𝙴𝚚𝚞𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 4 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎 | HAOBIN AU

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 26

Hao and Taerae are sitting together outside near the school courtyard. It’s a rare moment of peace between classes, and Taerae, who had skipped his afternoon lecture at the old school, decided to visit Hao for a surprise. They sit on a quiet bench, the breeze gently rustling the trees around them as they talk about anything and everything.

Taerae, full of energy, swings his legs lazily off the side of the bench. "skipping class was worth it just to see your stressed-out face,” he teases, nudging Hao’s shoulder with his. “You’re too serious all the time, babes. You need to loosen up.”

Hao chuckles softly, trying to keep up with his usual playful banter, but something in his chest feels off. His body has been weaker lately, and he hasn’t fully recovered from his episode that morning. Still, he doesn’t want Taerae to worry. He hides the discomfort behind a tired smile.

“I’m fine,” Hao lies, brushing it off. “You just like an excuse to skip class. Don’t pin it on me.”

Taerae laughs, leaning back and closing his eyes against the sun. “Of course I do. I’d skip class any day for my best friend!”

Hao smiles at the warmth in Taerae’s words, but suddenly, a strange wave of dizziness washes over him. His vision starts to blur, and his heart begins pounding in his ears. His body feels unnaturally heavy, as if the ground is pulling him down, and the air around him seems to thicken.

He tries to shake it off, blinking rapidly, but the sensation only worsens. A cold sweat forms on his forehead, and his hands begin to tremble as he grips the bench for support. His chest tightens with each breath, much like that morning, only this time he can’t seem to steady himself.

Taerae notices Hao’s sudden silence and turns to look at him, his brow furrowing in concern. “Hun? You good?”

Hao tries to respond, but his voice is caught in his throat. His vision darkens, and he feels the world tilting beneath him.

“Hao!” Taerae’s voice is sharp now, filled with alarm as he sees Hao’s pale face, the way his body seems to slump forward. “Hey! Hey, stay with me. What’s wrong?”

Hao’s grip on the bench slips, and before he can stop it, everything goes black. His body goes limp, and he collapses, sliding off the bench.

Taerae’s heart lurches as he catches Hao just before he hits the ground. His pulse races as panic floods him. “Hao! Hao, wake up!”

Taerae quickly lowers Hao onto the grass, trying to keep calm, but fear grips him. Hao’s breathing is shallow, his face pale as a sheet, and his body feels limp and lifeless.

“No, no, no,” Taerae mutters under his breath, frantically shaking Hao’s shoulders. “Come on, man, wake up! Don’t do this to me, not now.”

He looks around wildly, searching for someone—anyone who can help—but the courtyard is deserted. Taerae’s hands tremble as he pulls out his phone, quickly dialing emergency services, his voice shaking as he tries to explain the situation.

As he waits, Taerae keeps his eyes on Hao, his heart pounding with fear. “You can’t do this, Hao. You can’t just pass out on me like this. You’re stronger than this. You’ll be okay,” he whispers, more to reassure himself than anything.

Seconds feel like hours as Taerae kneels beside Hao, holding his hand, desperate for any sign that his best friend will be okay. He watches Hao’s chest rise and fall, praying that he’ll wake up soon.

“Please, Hao… Just hang on,” Taerae whispers, his voice breaking as the weight of the situation settles on him.

For the first time, Taerae feels truly helpless, unable to do anything but wait, hoping that help will come soon.