Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 66

 The Fractured Bond

The hospital room was serene, the earlier chaos replaced by a profound stillness. Jeonghan lay curled in Seungcheol's arms, his breathing soft and even, his expression a rare picture of peace. Seungcheol sat motionless, one hand gently resting on Jeonghan's back, the other brushing absentmindedly through his hair. Dino was sprawled on the couch, his legs dangling off the side as he dozed, his youthful exhaustion evident.

Joshua opened the door quietly, taking in the sight before him. A soft smile graced his lips as he stepped closer. "He looks peaceful," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Seungcheol glanced up, his eyes heavy with fatigue but warm. "He is," he replied softly. "He needs this rest."

Joshua nodded, his gaze lingering on the serene scene. "We'll head out for a bit," he said after a moment. "The others need some rest too. We'll come back in a few hours."

Seungcheol's brows knit together slightly. "Take everyone home, Joshua. I'll stay with Jeonghan. You all can return in the morning."

Joshua hesitated, shaking his head gently. "Cheol, at least let me stay tonight. You'll need someone here, just in case."

For a moment, Seungcheol seemed poised to argue, but the determination in Joshua's expression made him relent. "Alright," he said quietly. "But get everyone else home first. Make sure they rest."

Reaching into his pocket carefully, Seungcheol pulled out his phone, ensuring he didn't disturb Jeonghan's slumber. His fingers moved swiftly as he texted Hansol.

"Take Joshua, and the guys home. Make sure they're safe. I'll stay with Jeonghan tonight."

Looking up, Seungcheol nodded to Joshua. "Hansol will arrange the ride. Go to him; he'll handle it."

Joshua gave a slight nod before turning to leave. 

The hospital parking lot glimmered under the golden haze of the late afternoon sun, but to Hansol, it felt cold and desolate. He stood at the far end, leaning against the cool metal of a car, while Jun, Soonyoung, and Wonwoo discussed the logistics of getting everyone home. Their voices blended into the background, drowned out by the thoughts pounding in his head.

When Joshua approached, Hansol straightened, his calm mask slipping into place. "We'll take them home," he said simply, his voice steady despite the turmoil brewing within.

Joshua nodded. "They're exhausted. Let's get them moving."

Hansol turned toward the lobby, his movements automatic. As they entered, the sight of the others sitting on the bench struck him harder than he anticipated. Mingyu was slouched against Seokmin, who looked ready to fall asleep where he sat. Jihoon was perched stiffly at the edge, his arms crossed as if trying to keep himself from collapsing. Minghao leaned back against the wall, his expression unreadable but his posture heavy with weariness.

Joshua stepped forward. "Come on," he urged softly, his tone laced with understanding. "Let's head out. Hansol's got the cars ready to take us home. We'll come back tomorrow morning, bright and early."

The group stirred sluggishly, their exhaustion evident in every movement. Mingyu rubbed his eyes, his voice groggy as he asked, "What about Jeonghan?"

"Seungcheol's staying with him," Joshua explained. "He'll take care of him tonight. We all need rest."

No one argued. They simply followed Joshua and Hansol to the parking lot, their footsteps dragging. There, four cars stood ready, their engines idling. Hansol moved efficiently, dividing them into groups with the quiet authority he always carried.