Limitless (NCT one shots)

When leaving hurts the most (MaHae)

PLEASE READ.

This is obviously fiction, loosely based on a true thing that allegedly happened. I do not know the whole story as no one really does now.
This is just a story I made up in my head.
I obviously do not know or even pretend to know how anyone feels in 127 about this situation. This is purely fiction. This came to me the other night and I've struggled with whether to publish it or not.

There is angst and sadness and talk of sexual assault along with self harm. Read at your own risk.

"What are we supposed to do now? What was he thinking?" Mark shakes his head as he clings close to Haechan in his state of utter disbelief.
"I don't know. I tried to call him, to get some kind of explanation but he won't answer and no one in this stupid fucking company will tell me anything." He hugs Haechan close as he cries in his arms.
"He was my big brother, I loved him. He was my inspiration." He sobs onto his shoulder as Mark rubs his back and cries along with him.
Their world was torn apart. They woke up one morning and were all called into an emergency meeting to be told the terrible news.
127 will never be the same. Where Haechan used to have eight older brothers to count on, he now only has seven.

Mark and Haechan have always been close. They've always been there for each other, even when Mark would pretend to like the other members better, he always felt a closeness with him that he cannot explain.
Deep down he knows, but could never say the real reason. Sometimes it's just easier to push him away than deal with his heart.

They spend their days numbly trying to just get through this. Their schedules are busy so they haven't really had time to deal.
Each hotel stop they find themselves going to each other's rooms because sleep won't come. They talk a little and usually fall asleep in each other's arms. They've always leaned on each other through hard times but this one is the worst. Mark fears for Haechan's state of mind. He's the youngest and while Mark isn't much older, it's still hitting him harder.

They all made a commitment to this group, to this family that they would stay together, that they would always think of the fans and team before any bad decisions were made. They have had their share of controversy within, but all were false accusations made up by antis who wanted to see them fail. As far as they know this appears to be true, otherwise he wouldn't have walked away so quickly.

Mark notices in their daily activities that he seems withdrawn and does what he can to lighten his mood, of course all of Dream do their best to comfort him.
After completing the North American leg of the tour they are heading home to work on their next comeback. As much as Mark thinks they should all be resting he knows that Haechan wants to keep it tucked away, and what better way than to immerse yourself in your work.

It's only been a couple weeks back when the newest press release comes out. They are sick, the whole of NCT in its new form are really. Ten has even made a point to call Johnny daily to check on him or just let him vent and when he's in town they will spend as much time as possible together. Taeyong is in the military and still makes time to connect with everyone in hopes of providing some form of comfort, while in turn receiving some as well.

Mark sits with Haechan in the practice room, their fingers laced together as they are on a speaker call from Taeyong. Haechan is sobbing as he tries to get his feelings out, wishing Taeyong was there to hold him and tell him everything will be alright. As soon as the call ends Haechan curls into Marks side.
As the rest of Dream start to slowly trickle in to work on their newest dance for their upcoming song they all join in holding him too. He sighs as he's taken into Renjun's arms. He's so happy he is back with them. He's not been in hiding from his team but it's hard to get time to spend together when they are all working and he isn't there.
"Thank you for being here for us, we missed you so much.
"It means everything that I can hug you, especially now." Haechan says quietly, his tears finally slowing.
"I'm always here for you guys. I love you all so much." Renjun whispers.