SEVENTEEN | SICKFICS - HURTFICS I

VerChan | Attic Part III

The atmosphere in the waiting room shifted slightly when the doctor finally emerged, removing his mask and gloves. All twelve members stood up immediately, their hearts pounding.

"Doctor!" Seungcheol stepped forward, his voice desperate but controlled. "How are they?"

The doctor offered a small, reassuring nod. "Their vitals have stabilized for now. Both of them are still in critical condition, but the worst seems to be over. We'll continue to monitor them closely. We're moving them to a private room shortly."

The relief in the room was palpable, though it was mixed with lingering worry. Jeonghan exhaled deeply, his knees buckling as he leaned against Joshua for support. Mingyu covered his face with his hands, tears streaming silently. Seungkwan immediately began sobbing again, this time out of relief.

"Can they share a room?" Seungcheol asked, his voice soft but firm. "We need to be with both of them, and it'll be easier if they're together."

The doctor considered it for a moment before nodding. "Yes, we can arrange that. But I must warn you, they're still very fragile. Please keep the environment calm and quiet."

"We understand," Jeonghan said, his voice shaking. "Thank you, doctor."

The members followed behind as Dino and Vernon were wheeled into a shared private room. The sight that greeted them when they entered was almost too much to bear. Both Dino and Vernon lay motionless on the hospital beds, their faces pale, almost ghost-like. Their heads were wrapped in thick bandages, and their bodies were covered in bruises and scratches. Tubes and wires connected them to machines that beeped steadily, and oxygen masks covered their faces.

The room fell silent except for the soft hum of the machines. Tears began to fall freely once again.

Seungcheol walked over to Vernon's bedside, his hand trembling as he gently placed it over Vernon's. "Vernon," he whispered, his voice breaking. "You scared me so much, kid. You're stronger than this, I know you are. Please... please fight. Come back to us."

Jeonghan approached Dino, carefully brushing a stray lock of hair from his bandaged forehead. He knelt down beside the bed, holding Dino's hand tightly. "Dino, you're our maknae, our pride and joy. You've always been strong, so don't stop now, okay? We need you. I need you."

The other members moved closer, gathering around the beds in pairs. Hoshi placed a hand on Dino's arm, his usually energetic self subdued and quiet. "Maknae, you've always been the one to cheer us up when we're down. Now it's our turn to cheer for you. Wake up soon, okay?"

Mingyu stood beside Vernon, his tall frame hunched as he wiped at his tears. "Vernon-ah," he said, his voice hoarse. "You promised we'd film that cooking vlog together. You better not break that promise. You've got too much left to do."

The door to the room opened quietly, and their manager walked in, his expression somber and apologetic. He stopped a few steps inside, bowing deeply. "I'm so sorry," he said, his voice heavy with guilt. "This never should've happened. I take full responsibility."

Seungcheol stood up, shaking his head. "Hyung, this isn't your fault. None of us could've predicted this. But thank you for being here."

The manager straightened, his eyes filled with remorse. "I'll handle all the paperwork and hospital arrangements for Dino and Vernon. You all focus on being here for them."

"Thank you, hyung," Jeonghan said softly, still seated beside Dino, his hand never leaving the younger's.

The manager nodded and added, "The company has been informed as well. They're working on postponing all schedules until further notice. Don't worry about anything else right now."