It was meant to be (A Seventeen Fic)

59

I am back. I am so sorry for not updating since I don't know how long. I deeply apologize for the wait.

---

As the night goes on, Jeonghan feels exhaustion creeping over him, the weight of his emotions taking its toll. He’s still resting against Seungcheol, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest. The comfort of Seungcheol’s presence is like a balm to his frayed nerves.

“I’m so tired, Seungcheol… Tired of feeling this way.”

Seungcheol runs his fingers gently through Jeonghan’s hair, his touch soothing. “I know, Hannie. You’ve been carrying so much by yourself. You don’t have to do that anymore. I’m here now, and I’m not going to let you go through this alone.”

Jeonghan nods, his eyes fluttering closed. He feels a sense of peace he hasn’t felt in a long time. As he starts to drift off, he mumbles softly. “Will you stay? Just for tonight… I don’t want to be alone.”

Seungcheol smiled softly “Of course, I’ll stay. I’ll be right here when you wake up.”

Jeonghan lets out a small sigh of relief, his breathing evening out as he falls asleep in Seungcheol’s arms. Seungcheol watches him, his heart swelling with a mixture of love and guilt. He knows the hurt Jeonghan felt deeply, but seeing him so vulnerable now, he’s more determined than ever to make things right.

Carefully, Seungcheol shifts them both so they’re lying more comfortably on the couch. He pulls a blanket over them, wrapping an arm around Jeonghan, and holding him close. He listens to the sound of Jeonghan’s breathing, steady and calm, and it soothes him.

Hours pass, and Seungcheol stays awake, watching over Jeonghan. He thinks about the past, the mistakes he made, and the pain he caused. But he also thinks about the future—the possibility of healing, of rebuilding their relationship, and finding happiness together again. The thought fills him with hope.

Eventually, the exhaustion catches up to Seungcheol as well, and he feels his eyes growing heavy. He rests his cheek against Jeonghan’s hair, inhaling his familiar scent, and closes his eyes. His last thought before sleep takes him is a promise to himself and Jeonghan.

Seungcheol whispers “I’ll never leave you again, Hannie. I promise.”

The night passes peacefully, and when morning comes, the first rays of sunlight filter through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Jeonghan stirs first, blinking against the light. For a moment, he’s disoriented, not remembering where he is. But then he feels the warmth of Seungcheol beside him, and everything comes rushing back.

Jeonghan looks at Seungcheol’s sleeping face, his expression soft and peaceful. He reaches out, tracing the line of Seungcheol’s jaw with his fingers. The touch is gentle, almost hesitant as if he’s afraid this moment might disappear.

Seungcheol stirs, feeling the touch, and his eyes slowly open. When he sees Jeonghan looking at him, he smiles a sleepy but genuine smile.

Seungcheol's voice was rough with sleep, “Morning, Hannie.”

Jeonghan smiles back, a small but genuine smile. “Morning”

They stay like that for a moment, just looking at each other, the silence between them is comfortable. It feels like the start of something new, something good. And for the first time in a long time, Jeonghan feels like maybe, just maybe, everything is going to be okay.

Jeonghan softly whispers, “Thank you for staying.”

Seungcheol reached out to brush a strand of hair from Jeonghan’s face, “I meant what I said, Jeonghan. I’m not going anywhere. We’ll figure this out together.”