𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄 || 𝑺𝑬𝑶𝑲𝑺𝑶𝑶

chp14

Joshua’s life had become a kaleidoscope of moments, a mosaic of love, struggle, and quiet realizations. As the days passed, it became clearer to him that this time loop wasn’t just about saving Seokmin. It was about saving himself, too.

It wasn’t until he caught himself smiling—truly smiling—at the sight of Seokmin laughing with Soonyoung during a casual get-together that he realized how much had changed. The weight he’d been carrying for so long, the relentless guilt and desperation, hadn’t disappeared, but it had become bearable. It had shifted, transformed into something softer, more purposeful.

Saving Seokmin wasn’t just about keeping him alive; it was about ensuring they both lived. Truly lived.

Joshua began to notice things he hadn’t before—how the world had kept turning even when he felt like it had stopped. Jeonghan was smiling more these days, teasing Seokmin and Joshua about their shameless displays of affection. Soonyoung had started writing songs again, his creative spark reignited. Even Seungcheol, who always seemed so steady and unshakable, had let his guard down, showing a gentler side as he made sure Seokmin felt included.

Each person was their own universe, Joshua realized, and those universes sometimes collided, creating moments of connection that could change everything.

One evening, as Joshua sat on the couch with Seokmin nestled against him, the younger man humming softly to a tune only he could hear, Joshua’s thoughts drifted. His hand absentmindedly traced patterns on Seokmin’s arm, and he thought about how much he’d learned through this ordeal.

It wasn’t just about romantic love. It was about people. About how fragile, beautiful, and irreplaceable they were. He thought about the small ways people reached out—Seungkwan’s silly jokes, hansol’s quiet check-ins, chan’s reassuring presence.

Life wasn’t meant to be endured alone.

“Hyung,” Seokmin’s voice broke through his thoughts, soft and full of affection.

“Hm?” Joshua turned to look at him, his heart swelling at the sight of Seokmin’s warm, slightly mischievous smile.

“You’re staring again,” Seokmin teased, poking Joshua’s cheek.

Joshua chuckled, shaking his head. “Can you blame me?”

Seokmin blushed, hiding his face in Joshua’s chest. “You’re so embarrassing.”

“And you love it,” Joshua shot back, grinning when Seokmin’s muffled laughter filled the room.

In quiet moments like these, Joshua thought about the people around him—friends, family, coworkers. He thought about the stories they carried, the battles they fought silently. And he realized how important it was to be there for each other, to check in, to offer a hand or a shoulder, even if they weren’t blood-related or romantically involved.

He thought about Seokmin’s kindness, how it had touched so many lives without him even realizing it. He thought about Jeonghan, who had stood by him even when their friendship had felt strained. He thought about Seokmin’s parents and how, despite their flaws, they were trying to mend what was broken.

People weren’t perfect, but they were worth it.

“Hyung?”

Joshua turned to see Seokmin looking at him with a curious expression.

“Hmm?”

“Are you okay?”

Joshua smiled, his hand coming up to cup Seokmin’s cheek. “Yeah. I’m okay. Thanks to you.”

Seokmin’s eyes softened, and he leaned into Joshua’s touch. “You’re my everything, hyung,” he said quietly, his voice filled with sincerity.

Joshua felt his throat tighten, but he managed a smile. “And you’re mine.”

The days blended together in a rhythm of love and quiet progress. Joshua worked hard, balancing his part-time job and his time with Seokmin. They cooked together, laughed together, and sometimes, when the weight of everything felt too heavy, they cried together.

There was an evening when Seokmin pulled Joshua out onto the balcony, pointing at the stars.

“Look,” he said, his voice full of wonder. “A shooting star.”

Joshua followed his gaze, his heart aching at the sight of Seokmin’s genuine smile.

“Make a wish,” Seokmin urged.

Joshua closed his eyes briefly. I wish for you to stay. Always.

When he opened his eyes, Seokmin was watching him, a soft smile on his lips.

“What did you wish for?” Seokmin asked.

Joshua smiled, pulling him into a hug. “For this moment to last forever.”

And then, the day came.

February 17th.

The day Seokmin had taken his life.

Joshua woke to the sound of his phone vibrating against the nightstand. The clock read 3:00 a.m., and his heart stuttered as he reached for it, his pulse quickening.

“Hello?” he answered, his voice thick with sleep and anxiety.

“Shua-hyung,” came Seokmin’s soft voice on the other end.

Joshua froze, his heart pounding.

He turned over in bed, and there was Seokmin, lying beside him, his phone still pressed to his ear. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he grinned.

“You scared me,” Joshua muttered, but there was no real anger in his voice.

Seokmin giggled, hanging up and snuggling closer. “Sorry. I just… I wanted to hear your voice.”

Joshua couldn’t help but laugh, his chest tightening with a mix of relief and affection. He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Seokmin’s forehead.

“It’s your birthday tomorrow,” Joshua murmured, his voice soft. “We’ll celebrate. Properly.”

Seokmin’s eyes lit up. “Who’s coming?”

Joshua smiled, his hand running through Seokmin’s hair. “Everyone.”

-THE END-

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