve. 

"Go back to class." He mumbled under his breath. I looked at him like he was insane. 

"No. No way am I leaving you like this." My own words reminded me of another's, but once again, not the time or place to reminisce. "Want to skip? You can come over if you want."

He remained silent, still stationary in the same position as before. I sighed, looking around for any sign of teachers. "Come on. Let's go to my place, there's no one home." I pulled my hand under my long sweater sleeve like I had once before, and interlaced our hands. 

We walked all the way back to my house wordlessly. Our hands were still tied, and anyone who walked past probably thought we were a couple. I didn't want to let go in fear of losing him on the way there. Minho might've found his way back to the cliff if I hadn't had my hand grasped tightly in his the whole time. 

The door unlocked with a click and I pulled him inside, shutting it behind us. "This way." I gestured in the direction of my room. He simply nodded and trailed behind me, eventually finding a seat on my bed. "Do you want anything to drink?" He shook his head. "Is it too cold? Or too hot? I can adjust the thermostat if you like." He shook his head again, fidgeting with his fingers on his lap. I pursued my lips and bit them once more, checking my pulse in the meantime. 

"Okay. Um. How about you get some rest, and we can talk after?" He nodded silently, his eyes still focused on his lap. I unfolded the sheets and blankets, patting my pillow for him to lay on. He muttered a small thank you and shuffled over to me. "Sleep. I'm trusting you not to use my scissors on anything other than paper, okay?" I smiled at him, patting his shoulder before walking out of my room to give him privacy.

I slumped onto my living room couch once I had left. Guess everyone needs comforting once in a while.