Responsibility | Jihancheol FF | Seventeen FF

75

The small clinic had a quiet warmth to it, the scent of lavender filling the air. Joshua sat stiffly in the waiting area, his hands clenching and unclenching on his lap. Beside him, Seokmin offered a reassuring smile,Jeongin, on his knee.

“You’ll do fine, hyung,” Seokmin said softly. “It’s just a conversation. Take your time.”

Joshua glanced at him, hesitant. “What if I don’t know what to say?”

Seokmin tilted his head, his tone gentle. “Then you just say that. The therapist will guide you. You don’t have to have it all figured out.”

Jeongin, oblivious to the tension, reached out to Joshua with tiny fingers. “Dad” he said in a sing-song voice, “good boy!”

That drew a small laugh from Joshua, lightening the tension in his chest. He ruffled Jeongin’s hair, murmuring, “Thanks, buddy.”

A nurse called his name, and Joshua took a deep breath, standing up. Before he walked away, Seokmin gave his shoulder a supportive squeeze.

“We’ll be right here when you’re done,” Seokmin promised. “You’ve got this.”

Joshua nodded, forcing a small smile before disappearing into the therapist’s office.

-

Inside the therapist’s office

The therapist, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes, gestured for Joshua to take a seat. He hesitated, then sat on the edge of the couch, his posture tense.

“Joshua, I’m glad you’re here,” she began gently. “You don’t need to rush into anything. Just start wherever you’re comfortable.”

Joshua stared at his hands, the weight of his emotions pressing down on him. Finally, he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I... I don’t know how to do this,” he admitted. “Talking about... myself. It feels selfish.”

The therapist smiled kindly. “It’s not selfish to take care of yourself, Joshua. It’s brave. Start small—what’s been on your mind lately?”

Joshua’s shoulders slumped as he exhaled shakily. “Everything,” he said. “I feel like I’m failing. As a friend, as a person... Sometimes, I feel like I don’t even know who I am anymore.”

The words spilled out slowly, each one dragging a weight off his chest. He spoke about the guilt, the fear of being a burden, and the pressure he put on himself to be perfect.

The therapist listened without judgment, offering gentle questions to guide him. By the end of the session, Joshua felt lighter—like he’d set down a heavy bag he’d been carrying for years.

-

Outside the office

When Joshua stepped out, his face was pale but calm. Seokmin immediately stood, Jeongin perched on his hip.

“How did it go?” Seokmin asked softly.

Joshua managed a small smile. “It was... hard. But I think it helped.”

Seokmin beamed, his pride unmistakable. “I’m so proud of you, hyung. It’s not easy, but you did it. Right, Jeongin?”

Jeongin clapped his hands excitedly. “Dad did good job"

Joshua chuckled, his heart warming at their support. “Thanks. That means a lot.”

-

Back to Society

Jeonghan noticed them first, smiling softly. “Hey, family trip?. How was it?”

Joshua hesitated, unsure how much to share, but Seokmin spoke for him. “He went to see the therapist today.”