Soulmates / HEEJAKE

Comfort

"Jungwon-ah, open up,"

"Don't bother, hyung. I won't hear anything else."

"It's me, Sunghoon."

Upon hearing the name, Jungwon finally decided to unlock the door.

----

Sunoo entered the room by nudging Niki aside with his shoulder. Niki was standing at the door, looking at Jake with emotionless eyes.

He sat beside him gently, considering the state of the elder. Jake probably didn't notice him since his head was on his folded arms, which were resting on his knees.

Sunoo provided a gentle rub on Jake's back. Jake raised his torso slowly and looked at Sunoo. His eyes showed hurt.

'He is suffering,' Sunoo thought.

Jake weakly smiled, which made Sunoo even sadder. A downward pout appeared on his face as he felt sympathetic.

"It's okay to cry, you know," Sunoo said.

A small chuckle left Jake's lips. "I know, don't worry."

"Hyung, you are too strong... but you are also stupid," Sunoo continued.

Jake first smiled but then frowned.

"Sorry for eavesdropping, but you shouldn't let go of your relationship just because Jungwon wants you to," he added.

"It's not only because of Jungwon, but also because I can't bear to lose you guys. My members are everything I have, and I can't bear to cause any of you inconvenience because of us.

I'm here thanks to all of your help, and the thought that I might hold you all back breaks my heart."

Jake is intelligent, and thinking about the future is not bad, but he should have done it earlier, before their relationship started.

At that time, it wouldn't have hurt as much as it's killing him now.

"I understand your feelings completely. Our bond as a group is so strong, and each member is an essential part of that.

We're a team, and together we'll support and uplift one another. Remember... every journey has its ups and downs, hyung, but the strength of our unity will help us overcome any challenges that come our way," Sunoo said.

"These are the most intellectual words Jake has ever heard coming from Sunoo."

"But the unity is falling apart... this time the sacrifice is ours to make."

"You are making me mad, hyung. Why are you so selfless? Why don't you complain? Why don't you fight? Is your love that weak? If yes, then go ahead and end it."

Jake's love for Heeseung; weak... impossible. If anything, he learned in the past six months that his life was incomplete without the other. It put him in a somber mood since Sunoo is questioning his devotion.

"He's right," suddenly a voice was heard from outside the door. Jay nudged Niki aside like Sunoo and went near them.

"I am sure, at least for once, other members can sacrifice a part of our egoistic souls to protect the people we love. You are not the only one who loves us; we all love you guys the same.

And as for Niki and Jungwon, both of them are just angry. Once they calm down, everything will go back to normal," Jay smiled at the end of his words.

Sunoo hugged Jake, who seemed grateful to both of them.

"We love you, hyung." The words brought tears to Jake's eyes. He hugged the younger tighter.

Jay smiled at the scene and ruffled Jake's hair. Despite them bickering 24/7, they deeply care for each other.