Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“ What? ” Only Jungwon was the one who got to utter a word in the quiet time at the dorm.

They were there, with their manager, sitting in the living room. Solemn expressions can be seen in their faces. The manager looked at them with an unreadable expression. He took a swift look from left to right, very aware that someone was missing among the group.

“Sunoo left… for a reason” The manager said.

Jay furrowed his eyebrows, suspicion rising in his head. Ever since they had been given to a new manager, he noticed that Sunoo was acting strange and not himself. Jay would see Sunoo biting his nails, anxiousness vibrating around him, but he doesn’t know why. It's not just Jay that has noticed this, everyone did.

“He left!? It’s so sudden! There is no way he left like that-!” Jungwon said in an outburst, he was so confused. Just earlier they saw Sunoo smiling at them and waving them a happy goodbye, telling them to take care. For some reason, the six of them, except for Sunoo, had a shooting. Sunoo told them he got the shot first, which they don’t remember when as he never mentioned any of that nor it was even on their schedule. And then this came in the evening, when they got back home, the dorm was unusually quiet, no lights that had greeted them, and worse, Sunoo’s room was completely empty. They panicked, called their manager and here they were. 

“Can’t you tell us the reason? Surely we deserve to know!” Ni-ki desperately asked their manager, tears pricking in his eyes with Jake side hugging him to calm the younger down (and himself)

“He said not to tell you” The manager said and looked at his phone. He stood up and went to the door. “I am sorry… activities will resume, I will post an announcement for fans to know.” and with that he left and closed the door.

Silence went on inside the dorm, not until-

“This is fucking absurd! He is not telling us anything!” Sunghoon, who was observing their manager, said with an angry tone. 

Jay nodded his head in agreement “Something is not adding up here.” He looked at Jungwon, who was thinking deep in his head “Jungwon-ah, you have something on your mind?”

“Let’s call her sister, Sunoo-hyung might be in their house, Heeseung-hyung, I remember you got her number when Sunoo got hospitalized, you have her number right?” Heeseung nodded and fished out his phone from his pocket, he dialed the number and a girl’s voice rang out as if it had been accepted.

“Hello?” She greeted, confused as to why someone called her late at night.

“Eui-ssi? This is Heeseung, Sunoo’s fellow member” 

“Ah! Heeseung-ssi, yes, is there something you need?”

Heeseung stayed silent, he looked at his members, signaling them as to what to say. Jungwon extended his hand and Heeseung gave him the phone. 

“Good evening, Eui-ssi, this is Jungwon.. We just want to ask if Sunoo-hyung is there at your house?” Jungwon asked, hoping to hear a yes, but his hope broke when she answered oppositely. 

“No…why are you asking this? Is Sunoo not there?” She questioned, confusement evident in her voice. Couple of seconds passed as she had not heard anything from the other side of the phone. 

“Eui-ssi… look, can you tell Sunoo-hyung if we did something wrong?” Jungwon asked again, ignoring her question.

“Jungwon-ssi, I am telling you, he is not here, what do you mean? I-is he missing?” She said, her tone shaking, thousands of thoughts now popping in her head.

“Eui-ssi, Please calm down, look it’s-” Jungwon rubbed his face, a movement to calm himself down “We don’t know anything either, it happened all of the sudden, our manager said that he left- and- and not a single thing from him can be seen in his room!” 

“W-what…?” She whispered, his words not processing in her mind. What did he just say? Sunoo? He left? He never mentioned that when they called, he didn’t even text him!

“I-I will call him-” She said as she grabbed her other phone.

“I already did that” Jay interjected, he tried, but all that greeted him was a beeping noise. It was possible that Sunoo blocked their number, or worse deactivated his own number, which was hugely concerning.

A sobbing can be heard, Eui was crying now. That was when the members also finally cried. The situation was now settling in their minds. They were so frustrated, they didn't know what happened, what the reason was, nothing to know where Sunoo is, and they were disappointed in themselves  for not knowing anything at all. 

That night was the night that they lost their brightest star.

May 18, 2027, Seoul Olympic Stadium

There they were, at the center, with thousands of fans surrounding them, the fans who had been supporting them and given love for them . They were singing HIGHWAY 1009 as their last performance. They had given their all, eager to give all the ENGENES a memory they will never forget. But yet, there was always something missing, a piece in everyone’s heart yet to be completed. 

The members had their own tears, their voices shaking, from pain and joyment. Sunghoon had finished his lines, he looked to his left and he cried even more. There it was, an empty spot, a spot respected for that one person.  If only Sunoo was here at this moment, it could've been more precious, they imagined him crying too, sobbing uncontrollably and they will be there to comfort him. But no, of course he was not there. The ENGENES knew that as well.  Ever since the news broke out, social media went into chaos. Theories have been made by fans. They were devastated, some even went out of the line to file a missing report. And their manager has been accused as well as he was the only one that knew what really happened. But he stayed completely silent. Even when he got into jail.

As the concert came to an end, fireworks were shooting up to the sky, forming different shapes and emitting with different vibrant colors. There was also a flying plane, with a banner on its tail. Words so comforting, that everyone cried even more. Everyone will never forget this moment. It will go down to history.

“It’s done, huh?” Jake was the one who broke the silence in their van. They were waiting for their manager to come and get in. Fan’s shouting and voices can still be heard outside their parking lot, waiting for the member’s van to pass and say goodbye to them. After a week of full concerts, the journey has come to an end. ENHYPEN has now disbanded. 

“Yeah…” Jungwon confirmed Jake.

“Man, I cried so much this month, my eyes looked like it had been stung by a bee!” Ni-ki exclaimed.

“That’s a dramatic explanation, but I'll let it pass since you are still cute” Jay chuckled and pinched Ni-ki’s cheeks, which he slapped immediately.

“Cut it hyung! or I'll bite your hands” He glared at Jay playfully which earned a laugh from the members. Except Sunghoon. Jungwon, who was sitting next to him noticed this and nudged him. Sunghoon got startled and looked at Jungwon. 

“You okay?” He softly asked and tilted his head. The members, who heard the question, stopped laughing and looked at Sunghoon with concern.

“What’s wrong?” Heeseung also asked, concerned of Sunghoon’s lack of engagement. 

He looked at them one by one and shakily sighed. “It’s just…I just wished Sunoo was here” They stilled and some of them ducked their heads. Right, nothing was complete ever since Sunoo left…or was missing.

“Hyung…” Jungwon didn’t know what to say. Every time Sunoo was the topic, his throat hurts as he stops himself from crying.

Sunghoon softly smiled at them, but it was not his usual smile. “Sorry.. I can’t help but think of him…I-” He gripped his pants and looked down, shutting his eyes, shaking. “I missed him” Droplets of tears then fell down to his shoes. Heeseung bit his lip, trying to stop himself from crying, it wasn’t until he held his face as he felt his wet tears. 

“We know, Sunghoon, everyone misses him” He hugged him and tried to comfort him. 

After a couple of minutes, everyone settled in their own place, with dry tears evident on their faces. It was silent. Realization hitting them that they still don’t know about Sunoo’s whereabouts. Or… If he was still alive.

They had come up with a plan one time when they were at the table eating together back at the dorm. After they disband, they would still live together in the dorm and focus on finding their precious member. 

The van door in the front opened, their manager greeting them along with their driver. He looked at them and saw their puffy faces, clearly visible that they had just recently cried. But Jungwon assured him that they were okay to which the manager hesitantly nodded. 

The van started its engine and drove outside the parking lot of the stadium. A path was made for them, with ENGENES on both sides cheering and shouting their name. The van was moving slowly, the windows left open for the fans to see and the members to look. They smiled at everyone, interacting from the car as much as possible. 

Ni-ki looked at them with adoration, his smile so wide that his cheeks had started to hurt. He scanned them, one by one, but his smile dropped, his own heart skipped as he saw something familiar, or rather, someone familiar. There was this boy wearing a black hoodie, a black mask covering his face and a black cap sitting in his head, just behind another fan, and it looked like it was trying to hide. Ni-ki would ignore him as he looked suspicious and weird, but no, he could never, not with those familiar eyes. 

As their eyes came into contact, the boy’s eyes widened, and he panicked. 

Ni-ki quickly grabbed the driver’s seat “Stop the van, now!” he shouted desperately, not caring how loud he was and how he got everyone startled. The van came to an abrupt stop, the manager looking at Ni-ki with confusement and everyone asking him questions.

“Ni-ki? Is there something wro-” Jay was about to ask but he panicked as he saw Ni-ki opening the door “ Hey! What are you doing!?” He grabbed him but Ni-ki pushed him. The others saw this and tried to stop him but he was already standing outside, running somewhere..

“G-get him!” The manager shouted, his heart felt like bursting at the sudden scene. 

The others then opened their doors, but they closed it again as the fans came close.

“Shit! There are people just outside!” Heeseung screamed in frustration.

Ni-ki’s name can be heard outside now. Jay turned his palm into a fist. He was shocked because their youngest will never act impulsively like that. There must be a reason. He bolted and opened the door, which added more panic to everyone.

“Jay!” Jake tried to stop him.

“I'm going to get him.” He said firmly and closed the door, he pushed himself through the crowds, shouting at them to get out of the way. It was suffocating, with phones recording him on every side, but he didn’t care, his focus was to find Ni-ki. “Please let me get through!” He shouted again, this time with a bit of anger in his tone. Thankfully, some of them moved, and he finally found Ni-ki standing stiffly. He moved forward and grabbed his wrist, Ni-ki looked back and Jay stilled. Ni-ki was crying, his eyes void with no emotion.

“Tell us later” He said to him, but Ni-ki didn’t respond, he pulled him and started moving towards the van, slightly pushing people out of the way and telling them to move. It was hard, but he gritted his teeth until he saw their own van. As they got close, the van door opened immediately, Jay pushed Ni-ki inside and rushed himself to get in, he grabbed the handle and closed the door strongly. As he finally settled, he caught his breath, sweat dripping on his face. 

Heeseung grabbed Ni-ki’s shoulder, facing him, his expression angry. “What is wrong with you!? You-!” He shut his mouth as he saw Ni-ki’s miserable expression. He gripped his shoulder again and pulled himself, sitting back in his place, shaking his hair with his hand. Everyone watched as Ni-ki cried.

Jungwon grabbed him by his hand “Ni-ki, what happened?’

“I…” He whipped his head to look Jungwon into the eyes. “I saw him” Jungwon furrowed his eyebrows “Who? Who did you see?” Ni-ki looked back down again. 

“Ni-ki-ah, who did you see?” Sunghoon repeated Jungwon’s question, trying to soften his voice.

Ni-ki mumbled, his words in whisper. Jungwon, who was close, widened his eyes as he heard him, his mouth hanging open. The others, who didn’t catch what the younger said, were left hanging.

“C-come again?” He wanted confirmation, a confirmation that he heard it right.

“Sunoo-hyung” He looked up, his tears stopped and suddenly his eyes were now serious.

“I saw Sunoo-hyung”

Chapter Text

He fucked up

That was all he could think when he met Ni-ki’s eyes. He rushed to go to his apartment, or well, someone’s apartment, trying to hide his face as much as possible. But it seems that luck wasn’t on his side when he accidentally bumped with somebody, making him fall to the ground.

“Oh shoot- are you okay?” The stranger extended his hand, he ignored it and stood up, not bothering to look at the person. He bowed, muttering a quick sorry and walked past them.

“Hey- wait-!” The stranger tried to reach for the boy, but his friend stopped him.

“Let him be, Yeonjun-hyung, must be rushing to go somewhere…” 

Yeonjun looked at him and nodded “Yeah… “ He took a quick look at the boy’s back and turned his head to his friend.

“Does he look familiar to you?”

“No? Maybe you met him somewhere?”

He shrugged “Possibly… oh well, let’s go Soobin-ah, the others are probably waiting”

“Ni-ki-ah, are you sure you saw him? Maybe, that was just somebody who looks like him-?” Jake tried to reason, hesitating to fully process the younger’s words.

“No hyung! That was really him- I swear , no one has the same eyes as Sunoo-hyung…” It had been minutes now that Ni-ki was trying to convince his hyungs that he really saw their Sunoo. 

They were back at their apartment, sitting in the living room, with their manager. All of this feels like Déjà vu, except with a new manager, and instead of Sunoo disappearing, this was the case where it was possible they had found him.

Everyone wants to believe their youngest, they really do. They had hope, they even came up with a plan together, but it was 2 years of hope already, not even a single statement in the media stating that they got a glimpse of Sunoo. But they knew this was the first light.

“We believe you” Jungwon said to him, to which Ni-ki softly nodded “I- I know i sound desperate, i don’t even have a proof that it was really him…”

Heeseung patted the younger’s back, assuring him with a smile “It’s a good thing that you saw him Ni-ki-ah… But we don’t want to hope too much, I-If it turns out it is not him…” He didn’t continue his sentence, but the others knew what he was trying to say.

“Alright, how about we take a rest for now? It has been a hectic week, let’s continue this discussion tomorrow” The manager said as he broke the silence. They all nodded at him and he took that as a cue to leave. 

After that, they moved and did their own routines, some of them didn’t even bother to wash their faces and slept right away. 

Knock knock

“Come in” 

The door to Sunghoon’s room opened. Jay saw him, sitting on the bed, staring at the wall, his mind probably full of thoughts. Jay knew full well how much Sunoo’s disappearance affected Sunghoon. They were the closest duo, bickering non stop with each other, but they all knew it was just their form of love language. So when Sunoo left, it was as if the light on his own world left as well. He would stay in his room all day, only coming out to eat dinner at night. Sometimes, he would zone out on their dance and vocal practices, but the members understood why he was acting that way, they understood him because they felt his pain as well. 

Jay came in and sat next to Sunghoon. The two of them didn’t utter a word for minutes, just staring at the wall. 

“What do you think?” Sunghoon asked, his eyes still fixated on the wall. 

Jay whipped his head to look at him, surprised that he broke the silence first. He turned his head again facing the wall.

“I… honestly don’t know” He said in a whisper.

Silence again came to surround them.

“Jay”

“Hm?”

“I think… Sunoo really is here”

Jay can only hum, he felt the same way as everyone, he also had hope, but…

“The other day” Sunghoon turned to look at him “I think I saw him too”

Jay took a quick turn at Sunghoon “what?”

“When Jake and I went to the Prada store, I saw someone standing just across the street, it was just like how Ni-ki described who he saw… Black Hoodie, a mask, a-and a cap…” He explained, rubbing his hands together to ease himself.

Jay stared at him in disbelief “W-why didn’t you tell us!?”

“I don’t want to assume! But his build looks eerily similar to Sunoo, I didn't see another thing to confirm- that’s why I didn't bother to further think about it… but when Ni-ki told us that he saw, what I saw…”

He grabbed Jay by his arms, gripping it.

“I believe we have finally found him , Jay, and we can’t afford to lose him- again. ” 

When sunlight came, all the boys immediately gathered at the dining table. They took a quick breakfast and went ahead to continue the discussion that was left at night. Jay took the initiative to lead first, telling them about what Sunghoon told him, which Sunghoon confirms. 

“What do we do? Should we let the media know so it is easy to find him?” Jake asked, but the manager shook his head.

“The best thing to do here is not let the media know, once they know, it will hell break loose, and if Sunoo knows we are looking for him, it will be possible he will flee outside Korea and it will be a dead end again.” All of them nodded their heads in agreement, taking it into consideration.

“We hire a private detective, that way, it will be more controlled” The manager said, which earned another nod from everyone.

“Baekyeon-nim, is there someone you know?”

“Yes, don’t worry, i have quite the connection” The manager, Baekyeon smiled at them with assurance “Once i talk to a private detective, i’ll let you guys confirm it and we can start the searching”

“Thank you” Jungwon smiled back at him with sincerity, the others also followed their appreciation. 

“Well then, I am not gonna waste any time and go now, the earlier we start the better” And with that, he left the dorm, leaving the member’s thoughts to themselves.

“What were you thinking Sunoo-yah!? Don’t you know how worried I was!?” 

“I-I am sorry Yeong-nim…” Sunoo bowed his head

“Sunoo- look, if you want to go there so much you could've just told me! What if someone saw you!?”

Sunoo further bowed, making him realize that his actions would have led into a big problem.

“I just thought you won’t let me-”

“I will let you! It's your members for god’s sake, you want to see them.” Yeong took a seat on his chair, stress clearly itched on his face that his glasses were positioned in a wrong way. He took a big exhale and looked at Sunoo. “What are you doing? Stand straight and take a seat”

Sunoo followed and took a seat on one of the sofas.

“I really am sorry Yeong-nim… I will not do it again” Sunoo mumbled.

Yeong rubbed his temple “Look, I- i am more worried than mad, you just recovered, what if- what if something happened to you? Everything will go to waste Sunoo-yah”

“I know…” Sunoo ducked his head and bit his lip.

Quietness stretched for a moment. 

Yeong grabbed his glasses and put it on top of the table, he glanced at Sunoo and his eyes softened. 

“Don’t you want to go back and see them?” he asked, to which Sunoo looked at him and immediately avoided his eyes.

“They will hate me…” He whispered, his voice hinting a vulnerable tone.

“Why would they? They will understand Sunoo-yah” He assured the younger.

Sunoo stayed silent. Yeong stood up and sat next to him, he put a hand on his shoulder.

“Sunoo-yah, they love you so much, they could never hate you, know that, okay? Just-” Yeong sighed “You are strong Sunoo-yah…If you are ready, you should talk to them, don’t run and hide.”

Sunoo knows that, he knew he can’t hide forever, but… he was so scared . He knows he hurted them, his precious members, his sister and the fans, but he doesn’t know how to explain everything to them. Everything felt so overwhelming. But he was aware that he would face them sooner or later.

He felt a shift beside him and saw Yeong standing up.

“I’ll go to my room now, make sure to take your vitamins, okay?”

Sunoo nodded, hiding his face from him.

Yeong took notice of this, but didn’t mention it to him and just left, giving Sunoo the privacy he needed.

When Yeong left, that was all for Sunoo to let out his tears.

Chapter Text

"Mr. Kang Dae, right?"

"Yes, that is me." The man bowed, taking his hat off and placing it on his chest—a small gesture, but a sign of respect.

"Baekyon-nim told us about you, a professional detective and researcher, correct?" Jungwon asked, to which the man nodded.

"Pleasure to meet you. I am Yang Jungwon, and these are my... well, still my members." He extended his hand, and Kang Dae shook it warmly.

"Of course, you guys are Enhypen. My daughter is a fan," he said with a smile. The others returned his smile.

"Oh really? That’s nice!" Jay said, happy about what he heard.

"Yes…" The detective responded in a quiet tone, they took notice tilted their head as if questioning something.

Kang Dae let out a deep sigh. "Oh, it’s just… she really loves Sunoo. She even wants to be a K-pop idol like him."

They smiled sympathetically.

"But when she found out he disappeared, she lost her motivation and became… quiet." He glanced at them, their faces taking on a sad expression.

"She hasn’t been the same since... It’s as if something inside her has dimmed."

He smiled back at them, but it was a sad smile, and he shook his head.

Kang Dae cleared his throat.

"Forgive me, I shouldn’t have brought my emotions into this," he apologized, but the others shook their heads.

"It’s okay, Mr. Kang, we understand. I’m sure your daughter will be happy to know you're helping us find Sunoo," Jake assured him, with the others nodding in agreement. The detective smiled warmly.

"I really hope so. I want you guys to reunite... I know the feeling of losing someone."

The detective cleared his throat again. "Alright, how about we start by discussing when and where you last saw Sunoo?"

Heeseung raised his hand and pointed at Sunghoon and Ni-ki. "They can start, since they were the ones who actually saw Sunoo." The two boys nodded, and they began explaining everything, while the detective took notes in his notebook, nodding as he listened.

“I see…” Kang Dae closed his notebook and set his pen aside. He crossed his arms, thinking deeply. After a couple of seconds, he glanced at them, the pressure settling in as he saw their faces of expectation. He sat up straight, leaning forward and holding his palms together.

“What is it, Mr. Kang?” Their leader asked, eager to know the detective’s thoughts.

"Well… I’m going to be honest with you all," he began.

"This is going to be a hard case. The information you’ve given me so far is vague, and I’m afraid we have to play a game of chase here." He continued, and they all nodded slowly, understanding that the job wouldn’t be easy.

“We’re going to help too, Mr. Kang,” Heeseung said.

The detective sighed. "Yes, you can, but how? If one of you goes outside, you'll be swarmed by fans immediately," he said, which caused everyone to feel disappointed. "Right…"

There were hushed whispers as everyone thought about ways they could help. Then, the youngest member raised his hand, an idea popping into his head.

"I know!" They all looked at him.

He smiled. "There’s a way!"

"Wait, hold on," Jake interrupted, laughing as he looked over at Ni-ki. "This was genius, Ni-ki!"

Sunghoon blinked, his thoughts momentarily distracted. "Yeah, how did you come up with this?"

"You mentioned cars earlier," Ni-ki grinned, his eyes twinkling.

Sunghoon let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "Oh, did I?"

He had been lost in thought during the earlier discussion, a fleeting memory of a time when Sunoo and the others had hidden out in the car during a chaotic moment with fans. He had mumbled ‘cars,’ not thinking anyone was paying attention. But now, it all made sense. The car could be their best bet for moving around unnoticed. They all agreed on the idea and came up with a plan.

"Guess I was thinking about it without realizing."

Jake chuckled. "Well, it was a good idea anyway."

They were inside a black car, with Jake in the driver’s seat, Sunghoon beside him, and Ni-ki in the passenger seat. The rest were in the other car.

Jake pulled out his phone and dialed Jay’s number. After a few rings, he saw the others on the other side of the video call.

“You all settled in?” he asked them.

“We are, are you guys done too?” Jay asked in return, to which Jake nodded.

“Uhm… wait, let me just fix my seatbelt,” Jungwon said.

After a few minutes of settling in, they ended the call and started their engines.

And their search for Sunoo finally began.

Sunrise has started to fall, the moon claiming its position in the sky. It has been hours since they have been driving around Seoul. With no luck finding Sunoo. Of course, it was only the first week of finding him, it’s not like fate has decided to make them reunite with him. 

Heeseung let out a deep sigh and glanced at Jay who was driving the vehicle.

“I think we should take a break, we have been driving for at least 5 hours now, aren’t you tired?” 

Jungwon nodded in agreement with Heeseung, tiredness also evident in his eyes. 

But Jay kept his eyes on the road, his mouth shut. 

The other two looked at each other, Jungwon carefully reached for Jay’s arm only for him to be startled. He looked at Jungwon questioningly but whipped his head again to focus on the road.

“Sorry… was just thinking about stuff, you’re right, let’s take a break for now”

After a couple minutes of driving, they opted to stop at a little convenience store. It was.. Quite hidden, making Heeseung question if they want a customer to come in or let them ignore it. Jay parked the car just outside, enough for them to go back again inside.

The three of them walked in, coming in surprised that the store is clean but unremarkable—offering them a brief respite from the emotional weight of their search.

“Should we pick up something for ourselves?” Jungwon asked, and they nodded.

“Pick anything you two want, I'll pay,” Jay said and smiled at them.

“Thanks Jay” Heeseung patted his shoulder, thanking him for his kindness.

Heeseung and Jungwon took their time, bickering with one another, trying to cheer each other up. It didn’t go unnoticed to them about how Jay was quite, clearly still deep in thought about their mission.

After they had chosen what they wanted to fill themselves up with, they met at the cashier, putting their snacks on top of the counter. As Jay saw the piling foods, he glared at Heeseung and Jungwon.

“Are you guys taking advantage of my kindness right now?” He grumbled to which both Heeseung and Jungwon chuckled.

“We just took the opportunity” Jungwon shrugged and Heeseung crossed his arms, grinning. 

Jay shook his head “Whatever…” 

“This would be all, kindly scan them” He said to the person behind the cash register. 

He unknowingly notices the cashier. A man, maybe in his late twenties, wearing a hat and mask, seems overly nervous. His hands shake slightly as he scans the items.

“Are you alright? You seem a little... off” He asked. The clerk hesitates for a moment, then nods without speaking. The interaction is awkward.

After Jay hands the clerk his card, there’s a moment of silence. The clerk seems to hesitate again, glancing at Jay with a mix of fear and familiarity. Jay, trying not to stare too much, wonders why this clerk is so jumpy, but his attention shifts when he hears Heeseung and Jungwon talking behind him.

The clerk quickly scans the last of their items. As Jay takes his card back, he can’t help but glance at the clerk one more time. The man’s eyes meet his for a brief second, and it’s enough to make Jay's heart skip a beat. The eyes look so familiar, almost like Sunoo’s.

He continued to stare at him, carefully scanning his movements.

“Here you go…” The clerk barely whispered.

A cold realization hits him. This person isn’t Sunoo. The familiar feeling in his chest slowly dissipates, replaced by disappointment. The man’s movements, his voice — it’s not Sunoo. Jay almost feels embarrassed for having gotten his hopes up. He'd let his emotions run away with him, seeing what he wanted to see, and it wasn’t the truth.

“Thank you…” He mumbled.

Heeseung closed his mouth and looked between Jay and the cashier, he glanced back at Jungwon who has the same expression as him.

He reached for Jay’s shoulder making him look at him. He was about to ask a question but Jay quickly shook his head.

“Let’s go, I'm done paying” He said and walked away from the counter with a plastic bag on both hands.

Heeseung and Jungwon followed suit.

After leaving the convenience store, the trio gets back into their car. 

As they drive home the atmosphere in the car feels different. Heeseung and Jungwon glance at Jay, who was focused on the road, lost in thought.

It’s not like Heeseung and Jungwon didn’t notice about Jay’s behavior just earlier. The way his eyes lingered on the cashier, and the tense but awkward atmosphere. It’s clear to them that something was bothering him.

It didn’t take long when they finally arrived at the parking lot of their dorm. The car came into a gentle stop, the engines turning off slowly. 

There was silence inside the car. 

“Jay... you alright?” Heeseung broke the silence. 

Jay is still staring out of the window, not responding immediately.

Jungwon, while still younger than Jay, has always been in tune with the emotions of his members. He knows when something’s wrong, especially with Jay, who usually doesn’t hide his feelings. He watches Jay closely, his expression thoughtful. 

“I’m fine... really. Just tired.”

He said, but they both know that there was something more.

“Jay- hyung, if something’s on your mind... you can tell us, you know.” Jungwon said gently.

Jay blinked and finally gave in. He leaned forward, making his head lay on top of the steering wheel.

“I... thought I saw someone. I thought it was Sunoo.”

Jay finally admits that he got his hopes up in the convenience store, thinking he had found Sunoo. He explains how, for a brief moment, he was sure the cashier was him, but now that it’s over, he feels a mix of disappointment and foolishness for allowing himself to believe it.

Heeseung nods, understanding the weight of the situation. He knows how much this search means to Jay.

“I thought it was him. I really thought I found him... but it wasn’t. And now I feel stupid.”

“Jay…” Heeseung places a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

“We all want to find him. Don’t beat yourself up… we are just 1 week in of finding Sunoo, we keep going, no matter how many times we fall short”

Jungwon offers a smile.

“We’ll get him, hyung. We’re all in this together, remember? If we keep at it, we’ll find him. No one’s giving up.” Jungwon added reassuringly 

Jay looks at his two friends, their comforting words filling him with a renewed sense of determination. It’s hard, yes, but with the support of his members, he can push forward. He smiles weakly, feeling a bit lighter than before.

“Thanks, guys. I needed that.” Jay said quietly but with gratitude.  

They both smiled at him.

“Anytime, Jay”

The night is beginning to settle over Seoul, and the dim glow of streetlights illuminates the roads as the car hums quietly. Jake is behind the wheel, focused but slightly fatigued. Ni-ki is in the passenger seat, tapping his fingers on the window, eyes darting around, ever hopeful that they’ll find Sunoo. Sunghoon sits in the back, his face a mixture of determination and quiet frustration. The drive has been long, and despite their best efforts, they haven’t seen a single sign of Sunoo.

“This is insane… we’ve been driving for hours and we still haven’t seen anything.” Jake said a hint of desperation in his tone.

Ni-ki sighed deeply “Miracles can’t happen in a day hyung, but we can't give up. We’ve got to keep looking...” He looked out the window again.

"Do you think we're getting closer?" Jake asked quietly, his voice tinged with a mix of hope and doubt.

"I don't know," Ni-ki replied, his voice strained. "But we can't give up. We promised we'd find him."

The silence in the car deepened, only interrupted by the sound of the engine and the occasional hum of the tires on the road. Then, without warning, Sunghoon spoke up.

"Do you remember the night before Sunoo disappeared?" he asked, his voice soft but filled with emotion.

Jake glanced at him quickly before focusing back on the road. "Of course I do. He… broke down that night"

"Yeah," Sunghoon murmured, his gaze distant as if lost in memory. "I remember seeing him that night... but I didn't know. I had no idea what he was going through. I should've noticed... should've asked something to him."

Ni-ki, who had been staring out the window, shifted in his seat. "Sunghoon hyung, you can't blame yourself. None of us knew. Not until it was too late."

"But I could've... I should've seen the signs," Sunghoon continued, his voice cracking. "He became so quiet, so distant, but I thought it was just Sunoo being tired... now I know it was something more. I should’ve paid attention." His hands gripped the edge of his seat as he fought to keep his composure.

Jake's jaw clenched, and his eyes narrowed in thought. " We all missed it. We didn’t know what he was dealing with. And now we’re here, chasing shadows, trying to find him…”

“But what if he's not out here anymore? What if we’ve already missed our chance?" Sunghoon answered back negatively.

Ni-ki looked back at him, a hint of panic rising in his chest. "Don't say that. We can’t lose hope. We will find him. We have to."

As the car continued to cruise through the empty streets, the tension grew thick in the air. Then, out of nowhere, Jake abruptly slammed on the brakes. Sunghoon and Ni-ki both jolted forward in their seats, their eyes wide with alarm.

"Did you see that?" Jake’s voice was sharp, his eyes fixed on the rearview mirror.

Sunghoon leaned forward, squinting in the direction Jake was looking. A figure in a hoodie had just disappeared around a corner. They couldn’t make out much, but the posture, the walk, the figure looked familiar.

"No way," Ni-ki muttered under his breath. "Could it be him…?"

The three of them sat frozen for a moment, unsure whether to follow or wait. Sunghoon's heart was racing. Could it really be their Sunoo? His breath caught in his throat.

Jake’s eyes flicked between Sunghoon and Ni-ki. "Should we go after him?"

Sunghoon nodded without hesitation. "Yes."

Jake threw the car into drive and sped toward the corner. The three of them were on edge, hearts pounding in their chests. They reached the spot where the figure had disappeared, but when they turned the corner—there was nothing. The street was empty. No sign of the person who had been there moments ago.

"Where did he go?" Ni-ki whispered, his voice full of disbelief.

Jake slowed the car to a stop, his face a mix of frustration and confusion. "I don't know. That felt like him... but it couldn’t have been. He wouldn’t have disappeared like that, would he?"

Sunghoon felt his chest tighten. The hope he had felt just moments ago began to slip away like sand through his fingers. "It wasn’t him, was it?" he muttered to himself.

Ni-ki shook his head, unwilling to accept it. "No... it had to be him. We were so close, again. "

They sat there for a moment, the silence between them almost suffocating. Sunghoon felt the weight of the guilt he’d been carrying growing heavier. He had failed to protect Sunoo when he needed it most. And now, after everything, it felt like they were losing him all over again.

Jake finally spoke, his voice low. " We can't stop now. We’ll search every inch of this city if we have to. We’ll find him, I swear."

Sunghoon glanced at him, his eyes filled with a mix of frustration and desperation. "But what if we're just chasing ghosts? What if he doesn’t want to be found?"

Ni-ki looked at them both, his voice surprisingly firm. "We will find him. Even if it takes everything we have."

The two nodded.

“Let’s go home…” Jake said.

The car fell silent again as they drove off, the faint flicker of hope still burning in their hearts. They wouldn’t stop. Not until they brought Sunoo home.

Chapter Text

Two weeks had passed since their search began, and every day felt like a blur of false leads and rising frustration. The dorm, once filled with laughter and camaraderie, had turned into a quiet, tense space. Each morning, they split into pairs or small groups, revisiting cafes, alleys, and the places they had shared memories with Sunoo. They asked their close friends, showed his photo, and followed every vague tip or sighting they could find on social media.

Nothing.

Every evening, they returned to the dorm with heavier hearts. 

The group gathered around the dining table, the air heavy with silence. Empty food containers and scattered papers with notes and locations were strewn across the surface. They hadn’t eaten a proper meal together in days, their energy devoted solely to their search.

Jungwon leaned forward, his fingers rubbing his temples. “Alright,” he said, breaking the silence. “Let’s go over what we have so far.”

Ni-ki spoke up first, his voice small but hopeful. “I still think we should go back to the places we checked earlier. We might’ve missed something.”

Jay groaned, slumping back in his chair. “Ni-ki, we’ve been over this. Those places were empty. Going back won’t magically make him appear.”

“Then what else do you suggest?” Ni-ki shot back, frustration creeping into his tone. “Do we just sit here and wait?”

“I’m just saying, we can’t keep running in circles like this.” Jay snapped.

“And what’s your solution?” Ni-ki countered. “Give up?”

“I didn’t say that!”

“Guys, stop!” Jungwon’s voice cracked as he stood between them. “This isn’t helping.”

The room fell silent, the weight of their shared desperation crushing them.

“Enough,” Jake interrupted, raising his hands to calm the rising tension. “Ni-ki’s idea isn’t bad. At least it’s better than doing nothing.”

Jay sighed but didn’t argue further. The weight of their collective exhaustion showed in his furrowed brow.

Jungwon nodded, though his voice lacked its usual firmness. “Let’s divide up again tomorrow. Same groups, same places. If there’s even the slightest chance we overlooked something, we have to check.”

Again.

Again and again and again-

Every day was the same. 

Mr. Kang Dae, the investigator they hired, has found leads but ended up at a dead end due to a lack of evidence.

The members gather at a quiet café they’ve been using as their base and a place for breaks. It was not crowded with people, almost all of them were the only ones occupying it. Their search has dragged on for days with no real progress, and exhaustion is evident on everyone’s faces.

“I do feel like we’re running in circles,” Jungwon admits, stirring his untouched drink. 

Jake exhales sharply, tension palpable in his shoulders. “We can’t think like that. He’s out there. We just need to look harder.”

Jungwon sighed and stood up. “Right… I’m going to take a walk at the park. Anyone want to come with me?”

Heeseung raised his hand. “I’ll come with you.”

Jungwon nodded at him before walking away from the group to wait outside the café.

Heeseung grabbed his bag and stood up. He looked at the remaining members and nodded. “We’ll be right back.”

The others nodded in acknowledgment.

As Heeseung stepped outside, he saw Jungwon waiting. He joined him and offered a gentle smile, which Jungwon reciprocated.

“So, which park are we going to?”

“The one that has the ice cream truck. Want one? I could use something to cool my head off.”

Heeseung shrugged. “Sure, why not?”

With that, they began their walk.

The park was alive with soft chatter and laughter as Heeseung and Jungwon approached the ice cream truck parked near a shady grove. The bright colors of the truck stood out against the lush greenery, drawing a small crowd of children and adults alike.

Heeseung glanced at Jungwon, who seemed distracted. “You’ve been quiet. Still up for ice cream?”

Jungwon snapped out of his thoughts and nodded. “Yeah. Like I had just said, I need something to cool down.”

They joined the short line, and when it was their turn, Heeseung stepped forward confidently. “One vanilla cone, please.”

The vendor handed him the cone, and Heeseung moved aside. Jungwon hesitated briefly before stepping up.

“I’ll have one chocolate cone and, uh… a mint chocolate chip cone too,” he said quickly, almost absentmindedly.

Heeseung gave him a curious look as the vendor handed over both cones. “Two flavors? Are you planning to eat both?”

Jungwon glanced down at the ice creams in his hands, his lips pressing into a thin line. “I wasn’t thinking. I guess it’s just… a habit.”

Heeseung took a bite of his vanilla cone, waiting for an explanation.

Jungwon sighed as they walked to one of the nearby tables provided by the truck. “Whenever we’d come to the park, Sunoo-hyung always wanted mint choco. I’d get my flavor and pick his too, so we wouldn’t have to wait in line twice. I guess I just ordered it without realizing.”

Heeseung sat down and rested his cone on the table, studying Jungwon’s expression. “You miss him a lot, huh?”

Jungwon nodded slowly, staring at the mint choco cone. “It’s hard not to. It’s like little pieces of him are everywhere. Stuff like this makes me feel like he’s still here… even though he’s not.”

Heeseung reached over and gave Jungwon’s shoulder a light squeeze. “It’s not a bad thing. It just shows how much he means to you. Besides, mint choco isn’t so bad. Want me to take that one off your hands?”

Jungwon cracked a small smile. “You’d betray vanilla for this?”

“Let’s not go that far,” Heeseung joked, making Jungwon chuckle.

Jungwon placed the mint choco cone on the table. “You sit here and enjoy your vanilla loyalty. I’ll take a quick walk around the park.”

“You’re just leaving this behind?” Heeseung teased, pointing at the mint choco.

“Consider it my apology for zoning out earlier,” Jungwon said with a grin before walking off.

Heeseung watched him go, his eyes drifting to the abandoned mint choco cone. Despite the lighthearted moment, the weight of Sunoo’s absence lingered in the air. Heeseung sighed, hoping that someday, moments like this wouldn’t feel so bittersweet.

Jungwon pulled out his cap in his bag, putting it on top of his head, helping him cover half of his face. While retracing his steps, he decided to check at a certain place in the park where fans used to spot Sunoo when the group was still active.

It was still the same. Just with more families and couples crowding the place. He chose to stay on the quiet side of the park, his walk slow, taking in the breath of fresh air. He stopped when he came face to face with the ocean, the air hitting his face stronger. He stayed there for a couple of seconds before deciding he needed to go back.

Jungwon’s steps were unhurried as he strolled back through the park toward where Heeseung waited. The late afternoon sun bathed the trees in a soft golden glow, the hum of cicadas blending with distant chatter. His mind was still spinning, trapped in the endless cycle of wondering and hoping.

As he rounded a bend, something caught his eye.

It was subtle at first—just a glimpse of charcoal on canvas propped against an artist’s easel. A middle-aged woman sat calmly on a bench, she was hunched over her work, her fingers smudged with black and gray hues.

Jungwon’s breath hitched.

The sketch on the canvas wasn’t complete, but the soft curve of the jawline, the faint, almost ethereal smile, and most strikingly—the eyes. Those eyes were hauntingly familiar, the kind that held a quiet depth, a spark of life he knew all too well.

His feet froze mid-step.

No. It couldn’t be.

Jungwon’s pulse quickened as he stepped closer, his gaze locked onto the drawing. The charcoal lines brought forth an image that wasn’t exact but resonated deeply. The tilt of the head, the gentle expression—everything about it reminded him of Sunoo.

He stood there, motionless, as memories flooded back. He remembered how Sunoo’s face would light up with that same serene expression when he found peace in small, unexpected moments. It was almost as though the sketch was a mirror reflecting those fragments of time.

Jungwon’s hands curled into fists at his sides as relief and confusion warred within him. After weeks of searching, after endless dead ends, here was something—a trace, a sign.

“Excuse me,” he said, his voice tight as he approached the artist, his heart pounding in his chest.

The artist looked up, startled by his sudden presence.

“This sketch…” Jungwon began, swallowing hard. “This person. Who is it?”

The artist blinked, glancing at her work. “Oh, this? It’s just someone I saw around here a few times. A young man, actually. I thought his features were striking, so I started sketching from memory. Why do you ask?”

Jungwon’s heart stopped.

“A young man? Uh, may I take a picture of it?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

The woman blinked and smiled “Sure”

“Thank you” Jungwon pulled out his phone in a sloppy manner and took a lot of pictures of the sketch.

The woman stared at him curiously.

“Are you perhaps familiar with this young man?”

Jungwon slowly nodded “Yes… Does he always come here?”

The artist nodded, pointing toward the canvas. “Yeah. He’d come by sometimes, always sitting under that big oak tree over there. He had this calm, almost distant vibe. Haven’t seen him in a few days, though.”

Jungwon followed the artist’s gesture toward the oak tree. His throat tightened, his legs moving on their own as he approached the spot. He stared at the ground, his breath shaky as he tried to make sense of it all.

It wasn’t much. But it was something.

Turning back, Jungwon rushed his steps towards the table where Heeseung sat.

Heeseung looked up from his ice cream, alarmed by the urgency in Jungwon’s expression. “What’s wrong?”

“Heeseung- hyung,” Jungwon said breathlessly, his hands trembling as he pointed back toward the artist. “I think… I think I found something. Someone here has seen him.”

Heeseung’s eyes widened as he quickly stood, his ice cream forgotten. “What are you talking about? Who’s seen him?”

Jungwon grabbed his arm, pulling him toward the artist. “Come on. I’ll explain on the way.”

For the first time in weeks, the weight of hopelessness lifted just slightly. And as the two made their way back, Jungwon couldn’t stop the faint spark of hope from igniting in his chest. 

Jungwon and Heeseung rushed back to the bench where the artist had been sitting, Jungwon's heart pounding like a drum in his chest. His grip on Heeseung’s wrist was firm, his thoughts racing as he replayed the artist's words over and over.

‘A young man, always sitting under that big oak tree…’

They arrived at the spot, breathless and hopeful, only to be greeted by an empty bench.

Jungwon froze, his gaze darting around. The artist, her easel, her charcoal sketches—everything was gone.

“What…?” Heeseung muttered, his voice barely audible as his eyes scanned the park.

Jungwon spun around, looking for any trace of the woman. “ No, no, no … She was right here! I was just talking to her!” His voice wavered, teetering on the edge of panic.

Heeseung placed a calming hand on his shoulder. “Hey, calm down. Maybe she moved to another spot. Let’s look around.”

But as they scanned the area, the realization began to sink in—there was no sign of the artist. The nearby oak tree cast long shadows in the fading sunlight.

Jungwon’s fists clenched as frustration bubbled up inside him. “She couldn’t have gone far! She was here just a minute ago! She said she saw him, Heeseung-hyung. She said she saw Sunoo- hyung.”

Heeseung took a deep breath, his calm demeanor trying to balance Jungwon’s growing desperation. “Okay, let’s think. Did she say anything else? Maybe where she lives or where she usually sketches?”

Jungwon shook his head. “No… I didn’t ask. I was too—” He paused, his voice catching. “ I was too focused on the sketch. I didn’t even think to ask for more details.”

Heeseung sighed, glancing around the park again. “It’s okay. Maybe someone else saw her. Let’s ask around.”

But after questioning a few passersby, they hit another dead end. No one seemed to remember seeing a woman sketching near the bench, let alone an easel or any charcoal drawings. It was as if she had vanished into thin air.

Jungwon slumped onto the bench, his head in his hands. “Why does this keep happening? Every time we get close, it just slips away.”

Heeseung sat down beside him, his expression softening. “I know how it feels, Jungwon. But this isn’t nothing. She said she saw someone who looks like Sunoo. That’s more than we’ve had in weeks.”

Jungwon lifted his head, his eyes glistening with emotion. “But what if we can’t find her again? What if this lead goes nowhere, just like the rest?”

Heeseung looked at him, determination flickering in his gaze. “Then we keep looking. If she’s been here once, she’ll come back. And if she saw Sunoo, that means he’s been here too. This place—it’s important somehow. We just have to figure out why.”

Jungwon looked at Heeseung “Let’s go back, we have to tell the others about this”

Heeseung nodded at him.

Heeseung and Jungwon returned to the café where the rest of the group had been waiting. Their expressions were a mixture of urgency and cautious excitement. As they approached the table, the other members looked up, immediately sensing that something had happened.

“What’s going on? Did you find something?” Jake asked, setting down his coffee.

Jungwon took a deep breath, his hands still trembling from the events at the park. “We... we saw something. Someone. There’s this artist who drew sketches of people at the park, and—”

“She drew Sunoo,” Heeseung cut in, his voice steady but filled with emotion.

The words seemed to hang in the air. Everyone froze, the weight of the statement sinking in.

“What do you mean she drew Sunoo?” Ni-ki asked, his brows furrowing in disbelief.

Jungwon pulled out his phone, where he had snapped a picture of the sketch before the artist disappeared. He placed it on the table for everyone to see.

“This,” Jungwon said, his voice soft but trembling with conviction. “She drew him sitting on a bench, looking exactly like how we remember him. It wasn’t just some random drawing. It was him. ”

Sunghoon, who had been sitting silently, stared at the image. His breathing grew uneven as he reached out to touch the screen, as if confirming for himself that it was real.

“This... this isn’t a joke, right? It’s really him?” Sunghoon’s voice cracked, and tears began to well up in his eyes.

“It’s him,” Heeseung said firmly. “We’re sure of it. The details, everything—it’s Sunoo.”

Sunghoon let out a shaky breath, covering his face with his hands as the first sob escaped him. “I thought... I thought we were chasing ghosts. I thought maybe we were wrong this whole time. But he’s alive... he’s really alive.”

The atmosphere grew heavy with emotion. Ni-ki reached over, placing a comforting hand on Sunghoon’s shoulder. Jake leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply, as if a weight had been lifted off his chest.

“This changes everything,” Jake said, his tone resolute. “We have proof now. We’re not just imagining things. We’re on the right track.”

Jungwon nodded, his voice steadying. “The artist disappeared before we could ask her more, but she’s the key. She’s seen him recently—we just need to find her again.”

“What if she knows where he is?” Ni-ki asked, hope flickering in his eyes.

Sunghoon finally looked up, wiping his tears away but unable to suppress a small, hopeful smile. “This is the first real lead we’ve had. We can’t let it slip away.”

Jake clapped his hands together, his determination igniting the group. “Then we start tomorrow. We’ll go back to the park, find this artist, and see what else she knows. If she’s met Sunoo, she can tell us where he’s been.”

The members all nodded, their spirits lifted by the discovery. For the first time in weeks, they felt the faint glow of hope shining through the darkness.

Sunghoon looked at the photo of the sketch again, clutching Jungwon’s phone tightly. His voice was quiet but resolute.

“Hang on, Sunoo,” he whispered. “We’re coming for you.”

Chapter Text

The group gathered in their dorm that evening, their emotions still raw from the day’s events. Jake dialed the detective’s number, his hands slightly shaking from both excitement and nerves.

“Detective Kang,” Jake said when the call connected. “We found something. It’s not much, but it’s a lead. We need to talk.”

Within an hour, Detective Kang Dae was at their dorm, seated at the dining table with a notepad in hand. The members shared everything—Jungwon’s encounter with the artist, the sketch of Sunoo, and their observations at the park.

Detective Kang Dae leaned back in his chair, studying the photo Jungwon had taken of the sketch. His brow furrowed in thought.

“This artist,” Kang Dae began, “if she drew Sunoo, it means she’s seen him recently, but she said that she hasn’t seen him these days, right?”

“So, what do we do?” Sunghoon asked, his voice still shaky from earlier.

“We need to locate this artist,” Kang Dae said firmly. “Artists like her often have regular spots where they work. You mentioned she was sketching at the park—she might frequent other areas where people gather.”

The group exchanged glances, the tension in the room thick.

“But how do we find her?” Ni-ki asked.

“We’ll start with the park,” Kang Dae replied. “I’ll assign a team to canvas the area and nearby neighborhoods. In the meantime, you all need to think of other possible places Sunoo might have visited. Anywhere he used to like—cafés, bookshops, even convenience stores.”

Heeseung nodded. “We can make a list of places he used to go to. Maybe she’s been in one of those areas too.”

As the group brainstormed locations, Kang Dae continued, “If this artist has seen Sunoo, it’s possible he’s staying nearby. People don’t usually wander far from places they frequent, especially if they’re trying to stay hidden.”

The members’ eyes lit up with hope.

“Do you think Sunoo knows we’re looking for him?” Jungwon asked, his voice small.

“It’s possible,” Kang Dae said. “But if he’s avoiding you, there’s a reason. We need to tread carefully. If he feels cornered, he might run again. ”

The room fell silent at the weight of the detective’s words.

“We can’t let this slip away,” Heeseung said, his voice firm despite his evident exhaustion. “That artist is still our best lead. We just need to be persistent.”

Jake nodded, scrolling through his notes. “Street artists tend to move around. If she’s not at the park, she’s bound to show up somewhere else. We just need to check every possible spot.”

“What if she’s not there either?” Ni-ki asked quietly, fiddling with the edge of his hoodie.

“She has to be,” Sunghoon said, his tone more resolute than it had been in days. “If we give up now, we’re back to square one. I’m not going back there.”

Everyone nodded in agreement, their resolve tightening. Even Detective Kang, standing off to the side, gave them a rare approving glance.

The group, along with Detective Kang, spent days canvassing areas where street artists often gathered, using Jungwon’s photo of the sketch as their main lead. They asked tirelessly, showing the image to anyone who might recognize it, but were met with countless dead ends.

Their frustration grew palpable, with the weight of their search bearing heavily on everyone. Sunghoon often stayed silent, his usual calm façade breaking at times when no one was looking. Jake tried his best to keep everyone’s spirits up, though even he was running out of energy.

Finally, one sunny afternoon, while passing a small plaza near an outdoor café, Jungwon froze in his tracks. He nudged Jake frantically, pointing towards a familiar figure sitting on a bench—a woman sketching a portrait of a couple nearby.

“That’s her!” Jungwon exclaimed, tugging Jake along as they approached.

The artist looked up, startled but composed, as the group cautiously surrounded her.

“We don’t mean to scare you,” Heeseung said gently, holding his hands up to show they meant no harm. “We just need to talk to you about someone you drew a few weeks ago.”

The woman’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Who are you talking about?”

Jungwon stepped forward, his hands trembling slightly as he unlocked his phone and showed her the photo of the sketch—the one that had ignited their hopes. The artist’s expression softened with recognition as her eyes lingered on the image.

“Oh, him,” she said quietly. “Yes, I remember drawing that boy.”

The group collectively held their breath.

“Do you know him? Have you seen him again?” Sunghoon asked urgently, his voice almost breaking.

The artist shook her head. “No, I don’t know him personally. I was just sketching in the park that day, and he once caught my eye at some point. He seemed... quiet, like he was lost in his own world. So, I drew him.”

The group’s faces fell slightly, but Jay pressed on. “Do you remember anything else? Anything at all that seemed unusual?”

The woman hesitated, glancing at the eager faces before her. “Well... there was something unusual. He wasn’t alone for long.”

The group leaned in, their hope palpable, as if they could will her to remember more.

“I remember he was sitting on the bench, looking like he was waiting for someone. Eventually, a man showed up—someone older, maybe in his 40s. They didn’t talk loudly, but I overheard bits of their conversation.”

“What did you hear?” Ni-ki asked quickly, his voice tinged with desperation.

The artist tapped her pencil against her sketchbook, trying to recall. “Something about a meeting up somewhere. The older man said something like, ‘We’ll keep this between us for now.’ And the boy— I assume your friend?”

The group exchanged tense looks, a mix of relief and anxiety washing over them.

“Do you remember what the man looked like?” Jungwon asked, stepping forward, his tone measured.

The artist nodded slowly. “He was dressed casually, but he had this air about him—like he was professional. He had glasses and a kind of stern expression. I thought maybe he was a doctor.”

“A doctor ?” Heeseung repeated, his voice filled with both fear and curiosity.

“Yes,” she confirmed. “After a while, they both left the park together, heading toward the east exit. That’s all I know.”

Jake stepped forward, his eyes burning with determination. “He's meeting with someone—it's very possible that It was a doctor. That’s something we can follow up on.”

Jungwon turned back to the artist. “Do you remember the exact day this happened? Anything else about the man?”

The artist sighs, setting down her pencil. “Now that I think about it, there was something odd about the man your friend was with.”

Everyone leans in.

“When he arrived, he introduced himself as ‘Dr. Yeong.’ I thought it was strange for someone to introduce themselves with a title in such a casual setting. But at the time, I just assumed it was part of a private conversation. Now it feels... significant.”

“Dr. Yeong…” Jungwon repeated, his voice tinged with both hope and apprehension. He grips the edge of his phone tightly, as if the name alone could lead them to Sunoo. “That’s... a start.”

The artist tilts her head, her expression softening. “There’s one more thing. I remember he was carrying a notepad, and there was a logo on it. It wasn’t very clear, but it looked like a tree... or maybe some leaves.”

Ni-ki’s eyes narrow as he processes this detail. “A tree logo? That could mean... a clinic, maybe?”

The artist shrugs. “Possibly. I didn’t pay much attention. But they seemed to know each other well. The doctor sat down like it wasn’t their first meeting“  

The weight of her words settles over the group.

“Thank you so much for telling us this. Anything else?”  Sunghoon presses.

The artist shook her head apologetically. “I’m sorry, that’s all I can recall. But I really hope you find him.”

They bowed at her and walked away. The group regrouped with Detective Kang, who immediately started strategizing their next move.

They had returned to their dorm now, and the first thing they did was researching right away. Jay opted to give them food, forcing it on their mouths as he doesn’t want any of them to starve. The others thanked him, grateful to have him.  

The members sat in the dimly lit living room, surrounded by scattered papers, open laptops, and empty coffee cups. The artist’s hesitant confession about Doctor Yeong had sparked a renewed sense of urgency among the members. It wasn’t much—a name, a vague reference to a clinic in the outskirts of the city—but it was more than they’d had in months.

They hadn’t made much progress beyond the name "Doctor Yeong," but as frustrating as it was, there was a quiet understanding between them that this could still be the turning point they needed.

Ni-ki rubbed his temples, frustration creeping up on him. “Why is this so hard? We’re so close, I can feel it... but everything just feels like a puzzle missing pieces.”

“Do you think Sunoo ever really thought we’d find him?” Sunghoon asked. His voice was low, tinged with something that resembled both frustration and sadness.

Jungwon looked up from his screen, offering a small shake of his head. “I don’t know… I think he wanted us to. Maybe he just didn’t know how to say it.”

Jay leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowed. “Because we’re looking for something that might not be there. Sunoo doesn’t want to be found. Maybe he didn’t leave a trail on purpose. Maybe he’s been avoiding us for years now” His voice faltered as the words left his mouth.

“Maybe,” Jungwon whispered, his gaze fixed on the computer screen in front of him. “But... I don’t think Sunoo would have run away if he didn’t feel like he had to.” 

They all turned back to their devices, trying to make sense of the information they had. Minutes bled into hours, and the room was filled with nothing but the quiet sound of typing and the occasional soft exhale.

At long last, Jake broke the silence. “Wait… I think I found something.” He leaned forward, his voice barely a whisper.

The others turned instantly, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten. Jake’s eyes were wide, his fingers hovering over the laptop. “Look at this,” he said, turning the screen toward the group.

There, tucked away in the corner of an old article, was the mention of Doctor Yeong. His name was listed as a specialist in a unique clinic that offered care for patients with conditions that weren’t easily diagnosed. There was no mention of specific illnesses or patients, but the clinic’s name, paired with Doctor Yeong’s credentials, was enough to send a spark of hope through the group.

“That’s it,” Jungwon breathed, leaning forward. “This is the place. It’s got to be.”

“I knew we were getting somewhere,” Jake grinned, his excitement infectious. “This has to be it. It’s not much, but it’s the first real lead we’ve had in weeks.”

Ni-ki smiled, a glimmer of relief in his eyes. “Good work, Jake- hyung!. We might finally be getting somewhere.”

But as everyone congratulated Jake, Heeseung stayed silent, his gaze fixed on the screen. There was a cold feeling creeping up his spine, a sense of unease that he couldn’t shake.

“Yeah, good work,” he muttered, but his voice was distant, lost in thought.

The others didn’t notice the change, except for Sunghoon, but he didn’t mind it, he was too caught up in the excitement of the breakthrough. Heeseung couldn’t stop the rising sense of dread that was beginning to swell again within him. It wasn’t just a gut feeling—it was something deeper, something from the back of his mind that had been nagging him for years.

He suddenly remembered something.

It was that fucking paper.

Heeseung remembered it clearly—the folded paper that he saw that day. The one he had found by accident. It wasn’t just a regular paper; it was a series of notes he didn’t fully understand at the time. But he remembered seeing something on it. 

His stomach tightened.

Did the doctor know something they didn’t? Something they hadn’t even thought to ask? The unease gnawed at him, a quiet suspicion that was slowly turning into fear.

‘I have to be imagining it,’ he thought. ‘ Sunoo wouldn’t go to a doctor like this. I’m probably overthinking it about again…’

Heeseung clenched his fists quietly, trying to push the thought away. He couldn’t be sure. He didn’t want to be the one to bring it up, especially not now. Everyone was so hopeful, so ready to believe that they were finally getting somewhere. He didn’t want to be the one to crush that hope with an unsubstantiated worry.

‘No… ’ He shook his head slightly, barely noticeable. ‘ I can’t be sure. I shouldn’t even be thinking this way.’

Heeseung let out a quiet sigh and glanced at his friends, who were still chatting about their next move. Jake was already making arrangements for tomorrow, his enthusiasm infectious. But even as he watched them, Heeseung couldn't shake the feeling that they were all overlooking something important.

The others didn’t know about the paper. They didn’t know about the possibility that Sunoo had been hiding something from them. Heeseung had kept it to himself, not wanting to cause any more worry, but now, it felt like a burden. A weight in his chest that he couldn’t put down.

He forced a smile and joined the conversation again, nodding along as the others made plans. But inside, a small part of him couldn’t stop thinking about the clinic. About Doctor Yeong. And about what Sunoo might have been hiding.

‘I’ll keep this to myself’ Heeseung thought, locking away the doubts in his heart. ‘ I can’t tell them yet. We’re too close to finding him. I don’t want to ruin this for everyone.’

And so, he buried his doubts deep within, hoping he was wrong. But the fear lingered, settling like a cold weight in his chest, growing heavier with every passing moment.

Chapter Text

The air outside was cool, with the crispness of the early morning wrapping around the members as they made their way through the narrow streets. They had spent the entire night planning their next move, but the uncertainty still lingered. Every step felt like they were walking on fragile ground, unsure of what they would find, or what they might have missed.

After hours of following the faint trail left by Doctor Yeong’s clinic, they finally arrived.

The building was hidden in plain sight, tucked between two larger office complexes. The faded sign above the door read “Yeong Medical Clinic,” it's simple font almost unnoticeable against the backdrop of busy city life. The area was quiet, with only a handful of pedestrians passing by, unaware of the significance of this place.

“Is this it?” Sunghoon asked, squinting at the small, nondescript clinic. “This is where Sunoo went?”

Ni-ki paused in front of the door, studying the clinic’s exterior. His face was a mask of determination. “It’s the only lead we’ve got. It has to be.”

Jake stepped forward, his eyes scanning the building with intensity. “It’s not much to look at, but it fits the description”

Heeseung, standing quietly at the back of the group, gave a short nod. “I hope we’re right…”

Jay crossed his arms and glanced at the clinic, his jaw tight. “We’ve come this far. Let’s see what we can find.”

Heeseung stood off to the side, his arms crossed as he watched the others. His gaze flickered between the clinic and his friends. The cold feeling in his chest hadn’t gone away, but he didn’t say anything. He wasn’t ready to voice his doubts yet—not when they were so close. He just wanted to see where this would lead.

“I’ll go check it out,” Jungwon said after a long moment. “We need to be sure that this is the right place before we do anything else.”

Before anyone could stop him, Jungwon pushed open the clinic’s door. A soft chime echoed as they entered, the air inside cool and sterile. The waiting area was small but clean, with a few chairs lined up against the walls. A reception desk stood at the far end of the room, manned by a woman who was busy typing something on the computer.

There was a quiet urgency in the air, a thick cloud of anticipation, as if they were all holding their breath.

Jungwon, the most composed of them, stepped up to the counter, his voice steady, though his eyes flickered with a growing sense of frustration. “Excuse us, we need to talk to Doctor Yeong,” he said, his tone direct.

The receptionist didn’t look up at first. Her fingers tapped softly against the keyboard as she continued to type, her expression impassive. But when she did glance up, there was a subtle wariness in her eyes.

“He’s in a consultation right now,” she said, her voice clipped. “You’ll need an appointment if you wish to speak with him.”

Jungwon didn’t waver. “It’s urgent. We just need a moment of his time. It’s about someone who came here recently.”

The receptionist’s eyes flickered toward the hallway leading to the doctor’s office, as if measuring the weight of his words. Then, after a short pause, she glanced down at the screen in front of her. The tapping of her fingers ceased.

“I’m afraid I can’t help you,” she said, her voice much colder now. “You’ll have to wait for him to be available, or schedule a proper appointment.”

Jake, standing slightly to the side, exchanged a glance with Sunghoon. The frustration was mounting in the air, but they kept it contained for now.

“I don’t think you understand,” Jay said, his voice quiet but firm. “We’re not here for anything personal. We need information about a person who visited recently. His name is Sunoo.”

At the mention of Sunoo’s name, the receptionist’s face stiffened, a barely perceptible change that didn’t go unnoticed by the group. She cleared her throat and looked down, her fingers moving quickly over the keyboard again, as if avoiding eye contact.

“He’s not available right now,” she repeated, her tone shutting down further.

The others exchanged frustrated glances. They were getting nowhere. Suddenly, Jake’s eyes caught a small detail on the counter next to the receptionist: a sign-in sheet. It was for the patients who had visited that day. His instincts flared, and without thinking, he moved closer to the counter, pretending to read the bulletin board behind it.

The receptionist, distracted by a phone call, didn’t notice. Heeseung’s heart skipped a beat as he saw Jake’s fingers flick over the sheet. There it was—the name he had been dreading to see.

“Sunoo…” Jake murmured under his breath, barely audible, but enough for the others to hear. Heeseung’s pulse quickened.

“What?” Jungwon asked, his eyes narrowing. “Sunoo’s name?”

Jake’s voice was low, almost in disbelief. “It’s Sunoo’s name. He was here. He came to see Doctor Yeong.”

“We have to find out what happened,” Sunghoon said, his voice steady but with a new edge to it. “We can’t let this slide.”

Jake stepped forward, his voice harder now. “We need answers. I’m going to ask her again.”

The receptionist finally looked up, her gaze narrowing as Jake approached. “I’ve already told you, there’s nothing more I can do.”

But Jungwon wasn’t backing down. “We know Sunoo came here. His name was on the sign-in sheet.”

The mention of the sign-in sheet hung in the air, an accusation more than a question. The receptionist froze for a split second, her fingers pausing mid-motion. She quickly regained composure, but it didn’t escape the group’s notice.

“I told you, I can’t help you with that.” Her voice now had a sharp edge to it, and the discomfort in the room was palpable.

Ni-ki’s eyes narrowed. He could feel the weight of the moment, how every word, every movement was a delicate thread pulling at something deeper. “You’re not being honest with us,” he said. “We’ve already seen that Sunoo came here. We need to talk to Doctor Yeong.”

The receptionist was about to speak again, but her words caught in her throat as the office door behind her creaked open. Doctor Yeong emerged, his eyes locking onto the group the instant he stepped into the room.

There was a flicker of surprise in his gaze, quickly masked by his usual composed demeanor. He looked at Jungwon first, then the rest of the group, his face unreadable.

The group stiffened as Doctor Yeong’s gaze swept over them. He had likely heard the tail end of their conversation.

Jungwon didn’t hesitate. “Doctor Yeong,” he said, his voice unwavering. “We need to speak with you. It’s about someone named Sunoo.”

For a moment, the doctor said nothing, merely standing at the threshold of his office, his posture immaculate. His gaze flickered over the group again, briefly locking eyes with Heeseung. There was something guarded in his expression, something calculating.

“I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Doctor Yeong said smoothly, his tone polite but carrying a subtle undercurrent of tension. “I haven’t seen anyone named Sunoo recently.”

Jake’s jaw tightened. He could feel the heat rising in his chest, the frustration simmering just below the surface. “We saw his name,” Jake said, his voice firm but controlled. “It’s on the sign-in sheet. You can’t deny that.”

Doctor Yeong’s eyes momentarily flickered to the receptionist, who quickly lowered her gaze. Then, just as quickly, his composure returned, his stance becoming even more rigid.

“I don’t know anything about that,” Doctor Yeong replied evenly, his voice cold. “You’ll have to leave now.”

Jungwon stepped forward, unfazed by the doctor’s refusal. “No, we’re not leaving until we get some answers.”

The tension in the room grew thicker with every passing second, a silent standoff that was almost suffocating. The doctor’s expression remained calm, but Heeseung could see the subtle tightness in his jaw. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but there was something off about the way Doctor Yeong was handling the situation.

“We know Sunoo was here,” Jungwon pressed. “He was here recently. We just want to know what happened. What did he come here for?”

Doctor Yeong took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as if weighing his options. His eyes shifted to the door of his office, a silent plea for them to understand that this conversation was over.

“You don’t understand,” the doctor finally said, his voice low. “I don’t owe you an explanation.”

The group stood their ground, but the doctor’s voice left no room for argument. “Please leave,” he said again, his voice firm, but with a quiet warning that hung in the air.

For a moment, no one moved. They all stood frozen, the silence stretching longer than it should have, each of them feeling the weight of the unanswered questions. But there was no breakthrough. No cracks in his resolve.

With a soft click, the doctor turned and entered his office, closing the door behind him without another word. The group remained rooted in place, the quiet tension still thick in the air.

Jungwon exhaled slowly, his hand tightening into a fist at his side. “This isn’t over,” he muttered, barely audible, his gaze fixed on the door where Doctor Yeong had just disappeared.

The group exchanged looks. They knew the doctor was hiding something. They could feel it. But they had no choice but to step back, for now.

Heeseung’s heart raced in his chest, but he didn’t voice his unease. There was still a sense of urgency in his chest, something telling him that they weren’t seeing the full picture. But he kept it to himself.

The door was shut. A game of chase had once again come upon them.

Days stretched into weeks as the members relentlessly shadowed Dr. Yeong, their determination unwavering despite the mounting frustration. Each evening, they gathered near the clinic, their breaths visible in the chilly air as they prepared to tail the doctor once more.

The routine had become second nature. Dr. Yeong would exit the clinic, coat neatly buttoned, and walk briskly into the labyrinth of city streets. They followed at a safe distance, weaving through crowds and dimly lit alleys, but every time, without fail, he would slip away as though he could sense their presence.

“He’s definitely avoiding us,” Sunghoon muttered under his breath one evening, leaning against a lamppost as they lost sight of the doctor once again. His voice carried a mix of exasperation and suspicion.

Jake crossed his arms, his jaw tight. “He’s too good at this. It’s like he knows we’re here.”

Jungwon kicked a loose pebble on the ground, the sound echoing faintly in the stillness. “Why won’t he just talk to us?” he said, his voice sharper than usual. “He knows something. He’s hiding something.”

Ni-ki, who had been silently observing, let out a soft sigh. “Maybe we’re going about this the wrong way. If he knows we’re following him, he’s not going to slip up.”

“That’s assuming he ever plans to,” Jay interjected, his tone unusually grim. “He’s too careful. There’s no way this is just a coincidence.”

Heeseung stood slightly apart from the group, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. His gaze was fixed on the empty street ahead, where Dr. Yeong had vanished moments before. He hadn’t said much during these stakeouts, but his mind was always racing.

Why was Dr. Yeong so evasive? Why wouldn’t Sunoo let them in? The pieces weren’t fitting, and it gnawed at him relentlessly. The shadows of doubt that had been planted the day he saw that health paper on Sunoo’s pile of clothes were growing, wrapping tighter around his chest.

“We keep at it,” Heeseung finally said, his voice steady but low. “If he’s trying this hard to avoid us, it means we’re close to something.”

Jungwon glanced at him, nodding in agreement. “We’ll take turns tailing him. Maybe splitting up will give us an edge.”

The others murmured their assent, the resolve in their voices masking the weariness they felt.

The next day, they decided to switch tactics, splitting into pairs and covering more ground. Jungwon and Jake followed Dr. Yeong from the clinic, keeping to opposite sides of the street. Jay and Ni-ki trailed farther back, blending into the crowd, while Heeseung and Sunghoon monitored from a distance.

For a moment, it seemed like their plan might work. Dr. Yeong’s pace was steady as he navigated the evening streets. But then, just as he turned a corner, he stopped abruptly, glancing over his shoulder.

“Duck!” Jake hissed, pulling Jungwon into the shadow of a storefront.

Ahead, Dr. Yeong lingered for a moment, his eyes scanning the area before he continued walking. The group reconvened in a nearby alley a short time later, their frustration bubbling over.

“He knows,” Sunghoon said, pacing back and forth. “He knows we’re following him. This isn’t working.”

Jake leaned against the wall, running a hand through his hair. “We need another approach. This cat-and-mouse game is getting us nowhere.”

Ni-ki glanced at his phone, scrolling through messages. “We could try surveillance from a distance. Maybe use a—”

Heeseung cut him off. “We’re not spies, Ni-ki. This isn’t some action movie.”

“Then what?” Ni-ki snapped, his frustration showing for the first time. “We just keep losing him and hoping something changes?”

Heeseung glared at Ni-ki, he controlled himself, shutting his mouth. 

The next evening brought something unexpected. They split into pairs as usual, but this time, Dr. Yeong’s behavior changed. Instead of his usual hurried escape, he seemed more relaxed, his movements deliberate as he made his way through the city.

“He’s not trying to lose us this time?” Jake murmured to Jungwon as they trailed from across the street.

“Maybe he thinks we gave up,” Jungwon replied, though his brow furrowed.

After a few blocks, Dr. Yeong slipped into a quaint, dimly lit cafe. Through the large windows, they could see him take a seat in the corner, his back to the entrance.

Jake quickly signaled to the others, and within minutes, the group regrouped a short distance from the cafe.

“He’s just... sitting there?” Sunghoon asked, peering through the window.

Ni-ki checked his phone, zooming in on a candid photo he had taken of the scene. “Yeah. Coffee in hand. Looking pretty casual. This is weird.”

“What’s his angle?” Jay muttered.

Jungwon frowned, his gaze shifting between the cafe and the surrounding area. “Maybe he’s waiting for someone.”

“Who?” Jake asked, but his question was answered almost immediately.

The bell above the cafe door jingled, and a familiar figure walked in. The group froze, their eyes widening in unison.

It was Sunoo.

He looked different —his hands, though hidden beneath his hoodie, appeared noticeably thinner. His face was pale, and his posture more guarded than usual. But there was no mistaking him. The way he glanced around nervously before approaching Dr. Yeong’s table confirmed it.

Sunghoon took a sharp breath. “That’s him. ” he said, his voice toned with unwavering emotions.  

The weight of weeks of searching crashed down on them as they watched Sunoo sit opposite Dr. Yeong. The two began talking quietly, their expressions serious.

“W-what do we do?” Jake asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

The group stood frozen, each of them battling their own emotions. It was unexpected. Now that Sunoo was just right in front of them, so close, just beyond their sight, for some reason, they just can’t move.

What do they do? How will they approach him?

Heeseung clenched his fists, his emotions warring within him. Relief at seeing Sunoo alive battled with frustration at being shut out for so long. 

“We wait” Jungwon said, though the strain in his voice betrayed his inner turmoil.

Through the window, they could see Sunoo’s shoulders tense as Dr. Yeong leaned closer, saying something that made him glance nervously towards the door.

“They’re talking about us,” Jay said, narrowing his eyes.

“Or worse,” Ni-ki added.

The group stayed hidden, the tension among them palpable. But as they continued to watch, Sunghoon’s patience finally snapped.

“I can’t just stand here…” he muttered, stepping toward the cafe door.

“Sunghoon, I said wait—!” Jungwon hissed, but it was too late. Sunghoon had already pushed the door open, the chime of the bell cutting through the warm hum of the cafe.

As he approached the table, Sunghoon felt his chest tighten. Sunoo. After all these years, after sleepless nights wondering where he was, there he was—right in front of him, alive . His mind screamed at him to stop and take it in, to let the relief wash over him. But anger bubbled up just as fiercely.

Why hadn’t Sunoo reached out? Why had he let them think the worst?

The warring emotions tangled inside him, his heart pounding in his chest. He wanted to grab Sunoo, to pull him into a hug and tell him how much they had missed him, how much he had hurt them. But just as much, he wanted to demand answers, to make sense of the endless void Sunoo had left in their lives.

“Sunoo,” Sunghoon managed to say, his voice a raw mix of relief and accusation.

Across the cafe, the others watched with similar turmoil etched on their faces.

“Fuck… Sunghoon” Jay muttered under his breath, his fingers curling into fists. “Should we go in?”

“I want to go in too,” Ni-ki whispered, shifting on his feet, his usual calm cracking under the weight of emotions.

“What do we do? What do we say? ” Jake murmured, his voice trembling.

Inside, Dr. Yeong glanced up, his calm demeanor faltering for a split second before he straightened in his chair. Sunoo froze, his wide eyes locking onto Sunghoon as panic flashed across his face.

“Why?” Sunghoon’s voice cracked as he stepped closer. “Why have you been hiding from us?”

Sunoo shot up from his seat, the chair screeching loudly against the floor. His hood slipped back, revealing his face, pale and anxious. “I—” he stammered, his gaze darting between Sunghoon and the door.

Dr. Yeong’s expression hardened as he stood, placing a hand on Sunoo’s arm. “You need to leave,” he said firmly, his voice low but commanding.

But Sunghoon wouldn’t back down. “No! He owes us an explanation. You owe us an explanation!”

The entire cafe had gone quiet, eyes turning toward the unfolding scene. Sunoo’s breath hitched, and before anyone could stop him, he pulled away from Dr. Yeong and bolted for the exit.

“Sunoo, wait!” Jungwon called, rushing inside as the rest of the group followed.

Dr. Yeong moved to follow Sunoo, but Jay stepped in his path, his voice cold and sharp. “What are you hiding from us?”

The doctor’s jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. “This isn’t the place for this conversation.”

Jay didn’t move. “Then make it the place.”

The tension crackled between them, but before it could escalate further, Ni-ki called from outside. “He’s gone!”

Chapter Text

Detective Kang Dae rushed to gather the boys, bringing his crew van along with him.

As soon as he entered the café, the chaos inside was undeniable. The mess was everywhere—people were everywhere. The tension in the air was thick, and he knew in that moment that things were about to spiral completely out of control. There was no mistaking it. There was no way to avoid the fallout now. Crowds had gathered both inside and outside the café, their cameras flashing as they captured every moment. The phones were already out, and the social media posts would soon flood in, spreading rumors of Sunoo being alive. The whispers would spread quickly, first throughout Korea, then across the globe.

His steps quickened as he made his way over, his face hardening as he approached the group. They could feel his frustration without him saying a word.

"In the van. NOW. " he commanded, his voice sharp and unyielding.

Without hesitation, the boys fell into line, their faces hidden as much as possible to avoid the relentless flashes from every direction. Their hearts raced in their chests, and they did everything they could to block out the noise and flashes, moving swiftly to the crew van, each one of them processing the whirlwind of emotions and events that had just unfolded.

Once inside the van, they all slumped into their seats, the weight of everything pressing down on them. Their minds were rising with thoughts, each person lost in their own world. The van’s engine hummed to life, and Detective Kang Dae slammed his foot on the gas pedal, pulling away from the scene.

Inside the van, the silence was deafening. The only sound was the faint hum of the engine and the occasional click of the tires against the roughness of the road. The boys were settled in disarray, each one too overwhelmed to speak. It was as if the entire world had shifted, and they were left to pick up the pieces again. The air in the van was deafening, filled with mixed emotions.

Detective Kang Dae kept his eyes fixed on the road, his jaw clenched tight. He didn't look back, but he could feel the tension in the van. He knew they were all trying to process what had just happened, but there was no time for them to reflect. They were in this together now, and the consequences were inevitable.

The ride back to the dorm was silent, the kind of silence that pressed down on them, suffocating and heavy. 

Sunghoon stared out of the window, jaw clenched, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions inside him. His heart was still racing from the chaos at the café. He had just seen Sunoo—had nearly gotten to him—but Sunghoon had been unable to stop himself. The anger, the frustration, the desperation... they all spilled out at once. And Sunoo ran.

The tension in the car was palpable, but no one knew how to speak. No one knew what to say, how to fix what had just happened.

When they finally reached the dorm, they spilled out of the van, their faces tense with unspoken words. The hallway seemed longer than it ever had before, each step heavier than the last. They filed into the living room, the atmosphere thick with the weight of their failure. Mr. Kang Dae has left them to reflect on their own and settle it between them. 

"Sunghoon," Jay said, his voice low, breaking the silence. "You shouldn’t have rushed"

Sunghoon turned sharply, his eyes blazing. “You think I wanted him to run off? You think that’s what I wanted?” His voice trembled with suppressed emotion. “I knew all of you would be cowards, so I took the risk!”

Jay stepped forward, fists clenched. “We were supposed to take things slow!” His voice rose, the tension in the room igniting.

“Slow?” Sunghoon scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain. “Taking it slow won’t get us anywhere near Sunoo!”

“We didn’t have a plan!” Jay shot back. “Rushing in like that only made it worse! Have you forgotten what detective Kang said to us? If Sunoo feels cornered again, he will run away!”

Sunghoon threw up his hands. “I KNOW! And what plan? We don’t have time for plans! Stop blaming me!”

Jungwon, trying to keep his voice steady, interjected. “We’re all to blame here. Maybe if we weren’t so blinded by our emotions, we could’ve seen this coming. Maybe we could’ve talked to him privately”

Sunghoon whipped around to face him. “So now you’re blaming me too?”

Jungwon frowned, his voice firm. “I’m just saying we should’ve paid more attention to our current situation”

Ni-ki’s voice cut through the room, cold and accusing. “Yeah, maybe if someone had been paying attention, we wouldn’t be in this mess.” His eyes darted toward Jake. “You’re supposed to keep everything organized, Jake.”

Jake glared at him, his composure cracking. “Oh, so now it’s my fault? I didn’t know what to do either!” He pointed a finger at Ni-ki. “And where were you ? Oh wait, yeah, dealing with your own emotions! ”

The argument swirled like a storm, accusations and defenses flying across the room. The tension was unbearable, with every word another dagger in their collective failure.

Jungwon slammed his hand on the table, his voice cutting through the chaos. “This is ridiculous! We’re not helping by blaming each other!”

The room fell silent for a moment before Jake said something in a whisper. “But why blame? I think we should focus on finding him again… and there’s one thing that we are overlooking. The doctor. How does someone like him even fit into this?”

Ni-ki crossed his arms. “What are you implying?”

“I’m not implying anything,” Jake said, his voice sharper now. “But think about it—Sunoo disappears, and now this doctor suddenly becomes part of the picture? Doesn’t it seem too convenient?”

Ni-ki’s eyes narrowed. “You’re saying Sunoo went to him on purpose? That he knew something?”

“I’m saying we don’t know what Sunoo was involved in!” Jake snapped. “For all we know, the doctor approached him. Or maybe...” He hesitated, the words heavy on his tongue. “Maybe Sunoo went to him for help.”

“That’s ridiculous!” Jay exclaimed. “Why would Sunoo hide something like that from us? He would’ve told us!”

“Would he, though?” Sunghoon challenged, his tone cold. “How well do we even know what he was going through back then? He could’ve been hiding a lot more than we realize.”

The room erupted again, voices clashing as the tension reached a boiling point. Every accusation felt like a weight dragging them down further into despair. The walls seemed to echo their shouting, amplifying their frustration and fear.

Jungwon, frustrated, slammed his fist on the table, his voice rising above the chaos. 

"Enough! We're not getting anywhere like this! Why are you all shouting at each other!?" 

His words silenced the group momentarily, everyone turned to him, their eyes sharp with unspoken anger and exhaustion.

Jay was about to speak but Sunghoon’s gaze shifted, sharp and accusing. His eyes landed on Heeseung, who had been standing off to the side, silent throughout the argument. Sunghoon’s jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides. His voice sliced through the uneasy quiet like a knife.

“You knew something, didn’t you?”

The air in the room grew colder, heavier. All eyes snapped toward Heeseung, the weight of their collective gaze pinning him in place.

Heeseung froze, unexpected by the sudden attention. The air in his lungs hitch. He tried to keep his expression neutral, but the tightening of his jaw and the slight tremble in his hands betrayed him.

“What are you talking about?” he said, his voice low, shaky. It was almost a whisper, as if louder words would crack the fragile dam holding his emotions back.

Sunghoon took a step closer, his posture rigid and confrontational. “Don’t play dumb, Heeseung, ” he snapped, his voice growing louder, more insistent. “Ever since the doctor was mentioned, you’ve been quiet. Like you’re hiding something. Like you know something.”

Jungwon stepped forward, placing a hand on Sunghoon’s arm. “Let’s not start pointing fingers again—”

“No!” Sunghoon shook him off, his gaze never leaving Heeseung. His tone was sharper now, tinged with desperation. “We all know something’s off. Heeseung hasn’t said a word about it. It is quite suspicious, don't you think?”

Heeseung’s chest tightened as the accusations circled him, his hands trembling at his sides. He wanted to deny it, to push back, but the weight of his silence was deafening.

The others exchanged uneasy glances, the room falling into a tense quiet. Jake broke it with a hesitant voice, trying to calm the rising storm. “Heeseung, if there’s something you know… now’s the time to tell us.”

Ni-ki leaned forward from his seat, his eyes narrowed. “You’ve been acting weird for days. Just say it already!”

Heeseung’s gaze darted around the room, his friends’ faces a mixture of confusion, frustration, and anticipation. His throat tightened, the words clawing at him, desperate to escape, but fear paralyzed him.

“What did you know, Heeseung?” Sunghoon demanded again, his voice unwavering and relentless.

The pressure was unbearable. Heeseung’s legs threatened to give out, his vision blurring as his heart raced. The world seemed to close in on him, their voices muffled by the rush of blood in his ears.

Memories of the past flashed through his mind like jagged pieces of glass—broken conversations, moments he had dismissed, clues he had chosen to ignore. His guilt roared to life, overpowering every rational thought.

His breathing quickened, his hands curling into fists at his sides. The words swirled in his mind, heavy and poisonous, refusing to come out. He opened his mouth, but no sound escaped.

The silence stretched, suffocating and unbearable. Sunghoon took another step forward, his voice a low growl. “You’re not getting out of this. Say it. Now .”

Heeseung staggered back, bumping into the edge of the couch. His body felt like it would crumble under the weight of their expectations. His lips trembled as he finally forced himself to speak, his voice breaking.

“I know…” he started and looked at the members, his eyes beginning to swell with his own tears “I know why Sunoo left.”

1 week before Sunoo’s disappearance.

Heeseung had just returned home from his solo appearance on a variety show. The dorm was unusually quiet, and he was surprised to find that the others hadn’t beaten him back home. He figured their shoot must have run longer than expected.

Feeling drained, he trudged into his room and began peeling off his clothes. Grabbing a towel, he made his way to the bathroom and indulged in a long, hot shower, letting the water wash away the fatigue of the day.

After about ten minutes, Heeseung stepped out, feeling refreshed but chilled by the brisk evening air. Wrapping the towel around his waist, he moved to his closet. He quickly slipped into a pair of sweatpants, then paused, debating whether to wear a T-shirt or something warmer. The thought of the cold outside nudged his decision.

He decided on a hoodie—his favorite one, to be exact—but as he sifted through his drawers, he came up empty-handed. A realization hit him: Sunoo had borrowed it a few days ago.

Shrugging, Heeseung padded over to Sunoo’s room. Pushing the door open, he spotted the hoodie almost immediately, resting in a pile of clothes on the bed. Smiling to himself, he crossed the room and pulled it free.

As he lifted the hoodie, something unusual caught his eye—a piece of paper tucked beneath the fabric, as though someone had intentionally hidden it. Heeseung hesitated for a moment, then slipped the hoodie on and reached for the paper, curiosity prickling at the back of his mind.

The folded edges of the paper were slightly creased, suggesting it had been handled before. Unfolding it slowly, his eyes scanned the contents, confusion giving way to a creeping unease as he began to read.

It was a medical report. 

The header bore the name of a clinic he doesn’t even recognized, but what caught his attention were the words in bold:

‘DIAGNOSIS: _______’

He froze, his mind struggling to process the words that followed. It was something serious, something that made his chest tighten with disbelief. He skimmed further down, catching phrases like ‘further testing required’ and ‘urgent follow-up recommended.’

“No…” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head as if to dispel the weight of what he was reading. 

This couldn’t be real. Not Sunoo . There had to be a mistake.

A swirl of emotions churned in his stomach—fear, confusion, denial. His hands trembled as he folded the paper back up, a little too quickly, accidentally crumpling one corner. He tucked it back under the hoodie where he’d found it, as if hiding it could make it disappear from his mind.

Heeseung stood there for a moment, staring at the bed, his thoughts spinning in a whirlwind. Why didn’t he tell us? he thought. Why didn’t he tell me?

Trying to shake off the overwhelming emotions, he absently wandered to the kitchen, hoping a distraction would help. He filled a pot with water and set it on the stove, grabbing a pack of ramen from the pantry.

But even as he poured in the seasoning and stirred the noodles, his mind kept drifting back to the paper. Heeseung could feel the words lingering in his head like a ghost, refusing to leave him alone.

When the ramen was ready, he carried the bowl to the table and sat down. His appetite was almost nonexistent, but he forced himself to eat, each bite tasting like nothing. His thoughts were too loud, drowning out everything else.

‘Should I confront Sunoo?’ ’

He wondered, staring blankly at his food. He twirled the noodles around his chopsticks absentmindedly. 

‘ Or should I tell the others? They deserve to know too... right?’

Another part of him argued back. 

‘ But what if Sunoo wanted to tell us on his own terms? What if this is something he’s still processing?’

Heeseung sighed heavily, dropping his chopsticks into the bowl. His stomach churned, not from the food but from the weight of indecision. He wanted to do the right thing, but what was the right thing?

The thought of Sunoo dealing with this alone made his heart ache, but so did the idea of forcing the truth out of him. Heeseung leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his damp hair.

But leaned again to take a bite of his ramen.

Heeseung was about to finish the last of his ramen when the front door creaked open, the familiar sounds of his members shuffling into the dorm breaking the heavy quiet of the room. He glanced up from his seat at the table, his chopsticks pausing mid-air as their voices echoed faintly through the hallway. His heart skipped, a sudden awkwardness washing over him. He felt as though the paper he’d seen earlier might somehow expose itself, like the guilt he carried was written plainly on his face.

“Hey,” Heeseung greeted as casually as he could, setting down his chopsticks. His voice came out a little stiffer than he’d intended. “You guys hungry? I made some ramen.”

Jay appeared first, rubbing the back of his neck as he stifled a yawn. “We already ate on the way back,” he said, waving a hand dismissively. “Thanks, though.”

Jungwon nodded in agreement, dragging his feet as he made his way toward his room. “I’m dead tired. We had a long shoot today.”

One by one, the others echoed similar sentiments. Sunghoon and Jake offered a quick ‘goodnight’ before disappearing down the hallway, and Ni-ki followed close behind with an exaggerated stretch, mumbling something about needing to crash.

The quiet settled again, but only briefly.

Sunoo walked into the kitchen, a water bottle in hand. He didn’t say anything at first, simply twisting the cap off and taking a long drink. Heeseung’s eyes flicked toward him, watching the younger boy out of the corner of his eye.

Even under the dim kitchen light, Heeseung couldn’t help but notice the pale tone of Sunoo’s skin, the faint shadows under his eyes, and the way his shoulders seemed to slump ever so slightly. He looked smaller somehow—frailer.

Sunoo set the bottle down on the counter and moved to the sink to rinse it. His movements were slow, almost mechanical, as though his body was running on autopilot.

Heeseung hesitated. The words he’d been rehearsing in his mind felt like they’d lodged themselves in his throat, but he knew he couldn’t let the moment slip away.

“Sunoo-ah…” he said softly, pushing his chair back and standing.

Sunoo glanced at him briefly, his expression neutral but his tired eyes betraying him. “Yeah?”

Heeseung took a step closer, gripping the edge of the counter to ground himself. “Do you have a minute? I just… I wanted to talk to you about something.”

Sunoo blinked, his expression unreadable for a moment before he let out a small sigh. “I’m really tired, hyung. Can we talk tomorrow?”

The words weren’t harsh, but they carried a finality that Heeseung wasn’t sure how to respond to. It was a polite refusal, a gentle barrier that Heeseung didn’t want to push through—not yet.

He nodded, forcing a small smile. “Yeah, of course. Get some rest.”

Sunoo gave him a faint smile in return, his lips barely curving. He wiped his hands on a towel before turning and heading toward his room. The door clicked shut softly behind him, leaving Heeseung alone in the dim kitchen once more.

Heeseung let out a long breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding, his grip on the counter loosening. His eyes dropped to the empty sink, where droplets of water clung to the stainless steel, catching the light. The rhythmic drip of the faucet was the only sound in the room.

He picked up his empty bowl and rinsed it out mechanically, his mind wandering back to the crumpled paper. No matter how hard he tried to shake it, the words he’d read earlier replayed in his head like a broken record.

When he finally made his way to his room, the dorm felt heavier than usual. Each step down the hallway seemed to echo louder than the last, the faint creaks of the floorboards beneath his feet almost too loud in the stillness.

He collapsed onto his bed, his body sinking into the mattress as he stared blankly at the ceiling. The dim light from the hallway seeped under his door, casting faint shadows across the room.

‘I’ll wait for him’  

Heeseung thought, gripping the blanket that lay over him. He wanted to believe that Sunoo would tell them—tell him—when he was ready. He wanted to respect his space, to trust that Sunoo would open up in his own time.

But another thought gnawed at him, biting at the edges of his resolve. 

‘What if he doesn’t? What if he keeps hiding it until it’s too late?’

He turned onto his side, closing his eyes tightly as if to shut out the swirling storm in his mind. His breathing slowed, but his thoughts didn’t. The image of Sunoo’s pale face, his thin hands, and the quiet tiredness in his voice all seemed to haunt him.

As the hours dragged on, sleep finally began to take him, but it was uneasy and restless. The shadows in his room seemed darker, heavier, and the truth he’d uncovered earlier loomed over him like a ghost in the corner, silent but ever-present.

3 days before Sunoo’s disappearance.

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting soft rays across the dorm’s living room. Heeseung sat quietly on the couch, his fingers absentmindedly scrolling through his phone. His focus wasn’t on the screen, though—it hadn’t been for days. His thoughts remained tethered to Sunoo and the secret he carried.

Heeseung’s eyes flicked up when Sunoo shuffled into the room. He looked... better, Heeseung thought, but it was hard to tell. The faint smile on Sunoo’s lips felt rehearsed, and his steps lacked their usual energy.

“Morning” Sunoo said, his voice light but a little strained.

“Morning…” Heeseung replied, studying him.

Sunoo moved to the kitchen, grabbing a glass of water. Heeseung hesitated but decided against saying anything. He wasn’t ready to push—not yet.

The day passed in a blur of schedules, rehearsals, and performances. The members were busy, but Heeseung couldn’t stop himself from watching Sunoo whenever he could. Every time Sunoo laughed at a joke or smiled for the camera, Heeseung wondered how much of it was real and how much of it was a mask.

That evening, the members gathered for dinner. They laughed and talked about their day, but Heeseung noticed Sunoo’s silence. He picked at his food, his gaze distant.

“Sunoo-hyung?” Jungwon said, nudging him lightly. “You okay? You’ve been quiet today.”

Sunoo blinked, startled out of his thoughts. “Huh? Oh, yeah. Just tired.”

Jungwon frowned but didn’t press further.

Heeseung’s chest tightened. He wanted to speak up, to ask Sunoo what was really going on, but he stayed silent, hoping—praying—that Sunoo would confide in them soon.

2 days before Sunoo’s disappearance. 

The dorm was unusually quiet that afternoon. Most of the members had taken the chance to nap or relax before their next schedule, but Heeseung had stayed awake, his mind too restless.

He was sitting in the living room when he heard the faint sound of a door opening. Sunoo stepped out of his room, his hoodie pulled tight around him.

“Hey,” Heeseung called out gently.

Sunoo looked over, his expression unreadable. “Hey, hyung.”

“Where are you off to?” Heeseung asked, trying to sound casual.

“Just... needed some fresh air,” Sunoo replied, avoiding his gaze.

Heeseung nodded slowly. “Want some company?”

Sunoo hesitated, his hand tightening on the doorknob. “I’m okay. I won’t be long.”

Heeseung watched as Sunoo slipped out the door. A part of him wanted to follow, to make sure he was okay, but he didn’t. Instead, he waited.

When Sunoo returned an hour later, his eyes were red, as if he’d been crying. Heeseung opened his mouth to say something, but Sunoo brushed past him, muttering something about needing to lie down.

That night, Heeseung lay awake in bed, guilt gnawing at him. He should have done more. He should have asked.

The Night Before Sunoo’s Disappearance.

The dorm was quieter than usual, a heavy stillness settling over the rooms as the members finished their nightly routines. Dinner had been subdued—Sunoo had barely touched his plate, mumbling something about not being hungry before retreating to the couch.

Heeseung sat nearby, pretending to scroll on his phone, but his eyes flicked to Sunoo every few seconds. Something was wrong—he knew it, they all did. The others were trying to give Sunoo space, but Heeseung felt the tension building, an invisible storm brewing in the air.

“Sunoo-ah,” Jake’s voice broke the silence, gentle but firm. “You’ve been so quiet lately. Are you sure you’re okay?”

Sunoo tensed at the question, his hands gripping the sleeves of his hoodie. He kept his gaze fixed on the floor, his body curling in on itself.

“You’ve barely eaten in days,” Jay added, his tone softer than usual. “If something’s going on, you can talk to us.”

“I’m fine,” Sunoo said quickly, his voice shaky. “I’m just tired.”

The room fell silent again, the weight of unspoken words pressing down on them.

“No, you’re not,” Sunghoon said bluntly, his eyes narrowing. “You haven’t been fine for days, Sunoo. We’ve all noticed.”

Sunoo’s head snapped up, his eyes wide and glassy. “Why do you all keep asking me that?” he said, his voice rising. “I said I’m fine!”

“Sunoo-hyung…” Ni-ki interjected, his tone careful, “we’re not trying to push you. We just... we care about you. That’s all.”

For a moment, it seemed like Sunoo was going to snap back, but instead, his face crumpled. His shoulders began to shake, and before anyone could react, he buried his face in his hands and let out a strangled sob.

The sound froze everyone in place. Sunoo never cried—not like this.

“Sunoo-hyung?” Ni-ki whispered, his voice trembling.

“I’m sorry,” Sunoo choked out, his words muffled by his hands. “I’m so sorry.”

Jungwon moved first, crossing the room and kneeling in front of Sunoo. He placed a hand on Sunoo’s knee, his touch light but steady. “Hey,” he said softly. “It’s okay. Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out.”

Sunoo shook his head, his sobs growing louder. “You don’t understand,” he said through his tears. “You can’t understand.”

The others gathered around, their faces etched with worry.

“Then help us understand,” Jake said gently, sitting down beside Sunoo. “We’re here, Sunoo. Whatever’s going on, you don’t have to go through it alone.”

“I... I can’t,” Sunoo whispered, his voice breaking.

“Why not?” Jay asked, his tone softer than usual. “We love you, Sunoo. You can tell us anything.”

Sunoo looked up then, his tear-streaked face filled with anguish. “Because I don’t want to burden you,” he said, his voice cracking. “I don’t want you to look at me differently.”

“Burden us?” Sunghoon repeated, his voice laced with disbelief. “Sunoo, we’d never think of you as a burden. Why would you even think that?”

Sunoo didn’t respond. He pulled his knees to his chest, his whole body trembling.

Heeseung’s chest tightened at the sight. He wanted to shake Sunoo, to make him see that they cared about him more than anything, but he also knew pushing him now would only make things worse.

“We’re not going anywhere,” Heeseung said quietly. “Whenever you’re ready to talk, we’ll be here. No matter what it is.”

The others murmured their agreement, each of them placing a comforting hand on Sunoo’s back or shoulder. Sunoo didn’t say anything else that night. He simply cried, his sobs gradually quieting until exhaustion overtook him.

Heeseung stayed beside him long after the others had gone to bed, his mind racing with unanswered questions. Whatever Sunoo was going through, it was tearing him apart—and Heeseung knew they were running out of time to help him.

The Day Sunoo Disappeared

The dorm was eerily quiet when the boys returned from their shoot. Shoes clattered against the floor as they kicked them off, bags slung over tired shoulders. Their laughter and banter from the van ride faded quickly, replaced by the odd stillness that greeted them.

“Sunoo-hyung~!, we’re back!” Jungwon called out, his voice echoing down the hallway. There was no answer.

They started checking the rooms. The kitchen was empty, the bathroom door stood open, and Sunoo’s bed was untouched. His room was neat, everything in its place, but something felt amiss. The closet door was slightly ajar.

Heeseung moved through the dorm methodically, checking spaces they’d already looked at. Each empty corner seemed to press on the air, making it harder to breathe. When he called Sunoo’s phone, the unanswered rings only heightened the tension in the room.

A shared unease began to settle among them. The members exchanged uncertain glances, each unwilling to voice the fears beginning to form.

“Let’s split up and look for him,” Sunghoon suggested, already grabbing his jacket.

Without a word, they fanned out into the streets.

The members scattered into the chilly night, each clutching their phones tightly, desperately dialing Sunoo’s number. With every attempt, the dull, repetitive tone of “not reachable” gnawed at their nerves. The cold air seemed sharper, cutting through their jackets as they rushed through dimly lit streets and familiar haunts.

Jungwon checked the park, his eyes darting to every shadow, heart racing every time he thought he saw a figure in the distance. Sunghoon searched the nearby convenience store, his voice tight as he asked the clerk if they had seen someone matching Sunoo’s description. Ni-ki wandered through alleyways, calling out Sunoo’s name, his voice trembling. Jake circled around their usual hangout spots, eyes scanning crowds with increasing urgency.

Heeseung’s feet carried him aimlessly, his mind swirling with images of Sunoo: his smile, his laugh, the unspoken pain hidden in his gaze. 

‘Why didn’t I push harder to talk to him? ’

The guilt pressed heavier on him with every unanswered call.

With no sign, one by one, they regrouped at the dorm, their faces pale, breaths shallow from both running and worry. The weight of their failure hung in the air like a fog.

“I didn’t see him anywhere,” Jungwon muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

“No one saw him,” Sunghoon added, his tone sharper, frustration masking his fear.

Heeseung lingered near Sunoo’s bedroom door, something about the stillness within unsettling him more than anything outside had. He hesitated before stepping inside.

The room was the same as before: too neat, too perfect. But this time, Heeseung’s eyes caught details he’d missed earlier.

A drawer that was almost empty.

His heart sank. He yanked open the closet door completely, rifling through its left contents. Sunoo’s favorite bag was gone. The spare phone charger he always kept on his desk was missing.

“He took things with him,” Heeseung whispered, more to himself than anyone else.

The others, hearing the commotion, crowded into the room.

“What do you mean?” Jake asked, his voice tight.

“His things,” Heeseung said, gesturing wildly. “His bag, the clothes—he... he packed. He left on purpose.”

A wave of realization hit them all at once. Their stomachs churned as the panic took on a new shape, sharper and more unbearable.

Jungwon’s trembling hands fumbled with his phone. “We need to call the manager,” he said, trying to sound calm but failing.

“What do we even tell him?” Ni-ki asked, his voice cracking.

“That he’s gone!” Sunghoon snapped, pacing the room. “That Sunoo packed his things and left and we don’t know where he went!”

Jake grabbed his own phone and started dialing before anyone could respond. The line clicked after a few rings.

“Yes?” the manager’s voice came through, calm and steady.

“Manager-nim” Jake said, his voice breaking. “It’s Sunoo... he’s gone. He—he’s not here. He took his stuff.”

The other side of the phone was silent for a solid five seconds, until the manager spoke.

“I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. Stay put.”

The call ended, leaving the group in silence once more, the weight of their helplessness sinking in.

Chapter Text

Sunoo sat on his bed, wrapping his arms around his knees and his head down, the soft hum of his phone vibrating against his palms. The screen lit up with a lining of notifications, each one another reminder of how everything had changed. His fingers hovered over the device, but he couldn’t bring himself to unlock it just yet. A voice in his head told him not to, that he wasn’t ready to face it. But his curiosity gnawed at him, and in the end, he gave in.

His thumb swiped across the screen, pulling up the latest post—a blurred picture of him from the café. The caption blared in bold text: ‘Is Sunoo really alive?’ and ‘ Has he been found?’

His heart lurched in his chest. He quickly scrolled through the comments. Some were filled with excitement, some with confusion, and others were outright panicked. Everyone had an opinion, everyone had a theory. They thought they knew the story, but they didn’t. And he couldn’t stop himself from reading each one. They didn’t see him, not really. They only saw the idea of him, the version of himself that he couldn’t even recognize.

Alive?

Found?

The words echoed in his mind like an endless loop. He pressed his hands to his temples, his breath quickening. His chest tightened, and the walls of his room suddenly felt suffocating, too small, like they were closing in on him.

The next notification made him stop scrolling.

It was a text. From Dr. Yeong.

DOCTOR YEONG : ‘I’ll be over in 10 minutes. Please be ready. We need to talk.’

He read the message. He felt a wave of relief wash over him. He hadn’t heard from Dr. Yeong ever since what happened in the cafe. His mind instantly raced back to the last conversation they’d had, the vague warnings about his members finding him. He realized how the situation became more serious than before and that it left his thoughts scattered.

Ten minutes.

He barely had time to process it before there was a knock at the door.

Sunoo stood, his legs unsteady as if his entire body had just realized the weight of everything he’d been ignoring. He shuffled to the door and opened it, only to be met by the calm, almost clinical presence of Dr. Yeong. The doctor’s face was unreadable.

“Can I come in?” Dr. Yeong asked, his voice low and careful.

Sunoo stepped aside, his heart thudding in his chest. He closed the door behind him and turned to face the doctor, but words didn’t come easily.

Dr. Yeong stood there for a moment, silent. Then, he grabbed Sunoo’s arms on both sides, his body hunched and he spoke, his tone more fragile than Sunoo had expected. “Sunoo… I’m sorry . I should’ve been more careful.”

The apology caught Sunoo off guard. He blinked, confused, his brow furrowing.

“Sorry? What do you mean?”

Dr. Yeong sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I thought I was careful, I really did. I thought they had stopped following me, I don’t even know how they knew about me in the first place– I assumed you’d be safe if we met at the café, away from everything. But… I made a mistake. I didn’t think it through. ”

“Doctor Yeong…” He could barely get the words out.

The doctor’s voice was tight. “I was trying to warn you about them. You’ve been avoiding everything, and I thought I was helping you. But now... I’m the reason you were found, I’m the reason why everything is like this, and- fuck, i’m so sorry …” 

Dr. Yeong kneeled down on his knees, his head down.

Sunoo’s mind spun. He could feel the panic rising again, clawing at his chest, suddenly remembering what happened at the cafe. He moved his arms to place it on the doctor’s shoulder, forcing him to stand up "It’s okay! You didn’t... you didn’t mean for this to happen.” he said, but barely in a whisper.

“No-” the doctor replied, his voice heavy with guilt. “How could you just say it's okay, Sunoo-yah? People are now starting to look for you, and we both know how dangerous that can be.”

That’s right, he can’t just ignore everything. He needed to be more careful. He had to stay hidden. He had to remain unnoticed. The world outside felt like it was moving too fast for him, too dangerously close.

“I… I don’t know what to do anymore.” Sunoo’s voice cracked, his anxiety surging once again. He had wanted so badly to fix things, he wished to make it all go away, he dreamed for his health to be okay, he just wanted to live . But now, at this moment…

Those hopes and dreams are nothing but just wishes.

Dr. Yeong’s gaze softened but still felt with guilt and regret “I will be here to help you as best as I can, I will take full responsibility.”

Sunoo didn’t know what to say to that. Instead, he simply nodded.

“I will sleep here,” Doctor Yeong suddenly said and gently smiled at Sunoo “I hope you won’t mind”

Sunoo stared at him “...Why?”

Dr. Yeong let out a deep sigh and sat at the sofa “You think i will leave you alone after what just happened? I can’t risk anything at this point”

Sunoo softly smiled at him “Are you worried?”

“Yes” He looked at him and sadly smiled “You are my my dear patient, of course i’ll get worried”

For the past few days, Sunoo stayed inside. Dr. Yeong suggested that he should stay in his house for the meantime, reasoning that it was safer there and he can check up on Sunoo whenever he can. Sunoo agreed. That night when he moved was the night where everything felt like that day again, the time where he left the members. He felt anxiety, panic and guilt all in one. 

3 years ago

“Sunoo-ah~! Wake up! We have a shoot today!” someone called out to him, but he didn’t stir, his mind still wrapped in dreams and fantasies. He heard a chuckle, and someone nudged his shoulder, shaking it.

“Come on now… we can’t be late!”

This time, Sunoo moved. His body, which had been lying sideways, was now flat on the bed. He slowly opened his eyes, squinting as the sunlight hit his amber eyes. He sat up steadily and rubbed his eyes, yawning in the process.

“Aigoo…” He heard another chuckle and felt a hand comb through his hair. “Our Sunoo-ah looks so cute even in the morning~”

Sunoo blinked, trying to focus on the voice. When he recognized the source, he immediately smiled, his grin brighter than the morning sun.

“Jake-hyung~! Good morning” he softly greeted, to which Jake smiled sweetly.

“Good morning, sunshine. Did you have a good sleep?”

Sunoo nodded. “Yeah, it was great. What time is it?”

Jake glanced at his phone. “It’s 6:37. We have a shoot that starts at 8.”

Sunoo shut his eyes and groaned. He flopped back onto the bed. “Ugh, hyung! Why wake me up so early?”

Jake shot him a disapproving glare. “Sunoo-ah, we need to do our makeup before eight, and you’re the only one who’s still asleep!” He grabbed Sunoo’s arm, pulling him up. “ Come on, the others are already at the table. Also, Jay made your favorite pancakes~”

Sunoo’s eyes shot wide open. “Buttermilk pancakes!?”

Jake grinned. “Yes, the one and only buttermilk pancakes.”

Sunoo instantly stood up, excitement flooding his face, the sleepiness disappearing in an instant.

“Let’s go!” he softly shouted and pulled Jake out of his room. Jake watched him for a moment, laughing softly at how adorable he was.

When they entered the kitchen, they were greeted with warm smiles from the members.

“Sunoo-hyung, good morning!” Ni-ki greeted first, patting the chair beside him, calling Sunoo to sit. Sunoo smiled and took a seat next to him.

“Good morning to you too, Ni-ki-ah! Good morning, everyone~!” Sunoo greeted the group warmly.

Before anyone could respond, a plate of buttermilk pancakes was placed on the table. They looked up and saw Jay grinning.

“Today’s special breakfast is buttermilk pancakes!”

Cheers erupted around the table.

“It’s been so long!” Jungwon exclaimed.

“I missed this too” Sunghoon said.

“Take two each, everyone! Eat them while they’re still fresh from the pan” Jay said, and the others eagerly grabbed their portions, biting into the pancakes and complimenting Jay on his cooking. Jay blushed slightly and waved it off, claiming it was just a simple breakfast, but the others teased him for trying not to smile.

The table settled into a comfortable silence, each of them focused on eating.

“What are we shooting today?” Heeseung suddenly asked.

“It’s for our 4th anniversary,” Jungwon answered, and Heeseung nodded in understanding.

“It’s been four years, huh…” Sunghoon said softly. The others smiled, and Jay, who had just taken a sip of water, looked around at everyone and smiled.

“Time flies fast. I can’t believe we made it this far… We’ve faced so many problems and challenges, but we overcame them. I’m so happy.”

Ni-ki quietly laughed. “You sound like a cheesy, proud dad.” The table erupted in lighthearted laughter.

Jay playfully glared at Ni-ki. “Yah!”

Sunoo giggled. “I agree with Jay-hyung! I’m also proud of us! I hope we can stay like this forever! ”

The others nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, I wanna grow old with you guys!” Ni-ki said, which earned another round of laughter around the table.

“That’s too far, Ni-ki-ah!” Heeseung said, shaking his head. Ni-ki just smiled and shrugged.

The laughter died down again and this time Jungwon spoke up “Alright, once we are done eating, let’s get ready and meet up at the door to go to a ride to the van” 

They all nodded in agreement, finishing their breakfast as they quickly gathered their things and got ready. Sunoo was the first to finish, his excitement from the pancakes still evident on his face as he helped the others clean up a bit before changing out. One by one, they filed out of the kitchen and got ready. Once they were done, they made their way to the door, ready to start the day.

The van ride to the shooting location was filled with light chatter, the energy upbeat as the members joked around, excited for their ENniversary shoot. They arrived and quickly got to work, preparing for the shoot. Hours passed in a blur of camera flashes and wardrobe changes. It was a long, tiring day, but everyone was in good spirits, supporting one another through the grueling process.

Finally, as the sun began to set, the shoot wrapped up. The exhaustion from the day’s work was apparent on their faces, but there was a sense of accomplishment in the air. They had made it through another milestone together.

As the members gathered their belongings, ready to head back to the van, their phones buzzed simultaneously. The noise cut through the air, and they all instinctively pulled out their phones, glancing at the notifications. It was a message from their manager.

‘Emergency meeting. All members are to meet at the dorm.’

The suddenness of the message sent a wave of confusion through the group. Their usual banter fell silent as each of them exchanged glances, confusion and concern evident on their faces.

Jungwon was the first to speak up. “What do you think this is about?” His voice was steady, but his eyes betrayed a hint of worry.

“I don’t know,” Sunghoon answered, frowning as he looked at the message again. “But it doesn’t feel good.”

Heeseung’s grip tightened around his phone as he stared at the screen. “Let’s just get back to the dorm first. We’ll figure it out once we’re there.”

With that, they all piled into the van, the mood shifting from lighthearted to unease. 

They arrived back at the dorm, the unsettling silence of the van still lingering in the air. The members piled out, their faces etched with concern and confusion. No one said anything as they headed into the living room, where their manager was already waiting. The heavy atmosphere only deepened when they saw him sitting on the couch, his expression more serious than any of them had ever seen.

He stood up as they entered, his posture rigid, and there was a long, uncomfortable pause before he spoke. His voice was calm but carried a weight none of them had expected.

“I’m sure you all have questions,” he began, his gaze sweeping over the group. “But I need to be straightforward with you. I’ve decided to resign as your manager.”

The room fell into stunned silence. Their eyes widened, unable to process what he had just said. Sunghoon blinked, his voice barely above a whisper. “Resign? But... why?”

The manager sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He looked down for a moment, collecting his thoughts before speaking again. “It’s not something I’ve taken lightly, but it’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while now. I want a different life. I want to leave Korea, marry, and build a life outside of all this. I’ve given so much to this career, and I just… need a change. I’m tired. You guys know what my current situation is…”

He paused, glancing around the room at each of them. “I know this might come as a shock, and I’m truly sorry for the timing. But I’ve already found someone who can take my place. Someone who’s capable, experienced, and understands what you need.”

The weight of his words settled in the room like a thick fog. The members exchanged glances, the reality of the situation sinking in. The manager was leaving, and there was nothing they could do to stop it.

Jungwon was the first to speak, his voice tinged with a sadness he couldn’t hide. “We understand, hyung… I guess it’s just... hard to accept.”

Ni-ki, who had been quiet until then, nodded slowly, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “You’ve been with us for so long. It’s going to feel different without you.”

The manager gave a small, wistful smile. “I’ll always care about you guys. It’s not that I’m abandoning you. I just... I need to step away from this life.”

Sunghoon’s voice cracked as he spoke, his frustration and confusion still raw. “We get it, but... it doesn’t make it easier. You’ve been there for us through so much. You’re like family.”

Jake placed a hand on Sunghoon’s shoulder, offering him a comforting touch. “We’ll figure this out. We’ve always figured things out together.”

The manager nodded, his eyes softening as he took in their words. “I know. I believe in you all. You’ll continue to thrive, no matter what. Just... promise me you’ll support the new manager. It’s not going to be an easy change, but you’ve got this.”

There was a heavy silence as the members absorbed his words, the reality of the situation slowly sinking in. One by one, they nodded, understanding that no matter how hard it was, they had to respect his decision.

“I’ll miss you guys,” the manager said softly. “But I know you’ll be just fine. Don’t forget that.”

As the meeting concluded, the members stood still for a moment, each processing the news in their own way. It was a bittersweet moment—one of loss, but also of acceptance. Their paths were changing, and the future seemed uncertain, but they knew that together, they would continue to move forward.

The next day, the members met their new manager. They were all still adjusting to the change, but the new manager seemed kind, polite, and professional. He held an air of authority that gave them confidence, but he also made an effort to make them feel comfortable. His presence was calm, and he immediately set to work organizing their schedules and activities, carefully ensuring that they were still on track despite the abrupt transition.

For the first few days, everything felt routine—shoots, rehearsals, meetings—just as they had before. The new manager didn’t waste any time in getting them back into their usual flow, and while they could tell he was competent, there was still a lingering feeling of unease. It wasn’t that they didn’t like him; it was just hard to shake the feeling that things were different now.

As weeks passed, Sunoo started feeling increasingly unwell. It wasn’t anything specific at first—just a dull ache in his chest, a persistent fatigue that never quite seemed to go away, and an occasional shortness of breath. He brushed it off at first, thinking it was just stress or overwork, but the symptoms only seemed to get worse. His members noticed it, too. He would look pale at times, his energy dipping during rehearsals or after long shoots. But whenever anyone asked if he was okay, Sunoo would brush it off with a smile and a quick, ‘I'm fine, don't worry about me.’

But despite his reassuring words, the manager noticed. He was observant—he had to be—and Sunoo’s decline hadn’t gone unnoticed. He had seen the way Sunoo had to catch his breath during breaks or how he would suddenly seem weak, as if the world was pressing down on him. The new manager had been around long enough to understand that something wasn’t right.

One evening, after another long day of work, Sunoo requested for his manager to accompany him to the convenience store to grab some snacks on their way back to the dorm. Although Sunoo had been particularly quiet that day, more so than usual, the manager was surprised when Sunoo asked him, but something deep within him had a bad feeling.

"Manager-nim… do you want to come with me to grab something from the store?" Sunoo quietly asked, his tone soft.

The manager smiled, "Of course"

They walked in silence to the store, the quiet of the night surrounding them. Sunoo’s steps seemed a little slower than normal, and every now and then, he would rub his chest as if trying to ease a discomfort he couldn't shake.

As they neared the store, Sunoo suddenly stumbled. His vision blurred, and before he could catch himself, he collapsed to the ground, unconscious. The manager’s heart leapt into his throat as he rushed to his side, kneeling down beside him.

"Sunoo? Sunoo, are you okay?" The manager’s voice was sharp with worry. He shook Sunoo gently, but there was no response. He reached for his phone, dialing emergency services, but just as he was about to speak, Sunoo groggily opened his eyes.

"Wh-What happened?" Sunoo’s voice was weak, almost a whisper, as he blinked up at the manager in confusion.

"You fainted" the manager said, his voice filled with concern. "You need to get checked out. This isn't normal, Sunoo. You’ve been acting off for a while now, and I can’t ignore it anymore. You need to see a doctor. I’m taking you to get checked, okay?"

Sunoo’s eyes widened in alarm, but he didn’t argue. The manager helped him to his feet, supporting him as they made their way back to the dorm. Sunoo’s mind raced with thoughts, but the physical weakness he felt overpowered any attempt at protest. There was something wrong, and deep down, he knew it. His body had been warning him for days, for weeks , and now it had finally caught up with him.

When they reached the dorm, the manager made it clear.

‘We’ll go to the hospital tomorrow, and you’ll get checked. No arguments.’

Sunoo didn’t have the energy to fight him. He nodded, too exhausted to do anything else. Sunoo had no idea what was happening to him, but the overwhelming fear in the manager’s eyes made him realize that whatever it was, it wasn’t something he could ignore any longer.

The next morning, Sunoo was still feeling off, his body drained from the events of the previous night. As promised, the manager was adamant about getting him checked, but Sunoo’s thoughts were clouded with anxiety. The manager had made it clear that a doctor’s visit was unavoidable, but Sunoo couldn’t shake the feeling that he didn’t want the others to know. He didn’t want them to worry about him more than they already did. They already had enough on their plates, with their schedules and the pressure of their work, he didn’t want to burden them with his own issues.

When the manager insisted on telling the others that Sunoo was heading to a check-up, Sunoo immediately protested.

“No” Sunoo said, his voice weak but firm. He glanced nervously at the manager. “Please don’t tell them. They’ll just... they'll worry too much. I don’t want them to know.”

The manager was taken aback by Sunoo's request, but he didn’t argue. He knew Sunoo was a stubborn one, always putting others first, even at the cost of his own health. But the manager was also not someone who would let this go.

“I’m not going to lie to them, Sunoo” the manager said gently. “They’ll find out eventually. But if you really don’t want them to know yet, we can keep it between us for now. But we’ll get you checked, okay?”

Sunoo nodded silently, his lips trembling. He wasn’t sure if he was afraid of what the doctor would say, or if he was just worried about the burden of making the others anxious. It had always been easier to smile through the pain and pretend like everything was fine. The last thing he wanted was for the members to see him as fragile.

The manager didn’t press the issue any further. He respected Sunoo’s wish, though he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of concern. There was no telling how long Sunoo had been struggling with this, and the manager knew that Sunoo’s pride sometimes got in the way of asking for help.

After a few hours, Sunoo and the manager went to the hospital. Sunoo’s heart pounded in his chest as they entered, and even though the hospital was a place that was supposed to help, Sunoo felt a deep sense of dread. 

The check-up was thorough, and the doctors seemed focused and concerned, but Sunoo tried his best to ignore the sinking feeling in his stomach. They ran some tests, and the entire time, he kept his mind occupied with thoughts of his members. They were all probably wondering where he was, and he could only imagine how worried they might be. He kept telling himself that it was nothing. Maybe it was just exhaustion or stress. Maybe the fainting spell was just a fluke.

But when the doctor returned with the results, Sunoo’s worst fears were confirmed.

“I’m afraid it’s more than just stress, Sunoo-sshi” the doctor said gently, his voice a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside Sunoo’s chest. “There are some concerning signs here. We’ll need to do a more extensive check-up, but based on the tests, we suspect there may be something more serious going on. I’m going to recommend that you take some time off to rest. For now, you need to take care of yourself.”

Sunoo’s heart dropped into his stomach. The doctor’s words echoed in his mind as he tried to process what he was hearing. He felt numb, as if everything around him was spinning out of control. His thoughts were clouded with a mixture of panic and disbelief. Was it really happening? Was he really sick?

The manager, who had been silent the entire time, could see the way Sunoo's face had fallen, the color draining from it. He placed a hand on Sunoo’s shoulder, offering comfort that he knew could never be enough. Sunoo didn’t say anything, but the look in his eyes told the manager everything.

“Sunoo” the manager said softly, “I’m going to take you back to the dorm, but we need to tell the others. They’ll understand. They care about you, and hiding this from them isn’t going to help anyone.”

Sunoo shook his head, his voice barely a whisper. “Not yet. Please... I don’t want them to know.”

The manager didn’t argue. He could tell that Sunoo wasn’t ready, and though he worried, he respected Sunoo’s wishes. For now, he would keep this secret, but he would be there to support Sunoo, no matter what. They left the hospital quietly, the weight of the diagnosis hanging between them.

As they returned to the dorm, the members were busy with their usual activities, none the wiser to Sunoo’s internal turmoil. Sunoo managed a weak smile as he entered, trying to act as if nothing had changed. 

Sunoo just hoped that when the time came, he would be able to handle the reality of it all. And that the others wouldn’t see him as weak.

As the days passed, He worked hard to maintain his usual cheerful demeanor around the others. He didn’t want them to see how much he was struggling. Every time his heart raced, every time he felt faint, he forced himself to push through. He couldn't let them see him like this. But Sunoo’s condition worsened, and his behavior started to change in subtle ways. He wasn’t as energetic as he once was, and he began to retreat more into himself during breaks, quietly excusing himself from group activities or pulling away from casual conversations. His smiles, while still present, didn’t quite reach his eyes anymore, and the light that once shone so brightly in him seemed to flicker.

The other members started to notice the changes, but no one wanted to say anything at first. They figured it was just a phase—maybe Sunoo was tired, maybe he was stressed. But the days went on, and the concern started to mount.

Ni-ki, always the observant one, was the first to speak up. One evening, as the group gathered for dinner, he noticed that Sunoo had barely touched his food. His eyes were tired, his posture slumped. It wasn’t like him at all.

“Sunoo-hyung?” Ni-ki said cautiously, his voice laced with concern. “Are you feeling okay? You’ve been a little... off lately.”

Sunoo forced a smile, waving it off. “I’m fine, Ni-ki-ah” he replied, though his voice lacked its usual warmth. “Just tired from the activity today~ that’s all. Don’t worry about me.”

The others exchanged worried glances, but they didn’t press him further. They trusted Sunoo, and if he said he was fine, then they would let it go—at least for now.

But the more they watched him, the more they couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. He wasn’t eating properly, he was skipping out on group activities, and he seemed to be constantly fatigued. The smiles were there, but they were faint, and the laughter never reached his eyes anymore.

It wasn’t long before Jungwon decided to confront him. He pulled Sunoo aside after practice one day, his tone serious but gentle.

“Sunoo-hyung” Jungwon said, his voice laced with concern. “I just can’t ignore this anymore… You’ve been acting different lately. If something’s bothering you, you know you can talk to us, right? We’re here for you.”

Sunoo hesitated, his gaze flickering away. He wanted to say something, wanted to open up, but the words stuck in his throat. But he managed to say something.

“I’m really fine, Jungwon” Sunoo said, his voice a little too steady. “I’ve just been feeling a bit worn out, but it’s nothing to worry about. I’ll be okay.”

Jungwon didn’t seem convinced, but he didn’t push further. Instead, he gave Sunoo a soft smile and a pat on the shoulder. “Alright, if you say so. Just remember, we’re all here for you. You’re not alone.”

Sunoo nodded, but as he watched Jungwon walk away, the weight of his lie sat heavy on his chest.

It wasn’t just Jungwon, though. Soon, the others started to ask him. Each time, Sunoo gave the same response— he was fine, he was just tired, just stressed . And every time, they backed off, convinced by his assurances, though a quiet unease lingered in the air.

But there was one person who wasn’t convinced—someone who could see right through Sunoo’s act. 

The manager had been keeping a close eye on Sunoo. He noticed the way Sunoo moved through the day, how he seemed to drag himself around, how his energy slowly slipped away, and how his once bright smile had faded into something more forced. He knew Sunoo was struggling, and it was worse now.

However, when the others asked the manager about Sunoo, he acted as if he knew nothing.

“Is Sunoo alright?” Jay had asked one evening after practice, his voice betraying his concern.

The manager looked at Jay, keeping his expression neutral. “I haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary. He’s just a bit tired, I think. I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

Jay seemed satisfied with the answer, though his mind was still clouded with doubt. It wasn’t like Sunoo to hide how he felt. They all knew that. But the manager’s calm demeanor made it hard for anyone to question him.

Even when the group met after rehearsals, when they exchanged worried glances and traded silent concerns, no one spoke out. The manager kept the truth locked away, acting as though nothing was wrong, as if he hadn’t seen the way Sunoo’s health was deteriorating. He never mentioned the doctor’s orders or the tests Sunoo had undergone, never once let on that he knew something the others didn’t.

And Sunoo, for his part, kept up the charade. He couldn’t let them know the truth. He couldn’t be the one to break their hearts. Not when they had all been so kind to him.

But deep down, Sunoo knew that it was only a matter of time before everything would come crashing down. And he wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep up the facade before it all fell apart.

Then, one unfateful day, the test results came back. Sunoo sat in the manager’s office, staring at the paper in his hand. He had already heard the news from the doctor, but seeing it written down, seeing it confirmed, felt like the ground beneath him had been ripped away.

DIAGNOSIS: Heart Cancer 

The words felt foreign, as if they weren’t meant for him. He blinked, once, twice, trying to make sense of it. It felt like the air had left his lungs, and for a moment, he thought he might suffocate from the overwhelming weight of it all. His thoughts swirled, and he felt dizzy, his vision blurring as the reality of it settled in. His entire world, his whole future, seemed to unravel in that instant.

He couldn’t breathe. His hands trembled as they gripped the edges of the paper, the only thing keeping him grounded. The manager stood there, waiting for Sunoo to react, but there was nothing. No words, no response, just the sound of Sunoo’s ragged breaths.

Then, finally, it happened. Sunoo’s facade broke. The tears came, unbidden and overwhelming, as he sank to the ground. His chest heaved with sobs, and the paper fell from his grasp. For the first time in a month, he let go, unable to hold it all in any longer. The fear, the confusion, the helplessness—it all spilled out.

“Why is this happening to me?” Sunoo choked out between sobs, his body shaking uncontrollably. “Why can’t it just be normal? Why can’t I just be normal? ”

The manager knelt beside him, placing a hand on Sunoo’s back, offering what little comfort he could. He didn’t know what to say. His heart broke into pieces for Sunoo, his eyes glistening with his own tears as he saw Sunoo in front of him, so young . He could only listen and be there for Sunoo in this moment of pain.

“You’re not alone in this, Sunoo” the manager said quietly. “You don’t have to do this by yourself.”

Sunoo didn’t respond. He just cried, his heart heavy with the fear of what this diagnosis meant. The weight of it crushed him. He felt so small, so powerless against something he couldn’t control.

After what felt like an eternity, Sunoo finally pulled away from the manager, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. His face was pale, his body slumped in exhaustion. The manager helped him sit up and offered him a glass of water.

Sunoo took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. He knew he couldn’t keep this secret forever, but the idea of telling the others terrified him. They had been through so much together already. He didn’t want them to see him as fragile.

“I can’t tell them,” Sunoo whispered, his voice trembling. “I don’t want to be a burden. They have enough to worry about. I don’t want them to see me like this.”

The manager didn’t know how to respond. He understood Sunoo’s desire to protect the group, but he also knew that keeping this secret was dangerous. Sunoo’s health was deteriorating, and the longer he kept it hidden, the worse it would get.

“You’re not a burden, Sunoo,” the manager said softly. “But you need to tell them. It’s not just about you anymore. It’s about all of you, together. If you don’t tell them, things could get worse. Please don’t shut them out. They care about you more than you know.”

Sunoo shook his head, wiping his tears away with the sleeve of his shirt. “I can’t. Not yet. I can’t even tell my sister. She’s already taking care of my mother. I don’t want to add more to her responsibilities. I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me.”

The manager’s heart broke as he listened to Sunoo’s words. He understood the weight of responsibility that Sunoo carried, but he also knew that carrying it alone wasn’t the answer.

One day, Sunoo made a decision.

He dressed up, borrowing a hoodie from Heeseung , who kindly let him have it. When Heeseung asked where he was going, Sunoo simply smiled and replied that he was meeting a friend.

Although hesitant, Heeseung eventually nodded and told him to take care of himself.

When Sunoo went outside and got far away from the dorm, he called the manager to meet him at his office. When the manager met him, Sunoo had a look on his face that he hadn’t seen before—a mixture of determination and fear.

“Can we talk?” Sunoo asked, his voice steady despite the storm brewing inside him.

The manager nodded and sat across from him, his gaze never leaving Sunoo. There was something different in the air today, something heavier.

“I think…” Sunoo started, his voice hesitant “I think I need to leave” Sunoo said quietly, his eyes cast downward as if the words were too painful to look at.

The manager’s heart sank. “What do you mean, leave?”

“I need to take care of myself,” Sunoo continued, his voice breaking. “I can’t keep going like this. I need a break. I want to quit and get away from everything... go somewhere private, somewhere where no one knows me. I can see a specialist, someone who can really help me.”

The manager shook his head immediately, standing up in shock. “Sunoo, no. You can’t just leave. You’re part of this group. You have the support of everyone here. We’ll figure this out together. You don’t have to do this alone.”

Sunoo looked up at him, his eyes filled with a desperate plea. “Please, hyung, I can’t. I need to do this for myself. I don’t want to drag anyone down. If I stay here, I’ll only get worse. I need peace, I need time to figure things out... without the spotlight. I promise, I’ll get better. But I need this.”

The manager’s mind raced, torn between his desire to protect Sunoo and his fear of losing him altogether. But seeing the pain in Sunoo’s eyes, he realized there was no arguing with him. Sunoo had already made up his mind.

“I’ll help you,” the manager said softly, his voice steady. 

Sunoo looked up at him, his eyes widening “Really?”

The manager stared at him, his eyes filled with something Sunoo can’t understand, then he spoke.

“My wife died of brain cancer”  

He whispered, his voice breaking as he remembered everything about his wife. Sunoo gaped, surprised at the sudden confession, the manager looked at him with a sad smile.

“She was just like you, stubborn to the core. She didn’t want to burden any of her loved ones, to burden me. She didn’t say anything until it was too late”

The manager looked at the frame with his wife and him in it. He displayed it in his office, a reminder that he would live for her.

“But you…” He looked at Sunoo “You are doing something, you are trying to be better”

He kneeled down in front of him and planted his hand on top of Sunoo’s.

“But you have to promise me you’ll come back. You can’t just disappear forever.”

Sunoo blinked and nodded, his face filled with a mixture of relief and sadness. He knew the decision would hurt everyone, but he couldn’t continue like this. He needed to take control of his life again, even if that meant stepping away from everything he had worked for.

The manager stood up, placing a hand on Sunoo’s shoulder. “I’ll make sure everything’s taken care of, Sunoo. Even if something happens to me, don’t even worry about it. You focus on getting better. We’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready to come back.”

And with that, Sunoo’s decision was made. He would disappear for a while. And hope that someday, he will return, healthier and whole.

Sunoo looked at him and smiled genuinely "Namjun-hyung"

He looked up and met Sunoo's eyes.

"Thank you"

Namjun looked at him, this time, he felt a pang of bitterness in his chest. He smiled sadly at Sunoo and nodded at him "You are welcome, Sunoo"

Present

Sunoo shut his eyes hard, the memories that flowed made his head ache in unbearable pain. He was lying on a bed, just staring at the ceiling, his eyes blank. Suddenly, his mind began swirling with memories and thoughts, each one clawing at him mercilessly. Recently, his heart had felt tight, his breathing ragged, but he didn’t tell this to Dr. Yeong, thinking it was just anxiety crawling up on him.

The next day, while trying to take a quick shower, his mind suddenly went fuzzy. His vision blurred, the once-familiar surroundings of the bathroom turning into a surreal haze. His breathing quickened, sharp and shallow, each gasp stabbing his lungs like needles. His chest burned as if it were caving in, and panic set in like a glue. He gripped the counter with trembling hands, his nails scraping against the cool surface as he desperately tried to anchor himself. Time seemed to slow, the room spinning in an unbearable carousel of dizziness.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, his breathing began to steady. The suffocating weight pressing on his chest lifted slightly. As the haze cleared, his legs trembled beneath him, barely supporting his weight. He stood there, staring at his pale, shaken reflection in the mirror, droplets of water cascading down his face, indistinguishable from the cold sweat clinging to his skin.

‘What just happened? Is it coming back?’

The question echoed in his mind, a hollow, terrifying whisper. His pulse quickened again as the thought embedded itself deeper.

‘No. No, it can’t be.’

That night, Sunoo hurried through his nightly routine. His movements were sluggish, but he pushed himself through despite the sudden, sharp pain in his head. He stepped into the shower, letting lukewarm water cascade over him—it was neither comforting nor soothing. Once he finished, he dried off and dragged himself to bed, pulling the blanket over his head as if it could shield him from everything he was feeling.

The walls of his room seemed to close in on him, the oppressive silence weighing heavily on his chest. His heartbeat thudded loudly, its rhythm uneven and erratic. Suddenly, it was as if the event that happened earlier in the bathroom came back

Lying there, Sunoo gripped his chest, gasping for air. He desperately tried to steady his breathing, recalling the exercises Dr. Yeong had taught him. His hands trembled as he fought to keep his eyes open, to stay awake and alert. But the strain was too much.

In just a second, his world faded to black.

When Dr. Yeong arrived home that night, unease settled in his chest the moment he stepped through the door. The apartment was too quiet, too still, as if the air itself had frozen in place. Normally, Sunoo would be waiting for him on the couch, his soft smile lighting up the dim living room. It had become their routine for days—a comforting constant in their unpredictable lives. Sunoo would always be there, waiting for his nightly check-up, a ritual that symbolized the unspoken promise Dr. Yeong had made to take care of him.

But tonight, the couch was empty.

Dr. Yeong hesitated, his fingers tightening on the strap of his bag. He carefully set it down on the floor, the sound of it landing unnervingly loud in the oppressive silence. Each step toward Sunoo's room felt heavier than the last, a quiet dread creeping into his thoughts.

The door to Sunoo’s room was slightly ajar, the dim glow of the bedside lamp spilling out into the hallway. He pushed it open with a soft creak, his heart pounding harder when his gaze landed on Sunoo. The boy was lying on the bed, unnervingly still, his face turned away. The blanket was pulled up to his chest, but something about the way he lay there felt off, felt wrong.

Dr. Yeong approached cautiously, lowering himself onto the edge of the bed. His movements were deliberate, almost hesitant, as if afraid to disturb the heavy, suffocating stillness that enveloped the room. He reached out and gently shook Sunoo’s shoulder.

“Sunoo-ah… can you wake up? I need to check you for a bit…” he murmured, his voice steady but laced with a subtle edge of urgency.

No response.

He frowned, his hand lingering on Sunoo’s shoulder. The faint rise and fall of his chest was there, but it was too shallow, too irregular. Alarm prickled at the edges of his mind.

“Sunoo? Can you hear me?” His voice wavered, a quiet plea.

There was no response.

“Sunoo-ah,” he tried again, this time shaking him more firmly. “Wake up, please. ”

Nothing.

Dr. Yeong's trembling fingers hovered over Sunoo’s neck, feeling the faint, uneven rhythm of his pulse. It was fading—weak and erratic like a candle struggling against the wind. His breath hitched, the cold realization seizing his chest.

This wasn’t exhaustion. This wasn’t something Sunoo could shake off with rest.

This was serious.

“Damn it,” he muttered under his breath, his voice shaking. His hands instinctively moved to check Sunoo’s vitals again, as if hoping for a mistake, a glimmer of reassurance—but there was none. The faint beat beneath his fingers only confirmed his fears.

He pulled out his stethoscope, the cold metal trembling in his grip as he placed it over Sunoo’s chest. The sound that greeted him sent chills down his spine—an irregular, sluggish thud. Every beat was a struggle, a desperate grasp at life.

“Sunoo,” he called again, his voice louder now, almost frantic as he shook him harder. “Wake up! Do you hear me? Wake up!”

Nothing.

The stillness was suffocating, and panic clawed at him, threatening to overtake his composure. Dr. Yeong’s mind raced, piecing together every symptom Sunoo had hidden from him—the fatigue, the fainting spells, the labored breathing he’d tried to dismiss as anxiety. It all pointed to one undeniable truth: Sunoo’s condition had deteriorated, and it had been happening right under his nose.

“I should have seen it,” he whispered, his voice breaking, guilt crashing over him like a tidal wave. His trembling hands clenched into fists before he forced himself to move.

There was no time for self-reproach now. He reached for his phone, dialing emergency services, but as the line connected, his resolve hardened. Waiting wasn’t an option—not when Sunoo’s pulse was hanging by a thread.

With a sharp intake of breath, he leaned down and carefully scooped Sunoo into his arms. His body was alarmingly light, his head lolling lifelessly against Dr. Yeong’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry, Sunoo,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “I should have protected you better...”

Every step toward the door felt agonizingly slow, the world narrowing down to the fragile figure in his arms. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his shoulders, the flash of Sunoo’s smile now hauntingly distant.

Chapter Text

Heeseung's confession hung heavily in the air.

The tension in the dorm was suffocating. Heeseung stood in the center of the living room, his hands trembling as the other members stared at him with disbelief etched across their faces. 

“I’ve known… for years,” Heeseung admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t know how to tell you. I…” His voice trailed off, his mouth hanging, his mind blank on what to say.

Jake’s fists clenched at his sides. “You knew this whole time? You knew something was wrong, and you didn’t say anything?” His voice cracked, the usually composed member now trembling with anger.

“I was scared!” Heeseung snapped back, his voice rising defensively. “I was fucking scared—”

“What the fuck do you mean by scared?” Sunghoon shouted, stepping even closer than he was already to Heeseung. “ Fucking tell us already, Heeseung!”

Heeseung’s hands trembled violently, his breaths shallow and erratic as he struggled to keep the flood of emotions at bay. His gaze darted between the members, their faces a mix of disbelief, anger, and pain. 

Finally, he broke.

“I WAS AFRAID OF LOSING HIM!” Heeseung shouted, his voice cracking under the weight of his own words. “I was scared of losing him— I didn’t want to believe it. I didn’t want to accept what I saw with my own eyes!”

The room fell silent, save for Heeseung’s ragged breathing. His knees buckled, and he collapsed onto the floor, burying his face in his hands. His sobs came in harsh, broken gasps.

“You want to know what I saw that day? What I saw in that fucking paper?” he continued, his voice muffled but drenched in anguish. 

“He has fucking–” Heeseung clamped his mouth with his hand and gripped his chest next, his lips trembling as the words he hated so much came out on their own.

“He has… heart cancer…”

The words were barely a whisper, but they were loud enough to shatter the air around them.

His sobs became harder, his voice shaking as he choked out “That was what I saw with my two fucking eyes! And I thought maybe it’d just go away— maybe everything will be fine. But every time I looked at him, I could see it. He was slipping away, and I didn’t know what to do!”

Sunghoon’s anger faltered as he watched Heeseung crumble. His fists unclenched, his jaw slackening as the weight of Heeseung’s words settled over him.

“You think I didn’t want to tell you?” Heeseung’s voice broke again as he looked up, tears streaming down his face. 

“Every day, I wanted to say something. But I was terrified. Terrified that if I said it, it’d make it real. That we’d lose him. And I…” He clenched his chest as though trying to rip the pain out. “I couldn’t handle that. I couldn’t face it.”

After he said those words, he saw how each of their faces turned from anger into fear. 

Jungwon stumbled back as if the words had physically struck him, his hand clutching his chest. “No… no, that’s not true,” he muttered, shaking his head violently. “It can’t be true!”

Sunghoon froze in place, his face pale, his lips parting but no words coming out. His knees buckled slightly as if the truth had drained him of all strength.

Ni-ki’s voice broke through the noise, raw and frantic. “Hyung, stop lying! Please, just say you’re lying!” Tears streamed down his face as he pleaded, his small frame trembling uncontrollably.

“I’m not lying!” Heeseung roared, his voice cracking with anguish. “I didn’t even want to believe it myself, but it’s the fucking truth!”

Jay, who had been eerily quiet, finally spoke, his voice low but sharp. “So, what now, Hyung?” His words cut through the tension like a blade. “You’ve kept this to yourself all this time—how do we fix this now? Do you even know what to do?”

Heeseung flinched at Jay’s tone, his shoulders heaving as he pressed his face into his hands. His voice came out in a choked, broken whisper. “I know. I know I should’ve told you.” He looked up at them, his tear-streaked face twisted with self-loathing. “But I didn’t. I kept quiet because I thought I was protecting him. Or maybe… maybe I was just protecting myself.”

Jay’s jaw tightened as he crossed his arms, his gaze cold but his voice trembling. “You thought you were protecting him by leaving him to face it alone? How does that make any sense, Hyung?”

The air in the room shifted as Heeseung’s confession settled over them.

“ I was selfish. ” Heeseung admitted, his voice trembling. “I told myself I was doing it for Sunoo, but it was me. I didn’t want to face the truth. I didn’t want to feel the pain, so I shut my mouth and pretended everything was fine. And because of that, I left him to deal with it all alone.”

Jake sank to the floor, his hands pulling at his hair as tears streamed down his face. “So instead, you let him handle it by himself? You let us sit here clueless while he…” His voice faltered, breaking into sobs.

“He’s out there, fighting for his life, and we didn’t even know,” Sunghoon muttered, his voice filled with equal parts anger and despair.

“I know”  

 “All because you were too scared to face it.”

“I know….” Heeseung whispered, his voice barely audible, filled with a guilt that crushed him from within. “And I hate myself for that. Every day, I wanted to tell you, but I was terrified. Terrified that saying it out loud would make it real, that we'd lose him.”

The room was heavy with silence, save for the sound of Heeseung’s quiet sobs and the occasional sniffle from the others. Each member stood still, unsure how to respond, their hearts torn between anger and sorrow. They wanted to yell at him, to make him understand the weight of his silence, but they also felt the same crushing sense of helplessness he did. They were all victims of this painful truth, helpless in the face of what was really happening to Sunoo.

“I’m sorry” Heeseung finally said, his voice shaking. The words barely left his mouth before he felt the sting of his own remorse. The members looked at him, their faces streaked with tears. They didn’t need to say it—they were feeling just as lost, just as broken.

Heeseung opened his mouth to speak again, but nothing came out except a shaky breath, the guilt gnawing at him. He lowered his head, hands clutching at his chest as if to hold the broken pieces of himself together.

“It’s all my fault,” he whispered. “If only I wasn’t a coward, maybe things would have been different.”

But no one replied. No one knew how to respond, their emotions still a jumbled mess of anger, sorrow, and confusion. They all just stood there, paralyzed by the weight of the moment. The guilt Heeseung carried was heavy, but it was clear that none of them felt entirely blameless. They could have seen it sooner, could have asked the right questions. But they hadn’t.

Finally, Jungwon spoke, his voice quieter now, laced with a sadness that wasn’t there before. “We know you didn’t want this, Hyung,” he said, though there was still a sharp edge to his words. “But it doesn’t change what happened. We can’t undo it.”

Sunghoon, who had been standing silently, nodded slowly. “Jungwon is right,” he said, his voice calm but carrying the weight of what he was trying to say. “You’re not the only one who failed to see what was happening.”

Sunghoon sat down on the couch and sighed heavily “I am also sorry… for pushing you. I just- I was so desperate that I had let my emotions get me, I had lashed out on you thinking that it was the only way that can help me, help us, but now… I think getting angry at each other was not the solution after all”

Jake, who was still trembling, wiped his eyes and stood up slowly, his body sagging with exhaustion. “We’re all broken right now,” he muttered. “But we can’t let this tear us apart.”

Ni-ki, standing off to the side, glanced at the others before speaking, his voice softer than it had been before. “Hyung... You didn’t mean for any of this to happen. We just… we have to focus on what we can do now, for Sunoo.”

The words hung in the air, quiet but firm. Heeseung’s breath hitched again, but this time, the guilt was mingled with a small, flickering sense of relief. They weren’t blaming him entirely. But that didn’t mean he could let go of the guilt so easily.

Heeseung slowly looked up, tears spilling out once again from his eyes.

“Why are you guys being like this? You should be angry at me! Or— or screaming at me, hitting me—”

“Heeseung-hyung,” Jungwon cut him off, and Heeseung immediately clamped his mouth shut.

“Blaming you isn’t going to fix anything.”

He opened his mouth but closed it again, slowly nodding.

The members were broken, in different ways, but they knew they couldn’t stay in this space forever. The silence stretched on for a while, before one by one, the members began to drift away. They knew they needed time, time to process what had just happened, to face the reality of what was ahead of them.

As they retreated into their rooms, the doorways shutting softly behind them, the weight of the conversation lingered. No one felt whole. No one felt okay. They were all shattered, each carrying their own burden—guilt, grief, anger—waiting for the moment when they could come together again. But for now, they were broken, each left alone with their thoughts, the silence in the dorm now a constant reminder of everything they couldn’t change.

It had been days since the truth came out, but time seemed to stand still in the dorm. The once vibrant space was now suffocating, weighed down by silence and unspoken pain. Each day felt mechanical, as if they were trapped in an automatic routine, going through the motions without truly living. Everyone was lost in their own world, consumed by their emotions.

The air in the dorm was thick and oppressive, a stark contrast to the energy they’d once had—the determination to find their beloved sunshine. The camaraderie that once bound them felt fractured, replaced by a heavy unease that none of them could shake.

Mr. Kang Dae had come to visit a few times, but even he seemed shattered after Jungwon told him everything. His usual comforting presence only amplified the weight of their guilt. Social media was in chaos, the news of Sunoo’s disappearance spreading like wildfire. Every post, every comment from fans searching for Sunoo, only served as a grim reminder of their recklessness.

They could only imagine how Sunoo feels right now.

Heeseung never found peace. Not since the day he stumbled upon Sunoo’s diagnosis, and certainly not now. Every night, he lay awake, the weight of his guilt pressing down on him. His mind replayed the same haunting thoughts—how this was all his fault, how he had failed to act when it mattered most.

The others had tried to assure him it wasn’t all on him, but their words couldn’t mask the truth he saw in their eyes.

Disappointment.

And he couldn’t blame them.

He could have done something.

Anything.

But instead, he did nothing.

Heeseung sat motionless on the living room couch, his eyes unfocused, staring into nothing. His mouth hung slightly open, as if caught mid-breath, but his mind was far away. The air around him was cold, heavy with his lingering self-loathing.

Ni-ki passed by and paused when he noticed Heeseung’s vacant state. Hesitating for a moment, he sat down beside him. Heeseung didn’t seem to register the shift on the couch or the younger boy’s presence.

They sat in silence, the clock ticking in the background the only sound filling the void.

Minutes passed, stretching into what felt like hours.

Ni-ki finally glanced at Heeseung, his own chest tightening at the sight of his hyung’s hollow expression.

“Heeseung-hyung…” he began, his voice tentative and soft, but the words caught in his throat. What could he even say? What words could possibly make a difference?

He shook his head and stood abruptly, his movements sharp and restless. “Never mind…” he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, before retreating to his room.

The scene replayed in different ways throughout the dorm.

Jungwon, as a former leader, carried the weight of responsibility more heavily than ever. He spent his days pacing his room, his mind a whirlwind of plans and regrets, but every time he tried to take action, the crushing guilt held him back.

Jake had thrown himself into trying to make sense of the situation. Researching, brainstorming, calling contacts—anything to distract himself from the gnawing ache in his chest. But no matter how much he busied himself, the weight of failure lingered.

Sunghoon withdrew from the group more each day, locking himself in his room for hours on end. When he did emerge, he barely spoke, his usually sharp eyes dull and lifeless. He couldn’t bear to look at anyone, the anger and sadness twisting together inside him too much to handle.

Jay oscillated between bursts of frustration and moments of quiet despair. Some days, he wanted to scream at the world, at himself, at Heeseung—for keeping the truth hidden, for allowing things to spiral so far. But when he saw how broken Heeseung was, his anger faded, leaving only exhaustion and sadness.

Ni-ki, the youngest, felt the helplessness of being unable to fix what was broken. He watched his hyungs fall apart, feeling like a bystander in the chaos. He hated it. Hated how powerless they all were.

Each of them retreated to their rooms, their brokenness isolating them further.

The dorm, once filled with laughter and warmth, now felt cold and unfamiliar. The silence was deafening, but no one dared to break it. Not yet.

They were angry. They were heartbroken.

And above all, they were lost.

But, the weight of the situation became even more painful when the manager suddenly knocked on their door at midnight. Jake, who was in the kitchen at that time, was the one who got to open the door. He smiled at first, but his smile dropped when he saw the fear itched on the manager’s face. He saw how the manager was looking at him, out of breath, and suddenly, the words that came out of the manager’s mouth made Jake’s world stop.

“I-its Sunoo– he is in the hospital”

Jake’s world felt like it was spinning as the manager’s words replayed in his head, over and over. The mere thought of Sunoo being at the hospital after years of silence made his knees weak, and the look of panic on the manager’s face only made it worse.

“What… what happened to him?” Jake finally choked out, his voice barely audible.

The manager shook his head, his expression grave. “I don’t have all the details. His doctor, Doctor Yeong called me. He thought it was the time you all could see him.”

“What’s going on?” Jungwon’s voice came from the hallway. He had been passing by and noticed Jake frozen in place, pale as a ghost.

The manager turned to him, his face grim. “It’s Sunoo. We need to go. Now.”

Jungwon’s heart skipped a beat, his eyes widening. The words seemed to echo in his mind, but they didn’t feel real. “Sunoo?” he repeated, his voice trembling.

“What’s happening?” Jay appeared next, drawn by the commotion. One by one, the rest of the members emerged from their rooms, their expressions clouded with confusion and worry.

Ni-ki’s lips quivered, and his voice cracked as he spoke. “Why? Why now? Is he…” He couldn’t finish his sentence, tears already pooling in his wide eyes.

The manager took a deep breath. “Just get ready. Please. You need to see him.”

The dorm erupted into chaotic motion. Jackets were thrown on, shoes hastily slipped into, but there was an unnatural silence between them. Each of them was lost in their own thoughts, the realization of how close they were to seeing Sunoo again shaking them to their cores.

The ride to the hospital was agonizing. Ni-ki sat with his head buried in his hands, trembling as silent tears slipped through his fingers. Jake stared out the window, his hands gripping his thighs tightly, his knuckles turning white. Sunghoon kept fidgeting with the hem of his shirt, his usual composure nowhere to be found.

Heeseung sat in the front, his face blank, but inside, his heart was pounding so hard he thought it might break through his chest. He couldn’t shake the image of Sunoo’s bright smile from his mind—the way he used to light up any room he entered. 

But that was years ago.

What would he look like now?

When they arrived at the hospital, the air felt colder, heavier, as if it carried the weight of their guilt and fear. Their steps were hesitant, dragging as though each step forward pushed them closer to a truth they weren’t ready to face.

The manager stopped by the waiting area, and there he was—Dr. Yeong, sitting with his head bowed, his hands clasped tightly as if in prayer. The sound of their approach made him look up. His eyes were tired, red-rimmed, and filled with a sorrow that seemed to deepen when he saw the members.

“You came” Dr. Yeong said, his voice quiet but hoarse. There was a pause before he stood, rubbing a hand over his face as if to collect himself. “Follow me. He’s… he’s waiting for you.”

The hallway they walked down felt endless, the faint hum of fluorescent lights above a cruel reminder of their reality. The sterile scent of antiseptic burned their noses, making it hard to breathe. With each step, the tension grew, their hearts pounding erratically as if trying to brace themselves for what lay ahead.

Dr. Yeong stopped in front of a door. He turned to them, his expression unreadable but his eyes filled with regret. “He’s slightly stable for now” he began, his voice barely above a whisper. “But seeing him like this… I thought you should be here.”

The members exchanged nervous glances, fear evident in their tearful eyes.

Heeseung clenched his fists at his sides, trying to steady his trembling body. “Is he…” He swallowed hard. “Will he be okay?”

Dr. Yeong hesitated, his silence louder than any words he could have spoken. He looked away, not meeting their eyes. “You should see him.”

Jungwon was the first to reach for the door handle, his fingers trembling as if the weight of the truth rested solely on that simple action. He took a deep breath and pushed it open.

The room was dim, the only light coming from the monitors and the soft glow of the moonlight streaming through the window. The faint beeping of the heart monitor was a painful reminder of Sunoo’s fragile state.

And there he was.

Sunoo lay still, his body dwarfed by the hospital bed. His face was pale, almost translucent under the harsh fluorescent light, and his chest rose and fell weakly, each breath a struggle. His once-bright and lively features were replaced with hollow cheeks and deep shadows under his closed eyes. The oxygen mask covered half of his face, the sound of his breathing faint but steady.

Jungwon took a step back, his hand flying to his mouth as tears streamed down his face. His chest heaved, the sob he had been holding back finally escaping. “Sunoo-hyung…” he whispered, his voice breaking.

Jake’s legs gave out beneath him, and he sank to his knees beside the bed. He reached out with trembling hands, hesitating before finally holding Sunoo’s cold, fragile hand. “Sunoo-yah…You’re here” he choked out, tears falling freely. “You’re really here… but… why like this?”

Ni-ki stood frozen in the doorway, his small frame trembling. He gripped the doorframe so tightly his knuckles turned white. His lips quivered, and when he finally spoke, his voice was a broken whisper. “Hyung…” Tears spilled down his cheeks, unrelenting, as he took a tentative step forward. “Why… why did it have to be like this?”

Sunghoon approached the bedside, his hands gripping the rail as if it were the only thing keeping him grounded. He stared at Sunoo’s face, his lips trembling as he tried to hold back his emotions. “You… you look so different,” he said softly, his voice filled with pain. “But I can still see you, Sunoo. I can still see our sunshine.”

Jay stayed near the back, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. His usual stoic expression was gone, replaced by a look of anguish he could no longer hide. “How did we let this happen?” he muttered, his voice cracking.

Heeseung stood frozen at the door, his entire body trembling. The sight of Sunoo—so frail, so vulnerable—felt like a knife to his heart. He couldn’t move. He couldn’t breathe. The guilt that had been eating him alive threatened to consume him whole.

The silence in the room was deafening, broken only by the soft sounds of their tears and the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor.

“We found you…” Jungwon whispered, his voice trembling with both relief and sorrow. “But we lost so much.”

The weight of their emotions hung in the air, suffocating, as they took in the sight of their beloved sunshine, who now lay before them—here, but not entirely present.

They had finally found him.

But this wasn’t the reunion they had dreamed of.

Sunoo was here, but he felt so far away.

They stayed in the room where Sunoo lay on the white bed for hours until a doctor and a nurse came in to personally check on him. The medical staff requested privacy, so they asked the group to move to another room.

And so they did. They moved to the other room that was intended for visitors, the heavy tension following them like an unwelcome shadow. The silence stretched, broken only by the muffled sounds of their footsteps and the occasional sniffle.

Heeseung paced by the window, his hands running through his hair as if trying to find a release for the storm raging within him. The others lingered near the center of the room, their eyes filled with grief and exhaustion.

Finally, Heeseung’s voice cut through the quiet, trembling but loud enough to draw their attention.

“It’s my fault” he said, his words tinged with heaviness “If I hadn’t been such a coward... If I had just told you all, maybe—”

He stopped, his chest heaving as he struggled to continue. “Maybe none of this would’ve happened. Sunoo wouldn’t be lying there, and—” He clenched his fists, his voice rising with frustration. “It should be me! I should be the one suffering instead! I deserve this more than—”

The sharp crack of a slap echoed through the room, freezing everyone in place.

Ni-ki stood before Heeseung, his hand still raised and trembling. His eyes were red, his tears falling freely now, but his expression was fierce, a mix of anger and devastation.

“Don’t you dare!” Ni-ki spat, his voice low and shaking but laced with raw emotion. “Don’t you dare say that.”

Heeseung stumbled back a step, stunned into silence. He touched his cheek, where the sting of Ni-ki’s hand lingered, but he didn’t move to defend himself.

“You think saying that makes it better?” Ni-ki continued, his chest heaving with each breath. “Do you think Sunoo wants to hear that you wish it was you? That you think you deserve to suffer instead of him?!”

Heeseung opened his mouth, but no words came out.

“Sunoo-hyung is fighting for us !” Ni-ki’s voice cracked, and he took a shaky step forward. “He’s holding on because he loves us. Because he doesn’t want us to lose him. And you—” He pointed a trembling finger at Heeseung. “You’re standing here saying it should’ve been you? You think he would get better if you say that!?! Or– are you just saying that to feel better for yourself?”

Ni-ki’s voice faltered, and his anger gave way to sobs. He stumbled back, wiping his face roughly with his sleeve. “You don’t get to say things like that, hyung. You don’t…”

The room fell silent again, the weight of Ni-ki’s words hanging heavy in the air. Heeseung looked down, his shoulders slumping as tears slid down his face.

“I…” He started but stopped, his voice breaking. He let out a shaky breath and whispered, “I’m sorry.”

Jungwon stepped in, gently placing a hand on Ni-ki’s shoulder. “Ni-ki” he murmured softly. “Let’s calm down”

Ni-ki shook his head but didn’t say anything, his tears still streaming.

Jake moved closer to Heeseung, crouching slightly to meet his eyes. “Hyung” he said gently, his voice thick with emotion. “We know you feel guilty, but this isn’t about whose fault it is anymore. It’s about being here for Sunoo now. He needs us.”

Sunghoon nodded from the side, his arms crossed tightly over his chest as if trying to hold himself together. “We’re all hurting, hyung” he said, his voice trembling. “But blaming yourself won’t change anything. Sunoo wouldn’t want this.”

Jay, who had been standing silently near the door, finally spoke up. His voice was low but firm. “We can’t change the past, Heeseung. None of us can. But we can make sure Sunoo knows we’re here for him now. That’s what matters.”

Heeseung didn’t respond. His legs gave out, and he sank into a nearby chair, his face buried in his hands. The guilt still clung to him like a second skin, but Ni-ki’s outburst and the others’ words began to break through the thick wall of self-loathing he had built around himself.

After the tense silence in the room, the group shifted their focus to what needed to be done next. Their minds, still clouded with the weight of the reality they were facing, now turned to Sunoo’s family. The thought of telling his sister, Eui, about Sunoo’s condition felt like another burden to bear, but they knew it had to be done.

“We need to tell her” Jungwon murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, as though saying it out loud might make it even more real.

Jay, standing a little apart from the others, nodded quietly. “I’ll do it… I’ll call her.”

They all gathered in the small waiting area while Jay dialed Eui’s number, the sound of the ringing phone echoing in the quiet hall. When the line finally connected, he swallowed hard before speaking.

“Eui-ssi… It’s Jay.”

“Jay-ssi?” 

“He is here….Sunoo… Sunoo’s here at the hospital—He’s... he’s in critical condition. You have to come.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with the fear and sorrow of the message. Eui-ssi didn’t say anything at first, but the trembling silence on the other end of the line was enough to confirm the overwhelming shock she was feeling.

“I’ll be there” she finally said, her voice breaking.

True to her word, it didn’t take long before she arrived. When the door to the room opened, Eui-ssi stepped in, her face pale and eyes wide, filled with fear and confusion. She didn’t know what to expect, but nothing could have prepared her for what she saw.

The moment she laid eyes on Sunoo lying motionless in the bed, everything around her seemed to fade. Her knees buckled, and without a second thought, she rushed to his side, her hands shaking as she reached out to touch his cold skin.

“No... no— oh my baby brother, this can’t be happening” Eui whispered through her sobs, her tears flowing freely as she cradled his hand in hers. “Sunoo-yah, it’s your big sister… please wake up”

Her voice cracked with disbelief, the weight of years of uncertainty and fear crashing down on her all at once. The last time she had seen him, he was full of life, and now… now he was nothing more than a fragile figure in a hospital bed.

The group watched in silence, understanding that this moment was beyond words. No one moved, allowing her to mourn in the rawest way possible. For Eui, seeing her little brother like this was a nightmare too cruel to imagine. It wasn’t just the physical toll that broke her—it was the years of wondering, of living with the pain of not knowing if he was alive or dead, of losing hope only to have it shattered once more.

But instead of blaming the members for not telling her sooner, or for anything they had done, she directed all of her pain at the world itself—the cruel forces that had stolen her brother away, the forces that had allowed this to happen. Her hands gripped Sunoo’s as if she could somehow make the world right again with that single act.

“Why? Why does it have to be you?” she choked, her voice thick with emotion. “Why him? He didn’t deserve this...”

The words were like a prayer to the universe, a desperate plea for answers that would never come. Her hands trembled as she stroked Sunoo’s face, willing him to open his eyes.

Jay stepped forward, his heart breaking at the sight of her grief. “Eui-ssi, we’re so sorry—we—”

“No" she interrupted, her voice cracking but firm. "Don’t apologize. Don’t apologize to me." Her gaze hardened for a moment, not out of anger, but out of sheer disbelief. “I know what you all would say… It’s this shitty world. It’s the way everything turned out. I want to scream at it, but it doesn’t make any difference, does it?”

Her words hung in the air, raw and vulnerable. It was like she had lost her sense of herself in the whirlwind of the years that had passed without Sunoo, and now, standing before him like this, she couldn’t find her footing. The years of fear, of not knowing if her brother was alive, had hollowed her out, and now all that was left was the overwhelming grief of seeing him so broken.

“Eui-ssi…” Jungwon whispered softly, taking a hesitant step forward. “He’s a fighter. He’ll wake up. Sunoo has always been strong.”

He said that to comfort her, but at the same time to comfort himself.

She didn’t look at him, but the soft tremor in her shoulders was a sign that his words had reached her, even just a little. She nodded slowly, her face still buried in Sunoo’s hand as if she could absorb his strength through the touch.

And for a moment, the room was filled with a silent understanding. They could all feel the pain, the weight of the years lost, but there was still a thread of hope, fragile though it was. Sunoo was alive, and that was a start. But as Eui remained by his side, the rest of the group stepped back, respecting the space she needed to process this overwhelming moment.

They would stay with her, with Sunoo, for as long as they needed to. They weren’t sure what the future held, but they all knew one thing: they would never let go of him again.

Each member took turns staying by Sunoo’s bedside, their faces etched with worry and exhaustion. It was as if time had come to a standstill, the minutes stretching into hours as they waited for a sign—any sign—that Sunoo would wake up.

Some tried to stay strong for the others, forcing themselves to keep their emotions in check, while others couldn’t help but let their tears fall freely. The sight of Sunoo lying there, unmoving and fragile, felt surreal. 

Jungwon sat close to the bed during his turn, his small frame hunched as he kept his eyes fixed on Sunoo’s pale face. His fingers trembled as he brushed an imaginary speck of dust off Sunoo’s blanket, his heart silently pleading for him to wake up. He didn’t say much aloud, but the way his lips moved soundlessly revealed the silent prayers he whispered over and over again. While Jay, who was always giving his best to be with the others and waiting for Sunoo to wake up also found himself unable to speak for a long time. Jake had a harder time controlling his emotions. When it was his turn, he kept his head bowed, his hands gripping the edge of Sunoo’s bed tightly. He tried to speak, but the words often caught in his throat, leaving him in a choked silence.

Ni-ki, the youngest, struggled to process the overwhelming emotions swirling inside him. He sat beside Sunoo quietly, his wide eyes taking in every detail of his hyung’s face as if committing it to memory, recounting the times Sunoo had scolded him or teased him like an older brother. It was his way of holding onto the Sunoo he remembered, trying to bridge the gap between the boy he knew and the fragile figure before him.

When Heeseung took his turn, he sat down hesitantly, his hands shaking slightly as he rested them on his lap. After what happened between him and Ni-ki, he had withdrawn, keeping his emotions tightly bottled. Now, in the quiet presence of Sunoo, the guilt he’d been trying to suppress surged forward. He leaned closer, his voice a low whisper as he began to speak.

“Sunoo-yah…” Heeseung started, his voice trembling. But before he can even continue, tears are already falling down from his eyes. His vision blurred and he moved his hand to lay it on top of Sunoo’s cold hands, gripping it slightly as if that was enough to ground himself. He took a shaky breath and looked at the younger man's form just in front of him.

“Sunoo-yah, we are here for you now… you don’t have to face it alone anymore, I— no, we promise , we will be by your side no matter what will happen” 

His words hung in the air, heavy with sorrow, before he fell into a strained silence. He didn’t say anything else, simply sitting there with his head bowed and his hands gripping the edge of the bed. The others noticed how quiet he had become, but they didn’t push him; they knew he was carrying a weight too great to put into words.

Finally, when it was Sunghoon’s turn, the room was shrouded in an almost crushing stillness. He lowered himself into the chair beside Sunoo’s bed, his hands gripping the armrests tightly.

“Hello, sunshine…” he started awkwardly, his voice trembling. “I don’t even know where to start. I… I’ve been replaying everything in my head—If you wake up… we can make memories together, the seven of us, how we would make you happy, we would go to your favorite places— something we would do to make things better for you— we miss you Sunoo-yah… be strong okay? just…”

He trailed off, his eyes closing as he leaned forward, his head resting beside Sunoo’s hand. “Please, just… come back to us.”

The hours of waiting, the sleepless nights, and the weight of his emotions finally caught up to Sunghoon. His breathing slowed, his body succumbing to exhaustion as the world around him dissolved into the softness of slumber.

A faint voice pulled Sunghoon from the haze.

“Sunghoon-hyung…?”

His eyes fluttered open, the light in the room softer, warmer. The sunlight streaming through the window was too bright, almost blinding.

But then a name called out to him again, this time even fainter. He whipped his head, blinked, and froze.

Sunoo was awake.

Sunoo was there, his eyes finally opened, and he was smiling, but it was faint. Fuck —the smile that Sunghoon had missed so badly.

“Sunoo…?” Sunghoon’s voice cracked, his words thick with disbelief. There was a hesitation in his tone, as if he couldn’t quite believe his own eyes. But as he reached for Sunoo’s hand, he could feel it—he could feel the warmth of Sunoo’s touch.

“I’m awake, hyung” Sunoo said gently, his voice light and clear, like music in the silence.

Tears welled up in Sunghoon’s eyes as relief and joy washed over him like a tidal wave. He scrambled to hug Sunoo, but he was careful, remembering Sunoo’s fragile condition. He sobbed, hugging him tightly, too scared to let go in case this was just a dream.

But when Sunoo slowly wrapped his arms around Sunghoon, his embrace solid and real, Sunghoon knew it was true. Sunoo was finally here. Alive. Breathing. And everything was going to be okay.

Sunghoon fumbled for his phone, his trembling fingers dialing the others.

“He’s awake! Sunoo’s awake!”

Within minutes, the room was filled with life and noise. The door burst open, and the members came rushing in, their disbelief melting into laughter and tears as they saw Sunoo sitting up, his face radiant and full of life. Dr. Yeong followed behind, his own face full of relief and happiness, his eyes glistening with tears as he watched the boys in front of him.

They crowded around Sunoo’s bed, voices overlapping in a cacophony of excitement.

“Sunoo-yah…!!”

“Thank god, oh my… You’re okay!”

“We missed you so much, our sunshine!”

Sunoo laughed softly, his eyes crinkling with amusement, a sound that made the room feel lighter. “You’re all so loud~” he teased, his voice filled with affection.

The tension that had gripped their hearts for so long seemed to vanish, replaced by a sense of normalcy. They fell into an easy rhythm, sharing jokes, memories, and stories as if nothing had ever gone wrong. Every word felt like a small celebration of life returning to them.

Everyone promised Sunoo the fanciest meal they could find. Ni-ki made him laugh with a reenactment of Sunoo scolding him about taking things seriously. Even Heeseung cracked a joke, his rare laugh lighting up the room and making everyone feel at ease.

And then Eui arrived, her breath catching as she saw her baby brother awake and smiling. She rushed to his side, enveloping him in a hug so tight it felt as though she was trying to anchor herself to the moment, making sure it was real. Sunoo leaned into her embrace, his hand patting her back reassuringly.

“It’s okay, Noona” he said gently, his voice soft and comforting. “I’m here now.”

The hours passed in a blur of warmth and comfort. They shared food, laughter, and plans for the future—plans that felt tangible and full of hope. The oppressive weight that had suffocated them for so long was gone, replaced by a lightness they hadn’t felt in years.

Sunoo was no longer just a figure in their memories. He was alive. They could make new memories together. And that thought brought an incredible sense of peace to the room.

A few days later, Sunoo met Mister Kang Dae, the detective who had been there for them when the others needed him most. Instead of introducing himself as a detective, Kang Dae opted to describe himself simply as someone who’d been a helper and support to the others. Sunoo found his humility comforting, and it made the atmosphere lighter.

Kang Dae’s 10-year-old daughter was with him as well, her sparkling eyes full of curiosity. When she looked at Sunoo, she couldn’t help but smile brightly, and the way her eyes shone with excitement made Sunghoon grin too.

The little girl was talkative, almost running out of breath as she asked questions, excitedly sharing stories about her adventures. “Did you know—” she exclaimd “I helped my dad catch a bad guy once! Well, actually, I just found the clue, but still! I helped!”

Sunoo laughed, his heart swelling with warmth at the child’s enthusiasm. “You’re gonna be a good detective in the future, huh?”

“Yes! And also an Idol!!” she said proudly, puffing her chest out. “I’m gonna be the best of the best out there!”

It was moments like these that made everything feel like it had turned back to normal. Laughter, love, and hope filling the room once more. It felt like they were rewinding time, undoing all the pain and loss they had experienced. A future, full of possibilities, was now within reach.

But….

Sunghoon knew there was something wrong.

Small inconsistencies began to surface, almost imperceptible at first.

The air in the hospital room whenever they gathered together felt too warm, too still. Conversations between the members seemed to skip like a broken record, their words coming too fast, blending together in a way that felt unnatural.

Sunoo’s voice, once so clear, began to fade, his words growing distant as though he were speaking from another room. The vibrant colors surrounding him started to wash out, turning into muted tones.

Then, the heart monitor, which had been calm and silent, suddenly began to beep again. At first, it was soft and steady, but as moments passed, the sound grew louder, more erratic, its rhythm jarring against the serene atmosphere. 

He looked at the others, but they were too focused on the conversation to notice anything.

Sunghoon’s brows furrowed as unease began to creep in. “Wait…” he muttered, glancing around. “This doesn’t feel right…”

The others didn’t seem to hear him. They continued laughing and talking, their voices distorted now, like echoes in a cavern.

Sunoo, still smiling, turned to Sunghoon. But his features were blurring, like a charcoal pencil portrait smudged by a rain. Sunghoon reached out to touch him, but his heart stopped when his hand passed through an empty air.

Suddenly, his surroundings became dark, his once beloved friends who were beside him disappeared and all that was left was Sunoo, who was in front of him, staring at him, his eyes flowing with blood.

“Sunoo-yah?” Sunghoon’s voice was frantic now. He stood, his chair scraping loudly against the floor, but no one seemed to notice. “Sunoo!”

The heart monitor’s beeping spiked into a deafening alarm.

Sunghoon gasped as his eyes snapped open. The room was dark and silent except for the sound of the heart monitor—now blaring in a shrill, urgent rhythm. Its urgent rhythm sliced through the stillness, and for a split second, Sunghoon was caught in the lingering remnants of the dream. The warmth, the comfort, the fleeting happiness—everything he had just experienced felt like it was slipping through his fingers.

Sunoo was still motionless in the bed before him. His face pale, his chest rising and falling in shallow breaths, and the machines surrounding him beeping wildly as if they were warning of impending doom.

Sunghoon’s heart clenched painfully in his chest. Panic gripped him, his body trembling as his mind struggled to comprehend what was happening. His hands shook violently as he pushed himself up from the chair, stumbling toward Sunoo’s side.

“Sunoo!” he gasped, his voice cracking with raw emotion. “Wake up! Please, just wake up!” The desperation in his voice was palpable as he reached for Sunoo’s cold hand, his fingers brushing against the lifeless skin. The dream—the hope that had felt so real—seemed to mock him now. He had been so sure that everything was going to be okay. But this… this was real, and it was terrifying.

He yelled again, his voice breaking with fear “Something’s wrong! Help!” 

He looked at Sunoo again, his face in horror as he saw Sunoo coughing and gasping for air.

“PLEASE!”

Sunghoon's vision blurred as tears welled in his eyes. He had never felt more powerless, more terrified, than he did in that moment.

He was still frozen, his mind racing, when the door suddenly flew open. The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the room, but it was all a blur to Sunghoon as his eyes remained fixed on Sunoo’s form. Nurses and doctors rushed in, pushing past him with cold efficiency, their faces grim as they took over.

Sunghoon stepped back, his legs unsteady, his heart pounding in his chest. His mind was still trying to catch up to what was happening, to the nightmare unfolding before him. The warmth of the dream felt like a distant memory now, replaced by the chilling weight of reality.

He stood at the edge of the room, his chest heaving with each breath, unable to move, unable to make sense of anything. The sterile, cold air around him made him feel numb and lost.

And once again, they found themselves in this same place. Waiting. Hopeless. Helpless.

Terrified.

Chapter Text

The world is cruel.

You’d live a happy life, thinking everything was okay, like the peaceful waves of the ocean. Calm, serene, with the world in perfect rhythm. But then, in just a second, a thunderstorm would crash into the waves, destroying its peaceful regime. Just like human life—unpredictable, fleeting, and fragile.

This cruel unpredictability lingered in the air, thick and suffocating, as the members sat outside Sunoo’s hospital room. The hallway was unnervingly quiet, its stillness amplifying the fear coursing through their veins. The usual hum of hospital activity seemed distant, dulled by the weight of their collective anxiety.

They had thought, if only for a fleeting moment, that they could breathe again. That Sunoo would wake up, smile at them, and the storm would finally pass. But now, as they waited for answers, the hope they clung to felt as fragile as glass—beautiful and whole one second, threatening to shatter the next.

Sunghoon sat on the cold, hard chair near the wall, his hands gripping the edge of his jeans, knuckles pale. He called the others just earlier, his voice in fear and panic. His gaze remained fixed on the closed door, his mind replaying every moment from the last few hours. His heart ached, his body still trembling from the shock of everything happening so quickly.

The others were scattered around the hallway, the silence between them stretching out as each one wrestled with their own fears and uncertainties. No one spoke, each of them lost in their own thoughts, and the time seemed to stretch on endlessly. It felt as if they were stuck in limbo, waiting for something—anything—that would tell them whether Sunoo was going to be okay. 

Whether he was going to wake up.

But the sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway, sharp and sudden, breaking the tension. All of them looked up at once, their breath catching in their throats as a figure in a white coat emerged from the hallway, a doctor they hadn't seen before.

The man’s expression was unreadable as he approached them. For a moment, the silence seemed to grow louder, the space between them and the doctor stretching impossibly wide.

“Excuse us—is… is he alright?” Jungwon asked, his voice shaking, barely above a whisper.

The doctor met his gaze, and for a moment, it felt like time stood still. Then, his lips parted, and the words that followed sent a shockwave of relief through the room.

“He is alright for now, his heart has calmed down….” The doctor’s voice was calm and then he smiled at them “He is awake” 

A wave of emotion hit them all at once—shock, disbelief, then relief that came so suddenly it felt overwhelming.

Each of them gave a sigh.

After days of waiting and waiting, Sunoo was finally awake. They can finally see him, eyes open.

“...Really?” It was Jake who broke the silence, his voice barely above a whisper, tinged with relief.

“Can… Can we see him?” Ni-ki’s voice was soft, but there was a desperate edge to it.

The doctor gave a slight nod, a small but reassuring smile on his face. “You may go in. He…. is asking for you all.”

Without another word, the members surged forward, their steps heavy with anticipation, the tension in their hearts finally starting to ease, but still, the air around them felt thick with everything that had come before.

The door to Sunoo’s room swung open, and the light from the room spilled out into the hallway. The warmth of it was almost too much, but as they stepped inside, their gazes fell on him.

Sunoo was sitting up in the bed, his frail frame leaning slightly against the pillows. His face was pale, his hair tousled, and his lips slightly parted, as though struggling to find the strength to speak. But his eyes—his eyes held everything. They shimmered with unshed tears, reflecting a fragile yet unmistakable hope.

When his gaze met theirs, the world seemed to freeze. The sterile hospital room, the hum of the monitors, the ache in their hearts—all of it faded into the background. It was just Sunoo, alive and breathing, looking at them with a tentative, trembling smile.

“Everyone…. I….”

And then, the dam broke.

Sunoo’s lips quivered as tears spilled down his cheeks. He raised his trembling hands, reaching out as though afraid they might vanish if he didn’t hold onto them. His voice, weak and broken, barely made it past his lips. 

“ I missed you all so much ”

The words shattered what little composure they had left.

Sunghoon was the first to move, his legs carrying him forward almost involuntarily. He dropped to his knees beside Sunoo’s bed, his hands reaching for Sunoo’s trembling ones. The moment their hands touched, Sunghoon’s breath hitched.

“Sunoo-yah… oh Sunoo….” Sunghoon choked out, his voice thick with emotion. 

“You’ve been through so much…we missed you too— fuck we miss you so much Sunoo-yah”

Sunghoon let his tears fall freely, his hands tightening on the younger’s hands, afraid that all of this is just a mere dream again. 

The sound of muffled sobs filled the room as Jungwon, Jake, Ni-ki, and Jay joined them, each taking hesitant steps forward before collapsing into the moment. They surrounded Sunoo, their hands brushing over his hair, his shoulders, his hands—anything to remind themselves that he was real, that he was here, that they had finally found him.

“Sunoo-yah– “ Jay was about to say something but his words caught on his throat, his sobs instead expressing what he wanted to say to the younger.

Jungwon looked at him and put a hand on his shoulder, his other hand on Sunoo’s cheek.

“I thought we’d lost you….” Jungwon whispered, his voice cracking “I thought we’d never get to see you again… hyung”

Jake clutched Sunoo’s arm gently, his shoulders shaking. “We’re here now. You are not going anywhere, okay? Never again— this time we will be with you Sunoo-yah”

Ni-ki, the youngest, struggled to keep his voice steady as he leaned closer, his eyes red and swollen. “Hyung… we will be with you— dont— ”

Ni-ki clenched his hands into fists, his knuckles turning white.

“Don’t run away from us ever again”

Sunoo cried harder, his chest heaving with the overwhelming weight of it all. “I'm sorry” he said, his voice breaking. 

“I was scared ,” He admitted. “Scared about what will happen… Scared I’d— Id….” His voice faltered, the words caught in his throat as a fresh wave of sobs wracked his fragile body.

Heeseung, who had been standing silently near the back, suddenly stepped forward, his expression unreadable. But as he approached, his mask cracked, revealing a torrent of emotions that spilled over. Tears streamed down his face as he sank onto the edge of the bed and pulled Sunoo into his arms, holding him as if he might disappear.

“No… don’t even think about that Sunoo-yah” Heeseung whispered, his voice raw with guilt and pain. “I’m so sorry I failed you”

He hugged Sunoo tighter and moved his hand to his hair, caressing it gently.

“I didn’t protect you when I knew from the start. But I promise, from now on, I’ll protect you— we will protect you. We will never let anything happen to you.”

The younger moved his head and stared at Heeseung 

“You… knew?”

Heeseung looked away, instead looking at his members.

“Yes”

He looked back at him again and held his face, his fingers tapping lightly, afraid that such a fragile angel would break.

“And i hate myself for it”

Amber eyes blinked at Heeseung’s 

“I’ll make up for it” He said, determination written in his voice “I’ll make up on the things i should've done, I promise Sunoo, i will”

Sunoo melted into the embrace, his sobs muffled against Heeseung’s shoulder. “Heeseung-hyung….” he managed between tears. “All i care now is i got to see all of you…I missed all of you… ”

The other members instinctively closed in, wrapping their arms around both Sunoo and Heeseung until they formed a tight circle. It wasn’t just a hug—it was a silent vow, a collective promise that they would never let anything tear them apart again.

For the first time in what felt like forever, they allowed themselves to hope. And in that shared warmth, they found a sense of peace they hadn’t known in years.

“Hyung~! I brought fruits for you!” Ni-ki chirped as he waddled happily into the hospital room, a wide grin plastered on his face. He plopped himself into the chair beside Sunoo’s bed, setting a bag of fruits on the table.

The older smiled at him warmly, touched by the younger’s thoughtfulness. “Thank you, Ni-ki-ah” Sunoo said, his voice soft yet full of gratitude.

“Is there some for us, Ni-ki-ah?” Jake asked playfully from across the room, raising a brow with a teasing grin.

Ni-ki immediately shot him a glare, clutching the bag protectively. “All of this is for Sunoo-hyung only! Touch it, and I’ll bite your hands!”

Jake raised his hands in mock surrender, chuckling. “Alright, alright! I won’t touch it—unless Sunoo says I can.” He turned to Sunoo with a mischievous smile. “What do you say, Sunoo-yah? Can I have some?”

Sunoo giggled, his cheeks glowing with amusement as he nodded softly. “You can have some, hyung.”

Ni-ki gasped dramatically, his jaw dropping as he stared at Sunoo in disbelief. “Hyung~! These are just for you! I bought them especially for you!”

Sunoo chuckled at Ni-ki’s exaggerated reaction. “Alright, alright~ I’ll have them all to myself, okay?”

Satisfied, Ni-ki smiled and turned to Jake, sticking out his tongue in a playful taunt. Jake rolled his eyes, displaying annoyance, though the smile tugging at his lips says otherwise.

“Aigo… You’re already 22 years old, but you still act like a kid” Jake teased.

Ni-ki opened his mouth to retort, but the door creaked open before he could speak. Heeseung, Jay, and Sunghoon stepped into the room, their faces lighting up as they greeted Sunoo and the others.

“Where’s Jungwon?” Jake asked, glancing at Sunghoon, who was setting his bag down on the bedside table.

“Still with the manager,” Sunghoon replied. “He had to take care of a few other things.”

Jake nodded in understanding, and just as the room settled into a comfortable hum of conversation, a sudden knock at the door startled them all.

Everyone turned toward the door, their expressions a mix of curiosity and surprise.

“I’ll get the door” Heeseung said, already moving toward it. He opened it with a welcoming smile, bowing politely as he greeted the visitor. “Oh! Eui-ssi!”

At her name, the others perked up, their heads turning toward the door. When Eui stepped inside, the room filled with cheerful greetings.

“Hello~” Eui chirped, her tone light and affectionate. Without hesitation, she made her way to Sunoo’s bed, enveloping him in a tight embrace. “My baby brother~! I missed you so much.”

Sunoo chuckled softly, hugging her back. “We just saw each other yesterday, Noona.”

Eui pulled back slightly, her hands resting firmly on his arms as she looked him over. Her eyes brimmed with a mix of joy and concern. “Sunoo, after years of not seeing you, I still feel like I’m dreaming. That’s why I took the day off— for a week, I’m staying to take care of you today.”

She glanced briefly at the others, her expression softening. Then, leaning closer to Sunoo, she whispered “Have they been taking good care of you?”

Sunoo smiled at her, his expression both amused and reassuring. “Yes, Noona. In fact, too good.”

Eui’s eyes glinted with playful suspicion as she glanced over at the boys, who were now watching the exchange with curious smiles. “Good. They better be, or they’ll have to answer to me” she said, her voice light but teasingly firm.

Ni-ki raised his hand, grinning. “Don’t worry, Eui-noona, we’ve been treating him like royalty.”

The room filled with soft laughter, the tension of earlier days melting away as warmth and familiarity wrapped around them all.

Suddenly, Sunoo asked a question that made Eui freeze.

“How is Mom?”

The others stilled, their eyes darting between the siblings, sensing the weight of the question.

Eui froze completely, her breath catching in her throat. After a moment, she forced a smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “She’s… doing fine” she said, her voice light but unsteady.

Sunoo didn’t return the smile. His expression remained calm, but there was a flicker of sadness in his eyes. “I see… she’s still at the house?”

Eiu's face was unreadable as she hesitated before nodding. “Of course. Why wouldn’t she be?” she replied, but her voice betrayed her, faltering ever so slightly.

Sunoo tilted his head slightly, watching her with a knowing look. A bittersweet smile formed on his lips as he reached out to gently hold her hands.

“You don’t have to lie, Noona,” he said softly.

Eui’s eyes widened, her lips parting in shock. “W-what?” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I know” Sunoo said, his voice steady despite the heaviness behind his words.

Eui’s breath hitched, her eyes searching Sunoo’s face for any hint that he might be mistaken, but there was none. Eui’s heart sank, tears threatening to spill as she stared at her younger brother, realizing he had known the truth all along.

His gaze was steady, his bittersweet smile only deepening the ache in her chest.

“I know, Noona,” Sunoo repeated, his voice soft but unwavering. “Mom passed away, the year I went missing.”

Eui’s shoulders slumped, her defenses crumbling under the weight of his words. Tears filled her eyes, spilling over as she tried to speak, her voice trembling. “H-how… how did you know?”

Sunoo looked down at their joined hands, his grip tightening as if to steady himself. “I visited her grave. A year after I went missing… I was… hiding, but I couldn’t stop myself from going to see her. I left a flower there.”

Eui gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “The white lily… it was you?”

Sunoo nodded, his tears now falling freely. “I thought… it would be enough to let her know I hadn’t forgotten her. That I was still alive, even if I couldn’t come back yet.”

Eui let out a broken sob, pulling Sunoo into a tight embrace. “Oh, Sunoo… I’m so sorry. I should have told you. I thought I was protecting you, but—”

“No, it’s okay, I know you didn’t want to tell me because of my condition right?” Sunoo interrupted gently, his voice muffled against her shoulder. “I understand, Noona. I do. But it still hurts… knowing I wasn’t there for her in the end.”

The siblings clung to each other, their shared grief pouring out in waves. Sunoo’s quiet sobs mingled with Eui’s as they held onto one another, as though anchoring themselves through the storm of emotions.

The others watched, their own tears streaming silently. Jay was the first to step forward, placing a comforting hand on Eui’s shoulder. “It’s okay” he whispered. “You don’t have to carry this alone anymore.”

One by one, the others joined, creating a circle of warmth and support around Sunoo and Eui. Jake knelt beside them, his voice soft and steady. “We’re here for you both. You don’t have to face this pain alone.”

Ni-ki wiped at his own eyes with his sleeve, sniffling. “Hyung… Eui-Noona, I am sure you mother would be so proud of you. Both of you.”

Heeseung and Jay added their quiet reassurances, their presence grounding amidst the swirl of emotions.

Sunoo looked up at them, his face streaked with tears, but his expression filled with gratitude. “Thank you” he managed, his voice breaking.

They stayed like that for what felt like hours, the room filled with quiet sobs, whispered comforts, and the unspoken promise that they would face whatever came next together. For the first time in years, Sunoo felt like he wasn’t alone in his pain—and that was a comfort he didn’t know he needed.

After that, they had left the siblings in their own world, leaving them to comfort each other. As they heard them laugh, they smiled in relief and the atmosphere became calm again.

An hour passed and Eui stayed close to Sunoo, chatting with him softly, when the door opened again. This time, Jungwon stepped inside, carrying a bag of takeout.

“Sorry I’m late!” Jungwon apologized with a sheepish smile. “I stopped by to grab us lunch.”

“Finally, the cat has arrived!” Ni-ki exclaimed dramatically, throwing his arms in the air.

Jungwon rolled his eyes, placing the food on the bedside table. “I bring food, and this is the thanks I get?”

“Food?” Ni-ki’s tone shifted immediately, his eyes lighting up. “Hyung, you’re forgiven!”

The room buzzed with playful energy as everyone gathered around to set up the meal. Plates and utensils were passed around, and soon, they were sitting together, the atmosphere light and filled with chatter.

“Ni-ki, don’t hog all the rice!” Jake scolded as the youngest reached for another helping.

“I’m a growing boy!” Ni-ki shot back, his cheeks puffed with food, 

Heeseung laughed, shaking his head. “You’re 22. You stopped growing a while ago.”

Eui giggled, watching the exchange. “It feels like I’m babysitting a bunch of kids” she teased, earning mock protests from the boys.

“Sunoo-hyung, are you eating enough?” Jungwon asked, passing him a bowl.

“I am, I am” Sunoo assured with a soft smile, taking a small bite. He watched the others bicker with a warmth in his chest. This moment felt surreal—like he was part of a family he thought he’d lost forever.

Ni-ki then grabbed an orange and peeling it with precision, he then gave the peeled orange to Sunoo.

“Here hyung, eat this”

Sunoo smiled at him “Thank you Ni-ki-ah~”

The meal ended with everyone leaning back, satisfied and full. Ni-ki let out a dramatic sigh, patting his stomach. “That was great. Who’s doing the dishes?”

“Dishes? We’re in a hospital” Jake pointed out, earning a laugh from everyone.

Before the banter could continue, a soft knock interrupted them. The door opened, revealing a doctor with a clipboard. He looked serious, his expression calm but firm.

“Good afternoon” the doctor greeted. “I’m Dr. Min. I’d like to have a word with Sunoo.”

The playful atmosphere in the room shifted instantly, the lightness replaced by a quiet tension. Sunoo nodded, sitting up straighter. “Of course.”

The doctor glanced at the others. “It’s best if everyone stays for this discussion.”

Sunoo’s heart sank slightly at the doctor’s tone, but he kept his expression neutral. The others exchanged worried glances as they took their seats around the room.

Dr. Min pulled up a chair, sitting across from Sunoo. He looked directly at him, his voice gentle but firm. “Sunoo-ssi, after reviewing your test results and consulting with my team, we’ve determined that we need to proceed with a heart tumor removal surgery as soon as possible.”

The room fell silent.

“A surgery?” Sunoo’s voice was barely above a whisper, his fingers gripping the blanket tightly.

Dr. Min nodded. “Yes. The tumor near your heart is concerning. While your recovery so far has been remarkable, this procedure is crucial to ensure your long-term health. Delaying it could lead to serious complications.”

The others stared at the doctor, their faces a mix of fear and determination. Eui broke the silence. “How soon are we talking?”

“As soon as possible” Dr. Min replied. “The sooner we operate, the better the chances of success.”

Eui placed a reassuring hand on Sunoo’s shoulder, her own expression trembling with barely concealed worry. “You’re strong, Sunoo. We’ll get through this together.”

Sunoo swallowed hard, his mind racing. He looked at his friends and sister, their faces filled with concern and unwavering support. Then he nodded, a quiet resolve settling in his chest.

“Let’s do it.”

The room was silent, but in that moment, the shared determination among them spoke louder than words.

The next two days were a whirlwind of preparation. The members stayed by Sunoo’s side constantly, offering him words of encouragement and trying to keep the mood light despite the tension that loomed over them.

Doctors and nurses came and went, running various tests to ensure everything was ready for the surgery. Sunoo went through imaging scans, bloodwork, and other procedures, each test designed to give the surgical team a clearer understanding of the tumor’s location and the condition of his heart.

Despite the prodding and endless hospital routines, Sunoo managed to smile through it all, his calmness helping ease the others’ anxiety. He would crack small jokes during the tests, earning chuckles from the staff and his friends, even though he knew the seriousness of what lay ahead.

As the evening before the surgery approached, the group gathered in Sunoo’s hospital room. The nurses had informed them earlier that Sunoo would need to fast overnight.

“Sunoo, are you sure you’re okay? You haven’t eaten since lunch” Jake asked, his voice tinged with worry. He sat on the edge of the bed, fiddling with his hands.

Sunoo nodded, his smile reassuring but soft. “I’m fine, hyung. I’m not even that hungry.”

“You don’t have to act tough” Sunghoon said, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched Sunoo closely. “We’re here for you.”

Sunoo chuckled, waving them off. “I’m not acting tough, I promise. You guys worry too much.”

Ni-ki, sitting cross-legged on the floor, pouted. “Of course, we’re worried. How can we not be?”

“I am…scared” Sunoo admitted, his voice quieting. He looked at each of them, his gaze warm and filled with gratitude. “But having all of you here makes it easier.”

Heeseung, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, pushed himself upright and stepped closer. “You’re not alone, Sunoo. No matter what happens tomorrow, we’ll be right here waiting for you when you wake up.”

Jungwon nodded, his tone firm. “And when you do, we’ll celebrate. Ni-ki can bring you all the food you want.”

“Even the spicy ones” Ni-ki added with a small grin, trying to lighten the mood.

They all laughed softly, the sound bittersweet but comforting. The room fell into a peaceful silence after that, everyone basking in the quiet solidarity of the moment.

The peaceful atmosphere was interrupted when Sunoo’s expression turned serious. 

Jay noticed this and looked at Sunoo.

“Sunoo-yah? What’s wrong?

Sunoo’s gaze lowered to his lap, his fingers lightly fidgeting with the blanket draped over him.

“Can I ask you guys for something?” Sunoo’s voice was soft but carried an unshakable weight.

The others straightened in their seats, their attention fully on him. “Of course” Jay said gently, leaning forward.

“You all do know how… critical my condition is….If the surgery doesn’t go smoothly…” Sunoo hesitated, his voice faltering as emotion crept in. He took a deep breath and looked at them, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “I want you all to promise me something.”

“Sunoo-hyung” Jungwon interrupted, his voice firm yet tinged with worry, “don’t say that.”

“No, please” Sunoo pleaded, his tone almost desperate. “Just hear me out. If something happens to me, I want you to keep living your lives. Don’t dwell on the past. Be happy, even if I’m not—”

“Stop it!” Sunghoon’s voice cracked as he cut him off. He stood abruptly, his hands balling into fists at his sides. “You don’t get to talk like that, Sunoo. Not now, not ever.”

Jake, sitting closest to Sunoo, reached for his hand and held it tightly. “You’re going to survive this surgery. Do you hear me? There’s no ‘if’ or ‘but.’”

Tears welled in Sunoo’s eyes, and he shook his head slightly. “I just want you all to be prepared. I don’t want to leave you with regrets.”

Ni-ki wiped his eyes furiously, refusing to let the tears fall. “Hyung, you’re not going anywhere. We’ve already lost you once. We’re not losing you again.”

“Sunoo” Jay said, his voice trembling as he knelt beside the bed. “I know you’re scared. We’re scared too. But you have to trust us. Trust yourself. You’ll make it through this.” His hand gripped Sunoo’s arm firmly, as if anchoring him to reality.

“Hyung’s right” Jungwon added, his voice resolute. “You’re stronger than you think. You’re going to wake up after this surgery, and we’re all going to be here, waiting for you.”

Sunoo’s lips trembled as he tried to hold back his tears, but they slipped free, streaming down his cheeks. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you all upset.”

“Shh… You don’t have to apologize” Jake said softly, his hands wiping the tears that slipped on Sunoo’s cheeks “Just promise us one thing instead.”

“What?” Sunoo asked hesitantly, his voice cracking.

“Promise us that you’ll fight,” Jake continued, his grip on Sunoo’s hand tightening. “No matter how hard it gets, promise us you won’t give up.”

Sunoo stared at them, his heart swelling with the love and determination reflected in their eyes. Slowly, he nodded. “I promise.”

The room fell silent again, but this time, it was filled with an unspoken pact. They would all fight this battle together, no matter what it took.

As the night deepened, they stayed by his side, sharing memories and reassuring each other. For a little while, it was as if nothing else mattered—just them, together, facing the unknown hand in hand.

The day of the surgery arrived far too quickly, a day none of them felt ready for.

Sunoo lay on the wheeled hospital bed, his frail figure wrapped in a blanket. The atmosphere was heavy, each passing second weighing on everyone present. His sister, Eui, stood closest to him, holding his hand tightly.

“You’ll be okay, Sunoo” she said, her voice trembling but filled with conviction. “You’re strong. And when this is over, we’ll go eat all your favorite foods, alright?”

Sunoo smiled faintly, nodding as he squeezed her hand. “Thank you, Noona. For everything.”

The members took turns speaking to him, each one masking their fear behind words of encouragement.

“You’ve got this, Sunoo-yah” Heeseung said, his hand gripping Sunoo’s shoulder. “We’ll be right here waiting for you.”

Jay nodded at what Heesung said and gently smiled at Sunoo, but the shine in his eyes called out that he was going to cry sooner “Know that we will be here waiting for you, Sunoo-ah”

Jungwon leaned in, his voice steady but his hands shaking. “We’ll pray for you the whole time, hyunh. When you wake up, we’ll celebrate together, okay?”

Jake gave him a reassuring grin, though his eyes were glassy with unshed tears. “Don’t make us wait too long, Sunoo. We’ll be starving by the time you’re out.”

Sunghoon knelt beside the bed, his face pale but determined. “I’ll be here, Sunoo. We all will. You just focus on coming back to us.”

Ni-ki, the youngest, clung to Sunoo’s arm. “Hyung… I’ll be cheering for you. You’ll make it. I know you will.”

Their manager gave a small nod, his usually stoic demeanor softened. “We’re all rooting for you, Sunoo. See you soon.”

Sunoo looked at each of them, his chest tightening with emotion. “I’ll try my best” he said softly, his voice breaking slightly.

The nurses stepped in to wheel Sunoo away, and the group instinctively moved back, their gazes never leaving him until he disappeared down the hallway.

Inside the surgery room, Sunoo’s heart raced as he took in the pristine white walls and the bustling figures in scrubs. His breath hitched when he recognized a familiar face among the medical team.

“Doctor Yeong?” he whispered, his voice trembling.

Doctor Yeong stepped forward, his eyes kind but resolute behind his surgical mask. “I’ll be here to assist, Sunoo. I couldn’t let this happen without being by your side. We'll do everything in our power to ensure this surgery goes well. You have my word.”

Sunoo felt a wave of relief wash over him as he nodded weakly. “Thank you.”

The medical team moved efficiently, attaching him to various monitors and preparing the cardio-pulmonary bypass machine. The anesthesiologist leaned over him, explaining the process in a calm tone, but Sunoo’s focus blurred as his eyelids grew heavy.

“We’ll take care of you” Doctor Yeong’s voice was the last thing Sunoo heard before the anesthesia pulled him into unconsciousness.

Outside the operating room, the tension was suffocating, an almost physical weight pressing down on each of them. The faint hum of the hospital’s fluorescent lights and the occasional echo of footsteps in the distant hallway only seemed to amplify the oppressive silence in the waiting area. The group sat scattered across the room, their pale faces etched with worry and exhaustion.

The sterile, cold air of the hospital waiting room felt suffocating as the group sat in tense silence, all of them caught in the same, unspoken thought—Sunoo.

Eui paced the floor, her steps heavy and restless. She checked her phone for the hundredth time, as if the device could somehow offer her reassurance. Her fingers clenched tighter around it as the minutes dragged on, and her chest tightened with anxiety. 

"Why is it taking so long?" she whispered, her voice barely above the silence.

Jay sat in the corner, his elbows resting on his knees as he stared at the floor, his jaw clenched so tightly it was as if his whole body was bracing for something he couldn’t control. 

"Surgery like this... it’s delicate" he muttered, though his words seemed to carry no comfort at all. It was as if he, too, was fighting to hold back the suffocating fear threatening to consume him.

Jungwon clung to Jake’s arm, his face drained of color, his lips pressed together in a thin line as he tried to steady his breathing. "He’s going to be okay, right?" His voice was fragile, like a thread about to snap.

Jake tried to give him a reassuring smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He patted Jungwon’s shoulder gently. "Of course, he will. Sunoo’s strong. He’ll fight." But even as he spoke the words, a knot twisted painfully in his stomach.

Sunghoon stood by the window with his hands buried deep in his pockets, his body rigid with tension. His lips were pressed into a thin, tight line, and his eyes stared vacantly at the scene outside, though they never really saw it. Heeseung was next to him, his thoughts were elsewhere—on Sunoo, on the uncertainty of what would happen next.

Ni-ki sat apart from the others, the small plush keychain Sunoo had given him years ago clutched tightly in his hand. His head was lowered, his eyes red from holding back tears that had fallen freely in the silence. His face was a mixture of sadness and hope, as if he didn’t want to admit the depth of his fear, but the weight of it pressed down on him, making it hard to breathe.

The minutes crawled by, and every sound in the hall seemed to echo in the oppressive silence. Every time a nurse walked by, their eyes would snap to her in desperate hope, only for the hope to die when no news came.

Suddenly, the door swung open, the sound of it echoing in the tense silence that had settled over the room. The surgeon stepped inside, his face unreadable, and for a split second, it felt like the entire world came to a standstill.

Time itself seemed to hold its breath.

The group froze, every one of them hanging on the edge of that single moment. The surgeon's eyes flicked briefly over them, his gaze steady but solemn. He opened his mouth to speak, and the weight of those first few seconds felt like they stretched on forever.

Then, he nodded, just once—a small, simple gesture, but one that carried more meaning than any of them could fully comprehend. A silence, heavy with anticipation, settled over the room again.

"Sunoo’s surgery went well" the surgeon’s voice cut through the tension, calm and measured, yet carrying a certainty that no one had dared to fully hope for. "He survived. The procedure was successful. We were able to remove the tumor, and he’s stable now. He will be moved to recovery soon."

The words hit with the force of a crashing wave. They seemed to vibrate through the air, pulsing with relief and exhaustion. For the first time in hours, the group exhaled. It was a breath they hadn’t realized they were holding, the kind that seemed to come from deep inside their chests, a release of all the pent-up fear and worry that had consumed them.

Eui’s hand flew to her mouth as she let out a soft, shaky laugh. "He’s going to be okay," she whispered, as if she still couldn’t believe it.

Sunghoon, who had been so still up until that point, moved slowly towards the surgeon. His voice was hoarse. "He’s really okay?"

The surgeon nodded again. "He’s going to be fine. He’s stable for now. We’ll keep monitoring him closely, but the worst is behind us."

Sunghoon swallowed, his throat dry. "Thank you." His voice cracked with emotion, and for a moment, he stood there, unable to find the words to express everything that had built up inside him.

As soon as the surgeon left, the group gathered together, their hands gripping each other in a tight circle. They didn’t need words. They all knew what this moment meant. Sunoo was alive. The nightmare was over.

The minutes that followed passed in a blur of anxious energy. They didn’t speak much—too afraid to break the fragile peace they had been granted. They just waited for the news that Sunoo would soon be wheeled back into his room.

Finally, the door opened again. The nurses came in, wheeling Sunoo in on a bed. He was pale, his face drawn, but there was a faint smile on his lips. The moment he saw them, his eyes fluttered, his smile growing weak but genuine.

"Sunoo!" Eui was the first to move, rushing to his side and grabbing his hand with trembling fingers. Her tears spilled freely. 

"You’re really here… you’re really okay." She whispered it over and over, as if saying it out loud could make it true.

Jay patted her shoulders and looked at Sunoo “Sunoo…. You did it”

Jungwon was next, stepping forward and kneeling beside Sunoo’s bed. His eyes were red, and his voice cracked as he spoke, "Sunoo-hyung, we were so scared– but you survived." He gently took Sunoo’s hand, his fingers trembling.

Sunoo, exhausted and weak, managed to lift his other hand to rest on Jungwon’s

"I survived…." he whispered, his voice hoarse and as he repeated those words in his head, he couldn't help but let a happy tear slip. 

"It’s finally over?"

Jake wiped at his own tears, trying to suppress the lump in his throat. "Mhm, Sunoo-yah, you are going to be better" he said softly, a tear falling from his eye. 

"We’re so happy you’re here, we are so glad you are here " Heeseung added

Ni-ki, who had been standing quietly off to the side, finally stepped forward. His voice was barely above a whisper as he said, "Sunoo-hyun, we know you are strong, you had fighted it" 

Sunghoon barely said a word, but he wrapped his arms around Sunoo, pulling him into a tight hug and mumbled “We love you, Sunoo-yah”

The rest of the group joined in, surrounding Sunoo with their love and relief. Eui sobbed softly, resting her head on Sunoo’s chest. "My baby brother… you are the only one that i have now" she whispered. "I’m so glad"

Sunoo, surrounded by them, felt a wave of warmth and comfort wash over him, his heart full of gratitude and love. "Thank you" he whispered, his voice cracking. "Thank you for waiting for me… for never giving up on me."

And in that moment, the hospital room was filled with a quiet peace—a peace that had been so hard-earned but was now finally within their grasp. Sunoo was alive. They were together again. And for the first time in what felt like forever, everything was going to be okay.

The storm had passed. They had made it through.

A few months had passed since the surgery, and recovery had been progressing smoothly. Sunoo’s loved ones had been by his side every step of the way, offering support at every moment. He couldn’t be more grateful to them.

Now, spring had arrived in the city of Seoul, Korea.

Pink petals danced in the wind, their soft fluttering creating a melody that brought peace to Sunoo’s ears as he sat beneath one of the cherry blossom trees.

Today was special.

A birthday celebration. For whom, you ask?

Of course, it was for him.

The others had made sure to celebrate his birthday this year, one that had been missed, and they planned everything with love, bringing it all together beneath the breathtaking canopy of cherry blossoms. Sunoo couldn’t help but smile, his gaze lingering on the delicate petals.

“Sunoo-ah?” a voice called gently, pulling him from his thoughts. He turned his head slowly.

“Heeseung-hyung” he replied with a soft smile.

Heeseung returned the smile. “Mind if I sit next to you?”

Sunoo patted the grass beside him. “Come sit here, hyung.”

Heeseung settled down next to him, and they fell into a comfortable silence. Sunoo glanced at Heeseung, noticing the notebook tucked under his arm.

“What’s that?” he asked, curiosity piqued.

Heeseung shyly smiled, lifting the notebook in front of him. The title was written in slanted lettering: ‘ Dear star, where are you?’

Heeseung glanced at Sunoo and then back to the notebook. “This… is my diary. I know it sounds kind of childish, but it became my way of coping when you… well, when you left.”

When Heeseung spoke those words, Sunoo felt a sudden lump form in his throat. The weight of his absence, the pain of the time lost, hit him harder than he expected. His heart ached, and before he even realized it, a tear slipped down his cheek. He blinked rapidly, trying to fight the surge of emotions rising within him.

“Hyung…” Sunoo’s voice trembled as he whispered, “Can I read it?”

Heeseung hesitated for only a moment before nodding and handing the notebook to Sunoo. “Of course.”

Sunoo opened the diary carefully, running his fingers over the familiar handwriting. As he read, each page felt like a raw testament to the depth of Heeseung’s feelings during the time they were apart, to when they had started searching for him, everyone’s feelings and involvement. His heart swelled, and he couldn’t stop the tears from falling as he read the words that had clearly been written with so much love and longing.

When he finished reading, he closed the notebook slowly, his chest tight with emotion. Without thinking, he pulled Heeseung into a tight embrace.

Heeseung froze for a moment before gently wrapping his arms around Sunoo, holding him as if he were afraid to let go. “I’m so glad you’re here” Heeseung whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I never thought I’d be able to say that to you again... that I’m glad you’re still here with me.”

Sunoo nodded against his shoulder, tears continuing to fall. “I’m glad I’m here too, hyung. I don’t know what I would’ve done without all of you.”

Heeseung pulled back slightly, looking into Sunoo’s eyes with a soft, sincere smile. “I just want to take care of you more from now on. I want to be there for you, every step of the way.”

Sunoo returned his smile, feeling a warmth spread through him. “I think I’d like that” he said softly, his heart feeling fuller than it had in a long time.

Just then, they heard the sound of laughter and calls from the others, signaling that it was time to start the little party they had planned for Sunoo.

Heeseung stood up, offering his hand to Sunoo with a grin. “Come on, let’s go. They’re probably waiting for us.”

Sunoo took his hand, feeling lighter and happier than he had in a while, and together, they made their way toward the others, ready to celebrate this special moment with the people he loved.

When Sunoo arrived, his lips immediately curled into a smile as a little girl ran up to him and wrapped her arms around him.

“Sunoo-oppa!” she called out cheerfully.

“Byeol-ah!” Sunoo laughed, hugging her back tightly.

A man’s voice called out from behind her. “Byeol! Be careful!”

Sunoo glanced toward the source of the voice and chuckled. “It’s okay, Mr. Kang!”

But Kang Dae, though smiling, shook his head in mild disapproval. He turned to the man beside him. “Minjun-ssi, I think it’s been quite a few minutes now, and you’re still perfecting that drink…”

Minjun glanced up from his task and laughed. “My years of imprisonment turned me into a perfectionist.”

Kang Dae grimaced at the mention of prison, clearly uncomfortable. “How many years were you in there?”

Minjun scratched his chin thoughtfully. “I think... about four years?”

Baekhyun, who had been standing nearby, couldn’t help but chime in. “Four years? That’s quite a long time.”

Minjun gave him a small smile. “It was worth it. At least now, Sunoo is well and free.”

The three of them turned their attention to Sunoo, who was now playfully chasing Byeol around, his laughter filling the air. The sight brought soft smiles to each of their faces.

“I’m glad” Kang Dae said quietly. “Thank you for your sacrifice, Minjun-ssi.”

Minjun shook his head, his expression humble. “I did nothing. But I’d also like to thank you and Mr. Kang for being there to support the other boys.”

“And also-” Minjun looked at the man who was beside him “Doctor Yeong”

Yeon held up and and shook his head “Please, you can just call me by my name”

Mijun nodded and smiled “Right, Yeong-ssi, glad you were the who i had trusted on”

Yeong smiled at him “Its my honor to trust, i am happy to be able to take care of Sunoo”

The four of them shared a knowing look, the bond between them palpable.

After a moment, Kang Dae called everyone over to gather at the table. “Come on, everyone, let’s sit down and eat” he announced, his voice warm and welcoming. The group began to move toward the table, ready to enjoy the moment of togetherness.

After everyone gathered around the table, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and laughter. Sunoo felt the overwhelming love from his friends, family, and the people who cared for him. As they all settled down, Jungwon was the first to speak, grinning widely. 

“Okay, let’s sing Sunoo a happy birthday!”

The group immediately started singing, their voices harmonizing beautifully as they looked at Sunoo. He smiled, feeling the joy and affection surrounding him. When the song ended, they all clapped, and someone—likely Jake—suddenly reached over and playfully smeared a bit of icing from the cake onto Sunoo’s cheek. Laughter erupted around the table, and soon, Sunoo found himself laughing too as the others joined in, smearing cake icing on his face.

Once the playful cake moment passed, it was time for the presents. One by one, everyone handed Sunoo their carefully chosen gifts. The group exchanged smiles, and Sunoo’s heart swelled with gratitude as he accepted each offering.

Jungwon gave him a thoughtful keepsake. Heeseung handed over a handcrafted gift with a smile. Jake presented something useful yet meaningful. Ni-ki’s gift was lighthearted but touching, while Jay gave him something that made him chuckle. Sunghoon’s present was simple yet deeply heartfelt, and Eui, his sister, gave him something with a personal touch that made him feel so loved.

Doctor Yeong gave Sunoo something that was both practical and reassuring, while Baekhyun’s gift made Sunoo’s heart skip a beat. Kang-Dae and his daughter Byeol presented something both warm and meaningful, symbolizing their care. Lastly, Minjun gave him something that represented both his sacrifice and his love for Sunoo.

As Sunoo looked at all of them—his family, his friends, the people who’d stuck by him—his eyes filled with emotion. 

“Thank you” he whispered, his voice thick with gratitude. “I’m so lucky to have you all.” 

The group smiled back, their faces full of warmth and love, and together they began to enjoy the meal, talking and laughing as they celebrated not just Sunoo’s birthday, but the beautiful bond they shared.

As the night deepened, the soft glow of lanterns gently illuminated the peaceful setting beneath the cherry blossom trees. The air was cool and fragrant with the delicate scent of the pink petals drifting on the breeze. The soft rustling of the leaves above, combined with the quiet laughter and gentle chatter of his friends and family, created a sense of peace he hadn’t known in a long time. 

The tension, the fear, the uncertainty—all of it had melted away. His friends and family, gathered around him, shared in the calmness of the moment, their faces illuminated by the warm light. The gentle breeze carried the scent of the blossoms, and each petal that fell seemed to whisper a promise of new beginnings.

Heeseung, Jake, and the others sat close, their smiles filled with love, and Sunoo realized how lucky he was—not by chance, but by the strength of the bonds they had forged together.

“I’m really lucky, aren’t I?” Sunoo whispered, his voice soft.

“No” Sunghoon replied, his voice steady, “It’s love, Sunoo-yah. We’re here because we love you.”

In that quiet moment, with the cherry blossoms gently falling around them, Sunoo felt the weight of everything they’d been through, but also the peace that came from knowing it was behind them. The world had been cruel, but here, with those he loved, it finally felt right. 

The final chapter had closed on the pain of the past, and the new chapter that began now was filled with nothing but hope, peace, and the beautiful simplicity of being together.

And for the first time in a long while, Sunoo allowed himself to truly believe that no matter what came next, everything would be okay.

The end.

Chapter Text

Hello my lovelies~!!!!! 

“Dear Star, where are you?”  has officially ended.

Are you all satisfied with the ending? I hope so~!

To those who have supported me since the start, I want to sincerely thank you with my heart for your kind words! If it weren’t for you guys i don’t think i can finish this story… no srsly, at the start it was just a mere start of random writing that popped into my head, but as it progressed I can see how you guys want to know what will happen, and I can’t help but finish it!

SO THANK YOU!

Anyway, in chapter 9 i had mentioned that i will post the last 2 chapters. Well, a little fact, this was supposed to be a bittersweet ending. Yes, it is not a happy ending like what you guys had just read. But when I had read back on that bittersweet ending, I figured that it was too cruel. So, yeah, I made another ending, the happy ending! (that is why it took me a little while to upload!)

It is what all of you deserve!

What are your thoughts on this story? I hope it left an impression to all of you~

So long my lovelies~ Author Nin will now log off, until next time~