Echos of Us | Markhyuck

eleven

Haechan,

I can't remember a time when I didn't love you. It's as if my heart was always yours, even before we met. Every memory I have is colored by you-your laugh, your smile, the way you always made everything brighter.

I'm sitting here next to you, and I'm scared. I'm scared of the silence that's coming, of the day when I won't be able to hear your voice. I've written so many letters to you over the years, but this one feels different. It feels like a goodbye, and I'm not ready to say it.

I hope you know that loving you has been the best part of my life. You've given me more than I could ever ask for, and I'll carry you with me always. But right now, I don't know how I'll keep going without you.

I love you, Haechan. Always, forever, and in ways I can't even put into words.

Yours,

Mark

-

The days had become a blur of moments that felt suspended in time. Mark stayed by Haechan's side constantly, refusing to leave him for even a second. He barely slept, watching over Haechan as his condition worsened, each day bringing a new level of pain.

Haechan's body had become weak, almost too delicate to touch. His breaths were shallow, and his voice had grown faint, but his spirit was still there, as bright as ever, even in the face of the inevitable. The love between them hung in the air, an unbreakable bond that no illness could destroy.

Mark sat at the edge of Haechan's bed, holding his hand gently. They didn't need words anymore. Everything had been said in their letters, in the countless conversations over the years. Now, it was about being together in the time they had left.

"I wish we had more time," Mark whispered, his voice raw with emotion.

Haechan turned his head slightly, his lips curving into a weak smile. "We made the most of it, didn't we?"

Mark nodded, though his heart ached with the thought of losing him. "Yeah, we did."

They sat in the silence for a while, memories flooding Mark's mind-memories of laughter, late-night talks, shared dreams, and whispered promises. Every moment with Haechan had been precious, but now those moments felt unreal, knowing that there wouldn't be... anymore.

-

One by one, their friends came to say goodbye. The air was heavy with sadness, but also with love and respect for the bond that Mark and Haechan had shared. It was clear to everyone just how much they had meant to each other.

Johnny, Taeyong, and Ten were the first to arrive. They entered the room quietly, their faces etched with grief as they approached the bed. Mark stood up as they came closer, giving them space to say goodbye to Haechan.

Johnny knelt beside Haechan, his usual confident demeanor replaced by the weight of the moment. He reached out, placing a gentle hand on Haechan's shoulder. "I may not have known you for long, but from Mark's stories of you, I know you are the brightest person ever. You've been so strong, Haechan. We're all so proud of you."

Haechan's eyes fluttered open, and he smiled faintly. "Thanks, Johnny. I'm glad you're here."

Taeyong stood beside Johnny, his eyes red from holding back tears. "You're surrounded by people who love you, Haechan. Don't ever forget that."

Haechan's voice was barely a whisper, but the love in it was clear. "I won't... I promise."

Ten leaned in, his hand resting on Mark's shoulder in support. "You've always been the light in our lives but especially in Mark's, Haechan. We'll carry that with us, no matter what."

Mark watched as each of them said their farewells, his heart breaking a little more with each passing moment. Haechan had been their friend, their brother, and now they were losing him.

Later in the day, Kun, Renjun, Jaemin, and Jeno arrived. They stood in the hallway for a moment, gathering the strength to enter the room. When they did, the air seemed to shift, heavy with the sadness of impending loss.

Renjun was the first to step forward. He sat beside Haechan, his hands trembling slightly as he took one of Haechan's frail hands in his own. "I don't know what to say," Renjun whispered, his voice cracking. "You've always been there for me, and I'll never forget that."

Haechan gave a small nod, his eyes flickering open to meet Renjun's. "You'll be okay," he whispered. "I know you will."

Kun stepped forward next, his eyes filled with unshed tears. "You've fought so hard, Haechan. You've been so brave through all of this."

Haechan smiled faintly, though it was clear the effort was taking its toll. "Thanks, Kun for everything."

Jaemin and Jeno approached the bed together, their hands resting on the footboard. They exchanged a glance before Jaemin spoke, his voice thick with emotion. "We're going to miss you, Haechan."

Jeno nodded, tears streaming down his face. "We'll take care of Mark. Don't worry about him."

Haechan's lips twitched into a small smile. "Good. He'll need you."

Mark stood in the corner, his heart heavy as he watched his friends say goodbye. The room was filled with love, but the sadness of the moment made it almost unbearable to be in. This was it-the last time they would all be together like this.

-

As night fell, the house grew quieter. Mark stayed by Haechan's side, his hand never leaving Haechan's. They had talked about everything-about their love, their regrets, their future that would now remain a dream. There was nothing left to say, but the silence between them was filled with a love so deep it didn't need words.

"I'm glad you're here," Haechan whispered, his voice barely a breath.

Mark leaned in, pressing his forehead against Haechan's. "I wouldn't be anywhere else."

Haechan's eyes fluttered closed, his breathing shallow but steady. Mark knew the time was coming, but he wasn't ready. How could he ever be ready to say goodbye to the person who had been his everything?

"I love you, Haechan," Mark whispered, his voice breaking. "I always will."

"I love you too," Haechan murmured, his voice fading. "Forever."

Mark held him close, his tears falling freely as the reality of the moment hit him. This was the end of their journey together. But even in this heartbreak, Mark knew that Haechan's love would stay with him, always.

And in that, Haechan would never truly be gone.