CW: Canon-compliant fluff. San misses sick Wooyoung while in Japan.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
_______________________________
The shared apartment felt unbearably quiet. For a person who thrived on companionship, especially his companionship, it was the most challenging part of being sick. Wooyoung curled up on his bed, Sandeokki hugged tightly to his chest, watching as the hours crawled by. A part of him wished he'd be fit enough to join the others in Japan, cold be damned, but he knew it was for the best. He didn't want to risk making everyone else sick. Still, it sucked.
Japan was special to Wooyoung and San-something about the air, the culture, the memories they'd made there together over the years. It felt wrong for San to experience it without him.
--- San sat in the van on the way to the airport, arms crossed and gaze fixed out the window. His usual cheerful demeanor was dimmed, weighed down by the gnawing absence of Wooyoung. His mind replayed the image of the younger boy from earlier that morning, bundled up in blankets, eyes glassy with a slight fever. He hadn't even been able to hug him properly before leaving.
"Don't sulk too much, San-ah. He's in good hands, so he'll soon be okay~", Seonghwa reassured gently from beside him. San managed a small smile but said nothing. No amount of reassurance could stop the ache in his chest. He already missed his Wooyoung.
---
The departure gate buzzed with energy as reporters and fans eagerly trailed behind ATEEZ. Cameras clicked, capturing every move, while mics were thrust forward, their questions blending into a chaotic hum. San stood with the others on the escalator, his hands tucked into the pockets of his white, cozy jacket.
"Handsome guy in all white~," a reporter complimented San's good looks, earning a shy, polite smile from the idol, whose mind was lost elsewhere for a moment.
"San-ssi!", one reporter finally got his attention. "We noticed Wooyoung-ssi isn't with you today. Can you tell us why?"
San's expression softened instantly at the mention of Wooyoung. "Ah, Wooyoungie caught a cold and couldn't join us this time," he said, his voice gentle. "He's resting and recovering, so he'll be back soon, healthier and stronger." The crowd murmured sympathetically, but the reporter pressed on.
"It must feel strange without him because he is your best friend, right? Do you have a message for him?"
San hesitated for a moment, a wistful smile tugging at his lips. "Of course, it's strange. Japan is one of our favorite places to visit together. But I hope he's resting well and not missing me too much", he said with a soft chuckle, though the longing in his voice was unmistakable.
The reporter smiled, clearly sensing San's fondness. "One last question-do you have any lunch recommendations for fans today, San-shi?"
San blinked, momentarily caught off guard, before a mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes. "Lunch recommendations, huh? Well... how about samgyeopsal? It's always a good choice, and it's... Wooyoung's favorite." The crowd chuckled, and some fans squealed, obviously loving Woosan's precious bond. San's ears turned red, but he didn't bother hiding his grin as he joined the rest of the group.
