SEVENTEEN | SICKFICS - HURTFICS

Mingyu | Pneumonia Part II

Seungcheol paced back and forth in his parents' living room, his phone clutched tightly in his hand. The rest of his family was gathered around the dining table, chatting and laughing, but Seungcheol couldn't focus. Mingyu's silence had stretched far too long, and his gut told him something was seriously wrong.

He dialed Mingyu's number again, but it went straight to voicemail. For the fifth time in a row. His jaw clenched as worry surged through him. He opened their group chat, furiously typing.

Seungcheol: I can't reach Mingyu. I'm going back to the dorm.

Almost immediately, the chat exploded.

Jeonghan: What? I'm getting paranoid about him.

Seungkwan: Hyung, don't go alone! He hasn't responded to me either.

Joshua: If you're going, I'll leave tomorrow morning. We can't leave him like that.

Hoshi: Should I come back too? Hyung, is he really that bad?

Seungcheol's fingers flew over the keyboard.

Seungcheol: I don't know how bad it is, but he's stopped answering completely. He's not even reading our messages anymore. I can't just sit here and wait.

His mother, who had been quietly observing from across the room, finally spoke up. "Cheol, what's wrong? You've been tense all day."

Seungcheol sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Mingyu's sick, Mom. He's alone at the dorm, and he's not responding to any of us. I can't stay here while he might need help."

His father, who had been sipping tea, frowned. "Isn't there someone nearby who can check on him?"

"There's no one else," Seungcheol replied, his voice firm. "I have to go back."

His older brother looked up from his phone. "You've been worried about him since you got here. Go. We'll be fine without you for the rest of the break."

Seungcheol offered a small, grateful smile before turning back to the group chat.

Jeonghan: Drive safe. Let us know as soon as you get there.

Seungkwan: Hyung, if it's really bad, tell us. I'll come back the same day.

Dino: Same here. We'll figure it out together hyung.

Seungcheol glanced at the clock-it was nearing midnight. He quickly packed his bag, throwing in just enough clothes for a couple of days. As he slipped on his jacket, his mother handed him a small container.

"Take this soup with you," she said softly. "If he's sick, he'll need something warm to eat."

"Thanks, Mom," Seungcheol replied, giving her a quick hug. "I'll let you know how he's doing."

He loaded his bag into the car and set off into the night. The roads were quiet, and the dark stretch of highway gave him too much time to think. His mind raced with worst-case scenarios.

What if he's so sick he can't even call for help? What if he needs a doctor? Why didn't I go back sooner?

His phone buzzed in the passenger seat, and at a red light, he quickly glanced at the screen. Another message from Jeonghan.

Jeonghan: Text us as soon as you get to the dorm. If he doesn't open the door, break it down.

Seungcheol snorted at the dramatics but texted back quickly.

Seungcheol: I'll let you know. Don't worry.

As he drove, the group chat continued to buzz.

Hoshi: Should I call him again? Maybe he'll pick up if he hears my voice.