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The late afternoon sun bathed the streets of Seoul in a warm, golden light, so gentle that none of them minded being outside. Their schedules had finally aligned for the first time in weeks, and rather than spending their rare day off hidden in the dorm, they decided to wander the city together, just like they used to. No cameras, no staff hovering nearby—just the eight of them, free for once.
They started at a small café, drifting toward the nearby park with coffees and snacks in hand, strolling along the tree-lined pathways. The air felt easy, laughter coming quickly as they fell into their familiar rhythms. Changbin glanced over and teased, “Why are you walking like that?” Hyunjin blinked back, feigning innocence, “Like what?” Changbin smirked, “You look like you’re on a runway.” Hyunjin only pushed his sunglasses higher and declared, “I am on a runway. This is my runway.” Han nearly choked on his iced coffee, bursting into laughter.
Felix immediately fell in step behind Hyunjin, mimicking his exaggerated walk. “Am I doing it right?” he asked, only for Lee Know to answer without hesitation, “No.” Felix pouted, “I haven’t even finished.” Lee Know didn’t budge. “You don’t need to.” Chan laughed quietly as the younger members began to protest Lee Know’s comment, mumbling, “They’re impossible.” Seungmin, walking beside him, nodded sagely, “You say that like you’re not their father.” Chan shook his head, “I’m not.” Seungmin pointed at his bag, “You literally packed sunscreen.” Chan looked confused, “…It’s UV index seven.” Seungmin sighed, “You packed enough for everyone.” Chan blinked, genuinely asking, “Shouldn’t I?” Seungmin just sighed dramatically. “You really are their father.”
A few minutes later, they stopped near a small food market that had popped up beside the park. The air was thick with the scent of grilled meat, fresh pastries, and caramelized sugar. Jeongin’s eyes widened. “I smell tteokbokki.” Han teased, “You smell everything.” Jeongin shrugged, “I have priorities.” Lee Know corrected him, “No, you have no self-control.” Jeongin ignored the jab and started heading toward a food stall before Chan gently grabbed the back of his hoodie. “Together,” Chan reminded. Jeongin protested, “I wasn’t going far!” but Chan only smiled, “You absolutely were.” The others laughed as Jeongin dramatically accepted his fate.
“Let’s split up for a bit,” Chan suggested, glancing at the stalls. “Meet back here in… thirty minutes?” Everyone nodded. Changbin was quick to claim, “I call Felix!” Felix laughed at that, “I didn’t know I was something you could call.” Changbin grinned, “You are now.” Lee Know announced, “I’ll go with Han.” Han blinked in surprise, “…Really?” Lee Know’s tone was dry, “So someone stops you from buying every snack in existence.” Han gasped, “I feel attacked.” Lee Know was unbothered, “You should.”
Hyunjin pointed toward a nearby photography exhibit set up along the park path. “I’m going over there.” Jeongin piped up, “I’ll come.” Hyunjin raised an eyebrow, “Really?” Jeongin grinned, “I want pictures too.” Hyunjin rolled his eyes, “You mean you want someone to take pictures of you.” Jeongin shrugged, “…Maybe.” That left Chan and Seungmin. “You don’t mind?” Chan asked. Seungmin shrugged, “I’m good with whatever.” Chan smiled, “We’ll just wander around.”
Twenty minutes later, the groups naturally found each other again near the fountain in the center of the park. Hyunjin had taken over two hundred photos, with Jeongin appearing in nearly all of them. Han carried three bags of snacks despite Lee Know’s supervision. Lee Know looked resigned. “I thought you were supposed to stop him.” Han grinned, “I stopped him from buying six.” Lee Know replied calmly, “Progress.”
Changbin held up a bag of fresh pastries, proud. “I regret nothing.” Felix, meanwhile, had somehow acquired a cotton candy twice the size of his head. Han stared, “How are you supposed to eat that?” Felix shrugged, “I’ll figure it out.” Lee Know teased, “You’ve been saying that for ten minutes.” Chan shook his head, the fondness in his voice clear. “Everyone got what they wanted?” A chorus of “Yep!” answered him.
For a while, they simply sat around the fountain, talking and laughing. People occasionally recognized them, but everyone kept their distance, seeing the group enjoying a rare, peaceful day together. It was the kind of afternoon that slipped away too quickly. Seungmin leaned back against the bench, sipping his iced coffee as Han attempted to convince everyone that pigeons secretly judged humans. “They absolutely do,” Han insisted. Seungmin replied flatly, “They’re birds.” Han nodded, “Exactly.” Seungmin was unimpressed, “I don’t think that’s evidence.” Han was determined, “It is if you look into their eyes.” Seungmin refused, “…I’m not looking into a pigeon’s eyes.” Han warned, “They’re plotting.”
Hyunjin glanced up from editing photos, “I think Han’s finally lost it.” Lee Know chimed in, “Finally?” Han pointed at them, “Betrayal.” Laughter echoed across the park. Chan found himself smiling without realizing it. Days like these were rare. No rehearsals, no interviews, no pressure—just them. Eight friends, together. Chan quietly hoped there would be more days like this.
None of them could have guessed how quickly the afternoon would turn. Even as Han pointed at a pigeon pecking at the ground and insisted, “That one definitely has a personal grudge against me,” the others laughed. Seungmin played along, “It probably does,” though he didn’t even look up from his drink. Han’s eyes went wide, “You believe me?” Seungmin deadpanned, “No.” Han deflated, “...Oh.” Seungmin continued, “I think it just recognizes easy targets.” Lee Know snorted into his iced coffee, “He’s right.” Han whined, “What did I do?” Lee Know shrugged, “You exist loudly.” Han protested, “I can’t help that!” Lee Know replied, “You could try.” Han insisted, “I’d explode.” Without missing a beat, Lee Know said, “You’d save the rest of us the headache.”
Han clutched his chest dramatically. “I came here to have a good time and I’m honestly feeling so attacked.” Seungmin corrected him, “You came here to buy three bags of snacks.” Han groaned, “The attack continues.” Changbin, munching on a pastry, frowned, “Why am I not getting roasted?” Seungmin raised an eyebrow, “You want to?” Changbin hesitated, “I mean...” He paused, reconsidered, then shook his head. “...Actually, never mind.” Seungmin didn’t let up, “Too late.” Changbin regretted ever speaking, “You’ve eaten almost everything you’ve bought.” He protested, “I have not.” Seungmin just pointed at the nearly empty bag, then back at Changbin. “...Magic?” Changbin tried to joke, “I can explain.” Lee Know nodded thoughtfully, “I’m sure you can.” Changbin mumbled, “It wasn’t all me.” Seven pairs of eyes turned to him. He caved, “...Mostly me.” Felix burst into laughter.
Hyunjin came over, proudly showing everyone his phone. “These actually turned out really well,” he said, displaying gorgeous photos full of sunlight and soft colors. Chan smiled, “These are beautiful.” Felix agreed, “They really are.” Seungmin zoomed in on one picture and asked, “Why is there a blurry pigeon in the background?” Hyunjin froze. Everyone leaned closer. Sure enough, a determined pigeon ruined the shot. Han pointed, triumphant, “I TOLD YOU. They’re everywhere.” Hyunjin groaned, “I didn’t even notice.” Lee Know added, “The pigeon is the main character now.” Hyunjin stared in horror, “...I hate all of you.”
Jeongin, quietly sipping his drink, smirked, “At least no one has roasted me.” Seungmin and Lee Know exchanged a look Chan knew too well. Lee Know spoke first, “Jeongin, how many selfies have you taken today?” Jeongin tried to deflect, “...Not many.” Hyunjin checked his camera roll, “I counted forty-eight.” Jeongin insisted, “They’re memories.” Hyunjin countered, “They’re your face.” Jeongin doubled down, “They’re memories of my face.” Seungmin nodded thoughtfully, “To be fair, your face does take up ninety percent of the storage.” Felix nearly dropped his drink laughing while Chan shook with silent laughter.
Jeongin stared at Seungmin, “I trusted you.” Seungmin replied, “That was your first mistake.” Lee Know added, “I’m so proud.” Felix stepped in, “I think Innie takes nice selfies.” Jeongin brightened, “See?” Felix continued, “...After about the seventeenth attempt.” Jeongin’s smile faded, “Et tu, Felix?” Felix explained, “You make us stand there while you say, ‘Wait, the lighting isn’t right.’” Jeongin insisted, “It matters!” Felix teased, “You made us move three feet because of the sun.” Jeongin defended, “It was hitting my face weird.” Lee Know quipped, “The sun apologized.” Jeongin hid his face in his hands, “I don’t deserve this.” Seungmin concluded, “You deserve worse.”
Chan wiped away tears of laughter. “You two are evil.” Seungmin replied, “We’re honest. There’s a difference.” Chan shook his head, “There really isn’t.” Changbin nodded, “Someone has to keep everyone humble.” Han muttered, “You mean traumatized.” Changbin grinned, “Same thing.”
For nearly another hour, the teasing continued, no one safe—not even Chan. Seungmin called him out, “You know work emails won’t disappear if you stop looking at them for one afternoon.” Chan defended, “I’m just making sure nothing urgent came up.” Lee Know peeked at his phone, “...You’re checking the weather.” Chan blushed, “It said there might be rain later.” Seungmin pointed out, “We’re sitting outside.” Chan looked up at the clear sky, momentarily sheepish. Han wheezed, “Our leader is doomed.” Seungmin teased, “Our leader is thirty.” Chan corrected, “I’m twenty-eight.” Seungmin smiled, “Exactly.”
Chan let out an exaggerated sigh, but the smile gave him away. “I spend years taking care of all of you... and this is the thanks I get?” All seven replied in unison, “Pretty much.” For a brief moment, everything felt light—just eight friends laughing beneath the fading sun, completely unaware that soon, every ordinary moment would become a memory they wished they could return to.
The sky had darkened, city lights replacing the afternoon’s golden glow. Their quick outing had stretched into a full day: markets, dinner, street performances, and even a spirited debate over dessert. No one minded. As Chan’s phone ticked past 10 p.m., the eight of them made their way back to where they’d parked.
Changbin groaned, stretching his arms above his head. “I’m exhausted.” Lee Know reminded him, “You said that three hours ago.” Changbin insisted, “I’ve become more exhausted.” Lee Know shrugged, “That’s generally how time works.” Changbin narrowed his eyes, “Why are you like this?” Lee Know replied, “I was born.” Han burst into laughter, earning a few glances from passersby.
“He doesn’t even have to think anymore,” Seungmin added, grinning. “The sarcasm just comes naturally.” Lee Know nodded, “It’s a gift.” Jeongin rolled his eyes, “A curse.” The sidewalks were still lively—restaurants alive with noise, buses rumbling by, neon signs painting the streets in pastel colors.
Felix was telling Chan about a bakery he’d seen when he suddenly stopped in his tracks, eyes wide. Han noticed and followed Felix’s gaze. “...No way.” Felix slowly lifted a finger, “Han...” Han nodded, “I see it.” Felix whispered, “It’s... beautiful.” Han agreed, “It is.”
Across the street sat a dazzling arcade filled with claw machines overflowing with plushies—strawberry-capped cats, giant ducks, bunnies, bears, every pastel animal possible. Felix gasped, “They have the giant capybara!” Han shouted, “THEY HAVE THE SHIBA.” Without another word, they bolted.
“WAIT!” Chan called after them, but they were already sprinting, shouting at each other. “I CALL FIRST MACHINE!” Han yelled. “NO FAIR!” Felix shot back. “I SAW IT FIRST!” “YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW WHICH ONE!” “I’LL FIGURE IT OUT!” Changbin leaned on Chan, laughing, “They’re actually running.”
Lee Know deadpanned, “They’re twenty-something years old. They’re also idiots.” Hyunjin pulled out his phone, “I’m recording this.” Jeongin teased, “You would.” By the time the rest reached the crossing, the light was red. Felix and Han were on the opposite side, practically vibrating as they pointed at different claw machines through the glass.
“They’re going to spend all their money,” Jeongin predicted. Lee Know replied, “They’ll spend our money if we let them.” Seungmin sighed, “I’m leaving all of you.” Chan looked over, “What?” Seungmin grinned, “I’ve spent an entire day babysitting seven overgrown children.” Han shouted from across the street, “We heard that!” Seungmin called back, “Good.” Felix cupped his hands, “You’re one of the children!” Seungmin declared, “I’ve been promoted.” “To what?” “The disappointed parent.” Lee Know nodded, “I’ll allow it.” Changbin protested, “You don’t get agree!”
The pedestrian signal chimed and the light turned green. “Come on,” Chan said, “they’ll be inside before we even get there.” Seungmin peeled off ahead, crossing before the rest. On the other side, he paused by a lamppost, watching his friends. He saw Han and Felix pressed against the glass, Hyunjin filming, Changbin eyeing a wolf plush, Jeongin teasing Han, Lee Know looking unimpressed but still following, and Chan shaking his head, smiling fondly.
“They’re hopeless,” Seungmin murmured to himself. Even from across the street, he could hear Han’s excited voice. “Felix! Look! That one’s wearing a tiny backpack!” Felix yelled, “I NEED IT!” Chan called, “You don’t need it.” Felix insisted, “I do!” “No, you don’t.” “Yes, I do!” Seungmin chuckled, leaning against the lamppost, just another ordinary moment, another memory.
Han eventually emerged from the arcade, dramatically slumped. “I can’t believe this.” Jeongin reminded him, “You didn’t win anything.” Han replied, “I won emotional damage.” Felix trailed behind, holding a tiny consolation keychain. “I was so close…” he sighed. Changbin patted his shoulder, “You said that after every attempt.”
Felix protested, “Because I was!” Lee Know shook his head. “You were lifting the plushie by its ear.” Felix insisted, “It almost worked!” Lee Know replied, “It absolutely did not.” Hyunjin scrolled through his phone, laughing, “I’m posting none of these.” Han perked up, “...Why?” Hyunjin grinned, “I’m keeping them to blackmail you.”
It took nearly forty minutes—and several promises to come back another day—to drag Felix and Han from the arcade. Felix looked back mournfully, “...Goodbye, giant capybara.” Han sniffed, “We’ll meet again.” Seungmin called from across the street, “You’ve known that plushie for fifteen minutes.” Han shouted, “Some bonds transcend time!”
Chan called to Seungmin, “Stop pretending you’re abandoning us.” Seungmin answered, “I’m not pretending. I’m accepting my fate—as the only normal person in this group.” The others responded with mock outrage, Hyunjin exclaiming, “The audacity!” Lee Know folded his arms, “I’ll let that statement slide.” Jeongin asked, “You agree?” Lee Know replied, “No. I just want him to keep talking.”
The pedestrian signal on Seungmin’s side turned red. He pressed the button, sighing dramatically. “I’ll wait,” he said, glancing back at the others. Chan pointed, “And don’t disappear while we’re crossing.” Seungmin placed a hand over his heart, “You wound me, hyung.” Chan replied, “I know you.” Seungmin conceded, “...Fair.”
The crosswalk chirped green. Seungmin stepped off the curb with a grin, calling, “I’m crossing like a responsible citizen.” From the other sidewalk, Chan cupped his hands, “I’m still watching you!” Seungmin called back, “You worry too much!” Chan answered, “I have seven reasons to!” Felix added, “Eight.” Chan grinned, “Exactly!”
As Seungmin crossed, Han continued mourning the arcade. “That capybara wanted to come home with me.” Lee Know replied, “It absolutely did not.” Han argued, “It reached for me!” Lee Know countered, “It slipped.” Hyunjin quietly filmed the exchange, murmuring, “Future blackmail material.” Jeongin nudged Changbin, “How long until Seungmin starts roasting us again?” Changbin guessed, “Ten seconds.” Seungmin called, “I’m still here, you know.” Changbin shot back, “Unfortunately.”
Everything felt ordinary. Safe. Then a sharp engine roar cut through the night. At first, no one paid attention. But this car wasn’t slowing down. Chan’s smile faded as headlights burst into view, too fast. “Wait…” Lee Know whispered, voice barely audible. “...Chan.” Realization hit them all at once: the car wasn’t stopping.
“SEUNGMIN!” Chan’s shout echoed across the street. Seungmin turned, confusion on his face. “What—?” The screech of tires filled the air, someone screamed, and in a heartbeat, the car slammed into Seungmin, hurling him across the intersection. The world stopped. Seven voices screamed his name as they raced to reach him, no longer caring about anything but getting to his side.
Chan dropped to his knees, hands hovering as if touch alone could shatter Seungmin further. “Don’t move him!” Lee Know snapped, voice trembling. The others crowded close, forming a chaotic circle. Seungmin lay there, barely conscious. Blood pooled beneath his head, one side of his face swelling rapidly, lips split and bruised. Felix made a broken sound. “No—no, no, no…”
Han stood frozen, shopping bag forgotten. “This isn’t—this isn’t real. This is—this is a joke, right?” No one could answer. Seungmin’s eyelids fluttered weakly. “H…hyung…” Chan leaned in, desperate, “I’m here. I’m here, Seungmin—stay with me, okay? Just stay awake.”
Jeongin’s voice shook, “You got hit… a car—just stay still, please—” Changbin fumbled for his phone, hands shaking. “I’m calling—why isn’t it—” Hyunjin stood back, phone glowing uselessly in his hand. He whispered, “I was filming… I was literally filming Han and—” He stopped, swallowing hard.
Felix choked out, “What do we do…” Lee Know was already beside Seungmin, assessing injuries with trembling hands. “Seungmin. Hey.” A faint response, “…mm…” “Good. Stay awake. Don’t close your eyes.” Felix shook harder. “I can’t— I can’t look—” Han knelt beside him, unable to tear his gaze away.
Changbin kept repeating, “I’m calling, I’m calling—” but still nothing was happening. Hyunjin snapped into motion, dashing to a convenience store and returning with tissues and a cloth. “Here,” he said quietly, pressing them into Lee Know’s hand. Lee Know quickly pressed the cloth to Seungmin’s bleeding head, his hands trembling despite his best efforts.
Chan whispered, “I know, I know… Just stay with us, okay? Ambulance is coming. It’s coming.” Seungmin’s breathing hitched. “…sorry…” Chan shook his head, “No. No, don’t—don’t say that.” He squeezed Seungmin’s hand gently, as if letting go would mean losing him entirely.
Around them, the city continued, but for the eight of them, everything had stopped. Chan stayed kneeling, Lee Know keeping pressure on the wound, Felix crying silently, Han shaking uncontrollably. Jeongin glanced down the road, whispering, “Where are they… where are they…” Hyunjin stared, silent, the laughter of earlier replaced by a noise none of them could name.
Seungmin’s breathing grew uneven, each shallow breath a struggle. Chan pleaded, “Seungmin, look at me, okay? Just—just keep looking at me.” Seungmin’s eyes tried to focus. “...hyung…” “I’m here,” Chan said, holding tighter. Seungmin’s fingers twitched. “…tired…” “No,” Chan said, desperate. “No, don’t—don’t get tired, okay? Ambulance is coming, I promise.”
Lee Know muttered, “Come on…” Seungmin’s eyelids fluttered. Chan panicked, “Hey—hey, keep your eyes open. Look at me, Seungmin—” But Seungmin’s gaze drifted, breathing slowing. Felix whimpered, “He’s… he’s not…” Lee Know snapped, “Don’t,” his control slipping.
Chan squeezed Seungmin’s hand tighter. “Stay with us, Seungmin. You’re okay. You’re okay.” Seungmin’s lips parted, a weak breath. “…s…orry…” Chan shook his head, tears finally falling. “Stop apologizing. Just stay awake.” For a moment—nothing. Then Seungmin’s eyes fluttered, slower, his hand going limp.
“Seungmin?” Chan’s voice cracked. Lee Know looked up sharply, “Chan.” Something in his tone made Chan’s breath hitch. Seungmin’s breathing was faint, too quiet. “Seungmin,” Lee Know said, firmer, “Don’t go quiet on us, okay?” Felix let out a broken sound. “Please…”
Hyunjin’s knees buckled, but he held himself up. Jeongin’s voice broke, “I hear sirens—I think I hear—” Far away, still too distant. Chan bent closer, “No, you’re not allowed to fall asleep yet, okay? Not yet. Just a little longer…” But Seungmin didn’t respond. His eyes closed gently, like he was too tired to fight.
“Seungmin—!” Chan’s voice shattered. Lee Know’s panic finally broke through, “Seungmin. Hey. Stay awake…” Felix covered his mouth, shaking. Han whispered, “No… no…” Hyunjin’s breath hitched. Jeongin stared, tears slipping down his face. Chan held Seungmin’s hand like it was his last anchor. “Please… don’t leave us…”
The sirens grew louder, lights flashing down the street. Changbin shouted, “HERE!” as paramedics rushed in. “Step back!” they ordered. Chan hesitated, but finally let go. Lee Know explained quickly, “He was hit by a car. He was conscious, then lost consciousness. Head injury, bleeding—” The paramedics nodded, working fast.
Felix broke down completely, Chan frozen as Seungmin was lifted onto a stretcher. Hyunjin hovered, silent. Jeongin sobbed quietly. Chan whispered, “Seungmin…” as the paramedics confirmed, “He’s alive. We’re taking him now.” The word hit them—alive—but nothing erased the blood on the street or Felix’s tears.
As the ambulance doors closed, Chan asked, “Can we come?” The paramedic allowed, “Two of you.” Chan didn’t hesitate, “Minho. Felix.” Lee Know nodded, Felix stumbling after them, still crying, still shaking. Chan’s last look was at the empty patch of road where Seungmin had fallen, then the doors closed and the siren screamed into the night.
Inside the ambulance, everything felt too bright, too small. Lee Know settled beside Seungmin, hands shaking as he watched paramedics work. Felix sat close, his face blotchy and wet from crying. “He’s still breathing, right?” Felix whispered, voice breaking. One paramedic nodded without looking up. “Yes. Stable for now. Keep talking to him.”
Felix nodded quickly, desperate to be useful. “Okay… okay… Seungmin, hey… we’re here, alright? You’re not alone.” There was no response, but Lee Know noticed a tiny twitch in Seungmin’s fingers. He leaned in, voice low but steady with fear. “Stay with us. Don’t drift.” The monitor’s beeping felt impossibly loud.
The paramedic adjusted an IV, murmuring, “Airway’s clear. Oxygen applied.” Lee Know’s jaw tightened. He glanced at Seungmin’s still hand, then reached out, gripping it gently but firmly, like he could anchor him in reality. “You always complain about hospital food,” Lee Know said, trying to sound normal. “Don’t act like you won’t this time.”
Felix managed a shaky, broken laugh. “Yeah… you will…” Another faint twitch from Seungmin’s hand. The ambulance jolted as it turned, and lights flashed red and white across the small space. “ETA two minutes,” the paramedic called. Felix wiped his face, voice trembling. “Just a little more, Seungmin. Please…”
Lee Know kept his eyes on Seungmin, watching for the smallest sign. “Don’t stop now. Stay with us.” The paramedic encouraged, “Familiar voices help. Keep him engaged.” Felix leaned in, his voice catching. “We brought snacks. You have to wake up properly for them…” Seungmin’s eyelids fluttered, just barely.
The ambulance slowed, swinging into the hospital entrance. “Arriving,” the paramedic announced, and urgency filled the air again. Lee Know squeezed Seungmin’s hand before letting the paramedics take over. “Don’t go quiet on us,” he whispered. Felix saw Seungmin’s fingers twitch once more, and clung to it like hope.
The doors opened; cold air rushed in. The stretcher rolled out, Seungmin vanishing into the hospital’s harsh light. Lee Know and Felix followed, numb and silent. The automatic doors hissed behind them, sealing the chaos away. Felix’s voice was small, almost pleading, “He was awake, right? He opened his eyes…”
Lee Know nodded, voice soft. “Yeah, he did.” That was all they had to hold onto, but it was enough. A nurse directed them to the waiting area, where the rest of the group sat in anxious silence. Chan stood first, reaching for Felix as he broke apart. “He looked at us,” Felix sobbed, “He was awake, I swear he was—”
Chan pulled him into a tight embrace. “I know,” he whispered, voice raw. The others gathered around, faces pale and eyes rimmed red. “Is he—” Jeongin tried to ask, but Lee Know shook his head. “He’s in surgery.” Silence settled over the group. Han stared at the ceiling, whispering, “…we were just laughing, like five minutes ago…”
No one corrected him. Time had lost all meaning. Changbin’s voice was hoarse. “How long does it take?” No one answered. Lee Know sat heavily, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor. “I don’t know,” he admitted. Hyunjin held his phone loosely, repeating, “I was filming…” Chan cut him off gently, “No.” Hyunjin nodded, swallowing down guilt.
Two and a half hours passed with only the sound of machines and the silence of worry. Felix eventually stopped crying, but the fear never left his face. Lee Know hadn’t moved from his seat. The wait felt endless, until finally the door opened and a nurse stepped in, calm but serious. “Family of Seungmin Lee?” she asked.
All of them stood at once. “Yes,” Chan replied. The nurse took in the group, then spoke, “His surgery is complete.” For a heartbeat, no one breathed. Felix whimpered. Jeongin stammered, “…is he—” The nurse held up a hand. “He is alive. He made it through the procedure. There were significant injuries, but the surgery was successful in controlling the most critical issues.”
Relief hit like a wave, but no one relaxed. “Can we see him?” Felix asked, voice trembling. The nurse nodded, “One at a time for now. He is in recovery, still unconscious, but you may go in briefly.” That word—unconscious—hurt, but it wasn’t the same terror as before. “I’ll take you,” the nurse said softly.
They followed her down the hall, steps heavy. Chan’s heart thudded as he entered the dim hospital room, machines beeping quietly. Seungmin lay bandaged and pale, but there. Felix breathed, “…you’re really here.” Lee Know leaned over, voice rough, “You better not make this a habit.” Hyunjin hovered in the doorway, eyes bright with tears. “I thought we lost you,” he whispered.
For a long moment, no one spoke. Chan rested his hand near Seungmin’s, careful not to disturb the IV. “I don’t care how long this takes. Just come back to us properly.” Felix nodded, “We’re all here.” Lee Know’s voice softened, “…we’re not going anywhere.” Surrounded by machines and exhaustion, the group finally let themselves hope.
Two days blurred into each other as the hospital room shifted from a place of emergency to a space of waiting. Machines still beeped steadily, but now they felt less threatening, their rhythm a quiet reassurance. Seungmin’s condition slowly improved. The doctors used words like “stable” and “recovering.” He was still unconscious, but no longer in immediate danger, and the members began to breathe again—just a little.
For the first time since the accident, all eight were allowed in the room together. Hyunjin had dozed off sideways against Changbin’s shoulder, his phone dangling from one hand. Changbin barely moved, scrolling idly with his free hand. Jeongin perched at the edge of a chair next to Lee Know, whispering about nothing important. “You ever notice hospital ceilings are always the same?” Jeongin mused. Lee Know looked up, “They’re designed to be ignored.” Jeongin nodded, satisfied.
Across the room, Felix and Han were buried in snack bags and drinks, debating which jelly Seungmin actually liked. “He hates that brand,” Felix insisted. Han sighed, “He hates all brands.” Felix nodded, “That’s more accurate.” It was their way of coping, preparing for Seungmin’s complaints.
Chan sat closest to the bed, a chair pulled near. He hadn’t moved much, one hand resting close to Seungmin’s, careful not to disturb wires or tubes. Seungmin’s face looked better than before: bruises lightened, swelling faded. He was still, but no longer lost in that frightening, absolute quiet.
Chan leaned forward, elbows on his knees, speaking softly. “You’re really taking your time, huh?” There was no answer, but he kept talking anyway. “Everyone’s here. Even Han. Which is… impressive, honestly.” A tired, fond smile flickered on his lips.
Behind him, Changbin whispered to the half-asleep Hyunjin, “You should’ve gone home.” Hyunjin only mumbled and gripped Changbin’s sleeve tighter. Lee Know glanced over, then back to Jeongin, who was fidgeting with his hoodie. “You think he’ll wake up soon?” Jeongin asked quietly. Lee Know hesitated. “He’s getting better. That’s what matters.”
Jeongin nodded, looking down. “I don’t like quiet rooms.” Lee Know replied dryly, “You’re in the wrong place, then.” Jeongin let out a small laugh, “Yeah. I noticed.” Across the room, Felix suddenly perked up, “Wait—Chan, look—” Everyone stilled as Felix pointed at Seungmin’s hand.
A tiny movement. Seungmin’s fingers twitched. Felix’s voice was barely a whisper, “He moved…” Han nearly dropped the snack bags. Chan was at the bedside in an instant, voice soft but urgent. “Seungmin?” Lee Know stood so fast his chair scraped on the floor. Jeongin straightened, heart in his throat. Even Hyunjin lifted his head, blinking away sleep.
Seungmin’s fingers moved again, more definite this time. His eyelids fluttered faintly. Chan leaned closer, holding his breath. “Hey. You’re okay. You’re in the hospital. You’re safe.” The room held its breath. Then—a faint exhale. Seungmin’s eyes opened just a sliver, unfocused and heavy.
Felix let out a broken laugh-sob, “Seungmin—” Seungmin’s gaze drifted, searching for voices, for shapes. “…h…yung…” Chan’s face broke and he replied instantly, “I’m here. I’m right here.” Seungmin’s eyes barely focused, but they stayed open a moment longer. “...loud…” he whispered, weak but absolutely himself.
A watery laugh escaped Chan. “Yeah. That’s them.” Lee Know turned away for a second, hiding his face. Hyunjin wiped his eyes. Han whispered, “He’s awake… he’s actually awake…” Felix leaned in, voice trembling, “We brought snacks. You have to wake up properly for them.” Seungmin’s eyes fluttered, but this time, they stayed open just a little longer.
The day of discharge didn’t feel like a celebration, more like carrying something fragile out of a storm. Seungmin was awake, but everything about him was slower—blinking too long, reacting a beat late, leaning into whoever was closest. The doctors called it expected. The members called it “Seungmin being extremely out of it.” Honestly, it was easier to understand that way.
The car ride home was quiet, but not the heavy quiet of the hospital. Felix sat in the back beside Seungmin, acting as emotional support. Han carefully guarded a bag of snacks. Chan drove slower than usual. Hyunjin stared out the window, still too quiet. Jeongin kept glancing at Seungmin, as if checking he was still real. Lee Know kept looking back from the front seat.
Seungmin, meanwhile, half-slumped against Felix, mumbled, “…why is everything moving…” Felix leaned in, “It’s the car, Minnie. Cars move.” Seungmin frowned, “That’s illegal.” Han blinked, “…what?” Seungmin turned to him slowly, “Moving while I’m inside.” Changbin let out a relieved laugh, “He’s back.” Chan smiled, “Yeah. He is.”
Seungmin blinked, then leaned closer to Felix, “…tired.” Felix reassured, “You can sleep. We’re almost home.” Seungmin asked, “…home?” Hyunjin answered softly, “Yeah. Dorm.” Seungmin took a moment to process, then nodded, “…okay.” His eyes slid closed. Chan noticed immediately, “Don’t fight it. Just sleep a bit.” Seungmin mumbled, “…not sleeping…” Jeongin pointed out, “You literally just closed your eyes.” Seungmin corrected, “…resting aggressively.” Gentle laughter filled the car.
When they arrived, Seungmin was fully asleep on Felix’s shoulder. Felix whispered, “…I can’t get up.” Han asked, “Why?” Felix replied, “If I move, I might break the balance of the universe.” Changbin nodded, “Valid.” Chan parked and said quietly, “Okay. Carefully.”
Getting Seungmin inside was an exercise in patience, not because he couldn’t walk, but because he didn’t want to. Every time someone tried, he just leaned harder into whoever was helping. When Chan tried, Seungmin muttered, “…no.” Chan blinked, “No?” Seungmin sighed, “…comfortable…” Lee Know reminded everyone, “He’s drugged.” Seungmin lifted his head, “…rude…” Felix snorted, “Okay, you’re definitely okay.”
Eventually, they made it inside, slow and careful. The dorm felt different—familiar, like something had reset. Shoes were kicked off, lights were dim. Chan guided Seungmin to the couch. Seungmin blinked at the living room, “…our couch is still ugly.” Hyunjin gasped, “It’s designer ugly.” Seungmin considered, “…still ugly.” That settled it. He was back.
They helped him sit, but he immediately leaned sideways until Felix caught him. “I’ve got him,” Felix said. Seungmin didn’t argue, just relaxed. Lee Know brought a blanket. Seungmin looked at it, “…soft.” Lee Know replied, “Blanket.” Seungmin approved, “…approved.” Han placed the snack bag like an offering. “We brought everything.” Seungmin squinted, “…why.” Chan said softly, “Because you’d complain later if we didn’t.” Seungmin paused, then nodded, “…true.”
Jeongin sat on the floor. “You scared us, you know.” Seungmin blinked, “…sorry…” Chan interrupted, “No. Don’t start that again.” Seungmin hesitated, then nodded, “…okay.” Hyunjin finally let himself relax, “You look like a sleepy potato.” Seungmin stared, “…you look like a lamp.” Hyunjin shrugged, “I accept that.” Changbin laughed, “Yeah, he’s fine.”
Lee Know stood back, watching the room settle—Felix holding Seungmin, Chan adjusting the blanket, Han opening snacks, Jeongin on the floor, Hyunjin half-asleep, Changbin scrolling his phone, Seungmin blinking sleepily. Lee Know finally said, “…home’s noisy again.” Chan smiled, “Yeah. It is.” Seungmin’s eyes drooped further, “…good…” And this time, no one argued.
For the rest of the evening, the dorm filled with the soft murmur of voices and the small, comforting sounds of home. Seungmin drifted in and out of sleep, never left alone for even a moment. Every time he opened his eyes, someone was there—Felix or Han within reach, Chan or Lee Know not far, all quietly making sure he was safe.
Changbin appeared from the kitchen with a steaming bowl of rice porridge. “Doctor’s orders,” he said, setting it on the coffee table. Jeongin wrinkled his nose, “You made it too watery.” Changbin grinned, “It’s better than choking on dry rice.” Seungmin eyed the bowl, “That’s not a medical term.” Changbin shrugged, “It is tonight.”
Seungmin managed a few spoonfuls before letting the bowl rest. Han handed over the remote, “You get to pick.” Seungmin scrolled until he found a nature documentary, settling back with a sigh. “The penguins look like you, Han,” he mumbled. Han beamed, “I’m honored.”
But it was Hyunjin who hovered the closest, barely leaving Seungmin’s side all night. He’d barely slept while Seungmin was in the hospital, and now that his friend was home, Hyunjin finally let his guard down. He curled up beside Seungmin on the couch, their shoulders pressed together under the blanket Lee Know tucked around them. Seungmin didn’t protest—just leaned into Hyunjin’s warmth, letting his head rest against Hyunjin’s shoulder.
The others settled around them: Felix stretched on the rug, Han at Seungmin’s feet, Jeongin and Changbin arguing softly over which animal in the documentary was cutest, Lee Know fussing with pillows, Chan watching everyone with a rare, peaceful smile.
As the documentary played, Hyunjin’s eyes grew heavy. He wrapped an arm gently around Seungmin, careful not to press too hard against the healing bruises, and let out a long, tired sigh. “You’re home now,” he whispered, so quietly only Seungmin could hear. Seungmin murmured back, “You should sleep.” Hyunjin shook his head at first, but the exhaustion finally won—within minutes, his breathing evened out, cheek pressed into Seungmin’s hair as he drifted off.
Seungmin could feel the weight of worry finally easing from Hyunjin’s body, and for the first time in days, he let himself relax completely. Surrounded by warmth, by the familiar sounds of his friends nearby, he closed his eyes, safe in the circle of Hyunjin’s arms.
The city outside kept buzzing with life, but inside their dorm, the world was small and safe. No one mentioned the accident or the fear that lingered around the edges. Instead, they focused on the present: the quiet miracle of being together, of finding comfort in each other.
As midnight approached, everyone found their place to sleep—blankets draped, lights dimmed, the last words of the night soft and easy. Chan paused before turning off the last lamp, taking in the sight of Hyunjin curled protectively around Seungmin, both finally at peace.
He let out a slow, grateful breath. Maybe there would be scars, maybe some nights would be hard, but they were here. They were together. And for tonight, that was enough.
The dorm settled into silence, the only sound the soft breathing of eight friends. In the gentle dark, Hyunjin held Seungmin close, finally letting himself rest. The world outside could wait. Here, safe and together, they slept—whole again, and finally home.