RESET

 

CHAPTER 32:  Division

 

There’s obviously a division within the group. Joshua was the one visible to side Jeonghan despite the revelation Seungcheol opened up during their fight. Seungkwan was still weighing the situation, although, he felt a little disappointment. Seungcheol was obviously to the other side, making his anger rule more than love.

 

Jihoon, Dino, Soon Young, Vernon and Minghao felt the same as Seungcheol’s. Mingyu and DK seemed trapped in the middle. Probably still absorbing the situation. There’s nothing but pain in their hearts right now. Although Jun and Wonwoo were confused as well, they were open to know both sides. Besides, Jeonghan had been warning them about this.  Despite the pain, they wanted to know the truth above all.

 

JEONGHAN IN A RENTED APARTMENT_

 

Jeonghan was alone, trying to think right how to mend things. Simple gifts won’t help now. Apology wouldn’t suffice. The next morning, Jeonghan decided to ask some help as he consulted to Ye Jun.

Meeting Jeonghan that morning sunk Ye Jun’s heart. It was obvious that he’s been through a lot on his own. “You are brave.” Knowing that Jeonghan was trying to do the right thing. “I am proud of you.” smiled Ye Jun as he spread his arms open for Jeonghan to fit in.

 

“It hurts so much.” Jeonghan cried.

 

Ye Jun looked over the apartment, Jeonghan rented. It was all blank. Just the bed and the fridge. It worried him that it might take a toll on him but he stayed positive since he knew Jeonghan was a fighter. “I know. Forgive me. I am the one to blam.” as he kissed Jeonghan’s head to calm him down and to make him feel safe and home.

 

“This is not your fault.”

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DORM 1_

 

Joshua was trying to tame every member he could. It was tiring. Seungkwan looking at his poor hyung, he thought it was time to step up and help. Moreover, they had no idea where Jeonghan could be. No one dared ask where he’s been staying.

 

For now, after all that happened. It was time to call the day off. Seungkwan went back up his dorm again and saw Jun on his phone.

 

“Jun hyung?” he interrupted to the man staring blankly at his phone for the first time.

 

“Mn-Mmn?” surprised as he uttered with a stutter.

 

“Can we talk?”

 

“Have you seen Jeonghan hyung?”

 

Now that he said it, Seungkwan glanced slightly at their hyung’s room. No sign of him. Well, he’d rather not, based on the situation. The room feels so heavy.

 

“Not yet. He won’t answer. I tried. I hope he is with someone he could be safe.”

 

Jun stood up and got this tablet organizer. It was Jeonghan’s vitamins. He left it. “This is bad.” Said Jun. “He left his medicine along with his maintenance.”

 

“Well, let’s try to contact him. Maybe he’d reply with a message?”

 

“How long since you’ve called him?” asked Jun.

 

“About an hour, I guess.” answered the younger.

 

Looking at the clock about 10 in the evening. “He must have took his session with Dr. Eric.” Jun handed him a schedule of Jeonghan’s therapy from his wallet.

 

“That would be a relief.” said Seungkwan.

 

They texted Jeonghan on a group chat they made for the three of them, when they received a reply immediately with “You don’t have to worry about me. I just need time to think. Take care of yourselves. I love you all.” noted Jeonghan.

 

“Then, please let us know if you need something. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to fight for you like Joshua hyung did.” Jun texted.

 

“He did? Please tell him I really appreciate it. I will talk to him soon. Tell him not to stress himself out.” added with a smiling face. “I have a favor. Could you look after your little brothers while I’m gone? I owe you a big one.”

 

“Sure. Take care.” Seungkwan and Jun both texted back.

 

Jeonghan texted Seungkwan in private, asking him if he had time to meet at the nearest café. He did go when he saw Joshua covered with a bucket hat cooling down near a convenient store with bruise on his cheeks. He called his hyung’s attention. He took a good look at his bruise first before they talk while walking towards the café Jeonghan told him. He made sure Jeonghan knew that he was with Joshua that time.

 

“Hyung… may I ask… you said you should have been the one we are angry to, right?”

 

Joshua nodded as he explained in details. “I was with Jeonghan that time when CEO offered it. It was with good purpose but not my cup of tea. Same as Seungcheol right now, I felt disgusted.”

 

Meanwhile, as Jun couldn’t stay just firm on their dorm, he was following Seungkwan with not so good hiding. They detected him as soon as possible. “You hopeless, kid.” Joshua sighed with a smile. “You should’ve called us.”

 

“I don’t know if you want me here.” answered Jun.

 

Seungkwan, even though Jun was older than him, he adored his hyung. He’s too innocent. “Let’s just give Jeonghanie hyung a heads up.”

 

“sooo… with the explanation.” asked Seungkwan. “Did you know that time about Jeonghan hyung’s disease?”

 

“I did.” answered Joshua. “Although I had no idea what it was. All I understood is, in his case, payment for the hospital or treatment of some sort.” Later on, Joshua noticed that it was too easy for Seungkwan to cope up with the situation. He’s got lots of questions. Unlike Jun who remained quiet as he listens. “Seungkwan, why has this been so easy for you to receive?”

 

“Oh… I think they offered me the same thing when they saw I can understand people and of course my variety slap stick talent. Somehow they wanted to ask me to be Seventeen’s clown and listening companion. That’s how I understood the job description was.”

 

Joshua and Jun were surprised.

 

“To be honest… I am not this funny when I was starting right? But I accepted it anyway. For my mom. I had too. You have to understand that hyung. Please. I’m sorry, I didn’t tell.” he noted.

 

“You earned it anyway.” said Joshua. “You’ve been doing it on a variety now sooo… You are well trained with us.”

 

“You are not angry with me?”

 

“You had reasons. You need extra cash.” Joshua answered. “Besides we were new and nothing is certain that time. But… I have one question.”

 

Seungkwan was dead nervous.

 

“How do you feel when you make us laugh now?” asked Joshua in a serious way.

 

“I love all of you so I am happy seeing you laughing. Although my allowance has been actively going to my mom.”

 

Joshua smiled. “That’s all I want to hear. People couldn’t just get it. It’s exhausting to talk to people.”

 

Jun nodded. “You think, if two of them didn’t accept it, we are not this close?” as he wonder.

 

“We will be… eventually. You should have asked if we were capable of debuting as a large group without a person or two who’d initiate to make efforts to mold us together. We were young back then. We are all just thinking about ourselves.”

 

“I agree. Jeonghan hyung was the only person who have patience teaching me and Minghao Korean.”

 

“I agree.” Seungkwan thought that was beyond the job description. He’s basically acting as a mom since Seungcheol was their acting dad and manager at the same time. He couldn’t make it without Jeonghan.

 

“So you had the same role as Jeonghan hyung, Seungkwanie?”

 

“Basically the same but the reaction of the people around us makes it different. I mean, I’m not as attractive as Hanie hyung… He’s definitely beautiful, sweet and cute. He’s caring… basically he has all the qualities a man would fall in love to. We are all boys. If you know what I mean. So I guess, fantasies resulted to different kinds of attachment. All Jeonghan hyung did was to care. Added care, based on how I observed. He’s concerned here and there. He had listened to everybody and yet nobody wanted to listen to him now that he had big problem to solve.” Slowly, Seungkwan’s heart felt pain for the man. He knew that it was wrong to accept that kind of job, especially when there’s already a bond but still, people cannot pay for efforts and love.   

 

Joshua smiled. “You are  very attractive, Seungkwanie and we’re proud of you.”

 

“Then, in Jeonghan hyung’s case, we just expected another or probably more than, am I right? It is not him but us?” concluded Jun.

 

“That’s exactly my point. His only job was to keep us intact, not enslave himself for someone’s desire.”

 

“Wait! Hyung! You accused Seungcheol and Jeonghan hyung of something they might have done… I-is that true?” worried Seungkwan.

 

“He said it himself. They were drunk.” Joshua noted.

 

“But they did it?!” Seungkwan panicked.

 

“You can think of that.” Seeing that Seungkwan and Jun were totally blown away with that statement, he cleared “Everybody who’s under the influence of a liquor had the tendency do something they didn’t mean to.  Remember that. Never drink unless you can control. It might hurt people. Just saying.”

 

“Woah.” Seungkwan almost chocked.

 

“I see. But are you still angry with Seungcheol hyung?”

 

“He’s angry with me. Not the other way around. He needs a good kick in the . He’s pressured. I understand that but he has a role in this family. However, what they did was not an excuse for me. I’m mad about that.” Drinking his coffee he bought somewhere while he’s cooling down with annoyance as he bit the straw.

 

“Alright… so… how do we fix this?” asked Jun who was really confused.

 

“No fixing until Jeonghan shows himself to us.”

 

“And beg?” asked Seungkwan

 

“Exactly.”

 

“Do you think Jeonghan hyung should be the one to beg, hyung?” asked Jun with his enlarged eyes.

 

“No matter how you think of it, it was not good to receive money to fool people around.” Joshua hadn’t finished his sentence yet when Seungkwan bowed lower than polite, to the point he was almost on his knees, as he apologized. Both older hyungs were surprised of his act as they chuckled on it. “What are you doing?”

 

“Apologizing… I must be brave like Jeonghanie hyung. I should pull out my allowance as well. I should’ve declined it for the first time. I actually forgot about it already because it goes straight to my mom.”

 

“Apology accepted.” answered the two.

 

“I just realized that it seems a lighter case with you, Seungkwanie. I feel… it’s okay. It’s your mom you are helping anyway.” uttered Jun with a sudden realization.

 

Joshua threw his cup and said “That time he had no choice.” Said Joshua. “He’s not the kind of person to accept job offers like that. I can sense that from the moment it has offered to our faces. He accepted it with his fist clutching tight as if it was against his will. I didn’t understand it at first.”

 

“I see. Since when did you know about his sickness, hyung?” asked Jun.

 

“Since we were trainees. He had a mini attack no one could notice. It’s like a mini seizure then, I guess, that’s when he could turn blind for a couple of minutes. He was excused that day, as I remember. When I helped him to the door, his mother was really upset, she cried out of concern looking at her son. His dad was there too… That’s when I realize how badly they needed the money.”

 

“That’s sad. We didn’t know.” Said Seungkwan.

 

“He begged me not to tell.” Joshua answered. “He didn’t want pity. He’s working hard. When we wanted to quit, it was hard for him because that money was the only way for him and Ye Jun to be cured.”

 

“Did you know Ye Jun from the start?”

 

“Almost. But then one time, Jeonghan wanted to introduce me to Ye Jun. He was calling him to schedule our meeting and then, I was surprised when all of a sudden, he asked the person whom he was talking to of his name. It’s like he forgot. I was too shocked to comprehend.” Joshua sighed heavily and continued “That’s why I wonder why he’d ask the president that if in case he forgot about things, he should deliver the payment straight to the hospital where his friend stays. I think, he completely forgot about it. Just about recently he remembered.”

 

“Does Ye Jun hyung know?”

 

“No idea but maybe not long ago. He’s got the same illness, so… probably he forgot things too even if he knew from the very start.”

 

“How’s Ye Jun hyung?” asked Jun.

 

“Ye Jun had this contract with the doctors that allows them to experiment trials and medicines on him for free. It was probably because he didn’t want to burden Jeonghan anymore. Ye Jun told me when he asked us to take care of him when he’s gone.”

 

“What?!” exclaimed the other two, knowing that it was a very serious situation.

 

“I think he wanted Jeonghan to stop worrying about him and it’s time for him to be free and be himself.

 

“Poor Ye Jun hyung.” Sighed Seungkwan.

 

“That’s too cruel.” Jun became sad.

 

“And as you know, Jeonghan didn’t even know that those doctors operated Ye Jun to his worst.”

 

“You mean, it was a mistake?!” shouted Seungkwan.

 

“It is and Dr. Eric was trying to get back what he’s lost.”

 

“Who allowed it?” raged Jun.

 

“Well, it was obvious that Dr. Eric didn’t approve of it. He’s now being bullied by the older people who actually did the unauthorized experiment to the poor man who just want cure for people just like him.”

 

“That’s bull!” Jun spit out for the first time which made the other two became shock.

 

“I’ve never heard you in those words, Jun.”

 

“Yeah. Me too, hyung.”

 

“This is insane!” yelled Jun. “This should be fixed!”

 

They met Jeonghan that night for dinner. It was awkward but at least they had news about him.

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Later on, Wonwoo went out by himself, wandering where he could find calmness in his heart. On the contrary, the rest embraced themselves in darkness. Roaming around, he saw a glimpse of Jeonghan crossing the street. On the other side, Ye Jun was waiting for him to the other side. That was the time after Joshua’s group and Jeonghan met. Wonwoo was just relieved that Ye Jun was staying with him. He thought they probably rented a place to stay for the meantime. He followed both of them to know where they stay to see if it was safe. Only to find out that Jeonghan took the cheapest place to live up in the rooftop. Wonwoo wanted to message Jeonghan but he didn’t know where to start.

 

Wonwoo stayed for a while and saw Ye Jun leave the building. He thought he’s going to come back for Jeonghan but no one ever came back. When Wonwoo had the chance to go up and check, not to approach to give Jeonghan time, he stayed and monitor the other from a distance.

 

Jeonghan was, as usual, lying in a good spot by the bamboo bench outside with beer and some snacks. Wonwoo thought he hasn’t eaten a regular meal yet as he’s known to be a person who’s lazy to eat, especially by himself. He decided to look for something nutritious for Jeonghan and to himself hoping they could talk if he’d allow.

 

When he came back to the rooftop, Jeonghan wasn’t there anymore. He’s not even inside his room. All of a sudden, he received a message from their group chat with Jeonghan messaging “Time to eat! Pizza over here!” That’s when he thought, Jeonghan came back to deliver food for the rest of the members. Wonwoo felt bad for Jeonghan begging selfish people to forgive him like it was all his fault.

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DORM 2_UPSTAIRS

By the sound of the doorbell, Soon Young automatically opened it. He saw Jeonghan carrying boxes of pizza and a dozen of their favorite drink. At first, he felt awkward seeing Jeonghan and later on became upset.

 

“What are you doing here?” asked the younger preventing his eyes from the other.

 

“I just thought you want pizza. Please eat well.” Jeonghan smiled.

 

Soon Young was troubled that he couldn’t decide whether or not take the food. Later on, Minghao showed up and see who came. When he saw Jeonghan, his mood began to get sour. “We don’t need it. Please take it for yourself.”

 

Soon Young looked at Minghao like he’s the bad guy. Poor Soon Young still torn between being good or bad because he’s really upset.

 

“I won’t bother you too much.” Smiled Jeonghan trying to be brave no matter how hurt he felt at the moment.

 

Meanwhile, Dino who was behind Jeonghan interrupted “You don’t have to do that.” Drinking a can of cola he brought outside. “We’re good.” Entering without even looking at his mom figure. Vernon, on the other hand, came in second. On the contrary, he did nothing but to stare at Jeonghan so bad.

 

Jun and Seungkwan came out of their rooms to see because they could feel the tension outside.

 

“Oh! Hyung!” called Jun.

 

“Just please grab the pizza. I won’t stay long.” Now like a stranger he begs.

 

Jun and Seungkwan came to help. “Thank you, hyung. How are you doing?” asked Seungkwan who was too worried knowing Jeonghan was living alone.

 

Meanwhile, Jun ran and gave him his vitamins. “Please don’t get sick. Take this. If anything happens, just call us- I mean me a-and Seungkwan.” Looking at the smaller beside them.

 

“Why are you all so worried about him?” asked Dino.

 

Seungkwan was about to hit the younger’s mouth. Just that Jeonghan prevented it.

 

“See you!”

 

“We’ll eat well. Thank you.” Said Seungkwan with a smile.

 

When Jeonghan left, Minghao murmured “Geez. He’s got guts to show up.”

 

Jun heard it and acted as if he wanted to slap the other’s face. People were surprise with that attempted attack. Even Seungkwan was alerted. Soon Young wore an enlarge eyes as well as the rest.

 

Minghao scoffed. “Did the pizza sell to you that quickly? You didn’t even know if he’s true or not.”

 

When Jun calmed down a few moments later, he said “I love Jeonghan hyung. He took care of me so much. Tsk! Tsk! People… when they are hurt, they don’t count the things that’s much worth counting than the pain.” And before Jun left he added. “Immature people take a long time to process. Tsk. Tsk.”

 

Seungkwan was surprised on how Jun attacked. Look who’s mature now? That was a great blow and he wanted to celebrate things for Jun that time.

 

“Let’s eat now Seungkwanie. I’m still hungry.” Jun invited.

 

“Great! I am starving.” Giggled Seungkwan and whispered “You are awesome, hyung. Wow!”

 

Others felt greatly insulted. Jun definitely put his relationship on the line. It was hurtful to him as well but if they couldn’t weigh the difference of love and hate, then, better live with a fewer friends.

 

DORM 1_DOWNSTAIRS

 

Jeonghan rang the doorbell with a heavy sigh this time. He was terrified. However, remembering what Ye Jun told him not to give up like they did when he was in his worst, he gained hope. This time, Mingyu opened the door. They met eyes. Mingyu was surprised. He never expected a visit such as that in the middle of the heat.

 

“Hi, Mingyu! Just want to drop these by.” Same food he brought to the people upstairs with a smile on his lovely face.

 

Like Soon Young, Mingyu was trapped whether to take it or not. “I’ll go after you take it. I promise.”

 

With anger still in his heart, he uttered “No need for that. I can cook for all of us. You don’t have to worry.” Still with a little politeness in his tone.

 

“I see. Just keep it in case you might want to eat later. I know you guys didn’t have dinner yet.”

 

Mingyu’s heart was melting upon receiving the food but like the others he was confused.

 

Meanwhile, the little man peaked by the door. Once he saw Jeonghan, he walked towards the door, stared at him wildly and without uttering anything, he shut the door. Making the others alerted from the loud sound.

 

“What was that?” asked DK with his sunken heart.

 

“Nothing.” Grunted Jihoon. “Just a traitor… I mean stranger.”

 

Hearing how Jihoon described his former favorite person, DK was disheartened. It was somehow rude and degrading. The poor DK thought he had no right doing so. He wanted to open the door just to see and appreciate Jeonghan’s effort somehow. Upon holding the knob, right when the door was half open, Seungcheol held DK’s hand and locked it back.

 

“No one’s seeing him.” Seungcheol threatened.

 

“But- hyung.” Wearing a very sad eyes. “I know we can be upset but-“

 

“What?” Seungcheol looking so scary towards his younger members.

 

“He probably is sorry. Can we just listen to him?” asked DK. Concerned to Jeonghan’s side.

 

Mingyu was slowly being dragged by DK’s proposal but Seungcheol looked at him fiercely. Meanwhile, Joshua came “What’s up?”

 

“Jeonghan hyung is right behind the door. He brought us food.”

 

Joshua smiled confidently and shouted “Jeonghan! Is there a 3 cheese pizza and spaghetti in there?”

 

Hearing a sound of acceptance, Jeonghan was brought back to life. “Yes! Enjoy!”

 

“Tsk. He’s expert getting people to his side.” Seungcheol said with a sarcastic tone.

 

As for Joshua, he intentionally hit Seungcheol to get the food on Mingyu’s hand. “Excuse! Let me have those.” with a stern voice. While he shouted thanks to Jeonghan.

 

Again, Seungcheol was insulted as he walked away with “Why don’t you go with him and walk away. Make sure you bring your stuffs too.”

 

“Well, that’s just a wonderful idea, isn’t it? More time to be with the most gorgeous person I’ve ever met.” Said Joshua confidently. “Unfortunately, I have some crybabies to take good care here.”

 

Looking at the food by the table, Joshua shouted “Anyone who wants to eat with me are welcome. I will wash the dishes after.” he traded.

 

“What are you saying, hyung?! There’s no dishes to wash by eating take outs!” DK pouted. The trade felt unfair.

 

Joshua giggled. “Cute!” as he took a bite. “Mn! Good! Good! Good!” tempting the others who haven’t eaten since morning.

 

Sitting with Joshua to eat, DK texted Jeonghan to say thank you and to ask how he was. Jeonghan replied immediately saying “I’m fine! Eat well.”

 

Mingyu joined as well. He was starving and they couldn’t just function well that time. He was peeking through DK’s message. He wanted to but he’s too shy to talk. Still, maybe, upset. Seeing that Jeonghan replied he asked. “How was he?”  out of curiosity.

 

“My heart cannot express how much sadness I am feeling right now, Mingyu. I am truly upset about it, but-“ looking at the tall puppy. “He’s still Jeonghan hyung. Our Jeonghanie hyung.”

 

“I feel terrible.” Said Mingyu. “But, it really hurts me.”

 

Jihoon threatened on the other hand “If you eat that, I will divert my wrath into you two.”

 

Joshua looked at the younger with a breeze and cool face. “You want some, little guy?” in English.

 

“No thanks.” Answered Jihoon.

 

Joshua smiled staying cool. “You are getting good at English, my friend. Then, enjoy the rest of the night.”

 

Mingyu and DK were contemplating but they were too hungry. Besides the food was already there.

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ROOFTOP_

 

Jeonghan felt helpless when he got home. It was a relief when he knew he could still have people to trust. When the time he finally arrived at the rooftop, he found someone sitting on the table outside. It was unexpected to have a visitor that late night.

 

On the other hand, Wonwoo noticed as he invited “I’m sure you are starving.”

 

“Wonwoo! How did you find me?”

 

“I found you so I followed you. Sorry if I interrupt your night.”

 

“No. Not at all. How are you doing? I’m really sorry.”

 

Wonwoo smiled sweetly and called Jeonghan beside him to eat with the food he bought. “I promised you I’ll be by your side no matter what.”

 

“Even if I am wrong?”

 

“People makes mistakes. You did, as well as, I did. Who am I to hate you?” preparing the food. “I brought your healthy favorites.”

 

Jeonghan put a smile on his face and said “Thank you.”

 

“I miss you a lot.” Feeding the other first before he takes one spoon.

 

“I miss you too, Wonwoo.”

 

“Can I stay for the night?”

 

“I’d be glad.”

 

“Jeonghan-ah…” called Wonwoo with his serious face. “Don’t you ever beg anyone again.” stated him with a firm tone.

 

Jeonghan was surprised with Wonwoo’s bold words. Nevertheless, he composed himself calm with a tender smile. “I don’t beg. I was just hoping they would accept my apology.”

 

“If they can’t understand you, I believe they don’t deserve you. They couldn’t have time to listen.”

 

“That’s not what I am doing here, Wonwoo. I love all of you and I did wrong. It was my fault.”

 

“Then, why are you punishing yourself with all of these.” Looking around at a lonely place “You went there to give them something they don’t deserve.” Wonwoo argued.

 

“Wonwoo.” Sighed Jeonghan “I have hurt everybody, including you. I am willing to do anything to heal all of you from the pain I’ve caused.” cupped the other’s cheeks.

 

Wonwoo got frustrated “And this is your way? I don’t understand at all.”

 

Jeonghan took a good look at Wonwoo’s eyes “I’m not used seeing you in fury, Wonwoo. Is that because of me?”

 

“No.” answered the other immediately even if he couldn’t hide his anger he didn’t know who to blame. He was still confused at that moment. Seeing how Wonwoo was trying to mend things for all of them, Jeonghan embraced him so tight. The other did hesitate to hold him but his love for Jeonghan came to top all his feelings. That’s when Jeonghan realized that Wonwoo was in a different kind of pain when he heard his sobs quietly.

 

“Thank you for coming all the way here even if you are upset and confused. I- I really appreciate it.” Jeonghan’s voice was started to crack. “Seeing you cry is more painful than you shouting at me.” Said Jeonghan.

 

“You fool.” Looking at the beauty in front of him.

 

Jeonghan smiled and said. “Don’t cry for me. I don’t deserve it.”

 

Wonwoo automatically wrapped Jeonghan’s waist as he pulled the older closer. “I love you.” While burying his face onto the other’s shoulders.

 

“I love you too.”

 

“I’ll be here, so call me more often.”

 

“I will. Thank you so much.”

 

“I’ll be out tomorrow morning to get what you need in the dorm.”

 

“That’d be of great help. I’ll be with Dr. Eric tomorrow for another therapy.”

 

“I’ll be there.”

 

Jeonghan smiled. “I’d love that.”