Chapter Text
It’s stupid really - how fast things can change. Only a few seconds ago, he felt like he was standing on top of the world and now he was laying on the ground surrounded by his shattered dreams. He wasn’t even sure how exactly it happened. It was in the middle of practice when Johnny and Yuta were throwing him in the air for a new choreography that their dance instructor made for the end of the year performances. It wasn’t the first time they had practiced this move, but something went wrong today. Devastatingly wrong. Looking back no one was to blame - mistakes happen, even to idols.
All he knew is that he was laying on the ground in agonizing pain and the world around him froze. It didn’t actually freeze as everyone quickly crouched down next to his body and Taeyong’s voice screamed at his managers to call an ambulance, but to Donghyuck it seemed like everything stopped. The moment he didn’t stand the landing like he usually does, he knew that he was hurt in a way no idols want to. Hurt in a “no schedules for at least two months“ kinda way. Which meant he not only wouldn’t be able to perform at the end of the year shows, but he also wouldn’t be able to be a part of Mark’s graduation. Mark who he promised to support, when the elder opened up about his fear of saying goodbye. Mark who was his soulmate since the first day they met five years ago. Mark who was currently laying Donghyuck’s head in his lap and couldn’t stop threading a hand through his hair.
"Hyuck can you hear me?“ Jaehyun’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Yes. I can hear you, hyung.“ Jaehyun and Mark gift him a smile.
"That’s good. That’s really good. Can you tell me what hurts?“
A good question, what did hurt? He was so focused on feeling the pain that he never tried to figure out where it came from. To be honest, he doesn’t really want to know. He wants to stall as much time as possible, because right now he was only in pain, but as soon as he knows how serious his injury is he will need to live with the consequences. Sadly, Jaehyun doesn’t seem to be a fan of stalling as his look silently orders Donghyuck to give him an answer. Preferably yesterday. So what hurt? His head was okay. He could move the fingers on his right hand and on his left hand. His back was okay as well. He could move his left foot and … oh. That didn’t feel good at all. Shit.
"My leg hurts.“ Is the only thing he can press out as another wave of pain consumes him.
He can feel Mark’s body tense and a few seconds later he looks directly into a pair of dark brown eyes. His favorite pair of eyes. "I know it hurts, Hyuckie. And I wish I could take your pain away, but the medics will be here any second now and I need you to tell us which side hurts.“
If anyone else had asked him, he wouldn’t have answered. Because couldn’t they just let him suffer in peace for a few minutes. But it wasn’t anyone else - it was Mark - and so his lips breathed out a quick "right“ before he again distanced himself from the situation that took place around him.
He wished he would’ve lost consciousness. It would’ve been so much easier. But no, it seemed like someone up there didn’t particularly like him. Because he was awake when the medics arrived and their hands roamed all over his body. He was awake when the group decided to send Taeyong with him to the hospital. He was awake when the ambulance made an emergency breaking and he needed to scream to find an outlet for the pain. He was awake when the doctor told him, his manager and Taeyong that his right shin was broken and that he wouldn’t be able to attend any schedules for at least three months. He was awake when they left him alone to greet the other members who just arrived.
The tears in his eyes made his view go hazy when everything crashed down on him. He didn’t suffer from physical pain anymore, because they gave him a good amount of painkillers, but his heart hurt. It hurt so much that he couldn’t breathe anymore. Since he joined the company five years ago, it has always been his biggest dream to perform at the end of the year show. And this year, everything seemed to be falling into place for his wish to be granted. Well, the emphasis lies on seemed. He would miss his chance again. Worse, he had to watch all of his friends live his dream while he would be back home for at least three months. Which also meant at least 12 weeks apart from his members. He couldn’t even stand being apart from Mark for a day - how could he survive 84 days. Probably even more.
"Please don’t cry.“ His eyes dart to the end of his bed. Weird, he didn’t even notice anyone enter the room. The drugs they gave him must be really good. Especially since they made the boy in front of him glow even more than he usually did.
"Sorry.“
Mark walks over to his side and takes a seat on the edge of his bed. "You don’t have to apologize for crying. It’s probably for the best if you let your emotions out now before you lose control over them. So don’t mind my words. I guess I just can’t stand to see you cry.“
Donghyuck turned his head to glance over at his hyung. "I just don’t know how I’m going to survive this. Not being able to do what I love. Not being able to be around all of you. I won’t even be here for your graduation and I promised you I would.“
He could feel the tears run down his cheeks and drip down his nose. He must look horrible, but Mark never commented on it like he usually would. Not one stupid joke left the others lips. Instead the older placed a calmingly hand on Donghyuck healthy leg.
"It’s not your fault that you can’t be here for the end of the year show and the last thing you should worry about is me and my feelings. Of course, I’m gonna be sad that you won’t be with us, but I could never be disappointed or angry with you. All you need to focus on right now is getting better. And I know how much performing on these shows means to you, but I promise you that you will be able to fulfill your wish. Just trust me on this, okay?“
Donghyuck leans his head on Mark’s shoulder and for the first time today he doesn’t feel pain.
"Okay.“