I can't live without you.. || Chanmin

The fall

It was supposed to be a normal day of practice.

With their upcoming performance only days away, the group was pushing themselves to perfect every move, every transition, and every note. Bang Chan stood at the center of the studio, sweat dripping down his neck as the heavy bass filled the room. The mirror reflected their synchronized movements, and for a moment, everything felt perfectly in tune.

"Again!" Chan called, clapping his hands sharply. "One more time from the top."

The members groaned but complied, falling into their positions. They were used to Chan's perfectionism, especially when a performance loomed so close. Seungmin shot him a tired but playful glare as he adjusted his stance. Chan grinned in response, feeling the familiar buzz of excitement that came with nailing every beat.

"Let's get it!" Chan shouted over the music. The track restarted, and everyone launched into their routine with renewed energy.

For a while, everything seemed to flow. Felix's jumps hit perfectly on beat, Hyunjin spun through his turns with sharp precision, and Seungmin's voice blended effortlessly into the choreography. Chan let himself relax a little, pleased with their progress.

Then it happened.

It was so fast, Chan barely had time to process it.

Seungmin went for a smooth turn during one of the formations, his timing perfect—until his foot caught the edge of a speaker cable running along the floor. His balance faltered, and everything seemed to move in slow motion as Chan saw him twist awkwardly.

"Seungmin!" Chan shouted, lunging toward him, but it was too late.

Seungmin's ankle rolled, and his leg gave out beneath him. There was a sickening crack followed by Seungmin's sharp intake of breath as he collapsed to the floor with a thud.

Everything stopped. The music cut off abruptly as the other members froze in place.

"Seungmin!" Felix was the first to reach him, sliding to his knees beside his friend. Seungmin was clutching his ankle, his face contorted in pain, gasping through clenched teeth.

Chan's heart dropped. He was by Seungmin's side in an instant, hands trembling as he reached out. "What happened? Where does it hurt?"

Seungmin's voice was shaky, strained. "Ankle... I think I—" He winced, unable to finish the sentence.

"Don't move," Chan ordered, panic bubbling in his chest as he glanced down at the swollen joint. A nasty bruise was already starting to form. "It might be sprained. Maybe worse."

Hyunjin hovered nearby, biting his lip in worry. "What do we do? Should we call someone?"

"I'll grab ice!" Felix blurted, sprinting out of the room without waiting for an answer.

Chan looked back at Seungmin, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew how much this performance meant to him—how much effort and heart Seungmin had poured into this.

"Hey, breathe with me, okay?" Chan murmured, trying to stay calm as Seungmin's breaths came in quick bursts, on the verge of hyperventilating. He rested a hand gently on Seungmin's shoulder, squeezing lightly. "I'm here, Seungmin. Just focus on me."

Seungmin's expression was tight with frustration and pain. His lips trembled as he forced himself to nod, following Chan's lead with slow, shaky inhales.

"It's going to be okay," Chan whispered, though doubt gnawed at him.

Felix rushed back with a bag of ice wrapped in a towel and handed it to Chan, who carefully placed it against Seungmin's swollen ankle. Seungmin hissed, but he didn't pull away, gripping Chan's wrist tightly instead.

"What if..." Seungmin started, his voice cracking. "What if I can't perform?"

The words hit Chan like a punch to the gut. He knew how much Seungmin worried about being a burden, about falling short. And now, those fears were coming to life right in front of him.

"You'll be okay," Chan said firmly, though his own heart was racing. "We'll figure this out, alright? Don't even think about the performance right now."

But Seungmin shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut. "You don't get it, Chan. If I can't do this, I'll ruin everything. Everyone's been counting on me—

"You won't ruin anything." Chan cut him off, his voice sharp but filled with emotion. "You've already done more than enough. We're a team, remember? We'll find a way."

Seungmin's grip tightened, and for a moment, his resolve crumbled. His breath hitched, tears forming in the corners of his eyes as he struggled to keep it together.

Chan's heart broke at the sight. Without thinking, he leaned closer, cupping Seungmin's face gently with one hand. "You're not alone in this," he whispered, his voice soft now. "You have me. You have all of us. We'll get through this—together."

Seungmin exhaled shakily, resting his forehead against Chan's shoulder. Chan held him close, running a soothing hand through Seungmin's hair, whispering quiet reassurances.

"Whatever happens," Chan murmured, "you're more important than any performance."

Felix knelt beside them, his expression serious but kind. "We'll talk to the manager," he said quietly. "We'll make it work, Seungmin. I promise."

Seungmin nodded against Chan's shoulder, his breathing finally slowing.

"Let's get you home," Chan whispered, brushing Seungmin's hair back gently. "We'll figure everything else out later."

As Chan helped Seungmin to his feet, the others rushed to assist, offering quiet words of encouragement. Despite the uncertainty that hung over them, one thing was clear: whatever came next, they would face it together.

And for Chan, that was all that