Chapter Text
After a lot of suffering, Hwanwoong was finally graduating. Thinking about it, a lot had happened in the last months leading up to the present. Seoho’s first musical was a big hit both locally and globally which led him to signing contracts for different plays. He’s been so busy that Hwanwoong was wounded that the two never had their usual meetups but it was okay.
The two still texted each other when they had time and Hwanwoong was happy for his friend; his dreams finally came true. Geonhak-hyung also proposed to Seoho last week (lucky). It was cute how Geonhak-hyung was flustering over his words and Seoho just straight out bawled his eyes out, repeating ‘yes’ for an infinite amount of times. It was nice, although he kinda wished to have the love his friend had.
Hwanwoong felt hopeless, having found out his crush loved someone else, and next thing he knew, Dongju had asked out Keonhee on a date. Hwanwoong felt so down when he knew of that fact, he slowly refused to eat, he avoided Dongju, excuses and lies came out of his lips just so he could hide from Dongju. But Dongju, ever so caring, hunted him down and knocked some sense into him. Safe to say Hwanwoong and Dongju had been on good terms ever since, they’re still friends.
“Hwanwoong hyung, what are you doing here? I thought you had no classes right now?” Dongju ran towards Hwanwoong when he saw his hyung walking around the campus. His last class had just finished and he was on his way home.
“Hi Dongju! I just came here to pay for the graduation fees and stuff, you know?”
“Oh yeah, you’re finally graduating. And I’ll be alone, oh how will I survive college without my favorite hyung?!” Dongju exclaimed dramatically.
“You have Keonhee, you’ll live.” Despite having said that, the younger still pouted and continued to tease him. The two continued to catch up but with the sun setting, the two separated their ways and Hwanwoong went home.
Arriving home, Hwanwoong quickly went to the kitchen to cook dinner, just some kimchi fried rice and fried chicken. Hwanwoong was in the middle of eating when his phone rang, indicating that someone had texted him.
“What date is your graduation woong-ah?” It was from Youngjo.
“It’s this January 12 hyung? Will you be coming?🥺”
“Of course! Wouldn’t even dream of missing it 😁”
“That’s why you’re my favorite hyung ~ 😙”
“I’m screenshotting this so I can brag to Seoho”
“HYUNNNGGG DON’T YOU DARE!!”
“Fine 🙄”
“Anyways, how have you been?”
“Same old, same old. Just existing. How bout you?”
“Stressed. The company has been pressuring me to make some songs since it’s comeback season. I mean, I already sent some demos but they’re not satisfied with it.”
“Damn, that’s awful. I do hope you’re still taking care of yourself? Have you eaten dinner yet?”
“I’ll grab some later”
“That’s not acceptable! Knowing you, you’ll just forget about it. I’m coming over!”
“Hwanwoong, it’s fine really. You don’t need to come here.”
“I’m already out. What do you want?”
“Can you buy me some bibimbap?”
“Noted. Wait for me”
Hwanwoong hurriedly grabbed his bag and locked his apartment’s door. He had to hurry towards their favorite restaurant before they closed, luckily it was just close to where he’s living but it was famous, he’s hoping that there wasn’t a long line.
Thankfully there weren’t a lot of customers. After getting his order, he started his walk towards Youngjo’s studio. Youngjo hyung… Thinking about it, the elder had been with him throughout his journey after the accident. He has always been there, when he was still going to physical therapy, whenever he’s stressed over exams, when he was sick, hyung always made time to take care of me. Whenever something good or bad had happened, he would always run towards Youngjo. He had always been his constant in this ever changing world. Despite everything, Youngjo had been a good friend to him. Friend…?
As much as Youngjo took care of him, Hwanwoong also reciprocated them. Just like now, he was on his way to the elder’s studio to bring him food and make sure that he’ll eat. Thinking about Youngjo, it makes Hwanwoong smile. Maybe… just maybe I…
Shaking his head of the thought, Hwanwoong proceeded to the company’s elevator, a visitor's pass hanging around his neck. Arriving at the correct floor, Hwanwoong made quick work on finding Youngjo’s studio room. Hwanwoong announced his presence after knocking on the door, however there was no response. He tried again but there was still no answer. Thinking that maybe Youngjo was just busy and didn’t hear him, he went inside. There he found Youngjo asleep on top of his desk.
“Hyung, I brought some food!” Hwanwoong said as he set the food on the table but his hyung was still asleep.
Hwanwoong made his way towards Youngjo, poking him at first but still getting no response.
“Hyung, wake up. You need to eat something” It was then that Hwanwoong noticed that Youngjo was sweating a lot and when he touched his forehead, it was burning. Hwanwoong was full on panicking right now. As much as he tried shaking Youngjo awake, the elder didn’t budge or show signs of consciousness. Hwanwoong saw the company telephone and he quickly called the front desk for help. In no time, there was someone helping Hwanwoong. Amidst the chaos, Hwanwoong felt himself drown out the noises, only focusing on Youngjo.
Everything was kind of a blur and the next thing Hwanwoong knew, he was sitting in the hospital waiting for news from the doctor, with Seoho and Geonhak by his side. After what felt like eternity, the doctor told them that Youngjo fainted from fatigue and dehydration. He should be good to go after a day or two. They were then led towards Youngjo’s room where Hwanwoong stayed until Youngjo woke up.
It was 24 hours after the incident that Youngjo woke up. Scanning his surroundings, Youngjo was confused as to why he wasn’t in his studio. After further inspections, he concluded that he was in a hospital, Youngjo couldn’t remember how he got here. It was also then that he saw Hwanwoong asleep uncomfortably on a chair beside his bed, holding his hand. Youngjo smiled fondly towards Hwanwoong before patting the younger’s head to wake him up gently. The action did indeed wake the younger up but what followed shocked Youngjo. Upon seeing the elder awake after being unconscious for a long time, Hwanwoong couldn’t help the tears falling from his face.
“Hey what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”
“You idiot” Hwanwoong started “The doctor told me that you had fainted due to dehydration and fatigue. I know that sometimes you’re too focused on your work that you forget to eat and rest, but what if I wasn’t there to visit you that day. I mean someone would probably find you eventually, but what if they’re too late? What if I was late?”
As soon as Hwanwoong started talking, all the pent up feelings inside came spilling out. Because of last night’s chaos, the younger didn’t have time to process everything. He didn’t know if it was better because all the “what if’s” flooded his mind.
“I’m sorry for scaring you like that. I’m thankful that you were there to save me though”
“Promise me that you’ll take better care of yourself.”
“I promise. I’m sorry again Hwanwoong.” Youngjo opened his arms for a hug, to which the younger gladly accepted. A few minutes passed in silence, both just enjoying each other’s presence.
“Is this what you felt before?”
“Huh? What are you talking about woong?”
“Is this what you felt when I was unconscious on that hospital bed? Pondering over all the what ifs, and wondering when I’ll wake up? It was probably much worse considering it was an accident”
Youngjo could only nod. He was quite surprised as to why they were talking about this.
“Thank you, for staying with me despite everything that had happened, with me forgetting some stuff and what not.”
“Did you remember everything?” Youngjo asked, hope filling his eyes, which was quickly shattered when Hwanwoong shook his head.
“I’m sorry, I still don’t remember anything but, I’m not against creating new memories with you”
“With me?”
“Yes. I know that the timing’s off but with everything happening, I had made a few realizations. Hyung, you have been a constant in my life ever since the accident and I’m grateful for that. And like I said, despite having no memories of the past, I would love to start again, I guess? We don’t have to rush or anything, we could just start it slow and cross that bridge when we get there?”
“I would love that woong-ah”