SECOND LEAD | JEONGCHEOL [✓]

2.

The next day, Seungcheol noticed Jeonghan's absence at work. Concern immediately washed over him.

It wasn't like Jeonghan to miss work without a heads-up.

Seungcheol's worry deepened when he remembered the emotional turmoil Jeonghan had been through the previous night.

During the lunch break, Seungcheol decided to check on Jeonghan.

He grabbed some soup from a nearby restaurant and headed to Jeonghan's apartment.

When he arrived, he knocked gently on the door, hoping Jeonghan was just resting.

After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing a pale and tired-looking Jeonghan.

"Seungcheol?"

He said, his voice raspy.

"What are you doing here?"

"I was worried about you,"

Seungcheol replied softly, holding up the bag of soup.

"Thought you could use some company and something warm to eat."

Jeonghan managed a weak smile and stepped aside to let Seungcheol in.

"Thanks. I wasn't feeling well this morning, so I decided to stay home."

Seungcheol entered the apartment and set the soup on the kitchen counter.

"You should have called. I would've brought you something earlier."

Jeonghan sat down on the couch, pulling a blanket around himself.

"I didn't want to bother you. You've got enough on your plate."

Seungcheol shook his head and joined Jeonghan on the couch.

"You're never a bother, Jeonghan. You know that."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Seungcheol spoke again.

"How are you feeling, really?"

Jeonghan sighed, his expression becoming somber.

"Last night was tough. Seeing Joshua and Seokmin together... it hurt more than I expected."

Seungcheol smiled gently, then couldn't resist lightening the mood.

"Well, you could start by not crying so much. I mean, you're sick now because you ran out of tears last night."

Jeonghan chuckled weakly, a hint of color returning to his cheeks.

"Maybe you're right. I did feel like I cried an ocean."

"See? That's what happens when you let it all out in one go,"

Seungcheol teased, a playful glint in his eye.