Joshua's hands were trembling, but he didn't care. The soft melody of his guitar was lost on him tonight, the notes falling flat in the quiet of the practice room. Jeonghan was late again.
He didn't want to admit it, but he already knew where Jeonghan was.
It started a few weeks ago. At first, it was subtle shared smiles, lingering glances. Seungcheol's laughter seemed to follow Jeonghan everywhere, a quiet storm sweeping through the space they used to call theirs. Joshua pretended not to notice. He'd tell himself it was just his imagination. But tonight, as he sat alone, he knew.
The door creaked open, and Joshua's heart lifted slightly before sinking like a stone. Jeonghan entered, his face glowing, his eyes sparkling in a way that used to be just for Joshua. Seungcheol followed closely behind him, their laughter echoing like a cruel reminder of what Joshua had lost.
Joshua stood, his voice catching in his throat as he managed a weak smile. "Hey, Jeonghan."
"Shua," Jeonghan greeted, but there was something distant in his tone. Something final.
Seungcheol shifted awkwardly, sensing the tension in the air. "I'll give you two a moment," he murmured before leaving the room.
Joshua wanted to scream, to beg Jeonghan to stay. Instead, he just stared, his fingers clutching the strap of his guitar as though it could anchor him to reality.
"Josh..." Jeonghan began, his voice soft, apologetic. "I didn't mean for this to happen."
"I know," Joshua whispered, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
"You're so kind, so good, but... my heart..." Jeonghan's voice broke, and Joshua felt something inside him shatter. "It belongs to him now."
Joshua wanted to fight, to tell Jeonghan that love wasn't something you could just switch off. But he saw it in Jeonghan's eyes the same love he once saw for himself, now directed at Seungcheol.
Jeonghan reached out, his fingers brushing against Joshua's cheek. "I'll always care about you."
Joshua turned away, blinking back tears. "Please... don't say that."
Jeonghan hesitated before stepping back. "I'm sorry," he whispered before leaving the room.
When the door clicked shut, Joshua collapsed onto the floor, his guitar slipping from his grasp. His chest heaved with silent sobs as the reality of it all crashed down on him.
Through the window, he could see Jeonghan and Seungcheol. The two stood close, their forms distinct against the backdrop of the softly lit hallway. Jeonghan's posture was guarded, his arms loosely folded, while Seungcheol spoke with quiet conviction, his hands gesturing gently. As Seungcheol's hand briefly touched Jeonghan's shoulder, offering silent encouragement, Jeonghan's lips curved into the faintest of smiles, one that Joshua could no longer claim. Frozen in place, Joshua's heart ached as he realized he was no longer the one Jeonghan leaned on for strength.
He stayed there, staring at them through tear-filled eyes, unable to do anything but watch as the love of his life slipped away.
Joshua moved like a ghost through the practice room, his usual vibrant energy reduced to a quiet, distant shadow. He didn't speak unless necessary, his laughter once the group's comfort now absent. His eyes lacked their usual sparkle, dulled by sleepless nights and unspoken heartbreak.
The members noticed, of course. How could they not?
"Shua hyung, are you okay?" Seokmin asked one evening after practice, his voice gentle, filled with concern.
