The Man Who Could Not Stop Time (Monsta X Fanfiction)

Chapter Nineteen: Please Don't

We warped back to our time line with a sobering energy surrounding us. Kihyun had contacted a psych ward that took Hyunki to put him on suicide watch. Luckily Hyunki was very willing to accept psychological help.

Kihyun decided fuse with himself so that he could remain in his time line and help Hyunki through his struggles. So only six of us came back that night.

When we returned to the house, Hyungwon pulled out his phone immediately and dialed Kihyun's number on speaker.

Kihyun picked up after a couple rings, "Hello?"

"Kihyun!" We all yelled happily in unison. 

"Hey guys." We could hear the smile in Kihyun's voice as he spoke, "It's... been a while."

"Is everything okay?" I asked, "How's Hyunki?"

"Yeah, is he alright?" Shownu added.

"One question at a time," Kihyun chuckled, "Hyunki is doing great now. He's actually been asking about my 'cousin' Areum non-stop since he got out of the hospital. But he's seeing a psychologist regularly and he lives with me now instead of his toxic family."

I let out a sigh of relief. This story had a happy ending. Thank god.

"We should meet up tomorrow." Kihyun said, "We have a lot to talk about."

"Yeah! Let's do that." Hyungwon spoke up. "Bring your friend too. We all want to meet him."

Kihyun hung up and we made arrangements to meet at a cafe for brunch the next day. Suddenly we all found our appetites and ordered in food.

I laid in bed that night thinking about how fragile life was. It was a depressing topic, and I couldn't seem to fall asleep because of it.

"Could you stop rolling around so much." I heard Hyungwon say from across the room, "The creaking is keeping me awake."

"Sorry." I muttered, trying to stop my restlessness.

I stared up at the ceiling, trying to think happy thoughts like puppies and kittens.

"You... you did a good job today."

I turned my head towards Hyungwon and say he was facing away from me, but still speaking to me.

"If you hadn't followed him, who knows what would have happened." He said.

"Thanks." I replied. "You're the reason all of this is possible. If you didn't create the watch, then none of this would have been possible."

Hyungwon laid in silence.

I thought maybe he was done talking.

"The watch shouldn't exist." Hyungwon muttered, "I've opened a door that I can't close. And we may be destroying the space time continuum with every move we make..."

"But today we did something great." I insisted, sitting up in the bed, "You are the reason a life was saved."

Hyungwon turned slowly on his side to face me. I saw uncertainty in his eyes.

Maybe he was such an insufferable jerk because of the moral ambiguity of his creation. He might have been struggling alone because he was afraid of what this would become. I might be able to make a difference with whatever I said.

"You're right..." Hyungwon replied, "For once."

I rolled my eyes. Of course he would have to get his last dig in.

"I guess you're not that bad after all." Hyungwon sighed. 

"What do you mean by that?" I asked.

Hyungwon sighed, "Don't worry about it. Just take the compliment."

Was it a compliment? It didn't really seem like one.

"Good night, okay?" Hyungwon said, rolling over.

I closed my eyes and eventually fell asleep.

I woke up the next morning with a new feeling of optimism. We would be meeting up with Kihyun and Minhyuk, and I was excited about that! I wanted to meet them under happier circumstances, and today would be that day.

I hopped into the shower, wanting to look fresh and dress cute and comfortable for the day. I picked out my pair of high-waisted short and a slouchy long sleeved shirt that tied in the back. I decided not to wear makeup because I wanted today to be completely natural.

I came out of the bathroom ready for the day. The boys were all dressed and ready to go too.

"Good morning Areum!" Minhyuk said cheerfully. "You look cute today."

I smiled at him, "Thank you."

"Kihyun and Hyunki will be meeting us in an hour at the restaurant." Hyungwon cut in. He was dressed more fashionably today, wearing a black wide brim heat with a white t-shirt and jeans.

"Then let's get going!" Changkyun said, leading us out the front door.

We started the walk towards the restaurant, everyone off in their own little conversations. I looked out at the street; the fresh, cool morning air filling my lungs.

"Did you sleep well last night?"

I turned to see Shownu talking to me. I only noticed now the true height difference between us. My head stopped at his shoulders. And I noticed too how broad his shoulders were, strength I'm sure he got from years of dancing.

"Uh..." I was so lost in admiration that I forgot to respond, "I slept well, what about you?"

"Same." He smiled.

I noticed him staring down at my hand.

'Does he want to hold hands?' I wondered, I looked up at him to see him looking up at my face before turning away. 'This guy looks tough on the outside, but he's a complete softie.'

I took the opportunity and grabbed a hold of his hand. He looked over once he felt me intertwine our fingers together. He grinned, turning his attention forward to follow the guys.

Just as we approached the restaurant, I saw two familiar figures standing outside.

"Kihyun!" Minhyuk yelled once he saw Kihyun, running up to the him and Hyunki.

Kihyun had the biggest smile on his face as he saw all of us approaching. Hyunki smiled too. Changkyun rushed to hug Kihyun too, while Shownu and I lagged back to watch.

"Come on guys, let's go inside."