Annyeongz One-shots

87. Secrifice ( 3 )

Midnight settled heavily over the house.

The digital clock on Yujin’s desk glowed 12:17 AM, the red numbers flickering faintly in the dark.

Hyunwoo was asleep beside him, small body curled toward Yujin’s side of the bed, one hand still loosely gripping the edge of his sleeve even in sleep.

Yujin lay awake.

Staring at the ceiling.

Breathing carefully.

Slow.

Controlled.

But the tightness in his chest was back.

At first, it was subtle—a dull pressure beneath his ribs. He shifted slightly, hoping it would ease. It didn’t.

He swallowed.

Another breath.

It felt… smaller. Like the air wasn’t filling his lungs completely.

His fingers curled slightly against the blanket.

Not now.

Please not now.

He slowly turned his head to look at Hyunwoo. The boy’s breathing was soft and uneven, but peaceful.

Yujin carefully slipped his arm out from under Hyunwoo’s hand inch by inch.

The moment the fabric moved—

Hyunwoo stirred.

“Aa…” he mumbled faintly.

Yujin froze.

The tightness in his chest pulsed harder.

“I’m here,” he whispered automatically, even though Hyunwoo’s eyes were still closed.

He gently replaced his sleeve within reach, and Hyunwoo’s fingers latched onto it again instinctively.

Only then did Yujin slowly sit up.

The pressure worsened.

It wasn’t sharp yet.

But it was climbing.

He pressed his palm lightly against his chest and inhaled.

Bad idea.

The inhale caught halfway.

His throat tightened.

He immediately swung his legs over the bed, standing slowly so he wouldn’t make the mattress shake too much.

Each step toward his desk felt heavier than it should.

His heartbeat was louder now.

Faster.

His breathing shallow.

He opened the drawer quietly, hands trembling slightly as he searched past notebooks and old receipts.

There.

The small bottle.

He grabbed it quickly, unscrewing the cap with shaky fingers. One pill slipped into his palm.

His chest constricted again—stronger this time.

He quickly walked to the bathroom, closing the door as softly as possible.

The moment it clicked shut—

He leaned against the sink.

His breathing was uneven now.