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Riku had been bedridden for over a month now, the exhaustion from his condition weighing heavier than the physical symptoms. As a K-pop idol, it was hard to admit that he needed rest, but his doctors had been clear: a break was necessary. His fans were supportive, but Riku felt disconnected from everything—especially from his group, NCT Wish.
Jaehee, on the other hand, had been keeping busy. He’d been posting photos with the rest of the members, doing everything he could to maintain the group’s energy. But as much as he tried to smile for the camera, it was clear to anyone who knew him that he missed Riku. They were close, and the bond they shared was undeniable.
But something had been bugging Riku. Every time he scrolled through Twitter or checked his notifications, he saw posts of Jaehee with Yushi. Cute moments, affectionate gestures—things that Riku once shared with Jaehee. The thought of it made his chest tighten, an unfamiliar pang of jealousy blooming inside him. He had been away for so long, and now, it seemed, Jaehee was growing closer to Yushi in a way he hadn’t with anyone else before.
That evening, Riku sat on his bed, frowning at his phone. His thumb hovered over the video call button for Jaehee. He hadn’t heard from him much today.
Maybe he’s busy with Yushi, too, Riku thought bitterly, swiping through a few more photos.
The playful selfies, the hugs, the inside jokes between Jaehee and Yushi... It stung more than he’d expected. Riku had never considered himself the jealous type, but the sudden rush of feeling, of being replaced, was undeniable.
With a sigh, Riku finally pressed the call button.
Jaehee picked up quickly, his familiar face filling the screen. But as soon as he saw Riku, a hint of concern flickered in his eyes.
“Riku hyung? Hey, how are you feeling today?” Jaehee’s voice was warm, but there was something about the way he looked at Riku that made Riku’s stomach churn with an odd mix of longing and frustration.
“I’m fine,” Riku muttered, voice low. His gaze fell to the side, avoiding Jaehee’s eyes. "Just... bored. Really bored."
Jaehee chuckled lightly. “I know you miss being with us. It’s hard being apart. We all miss you, you know that, right?”
“Yeah…” Riku responded absentmindedly, still not meeting Jaehee's eyes. "I saw some things on Twitter…"
Jaehee raised an eyebrow. “What kind of things?”
"Nothing," Riku replied quickly, his voice flat. "Just, uh... You and Yushi seem pretty close lately."
Jaehee blinked, taken aback. "What? You mean... Yushi hyung and I?"
Riku’s eyes narrowed slightly, still avoiding the camera. “Yeah, you two look pretty lovey-dovey in all those pictures. Looks like you’ve been having fun.”
For a moment, Jaehee was silent, processing Riku’s words. A small laugh escaped him, but it wasn’t mocking—it was gentle, as if he understood exactly what was happening.
“Hyung,” Jaehee said softly, a hint of teasing in his voice. “Are you... jealous?”
Riku’s face flushed, and he looked away, crossing his arms. “I’m not jealous,” he muttered, voice thick with a mix of emotions. “Just... you used to act like that with me.”
Jaehee’s heart warmed at the realization, though he didn’t let it show immediately. Instead, he smiled and leaned closer to the camera, his expression turning more sincere.
“You know, hyung,” Jaehee said, his voice quieter now, “I didn’t mean for you to feel that way. Yushi hyung and I are close, but he’s not you. You’re my person, you know that, right?”
Riku’s breath hitched, his mind racing. "I don't want to be replaced, Jaehee. I know you’re busy with the group, but… I miss you. I miss us."
Jaehee’s smile softened, and he let out a little sigh. “You’re not being replaced. Never. You’re just... resting, and I don’t want you to feel like you’re being forgotten, hyung. I promise you, you’re still everything to me. The same as always.”
Riku’s eyes finally met Jaehee’s, a hint of vulnerability in his gaze. "I just feel so far away from everything right now."
Jaehee’s expression softened further. “I know. But we’ll be right here waiting for you. And once you’re back, I’ll make sure everyone knows who I’m really close to.” He winked playfully, trying to ease the tension.
Riku couldn't help but smile, the weight in his chest lifting a little. "You better."
Jaehee laughed, his usual playful energy returning. "I’m not going anywhere, hyung. And neither are you. Just take care of yourself, okay?"
Riku nodded, feeling a warmth spread through him at the sound of Jaehee’s reassuring words. “Okay. Thanks, Jaehee.”
“Anytime,” Jaehee said with a soft smile. “Now get some rest. I’ll send you more goofy selfies to make you feel better, alright?”
Riku chuckled, his heart lighter now. “Yeah. Do that. I need them.”
🌳🐈⬛
After Riku's call with Jaehee, things felt lighter between them, but a small part of Riku still couldn’t shake the feeling of being distant. He was healing physically, but emotionally, it was a different kind of challenge.
Meanwhile, Jaehee went back to the grind of being an idol. NCT Wish continued their promotions, and Jaehee's energy was as bright as ever—especially for their Japan Tour. But now, there was something different about him. After each show, as the members gathered for their usual group photos, Jaehee began striking a new, subtle pose: a half-hearted heart.
At first, the other members thought it was just another playful gesture. But fans quickly noticed the special meaning behind it. Jaehee’s fingers would form a half-heart, and his expression would soften just a little. It was a small thing, but it didn’t go unnoticed. The fans quickly caught on and started speculating, with many wondering if it was a message just for Riku.
Weeks passed, and Riku, though still on hiatus, followed NCT Wish's updates closely. He saw the photos and the videos of Jaehee doing the half-heart pose. It made him smile, though it also filled him with a warmth that he wasn’t quite prepared for.
One evening, as he scrolled through Twitter, he saw yet another shot of Jaehee after a concert, holding up the familiar half-heart with the softest of smiles.
Riku couldn’t help but feel a mixture of affection and longing.
The next time he video-called Jaehee, he couldn’t resist teasing him about it.
“Hey,” Riku began, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I saw you’ve been doing something interesting after concerts lately.”
Jaehee tilted his head in confusion, before realizing exactly what Riku was referring to. “Ah, you mean the half-heart?”
Riku raised an eyebrow, his tone playful yet sincere. “Yeah, what’s that about? You know, you used to make full hearts for me. Just wondering if you’ve replaced me with Yushi now.”
Jaehee’s face broke into a knowing grin. “Not at all,” he said warmly, shaking his head. “That’s for you, hyung. The half-heart’s for you, always.”
Riku’s heart skipped a beat at the simple confession. His jealousy from before completely melted away, and he couldn’t help but smile. “So, you’re still saving the other half just for me?”
“Always,” Jaehee replied softly. “And once you’re back, I’ll give you the whole heart, no more halves. Promise.”
Riku's smile widened.
Jaehee continued, his voice playful, “And hey, don’t make me start sending you heart emojis every day, because I’ll do it.”
Riku chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through him. “You better.”
As the call ended, Riku sat back on his bed, a small smile lingering on his lips. No matter how long his hiatus lasted, he would always be Jaehee’s person.