PRECIOUS - PARK SEONGHWA

36

The meeting room was buzzing with a sense of urgency and camaraderie as Hongjoong and Siyeon arrived. Wooyoung had invited them and the others to discuss how best to support Seonghwa through the emotional turmoil of the past few days.

"Thanks for coming," Wooyoung said, ushering them inside. "I think it's important we all get on the same page about how to help Seonghwa."

Hongjoong nodded, taking a seat. "He's been through a lot. Finding out his mother has been here all this time, and then the argument with Y/n-it's overwhelming."

Siyeon sat down, her expression both hopeful and anxious. "I want to help him understand why I had to leave, but I'm worried he's not ready to hear it all. I just don't want to lose him again."

"We'll get through to him," San reassured her. "He needs time, but he also needs to know that we're all here for him, ready to support him when he's ready to talk."

Yunho leaned forward, his voice firm. "Seonghwa is strong, but even the strongest people need a support system. We need to show him that we're not going anywhere."

Siyeon nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. "Thank you. I've missed so much of his life, and I'm desperate to make up for it. I just hope he can forgive me."

"Forgiveness takes time," Jongho said gently. "But if he sees that you're genuinely trying to reconnect, it'll mean a lot to him. We just need to approach this with patience."

As they continued to discuss, they devised a plan to gradually reach out to Seonghwa, offering him space and understanding while letting him know that they were available whenever he needed them. They decided to check in with him regularly, ensuring he knew that he wasn't alone.

They also agreed to talk to Y/n, helping her understand Seonghwa's perspective and finding ways to bridge the gap between them. It was clear that Y/n cared deeply for Seonghwa, and they wanted to help mend that relationship as well.

As the meeting drew to a close, San spoke up, his tone resolute. "We're doing this because we all care about Seonghwa. Let's keep communicating and supporting him in every way we can."

Siyeon and the rest of ateez shared a moment of silent solidarity, knowing that the journey ahead would require patience, understanding, and unwavering support.

"Thank you," Siyeon said, her voice filled with gratitude. "For everything. I don't know what I would have done without your help."

Hongjoong smiled warmly. "We're in this together. For Seonghwa."

As they left the meeting room, each of them felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination. They were ready to stand by Seonghwa's side, helping him navigate the complexities of his newfound family and the path to healing.

___________

The days turned into a week, and Seonghwa had barely left his bedroom. The blinds were drawn, casting a dim, gray light over the room. Plates of untouched food lay scattered around, evidence of his disinterest in anything but his own thoughts. He hadn't been to work, nor had he answered any calls or messages. His mind was a turbulent sea of emotions, unable to find solace or direction.

His friends had grown increasingly concerned about his isolation. Wooyoung and Hongjoong had tried by several times, but Seonghwa had been unresponsive to their attempts to reach him. Finally, San, decided it was time to intervene.

San knocked softly on Seonghwa's bedroom door, his voice gentle but firm. "Seonghwa, it's me, San. Can we talk?"

There was no response at first, just the silence of the room. But San persisted, his determination unwavering. "I'm not going anywhere until you let me in, so you might as well open up."

After a few moments, the door creaked open slightly, and San slipped inside. He was taken aback by the sight of his usually vibrant friend looking so withdrawn and defeated.

"Hey," San said, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "We're all worried about you."

Seonghwa sighed, rubbing his eyes. "I just... I don't know what to do, San. Everything feels so overwhelming."

San nodded, understanding. "You've been through a lot. But shutting yourself away isn't going to help you find answers."

"I know," Seonghwa admitted. "I just can't seem to move past everything that's happened."

San placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to do this alone. We're all here for you, and so is your mom. She's been trying to reach out, you know. She wants to see you."

Seonghwa looked away, conflicted emotions crossing his face. "I want to see her too, but I'm scared. What if I can't forgive her? What if things don't change?"

"That's a risk, sure," San replied. "But you owe it to yourself to try. To hear her out. It's the only way you'll ever find peace."

After a long pause, Seonghwa nodded. "Okay. I'll do it. But I need you to be there with me."

San smiled, relieved. "Of course, I'll be there. We all will, if you need us."

With San's support, Seonghwa finally agreed to meet his mother, Siyeon. San arranged the meeting at a quiet café, hoping the neutral setting would provide a safe space for their conversation.

When Seonghwa and San arrived, Siyeon was already there, her eyes lighting up with hope as they approached. She stood up, her hands trembling slightly. "Seonghwa, thank you for coming."

Seonghwa nodded, sitting down across from her. San took a seat beside him, offering silent support.

For a moment, an awkward silence hung in the air before Siyeon spoke, her voice filled with emotion. "I'm so sorry, Seonghwa. For everything. I know I can't change the past, but I want to be here for you now, if you'll let me."

Seonghwa listened as she recounted the struggles and fears that had led to her disappearance. Her words were raw and honest, painting a picture of a woman trapped by circumstances beyond her control, yet determined to make amends.

As she spoke, Seonghwa felt a shift within himself. The anger and resentment he'd held onto for so long began to dissolve, replaced by a deep understanding and empathy for the woman sitting before him.

When she finished, Siyeon looked at him, tears in her eyes. "I've missed so much of your life, but I want to be part of it now. Please, Seonghwa."

Seonghwa took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his emotions lifting. "I forgive you, Mom. I want us to move forward together."

Tears of relief streamed down Siyeon's face as she reached across the table to hold his hand. San watched, his heart swelling with pride for his friend's courage and resilience.

As they left the café, Seonghwa felt a newfound sense of peace. He knew there would be challenges ahead, but with his friends and family by his side, he was ready to face them and build a future filled with hope and understanding.