Play with Fire

[December] 17

Hyungwon stopped in front of his mother's room. Hoseok stopped behind him and placed his hands on his shoulders. "I'm by your side. Always." Hyungwon nodded lightly and took a deep breath before he opened the door.

They entered the room and looked around. The two large windows were closed but the curtains were pulled back, so that the sun could shine into the room. Hoseok walked to Hyungwon, who stood by his mother's side and softly held her hand. Silent tears run down his cheeks and Hoseok placed his arm around the younger ones shoulders. Hyungwon turned his head and looked into Hoseoks eyes. The older couldn't imagine the pain the boy felt right now, and, even worse, he couldn't help him at all. He just couldn't take the weight off his shoulders. If he could, he would do it immediately.

About an hour later, the doctor came into the room, followed by two nurses. He greeted Hyungwon and Hoseok with a light bow and then handed Hyungwon a few papers he needed to sign, while the nurses prepared everything. Hyungwon quickly signed the papers and then turned back to his mother. Hoseok looked at the woman. Even though her skin was pale, and her cheeks were sunken, she still was beautiful. Hyungwon shared her face and her hair color. Hoseok wished he had been able to get to know her. Telling her how much and how deeply he loves her son. His eyes filled with tears by the thought of seeing her die.

"Are you ready?"

The doctor turned around and looked at Hyungwon and also Hoseok lifted his head to look at the boy before leaving his place at the window and joining Hyungwon's side. He took his hand and held it tight, while Hyungwon nodded. The doctor looked at his patient one last time, before softly turning off the machines. The room went silent beside the last heartbeats of Hyungwon's mother. After a few seconds, a sharp beep cut through the silence and Hyungwon bursted into tears. His hand fell out of Hoseok's, and he kneeled next to his mother's bed. A small scream found its way out of his mouth and Hoseok flinched. He tried to hug Hyungwon, but the boy just shook him off and buried his face into the corner of his mother's neck, while his hands turned into fists, and he grasped into her shirt. Hoseok felt his own tears running down his cheeks and turned away to look out of the window, hoping he could control himself. He needed to be strong for Hyungwon. But he couldn't get a hold on himself and hid his face behind his hands, Hyungwon's scream still echoing in his ears.

A few hours later they still sat in the room and Hyungwon still held his mother's hand, but he had stopped crying about two hours ago and became very, very silent. Hoseok stretched out his arms to place his hand on the younger one's shoulder when in the same moment, Hyungwon started to whisper something. Hoseok furrowed his brows and tried to focus on the words Hyungwon whispered. Then his eyes widened in surprise. Hyungwon was ... singing.

And we have just one world.

But we live in different ones.

Now the sun's gone to hell.

The moon's riding high.

Let me bid you farewell.

Every man has to die.

But it's written in the starlight.

And every line in your palm.

We're fools to make war.

On our brothers in arms.

Hoseok quietly listened to the lyrics and Hyungwon's soft voice. He did amazing and Hoseok's eyes filled with tears and his body was covered by goosebumps. After Hyungwon stopped singing, the room went silent again, besides his light sobs. Hoseok reached out for him and stood up to hug him. Hyungwon let it happen and broke down in Hoseok's strong arms. He caressed his back and softly placed kisses on the younger's head. Carefully he led Hyungwon out of the room and nodded at the nurses as a sign, that they could now take Hyungwon's mother with them. The lightly bowed and quickly entered the room. Every single staff member they walked by, lowered their head, and showed them their respect. Hoseok nodded at every single one, while Hyungwon clenched onto his arm, blinking through the tears. Nobody knew if he had even perceived them. When they arrived at the car, Hoseok opened the door and carefully placed Hyungwon on the passenger seat. As soon as the door closed, the boy leaned his head against the window and closed his eyes.