Distant Luminosity | Hanjoo

Interlude

- third person omniscient, also trigger warning -

While Byungjoo and Hansol were together, there was another couple somewhere in a quandary. A certain male was following a paved path, hands in his pockets and hood draped over his head. He was lost in deep thought, replaying events through his head.

"I've some bad news."

"Of course it's bad news."

"I ... wanted to inform you that he did it again."

"Why am I not surprised–"

"This time, the damage may not leave."

As he arrived at a rather familiar hospital, the nurse recognized the boy and waved him off to go ahead.

"But can't you guys do something about it?"

"We've tried. We can't pinpoint where the source of the pain is coming from."

"Really? You expect me to believe that?"

"I'm sorry, I really am. We were going to preform surgery, but his insurance doesn't cover it."

"Oh, so let me get this straight. You would let an innocent person be on the risk of death because they lack the money for an operation?"

"We have to be fair."

"That's not right!"

"Shin, I'm afraid I have something else to tell you."

Upon finding a particular room, the door was slightly cracked open. He entered the room cautiously, shutting the door behind him.

"His destructive behaviour has only been increasing, we had no choice but to admit him to the psychiatric hospital in your area."

"Do you realize what that will do to him?!"

"Jiho!" A brunette male exclaimed from the bed, reaching his bandaged arms out. Jiho looked up and smiled lightly, running over to pull the other into a warm embrace.

"He's safe there."

"Hey." He whispered into the fragile boy's shoulder. The gentle touch of the other was enough to pry him away from thinking about his problems. Neither of them would've broken the hug so soon if the patient hadn't fell into a coughing fit, almost instantly breaking Jiho into worry.

"Bullshit." 

After several coughs later, the brunette quietened and leaned back against the hard mattress. His half-lidded eyes peered over to his companion, curiosity masking his sorrow, "How was school?" Jiho let out a long, shaky sigh and sat in the nearby chair as he thought of how to put together a response.

"It could have been better," he twiddled his thumbs as he spoke, "I miss you being there."

The boy murmured, "Maybe."

Minutes passed before the boy asked Jiho without thinking beforehand, "Has anyone ... noticed my absence?" The raven-haired nodded reassuringly.

"Sangwon and Dongsung–"

"Besides a friend."

Jiho muttered an 'oh', his eyes trailing down to his lap. Of course, he wouldn't be lying if he said yes, but it's how the kids reacted when noticing. There's been countless of incidents involving a student blurting a question about where the boy's whereabouts are, and the teacher trying to put a stop to the gossip erupting inside the classroom. The urge to speak up would be hard on Jiho, but he respects his companion's privacy and that not everyone needs to know what happened. In other words, this was a secret he knew he should protect with his life on the line.

Sighing, Jiho explained it as lightly as he could put it.

"People have noticed, Hojoon. They're being nosy about it, too." Hojoon shot back up, slightly wincing at the sharp pain in his back.

"Did you tell them anything?" Jiho carefully grabbed a wrist, pulling it over so that the older's hand could rest on his palm.

"I haven't, don't worry." Hojoon sighed in relief, silently appreciating how much of a loyal friend he had. "Is there anything you need?" Jiho asked, concerned if Hojoon has actually eaten or not. Being under suicide watch had an equal amount of pros and cons; one being that the psychiatric hospital in their specific area didn't have twenty-four hours of surveillance, like others do. Though, that was only part of the reason why Jiho tried to avoid admitting him.

Hojoon shook his head. "No, I'm okay."

"When's the last time you've eaten something?" Jiho looked Hojoon in the eye, seriousness appearing in his expression. The brunette sighed, almost as if he was uncomfortable with answering.

"A few days ago." Jiho knitted his brows, growing a bit agitated since Hojoon had lied to him. Yesterday, he said he'd eaten just before Jiho arrived, but now he guesses not. He rummaged through his bag and pulled out an apple, having to had stopped by his house to bring emergency food amazed Hojoon. He gave the fruit to the boy, watching as he took it and inspected it.

"I've already checked and washed it." Hojoon looked up at the other, blinking a few times. He figured he could have stalled eating it, but Jiho might've expected it.

As Hojoon bit into the apple, Jiho sighed and leaned forward to get closer. "Why haven't you've been eating?" The boy shrugged.

"I don't know, C told me not to because they're trying to poison me." Jiho raised an eyebrow, this hasn't been the first time he's heard of fictitious people bossing Hojoon around.

"And you believe that?"

"Well," he shrugged again, "you know how I am."

Not even halfway through the apple, Hojoon's stomach was wanting to deny it. He fell into once another coughing fit, setting the apple down onto the sheets. When he was able to calm down, he felt tears welling into his eyes. The ones he's tried holding back ever since he's arrived to this unfamiliar place with an intimidating atmosphere. There was no way he could hide them, no point in it anyway. Hojoon whined and fell into Jiho, wrapping his arms around his shoulders and clinging tight like he'd run away if he let go. The younger rubbed circles into Hojoon's back, hearing the grievous weeps of the boy.

Almost forty minutes passed and Hojoon finally relaxed. Jiho had managed himself onto the bed to lay on one side, his arms gently around the fragile torso of his friend. As they were snuggled up against each other, Jiho couldn't help but listen to the soft breathing of the other, who was sound asleep. It sounded so peaceful, so ethereal. What would it be like if it stopped?

Jiho tried to ignore his arising dark thoughts, lifting his tired hand and stroking his fingers through the older's hair. What if he doesn't ever get the money returned back? What if Hojoon never gets his surgery done?

–

wOW this was depressing af to write, and also v personal

god, i feel so evil, i'm really sorry.

i figured i owed an explanation of who exactly that guy was that threatened byungjoo and why he was so furious about some stolen money

also, i apologize that i occasionally take forever on updating, even if i'm working on it right then. i get distracted so easily and sometimes i don't post them because i'm scared what people will think

aaaa please don't hurt mee (つ~▼')