You're Not Alone...

Title: Worry
Length: 1117 words
TWs: none

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October 13th, 2023_
6:50 AM_

The morning light filtered through the curtains of the dorm as Felix and Jisung prepared to leave for school. Seungmin was curled up on the bed, still flushed from his lingering heat but visibly calmer than the previous days.

"Are you sure you'll be okay on your own?" Felix asked, kneeling beside him. "We can skip another day if you need us here."

Seungmin gave a weak smile, shaking his head. "Y-you've already missed e-enough. I'll be fine. Just l-leave some water and snacks nearby. I-I'll sleep most of the day a-anyway."

Jisung sighed. "Text us if you need anything. If you feel worse or anything, we're coming straight back, okay?"

Seungmin nodded. "I'll b-be fine. Go."

As Felix and Jisung left, they exchanged worried glances but knew they couldn't skip another day without raising suspicion.

---

At school, during lunch, their friends gathered around their usual table. Chan frowned as he looked at the empty spot where Seungmin usually sat. "It's been three days since we've seen Seungmin. Is he okay?"

Hyunjin, playing with the straw in his drink, looked equally concerned. "Yeah, even his scent is missing from the hallways. Did something happen?"

Felix and Jisung exchanged a quick glance before Felix replied, "He's sick. Really sick. That's why he's been out. But he's resting and recovering."

Minho, who had been quiet until now, looked up sharply. "Sick? What kind of sick?" His tone was controlled, but the worry in his eyes was evident.

"Just... fever and exhaustion," Jisung answered hesitantly, avoiding Minho's gaze. "Nothing serious, but he's been in bed the whole time. He asked us not to let anyone visit because he doesn't want to spread anything."

Changbin tilted his head, narrowing his eyes slightly. "That doesn't sound like Seungmin. He'd push through school even with a fever."

Jeongin chimed in, his brow furrowed. "Yeah, it's weird. Should we check on him? Just to be sure?"

Before Felix or Jisung could respond, Minho stood up, his jaw tight. "I'm going after class. Whether he wants visitors or not, I'm checking on him."

Felix reached out to grab Minho's arm. "Minho-hyung, wait—"

"No," Minho cut him off. "Three days without a word and you're all acting suspicious. If you won't tell me the full story, I'll find out myself." Without waiting for a response, he grabbed his bag and stormed off.

Felix jumped up from his seat, quickly following Minho. "Hyung, wait! Please, just hear me out."

Minho didn't slow down, his long strides making it hard for Felix to keep up. Jisung groaned and ran after them. "Hyung, stop! You can't just barge in there!"

The older finally stopped in the hallway, turning to glare at both of them. "Why not? What's going on with Seungmin that's so secret? If he's sick, I should at least check on him. Or is there something else you're not telling me?"

Felix hesitated, exchanging a nervous glance with Jisung. They couldn't outright say the truth—it wasn't their place to share what was happening with Seungmin. But they also couldn't let Minho go to the dorm and find out on his own.

Jisung stepped forward. "Hyung, you have to trust us on this. Seungminnie asked for privacy. He's going through something really personal, and we're just trying to respect his wishes."

Minho's eyes narrowed. "Something personal? More personal than his health? I'm his friend too—don't I deserve to know what's going on?"

Felix placed a hand on Minho's shoulder, his voice soft but urgent. "We're not saying you don't care. We know you do, probably more than anyone else. But this is something only Seungmin can tell you. If you show up now, it might make things worse for him."

Minho looked between the two of them, his jaw clenched. "So, what am I supposed to do? Just sit back and do nothing?"

Jisung nodded, his expression serious. "For now, yes. Let us handle it. He's okay, we promise. But if you push, you might lose his trust. Is that what you want?"

Minho hesitated, his shoulders sagging slightly. He ran a hand through his hair, clearly torn. "Fine," he muttered after a long pause. "But if I don't hear from him by tomorrow, I'm going to the dorm, no matter what."

Felix let out a quiet sigh of relief. "Fair enough. Thank you, hyung."

Minho shot them one last glance before walking away, his tension still palpable. Jisung exhaled, leaning against the wall. "That was close."

Felix nodded, his voice low. "Yeah, but now we need to make sure Seungmin's okay to talk soon. Minho-hyung won't stay patient for long."

---

Minho sat in the classroom, drumming his fingers on the desk as he stared at his phone. He had been holding back all day, but his concern for Seungmin had grown. He quickly typed a message:

Minho: Hey, Jisung and Felix told us you're sick. Why didn't you tell me? I could've brought something to make you feel better...

He pressed send, watching the little dots appear as Seungmin typed. Minho's foot tapped impatiently, his mind racing as he waited for a reply. The silence in the room felt heavy, the distant murmurs of his classmates barely registering. Finally, his phone buzzed.

Seungmin: I didn't want to worry you... I'm fine, really. It's just a little flu or something.

Minho frowned. "Flu? This isn't just a flu. You're hiding something from me, Seungmin. I know you better than that."

He paused for a moment, before typing back.

Minho: I get it, but you don't have to pretend with me. If it's something more, just tell me. I want to help, okay?

Seungmin's reply came quickly, but it was shorter than usual.

Seungmin: I don't want to bother you...

Minho's heart squeezed at the words. Seungmin's reluctance to share what was really going on hurt him, but he understood that Seungmin was always like this—proud, and too worried about being a burden. Minho sat back in his chair, running a hand through his hair as he typed a final message before the bell rang.

Minho: You could never be a bother, Seungmin. You're not alone in this. Just let me know if you need anything, okay?

Before Seungmin could reply, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. Minho tucked his phone away and sighed, the unease in his chest only growing stronger.

————

Today I've been to a dance competition and it went really well!! One of the judges was a choreographer for some famous singers, and he gave me many points. I love dancing and I'd really like to make it my job some day.