|| Dreamers || <Seongjoong>

-||Chapter Fourteen||-

San
"I still repeat the things you said to me in my head."

San walked in silence, his footsteps heavy against the cracked pavement. The fading light of the sun cast long shadows, mirroring the weight on his heart. He had always known that the world they lived in was fraught with danger, but the recent fight with Yeosang had shaken him to his core. The anger that had flared up during their confrontation felt so distant now, replaced by a gnawing guilt that he couldn't shake off.

As he, Mingi, and Yunho walked back from their patrol, the atmosphere around them felt heavy with unspoken thoughts. The sun was beginning to set, casting an orange hue across the horizon, but the beauty of the evening did little to lift San's spirits. He trudged along, the weight of guilt pressing down on him like a physical burden. The earlier confrontation with Yeosang replayed in his mind, each harsh word echoing painfully. San had been angry with Yeosang for questioning his decisions regarding Seonghwa's immunity, but now, reflecting on it, he felt as if he had crossed a line that shouldn't have been crossed.

Mingi, who walked beside him, glanced over with a concerned expression. "Hey, you okay?" he asked, his tone gentle yet probing. San looked up, trying to muster a reassuring smile but failing miserably. "Yeah, just...thinking about earlier," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. The tension in his chest was palpable, and he could feel the weight of Mingi's gaze, urging him to share his burden.

Yunho, who had been quietly observing the exchange, decided to step in. "You know, it's okay to feel guilty about what happened. It shows you care about your friends," he said, his voice steady and reassuring. San sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I just feel like I took it too far with Yeosang. I was so focused on defending us that I didn't consider how my actions would affect him. Yeosang didn't deserve that." His voice was low, almost a whisper, but the weight of his words hung heavily in the air. The memories of Yeosang's hurt expression haunted him, and he wished he could take it all back.

Mingi nodded in understanding, his expression softening. "It happens to all of us, San. Emotions run high in situations like these. But you should really talk to him. Apologising can help clear the air," he suggested, his voice encouraging. San bit his lip, contemplating Mingi's words. The thought of facing Yeosang made his stomach churn, but the guilt gnawed at him relentlessly

Yunho stopped walking, causing San and Mingi to pause as well. "Listen, we all have our breaking points. You're not a bad person for losing your temper. What matters is how you deal with it now." Mingi nodded, adding, "Yeah, you need to talk to him. It might help both of you. Holding onto this guilt isn't going to change what happened."

San shook his head, the annoyance bubbling up again. "But what if he hates me now? What if I ruined everything? I don't want to be the reason he feels worse in this hellhole." His frustration was palpable, and he kicked a small rock off the path, watching it skitter away into the grass.

Mingi stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on San's shoulder. "You're overthinking it. Yeosang is strong, and he knows you. Just be honest with him. That's all you can do."

Yunho turned to him, his expression softening. "He's tough, San. He'll bounce right back. But you need to talk to him. You can't keep carrying this weight alone."

Mingi added, "Yeah, it's not just about you. Yeosang needs to know you care. It'll help him heal too."

San nodded, but the knot in his stomach remained. "I just don't know how to approach him. What if he doesn't want to hear it?"

"Then you'll have to show him," Yunho replied firmly. "Actions speak louder than words. Just be there for him, and he'll know you're sorry."

Yunho leaned in closer, sensing San's hesitation. "We can go together if you want. It'll show him that you're serious about making things right." San felt a flicker of hope at Yunho's offer. "You really think he'd be open to hearing me out?" he asked, uncertainty creeping into his tone. Yunho nodded firmly. "Definitely. He values your friendship. Just be honest and say exactly what you just said to us."

Mingi added, "Yeah, and if he doesn't respond well at first, just give him some time. No punching him in the face. He'll come around. You know how he is." San took a deep breath, feeling a mix of anxiety and determination. "Okay, let's do it. I need to make this right." The trio continued their walk, the bond of friendship between them feeling stronger with each step.

As they approached a small medical tent where Yeosang was likely to be, San's heart raced. The shadows of the evening seemed to loom larger, mirroring his inner turmoil. Mingi and Yunho exchanged glances, silently encouraging him to take the lead. San hesitated at the entrance, his hand hovering over the flap. "What if he doesn't want to talk to me?" he whispered, doubt creeping in again.

"Then we'll be there for you," Mingi reassured him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You won't be alone in this." Yunho nodded in agreement, his expression unwavering. "Just remember, it's about being honest. That's all Yeosang really needs right now." With a final deep breath, San pushed the flap aside and stepped into the tent.

Inside, the dim light revealed Yeosang sitting on a makeshift cot, next to a patient. his back turned to them. The atmosphere felt charged with tension, and San's heart sank. "Yeosang?" he called softly, trying to keep his voice steady. Yeosang turned slowly, his expression guarded. "What do you want, San?" he replied, the sharpness in his tone cutting through San like a knife.

Swallowing hard, San stepped forward, his friends flanking him for support. "I wanted to talk about what happened earlier," he began, his voice trembling slightly. "I.. I shouldn't have said those things. I was angry, and I took it too far. I'm really sorry." The apology hung in the air, heavy with sincerity.

Yeosang's expression softened slightly, though he remained silent. San continued, "I care about you and our friendship. I let my emotions get the better of me, and I regret how I handled it. I just wanted to protect Seonghwa, but I shouldn't have let that come between us."

Mingi and Yunho stood silently behind San, their presence a comforting reminder that he wasn't alone. Yeosang finally spoke, his voice quieter now. "I appreciate you saying that, but you were wrong to fight against the very thing that could help us survive. Seonghwa has valuable knowledge that could save our lives, and pushing him away only puts us at greater risk. You can't afford to let your emotions cloud your judgement, especially now."

San nodded, feeling the weight of Yeosang's words. "I know. I was selfish, thinking only about my own feelings instead of the bigger picture. I should have listened to you and Seonghwa. This isn't just about us; it's about all of us trying to make it through this nightmare."

Yeosang crossed his arms, his brow furrowing as he continued. "You have to understand that fighting each other only weakens our camp. We need to be united, especially in times like these. Seonghwa is willing to share what he knows, and we should be grateful for that. Every piece of information can be crucial in understanding how to deal with the monsters."

San felt a pang of guilt. He had been so caught up in his emotions, he hadn't considered the consequences of his actions. "You're right. I let my fear and frustration blind me. I know Seonghwa has been through a lot, and he's trying to help us. I should have trusted you both."

After a moment of silence, Yeosang sighed, his expression softening. "I accept your apology. It's not easy for any of us right now, and we all make mistakes. But we need to work together if we want to get through this. Let's put this behind us and focus on learning from Seonghwa. We can't let our differences tear us apart."

Relief washed over San as he felt the tension lift between them. "Thanks, Yeosang. I promise I'll do better. We can't let anything come between us, especially not now."

Yunho landed a gentle hand against San's shoulder which made him jump, "no punches involved? I'm almost surprised."

"You'll get one if you don't shut up, yun." San joked, turning back to Yeosang who smiled weakly at the two. He seemed distant, yet San didn't want to set anything off again.