𝟮 𝗛𝗢𝗧 | 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗵𝘆𝘂𝗰𝗸 || 𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗪

𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄

Once Haechan resumed his medication, there was a noticeable shift in his demeanor. The haunted, distant look in his eyes was gradually replaced by something softer, albeit tinged with vulnerability. His movements, once erratic and unpredictable, became more deliberate, as if each step was a conscious effort towards normalcy. However, with this newfound stability came an intense clinginess. Haechan stuck close to Mark and Hope, his presence almost constant.

Mark and Hope adjusted to Haechan's new need for proximity with patience and understanding. Whether it was sitting pressed side-by-side on the couch or following them around the house as they went about their daily routines, Haechan seemed to find comfort in their mere presence. It was as if he feared that solitude would bring back the chaos of his recent past.

Jaemin and Renjun noticed the change too. During their group hangouts, Haechan would always ensure he was near Mark or Hope, often grabbing their hands or leaning against them. This behavior was starkly different from his previous independence, and it raised eyebrows.

One evening, as they all gathered at a local café, Jaemin leaned over to Renjun, his voice low. "Have you noticed how Haechan's been acting? It's like he can't stand to be alone."

Renjun nodded, his expression one of concern. "Yeah, it's a bit unusual. Do you think we should talk to him about it? Maybe he needs more support."

Before Jaemin could reply, Hope, who had overheard the conversation, intervened. "Actually, guys, I'd appreciate it if we didn't push Haechan on this. He's going through something very personal, and he's not ready to talk about it more broadly."

Jaemin and Renjun exchanged a glance, then nodded in understanding. "Of course, Hope. We're here for him, just want to make sure he's okay," Jaemin responded, his tone reassuring.

"Thank you," Hope said, her smile grateful but tired. "He's dealing with a lot, and right now, he just needs us to be there for him. No questions asked."

Their concern didn't wane, but Jaemin and Renjun agreed to respect Haechan's privacy and Hope's request. They continued to include Haechan in all their plans, ensuring he felt supported and part of the group, even if they didn't understand the full scope of his struggles.

Meanwhile, Hope and Mark took turns staying close to Haechan, providing him with the reassurance he seemed to desperately need. They were the only ones, aside from Ms. Kim, who knew the true depth of Haechan's turmoil, the dark memories of his time in the psychiatric ward, and the accidental death that haunted him.

One afternoon, while sitting in the park, Haechan leaned against Hope, his head on her shoulder. "I'm really trying to get better," he murmured, almost as if confessing.

"We know, Haechan. We see how hard you're working, and we're so proud of you," Hope replied, her voice soft and encouraging.

Mark, sitting on Haechan's other side, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, man. It's a journey, right? We're with you every step of the way."

The gym was mostly empty, save for the rhythmic thuds of gloves against punching bags and the occasional clink of weights. Jisung and Jeno had found their rhythm in the boxing ring, an activity that had started as a way to blow off steam but had quickly become a regular part of their routine. The physical exertion was a welcome distraction from the complexities of their lives.

As they moved around the ring, their jabs and hooks more about technique than power today, the atmosphere was charged with a friendly competitiveness. Jeno, who had been working on his uppercut, was eager to show off his progress.

"Watch this," Jeno said, his voice laced with excitement, as he executed a particularly sharp uppercut that skimmed past Jisung's guard.

"Nice one!" Jisung exclaimed, impressed despite himself. He threw a playful jab in response, which Jeno easily dodged.

The back-and-forth continued, each move bringing them physically closer. The air between them was filled with laughter and the sound of their breaths, heavy from exertion. However, the nature of their interaction shifted subtly as they continued to spar. Their movements became less about the sport and more about the thrill of proximity.

In a moment that felt suspended in time, Jisung feinted a left hook and as Jeno moved to dodge, they collided. Their faces mere inches apart, the intensity of the moment took them by surprise. Jisung's heart raced, his chest heaving not just from the physical exertion but from the sudden realization of his proximity to Jeno.

Before he could step back, Jeno's hand reached up, steadying him by the shoulder. The look in Jeno's eyes was unreadable, but it was enough to make Jisung's breath catch. In a split second, driven by a surge of adrenaline and something deeper he hadn't acknowledged until now, Jisung leaned in and kissed Jeno.

The kiss was brief but charged with an intensity that neither of them had expected. As they pulled apart, the reality of what had just happened settled in. Jisung's eyes widened, a mix of confusion and revelation crossing his features.

"I—I gotta go," Jisung stammered, the weight of his realization that he might have feelings for Jeno crashing down on him. Without waiting for a response, he quickly grabbed his gym bag and left, leaving Jeno standing alone in the ring, his expression a complex tapestry of surprise and contemplation.

As Jisung hurried out of the gym, his mind raced. He had never considered his feelings for Jeno could be anything more than friendship. The kiss had unearthed something within him—a crush that he hadn't allowed himself to recognize. The mix of exhilaration and fear made his stomach churn. What did this mean for their friendship? What if Jeno didn't feel the same way?

Meanwhile, Jeno was left in the quiet aftermath, his gloves hanging by his side. He touched his lips, the feeling of Jisung's still lingering. The unexpected kiss had opened a door he hadn't even known was there. Did he have similar feelings for Jisung? The gym felt suddenly too vast and empty, echoing with the shock of the moment.