"So... we're combining groups?" Jake questioned. "Like right now?"
Nobody dared to breathe as they waited for an answer.
"Correct."
(Tragedy strikes Be:Lift when the company's partner suddenly pulls out of their contract. Quickly going bankrupt, the...
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TW: references implied sexual content and death
~~~~~
Hospital (Round Two) || 1/4
11:59 a.m.
Heeseung could have mistaken Beomgyu for being asleep, had it not been for the paperwork at the foot of the bed labeling him as a comatose patient.
The young boy looked so peaceful lying there in his hospital gown, chest rising and falling rhythmically. It was hard to believe that he wasn't just taking a nap and that his bright eyes wouldn't soon open again, cheeky and ready to cause mischief everywhere he went. The door creaked and Heeseung glanced up, watching Taehyun shuffle into the room. Two women followed behind; a doctor and a nurse.
"It's okay if you're not ready to try again," Heeseung quietly said. "I don't want you to put yourself through any more pain."
"I'm okay," Taehyun whispered back. "I've calmed down a bit since the last time."
Heeseung nodded. "If you're sure, then go ahead."
Taehyun took a deep breath, resting a hand on the edge of Beomgyu's bed.
"Beomgyu," he whimpered. His face immediately flushed with embarrassment and he cleared his throat, trying again in a stronger voice, "Beomgyu."
No movement.
He gently cupped the sleeping boy's cheek. "It's me, Taehyun. Can you hear me?"
Nothing.
Taehyun let out a quiet huff of frustration.
"Beomgyu," he said a little louder. "Please wake up."
Still nothing.
Taehyun turned around to face the doctor. "It's not working. This is stupid."
Heeseung caught Taehyun's arm as the younger boy tried to flee the room. "Taehyun, I know this is hard. I'm really sorry. You can stop if you want, but Beomgyu needs you. He loved you, and you're the strongest connection he has to-"
"Why are you saying 'loved?'" Taehyun's face scrunched up as he dropped to his knees, touching his chest in anguish. "It's not 'loved.' He's still here. He's still here!"
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Heeseung crouched beside him, hugging the younger boy. "I meant love."
"Beomgyu!" Taehyun shouted hoarsely from Heeseung's arms. "Wake up. Please. Wake up!"
He scrambled out of Heeseung's grasp, fighting to reach Beomgyu's bedside. The nurse sharply inhaled, taking a step forward.
"Wait," the doctor whispered. "Give him another minute."
"Ma'am, he's going to rip his stitches."
"We won't let it get to that point." The doctor glanced down at her clipboard, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Besides, we're running out of time. I'd rather deal with wound dehiscence than brain death."
