You Rock My World

And he was the only one

Although Seonghwa didn't like that Hongjoong seemed upset, he was a bit relieved he'd gone back to sleep so that he and the rest of the members had a chance to run through his song.

Although his expectations had been low—since he himself had hardly even gotten a chance to learn his part—the practice went incredibly well. They'd decided to split the line distributions amongst themselves and Seonghwa and Mingi had chosen to do the raps.

Seonghwa had always secretly liked rapping but he had never been confident enough to try it on a stage before. He had heard Mingi rap a few times in other songs as he had coordinated them with Seonghwa before when they were in Wonderland.

He was pretty nervous since his rap would be at the very start of the song. And he'd be rapping right to Hongjoong.

But overall...he was mostly really, really excited to surprise him.

He was going to be blown away.

Seonghwa couldn't stop the goofy grin from sliding across his cheeks and his members noticed.

"Hongjoong hyung's really going to love this," Yeosang smiled and the others nodded.

"Yeah," Seonghwa said quietly, smiling at his feet as he shuffled them on the ground.

"Okay, well we should probably go back to our rooms so that Hongjoong hyung doesn't get suspicious," Jongho called out and everyone nodded, packing up their stuff.

Mingi and Yunho came over to help Seonghwa grab his guitar case and load everything inside before rushing him off, as he was given the task of stalling Hongjoong. He made his way back ahead of the rest of them and was relieved to see an empty hallway when he returned. Cautiously, he opened the door to the bedroom.

There was Hongjoong, awake. On his laptop.

"Joong...I thought you said you were going to sleep."

"Were you playing guitar?! Seonghwa! You're supposed to be taking it easy!"

Hongjoong had immediately changed the conversation, grabbing the case from him and putting it away.

"I'm sorry. It's just—I heard about the big audition. And I don't want to be the weak link because I was sitting out..."

"Hwa, I don't know if you should play on the stage. You'll have to stand for the whole set and have the guitar strapped over your shoulder. Plus, dancing and moving around won't be good for your injury—"

"Hongjoong. I love you. But I can't take your worrying anymore. I know my own body. I can do it."

Hongjoong stood still, looking away.

"It's not that I don't think you can do it. It's that I don't want you to be in pain up there."

"I'll hardly feel it. Besides, I couldn't miss our first big performance as a group. I'd feel so guilty leaving the members with only one leader."

Hongjoong crossed his arms.

"You don't think I get that?!"

Seonghwa was startled by the sudden shift. Hongjoong was looking at him like he'd said something wrong.

And then it clicked.

The elevator. The Rock Festival.

Hongjoong had never gotten a chance to perform with his band.

In fact, Seonghwa realized—he'd never performed at all.

And he was the only one.

"Hongjoong...I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that."

"It's not like I wanted to miss it either. I even rode all the way there in a taxi just to see your stupid face—crutches and all. I know what it feels like," Hongjoong mumbled as tears started forming in his eyes.

"Hongjoong, I'm sorry. I'm sorry you didn't get to perform. And I'm really sorry I haven't been more aware of that."

"It's fine. It just really fucking sucked."

Seonghwa walked over to him to offer his arms but Hongjoong turned away.

"I just...don't think it's a fair comparison," Seonghwa said quietly.

"What the hell does that mean?"

"I'm just saying, you fell down multiple stories in an elevator and could hardly walk. All I did was break a few ribs..."

"Oh, so because you're mobile you think it's fine to overexert yourself in order to 'save the band'? Like we can't do it without you?"

Seonghwa took a step back.

"I didn't say that. I know you guys are talented. I just know that I'm able to perform."

"I don't want you to."

"Is that because I'm injured or because you're mad at me?"

Hongjoong groaned, grabbing his hair.

"Do you hear yourself?? Of course it's because I'm worried about you!"

"Then why won't you tell me why you walked out of practice? I think we both know it had something to do with me."

"Fine! I'm mad at you! Is that what you want me to say?? I'm mad because you risked your fucking life for a worthless piece of shit who never once treated you like a fucking human being and never will!"

Seonghwa didn't know how to respond. Hongjoong continued.

"See! This is why I didn't tell you! Because I'm a horrible fucking person! I'm dating the sweetest, most caring man I've ever met in my life and I'm jealous because he saved his ex from throwing himself off a building!"

Seonghwa moved forward and in one swift motion, pulled Hongjoong up into his arms, carrying him on his front. Hongjoong put his arms around Seonghwa's neck, burying his face in his shirt.

"I'm sorry I'm such a shitty boyfriend," Hongjoong mumbled into the fabric.

Seonghwa couldn't believe he was still apologizing.

"If you're shitty then I'm a fucking dumpster fire of a boyfriend."

"Don't say that, you're a g—"

"Hongjoong. I mean it. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. No matter what you do or say it's always right. You're so patient. So trusting. So caring. So perfect. And I won't let you say you are anything less than that. So stop it."

Seonghwa had switched to a cute voice, pouting at Hongjoong's self-deprication.

"I don't think I'll ever agree but...okay. I'll try to be less hard on myself...if it makes you happy."

"Anything that makes you happy makes me happy."

"Well making you happy is my favorite thing."

Seonghwa smiled, setting Hongjoong back on the ground after stealing a rapid kiss.

"See, I can hold you. And—no offense—but you are much heavier than a guitar. Please...can I practice with the band today?"

Hongjoong looked like he still wanted to say no, but he nodded.

"But you have to tell me if you feel any pain at all, okay? Even just a little. We'll do this carefully. I don't want you to push your limits."

Seonghwa smiled clapping his hands excitedly.

"Thank you. I won't let you down, Joongie."

"You could never let me down."