Standing Again

Seokmin was sitting at the kitchen table, surrounded by case files and a notepad. His crutches leaned against the chair.

Jihoon entered the kitchen, carrying a mug of tea, his expression tight with concern.

Chan was in the living room, pretending to watch TV but clearly listening in.

Jihoon sat his mug down his eyes on Seokmin "You're working late again" he said, crossing his arms.

Seokmin didn't look up, massaging his temple "The case isn't going to solve itself"

"You've been pushing yourself too hard. And what's up with those headaches?"

Seokmin shrugged, finally looking up "They're nothing. Just stress. I'll deal with them when this case is wrapped up"

Chan, still on the couch, said "You've been saying that for a week. Maybe it's time you actually listen to hyung"

Seokmin shot a glance toward the living room but didn't respond. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temple again.

Jihoon sighed, pulling out a chair and sitting across from him "Listen, you've already been through enough. You barely made it out of that accident, and now you're pushing yourself like nothing happened. You're off the wheelchair, yes, but you're still recovering. You're not invincible"

"I don't need this lecture," Seokmin muttered, gripping the edge of the table "I'm fine. It's just a headache"

"No," Jihoon snapped, his voice louder now "It's not just a head. You're in pain, you're irritable, and you're not sleeping. You think I didn't notice how you wince everytime you stand up too fast or how you grip your crutches like you're about to fall over? You need to go to the hospital"

"I'll go...when the case is done" Seokmin shot back.

Chan turned now, frowning "And if something's wrong? What if waiting makes it worse? You already scared us once when Jihoon hyung found you lying in the street. Are you trying to do it again?"

Seokmin's jaw tightened "I don't have time to stop. There's a case to solve, a gang to take down. If I stop now, people get hurt"

"And what if happens if you get hurt again?" Jihoon asked, his voice trembling "What if you collapsed in the middle of chasing this case? What if we lose you?"

Seokmin's breath hitched, he looked away, guilt flickering in his expression.

The room was silent, the tension thick. Jihoon leaned forward, his voice softening "Please. Just get checked out. I'm not saying to stop, but you can't keep ignoring your body. We can't go through almost losing you again. We're your brothers-we're supposed to have your back, but you need to let us"

Chan nodded "He's right. Just go. Even if it's nothing, it'll give us all some peace of mind"

Seokmin exhaled slowly. Finally, he gave a small nod "Alright. I'll go tomorrow"

"Promise?" Jihoon pressed.

"I promise" Seokmin said quietly.

Jihoon relaxed slightly, Chan shot him a glance "We're holding you to that"

Seokmin didn't respond, his gaze falling back to his files, though the throbbing in his head didn't let him focus.

...

The air buzzed with tension as nurses and doctors hurried through the corridors, checking charts and tidying stations. The announcement of the hospital president's visit had put everyone on edge, though for some, like Jisoo, it was just another day with added pressure.