Chapter Text
The city lights outside Seoul Trimage blinked like stars trapped in a restless rhythm. Inside the quiet of Donghae’s apartment, the atmosphere couldn’t have been more different—tense, heavy, heartbreaking.
“Hyukjae,” Donghae whispered, his voice barely above the hum of the air purifier. “What did you say?”
Eunhyuk’s gaze faltered for a moment before he forced himself to meet Donghae’s eyes. “I need… I think we need a break, Hae.”
Silence.
Donghae’s heart dropped. His lips trembled as confusion flooded his expression. “Why now?” he asked, his tone laced with desperation. “What did I do wrong?”
“It’s not you,” Eunhyuk said quickly, raking his fingers through his hair in frustration. “We’re gearing up for the album. The schedule’s insane. I just—being in a relationship… right now, it’s a distraction.”
“A distraction?” Donghae repeated, stunned. “So I’m just a burden to you now?”
“No, that’s not—Hae, that’s not what I mean,” Eunhyuk sighed. “I just need space to focus.”
Donghae took a step back, his chest tightening. He wanted to scream. To hold on. But the distant look in Eunhyuk’s eyes told him the decision had already been made.
“Fine,” he murmured, retreating toward the kitchen without looking back. “Do whatever you want.”
Eunhyuk didn’t follow.
###
Three Days Later
SM Entertainment – Meeting Room
The room buzzed with low chatter as the members slowly filtered in. Leeteuk glanced at the time, frowning.
“Where’s Donghae?”
Kyuhyun looked up from his phone. “No idea. He hasn’t replied in the group chat either.”
Suddenly, the door creaked open. Donghae stepped in, hair messy, dark circles framing his eyes, and skin pale as chalk. A faint sheen of sweat glistened on his forehead. He offered a weak nod of greeting, ignoring the stares, and sat across from Eunhyuk and Siwon.
“Donghae,” Siwon leaned closer, “are you okay?”
Donghae forced a smile. “I’m fine.”
He wasn’t. His body ached from head to toe. That morning, he had dragged himself to the hospital for an IV drip, just to stand straight. He had taken another painkiller—despite his doctor’s warning—not caring about the consequences. Anything to numb the migraine pulsing behind his eyes.
As the meeting began, Eunhyuk and Siwon’s casual banter stung more than it should’ve. Donghae clenched his fists under the table, trying to stay focused, but their laughter cut into him like a blade. He felt hot, dizzy, and painfully alone.
His vision blurred. His ears rang.
“Donghae?” Leeteuk’s voice broke through the noise.
Donghae stood suddenly, chair scraping the floor. The room fell silent.
He opened his mouth but no words came. His body swayed.
Then everything went black.