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007.2: Comeback

 

----HAE JIN-----

 

When I opened my eyes, there was nothing that I recognized as mine. It wasn’t in my room.

 

Everything was mostly white and sterile. Judging by what I was seeing, there was no doubt that I am in the hospital.

 

My body felt like I’ve been hit by a sledgehammer, not that I know what it felt like. Even when I wiggle my toes, there was pain stabbing me somewhere.

 

I couldn’t help myself but to exhale a groan.

 

I raised my right arm and saw an IV attached to it while the other arm was on a sling. No doubt that I knew why I was here.

 

I tried to ran my fingers on my hair when I noticed I couldn’t. There was a bandage wrapped around my forehead, trapping my hair in place. I couldn’t anything to fix it. To make things worse, I saw stitches on my leg. I just hope the leg injury won’t turn out to be a scar when it heals.

 

Great. I couldn’t contain my sarcasm.

 

I should be thankful that I was lucky enough to be in one piece.

 

There was nothing I could do and no one else besides me was in the room.

 

I suddenly had the craving for fresh air and I knew I wouldn’t be able to find it in this room.

 

Slowly, I put down my feet off the bed. The floor was cold and looked for slippers underneath. It wasn’t easy since I had an IV on one hand and the other was injured. Still, I managed to do it on my own.

 

I used the IV stand to balance myself as I got off the bed. Standing on my own feet was a challenge in the beginning but I got the hang of it after awhile. My muscles were stiff and I still have a leg injury to worry about. Those two won’t be disappearing soon.

 

Eventually, I got out of the room. It was impossible but it took more time and effort that I had hoped. I wasn’t even far from my room when a nurse saw me and was insistent to have me on a wheelchair. Thinking about me being this helpless made me cringed. I don’t have a choice at the moment but accept the help she was offering me. I have an IV on one hand and the other on a sling. That doesn’t really make me capable of doing anything. And that also meant eating and other stuff I’d rather not think about.

 

The nurse brought me to a nearby balcony where no one would bother me. I would have preferred the lower grounds but I wasn’t allowed to roam around that far yet. In fact, I wasn’t even aloud to get out of the room since I just woke up. I was lucky that the nurse who saw me cut me a deal. The balcony on the same floor as my room was the farthest I could go and it was just in front of the nurses’ station. The nurse wanted to keep an eye on me and I think I know why.

 

My management may have left instructions not to let me out of sight.

 

The view from the balcony was nice. It was enough for me a sense of peace and I was able to breathe fresh air instead of the smell of disinfectants.

 

A few feet away from me, there was also a nearby receiving area for patients to talk to their love ones and other patients. They happened to have the television in a news station. I happened to hear a particular article about what happened to me.

 

“SHINee member, Choi Minho saved by 2PM dancer”

 

- Yesterday, an equipment malfunction at Music Core caused 2 people to be injured. One of them was SHINee member, Choi Minho while the other was a female dancer. According to witnesses, the said member was right under the lighting equipment when it fell. If it wasn’t for a heroic deed of the dancer, the idol would have received serious injuries. As a result, the female dancer received the worse of the equipment’s fall. Both victims were rushed to the nearest hospital. SME released a statement a few hours after the incident that Choi Minho was already stable and will be staying at the hospital for observation. They also said that they were greatly thankful for the heroic deed of the unnamed dancer and will take full responsibility. No information about the mystery dancer was released by JYPE and kept the details quiet….

 

Minho… my Min.

 

A sigh escaped my lips.

 

I never guessed that what happened would cause such a ruckus.

 

I think I should give my head a proper beating for doing such a rash move. Though, I’m glad he’s alright. He always protected me and I want to protect him too. And I just did.

 

Funny how I think of him as ‘My Min’. It has been awhile since I had let myself call him that. A small smile spread on my lips as the thought of him filled my mind.

 

Whenever I think about him, my heart takes a life on its own. Even when we were together, it has always been that way.

 

I unconsciously touched the ring that he gave me except that it wasn’t on my fingers. They must have took it off and kept it somewhere. I just have to ask the guys once they visit.

 

“Thinking about me?” A voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

 

I look behind me and saw Wooyoung sunbae together with Taecyon sunbae. Wooyoung was holding a large bunch of hydrangeas while Taec was holding a paper bag and a panda stuff toy.

 

Judging by the smile on Wooyoung’s face, he was the one who spoke. 

 

Injured or not, I wouldn’t let that comment pass.

 

“Even in my nightmares, I wouldn’t” I grinned. Take that sunbae.

 

“Ouch! Woo she got you there.” Taecyon sunbae commented.

 

Wooyoung ignored him. “Shouldn’t you be in bed?”

 

“The room is killing me of boredom.” I replied coolly. Staying in hospitals had never been a happy experience for me. I always hated every moment of it. Hospitals makes me queasy to the pit of my stomach.

 

I was craning my neck to see them. Wooyoung was slow to realize that, but Taecyon sunbae caught up soon enough. He turned the wheelchair around and I no longer had to turn my head to see them.

 

“How the hell did you manage to get here? You know both your hands are kinda useless as of the moment.”

 

“I had help.” I shrugged.

 

“We should get you back in the room” Taecyon sunbae started to wheel me inside. He placed the stuff animal on my lap and gave Wooyoung the paper bag he was holding. 

 

“I just got here.” I whined.

 

He “It’s already lunch. You have to eat.”

 

“You know I can’t. I have an IV on the other hand.”

 

“Well then, we just have to feed you” There was a playful grin on their faces when Wooyoung sunbae said that. This is the reason why I refuse to call them ‘oppa’. They always have something planned. I don’t like it.

 

As I expected, they did plan something I wouldn’t like. While they feed me, they were making kissy faces right in front of me. If my hands weren’t useless right now, my hands would have been on their necks right now. Feeling powerless, I ate trying my hardest not to spit on their faces while I endure the torture.

 

It was amazing how much I’ve changed when I became friends with these guys. Carol even told me that I looked brighter, more at peace. She said that she never seen me this happy since the first say we met. 

 

She may be right about that. The 2pm guys have let me be myself. They made me forget what I’ve missed. I enjoy their company.

 

“Sunbae…” I sighed. “Stop making that ugly face. I’ll spit everything I’m eating if you don’t stop.”

 

“Just try and no one will feed you.”

 

“You’re evil.”

 

“Just eat the food Jinnie.” Taecyon smiled with his canine teeth obvious.

 

When I look at him, he reminds me of an animal in a cute way. If he knew that I was thinking of him like a pet, he’ll have my neck.

 

“Yes Sunbae”

 

“That’s a nice girl.”

 

I wanted to tell them that I’m not a child but I know even if I argue, it would be a useless attempt.

 

Even though they were a little pain, I’m happy they visited me. The others weren’t able to come with them since they still have their busy schedules. They could still perform even when I’m not around. I’m just a dancer.

 

They stayed a little longer after I ate. They told me that the other guys were worried about me.

 

“Sunbaes… By the way, did you happen to see the ring I was wearing before the accident? When I woke up, it wasn’t on my finger anymore.”

 

“Oh That ring.” Wooyoung pondered about it for a moment.

 

“I have it at home.”

 

I sighed in relief. I was glad I didn’t lose it. “Can you bring it the next time you come?”

 

“Sure… sure”

 

“Haejin where did you get the ring? It’s such a coincidence that when Nichkhun saw it, he said that it looks exactly like his. You know he won that ring in a contest. Minho from SHINee has the same one too.” Taecyon asked while placing the stuffed animal they brought earlier on the bedside table together and the hydrangeas by the window so that it won’t die easily.

 

“Really?” I feigned innocence. In truth, Minho gave me the ring with my nickname paired up with his. He gave it to me as a gift. I could still remember how shy he was when he presented me the ring. 

 

“It’s a remembrance from someone I knew.” The smile that rose on my face faded fast as the word ‘knew’ rang on my ears. It’s a sad thing to know that the one you knew so well before would be a mere memory, like mine.

 

It’s a cruel thing to hope for a future that won’t exist.

 

Just then, a doctor came and checked my condition. It was such a surprise that I remember the guy.

 

“Well… Well… Well… I’ll be damned. I never expected to see you soon” It was the same man who treated me when I saved Minho that rainy night.

 

“It’s nice to see you doc.”

 

“Are you the dancer they have been talking about?” He asked me.

 

“I guess so.” I shrugged. When I protected Minho, it was a reflex. Things just get muddled whenever Minho is involved. I can’t help myself from doing what my heart says.

 

“You made another heroic act?” He guessed.

 

“Stupid would be the better word” I joked. Though, I really thought it was stupid.

 

“Stop being modest Haejin. You saved an idol even though you both ended up being rushed to the hospital.” Wooyoung tried to make me feel better but was convinced in the end that it was stupid. “Okay, It was stupid but heroic.”

 

We all laughed including the doctor I met a few months ago at Wooyoung’s failed attempt.

 

“But you know, most of the stupid things we do are for the ones we care the most. Is it possible that this guy would be the same one from before?” The doctor was joking around to lighten up the atmosphere and he caught me off guard.

 

My eyes suddenly went huge. It almost slipped my mind that I told him about that. I also forgot how good he is at guessing. He proved them to me when I first met him.

 

Wooyoung and Teacyon eyed him with interest. The doctor knew something about me that these guys didn’t know.

 

I frantically put a finger near my lips to silence the doctor. He seem to get the message and changed the subject.

 

“We met when I was still bartending.” I told them quickly to stop them speculating something and to divert the subject in a different direction. But, judging from the looks on their faces they have already speculated something.

 

“Now let’s see how you’re doing” He checked my vitals and asked me a couple of question about what I’m feeling or any discomforts.

     

He listened attentively and commented that most of the things I’m feeling was normal. The doctor told me I was really lucky that the equipment didn’t hit my spine. If it did, I would be paralyzed from waist down. It would mean the end of my career. Give or take, he told us that it will take at least 6 - 8 weeks to heal.

 

“I hope when you get out, when we meet again I don’t have to see you hurt.” He smiled and I couldn’t help but smile back.

 

The doctor finished up and stood. Both Wooyoung and Taecyon sunbae snapped out of their thoughts. They were acting pretty strange when the doctor knew me before they did.

 

“Thank you Dr. -” Taecyon shook the doctor’s hand.

 

“So Jinhyuk” he filled.

 

“Thank you Dr. So” The two dork idols who visited me bowed and waited until the doctor left the room.

 

“Haejin” Taecyon called.

 

I couldn’t see his face but I know there was something not good about how he said my name. From what I learned from the others, sunbae only does it whenever he had something going on in that crazy mind of his.

 

“What is it?” I asked cautiously.

 

“What did he mean the same guy? Huh?” He slowly turned until I saw the playful smile on his face.

 

Darn. I secretly hoped that they wouldn’t read on to that statement too much.

 

“It’s nothing.” I said and didn’t elaborate.

 

The two wanted an explanation but I ignored them. I just want them to drop the subject. If I explained myself, they would think about it too much.

 

God, I think I just made a mistake of my life of going back in the business.

 

==========

 

MINHO

 

A shining light woke me up. It came from outside the window. The light managed to sneak in from the tiny space the hospital curtain left. I opened my eyes and as soon as I opened them, I closed them tightly. The light from the sun blinded me for a second.

 

Taemin and Key were still sleeping when I woke. They were both leaning on the arm rest of the couch. The other two, Onew and Jonghyun wasn’t there. Probably, Sooman-nim asked them to continue with the other schedules. I feel guilty for letting the group down because of my injury.

 

The room was quiet and it smelled like every hospital I’ve been. There was a clock in the room that says 1 in the afternoon.

 

My eyes trailed over my friends. Both of them were exhausted and I bet that they stayed awake until the early hours of the morning. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be sleeping like the dead.

 

I stretched my legs, testing if the sore muscles weren’t bad as I thought. They felt a little stiff but not much pain can be felt from both legs. My left leg has a semi-cast which probably meant a sprain. It wouldn’t take too long for it to heal.

 

My thoughts wandered around what happened. It happened so fast. All I could be certain was I pushed Onew hyung out of the way before the equipment gave in. Then, the dancer was suddenly beside me when I opened my eyes.

 

I need answers.

 

My stomach rumbled. I’m not feeling hungry but my body says otherwise.

 

Looks like the answers won’t be coming anytime soon.

 

“It looks like you’re hungry.” A man in a white lab coat showed up in my room.

 

Maybe not.

 

I didn’t hear him opening the door.

 

“I guess I am” I nodded unsure of myself.

 

The doctor chuckled. He looked like someone of Leeteuk hyung’s age.

 

“It’s normal to feel detached from the body. Shock can do that to you.” He smiled and approached me.

 

He examined my injuries and smiled occasionally as he knew some secret he couldn’t wait to share.

 

“I heard that you’re the same guy that lucky lady saved.” He said while pointing his flashlight on my eye.

 

“Same guy?” I squinted. I couldn’t help but be confused at what he just said.

 

He looked at me looking surprised.“Oh, you didn’t know?”

 

He put his flashlight back in his pocket and explained. All he knew was the dancer, who was still a bartender that time saved me from a speeding car. There were no specifics but it was a wonder how he could have known it was me. There were no news of the accident. It was hidden from the media. Only the whole group, the manager and the woman who saved me knew about it.

 

Is it really possible that the dancer and the bartender from that time was the same?

 

“It’s no wonder she kept quiet about it. You’re an idol and a very popular one.” He cut me off from my thoughts. I saw his eyes flashed with curiosity.

 

Wait. Does it mean that he already checked on her?

 

“So, she’s awake?” I asked to clarify.

 

“Just a couple of hours earlier. Her colleagues were there when I came. She’s fine but won’t be able to work anytime soon.” He nodded and asked me a couple of questions about my health.

 

The food arrived as soon as the doctor finish up with me. He left with a smile and I forgot to ask whether I could go around.

 

Bummer.

 

I ate my food silently and my friends were still asleep. What the doctor said bugged me.

 

If what he said was true, it was funny how close our paths always crossed. Not to mention how. Should we always meet by being saved?

 

At the last thought, I chuckled and continued to eat the plain hospital food. I was too hungry to complain about the food.

 

Eating made me sleepy and in no time, I fell asleep without noticing.

 

When I woke up, Key hyung and Taemin weren’t there. Instead, I saw Onew hyung reading a book while Jonghyun hyung was talking to someone on his phone. The other two probably went back home to get some rest.

 

“Oh, You’re awake.” Onew hyung was the first one who noticed me.

 

I gave him a smile.

 

He stood up from his seat and ruffled my hair. “You got us worried again dongsaeng.”

 

“Sorry” I apologized.

 

Jonghyun hyung got off his phone and joined our leader. “You better be. We’re losing sleep.” He playfully said.

 

I know he didn’t mean to make me feel guilty. He was just joking, so I decided to back.

 

“Maybe I’m not the reason you’re losing sleep. You were talking to Sekyung noona awhile ago, aren’t you?”

 

“Maybe so. But you’re making the bags under my eyes worsen that it already is.” He patted my cheek then pinched a large portion of it.

 

“Oww Oww… Hyung!”

 

“Jjong stop it. You’re forgetting he’s a patient. You’ll make it worse.” Onew scolded him like a child and pulled Jonghyun’s hand away from my sore cheek.

 

I rubbed the sore spot. Jonghyun looked at our leader sheepishly and scratched his head.

 

“So how are things while I was asleep?” I changed the subject.

 

“The management had controlled the situation though the incident is still hot. The paparazzi won’t be gone soon. Everyone’s clamouring for information about your savior.” Onew told me.

 

“Her, huh?” I almost forgot that she was injured as well. “What really happened that day? No one was there other than me.”

 

My eyes stared at my two friends waiting for an answer.

 

Jjong-hyung answered me.

 

“When you pushed Onew hyung out of the way, the equipment gave in. People were panicking and screaming. We didn’t know that someone would jump in. Someone from 2pm shouted someone’s name. It was only then that we saw another body besides yours. Manager hyung asked the doctors of the source of the dancer’s injuries and they said it was because she took most of the impact of the equipment’s fall. If she hadn’t, you might be paralyzed from waist down. The equipment just missed both of you by a mere inch.”

 

The information stilled me. I never thought it would be that bad.

 

I really should thank her for saving me.

 

“Can we go see her? I really want to thank her.”

 

Onew hyung put a hand on my shoulder to stop me from getting out of the bed. “Let’s ask manager hyung if you’re okay to go around.”

 

He was still smiling but there was a different vibe to it.

 

“Why not now? I don’t have any serious injuries.”

 

“But he’ll have our heads if you just roam around.” My other hyung, Jonghyun, drew a line across his throat to make a point.

 

“And you can’t just barge in. We have to see if she’s ready to accept visitors.” Onew hyung added.

 

I let my back land on the cushion of the bed with a thud. My face contorted in annoyance that I wasn’t going to see her soon. I felt really owe her a lot.

 

I felt deeply responsible for her injuries. If I wasn’t there, she wouldn’t be here.

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FINISHED PART 2

GONNA POST CHAPTER 8