BLOSSOMED | SEOKSOO FF

PART 22

Late in the evening, when the psychiatric ward quieted down, Mingyu and Wonwoo met in the hospital’s staff lounge. Mingyu’s usual cheerful demeanor was replaced by a solemn expression as he poured himself a cup of coffee.

"Wonwoo," Mingyu started, setting the cup down without taking a sip. "I don’t know how much more of this I can handle. Seokmin’s spiraling faster than I’ve seen with any other patient. He’s... he’s not just hurt; he’s buried in it."

Wonwoo sat across from him, his posture as composed as ever, but the faint crease in his brow betrayed his concern. "You’re right," he admitted, leaning back. "There’s something deeper here. His outbursts aren’t just random—they’re tied to something he’s done, something he’s holding onto like a curse."

Mingyu nodded, running a hand through his messy hair. "We’re treating the symptoms, but we don’t even know the cause. How are we supposed to help him if we don’t know what’s haunting him?"

As they spoke, the head of their department entered the lounge. Minghao, a visiting psychiatrist from China, was known for his unconventional methods and keen insight into human behavior. His slender frame and calm demeanor often belied the depth of his expertise.

"You’re talking about Seokmin, aren’t you?" Minghao said, sitting beside them. His tone was soft, but it carried an air of authority that commanded attention.

"Yes," Wonwoo replied, not wasting time. "We’re at a standstill. His guilt is so overpowering that he’s resisting any attempt at progress. He keeps saying he deserves to suffer, but he won’t explain why."

Minghao steepled his fingers, his gaze thoughtful. "In cases like his, the key isn’t just therapy—it’s understanding. You need to uncover what he’s running from. Start by doing a background check, but not just a clinical one. Speak to the people who know him personally. Friends, family, anyone who can shed light on what led him here. I know it'snot standard or ethical. But it's the only way."

Mingyu frowned, his hands tightening around his coffee cup. "But Wonwoo and I aren’t detectives. What if those people refuse to talk to us?"

Minghao smiled faintly, his calm gaze shifting to Mingyu. "That’s why you need to approach them with compassion, not as doctors interrogating them, but as people who genuinely want to help."

Wonwoo nodded slowly, the gears in his mind already turning. "It’s risky. Some of them might not even want to acknowledge his condition. And if we dig too deeply into his past, it could trigger him even further."

Minghao tilted his head, his voice firm but kind. "The risk is there, but doing nothing is worse. If you don’t know what you’re dealing with, you’ll only be treating the surface while the real wounds fester underneath."

Mingyu sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "We can start with his brother Jihoon, right? He was here when Seokmin was admitted."

Wonwoo agreed. "Jihoon seems like someone who might open up if approached carefully. But we also need to be mindful of how much we involve him—he’s clearly carrying his own burden."

Minghao’s gaze softened. "That’s true. When you talk to him, focus on building trust first. Show him that you’re not just here for answers but to help Seokmin heal."

Mingyu leaned back, his expression conflicted. "What if we find out something that makes this worse? What if the truth is too much for even us to handle?"

Minghao looked at him steadily. "The truth is never easy, but it’s necessary. You can’t fix what you don’t understand. And remember, you’re not doing this alone. You have each other, and you have me."

Wonwoo stood, his calm resolve settling over him like a second skin. "Then it’s decided. We’ll start reaching out tomorrow. Mingyu, you’ll come with me to meet Jihoon. Minghao, we’ll update you once we have more information."

Minghao nodded, his tone encouraging. "Take your time, but don’t lose sight of the goal. Seokmin’s healing depends on how much you’re willing to fight for him, even when he can’t fight for himself."

Mingyu exhaled deeply, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Let’s just hope Jihoon is willing to talk. And if he isn’t... well, we’ll figure it out."

As the three parted ways for the night, the weight of the task ahead lingered in the air. Seokmin’s condition was a labyrinth of pain and guilt, but with each step, they hoped to find a thread that would lead them to the heart of his torment—and, eventually, a way out.

Lol I can’t believe it's been an year to my engagement.. Help... Do you want me to mention him here 💀