Responsibility | Jihancheol FF | Seventeen FF

77

It's been 3 months since that day..

Joshua had fallen into a rhythm with his therapy. The weekly sessions were no longer something he dreaded but something he needed—an anchor to steady him through the storm he was still navigating.

It hadn’t been easy. There were days when he left the therapist’s office feeling raw, like an open wound. But there were also days when he walked out feeling lighter, as if a weight he hadn’t even realized he was carrying had been lifted.

Seokmin often accompanied him, waiting with Jeongin outside, but today Joshua went alone. As he pressed the button for elevator, he heard someone call his name.

“Joshua.”

He stopped, stiffening at the sound of Seungcheol’s voice. Turning slowly, he saw him standing a few steps below, hands in his pockets, his expression guarded but intent.

“Can we talk?” Seungcheol asked, his voice softer than Jeonghan's 'You better resolve your past,before entering in future'have him awake for nights long.

Now that he is blessed with twins and Jeonghan is healthy too, It's better is close the book of past permanently,writting new words for future,for Jeonghan,for his childrens...

Joshua hesitated, his first instinct to refuse, but something about Seungcheol’s tone made him pause. With a curt nod, he gestured for him to follow, leading them to the rooftop where they could speak without interruption.

The air was crisp, the city below buzzing faintly with life. Joshua leaned against the railing, crossing his arms. “Say what you need to say.”

Seungcheol exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve been thinking about everything—about us, about what I did. And I realized I owe you an apology.”

Joshua’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t interrupt.

“Back then,” Seungcheol continued, his voice trembling slightly, “I left when you needed me most. I wasn’t there for you, and there’s no excuse for that. I was selfish and scared, and I let you down.”

Joshua’s eyes flickered with emotion, but his face remained stoic. “You didn’t just leave, Seungcheol. You abandoned me. You made me feel like I wasn’t worth staying for.”

Seungcheol flinched, the weight of Joshua’s words hitting him hard. “I know. And I regret it every single day. I’ve been trying to make up for it in other ways—trying to be better for the people around me—but it doesn’t change what I did to you.”

Joshua let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “You think saying sorry now is going to fix anything? That it’s going to erase the six  years I spent wondering what was wrong with me, why I wasn’t enough?”

Seungcheol stepped closer, his eyes pleading. “I’m not asking for forgiveness, Joshua. I know I don’t deserve it. I just... I needed you to know that I see what I did, and I’m sorry for all of it.”

For a moment, there was silence between them, the only sound the distant hum of the city. Joshua finally looked at him, his voice cold but steady. “Do you even realize how much you hurt me? You weren’t just my friend, Seungcheol. You were someone I trusted more than anyone. And you broke that trust like it meant nothing.”

Seungcheol’s shoulders slumped, his guilt palpable. “I know. I don’t expect you to trust me again. I just... I want you to heal. Even if that means hating me.”

Joshua’s expression softened, but only slightly. “I don’t hate you, Seungcheol, Therapy teach me this much atleast... . But that doesn’t mean I want you in my life.”

Seungcheol’s breath hitched, the finality in Joshua’s words cutting deep. “What are you saying?”

Joshua turned back to the railing, his gaze distant. “I’ve been thinking about leaving. Starting over somewhere else. Somewhere you’re not a constant reminder of what I lost.”

The words hung heavy in the air, and Seungcheol felt his heart sink. “You don’t have to go, Joshua. This is your home too.”

Joshua shook his head. “It stopped feeling like home a long time ago.”

Seungcheol’s hands clenched at his sides, desperation creeping into his voice. “If leaving is what you need to heal, then I won’t stop you. But just know... I’ll never stop hoping you’ll come back.”

"Don't." Said Joshua,monotone.

Joshua didn’t responded after tha, the silence between them saying more than words ever could. Seungcheol turned and walked away, each step feeling heavier than the last.

Joshua stayed on the rooftop for a while, letting the cool breeze wash over him. His chest felt tight, but beneath the ache, there was a flicker of something else—freedom.

Leaving wouldn’t erase the pain, but maybe, just maybe, it would give him a chance to finally find peace.

_x_

Joshua finally moving on guys!

One step at a time makes big difference 🌼