Blurred Lines (Asahi)

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The TREASURE dorm was its usual lively self. Music blared from Jihoon's room, muffled by the slightly ajar door. Laughter and the clatter of pots echoed from the kitchen where Hyunsuk and Yoshi were debating over the "right" way to make ramyeon. The steady rhythm of life in their shared space continued, punctuated by the occasional shout or scuffle.

In the middle of it all, Asahi maneuvered carefully, his steps measured and deliberate. His hands brushed the walls and furniture as he walked, a precaution that had become second nature over the past week. Since his glasses had broken and his contact lenses had started irritating his eyes, he'd been navigating the world in a fog. He had tried to brush it off at first. After all, how hard could it be to get by without clear vision for a few days? But as time wore on, the blurry edges of his world began to close in, making him feel increasingly isolated.

He didn't want to make it anyone else's problem. Everyone was busy with practice, performances, and the dozens of other responsibilities they juggled daily. So, he adapted in silence.

The first few days without his glasses were tolerable, albeit frustrating. Asahi would squint at his phone, holding it mere inches from his face to read texts. He bumped into the edges of tables and door frames more times than he cared to admit, and practice became a challenge. The blaring lights of the studio blurred into an overwhelming haze, and he struggled to keep up with choreography. He had taken to counting the steps in his head more than usual, relying on muscle memory rather than sight.

Still, he thought he was managing. Until he wasn't.

The other members began to notice his slower pace. His normally confident movements became hesitant, his hands often brushing ahead of him to avoid bumping into things. When Jaehyuk playfully shoved him during practice one day, Asahi stumbled, nearly losing his balance.

"Yah, Asahi-hyung, you good?" Jaehyuk asked, startled.

"Yeah," Asahi muttered, forcing a smile. "Just... tired."

"Maybe drink some water," Jihoon added, passing him a bottle.

Asahi nodded, thankful they didn't press further. But the truth was, every step felt like walking through a fog. And the last thing he wanted was for anyone to notice.

Among the group, Haruto had always been the most attuned to Asahi's quiet nature. The two shared a bond that transcended words, built over years of late-night talks and shared dreams during their trainee days. So, it didn't take long for Haruto to notice the subtle changes in Asahi's behavior.

It started with the way Asahi hesitated before sitting down, his hand brushing the chair's edge to confirm it was there. Then there were the moments during practice when he seemed lost, his usual precision replaced by an uncharacteristic uncertainty. Haruto also noticed how Asahi walked slower, his steps more cautious than usual, and how he occasionally bumped into walls or tables.

But the realization hit Haruto fully one evening when the members gathered in the living room to play video games. Asahi, who usually perched comfortably on the couch, sat unusually close to the TV, squinting at the screen.

"Asahi, you're gonna go blind sitting that close," Yoshi teased, laughing.

Asahi shrugged, offering a faint smile. "It's fine, hyung."

When it was Asahi's turn to play, Haruto watched as he fumbled with the controls, missing obvious cues on the screen. Jihoon groaned, half-laughing. "Sahi, did you forget how to play?"

"Maybe he's just off today," Jaehyuk offered.

Asahi laughed it off, but Haruto's brows furrowed. Something wasn't right.

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