Chapter 12: A Fan's Heart

Shoving his face into Ji Hoon's left chest, Yeong Su sobbed uncontrollably, his tears flowing in a torrent of regret, guilt, and acceptance. Ji Hoon enveloped him in a warm embrace, gently patting his back with steady, rhythmic strokes, while he affectionately ran his fingers through Yeong Su's hair, offering him a comforting presence. 

After a while, Ji Hoon tucked the embarrassed Yeong Su into a blanket, which he wrapped around himself like a protective cocoon, peeking out at Ji Hoon's concerned face as the latter busied himself with tidying the edges of the bed, blissfully unaware of Yeong Su's furtive glances.

"Why do you think he did that?" Yeong Su's voice was barely a whisper, the silence in the room amplifying the heaviness of his words. Ji Hoon halted his movements, his gaze landing on Yeong Su's face, which reflected a painful mix of self-loathing and sorrow. 

"Maybe he wanted to escape? Perhaps he was tired of putting up with someone or something? Or maybe he just wanted to be selfish for once?" Ji Hoon mused, his thoughts streaming out in a rush. Yeong Su, however, quietly turned his back, retreating from the emotional moment. 

As Ji Hoon meticulously organized the items on his table, he arranged them with care, ensuring everything was positioned within easy reach for Yeong Su. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken words, and though he knew he wouldn't receive an answer, a deep-seated urge compelled him to speak. "Yeong Su," he said softly, his voice laced with concern, "if my words have touched you even a little, please remember to take your treatments and medications properly, okay?" 

As silence enveloped the room in response, Ji Hoon felt a weight settle in his chest. He turned to leave, his heart heavy, when a faint whisper broke through the quiet. "Are you leaving?" The words were tinged with disappointment, lingering in the air as he paused, one hand resting on the doorknob, caught in the moment of hesitation..

"No...I am not," Ji Hoon replied, offering a composed smile as he gently stroked Yeong Su's hair, subtly guiding him back towards sleep. "Get some rest, okay?" He settled back into the chair, letting the sound of rustling papers fill the tranquil silence of the room. Everything calmed, as though time had been suspended, wrapping them in a soothing stillness.

The following morning, as the sun began its gentle ascent, casting a warm golden glow through the window, Ji Hoon hunched over his cluttered desk, a tempest of frustration brewing within him. "Hae Ra, are you truly aware of how utterly absurd this is?" he exclaimed, his voice rising in disbelief, echoing off the walls of the room. He had already dissected nearly half of the report, grappling with the sheer ridiculousness of its contents. "How could we possibly have lost an A-list actor over some groundless rumors? And EE—our partnership with ZEn streamers has vanished like mist!" He gestured emphatically, his fingers gripping the report tightly as if it were the source of all his vexation, the bright ink contrasting sharply with the muddled chaos surrounding him.

With each word that echoed in the room, Ji Hoon's irritation flared like a simmering flame, compelling him to take a deep breath, steadying himself. He reminded himself that it was not Hae Ra who penned the report but rather a reflection of the official records. "Honestly, this is unacceptable. Hae Ra, I want you to assemble a separate team to reinvestigate this matter," he asserted, his voice firm and unyielding. "Prioritize the recent issues that carry real consequences. This time, I expect nothing less than a serious and diligent approach—not some half-hearted joke. Understood?" He punctuated his command by waving a file in front of her, setting a clear and authoritative example.

Setting aside the disheveled papers and untouched laptop, he drew the neglected food closer, feeling the weight of postponed meals pressing heavily upon him. Just then, Mina entered the room, a welcome distraction amidst his growing turmoil. "Sir, Yeong Su is here to see you," she announced, breaking the thick tension that hung in the air like a storm cloud.

"What? Why?" Ji Hoon's surprise was palpable, the earlier frustrations fluttering away like autumn leaves. "Bring him in… no, I mean let him in. Actually, just let him in. And while you're at it, bring something to eat for two." He commanded, scarcely pausing to allow her a moment to respond.

As he set the bowl aside with a soft clink, a wave of anticipation flooded through him, and he rose eagerly, his eyes fixated on the door. The instant it swung open, Yeong Su stepped through, appearing a mix of weary determination, a faint, hopeful smile gracing his lips as he approached Ji Hoon.

"Yeong Su?" With every step the younger man took, Ji Hoon's anxiety deepened, a tight knot of concern forming in his chest. Yeong Su halted in front of him, his expression disarmingly innocent, before revealing a slice of cake—a vibrant confection—and holding it up triumphantly, its frosting glimmering softly in the warm light.

As bewildered as everyone else in the room, Ji Hoon tilted his head slightly, his brows knitting together in confusion. Scoffing at his silly expression, Yeong Su settled himself on the spot on the sofa that Ji Hoon had earlier designated for him, radiating a sense of casual reassurance.

"I thought I should be rewarded for how well-behaved I was while taking my therapy and medication, no?" he declared with a glimmer of mischief in his eyes.

"You had a therapy session today?" Ji Hoon asked, his voice tinged with surprise, curiosity coloring each word.

"Hmmm," Yeong Su nodded earnestly, "and this time I didn't lose it. I was certainly scared and lonely, but I did my best to keep it together." His hopeful spirit radiated from him, an almost palpable luminescence.

"Really, that's brilliant! I knew you were capable of this!" Ji Hoon exclaimed, his heart swelling with joy upon hearing Yeong Su's experience of navigating therapy without losing composure. Yet, just as this warmth enveloped him, something nagged at the edges of his mind.

"Wait, you were feeling lonely? But I thought your members were always there for you," Ji Hoon asked, a look of confusion crossing his face as he settled beside Yeong Su. The bond between the members was one of the reasons they garnered so much love from fans, even from across the sea, so it was surprising to discover that Yeong Su felt so isolated during his therapy sessions.

"Yeah, they had something urgent to take care of," Yeong Su replied, his tone tinged with a sadness that spoke volumes. A flicker of understanding passed between them. "That's why I have a request," he continued, gently grasping Ji Hoon's hands as if he were reaching out for a lifeline. "Will you be there for my therapy, even if my members can't make it?" Hope shimmered in his eyes, illuminating his anxious expression. "You know, every second of that therapy felt like I was committing an unforgivable sin. At one point, I wanted to run away, but then I remembered your words, your sincerity, and your calm—"

Before he could finish, he met Ji Hoon's gaze, which seemed to ground him, preventing him from spilling every hidden fear. "Anyway," Yeong Su continued, his voice softer, "this time I relied on your words, but what if I lose it again? That's why I'm asking—will you stay by my side, just for my therapy sessions?" His eyes flickered between pitiful and hopeful, as if he were using every ounce of persuasion to convince the fan within Ji Hoon.

Caught in the crossroads of emotion, Ji Hoon glanced over at Hae Ra, only to find Yeong Su's imploring gaze fixed on him, pleading for reassurance.

"Sorry...that was really selfish of me. Even if you are my fan, I shouldn't have made such a request," Yeong Su said, embarrassment washing over him like a tide. He abruptly stood up, the weight of his selfishness heavy on his shoulders. "I'm sorry. I'll go back now, and thank you for everything you've done for me. If there's anything I can do—"

"No...I mean, I would be more than happy to help you. It's just that I'll be discharged soon, and I don't want to keep you in the dark," Ji Hoon replied earnestly, searching for the right words to convey his sincerity. "Can you give me a little time? I promise I won't disappoint you; that's the last thing I want to do."

The simple thought of Ji Hoon genuinely considering his request filled Yeong Su with warmth and gratitude. 

"Sure, Hyung!" he exclaimed, a surprised smile breaking across his face, illuminating his idol features much like the sun emerging after a storm. With a cheerful wave, Yeong Su left the room, leaving Ji Hoon stunned in happiness, grounded in a moment that stretched out for a few seconds until he became aware of the curious looks surrounding him.