Don't Blame Me || Jeongcheol

Chapter 18

The next few days went by in a blur. The members each took their turn to look after Haneul while Jeonghan continued to remain unconscious. One day with Vernon, one day with Joshua, one day with Hoshi.

In between their own responsibilities and the stress of Jeonghan's situation, the members found themselves getting quickly attached to the small child that had found his way into their lives. His sweet demeanor and gentle nature made him an endearing presence despite his earlier outbursts and crying fits.

Seungcheol watched from the sidelines as the other members interacted with Haneul. He could see the bond forming between them, the way the child's presence seemed to bring out their gentle and caring sides. It was a side of the members he had rarely seen before, and it brought a small smile to his face.

Finally, on the fourth day after Jeonghan's accident, the doctor called with the good news.

"Jeonghan's waking up," he said.

The members all exchanged looks of confusion when Seungcheol received the call. They had been eagerly awaiting this moment, hoping with all their hearts that Jeonghan would regain consciousness.

Seungcheol felt a wave of relief wash over him at the doctor's words. He quickly ended the call and turned to the other members, trying to calm the hopeful energy pulsing through his veins.

"He's waking up," he repeated, his voice slightly breathless.

The members all cheered and exchanged excited smiles, their faces lighting up with joy.

"Finally," Joshua said, a sigh of relief escaping his lips.

Seungcheol quietly made his way toward his room, his mind buzzing with the news. As he passed through the hallway, he could hear the faint sound of childish chatter coming from his room. He stopped at the slightly-ajar door and peered inside, a smile forming on his face at the sight that greeted him.

There was Haneul, playing with a small toy car on the bed. His small face was illuminated by a smile, and he was having a one-sided conversation with the toy as he moved it back and forth.

Seungcheol watched the child for a few moments, his heart swelling with affection. The sight of Haneul playing so innocently was a comforting sight to see after the stress of the last few days.

He pushed open the door fully and stepped into the room, his footsteps drawing the child's attention immediately.
"Haneul," he called gently.

The small boy's head snapped up at the sound of his name, his eyes immediately lighting up with a mixture of surprise and joy. He let out a small, delighted gasp and quickly scrambled off the bed, running toward Seungcheol with his arms outstretched.

Seungcheol knelt down and scooped the child up in his arms, holding him close. He could feel the small body trembling slightly with pure excitement as he hugged him tight, and his heart ached with fondness for the boy. Despite their short knowing time he already knew he loved him like his own.

He rocked Haneul gently in his arms, his gaze locked on the child's smiling face. "Did you miss me?" he asked softly.

The child snuggled closer in his arms, his small face burying itself into the crook of his neck. His muffled voice came out in a soft whine as he mumbled something unintelligible, his small arms wrapping around Seungcheol's neck in a stranglehold. He clearly missed him a lot.

"I missed you too," he said, his tone affectionate. He stood up with the child still in his arms.
"The others told me you were very good," he said, walking over to the bed where Haneul had been playing.