Can't stand to see you in pain

KEEP ME

''Don't crowd him, approach slowly. Just saying, he might have a temporary amnesia, so don't be hurt if he doesn't recognize you or there are things he doesn't remember.'' Jinwoo said, looking at Shownu.

Shownu only nodded as he took slow and steady steps towards Kihyun. His heart was heavy in his chest, what if Kihyun doesn't recognize him?

''Hi?'' It came out more like a question, Shownu winced at his unsteady voice.

''Hi.'' Kihyun said firmly.

Shownu's heart sank, it seems like Kihyun really doesn't remember him.

''I'm sorry.'' He said. ''Shownu I'm sorry. I know you don't want to hear this but I need to say this again. I'm sorry.'' The life returning to Kihyun's eyes, the pain, emotions flooding quickly.

''Hey hey, it's alright Kihyun. It's fine. What matters is that you are back.'' Shownu was on his side faster than lightning.

''I let you down so many times, how can you even stand the sight of me?'' Kihyun spat out, he was so angry at himself.

''Because you don't leave the ones you love Kihyun.'' Shownu said calmly, and that seemed to have an effect on Kihyun.

''Do you want to see the others?''

''Are they here?'' the vocalist sounded excited, and Shownu couldn't be happier about it.

He made his way to the door.

''You can come in.'' Shownu told the rest of the members who were waiting patiently behind the door for a chance to talk to Kihyun.

''Hey Yoo Kihyun.'' Jooheon said his name the way he always says it.

Kihyun smiled at that. ''Jooheon, stop.'' It sounded like the scolding he used to do, and Jooheon will never admit this but he missed the scolding Kihyun.

''Welcome back man.'' The rapper grinned, he was so happy to have his hyung back.

''Kihyun, I bought new games I want to play when we get back home.'' Minhyuk grinned and handed a bag to Kihyun. It had several new games that recently came out and some older ones that are hard to come by these days.

''Thank you Minhyuk.'' Kihyun glimpsed into the bag. ''I can't wait to beat your ass.'' He smirked.

''Wonho. Your eyes are red.'' Kihyun noted, guilt filling him.

''Don't ever do this to us again Kihyun.'' That was all Wonho could say and he started to tear up again.

''Hey hey, I'm okay! Wonho I'm okay.'' Kihyun reaffirmed his friend.

Hyungwon came behind everyone, and joined in with Kihyun to comfort their emotional member.

''Kihyun.'' Hyungwon sounded so serious like he was about to say something rude. '' I missed you.'' And broke into a smile, and Kihyun smiled back.

''Kyun?'' Kihyun noticed the lack of the youngest.

''He is pissed off at you, he said he won't come in unless you promise to clean his room for the whole month.'' Hyungwon said, trying not to burst into laughter.

Really, their maknae was such a mystery sometimes.

''Changkyun! I promise I'll help you clean your room.'' Kihyun yelled with his raspy voice.

''That's good enough for me.'' He answered behind the door before stepping in and running to his favourite hyung.

''You were supposed to teach me how to cook.''

''I will.'' Kihyun said and patted Changkyun's head like he was a puppy, but honestly, it felt like sometimes he is.

''You got lucky, Mr. Yoo. A lot of patients who wake up form short term coma have memory problems but you seem to be fine.'' Jinwoo interrupted the emotional gathering.

The vocalist sat there, in the cold white room, surrounded by the closest friends, and he really had to take a step back and think about everything that happened that led him here.

Nothing he wants to say will ever be enough he has caused so much problems, so many worries. The only thing he can really do is just give his best at fighting! When the people he cherishes the most are still around, after he has hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up.

''Uh, about the, group?'' Am I kicked out? Or?'' Kihyun's voice was shivering as he asked that. He closed his eyes, he doesn't know how he will come back from this if his career ended here.

''You are still ours. There is no other place for you than Monsta X lead vocalist. You aren't getting rid of us that easily.''

And just like that, a burden was lifted, he still belonged, he still had a place, he had supportive friends, he was never alone. And he never will be.

The room became lively, everyone wanted to talk, they laughed and joked a lot. For hours. But it felt like only minutes had passed.

''You will be fine. We, we all will be fine. We are stronger together.'' Shownu said to Kihyun when he kissed his forehead before leaving.

''I'll tell the fans that you are back soon yeah?'' Pulling away from the other.

''Tell them I missed them a lot, I'll make up for the time I wasn't there.'' Kihyun answered the leader.

''Ahem.'' The forgotten Jinwoo coughed for attention.

''Ah yea, almost forgot. Kihyun this is Jinwoo, the nurse who took care of you while you were out. We became friends and I promised him I'll introduce the two of you.''

'Thank you for taking care of me.'' Kihyun smiled softly at the other man. He looked friendly and he is Shownu's friend so he must be a good person.

''Okay we have to go. Manager will pick you up tomorrow to take you home, while we are at a radio show.'' It was Minhyuk who reminded them all.

Everybody said few encouraging words before leaving.

Kihyun was left alone in the room, but he was happy. And ready to start a new chapter in his life. No. Not a chapter. He is going to start a new book.

***

AUTHOR'S NOTE

a mess of a human being is back. found that little spark of writing after all this time. i never abandoned this fic in case u were wondering, i always thought about this, finally wrote, thru half closed eyes and sleep deprivation, but i did !! and i was so proud of myself since its lit been forever T_T

*side note* god bless Monsta x drama they did, what a blessing for Showki stans hehe, cant wait to show it to my nonbebe friend and die ~~