THE SPECTRE

•14

After two days, the doctor allowed Taeyong to go home and continue his medications there.

"Mr. and Mrs. Lee, I'm letting Taeyong go home because it's his request, but it doesn't mean that he's already recovering. Remember, he's in a critical situation, and his body is already giving up. Please, if something happens, rush him here," the doctor cautioned.

"Yes, doc, we understand," Mr. Lee replied.

"Thank you," Mrs. Lee added.

They entered Taeyong's room, organized their things, and once everything was settled, they assisted Taeyong to his wheelchair.

"Finally," Taeyong said.

"It's really boring inside the hospital," he added.

"Don't worry, we're coming home," his father reassured.

They got into the car, and Ten also joined. After a few minutes, they arrived home. Yuta rushed to Taeyong, greeting him cheerfully.

"Welcome home, Yong!" Yuta exclaimed, giving Taeyong a tight hug.

They gathered around the dining table as Mrs. Lee prepared a meal for them. After eating, Mr. Lee assisted Taeyong upstairs to his room, ensuring he took his medications before leaving him to rest.

"Here, your phone is linked to mine. If you need something or feel any pain, just press this app," his father instructed before leaving the room.

"It's much more comfortable in my bed than at the hospital," Taeyong remarked.

"You really despise hospitals, don't you?" Ten observed.

"Yes, they keep reminding me of the reality that I'm dying," Taeyong admitted.

"But hospitals offer a lot of help," Ten suggested.

"The real support comes from you, my family, and friends," Taeyong replied. "No matter what happens, I don't want to die in the hospital."

"But what if they need to rush you there someday?" Ten inquired.

"No, I've promised myself I won't pass away in a hospital. I'll ask my parents to let me go at home," Taeyong firmly stated.

"Alright, it's your decision," Ten acknowledged.

Taeyong seemed to want to say more but stopped abruptly, clutching his chest in pain.

"It hurts," he whispered in agony.

In a tense moment, Ten's voice trembled as he urged, "Wait, press your phone so that you can call them."

"No, it's alright. I can still handle it," Taeyong calmly responded.

"What?" Ten's voice rose in shock.

Taeyong glanced at Ten, and Ten noticed a sudden widening of his eyes, a look of shock crossing his face.

"Why?" Ten pressed, his concern palpable.

There was a brief freeze in Taeyong's response. He closed his eyes momentarily and then opened them slowly.

"Are you alright?" Ten asked again, worried.

"Yes, I'm fine. How about you?" Taeyong asked in return.

The question puzzled Ten. Why was Taeyong asking about his well-being?

"Yes, I'm fine. Think about yourself. I'm definitely fine," Ten assured him.

"Are you sure?" Taeyong asked once more.

"Yes, why? What happened?" Ten inquired.

"Nothing, I'm just asking," Taeyong replied.

"You don't need to ask about my condition because I'm fine. It's yourself that you need to care about," Ten insisted.