K-pop sickfics/hurtfics

Joshua seventeen - Hate 2

@Leonaein Here's part 2. Hope you like it.
⚠️ This chapter mentions Hate and Depression if you are uncomfortable with these please skip.
900 words.

The persistent cold clung to Joshua like a second skin, and the heaviness in his chest felt insurmountable. Yet, as he pushed open the door to the dorm that night, he was greeted by a warm glow and the faint murmur of voices. The familiar sound of Jeonghan's laughter floated through the air, softer than usual but still distinct, comforting in its own way.

Joshua hesitated in the doorway, the urge to retreat stronger than ever. He didn't want to face anyone – not tonight, not like this. But Jeonghan's sharp eyes had already caught sight of him.

"You're back," Jeonghan said simply, his tone neutral, though his gaze lingered with quiet concern.

Joshua nodded, tugging his hoodie tighter as he slipped off his shoes. He made for his room, but Jeonghan intercepted him with practiced ease, leaning casually against the wall as if it were a coincidence they crossed paths.

"You've been out late these days," Jeonghan said. "Have you eaten? We ordered food earlier – there's some left."

"I'm not hungry," Joshua mumbled, sidestepping him.

"Jisoo," Jeonghan called softly, stopping him in his tracks.

Joshua's shoulders stiffened. He didn't turn around, but he could feel Jeonghan's presence, steady and insistent.

"You know we're here for you, right?" Jeonghan's voice was barely above a whisper. "You don't have to go through this alone."

Joshua's jaw clenched. His instinct was to pull away, to retreat behind the walls he had so carefully constructed. But there was something in Jeonghan's tone – a quiet persistence that chipped away at his defenses.

"I'm fine," he lied, his voice tight.

Jeonghan sighed but didn't push further. "Alright. Just... come find me if you need anything. Okay?"

Joshua didn't respond, retreating to his room and closing the door behind him. He leaned against it, exhaling shakily as he pressed a hand to his face.

The following days passed in a blur. Joshua avoided the members as much as he could, brushing off their concern with forced smiles and hollow reassurances. But Jeonghan's eyes were always on him, perceptive and unyielding.

It was late one night when the dam finally broke. Joshua had been lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind spiraling through the same dark thoughts that had plagued him for weeks. The weight of it all – the whispers, the accusations, the self-doubt – pressed down on him until he could barely breathe.

Without thinking, he found himself leaving his room and walking down the hall to Jeonghan's door. He hesitated, his hand hovering over the handle. Was this a mistake? Would Jeonghan see him differently after this?

But before he could retreat, the door opened. Jeonghan stood there, looking unsurprised to find Joshua on the other side.

"I couldn't sleep," Joshua admitted quietly, his voice barely audible.

Jeonghan nodded and stepped aside, letting him in without a word. The room was dimly lit, a small lamp casting a warm glow over the neatly made bed. Jeonghan sat down on the edge, patting the space beside him.

Joshua sat down, his hands fidgeting in his lap. For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Then, without warning, the tears came. They spilled over before Joshua could stop them, silent at first but quickly turning into gut-wrenching sobs that shook his entire body.

Jeonghan didn't hesitate. He wrapped his arms around Joshua, pulling him close. "Let it out," he murmured, his voice soothing. "It's okay. I've got you."

Joshua clung to him, burying his face in Jeonghan's shoulder as the weight he had been carrying finally poured out. Jeonghan held him tightly, his hand gently rubbing Joshua's back in slow, comforting circles.

"It hurts so much," Joshua choked out. "I don't know how to make it stop."

"I know," Jeonghan whispered. "But you don't have to face it alone. We're all here for you, Jisoo. Every single one of us."

Joshua cried until he had no tears left, his body exhausted from the release. At some point, he fell asleep in Jeonghan's arms, his breathing evening out as the storm within him quieted. Jeonghan stayed with him, lying back against the headboard and letting Joshua rest against his chest.

The next morning, Jeonghan shared what had happened with the other members over breakfast, his voice calm but firm.

"Don't make a big deal out of it," he warned them. "He doesn't need more pressure. Just... be there for him, in your own ways."

Seungcheol's expression darkened, his protective instincts kicking in. "The company needs to handle this better," he said.

"I'll talk to them again," Hoshi added, his determination evident. "They need to put out a stronger statement and shut down those rumors for good."

Together, they took action, pressing the company to address the situation more aggressively. Within days, a new wave of clarifications and legal warnings against malicious commenters began to take effect. The noise surrounding Joshua's name quieted, if only slightly, but it was enough to give him room to breathe.

The change in Joshua was gradual, but it was there. He started joining the members for meals again, his smiles small but genuine. The weight in his eyes didn't disappear completely, but there was a flicker of something else now – a tentative hope, a willingness to keep going.

One evening, as they sat in the living room watching a movie, Joshua glanced around at his members. Jeonghan caught his eye and gave him a soft smile, and Joshua felt a lump rise in his throat – not from sadness this time, but gratitude.

He wasn't okay yet. He wasn't sure when he would be. But he felt like he might be able to get there.

Thanks for reading. If you have a story in mind don't hesitate. I take requests.