Lost Me

005

Chan looks peaceful, light from the hospital window slanting across his face.

Felix brushes a few stray strands of hair off the leader's forehead, mouth tightening as he scans Chan's face. The elder is far too pale, too thin, his face sunken, dark circles carved under his eyes, standing out harshly against his pallour.

He is sleeping right now, has been for the past few hours. The longest he has managed to stay awake was about two hours the first day. It is startling, and terrifying to see Chan, generally their rock and strength, in this vulnerable of a state. The doctors said that it is normal, that the leader's body is finally getting the chance to rest and recuperate after all of the stress he has put it through for the past weeks, months, years.

Guilt weighs heavily on the younger Aussie's chest. He can't reconcile it- Chan, their hyung, their constant, the one they all go to when any sort of problem arises, in this state... He knows that the leader doesn't like to talk about his problems, but he- no, none of them- had realised that he was taking so much upon himself, bottling everything up, pushing himself to the limit constantly.

Chan shifts in his sleep, his brow creasing as he mumbles something. The side of Felix's mouth pulls up in a small half smile. At least the elder isn't snoring-for once. He seems peaceful, unbothered, not pretending like everything is fine for once in his life.

The door opens, and Jeongin enters, an energy drink in his hand.

Felix snorts.

"Minho and Changbin let you drink that?"

The maknae shrugs.

"They're both in a meeting with Manager-Nim right now, finalising the hiatus and preparing a statement for STAY."

Felix nods, then turns back to the leader, sighing as Chan mumbles something again in his sleep.

"Don't let them see you with that."

Jeongin nods, sinking into the uncomfortable plastic chair beside Felix.

"I know. For once, I didn't even want it, but I'm about to fall asleep standing up."

Felix hums in acknowledgement, a habit he picked up from years of living with Chan. He really has learned so much from the leader over the years.

"Minho-hyung said that...we need to figure out a plan."

Felix frowns at Jeongin, confused.

"A plan like...how?"

The maknae sighs, twisting the tab of his now empty can.

"Like for when Chan-hyung is discharged. Obviously he's not gonna work, but actually making sure he doesn't will be easier said than done. Also, his caffeine intake is gonna be limited- to like nothing- and Changbinnie-hyung said something about making sure he isn't trying to work out or any other strenuous exercise for the first few weeks. He can take walks, and I think the doctors said that he is supposed to, but one of us should go with him, to- y'know- make sure everything is alright."

Felix nods, surprised at the maknae's matter-of-fact tone. Jeongin has grown, he realises. He is no longer the timid seventeen year old who debuted with them. He has matured, but then again, the Aussie muses, they all have.