𝙴𝚚𝚞𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 4 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎 | HAOBIN AU

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 27

The hospital is bustling with activity, the sterile smell of antiseptic filling the air. Bright fluorescent lights illuminate the waiting room where Hanbin stands, his heart pounding in his chest. He sits in a plastic chair, anxiously tapping his foot on the tiled floor as he glances toward the emergency room doors, waiting for any news about Hao.

Hao had been rushed in on a stretcher, the doctors and nurses quickly assessing the situation. The sight of Hao’s pale, unconscious face etched itself into Hanbin’s mind, a haunting reminder of how fragile he truly was. Hanbin’s heart aches at the memory, his thoughts spiraling as he tries to fight off the wave of guilt threatening to drown him.

“Why didn’t I notice sooner?” he mutters to himself, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I should have been there for him.”

Taerae arrives moments later, breathless and wide-eyed, still in disbelief at what just happened. He rushes to Hanbin’s side, concern etched across his face. “Have you heard anything?” he asks, trying to catch his breath.

“No,” Hanbin replies, his voice strained. “They took him in a while ago. I just... I can’t stop thinking about him.” His hands tremble as he clenches them into fists. “What if something’s really wrong? What if he doesn’t wake up?”

Time feels like it stretches on forever. Minutes turn into hours as Hanbin and Taerae sit in the waiting area, the sterile silence punctuated only by the distant sounds of hospital machinery and voices. Hanbin’s heart races every time he hears the sliding doors open, his breath hitching as he hopes for news, only to be met with disappointment each time.

“Hanbin,” Taerae starts, his voice soft. “You need to calm down. He’ll be okay. He’s strong, remember?”

Hanbin nods, but the worry in his eyes betrays him. “I just... I don’t know if I can handle this. I care about him so much, Taerae. I didn’t realize how much until now.”

Just as Hanbin is about to spiral deeper into his thoughts, a doctor steps through the doors, her expression serious but not unkind. Hanbin and Taerae both leap to their feet, hope flickering in their chests.

“Are you friends of Hao?” the doctor asks, glancing between them.

“Yes! How is he?” Hanbin replies, his heart racing. “Is he okay?”

The doctor takes a deep breath, her demeanor calming as she explains. “Hao is stable now. He suffered from a panic-induced fainting spell, likely exacerbated by his underlying condition. We’re monitoring him closely.”

Hanbin’s breath catches in his throat, a mix of relief and lingering fear washing over him. “He’s okay?” he repeats, needing to hear the words again.

“For now,” the doctor assures him. “But we will need to discuss his treatment options and some lifestyle changes moving forward. It’s important that he manages his stress levels to prevent this from happening again.”

Taerae nods, tears of relief brimming in his eyes. “Thank you. Can we see him?”

“Yes, but only for a few minutes,” the doctor replies. “He’s still weak and needs to rest.”

Hanbin and Taerae follow the doctor down the sterile hallway, their hearts pounding in anticipation. As they approach the room, Hanbin feels a wave of emotions crash over him—relief, fear, and a deep sense of protectiveness.

The doctor opens the door, and Hanbin steps inside, his heart racing as he looks at Hao lying in the hospital bed. Hao’s skin is still pale, but the monitors beep steadily, and he looks peaceful despite the IV drip beside him.