Downfall || Seongjoong

- seventy-seven -

Hongjoong || Seonghwa

The next morning dawns with a quiet stillness, the events of the previous night lingering in the air. I wake up early, my mind already racing with thoughts of what needs to be done. Wooyoung and San are still asleep in the living room, the blankets tangled around them. Hongjoong stirs beside me, his eyes slowly fluttering open.

"Morning," he murmurs, stretching his arms above his head.

"Morning," I reply, leaning in to give him a quick kiss. "We should get ready. I think we should visit Yunho, Mingi, and Jongho today. They probably don't know Wooyoung is back."

Hongjoong nods, sitting up and running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, Yunho was really worried about both Wooyoung and Yeosang. We should let them know what's going on."

After getting dressed and having a quick breakfast, we gently wake Wooyoung and San. Wooyoung looks more rested but still carries the weight of his guilt and sorrow in his eyes. San stays close to him, offering silent support.

"We're going to see Yunho, Mingi, and Jongho," I tell them as they rub the sleep from their eyes. "I think it's best if we all go together."

Wooyoung nods, a flicker of apprehension crossing his face. "Okay. I... I need to see them."

The drive to Yunho's place is quiet, the car filled with a tense anticipation. When we arrive, Yunho is the first to greet us, his eyes widening in surprise as he sees Wooyoung.

"Wooyoung!" he exclaims, pulling him into a tight hug. "I can't believe you're back! I've been so worried about you."

Wooyoung hugs him back, a small smile forming on his lips. "I'm sorry, Yunho. I'm sorry for everything."

Mingi joins us, his expression a mix of relief and confusion. "It's good to see you, Woo. But... where's Yeosang?"

Wooyoung's smile falters, and he looks down, unable to meet their eyes. "I... I don't know. We got separated."

Just then, Jongho appears in the doorway, his eyes narrowing as he sees Wooyoung. "Where's Yeosang?" he demands, his voice tight with worry.

"We don't know," San replies gently, then turns to Jongho with a firm look. "He said he doesn't know, Jongho. Stop asking him questions that make him uncomfortable."

Jongho's eyes widen with worry and disbelief. "How can you not know?" he exclaims, his voice rising. "What if something happened to him? What if he's hurt or lost somewhere?"

I step closer to Jongho, trying to calm him down. "Jongho, please, we're all worried, but getting worked up won't help."

"But what if he's in danger?" Jongho continues, his voice trembling. "What if he's hurt and can't find help? What if—"

"Jongho, we understand," Hongjoong interjects softly, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We're just as scared as you are. But we need to stay focused and calm."

Jongho looks around at us, his eyes filled with fear and desperation. "What if he's been taken? What if... what if he's all alone and terrified right now?"

Wooyoung's face crumples with guilt, tears welling up in his eyes. "I'm sorry," he whispers, his voice breaking. "I'm so, so sorry."

I move to stand beside Wooyoung, offering him a supportive presence. "We will find him, Jongho," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "But we need to work together. Panicking won't help us."

Jongho's fists clench at his sides, his breathing ragged. "I just can't stop thinking about all the things that could be happening to him. He needs us, and we're standing here not knowing where he is."