SEVENTEEN | SICKFICS - HURTFICS I

JunHao | Leukemia Part I

"Jun, are you sure we can make this work?" Minghao asked, concern etched on his face as they sat together on their small couch.

Jun smiled softly, taking Minghao's hand. "I promise, Hao. I'll work hard to give us a good life. You mean everything to me."

Minghao sighed, glancing away. "But my parents... they don't accept us. What if they never do?"

"We'll show them, won't we? Love doesn't have to fit their mold," Jun replied, his voice steady. "We'll create our own happiness."

Minghao looked into Jun's eyes, searching for reassurance. "You really believe that?"

"Absolutely," Jun said, squeezing his hand. "Let's delve into our dreams together. I'll find a job that pays well, and we'll build a future."

Minghao smiled, albeit faintly. "I just want you to be happy too. I don't want you to sacrifice everything for me."

Jun chuckled softly. "Being with you is my ultimate happiness. We're a team, remember?"

Minghao leaned closer, his heart warming. "Yeah, I know. But it's still tough."

"We'll face it together," Jun said confidently. "Every challenge, side by side."

Jun returned home late one evening, his hands stuffed in his pockets, a tired smile on his face. Minghao looked up from the couch, worry flickering in his eyes.

"Jun, you're home! I was starting to get worried. How was work?" Minghao asked, trying to mask his concern.

"Busy! You know how it is," Jun replied, avoiding eye contact as he rummaged through the fridge. "Just... long hours, nothing to stress about."

Minghao raised an eyebrow. "Long hours? You didn't mention it was that busy. Are you okay? You look exhausted."

"I'm fine, really," Jun insisted, grabbing a bottle of water. "Just need to get used to the routine."

Minghao stepped closer, sensing something off. "Jun, if you're working too much, you can tell me. We're in this together."

Jun turned, forcing a smile. "I appreciate it, but I want to make sure we have everything we need. You deserve the best, Hao."

"But at what cost?" Minghao countered, his voice growing more concerned. "I don't want you to burn out. We can make it work, you don't have to do this alone."

"I know," Jun said, his expression softening. "But I can handle it. Just a little extra effort, that's all."

Minghao frowned. "Extra effort? Jun, I want you to be happy too, not just working all the time."

Jun hesitated, the weight of his secret pressing on him. "I promise I'm okay. Just... give me some time to adjust."

Minghao crossed his arms, unconvinced. "You're sure you're not hiding something from me?"

Jun looked down, guilt creeping in. "I just want to give you a good life, Hao. I'll make it worth it."

Minghao sighed, his heart heavy. "Just... please, don't shut me out. We're supposed to share everything."

"I know, I know," Jun replied softly. "I promise I'll talk to you. Just... trust me a little longer?"

Days turned into weeks, and Jun continued to push through his exhausting routine, masking his fatigue with practiced smiles. One evening, Minghao noticed the telltale signs—a slight tremor in Jun's hands as he poured himself a drink.

"Jun, are you really alright?" Minghao asked, concern deepening in his voice. "You seem off lately."

"I'm just tired from work," Jun replied quickly, forcing a laugh. "You know how it is—busy season!"