SEVENTEEN | SICKFICS - HURTFICS

Vernon | Stairs Part II

Back at the apartment, the rest of the members rushed to their cars, each of them grappling with a mixture of anxiety and determination.

"Do you think he's going to be okay?" DK asked, gripping the steering wheel tightly.

"He has to be," Woozi replied, trying to stay optimistic. "Vernon's strong. He can pull through this."

Once they reached the hospital, they dashed inside, scanning the waiting room for any sign of Vernon. Seungcheol approached the front desk, breathless. "Our brother was just brought in. He fell and hit his head. Can we get an update?"

The receptionist nodded, typing quickly on her computer. "Please take a seat; I'll have someone come out to speak with you shortly."

As they waited, tension filled the air. The minutes dragged on, each one feeling like an hour. Finally, a doctor stepped out, looking around until his eyes landed on the group.

"Are you here for Vernon Chwe?" the doctor asked.

"Yes! How is he?" Seungcheol replied, stepping forward.

"He's stable but still unconscious," the doctor explained. "He suffered a concussion and a laceration on his forehead, which we've treated. He's in the observation room now. We'll monitor him for a while to ensure there are no complications."

The members exchanged worried glances, relief washing over them but still heavy with concern. "Can we see him?" Woozi asked, his voice urgent.

"Yes, but keep in mind that he may still be a bit disoriented when he wakes up," the doctor warned. "Just give him some time."

"Thank you," Seungkwan said, gratitude flooding his voice.

The doctor led them to the observation room, where Vernon lay on the bed, his face pale but peaceful. A bandage was wrapped around his forehead, and he was hooked up to a few monitors. Seungkwan felt his heart ache at the sight.

"Vernon..." he whispered, stepping closer. He took a seat next to the bed, gently squeezing Vernon's hand. "We're here. You're not alone."

The rest of the members gathered around, forming a supportive circle. "You better wake up soon, you know," Hoshi said, trying to lighten the mood despite his own worry. "We need you back for practice."

"Yeah, you can't let us take the stage without you," Mingyu added, forcing a smile.

As the minutes ticked by, the room fell into a tense silence. They watched as Vernon's eyelids fluttered, and finally, he began to stir.

"Vernon..." Seungkwan murmured, leaning closer.

Vernon's eyes opened slightly, squinting against the light. "Wha-?" he mumbled, confusion evident in his expression.

"Hey, it's us! You're in the hospital," Seungkwan said, relief washing over him. "You fell down the stairs."

"Fell...?" Vernon's voice was weak, and he frowned, trying to process what was happening.

"Yeah, but you're okay now. We're here," DK reassured him, his voice soft.

Vernon blinked a few times, slowly recognizing their faces. "You are all... here?" he croaked, a weak smile forming.

"Of course! We wouldn't leave you alone," Joshua said, his voice filled with warmth.

"Don't you ever scare us like that again," Seungcheol added, his tone a mix of relief and reprimand.

Vernon nodded slightly, wincing as he moved his head. "Sorry... I didn't mean to. I thought I could... get some water."

"Water? You should've called us!" Mingyu exclaimed, concern etched on his face.