Chapter Text
“My friends,” Si-eun says.“That’s amazing,” Su-ho beams. They stare at each other for a quiet second. Su-ho notices the moisture in Si-euns eyes. He had never seen him cry before.
After a moment, he struggles out of his wheelchair with a suppressed groan. Si-eun steps forward and examines Su-ho for a moment before giving in. Slowly, he steps into him, wrapping his arms around him. Su-ho tenses as he feels Si-eun’s chin rest on his shoulder.
After a long minute he at last returns the embrace, enveloping Si-eun in his arms. Feeling Si-eun’s soft sobs, he start to tear up himself. Si-eun deepens the hug, squeezing Su-ho tighter. In response Su-ho moves his hands up to gently caress the back of Si-eun’s head.
“I’m back,” he whispers and burrows his face in Si-eun’s shoulder.
Si-eun helps Su-ho get settled back in the hospital cot, tucking the sheets carefully around him. “I want to meet your friends,” Su-ho says. Si-eun stares back at him for a moment before responding with a small nod. He steps into the hallway for a minute before returning with three boys behind him.
One of them, shoulders tense and face down, carefully hands Su-ho a honey hotteok and chocolate milk, bowing politely. “I’m Jun-tae,” he says with a nervous smile. Si-eun watches Jun-tae retreat nervously before introducing his other friends. “This is Go Hyun-tak.” “Gotak,” Hyun-tak corrects. “And this—“ “I’m Baku!” Hu-min interjects loudly.
“It’s nice to meet you all,” Su-ho says.“We’ve heard a lot about you,” says Baku to Su-ho with a smirk before side-eyeing Si-eun. Su-ho chuckles lightly. “So you talk about me?” he teases.
Si-eun studies Su-ho’s eyes as his cheeks begin to redden. He looks down trying to hide the smile pulling at the corners of his lips.
“Si-eun,” Su-ho calls softly. Silence fills the dark room. “Yeon Si-eun,” he calls again.” “Hmm?” Si-eun hums back. “I can’t sleep,” Su-ho complains. Si-eun yawns and stands from the hospital chair slowly. “I’ll get you some milk,” he offers sleepily.
“Wait.” Si-eun turns, with a questioning look in his eyes. “Just come here.” Su-ho commands, as if it was obvious. Si-eun, confused, approaches Su-ho and watches expectantly. Su-ho stares back. “Did you need something?” Si-eun asks. “Come on,” Su-ho replies as he waves his hand impatiently.
Slowly, Si-eun sits on the bed. Si-eun leans closer to Su-ho, expecting some kind of request Su-ho stares back at him and pats the bed beside him. Si-eun looks at the bed and back at Su-ho. Finally, he lies down. Su-ho slides his arm under Si-eun’s neck and sighs loudly. “I should sleep like a baby now.”
Si-eun lies tense for what feels like several minutes before finally relaxing in Su-ho’s arms. He watches as Su-ho’s chest rises and falls slowly, then, closes his eyes and sleeps.