Chapter Text
He wasn’t needy.. right?
It has been 3 years since Ateez has officially started dating, which means all 8. Sure they had a few disagreements but they couldn’t stay mad for too long, how could they? However, one of their main problems was favoritism. With Jongho’s past of self harm and anxiety, everyone knew to not neglect him, but it seems they forgot.
It all started during their Outlaw comeback. Stress takes over and everyone sticks to the person they felt most comfortable with, Seonghwa and Hongjoong; Wooyoung, Yeosang, and San; Yunho with Mingi. It felt mostly right, Matz and the 99z, but where did the maknae fit? Sure he wasn’t the most sociable but he liked being included, even if he wasn’t necessarily touching them.
You get used to it, until you don’t.
ദ്ദി◝ ⩊ ◜.ᐟ
Jongho laid in his bed, his solo dorm since Mingi moved out to be with Yunho. Stuck with his thoughts, Jongho decided to scroll on Twitter and distract himself.
It all started pretty normal, people drooling for his hyungs, until he found a small thread. Curiosity hit him and he decided to read it, how bad could it be?
It was way worse than he could imagine.
It started okay-ish with a few ‘Atiny’ commenting about how he wasn’t as thin as his hyungs, but snowballed to people shaming his vocals and place in Ateez.
“‘Best 4th gen vocalist’ they said, but it’s an average idol, he can’t compare to Seungmin.”
“He’s gained weight since debut, he must’ve gotten to comfortable #bringbackbullying.”
“He looks out of place… Ateez and Jongho.”
“He should’ve listen to his past trainers, his vocals don’t match Ateez.”
He knew he should’ve closed the app, but reading all the comments felt addictive.. he felt the need to be better. Maybe that’s why his hyungs have been neglecting him recently. Was he not good enough? He was sure he was doing good.. maybe he should try harder. He turned off his phone and rolled over in bed. He was parched.
Jongho walked into the kitchen, only glancing at Matz cuddling on the couch. He had gotten used to them not greeting him but it still stung. He grabbed his water and on his way back he paused. He could hear the 99z all playing some game in Sans room. He stood and thought for a minute.. “Why wasn’t I invited?” He shook it off and hurried to his room, not wanting to be seen lingering where he shouldn’t.
No matter how much he drank, it didn’t quench his thirst. He sigh and laid down. “Maybe a nap will help me.” He mumbled as he got comfortable, as comfortable as he could all alone.
ദ്ദി◝ ⩊ ◜.ᐟ
He awoke to Wooyoung banging on his door, “Jongho! Maknae!! Jjongie!” He yelled, “Wake up! We’re gonna be late!” Jongho stood up so quickly he swore he saw stars. He forgot he had a busy week preparing for the new Golden Hour comeback. He ran to get dressed and grabbed his phone.
When the vans arrived, everyone piled in and huddled together. When Jongho prepared to climb in, he noticed there was no space. Odd… he sat with the manager upfront instead.
This all felt odd. The days went by too fast, he spoke too little.. yet no one but him noticed. Maybe he was going crazy.
When they arrived at the studio, they all stretched and waited for the choreographer to come in. On instinct, they all huddled with their ‘groups’, leaving Jongho to the side.
He sighed, this wasn’t new, it has become his norm but it still stung.
“Jongho!” Hongjoong beckoned him over. Jongho immediately obeyed, feeling a bit too giddy at just being referred to. “Yes, captain?” He smiled. “Me and Seongwha are having a debate, we need a third opinion.” At that, Jonghos smile slightly faded, of course.. what did he expect? Why would they call him to actually talk to him?
“Jongho?” He didn’t realize Seongwha was calling him until he felt Hwas hand on his shoulder. Although firm, the touch felt nice.. he craved more. “Yes hyung? Sorry, I spaced out.” He smiled nervously, but Seongwha didn’t smile back. “Yeah…okay. Did you hear? What’s better, dancing or singing?” “That’s stupid.. they go hand in hand.” Jongho chuckled, trying to stay upbeat. “That doesn’t answer anything, we’ll just ask someone else.” Hongjoong sighed and walked away.
What..
He needed a moment alone.. to think, to breathe. “I’m going to the bathroom.” He mumbled to no one in particular.
ദ്ദി◝ ⩊ ◜.ᐟ
When he made it to his stall, he slammed the door shut. What’s going on? Why did he feel so awkward? Did he change? Did his hyungs not like him anymore?
It was suffocating.
He immediately took out his phone and texted the manager.
Jongho
‘I don’t feel well.. I think my knee is acting up.’
Manager
‘The comeback is next week, Jongho, you sure you can catch up if you miss today?’
He paused.. could he? Sure he was a good dancer but would he really be able to catch up?
Jongho
‘Yeah, I can.’
Manager
‘Alright, you may. But be safe.’
He will, of course he will.
ദ്ദി◝ ⩊ ◜.ᐟ
The break was nice. He got his thoughts in order and wrote it all down, it was kind of relaxing. The knock at his door woke him up. “Yeah?!” “Jonghoooo! It’s me, Sannie! Can I come in?” San? He felt butterflies.. San wanted to talk to him? “Yeah..! Doors open.” He closed his notebook and stashed it in his drawer as San walked in. “Maknaeeee.. “ he whined. “The others left.. I’m so alooneee.” He pouted and laid in Jonghos bed. Lonely?
Join the club, San.
“Where did they go?”
“To the studio.”
“Without you?”
“I recorded all my lines already.”
“Hm.” Jongho huffed. “Hm? That’s it? I’m dying and it’s like you don’t care!” “Well I’ve been alone since Outlaw, you can survive a few hours.” Oops.. he whispered too loudly.
He turned around and San was.. staring.
“What?”
“What?” Jongho repeated. “It’s a few hours, you got this.” Jongho just chuckled, hoping San would drop it. “No no.. you said you were alone. Alone how? We’re always here!” San frowned. “Here but not present.” Jongho sighed, “I’m kinda busy here, San. Talk to you later?” He gave San a sloppy smile which San did not reciprocate.
He wordlessly got up and left.
ദ്ദി◝ ⩊ ◜.ᐟ
When the rest of the group came back, San immediately rushed them to his room, making sure Jongho stayed in his own.
“Guys… emergency meeting.” San declared.
“If this is about your cake, I told you Seonghwa took it!” Wooyoung sighed.
“No, it’s serious this time.” That seemed to catch everyone’s attention.
“It’s the maknae..” he sighed.
“What about him?” Yeosang spoke up.
“He’s.. distant. He told me he’s been ‘alone’ since Outlaw, about how we’re here but not present!”
“How so?” Yunho looks confused.
“I don’t know!” San sighed.
The room was silent as they looked around.
“Maybe we’ve been… neglecting him..?” Seongwha said reluctantly. “I mean, I havent had a proper date with him since long ago.” He admitted. “I haven’t gotten a kiss in months..” Mingi said sadly. “And no cuddles either.” Wooyoung pouted.
“So.. what do we do?” Yunho questioned.
“We talk to him.” Hongjoong stood up. “There must be a reason he hasn’t told us first.”
“When? Hes always locked up in his room.. now that I think about it.. has anyone eaten with him?” San looked around.
Silence…
“We’re worse than I thought.” Seongwha almost whimpered in sadness. “What if our baby was struggling all these months and we haven’t noticed?” “Then we take action now.” Hongjoong declared, “We start small, someone has to sleep with him tonight.” Everyone immediately raised their hand to volunteer.
Eventually Yeosang was picked to go first.
ദ്ദി◝ ⩊ ◜.ᐟ
His hyungs were loud. He heard the whole conversation.
He braced himself as he heard footsteps approach. “Jjongie..!” Yeosangs voice was smooth, comfortable. “It’s open.” Jongho mumbled. He didn’t want to turn and see his hyung at his door, it would hurt too much.
Did his hyungs feel the need to be with him because they felt bad? What if it was pity?
He was deep in his thoughts and didn’t realize Yeosang closed in on him until he felt his arms around his own waist, holding him close. “Jongho…” Yeosang whispered, his warm breath tickling his neck.
“I-.. I’m sorry. I haven’t check in on you in a while.” Jongho didn’t respond, he couldn’t. His throat felt sore and his eyes wet, why was he crying?
Maybe it was the apology, or maybe it was the touch he yearned for so long, yet stung so bad?
Yeosang noticed his silence and tugged him closer. “You don’t have to respond. I can wait.”
And wait he didn’t.
He doesn’t know when he fell asleep, but he did wake up to an empty bed.
Of course.
It was all a stunt.. something to make him feel needed again. He sighed and opened twitter, which was his new daily addiction, and scrolled through the hate thread. He scrolled and scrolled, feeling emptier by the comment. He stood up and looked in the mirror, has he really gained weight? Sure he wasn’t following a diet but he wasn’t fat. Did his hyungs think so?
Speaking of his hyungs..
He left his room and was met with his hyungs in the kitchen. He ignored them and walked to fridge to grab some water.
When was the last time he ate? He can’t remember, wasn’t bothered to.
“Jongho.” Yunho spoke up. Jongho turned but didn’t respond. “You hungry? I made eggs.” He smiled. Jongho thought for a moment… food. Food makes him “fatter”, maybe he will sit this meal out. “No thanks, I’m not hungry. “He smiled.
He knows his hyungs would call bull, but frankly he didn’t care.
“You sure? It’s cheesy!” Wooyoung tried to press. “I’m sure.” Jongho walked away.
It hurt to hear the silence, no one pressed further.
ദ്ദി◝ ⩊ ◜.ᐟ
Later that day, he felt too tired. A walk should help, it always does. He grabbed his phone and a sweater and got ready. He walked past his hyungs and out the door.
The fresh air felt nice on his tired face, the sun tickling his golden skin. Why doesn’t he walk more often?
Halfway through his walk, he wanted to look for somewhere to eat so he pulled out his phone. He pressed the screen but it failed to light up…
Fuck. He forgot to charge his phone.
He doesn’t know how long he was out, does he care? He doesn’t know. He kept walking. He’ll make it back to the dorms soon anyways.
Big mistake.
ദ്ദി◝ ⩊ ◜.ᐟ
When he entered the dorm he was welcomed to Hongjoong yelling.
“Jongho! Where were you? We tried calling! And you have no mask? Do you want to get kidnapped?”
He looked furious.. it was scary.
“Sorry.. my phone died-“ “Why wasn’t it charged? Why didn’t you tell us you were leaving?! That was super irresponsible!”
Hongjoong yelled. Jongho didn’t know what to do, he was being humiliated in front of his hyungs. This wasn’t the first time he was yelled at, but it was the first where Hongjoong was so harsh. Hongjoong kept ranting but it all went out the other ear, he doesn’t realize he was crying until he sees his hyungs look at him with concern.
He rarely cried. They’ve seen too much, he needs to leave.
He ran past Hongjoong and into the bathroom, his haven. He fell to the floor and bit his thumb, trying to calm down.
Why did he keep messing up? Why was he so hated? Why were his hyungs still with him?
Every comment he read was spinning in his head.. he stopped when he tasted metallic on his tongue, only then did he realize he pierced through his own skin with his teeth.
Great, another problem to deal with.
He scavenged through the cabinet for the medkit until he found Yunho razors.
He froze.
It was like the blade was calling his name, whispering that it could treat him better than his hyungs have been recently. How could he resist? He picked up the razor and sat on the floor. He stared at the razor, then at his legs.
Was this a bad idea? Who cares, his future self will deal with it. Right now, all he needed was a distraction. He pulled off his pants and played with the razor, teasing his thigh with the blade. He closed his eyes and thought of his haters.
Maybe they were right.. he need discipline, he needed to get better.
He bit his lip when the blade sliced his skin. It felt.. oddly comforting. He managed 4 cuts until there was a knock. “Jongho? It’s Joongie..” Hongjoong mumbled, obviously guilty. Jongho sighed and quietly put a gauze on his fresh cuts. He hid the razor in its spot and put away the medkit.
When he opened the door, he saw Seongwha and Hongjoong. “Mm.. yeah..?” He looked confused.
“Can we talk to you? Alone?” Seongwha looked scared.
ദ്ദി◝ ⩊ ◜.ᐟ
Jongho sat between Matz on their bed. “So.. what.” Jongho mumbled. “We’re worried.” Hongjoong said blatantly. “You haven’t eaten, you’ve been distant.. “ Seongwha mumble but was interrupted by Jonghos snicker. “Yeah.. I have been distant.”
The silence that came after was suffocating.
“Jongho..” Hongjoong gripped his thigh, which Jongho tried his best to not flinch from the pain. “We want to seriously apologise… we have been neglecting you, we all admit it. We want to fix it, how can we?” He smiled at Jongho, but Jongho looked away. Hongjoongs words were fuzzy, the pain of his fresh cuts being grabbed making him lightheaded.
“Uhm… I dont know.” He sighed. How can he forget the loneliness his lovers put him through? “I-…” He fiddled with his pants, clearly unsure. “Your hand..” Seongwha whispered, grabbing Jonghos hand. What happened to your thumb?” He looked at Jongho with pure concern.
Did Seongwha truly care? He felt.. warm. “Uhm.. I bit it too hard, im fine.” Seongwha frowned. “Bit it? Why?” Jongho panicked. “Drop it, I said im fine!” That was harsher than he intended.
His thoughts were spinning and everything was happening too quick. Hongjoong and Seongwhas voices were loud, it rung in his ears.
“Shut up!” He covered his ears.
What was going on? This was new.
Seonghwa and Hongjoong immediately stopped talking. Jongho let out a long sigh and leaned against the bedrest. “I-… I want.. “He thought. What did he want?
“I want to be included. No matter how stupid.. I want to be there. Im tired of being on the side, tired of being called fat and useless. I want to be needed and wanted-“ his worlds kept spilling no matter how hard he tried to stop. Seonghwa and Hongjoong listened closely, never interrupting him. “Baby… who told you that you were ugly and useless?” Seonghwa frowned. “Its-… its stupid. Just people on Twitter.” Jongho whispered. “Never stupid. You’re our baby bear and youre the cutest maknae we could ever wish for. Okay?” Hongjoong smiled.
This felt odd.. its been so long since hes been reassured but he wasnt going to let it leave so soon.
“Are you sure? Am I not.. fat or- or a bad dancer?” “Of course not! Even you know you could outdance us.” Seongwha smiled. “Plus your lips! So cute we just want to kiss them all day.” Seongwha teased. Jongho hasnt been flirted with by his boyfriends in so long.. he couldnt help but turn red. “Youre just saying that..” a half true thought. “Never!” Hongjoong protested. “You complete us. We could never survive without you.” Hongjoong pecked his lips, which was the opposite of his usual self. He couldn’t help but ball up, the affection making him shy.
“Aw..” Seongwha smiled, gripping his thigh. This time he couldnt hold back. Jongho yelped and jumped away. “Sorry- sorry.” he scoot closer, trying to ignore Seonghwa and Hongjoons concerned faces. “Baby bear.. what was that?” Seonghwa leaned in. “Baby, its not that we dont trust you but.. can we see? Your thighs.” Jongho paused. What could be the outcome of this? He takes a haitus and gets left out again? Never. He was just getting used to Matzs affection. “Its nothing, really. Its just my knee.. its been bothering me but I swear im fine.” That sounded believable, but Matz was clearly skeptical. “Okay, just take care.” Seonghwa kissed his cheek. “How about you sleep with us tonight, yeah? Help you loosen up for the new comeback on Monday.” Hongjoong smiled. Thats nice.. its been so long and hes too tired. Jongho nodded “Okay,, just for tonight.” “If you don’t get addicted.” Seongwha teased. “Go get ready, we will wait here.” He smiled. Jongho nodded and got up, hurrying out the door.
ദ്ദി◝ ⩊ ◜.ᐟ
When he came back, Matz was already laying down. “Baby bear! We saved you the best spot!” Hongjoong pat the space between him and Seonghwa. Jongho quickly got comfortable, snuggling between his lovers. It was nice, they caressed him and smothered him in kisses, each breath containing an apology. It was bittersweet but he loved it, missed it.
“I’m sorry.. for worrying you guys.” Jongho whispered. “It’s okay baby, we’re more sorry. We will make it up to you.” Seonghwa smiled and gently kissed his neck. Jongho giggled and let himself relax.
He doesn’t know when he fell asleep but he remembered being half awake when he heard whispering.
When he woke up he heard Hongjoong and Seonghwa talking.
“We messed up bad.”
“And we called ourselves his lovers..”“I thought we confiscated all his razors.. how?”
“Maybe Yunho left his in the bathroom,”
“It looked too recent., maybe it was-… was that why he took so long in the bathroom?”
“Is this my fault? Fuck.. I swore I’d protect him”
“It’s not all your fault. We all played a part..”
“I just wish he told us… we have to tell the manager.”
The manager? No… Jongho began panicking. He hated going on hiatus, and after just learning how to love again? He’d be crushed.
“Hold off on the manager. What will he do? We know our baby more than he does.”
“But what if something drastic happens? Then what?”
“We talk to him. Today. No excuses.”
“Hwa.. I’m so scared..”
“It’s okay jjongie..”
“It’s not. We failed him.”
“…”
“…”
The silence was deafening.
Jongho pretended to stir awake, stretching as he yawned. “Hyungs..?” He yawned. He fully opened his eyes and saw Seonghwa and Hongjoong staring at him. “Hyungs?” They immediately snap back to awareness.
“Jongho, you’re awake! Are you hungry?”
“Or thirsty?”
If he wasn’t listening to their conversation, he would have felt loved. But now? He felt pitied.
“No. I’m fine.” He shrugged. “Im going to go get ready.”
“Okay baby bear, but remember we have to practice for the stage tomorrow!” Seonghwa called out.
ദ്ദി◝ ⩊ ◜.ᐟ
They were getting ready, as usual, when San approached Jongho.
“Baby bear!” He grinned.
“Hello?” Jongho looked confused.
“Are you excited? They released the album today and we preform tomorrow!!” San held Jonghos hand.
He blanked at the contact and immediately glanced at his stylist, who didn’t seem to care.
“Uh.. I guess? I mean I already see so many people fan girling over you guys.. so I’m guessing tomorrow will be loud.”
“I think you mean us, baby! Ribos have gone wild!” San smiled
The mention of his precious fans made him blush.
“I guess.”
“Lighten up! We got this.” He pecked Jonghos hand and skipped away, leaving Jongho speechless.
He really hoped tomorrow would go as planned, he didn’t want to mess it up for his hyungs.
ദ്ദി◝ ⩊ ◜.ᐟ
During practice everything was going smooth. Everyone knew their spots and the backup dancers were getting familiar with their surroundings.
“Ateez! We got this. Tomorrow will be successful and our Atiny will be so proud!” Wooyoung exclaimed.
Honestly Jongho wasn’t paying attention, he was looking for potential distractions or anything that could ruin his performance tomorrow. He was waiting for when they would talk to him, it made him nervous. He was so deep in his thoughts that Mingi looked concerned.
He slid a hand to Jonghos waist. “Baby bear? You okay?” He whispered. Jongho snapped his head to look. “Huh? Yeah- yes. Sorry I’m distracted.” He looked away.
“I can tell.” Mingi chuckled. “Don’t fall asleep, we need you.” He kissed Jonghos cheek and walked towards Wooyoung.
Jongho looked down, Mingi hadn’t acted like that with him in so long he felt emotional. He blinked away tears and let out a long sigh.
He knew he couldn’t fail tomorrow.
ദ്ദി◝ ⩊ ◜.ᐟ
Until he failed.
Not him, per say. Not really anyone. Just wrong place wrong time.
It was going well, he hit his notes and lightly skipped back to his next position. However, he might’ve been to early or too late and tripped on a dancer. He hit his bad knee and time stopped.
What he dreaded most happened. Not only did he ruin the show, but he got hurt! He couldn’t feel anything for the time being and knew he had to take action, they trained for situations like these.
Don’t stop the show.
He quickly got up and rushed to his spot. He ignored the raising pain in his knee and danced the best he could. He avoided stares from his partners and preformed until he couldn’t. Apparently the pain was worse than he thought.
He landed wrong and collapsed, not of exhaustion or anything but of the sudden sharp pain. He tried to get up again but he felt like his knee was shattered, he couldn’t move at all. The music stopped and the lights went out. He felt 7 pairs of hand lift him up and off the stage.
His eyes were full of tears and his breaths were shallow. He just messed everything up. It was all his fault and their hard work went to waste.
“Jongho?” “Jongho!!”
San tapped Jonghos cheek. “Jongho! Your knee! How do you feel? Lay down!” Everyone was rushing around.
“I-.. fuck..” he whispered. “I’m sorry.. I messed it up. I’m fine, but- the show!” “Fuck the show!” Hongjoong yelled. “You didn’t mess anything up! It was all an accident, now, your knee!”
Jongho was so upset about the show that he forgot he got injured. It wasn’t until Hongjoong snapped him out of it when he felt the immense pain again. He tried his best not to yell in pain, so instead he whimpered. “Jongho.. focus, 1-10?” Hongjoong held his shoulders. “8..?” Jongho whined. “I’m fine. Or- I will be. It’s fine. I don’t need a hospital.. just a few minutes,” he tried to dismiss off their worries. “No! You’re going to a hospital. This can be serious!”Yeosang declared. “If we had paid attention to him we could’ve prevented this!” He heard Wooyoung yell to someone he couldn’t quite hear.
In all honesty it was too fast.
He closed his eyes and stopped listening.
He opened his eyes when he felt at least 3 pairs of hands on him. He looked around and saw a few EMT’s hold onto him to carry him into the gurney. “Hello sir, my name is Jaehyun. We are going to take you to the hospital, yeah? Can you tell us your name?” Jongho was stunned. “Uhm.. Jongho- Choi Jongho?” The EMT nods. “Alright Mr. Choi, 1-10 how bad is it?” Jongho frowned.
He knew he was going to be asked a bunch of questions and honestly he was way too overwhelmed.
“6.”
“Are you sure? You seemed out of it, usually it’s because of pain.”
“It’s personal.”
“Then we can stop, just relax. We’re going to help you.”
Jongho was nervous, he knew it wasn’t serious but he ruined the comeback stage and worried his lovers.
ദ്ദി◝ ⩊ ◜.ᐟ
He woke up at the hospital and noticed how he was surrounded by his lovers asleep on the couches. What time is it? Whatever. He tried to sit up and looked around. Matz cuddled up and the 99z in a pile. Honestly this hurt more than his knee.
He let out a long sigh and looked up. This felt like a slap to the face, proof he didn’t belong. He didn’t realize he was crying until he felt Yeosangs hand in his own.
“Baby?” Yeosang whispered. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying?” He wiped Jonghos tears. He knew he couldn’t lie to Yeosang, his innocent eyes and worrisome expression hurt. “Do you love me..?” He whispered, almost as shocked as Yeosang at his own question.
“What? Baby of course I do! Do you-.. doubt it?” He seemed scared.
“Sometimes.” Jongho let his head fall back. “What if.. if I wasn’t apart of this whole.. 8 lovers thing.” He asked the dreaded question.
Yeosang immediately looked concerned. “Baby-“ “Call me Jongho.. I wanna know the truth. Not some sugarcoated version.” “Jongho.. honestly- I can’t imagine us all being couples without you.”
“Sure you can, you’re living it, Yeosang.”
…
“That’s different…” “it’s not. Yeosang I haven’t truly been a couple with anyone in so long. Honestly it-..it’s hurts more than being single.”
Yeosang froze.
“What are you implying..”
“I think.. I want a break.. from dating.” Jongho made direct eye contact.
“What?!” Seonghwa stood up.
It was so quiet neither Jongho or Yeosang noticed the others woke up.
“Break up?” Wooyoung was already crying.
“Let’s talk about it! We can fix it-“ Mingi immediately interrupted.
“Yeah! We aren’t complete without you!!” Yunho begged.
Hongjoong stood up. “Everyone stop! Jongho.. sweetie-“ “Please- just Jongho.”
… “Jongho… we know we messed up, we want to fix it! We all figured it out too late, we know we neglected you and we want to start again. I promise, with everything I have, that was the last time you ever feel alone.” Hongjoong held his hand.
“It’s hard to believe you. If this is how it is with every comeback.. I don’t want it.” Jongho mumbled. “I missed what I used to be, I used to be happy with you guys. I don’t remember the last time I truly enjoyed myself.”
“Let us help you! We can make it happen, anything.” Wooyoung assured.
“We can help you feel happy again, I know we can.” San pleaded.
…
The doctor walked in. “Hello, sorry to interrupt.” He quickly bowed. “Choi, mister, I have good news! Your knee is doing well and you’re set to recover soon. In about 2-3 weeks you’ll be good to resume previous activities.” Jongho knew he should be happy, but he just broke up with his boyfriends.
“It’s alright doctor, we can take care of him!” Seonghwa held Jonghos hand. The doctor bowed. “The nurse will bring discharge papers soon. Rest up.” He left.
“I said I wanted to be alone.” Jongho pulled away. “No. You need us most and we won’t abandon you, not again.” Seonghwa insisted. “Yeah! We will spoil you rotten and make you forget all about your sadness.” Yeosang stepped up.
Jongho shook his head, “No! I want a break. I want to be able to wake up and know I won’t be forced to watch my lovers love everyone but me. I want to relax and think.”
…
They looked around and then at Hongjoong.
“Fine. Your eomma..?” Jongho nodded. “Alright. But please Jongho, think about us. We want you, more than what we have shown.” Hongjoong whispered. Jongho only sighed as he looked away. “Come on, let’s give Jongho some space.” “But Joong! We swore-“ “Enough, Wooyoung, let’s give him space.”
And with that Jongho was left alone in his hospital room.