Look at me | FF BangChan StrayKids

I rush to his bedside, my cheeks still wet.

- ...Chan...?

My voice trembles as I say those words. His half-closed eyes look at me as if his soul had left his body. I shiver. His eyes shut completely.

Paramedic - Bring a stretcher! He's seriously injured and has lost a lot of blood!

- Chan! Open your eyes, I beg you!

Paramedic - Ma'am, please move to another area. You're too shaken...

- No! I have to stay with him! I promised!

Paramedic - He needs stitches. Are you sure you want to stay?

- Yes.

◇----◇----◇

Minho - He's in good hands, Justine...

- I know...but I can't help but worry...

I had changed clothes, and we were all in a private room while Chan was undergoing surgery. Everyone in the room had the same expression: worry, fear, regret.

Time passed very slowly. For me, the scene kept replaying over and over again. If only he hadn't stepped in...

Felix - Justine, I don't know what you're thinking about, but I don't think it's helpful if it makes you sad.

- He...he protected me... It should be me in his place...not the other way around. Chan stepped in and took the blade for me.

Changbin - He took the hit for you?

I nod.

Jeongin - Would you...tell us what happened?

- A...a few days before our trip to London for your concert...I got a message from an unknown number. Of course, it was Da-eun. She asked me to meet her in the parking lot of Wellington Hospital at 11 PM, or she'd kill my mom. Of course, she wouldn't have done it, but I fell for it. She knew I'd obey her. I only realized it when I was standing in front of her. Let's say that...for an hour, we played cat and mouse, and then Chan arrived and...in the end...in the end...Da-eun tried to kill me, but...you know the rest... And what about you? What happened on your side?

Felix - Right after the concert, Chan had a smile on his face; he was so happy.

Changbin - He couldn't wait to see you.

Hyunjin - When we got to where you were supposed to be, he immediately panicked. We thought you might be in the bathroom, so we didn't worry too much, but he knew something was wrong.

Seungmin - Then he saw the message you left him and, among other things...the letter on the table.

- That letter...

Han - Yeah...the one where you said goodbye. His face fell apart when he read it.

Minho - Then, since your phone wasn't turned off, we were able to locate you. Hyunjin drove because Chan was clearly in no state to drive.

Felix - I was next to him in the passenger seat. He sent a message, and when he saw it was read, he started to panic. Then he got a photo. You can't imagine how crazy he went when he saw the image. We immediately knew things were really bad. In the photo, you were half-unconscious, in bad shape. At the same time, Minho called the police while Changbin alerted the hospital.

Minho - Then, while Hyunjin pressed hard on the accelerator, Chan got a video call. He answered immediately but turned off the video. In the car, there was complete silence; we were all listening to what was happening on the call. Hearing him call out to you in the parking lot, and especially...hearing you scream when she smashed the car window... Chan panicked, calling out to you, but Da-eun kept responding instead.

Hyunjin - Meanwhile, the police we had called asked us to pull over. Once out, Chan turned to us. With one look, we all understood, and he sped off with the car, leaving the police behind. We explained to them and left in a police car. We arrived a few minutes after him. When we got to the parking lot, we heard you both screaming, and when we found you, it was already too late. Chan was lying on the ground, you were crying at his side, and there was blood everywhere. You know the rest.

- ...It's all my fault...you must hate me so much...

Changbin - None of this is your fault. All you wanted was to protect someone you love. We can't blame you for that.

Seungmin - Changbin's right. We're just relieved that you're okay.

I was about to reply, but a doctor entered the room. All eyes turned to him.

Doctor - Is there someone named Ju...stine here?

I quickly stand up.

- That's me.

Doctor - Mr. Bahng mentioned your name in his unconscious state. I think it's best if you stay by his side.

I turn to the boys. They smile at me.

Felix - Go ahead, Justine.

Jeongin - Don't worry about us. Go see him; he's calling for you.

Doctor - Does anyone want to accompany her?

Minho - I'll go.

The doctor leads us to his room (Chan's room, of course 🥸). As soon as I walk in, my heart tightens.

Doctor - I'll leave you to it.

We thank him, and he leaves.

I sit next to Chan and take his hand. He's so pale...

- Why isn't he waking up yet...

Minho - It won't take long. He's safe; he's going to live, Justine. Chan took the hit for you. He protected you-it's a love beyond words.

- Chan? Can you hear me? Open your eyes...please...

I feel his hand squeeze mine. His face contorts. He seems to be in pain...

- ...Chan...

I tighten my grip as his once calm and serene face twists in discomfort. His breathing quickens. Seeing him like this breaks me inside.

- ...I'm here...

He's in pain; it's obvious. And I can't do anything...

Minho - Justine...I'll go see the boys...you should try to get some rest.

I nod and give him a small smile. He leaves, leaving me alone in the awkward silence of the room. I rest my head on my arms, using the mattress as support. And without realizing it, I fall asleep.