• I CHOOSE YOU TOO • - ateez

9

Contains: mentions of self h*rm

It had been one week since Jongho had been in the mental facility. He was told that he would probably stay there for a little under a month. To him it already felt like a year. He cried every night and didn't speak to anyone since he got there. Unless it was to complain or hopelessly yell for attention. The people staying in the rooms around him thought he was scary. They didn't want to talk to him.

Jongho was sitting on his bed. Picking at his scars as he normally did. Suddenly there was a hard knock at the door. Jongho didn't bother to say anything. The nurses had the keys to every door anyways. They don't need him to answer.

"Good morning Jongho it's time to get up." Jongho's psychologist, Dr. Lim, said sweetly as she opened the door. "Oh looks like you're already up. Good job."

Jongho only looked at her then looked down at his hands. Honestly he liked to have her in the room with him. But he wouldn't admit it.

"Now what did Dr. Byeon say about picking at your scars?" She asked referring to his doctor.

Jongho again only looked at her but obeyed and put his hands down.

"Good." She cooed and gave him two cups. One with medicine and one with water. "Now, I know you don't like taking your medicine but you need to before you go to breakfast."

Jongho only shook his head.

She sat on the bed next to Jongho and held his hand. "I know this is hard. You're away from home, family, and friends. But we are here to take care of you, so you will be better when you see them again."

Jongho squeezed her hand as she spoke. Tears slowly filled his eyes. He tried his best to hold them back but he couldn't. A small sob escaped his lips. Dr. Lim frowned and hugged Jongho. She rubbed his back as he cried onto her shoulder.

~

Jongho gasped as he opened his eyes. He sat up and looked around. He was in his dorm. The sun was barely up and wooseok was still asleep. Jongho felt his heart beating fast. He took deep breaths as he got out of bed. He opened his drawer taking out his anxiety medication. He normally didn't take it at this time in the morning but he needed to calm down. He drank some water from the sink to help wash it down.

Jongho looked in the mirror. He slowly touched his scar that was on his neck. It didn't hurt anymore. He could cough, speak, cry, and sing comfortably now. It had been some time since Jongho had harmed himself so he was proud of himself.

Eventually Jongho got back in bed and stared at the ceiling. He practiced his breathing and everything else he was taught to deal with his anxiety. He closed his eyes to go back to sleep. Suddenly he got a phone call. After seeing who was calling he quickly answered.

"Hi." He whispered happily over the phone. "Are you at work?" Jongho tried his best to stay quiet.

Wooseok turned over and opened his eyes. He stayed quiet hearing Jongho on the phone. Jongho didn't seem to notice he woke up.

"I couldn't go back to sleep so I'm glad you called." Jongho said to the phone. "I miss you.. when will I see you?"

Wooseok was surprised. He didn't know Jongho had a partner. Not that they had ever talked about dating. It wasn't too surprising. But he was a little nosy and listened to their conversation.

"Just sneak up to my room." Jongho said with a small laugh. "Yeah I have a roommate. But it's fine."

Wooseok raised a brow trying his best to keep his eyes closed so Jongho wouldnt notice he was awake. Maybe he should ask Jongho later.