Pains Of Stray Kids

Crimson Shadows 4

tw:

- blood reference

- fainting

- psychiatric ward

- sui* reference

this is the very last part of the short series 'Crimson Shadows' ! a very big thank you to all you readers for enjoying each part, and especially for being so patient and understanding when it came to postponing chapters. i'm beyond grateful for all your comments !

p.s: this chapter's veryy long !

(chapter is a little more mature !)

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"I assure you that there's nothing to worry about," the doctor informed Chan and Hyunjin with a calm and steady voice, aiming to ease their evident anxiety. "It was only because of the drugs we had given him that slurred his speech. He is feeling groggy and a bit disoriented, but these effects will wear off soon. We've done a couple of tests, and I can assure you that there is no brain injury."

The pair exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting a mixture of relief and lingering concern. They both nodded in understanding, but Hyunjin, with his brows furrowed into a delicate frown, raised his head slightly. This subtle gesture signified that he had an important question weighing on his mind.

"What about his arm? How long will it take for him to heal?" he blurted out, his voice tinged with urgency, a frantic expression evident on his face. "He'll still be able to dance and sing like he has for the past seven years, right?"

The doctor smiled reassuringly, his demeanor suggesting that he understood the significance of those concerns. "The healing process will take around 8 to 12 weeks due to the severity of his injury," he explained, choosing his words carefully.
"However, I want you to know that he's going to be alright, and before you know it, he'll be back to his old self. I advise that he avoids any mobility activities during this time so that his arm and body can rest properly. Once he's fully recovered, Jeongin will indeed be able to get back to dancing and singing. Please ask your manager to put him on a hiatus during this period."

Chan exhaled deeply, a sense of genuine gratitude washing over him. "We have already. Thank you," he said sincerely, extending his hand to shake the doctor's before the pair gathered their belongings and made their way out of the hospital.

Once outside, they were greeted by the cold, crisp air, and the ground was blanketed in a layer of fresh, white snow. "So... what now?" Chan asked as they trudged down the pavement, the crunch of snow beneath each step echoing their silent thoughts.

Hyunjin paused for a moment, contemplating their options. "We could... go see Felix?" he suggested tentatively. However, Chan sighed in response, a sound that was laced with resignation and a hint of frustration. "You know how he is, Jinnie," Chan mumbled, kicking at a ball of snow that had collected by the edge of the sidewalk. "He doesn't want to see any of us. He... rejected us."

Hyunjin sucked his teeth in annoyance, shaking his head in disapproval of Chan's perspective. "I've said this a million times. He didn't reject us. Felix didn't reject us," he insisted, his tone passionate and firm.

"Then why doesn't he see us the same anymore?" Chan interrupted, his voice rising slightly in protest. Hyunjin, however, wasn't ready to let the matter go.

"Because his perspective is different from ours!" Hyunjin countered, his eyes wide with intensity. "It may seem like he rejected us, but what about him? Doesn't Lix think it's the other way around? We rejected him. Even when he was in his hardest moments, we rejected him. That's why he doesn't want to speak to us anymore. Felix doesn't see any of his members the same."