THE SPECTRE

•16

Three days passed, yet Taeyong's condition only worsened. He confided in Ten, expressing that Ten was also fading away, a mystery neither of them could unravel.

They navigated each passing day cloaked in sorrow, grappling with the looming inevitability. According to the doctor, a mere four days remained for Taeyong.

At noon, the bosses paid another visit to Taeyong, sacrificing their lunch break yet again to be by his side.

"I will leave soon," Taeyong said, met by their somber silence.

"When I'm gone, please don't forget me," he added.

"Of course, we will not forget you," Lucas replied, his voice subdued.

"I'm very happy that I became your friend," Taeyong said.

"You're not just a friend, TY," Mark said.

"You're our brother," Jaehyun affirmed.

"We are brothers," Winwin chimed in. Taeyong smiled through his tears, noticing the bosses' teary eyes.

"We're also thankful for having you," Doyoung expressed.

"You will forever remain in our hearts, Taeyong," Jungwoo added.

"It seems like life is unfair because it only gave me a short time to live, but it's actually not, because even though I don't have a long time to spend, at least I met you all before I die," Taeyong said.

"Thank you for all, brothers," he added.

"I have one more request before I leave," Taeyong said.

"Anything, TY," Mark replied.

"When I'm gone, please visit Yuta sometimes so that he will not feel alone," Taeyong said.

"And I'm having a new sibling," he added.

"We will," Doyoung replied.

The room's door suddenly opened, and Taeyong's parents entered.

"It's now time; we need to go back to school," Winwin said.

"We'll go ahead," Lucas added.

With heartfelt goodbyes, they departed from the hospital.

Mr. Lee inquired, "How are you?"

"I feel better somehow," Taeyong replied.

"It's time for your medicines," Mrs. Lee reminded, handing him the prescribed pills.

"Mom," Taeyong called out.

"Yes?" his mother responded.

"I knew it already,' Taeyong said. "I'm having a new sibling, right?"

His parents hesitated briefly before responding.

"Can I choose the baby's name?" Taeyong asked.

"Certainly," they agreed.

"What name do you want for your sibling?' his father asked.

"Name the baby Ten," Taeyong requested.

Standing beside his parents, Ten's eyes widened at Taeyong's words.

"Ten, like the number?" his mother sought clarification.

"Yes," Taeyong confirmed, a gentle smile on his face.

"But why name your sibling Ten?" his father inquired.

Taeyong glanced at Ten, then explained, "These past few weeks, the name Ten became special to me. I want my future sibling to share that significance."