A soft knock on the door interrupted my spiral of thoughts. I didn't respond, hoping they'd go away. But the door creaked open, and Woozi's familiar silhouette appeared in the doorway. He stepped inside, closing the door gently behind him.
"Hey," he said softly, sitting on the edge of the bed. His presence brought a flicker of warmth, but it wasn't enough to thaw the icy numbness in my chest. He didn't push me to speak, just sat there, offering silent support.
After a long moment, I managed to choke out, "I heard them, Woozi. They think I'm useless." The words felt like shattered glass on my tongue, each one cutting deeper as I spoke.
Woozi's eyes softened with understanding. "People say a lot of things they don't mean, especially when they're angry or trying to hurt someone." His voice was gentle, each word a balm to my wounded spirit. "But you know better than to listen to them. You've worked so hard, you've achieved so much. Don't let a few voices drown out everything you've accomplished."
I wanted to believe him, but the weight of those cruel words still hung heavy on my heart, “They do mean it. One of them even looked at me… What if they’re right?” I whispered, the fear and doubt I've tried to bury for so long crawling up from within me.
Woozi's hand found mine, squeezing it reassuringly. "They're not. We all have moments of doubt, times when we feel like we're not enough. But that's why we have each other, to remind us of our worth, to lift us up when we can't do it ourselves."
His words were like a lifeline, pulling me out of the darkness. Slowly, I started to breathe easier, the tightness in my chest loosening. Woozi's unwavering belief in me was a light in the gloom, a reminder that I wasn't alone.
"Thanks," I said, my voice still shaky but stronger. "I needed that."
He smiled, a warm, reassuring smile that reached his eyes. "Anytime. Now, why don't you come join us for brunch? We can face the day together, one step at a time."
I nodded, "You hungry?" Woozi asked gently.
I shook my head, the pit in my stomach refusing to budge. Food wouldn't be able to fill it. I swallowed hard and sighed, feeling the weight of the morning's events still pressing down on me. I didn't want to leave, but I didn't have to. Another knock came, and this time it was Wonwoo who poked his head through the small gap in the door.
"You two coming?" he asked, his tone light but his eyes reflecting concern.
Woozi nodded and smiled as he got up. "We'll be right there," he assured Wonwoo.
"You're coming?" Woozi turned back to me, his expression hopeful.
I shook my head, letting out a small hum. "Not right now," I mumbled, trying to muster a reassuring smile. Woozi nodded, understanding, and followed Wonwoo out of the room.
As soon as the door closed behind them, the room felt overwhelmingly empty. I laid back down, staring at the ceiling, the silence amplifying the ache in my chest. The pain only intensified after Woozi left, the sense of abandonment creeping back in.
I curled up on my side, clutching a pillow to my chest as if it could provide some semblance of comfort. Memories of the harsh words from the protesters played on a loop in my mind, each repetition making the hurt deeper.
Minutes felt like hours as I lay there, lost in my thoughts. The sound of laughter and conversation from the kitchen floated through the door, a stark contrast to the loneliness enveloping me. I wanted to be out there with them, to feel their warmth and support, but the fear of facing more judgment held me back.
Just when I thought I couldn't bear it any longer, the door creaked open again. This time, it was Jeonghan, his tall frame filling the doorway. He didn't say anything, just walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed, mirroring Woozi's earlier position.
"Hey," he said softly, his voice a soothing balm. "You don't have to talk if you don't want to. I just thought you might need some company."
I didn't respond, but the tears I'd been holding back finally spilled over. Jeonghan reached out, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "It's okay to feel this way," he murmured. "We're all here for you, no matter what."
His words broke through the barrier I'd built around my heart. I sat up, leaning into his embrace, letting the tears flow freely. Jeonghan held me, his presence a steady source of comfort.
Eventually, the tears subsided, leaving behind a sense of exhaustion but also a flicker of relief. Jeonghan pulled back slightly, looking at me with a gentle smile. "How about we join the others for brunch?" he suggested. "You don't have to say anything, just be with us."
I nodded slowly. With Jeonghan by my side, the thought of facing the day didn't seem as daunting. We stood up together, and as we walked to the kitchen, I felt a bit lighter, the weight on my chest easing slightly.
Entering the kitchen, the chatter quieted for a moment, all eyes turning towards us. Woozi's face lit up with a relieved smile, and THE8 waved us over enthusiastically. "Finally! We saved you some pancakes," he said, pushing a plate towards me.
I sat down next to Woozi who laid his hand on my tight, which made me feel more warmth as he did that. As I picked up my fork and took a bite, the food tasted better than I expected and yet I felt nauseous after I swallowed it. He glanced at seemingly noticing something.
