last hope

Chapter 5

Hoseok doesn't sleep. He tosses and turns as he watches the moon from his bedroom window. He can hear Yoongi shuffling around in his own room. When the clock clicks over to 3am, Hoseok drags himself out of bed and grabs his headphones. If there's one thing that will calm his anxious mind, it's dance.

As he scrolls, looking for the right song, he wonders what Yoongi is doing. He pictures his friend sitting at his desk, working on some creative side project and silently cursing himself for not studying for his next exam. Hoseok smiles as he warms up, stretching his legs.

The music starts, and all of Hoseok's anxiety melts away. His mind is empty, the only thing he can think about is the next step, and even that comes naturally. When the song finishes, Hoseok puts it on repeat. The song plays over and over, and Hoseok repeats the choreography until he's sweating and gasping for air.

Eventually he drops to the floor, his legs aching. He checks his phone. 04:30. Hoseok groans, dragging himself up and making his way to the kitchen.

Pouring himself a glass of water, he leans against the counter and sighs. The dancing did him good, but now that the music has stopped, all he can hear is Yoongi typing. Yoongi breathing and sighing and the sound of his chair creaking as he shifts in his seat.

Hoseok downs his water, rubbing his temples. His headache still hasn't shifted. He really needs to sleep.

Leaving the glass in the sink, Hoseok makes his way back to his bedroom. Just as his hand reaches for the door handle, he hears Yoongi begin to sing.

Hoseok bangs his head against his bedroom door. He needs to get out of this apartment. He shuffles around his room, shoving clothes and books and his laptop into a bag.

Hoseok

I'm coming over

He doesn't expect a reply. He grabs his keys on his way out, juggling them to make sure the spare key is still attached to the clunky disco ball keyring. Yoongi won it for him at the amusement park last summer. Hoseok rolls his eyes, shoving the keys into the pocket of his hoodie as he makes his way down the stairs.

Namjoon

Is this a joke? It's not even 5am

Hoseok

Sorry, I just need to get out

Seokjin

What did you do?

Hoseok

Nothing, hyung

Namjoon

I have a feeling that's kinda the point

Hoseok

I'll be there soon

I'm sorry

The walk to Namjoon's apartment is short and straightforward. Hoseok cuts through the park, the moon hanging low in the sky above him. The air is chill, and he hugs his hoodie closer as he hurries into the apartment complex. He should have brought a coat.

The security cameras buzz as he enters, heading for the lift. As he presses the button for the sixth floor, Hoseok catches his reflection in the large dirty mirrors inside the lift. He grimaces. His face is pale, his eyes dark and tired. He looks like shit.

The lift stops, the doors opening onto the sixth floor. Hoseok stumbles towards Namjoon's door, and lifts his hand to knock. Before he has the chance, the door swings open. Namjoon looks at him with a mixture of pity and concern. Hoseok brushes past him into the apartment.