Jongseob stared down at his screen. The red number next to the small text bubble grew.
1
2
3
4
It grew larger and larger. He knew who it was. It's not that he didn't want to answer, It's that he couldn't.
Ping. Ping. Ping.
7
He shut his eyes, trying his best to avoid the sound. It enveloped him, it was the only thing he could hear.
Ping. Ping.
9
It drove him crazy, it took every bone in his body not to slam his head into the wall behind him every time he heard the noise.
Ping.
10
The tears flew from his eyes.
Ping.
He curled his legs towards himself on the bed.
Ping.
The grips on the bottom of his socks stuck to the thin white sheets.
Ping.
The gown made him feel so exposed, the breeze brushed against his soft skin.
Ping.
14
The number kept growing. He wish he could answer, but everytime he picked up the phone his hands shook to much. The doctor came into the room.
"Okay Mr. Kim Jongseob is that correct?"
"Yes doctor" his breath hitched as he spoke. The bandaids on his arm itched.
"Okay sir I am doctor Park, I am going to go over the standard procedure in a situation like your's. It says here that you are 18 is that correct?"
"yea i'm 18"
Ping. Ping. Ping.
17
"Okay well since you are 18 it is not required that we call your emergency contact, but would you like us to give him a call? It says its someone named Stephen Yoon."
"No please don't" The tears he had managed to hide flowed harder making it obvious to the doctor.
Placing a hand on Jongseob's shoulder the doctor continued. "I know this can be scary Mr. Kim but I promise this will help. Are you okay to go over a list of items strictly prohibited at our facility?"
Ping. Ping. Ping. Ping. Ping.
22
Jongseob shook his head slightly. "Okay, you may not bring any of your own clothing, any hoodies, shoes, or sweatpants, nothing that has laces or jawstrings, you are unable to bring your own undergarments, no stuffed animals, blankets or comfort items are allowed, and lastly sir you will need to hand over your phone."
Ping. Ping. Ping.
"Am I allowed to send one last text?"
"As long as I am able to read what you are typing, for your own safety of course."
He opened the P1Harmony group chat. His hand trembled as he typed out his words carefully.
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