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Felix lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling as the moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows across the room. He could hear Hyunjin’s soft breathing beside him, a calming rhythm that usually brought him comfort. But tonight was different. His heart pounded erratically in his chest, a steady drumbeat that refused to quiet. Dizziness washed over him like a wave, rising and crashing, leaving him feeling disoriented and nauseous.
Felix had been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) a few years back, shortly after he graduated from high school. The diagnosis had come after a long and exhausting journey filled with countless doctor visits and sleepless nights. When they finally explained it to him, he had felt a mix of relief and dread. Relief, because there was an answer to the years of confusion and pain. Dread, because the condition was chronic and would require him to make significant adjustments to his life.
Hyunjin had come into Felix’s life during one of the hardest periods after his diagnosis, just as he was learning to navigate the ups and downs of living with POTS. He had been a beacon of light, endlessly supportive and caring. They met at a local coffee shop, where Hyunjin worked part-time. Felix had been feeling particularly dizzy that day, leaning against the counter for support when Hyunjin had noticed him. With a warm smile, he had handed Felix a glass of water and asked if he was okay. It was a simple gesture, but Felix had felt an instant connection, as if Hyunjin understood the unspoken struggles that came with his condition.
Tonight, though, Felix was in the throes of a flare-up, the worst he had experienced in months. As the hours crept by, the dizziness had transformed into a relentless storm of nausea and fatigue that refused to relent. He knew he should tell Hyunjin, but he didn’t want to worry him. He didn’t want to see the concern etched across his boyfriend’s face, a face that had been so full of warmth and care since they met.
After what felt like an eternity of wrestling with his body, Felix finally decided he couldn't stay in bed any longer. He slipped out carefully, making sure not to disturb the peaceful form beside him. Every movement felt like a battle, and he took slow, measured steps to the bathroom, hoping that the cool tiles would ground him.
Once inside, he leaned against the sink, hoping that a moment of stillness would ease the growing discomfort. The cold porcelain felt grounding against his clammy skin as he closed his eyes, focusing on taking deep breaths. The nausea churned violently in his stomach, and he knew he needed to act quickly. But the thought of waking Hyunjin made him hesitate.
The first time Felix had a severe flare-up, he had been alone. It was terrifying, collapsing in the middle of his apartment, unable to reach for his phone, panic setting in as his body betrayed him. Hyunjin had rushed over when he didn’t answer his calls, and the relief in his eyes when he found Felix had been bittersweet. Since then, Felix had tried to keep the worst of his symptoms hidden, not wanting to pull Hyunjin into that darkness.
But tonight felt different. The nausea twisted in his stomach like a vice, each wave more intense than the last. He gripped the sink harder, his knuckles turning white, and swallowed hard, fighting against the bile that rose in his throat.
“Just a little longer,” he whispered to himself, but the knot in his stomach tightened.
The first wave of nausea hit him hard, and he barely managed to pull himself up to the toilet before retching, the force of it sending shockwaves through his body. With trembling hands, he gripped the edge of the toilet seat, feeling utterly powerless as he surrendered to the chaos within him.
Each wave of nausea brought a new wave of dread, and he fought to keep himself steady, but the exhaustion was overwhelming. He was shaking now, every muscle in his body tensed against the relentless onslaught.
Just as he thought he might find a moment of relief, the dizziness overwhelmed him once more. He barely managed to pull himself up and leaned heavily against the wall, but the ground felt unsteady beneath his feet. The bathroom tiles were cool against his skin as he sank to the floor, feeling trapped in a world that refused to stabilize.
The minutes dragged on, and the sounds of the night felt distant, almost muted. He leaned his head back against the wall, his heart racing, his body betraying him in every conceivable way. Felix felt a bead of sweat trickle down his temple, pooling against his neck, and he took deep breaths, trying to steady himself. He didn’t want to disturb Hyunjin; he didn’t want him to see him like this, so weak and vulnerable.
The nausea came in waves, and Felix felt himself slipping in and out of consciousness. He didn’t want to stay on the floor, but his limbs felt heavy and unresponsive. After a particularly violent wave of sickness, he succumbed to the fatigue and allowed himself to rest against the cool tiles, closing his eyes against the overwhelming sensations.
Time passed, and he found himself losing track of how long he had been in the bathroom. Just as he thought he might find a moment of respite, another wave of nausea surged through him, dragging him back to reality. He could feel the edges of panic creeping in; his body felt like it was on fire, heart racing, sweat pooling at his temples, every sound around him amplified.
In his haze, he finally allowed the tears to fall, realizing how helpless he felt. Felix wished he could reach for his phone, to call Hyunjin, to just hear his voice and feel that warmth and safety wrap around him again. But the thought of waking him, of worrying him, kept him anchored to the cold floor.
Just as he thought he might pass out again, he felt a wave of dizziness that forced him to lean his head against the cool wall. He needed to get back to bed, to safety. He took a deep breath, gathering what little strength he had left, and attempted to push himself up from the floor.
As he did, the world around him spun wildly. He staggered, falling back to the floor, and the darkness enveloped him once more.
When he regained consciousness, he was still lying on the bathroom floor, the coolness of the tiles contrasting sharply with the heat radiating from his skin. Panic surged through him as he realized he had lost track of time again. The faint sounds of the world outside filtered through the small window, but he felt isolated, trapped in a haze of nausea and fatigue.
He knew he couldn’t stay there much longer; he needed help. Mustering every ounce of strength, he pushed himself to his feet, swaying slightly as the room tilted.
As he stumbled back toward the bedroom, his legs felt like jelly, and he could feel the heat radiating off him. Each step was a monumental effort, and he clutched the doorframe for support as he finally made it back into the bedroom.
He paused, glancing at Hyunjin, who lay peacefully asleep, blissfully unaware of the turmoil that had consumed him. The sight of him filled Felix with both love and guilt. He didn't want to pull Hyunjin into his pain; he didn’t want him to worry.
With a shaky breath, Felix collapsed onto the edge of the bed, willing himself to settle. He needed to rest, to pull himself together. As he lay there, he felt tears streaming down his cheeks, mixing with the sweat on his skin.
What felt like moments later, he heard the soft sound of Hyunjin shifting in his sleep. He turned slightly, brow furrowing as he instinctively reached for Felix, concern etched across his features even in slumber. The simple gesture made Felix’s heart ache; he wanted nothing more than to reach out, to be held, but he remained frozen, his body betraying him.
As the nausea swelled once more, he turned back toward the bathroom, barely able to make it there before the world began to spin again. This time, he knew he couldn’t fight it anymore. He needed to let Hyunjin in, to share this burden instead of facing it alone.
With every ounce of resolve, he managed to reach for his phone, trembling fingers dialing Hyunjin’s number. But before he could press “call,” another wave of dizziness swept through him, and the screen slipped from his fingers, clattering against the floor as darkness enveloped him once more.
---
The soft rays of morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the bedroom. Hyunjin stirred in his sleep, stretching out his arms and reaching for Felix, only to find the space beside him empty. His brow furrowed in confusion; it was unlike Felix to wake up before him, especially without a word.
“Felix?” he called softly, his voice still thick with sleep. When no response came, he pushed himself up, his heart beginning to race as he glanced around the room, scanning for any sign of his boyfriend. A sense of unease settled over him.
Hyunjin slipped out of bed, pulling on a shirt and quickly making his way toward the bathroom. The door was slightly ajar, and as he pushed it open, dread washed over him. The sight before him made his heart drop.
Felix lay curled up on the cold tiles, his body tense and unmoving, a crumpled figure in front of the toilet. The evidence of his suffering was clear—pools of vomit lay nearby, and Felix’s pale face was streaked with dried sweat. Hyunjin felt as if the air had been sucked from his lungs, a wave of panic crashing over him.
“Felix!” he exclaimed, rushing to his boyfriend’s side. He knelt down on the tiles, his hands trembling as he gently shook Felix's shoulder, trying to rouse him from his unconscious state. “Felix, baby, wake up!”
Felix groaned, slowly blinking his eyes open, but they were unfocused, filled with confusion. The moment he registered where he was, a flash of guilt crossed his features. “I... I’m sorry, Hyunjin,” he rasped, his voice strained and weak. “I didn’t want to wake you.”
Hyunjin’s heart ached at the sight of Felix in such distress. He brushed the hair from Felix’s forehead, his fingers coming away damp. “What happened? Why didn’t you wake me?” Panic tightened around his chest as he felt the heat radiating from Felix’s skin. “You shouldn’t be alone like this.”
“I thought... I thought I could handle it,” Felix murmured, each word a struggle. “I didn’t want to worry you.”
Hyunjin felt guilt wash over him, his heart sinking at the thought of Felix suffering alone. He held Felix’s face gently, forcing him to meet his gaze. “You don’t have to do this alone. I’m here. I’m always here,” he whispered, desperation lacing his words.
“Hyunjin, I—” Felix started, but his words were cut off by another wave of nausea. Hyunjin instinctively helped him to the toilet, holding his hair back as Felix retched again, his body shaking.
Once it passed, Hyunjin rubbed soothing circles on Felix’s back, his heart breaking at the sight of his boyfriend in such pain. “Just breathe, okay? I’m right here. You’re going to be okay,” he said softly, trying to keep his voice steady despite the fear coursing through him.
Felix leaned against the cool tiles, eyes squeezed shut as he fought to regain his composure. “I’m so tired,” he whispered, the vulnerability in his voice cutting through Hyunjin like a knife.
“I know,” Hyunjin said, his own heart aching. “Just rest for a moment, alright? I’ll take care of everything.”
Felix nodded weakly, and Hyunjin took a moment to collect himself, his mind racing with thoughts of how he could help. “Let’s get you to the couch, alright? You can lie down there while I get some water and a cool cloth for your forehead.”
With every ounce of care, Hyunjin helped Felix sit up, supporting him as he leaned against him. “You’re going to be okay. I promise,” he murmured, and as he helped Felix to his feet, he felt the weight of his boyfriend’s body leaning heavily against him.
They made their way to the living room, and Hyunjin carefully lowered Felix onto the couch, tucking a blanket around him. He quickly dashed to the kitchen, filling a glass with water and grabbing a clean cloth. His mind raced with worry; he wished he had noticed the signs earlier, wished he had been more attentive.
When he returned, he found Felix staring up at the ceiling, his expression distant. Hyunjin settled beside him, holding the glass of water gently to Felix’s lips. “Here, take small sips,” he instructed softly.
Felix complied, his hand trembling slightly as he took a drink, and Hyunjin couldn’t help but brush his thumb across Felix’s knuckles, grounding them both in the moment. “I’m so sorry, Hyunjin,” Felix murmured once he lowered the glass, his voice thick with emotion. “I didn’t want to burden you.”
Hyunjin shook his head, his heart swelling with love and concern. “You could never be a burden to me. You’re my everything,” he replied, his voice steady. “Please promise me you’ll wake me next time. You don’t have to go through this alone.”
Felix nodded slowly, tears pooling in his eyes as he leaned his head against Hyunjin’s shoulder. “I promise,” he whispered, and Hyunjin tightened his hold on him, wishing he could take away the pain that had haunted Felix.
----
The morning light streamed through the windows, illuminating the living room where Felix lay curled up on the couch. Despite the comforting warmth of the blanket wrapped around him, he couldn’t shake the bone-deep chill that had settled into his bones. Hyunjin had done everything he could to care for him, but Felix still felt trapped in a fog of dizziness and nausea. Every moment felt like a battle, and he wasn’t sure how much longer he could hold on.
“Hyunjin…” Felix mumbled weakly, his voice barely rising above a whisper.
“Shh, just rest,” Hyunjin replied softly, brushing a strand of hair from Felix’s forehead. He had filled a bowl with cool water, and he gently dabbed the cloth over Felix’s skin, hoping to provide some relief. But every time Felix attempted to sit up, the world spun around him, and he felt as though he might collapse into the depths of darkness again.
With a deep breath, Felix tried to push himself up, but as he did, his vision blurred, and a wave of nausea hit him hard. “I can’t… I can’t do this,” he gasped, clutching his stomach as he leaned back against the couch.
“Just take it slow, okay?” Hyunjin said, his voice steady despite the growing worry in his chest. He brought Felix a glass of water, urging him to sip slowly. “You need to stay hydrated.”
Felix nodded, but every small movement felt like an insurmountable task. His muscles ached as if he had run a marathon, and his legs felt heavy and uncooperative, barely able to support his weight.
Time dragged on as Hyunjin remained by his side, wiping his forehead and offering soft words of comfort. Yet, no matter how much care Hyunjin poured into Felix, it felt like an uphill battle. His boyfriend’s breathing grew labored, and the sickly sheen of sweat on his skin did little to reassure Hyunjin.
“Hyunjin, I…” Felix started, but he was cut off by another wave of nausea. He turned his head just in time to retch into the bowl Hyunjin had placed nearby.
Hyunjin’s heart sank as he held him through it, rubbing small circles on his back in an attempt to soothe him. “I know it’s hard, baby,” he murmured, his own voice thick with worry. “Just let it out.”
Once it passed, Felix slumped against Hyunjin, panting softly. “I’m so tired,” he whispered, his eyes fluttering shut.
“Just a little longer, okay? We’ll get you feeling better,” Hyunjin said, but deep down, he felt the familiar knot of anxiety tighten in his stomach. Felix had suffered through so much, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t seem to shake this flare-up.
After what felt like an eternity, Hyunjin helped Felix sit up again. “Let’s try standing. I think you might feel better moving around a bit,” he suggested, even though a voice in the back of his mind warned him this was a mistake.
Felix nodded weakly, determination flickering in his eyes. He took a deep breath, but the moment he tried to push himself up, his vision darkened again, and his heart raced as if trying to escape from his chest. “Hyunjin, I can’t—”
Before he could finish, he fainted, his body going limp in Hyunjin’s arms.
“Felix!” Hyunjin shouted, panic flooding through him. He cradled Felix close, feeling the chill radiating from his skin. “Felix, please!”
Hyunjin shook him gently, fear clawing at his throat. Felix stirred momentarily, eyes fluttering open, but they were unfocused and distant. “H-Hyunjin?” he stammered, confusion washing over him like a wave.
“Stay with me, okay? Just breathe,” Hyunjin urged, his voice trembling as he tried to hold Felix steady. But when Felix slumped against him again, Hyunjin’s heart dropped.
He knew this was beyond what they could manage at home. “No more. We’re going to the hospital,” Hyunjin said firmly, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside him.
“Hyunjin, no… I don’t want to—”
“I’m not giving you a choice,” he cut in, his tone leaving no room for argument. “You need medical help, and I won’t let you suffer like this any longer.”
Felix opened his mouth to protest again, but the words failed him. The reality of his condition sank in as he struggled to remain conscious. He nodded weakly, the fight leaving his body as he leaned into Hyunjin’s warmth.
“Good. Just focus on me,” Hyunjin said, quickly gathering his things. “I’ll call an Uber; we’ll be there in no time.”
As he moved to grab his phone, he couldn’t shake the overwhelming dread clawing at him.
“Hyunjin?” Felix’s voice was faint, almost a whisper.
“I’m here,” he replied, crouching down beside Felix and squeezing his hand. “I won’t leave you.”
Felix’s eyelids fluttered as he tried to hold onto consciousness. “Promise?”
“Promise,” Hyunjin affirmed, a resolve settling in his chest. No matter what it took, he would fight to protect Felix, to see him through this. They would get through it together.
---
Hyunjin practically carried Felix through the sliding doors of the emergency room, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and urgency. Felix’s body hung limply in his arms, barely conscious, his skin pale and clammy. Every step felt like an eternity as Hyunjin scanned the room for help, his voice cracking as he shouted, “Please! Someone help us!”
The nurses at the front desk immediately snapped into action. One rushed over with a wheelchair, but as Hyunjin tried to set Felix down, his boyfriend slumped forward, too weak to support his own weight. “He has POTS,” Hyunjin explained breathlessly. “It’s a flare-up—he’s been fainting, vomiting, and he’s so weak. Please, I don’t know what else to do.”
“Let’s get him to a bed,” one of the nurses said calmly, though her eyes reflected the urgency of the situation. Another nurse called for assistance, and in a matter of seconds, a gurney was rolled out.
Hyunjin helped guide Felix onto the bed, his heart aching at the sight of how frail Felix had become. Felix’s eyes fluttered weakly as he tried to focus, but his body was too exhausted to respond to the chaos around him. “It’s okay, baby, we’re here now,” Hyunjin whispered, though his voice wavered with worry. He squeezed Felix’s hand tightly, his thumb brushing gently over Felix’s knuckles in an attempt to calm him, but it was more for his own reassurance than anything else.
The nurses wheeled Felix into a nearby room, and Hyunjin hurried beside them, never letting go of Felix’s hand. As they settled him into the bed, doctors entered the room, asking quick, precise questions that Hyunjin tried to answer through the fog of panic clouding his mind.
“How long has this been going on?” one of the doctors asked, her hands already preparing to insert an IV.
“Since last night,” Hyunjin managed, his throat dry. “He didn’t tell me until this morning, but he’s been getting worse for hours. He fainted with every slight movement—his heart’s been racing, and he’s been so dizzy he can barely stand.”
The doctor nodded, her face serious but calm. “We’re going to start fluids and monitor his heart rate closely. It sounds like he’s severely dehydrated and his blood pressure is fluctuating due to the POTS. We’ll stabilize him.”
Hyunjin watched as they inserted the IV into Felix’s arm, the sight of the needle making his stomach churn. He hated seeing Felix like this—helpless and in pain, his usually bright energy drained from him. The beeping of the heart monitor filled the room, and Hyunjin felt like he was suffocating in the sound.
Felix, though exhausted and barely able to open his eyes, seemed to relax just a fraction as the IV drip started working. The cool fluids slowly entered his system, and while he was still incredibly weak, there was a tiny glimmer of relief that washed over his face.
Hyunjin leaned over, his hand brushing back Felix’s sweat-dampened hair. “You’re going to be okay, I’m right here,” he whispered, even though his own fear gnawed at him from the inside. His heart had been pounding in his chest since the moment he found Felix collapsed on the bathroom floor, and no matter how much he tried to stay calm, the fear wouldn’t let go. He had never felt so powerless before.
Felix’s lips moved, but his voice was so faint that Hyunjin had to lean in closer to hear him. “I’m sorry… for not waking you up…”
“Don’t be sorry,” Hyunjin said quickly, his throat tightening. “Just focus on getting better. I’ve got you.”
The doctors moved around them, adjusting machines and checking Felix’s vitals, but Hyunjin stayed by Felix’s side, holding his hand like a lifeline. Every now and then, Felix’s eyes would flutter open for a brief second before exhaustion pulled him under again. Each time, Hyunjin offered a small smile, even though the worry in his chest was overwhelming.
Hours seemed to pass in a blur of machines, medical jargon, and quiet reassurances. Felix’s condition was stabilizing, but he was still too weak to sit up, still too pale and drained of energy. Hyunjin kept stroking his hair, his fingers trembling slightly as he tried to keep his own panic at bay. He needed to stay strong—for Felix’s sake—but watching his boyfriend suffer through this flare-up was tearing him apart.
“You’re doing so well,” Hyunjin whispered, pressing a kiss to Felix’s forehead. His own eyes burned with unshed tears, but he refused to let them fall. Not now. Not when Felix needed him to be strong. “I’m so proud of you, Lixie.”
Felix’s fingers twitched weakly in response, but he was too tired to speak. Still, that small gesture was enough to reassure Hyunjin, if only for a moment. They would get through this together. They always did.
As the day wore on, the doctors continued to monitor Felix, administering medication to help regulate his heart rate and ease the dizziness.
---
As the doctors finally left them alone, the quiet of the hospital room felt almost suffocating. Felix lay on the bed, pale and exhausted, the IV drip working to stabilize him. He was too weak to even sit up, but his eyes fluttered open to find Hyunjin sitting by his side, his hand still holding his. The silence between them stretched out until Felix broke it with a soft, raspy apology.
"I’m sorry I didn’t wake you… last night," Felix murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. His eyes were heavy-lidded, but Hyunjin could see the flicker of guilt in them. "I thought… I thought it would get better on its own."
Hyunjin’s heart clenched at Felix’s words, at how fragile he sounded. He brought Felix’s hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to his knuckles, his touch as gentle as he could make it. "You don’t need to apologize for that," Hyunjin said quietly, his thumb tracing small circles on the back of Felix’s hand. "You were scared. I get it. But you don’t have to go through this alone, okay? I’m always going to be here."
Felix’s eyes flickered with emotion, a mix of shame and fear that Hyunjin hated seeing on his face. "I didn’t… I didn’t want to wake you because—" He paused, his voice shaking as he swallowed hard. "I didn’t want you to worry. I already feel like… I’m too much to handle."
Hyunjin’s heart twisted painfully as Felix’s words sank in. He shook his head, his expression soft but determined. "Felix, don’t say that."
"I mean it," Felix whispered, blinking back tears. "I hate that POTS makes me like this. That it takes away my energy, makes me faint, makes me… dependent." His voice cracked, and he looked down, his fingers weakly clenching around Hyunjin’s. "I hate how it makes you worry so much… I don’t want to be a burden to you."
Hyunjin's chest tightened at the raw vulnerability in Felix’s voice, the deep insecurity that he’d been carrying. Carefully, Hyunjin leaned closer, cupping Felix’s face in his hands, forcing him to meet his gaze. "You’re not a burden, Felix. Not to me, not ever," Hyunjin said, his voice gentle but firm. "I love you. I love all of you—sickness and all. You don’t have to hide how you feel or try to deal with this on your own."
Felix’s lips trembled, the weight of Hyunjin’s words breaking something inside him. His tears, which he had been trying so hard to hold back, finally spilled over, tracing wet paths down his cheeks. "But it’s so hard…" he whispered, his voice barely audible as he choked on a sob. "It feels like… like I’m losing control over my own body. And I hate that I’m dragging you into this… that you have to deal with it too."
Hyunjin’s heart ached as he watched Felix crumble in front of him, every word filled with frustration, fear, and helplessness. He pulled Felix into his arms, holding him as tightly as he dared, his hand running soothingly over Felix’s hair. "I don’t care how hard it gets, Lixie. I’ll be here every step of the way," Hyunjin whispered into his ear. "You’re never going to be a burden to me. You’re everything to me."
Felix clung to Hyunjin, his body shaking with quiet sobs as he let out all the fear and frustration he’d been bottling up for so long. Hyunjin held him, whispering soft reassurances, his own eyes burning with unshed tears. It hurt him to see Felix like this, to know how much he’d been struggling in silence, but at the same time, Hyunjin felt a sense of relief—Felix was finally letting him in.
"You don’t have to be strong all the time," Hyunjin murmured, his hands cradling Felix’s face as he pulled back just enough to look at him. He wiped away Felix’s tears with the pad of his thumb, his gaze tender. "You’ve been through so much, but you don’t have to carry it alone. I’m here, and I’ll always be here."
Felix looked at Hyunjin, his eyes red and puffy from crying, but there was a faint flicker of relief in his gaze. He nodded weakly, his voice hoarse as he whispered, "Thank you…"
Hyunjin pressed a soft kiss to Felix’s forehead, holding him close once more. "Always, Lixie," he whispered against his skin. "Always."
---
After hours of rest and treatment, Felix’s flare-up finally began to subside, settling into a more familiar rhythm. The IV fluids had worked wonders in rehydrating him, and the medications had helped steady his erratic heart rate. Though still weak, Felix could tell that the worst of it had passed. His nausea had lessened, and the dizziness that once made standing impossible had eased slightly. He wasn’t fainting every time he moved now, and though the fatigue still weighed heavily on him, the worst had finally ebbed.
Hyunjin never left his side through it all. He watched over Felix like a hawk, his expression soft but filled with a quiet determination. Every time Felix stirred or made the slightest movement, Hyunjin was there, ready to help him sit up, adjust the blankets, or offer him a sip of water. When the hospital staff brought in a small meal, Hyunjin carefully guided Felix through it, offering him tiny bites and making sure he ate something.
At one point, Hyunjin left for a few minutes, only to return with Felix’s favorite blanket from home, draping it over him with a gentle smile. The soft, familiar fabric was a comfort, bringing warmth and a sense of safety into the sterile hospital room. Felix’s heart swelled with gratitude, though he was too tired to express it in words. Hyunjin always knew exactly how to bring him comfort, even in moments like these when everything felt so overwhelming.
As the evening began to creep in, the sky outside the window slowly darkening, Felix lay back in the hospital bed, his body finally starting to relax. Hyunjin sat beside him, his fingers threading gently through Felix’s hair, each stroke soothing and tender. The room was quiet now, filled only with the soft beeping of the heart monitor and the occasional shuffle of nurses passing by.
Felix turned his head slightly, meeting Hyunjin’s gaze. The tension that had been lingering all day, the fear and panic from earlier, had begun to fade now that Felix was on the mend. He could see it in Hyunjin’s eyes—relief mixing with exhaustion. Felix knew this had taken a toll on him too, but Hyunjin had stayed strong, just like he always did.
“You’re really good at this, you know,” Felix said, his voice still weak but carrying a faint smile. “Taking care of me.”
Hyunjin’s lips twitched upward, but his eyes softened with something deeper. He leaned in closer, pressing a kiss to Felix’s forehead, his breath warm against Felix’s skin. “I’ll always take care of you,” he murmured. “You don’t even have to ask.”
Felix’s chest tightened, not with fear or anxiety this time, but with love. He reached out, squeezing Hyunjin’s hand as tightly as he could manage, though his strength was still lacking. Hyunjin responded by wrapping his arm around Felix’s shoulders, pulling him in as close as he could while still being mindful of the IV.
They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in the warmth of each other’s presence, the day’s earlier terror fading into the background. Felix rested his head against Hyunjin’s chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, grounding himself in the comforting rhythm. He felt safe here, in Hyunjin’s arms, knowing that no matter how many flare-ups came, Hyunjin would be there to catch him.
As Felix’s eyelids grew heavy once more, Hyunjin’s fingers continued their soft movements through his hair. The day had been long and terrifying, but in this quiet moment, it felt like they had survived something together. Hyunjin held him a little tighter, his silent promise clear in the way he never let go. No matter how hard it got, Hyunjin would always be there to face it with him.
---
The next day, Felix was feeling a little better as they were finally discharged from the hospital. His body was still sore, muscles aching from the strain of the flare-up, and exhaustion weighed heavily on him, but he was improving. The IV fluids had worked wonders, and the doctors had sent them home with supplies so Hyunjin could continue administering them if needed. They also provided compression clothes to help regulate Felix’s blood flow, which Felix accepted, knowing it would help prevent future flare-ups, despite his dislike of the tight fabric.
For safety, the nurses had wheeled Felix to the hospital entrance in a wheelchair. His legs were still too weak to trust with his full weight, and neither Hyunjin nor Felix wanted to risk him fainting again. Felix’s hands gripped the armrests, his knuckles pale. Every movement still sent small waves of dizziness through him, but at least it was manageable now.
Hyunjin walked beside him, his hand resting lightly on Felix’s shoulder, offering silent support. When they reached the automatic doors, Felix looked up at Hyunjin, his eyes tired but filled with gratitude. "Thank you," Felix whispered, his voice weak but sincere.
Hyunjin crouched down, meeting Felix at eye level. Without hesitation, he leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to Felix’s forehead, his lips lingering for a heartbeat longer than usual. “You don’t need to thank me, Lix,” he said gently, his fingers brushing through Felix’s hair. “We’re in this together, remember? Always.”
Felix felt a surge of emotion, a warmth that eased some of the tension from his aching body. He gave Hyunjin a small smile, his grip on the wheelchair armrest relaxing just a bit.
Hyunjin wheeled Felix toward the Uber, the mid-morning sun casting a warm glow on them as they left the hospital behind. Even though Felix was still exhausted and sore, just knowing that Hyunjin was beside him made the road ahead feel a little less daunting. As Hyunjin helped Felix into the car and stowed the wheelchair in the trunk, Felix whispered again, “Together.”
Hyunjin smiled, closing the car door gently. "Always."