To See The Moon

Starting Over

     "Channie hyung, Seungmin, Jeongin, don't leave yet."

     The mentioned people stopped in their tracks when Felix called them. They turned towards him, already having an uneasy feeling about what he was going to say.

     "There's a vending machine down the hall. Go get a drink or something, and... talk a little. I have time. I'll be waiting here until the three of you come back, together."

     Felix had clearly decided enough was enough and this day would not end until his friends were finally back together again. He pasted on a sweet smile that told Jeongin, Seungmin, and Chan that even though his left arm was out of commission, he would not hesitate to do some damage if the three did not cooperate.

     And that's how Jeongin, Seungmin, and Chan found themselves awkwardly sipping their sodas, both Seungmin and Chan exchanging glances towards Jeongin.

     Both of them knew it was Jeongin who would have to begin this conversation. After all, he was the one who had to do the forgiving. Seungmin and Chan were more than ready for the three of them to go back to how it was before. But for that to happen, it had to be Jeongin to say what was on his mind and figure out a solution.

     And Jeongin clearly knew that, taking his time to sip from his soda so he wouldn't have to speak just yet. He lifted the can away from his mouth when he gathered his thoughts together.

     "I'm sorry for punching that boy."

     The apology had been so sudden that Seungmin and Chan just remembered the conflict that had begun this all. Jeongin had clearly given it some thought.

     "Chan hyung, you were correct. I went over the line and others got hurt from my actions." Jeongin put his head down. "I know I was in the wrong for that. I promise to be in control and not lash out at those who don't deserve it from now on."

     A thoughtful apology but Seungmin couldn't help but get hungover by Jeongin's wording. Not to lash out at people who don't deserve it. Jeongin was far from letting go of his hatred of his parents' mysterious killer. But Seungmin tried to shake the thought out of his head. It was at least a comfort that Jeongin was going to try to keep his emotions in check and not let himself get consumed by his need for vengeance.

     "I also have something to say," Seungmin said. "Jeongin, your words to us, about us never being able to understand you, have been stuck in my head. I know that Channie hyung and I don't know much about the Alley. But I never want you to think that we're never there for you and you can't ever confide in us. We may not understand much, but we want to."

     Jeongin looked at Seungmin, his stubborn, expressionless face wavering. Seungmin smiled. "You're not any different from us. Don't ever think that. Whatever struggles you have, let us in. Let us help you, just like you can help us."

     "Seungmin hyung..." A smile tugged at Jeongin's face, his fox eyes brightening up. "I guess you're right... you guys have done too much for me. You didn't deserve what I said."

     "Don't apologize," Chan said. "Just say the word, and be our friend again. It might not be easy, but it sure is a hell lot better than whatever this past month was."

     "It's definitely not going to be easy if I have to put up with Seungmin hyung," Jeongin muttered under his breath. Seungmin scoffed and laid his head on Jeongin's lap, ignoring Jeongin's protests and Chan's orders not to put his feet on the hospital chairs.

     Finally, the smile came. Forget colourful posters and cheery balloons, what this dim and gloomy hospital needed was more smiles from Jeongin. "Okays, I'll put up with you guys again!"