Up All Night | Stray Kids ✓

Goodbye, friend. Hello, Seungmin.

NOTE: BEFORE STARTING THIS CHAPTER, I JUST WANT TO MENTION THAT THIS STORY IS PURELY FICTION AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH REAL-LIFE EVENTS. ANY INCIDENTS SIMILAR ARE PURELY COINCIDENTAL. ALSO, PLEASE READ THE SECOND CHAPTER OF THE STORY AGAIN FOR THE TRIGGER WARNINGS. THANK YOU. 

Seungmin's eyes fluttered open.

The harsh glare of fluorescent lights piercing through the haze clouding his mind. His head throbbed, a dull, persistent ache, as he blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of his surroundings. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled his nostrils, mingling with the distant beeping of monitors.

He turned his head slightly, wincing at the stiffness in his neck. White walls, a curtain partially drawn around his bed, and the rhythmic hum of medical equipment.

I'm back here again. 

How are you, friend?

I hope you're not mad I lied to you, I had to. 

I'm sorry. 

"How are you feeling now? Officer Kim?"

Seungmin turned his head towards the direction of the soft voice that questioned him. He nodded slightly to the doctor.

"I'm... I'm okay. " He said quietly, and the doctor nodded, holding his hands towards his chest as he moved beside Seungmin to change his IV drip.

"You sustained several blows to your abdomen, which caused significant bruising and some internal trauma. We've done a series of tests to assess the extent of your injuries. You also have extensive bruising across your abdominal area," the doctor said without stopping, changing the saline.

I know I'll sound weird if I say this. 

But there's something about this guy, friend. 

Looking at him makes me feel like I'm not the only one who's different. 

Maybe I don't have to be a freak on my own. 

"Will I be okay again?" He asked, and the doctor nodded, moving away from him and standing with his hands behind his back.

"Given the nature of the trauma, You may experience discomfort and soreness for a while. It's important to monitor your condition closely and ensure you get plenty of rest. Fortunately, there are no signs of internal bleeding or major organ damage. However, you'll need some time to heal and regain your strength."

He said, his big doe eyes looking towards the ground, Seungmin sighed and nodded.

"You know what it feels like to be different, don't you?" Seungmin asked, the other doctor shrugged.

No, I'm not pulling his leg. 

I'm talking, a normal conversation for once. 

"I don't know what you mean. " He said nonchalantly. His gaze flickered around the room, briefly landing on Seungmin before darting away again.

"I've been different my entire life..." Seungmin started.

"Sometimes I wish I could be normal like the other people. " Seungmin had always felt like an outsider, even before the recent events that had shattered his sense of identity. Now, he felt like he could finally talk about this to a stranger who might be similar to him.