SEVENTEEN | SICKFICS - HURTFICS I

MinWon | Sepsis/Car Accident Part IV

For a moment, it seemed like time stopped. Jeonghan stood frozen at the door, his hand pressed to his mouth to stifle the sob that threatened to escape. Seungcheol, usually composed in even the most intense situations, felt his legs weaken as tears pricked at his eyes.

"Wonwoo..." Seungcheol whispered in disbelief, stepping forward cautiously, his voice breaking. "Oh my God... you're awake."

Wonwoo's eyes slowly focused, and he blinked several times, his vision still blurry from the sedation. But as his surroundings started to come into view, he saw the two faces in front of him-Seungcheol and Jeonghan-both looking at him with a mix of shock and joy.

His mouth parted slightly, and he tried to speak, but the words were faint, barely a whisper. "M-Mingyu...?"

Jeonghan's heart nearly broke at the sound of his name coming from Wonwoo's lips. His voice was so weak, yet full of that same affection that made Jeonghan want to break down in relief.

"Mingyu's okay," Jeonghan said quickly, rushing to his side and gripping his hand tightly. "He's been here, right by your side the whole time. He's resting right now, but he'll be so relieved when he knows you're awake. You gave us all such a scare, Wonwoo."

Wonwoo's eyes flickered for a moment, as if trying to comprehend what was happening. He tried to lift his hand, but it was too weak, and his movements were sluggish. His lips parted again, a soft groan escaping him as he fought to stay conscious.

"Please... let me see him hyung," Wonwoo whispered, his voice hoarse and fragile.

Jeonghan and Seungcheol exchanged a glance, both of them feeling the same overwhelming rush of emotions. They knew Mingyu needed to know this, needed to hear this. But there was something about seeing Wonwoo in this state that made them hesitate. He wasn't strong enough yet. He still looked so fragile, as if any sudden movement could break him.

But Wonwoo's eyes were pleading, his gaze so full of longing that Jeonghan couldn't refuse. He nodded, fighting the lump in his throat.

"I'll get him," Seungcheol said, his voice tight. "Just stay calm, okay?"

As Seungcheol went to retrieve Mingyu, Jeonghan stayed by Wonwoo's side, never letting go of his hand. He watched as Wonwoo struggled to stay awake, his breaths shallow and uneven. It was clear how exhausted he was, but the light in his eyes-tired and strained-was undeniable.

"Don't scare me like that again, Wonwoo," Jeonghan muttered under his breath, though a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Wonwoo's lips quirked up slightly in response. It was a small, weak gesture, but it was enough to send a wave of warmth through Jeonghan's chest.

"I'm sorry h-hyung," Wonwoo croaked, his voice barely audible, but there was an apology in his eyes that needed no words.

The moments seemed to stretch on forever, but soon, the sound of hurried footsteps filled the hall. Seungcheol returned, followed closely by Mingyu, who had been woken from his sleep at the first mention of Wonwoo's condition.

The moment Mingyu stepped into the room and saw Wonwoo-awake, conscious, alive-his world seemed to stop, then explode in a burst of emotions. His legs gave way beneath him, and before he knew it, he was rushing to Wonwoo's side, falling to his knees beside the bed.

"Babe..." Mingyu breathed, his voice barely more than a whisper. His hands trembled as he reached for Wonwoo's, grasping them with more care than he'd ever shown in his life. "Oh my God... I thought I'd lost you. I thought I was going to lose you."

Wonwoo tried to smile, his face pale and drawn but still beautiful in Mingyu's eyes. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to worry you."

Mingyu's eyes filled with tears, but this time, they weren't from pain. They were tears of relief, tears of love, tears of gratitude that he couldn't quite contain. He kissed the back of Wonwoo's hand, his voice hoarse. "You don't ever have to apologize, Wonu. Just... just don't ever scare me like that again."