세븐틴:  Rejection

 

Meanwhile, when the Sebongs were left terribly miserable inside their home, they went frozen. They couldn’t move a single muscle from what they had witness.

 

The ambiance was pretty heavy that they could feel the dense air.

 

Joshua almost faint because of the pain he acquired through Jeonghan’s sharp gazes. It felt like piercing like hell.

 

Mingyu was able to catch him upon losing his balance.

 

Mingyu:

Hyung!

 

Fortunately, Joshua could still hold on. He could stand still. It’s just that he was not able to control his balance from earlier as his chest was so heavy that he got a little light headed.

 

Joshua:

I’m fine.

 

But the boy couldn’t help but to shed tears.

 

Jun who were just right in front of his hyung, rushed and wiped off the other’s tears.

 

Jun:

Hyung… stay strong.

 

Jun embraced him tightly because it was their first time seeing Joshua so weak like that. It was the first time he cried in pain.

 

Joshua never showed his weakness, even if, he would already stumble down in any situation. Even if he almost give up due to deadly practices and trainings and even criticisms. Even if they fight for some matters. He never shows his weakness. He’s one of their strongest pillars. Joshua was one of the persons whom the others would rely on; even though, his silliness would show all the time.

 

On the other hand, Seungcheol felt that they were breaking apart.

 

…He felt that he was lacking something, seeing his friends, his most precious ones, all broken and in misery. He couldn’t even maintain a little and genuine smile out of his angel’s face.

 

Today… Seungcheol felt like he was totally a failure.

 

He kept that in his heart- his broken heart. He didn’t cry… he promised he would never cry, no matter how he wanted to. Not in front of his friends. Not in front of Jeonghan. Even if he wanted to burst in tears. He needed to stay, or should we say, act strong because he knew people would rely on him.

 

Poor Seungcheol. He’s in pressure.

 

Despite his struggle in his own pain, he tapped Joshua’s head lightly and exposed his soft side.

 

Seungcheol:

You did the right thing Joshua.

 

Joshua:

He’s hurt so much.

(He sobbed in Jun’s arms)

 

Seungcheol:

Then, let’s fix it as soon as possible.

 

Joshua nodded.

 

Seungcheol:

(Called the attention of his friends)

Okay!

Stop sulking.

Jeonghan will be back in no time.

He needs space, and so we give him.

And we should talk about Jeonghan’s operation…

I think, he has the right to decide for his own. Seungkwan is right… we do not have the right to oppose what he thought was best for him.

We are here to support, alright?

(He smiled)

 

Apparently, one of their members who was stone hearted outside, showed his tears despite looking tough enough to handle the situation.

 

Jihoon cried silently.

 

Seungcheol noticed, and he tapped him too.

 

Seungcheol:

It’s alright Jihoonie. We will return to normal like the old days.

Have patience, little monster.

 

Seungcheol embraced him tight and warm.

 

Jihoon, who treated s and team as family was so vulnerable when he’s seeing his family falling down, breaking into pieces.

 

Jihoon is cold outside, but deep inside, he treasured them above all. Their friendship, their love, everything they shared together even if it was in good times or bad times. Even if he won’t look for them when they’re gone, he missed them a lot. And now that they were weak… he was left broken and unstable as well.

 

Looking upon his weak members, especially their little wild monster, Seungcheol needed to be brave, even if it means burning his painful heart into dust.

 

Seungcheol:

And for now… I think, we need to clean the house, so when he returns, he can rest in comfort.

Look!

(Pointing out to the messy rooms)

It’s very crowded!

Let’s get going!

 

Seungkwan:

(Whined in the middle of his crying)

But it’s already night.

 

Seungcheol:

I know.

 

Soon Young:

Can we clean tomorrow?

My heart is weak, hyung.

I cannot move.

(he whined cutely but in serious hurt expression)

 

Seungcheol:

No.

We will fix other things tomorrow.

But now, just clean the house.

 

Mingyu immediately moved his body into action because he knew what their leader was saying. For the meantime, they would rely their actions and decisions from their leader since their brain isn’t working properly. Besides, it’s a good distraction for the meantime.

 

Joshua was left in that position as he requested to have a minute for him to think properly because he was a little distracted with those eyes he saw on Jeonghan’s face.

 

One by one, the boys left… but Seungcheol. He stayed for a while staring at his friend… and without any word, he stepped closer and embraced the thinner man tight and warm for a minute before he left.  

 

Meanwhile, Doctor Eric and Jeonghan went somewhere near the river as per Jeonghan’s request. They were eating eating ice cream in the middle of extremely cold air.

 

Doctor Eric; however, couldn’t comprehend what’s in Jeonghan’s mind that he wanted to enjoy something cold when it’s already cold. It made Eric’s teeth hurt so much and he’s experiencing brain freeze.

 

Doctor Eric:

What the hell are you thinking eating ice cream in a cold weather like this, kid?

 

Jeonghan:

It’s nice.

 

Doctor Eric didn’t get it- AT ALL.

 

Jeonghan:

Hyung, can I tell you something?

 

Doctor Eric:

That’s why I’m eating ice cream in a cold weather with you, Jeonghan.

(He teased like a brother)

 

Jeonghan;

It must be good having someone older than you.

You can always rely on them.

 

Doctor Eric:

Yeah.

What are you going to tell me?

 

Jeonghan:

I would like to report something to you.

 

Doctor Eric:

(While struggling eating the ice cream)

I’m listening.

 

Jeonghan:

I hate someone.

 

Doctor Eric:

Don’t you ever say you hate yourself because I am going to slap you on your so hard.

 

Jeonghan:

No.

Not myself. Oh, maybe just a little because I’m so sensitive and emotional… but not me.

Someone.

 

Doctor Eric:

Who? Inside your team?

 

Jeonghan:

Nope.

Please don’t tell anyone.

…

I hate our boss.

 

Doctor Eric:

Who?

 

Jeonghan:

Yo Han ssi

 

Doctor Eric:

Why?

Did he do something to you?

 

Jeonghan:

He’s… he’s really annoying and possessive.

I hate it.

Besides, he made my Sebongs feel so bad about themselves all the time…

Ummm… beside me from what I did earlier.

(He sighed)

I’m so bad.

I’m the second person in my hate list.

 

The, Doctor gave him a slap on his .

 

Jeonghan:

Aw!

 

Doctor Eric:

I told you if you mention that thing, I will slap you.

 

Jeonghan:

You’re a sadist.

I’m sick you know.

(He grunted)

 

Doctor Eric:

That’s not even painful. This kid! You are making me a bad person here.

 

Jeonghan laughed because what Eric said was true. He’s just over reacting.

 

Doctor Eric:

So proceed…

Why won’t you tell anybody?

 

Jeonghan:

Because I don’t know what will happen if I tell them about us.

 

Doctor Eric:

About you?!

(In his surprise)

 

Jeonghan:

Don’t judge me alright.

Judger!

(He showed a cute judging face to tease the older one beside him.)

 

Doctor Eric:

You are the one who’s looking at me like that, Jeonghan-ah.

 

Jeonghan:

(He giggled)

Sorry.

I mean… there’s nothing between us.

It’s just that, he asked me if we could date.

(He sighed)

 

Doctor Eric:

Openly?!

 

Jeonghan:

Yeah.

 

Doctor Eric:

I never thought that would happen. Not here.

(He was bewildered)

What did you say?

 

Jeonghan:

I told him he’s not my priority and I’m not comfortable.

 

Doctor Eric:

That’s right… and?

 

Jeonghan:

He insisted.

I can’t let him know what’s going on with me and my team.

It will definitely reach our CEO and I don’t want to ruin all the efforts we’ve done in our career because of our little complicated love with each other.

 

Doctor Eric:

Then don’t.

I understand you.

It’s okay to decline, kid.

 

Jeonghan:

Is it weird that my love life is weird?

 

Doctor Eric:

What else it could be?

(He laughed)

You silly!

 

Jeonghan:

I love all of them- I mean my loveable Sebongie.

I love them so so much.

(He laughed)

 

Doctor Eric:

I know.

(He was surprised when he found out that Jeonghan had already finished his ice cream)

You done already?!

 

Jeonghan:

Yeah.

(With a little boast to himself)

 

Doctor Eric:

You are fast!

 

Jeonghan:

You are just old.

(He teased)

 

Doctor Eric:

Tsk!

Don’t say that!

 

Jeonghan laughed.

 

 

Doctor Eric:

(He was glad seeing his patient happy and well again)

You know… you are the closest to me among all my patients.

 

Jeonghan:

Glad to hear that. I hope you treat me like once in a while.

(He teased)

 

Doctor Eric:

Sure!

(He giggled)

I’m your brother, that’s why.

Anything else, Hanie?

 

Jeonghan:

That, I want to delay my operation.

 

Eric was surprised of his decision.

 

Doctor Eric:

Why?

Something happened?

 

Jeonghan:

Hmmm… I had thought lots of things last night.

 

Doctor Eric:

Did they oppose?

 

Jeonghan:

Yeah.

They said it’s too risky.

 

Doctor Eric:

I understand. But how about you?

 

Jeonghan:

I want to try.

But maybe not now.

 

Doctor Eric:

Then when?

 

Jeonghan:

I am to decline Yo Han ssi’s offer. Because he said he’ll sponsor for everything.

(He sighed)

I know I will not earn the money needed for my operation that fast, but… I don’t want to feel that I can only rely on him.

I don’t want to imprison myself to him just because he helped me.

(He sighed)

But I don’t know what to do.

 

Doctor Eric:

While thinking?

You have to be braver and stronger than before, Jeonghan.

 

Jeonghan:

That’s a hard task but I will try.

Too sad, I’m being too emotional with things already. It’s making me ugly and old.

 

Doctor Eric chuckled.

 

Jeonghan:

I will tell the others about Yo Han ssi, hyung.

I should stop this madness.

It’s making me uncomfortable.

 

Doctor Eric:

You are to do the right thing, Jeonghan.

I’m so proud of you.

Then, I have to guarantee the boys and your family that you are safe in my hands.

Give me a little time Jeonghan. Little more and we will save you.

Though, I am not assuring a total healing, but at least remove you from the border line of life and death.

Because… to be honest…

(He sighed)

Although our other patient was saved from blood clot and another chances of heart attacks after the coldness… he’s still in coma.

But… then, you give me more time to prove myself to you and to your team, I will do my best, Jeonghan-ah.

(He smiled)

 

Jeonghan:

I like that.

I guess, I have to live with the Jeonghanie’s fairytale for a little more while.

(He laughed)

By the way, hyung?

 

Doctor Eric:

Mn?

 

Jeonghan:

I stopped writing for a reason.

I thought, I should stop writing my boring activities.

(He chuckled)

That’s why I’m making a little scrap book with all my memories, because I noticed that I tend to forget the people I love one by one, minute by minute sometimes. I’m just glad that my memories would return back the soonest. I hope that nothing’s missing at all.

(He sighed)

I’ll show you my memory book when I’m done vandalizing our faces.

(He giggled when he remembered putting things using a marker on each of the members’ faces.)

 

Doctor Eric:

I’ll wait for that.

(He said feeling worried about the boy)

 

Jeonghan:

Last.

Hyung. I don’t have money. I forgot because I am being overly dramatic with things earlier.

Can I borrow?

I’ll buy ice cream for everyone as an apology gift.

 

Doctor Eric:

With this weather, huh?

I don’t think they will forgive you if you make their brain freeze.

(He laughed)

 

Jeonghan;

But, it’s fun to see them brain freezing!

 

Doctor Eric:

(He sighed)

I guess, I have no power to convince you to give them soup instead of cold food.

(He chuckled)

 

Jeonghan:

Yeah. You can’t change my mind.

…

I’ll pay you later in the house.

Let’s go buy now so we can go home.

I assume they are still all up by this time.

 

Doctor Eric:

Alright!

May I know if you feel a little better?

 

Jeonghan:

Definitely!

Thank you hyung!

 

Doctor Eric:

No problem!

 

So the two bought ice creams enough for everyone and go home. Unfortunately, Jeonghan’s stamina was not sufficient until they went home. Well, actually, Doctor Eric had to pass by the hospital and ask for another dextrose because the sick boy needed it as his body was so weak that time.

 

Jeonghan fell asleep and was busy in his dreams that’s why he couldn’t feel Doctor Eric carrying him to bed and that Sebongs were still up and all worried about him.

 

Jeonghan was put to bed sound and clear; in addition, dextrose was again attached to his hands.

 

Doctor Eric:

Don’t let him move.

(He smiled)

 

Joshua:

How’s he?

 

Doctor Eric:

He’s better now.

Please have more patience. His mind is playing with him.

Talk to him when he wakes up.

He’d love that.

He says he misses you.

(He smiled)

He’s just getting emotional, but he’s the same old Jeonghan who loves all of you so much.

Sometimes, he just feels emptiness that it chokes him badly.

He needs space alone… and I think, it’s healthier if you’d let him have that once in a while.

 

Seungcheol:

(He smiled)

Thank you.

 

Doctor Eric:

(He smiled dearly)

Take care, you kids.

You are all like my little brother you know.

I am concern too.

 

Seungcheol:

Sorry.

 

Doctor Eric:

I should get going… and remind him that he have to tell you something, alright.

 

Mingyu:

Can’t you tell us?

 

Doctor Eric:

I’m sorry, I can’t.

(He smiled gently)

Just wait for him to wake up.

And don’t forget to give him space so he could think properly, alright.

And your ice cream… put it in the ref. eat it if you want.

That’s Jeonghan’s little treat.

(He smiled)

 

The boys nodded and respected the rights of Jeonghan.

 

Dino:

I will sleep beside him.

Please!

(He said in an urgent manner)

 

The boys were startled but they allowed him, so he would have all the time to cuddle his Jeongmom because they knew he was getting crazy thinking how sorry he was because of his attitude.

 

Jun:

Make sure, you won’t let him move.

 

Wonwoo:

Be good at your job.

 

Dino:

I will.

Good night!

 

The boy went beside Jeonghan, lying himself discreetly in between spaces that could fit his body. Then, he secured his Jeonghmom’s body lying straight by making Jeonghan’s shoulder his pillow. And then, he put his hands on Jeonghan’s body with his legs comfortable wrapping the other’s feet.

 

Then, the boys slept, but not soundly.