Jinki took a deep breath as Kibum walked out of sight, trying to convince himself that he was right, that Kibum wouldn’t be able to do it. He held back the start of tears, his ringtone calming him down a bit, smiling at Jonghyun’s name on the screen.

“Hello?” Jinki answered, turning to enter the hospital.

“Did you find Kibum?” Taemin’s voice made his stomach flip.

“Ah.. Yeah, he left early” Jinki swallowed the lump in his throat, “Why’d you call on Jonghyun’s phone?”

“I left mine in the car, are you headed back?” Taemin asked.

“Yes, I just walked back in” Jinki was trying to keep his voice steady.

“Are you okay?” Taemin’s voice was gentle now.

“I’m fine, I’ll see you soon” Jinki insisted, hanging up before the younger could ask anything else.

He made a beeline for the closest bathroom, knowing the tears were coming, he’d rather let them out then cry in front of everyone. He didn’t want them asking what was wrong, he didn’t want to scare them, Jinki just hoped he could trust Kibum. For now, he let the ‘what if’s get to him, crying to himself in a hopefully vacant bathroom.

After a few breathing exercises and some wads of tear covered paper towels, Jinki started back on the path back to his friends. On the way, he thought up a list of excuses in case he were to breakdown again, wanting to keep the conversation with Kibum as secret as possible. He put on his brightest smile as Taemin came into view, waiting outside of Minho’s room for him.

“There you are” Taemin smiled back, “Jonghyun’s inside, but if you want to be alone with Minho he said he’ll-”

Jinki cut the younger off with a hug, one that Jinki knew was probably too tight or too emotional, but he needed to get it out of him. Taemin hugged back, although shocked by the older.

“Sorry, I’m just glad we’re all safe” Jinki lied as they broke apart.

“Don’t be sorry, I understand