35 - Die With A Smile
"Shut up!" Jeonghan whined as he rolled his eyes playfully.
Seungcheol just laughed as he focused on the road. He was driving while Jeonghan was seated on the passenger's seat, sulking over the older's teasing.
"And-" Before Seungcheol could speak, a sharp bump was felt against the back of the car as he tried his best to steady his driving.
As the unexpected bump hit the car, Seungcheol reflexively tensed, grasping the steering wheel with a tighter grip to steady the vehicle.
He couldn't help but let out a low curse under his breath, eyes darting to the rearview mirror to assess the situation. "What the fuck?!!" he muttered, irritation beginning to mount.
Jeonghan, looked back, "Four. There are four cars, following us."
"Call for backup." Seungcheol stated.
"Yeah I'm calling Hoshi." Jeonghan nodded as he pulled out his phone.
"This Bastard." Seungcheol clenched his jaw as he very well knew who was behind all that.
He raced the car, reaching the speed with which the following vehicles won't be able to catch up.
Seungcheol pushed the accelerator down further, increasing the speed of the car to put some distance between them and the pursuers. His jaw was clenched tightly, a mix of determination and anger fueling his actions.
"I knew it," he gritted out, his hands gripping the steering wheel with a white-knuckled grip. "That damn bastard just can't leave us alone, can he?"
"Seungcheol, dodge!" Jeonghan screamed as two cars approached from the front with full intention of causing a bump.
Seungcheol drifted the car immediately and as a result, it thrashed into a nearby pole, the airbags helping to some extent.
The other six cars surrounded them almost immediately as Seungcheol and Jeonghan looked at each other worriedly.
Both of them flinched slightly as the sound of a few bullets striking the car echoed.
"Don't worry." Seungcheol inhaled a deep breath as he focused back on somehow driving the car away.
"They're here!" Jeonghan announced as he looked back from inside the glass of the car.
"Damn, aren't they too fast?" Seungcheol turned back as well.
"No Hoshi and all are still not here, I dropped a message to dad too." Jeonghan replied.
"Great." Seungcheol nodded as now they had some back-up.
Soon enough, Hoshi, Mingyu, Jun, Seokmin, Vernon and Dino arrived at the scene along with enough force.
Seungcheol and Jeonghan finally got out of the car and joined the other amidst the intense gunshots and physical fights.
Gradually, Hyeseok's side began to lose dominance and soon enough, they were all taken down.
But, while losing his last breathes, one of them managed to aim a shot against Seungcheol and collapsed.
Seungcheol grunted as a sudden, sharp pain erupted in his stomach. He felt a warm, sticky liquid begin to soak through his shirt, a grimace of pain crossing his face.
He tried to shake off the stinging sensation, focusing on keeping his grip on the bloody wound, his eyes locked straight ahead on the road.
"Damn this," he muttered through clenched teeth, "Not a good time to get shot, not a damn good time."
"N-n-noo!" Jeonghan's lips quivered as he saw Seungcheol stumbling on his feet. The older's gun fell off his grip as he clutched his stomach tightly.
Mingyu and Hoshi rushed towards the older to hold him while, Seokmin, Vernon, Jun and Dino followed.
"I-I'm fine," Seungcheol managed to say through gritted teeth, as his friends rushed towards him to offer support.
His voice was strained, laced with pain as he tried to downplay the severity of his injury. The warmth of blood continued to seep through his shirt, staining the fabric a deep shade of red.
"Just a graze, n-not a big deal." he lied through his teeth.
"Seungcheol!!" Jeonghan rushed towards him, "W-what-" He choked on his words due to the tears forming in his eyes.
"Hey, hey, it's f-fine," Seungcheol managed to stammer out between gritted teeth, his hand still tightly clutching at the wound on his stomach. "I've had worse, Jeonghan...this is just a scratch. A minor injury, I-"
"SHUT UP!!" Jeonghan paused as he turned towards Mingyu, "H-Hospital! Quick!"
Despite the pain, Seungcheol couldn't help but scoff slightly at Jeonghan's firm command. He could see the tears welling up in Jeonghan's eyes, and it tugged at his heartstrings.
Mingyu nodded quickly, already moving to help Seungcheol. "Hospital, right away." he confirmed, gesturing for others behind him to follow.
Meanwhile, Seungcheol took a deep breath, steeling himself for the pain that was sure to come.
Everyone got into the car while assisting Seungcheol but Jeonghan stayed out. Seungcheol was gradually falling unconscious so he couldn't really notice that, but others did.
"Hyung?" Mingyu rolled down the window to look at Jeonghan.
"Don't waste time, take him to the hospital." Jeonghan stated, "I'll be there soon."
Mingyu exchanged a worried glance with Hoshi and the others before looking back at Jeonghan.
"You sure?" Hoshi spoke up, a hint of concern in his voice. "It's a bit reckless; don't you think?"
Seungcheol, in between labored breaths, tried to protest weakly, "Jeonghan, don't-"
"Go!" Jeonghan sternly ordered.
Mingyu started the engine as Hoshi kept holding the older at the backseat. Seungcheol tried weakly to protest again, but his words were interrupted by a sharp pain that shot through his stomach, causing him to wince and bite back a groan.
"G-God, damnit, it hurts..." he muttered weakly.
"Hyung, calm down." Hoshi tried to assure him as Mingyu drove the car.
"C-call-" Seungcheol took a deep breathe, "Call Jun. Ask the others to follow Jeonghan. He's going to be reckless again."
Meanwhile, Jeonghan got into the car which Seungcheol was driving earlier. He probably knew that Jun, Seokmin, Vernon and Dino were following him for backup, but he didn't care.
Because, did he need any backup?
Did he need and help?
No.
He knew what he had to do.
And the flames of his anger against the one who dared to hurt his love, were enough danger to anyone and everyone.
Jeonghan's anger was like a blazing inferno, consuming every bit of logic and reason. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white. The only thing on his mind was revenge.
The car raced through the streets, the night sky a backdrop to his relentless pursuit. The other cars, including Jun, Seokmin, Vernon, and Dino, followed, matching Jeonghan's furious pace.
Jeonghan halted the car in front of Hyeseok's mansion and so did the others. The guards at the gate were swiped off easily after which Jeonghan threw a lighter at one of the cars which were lined up at the parking lot.
The others watched on, their expressions hardening with a mix of concern and a silent understanding. They didn't know what Jeonghan was planning, but they knew it was going to be intense. The flames, spreading rapidly, danced in the air, casting an eerie light over everything.
Meanwhile inside, a figure stirred on the sofa.
"Huh?" Hyeseok muttered, pushing aside the heavy drapes that covered the window to look outside at the commotion. His expression darkened as he spotted the burning cars in the parking lot, a flicker of recognition flashing in his eyes.
Jeonghan forcefully strode into the mansion, his steps were firm and purposeful as he made his way through the once-grandly decorated halls of the mansion. The flames from the burning cars outside flickered through the windows, casting a dancing light on the walls.
The others, keeping guard outside, ensured that Jeonghan's path was clear. Their backs straight, they stood firm, ready to face any threats that might ambush the furious man.
"KIM HYESEOK!" Jeonghan yelled, standing right across him.
"Ah, Jeonghan." Hyeseok greeted, his tone dripping with condescending satisfaction. He approached Jeonghan confidently, his steps light and calculated. "It seems someone's a little mad tonight."
Jeonghan clenched his jaw as he couldn't contain his anger.
"I see. Did Seungcheol get hurt? Aww." Hyeseok laughed, "I didn't want to hurt him anyways. My target was always you, but your damn boyfriend was acting like he is the almighty. Now look, my prey walked into my mansion by himself."
Jeonghan's eyes narrowed as Hyeseok taunted him, the younger man's smugness only fueling his anger further. He clenched his fists tightly, the knuckles turning white with the effort.
"Shut up," he hissed, his voice laced with barely contained fury. "You have no idea what I'm capable of."
"A psycho like you is only capable of ruining everything for himself." Hyeseok mocked, "Idiot."
Before Hyeseok could proceed, Jeonghan stabbed his dagger into his stomach, "Psycho huh? Called me a psycho and dared to instigate me? Who's the idiot now?"
Hyeseok's smug expression faltered as Jeonghan's dagger lodged into his stomach, a gasp escaping his lips. His eyes widened, a mixture of pain and surprise crossing his face.
"God...damn it..." he muttered through the pain, staggering back a step
Jeonghan twisted the dagger inside the old man's flesh, "You have already lived longer than you deserved, fucker."
A pained cry escaped Hyeseok's lips as Jeonghan twisted the dagger further, his face contorted in agony. Blood streamed down his shirt, staining the fabric in deep, dark patches.
"Agh..you bastard..." he managed to gasp out, his voice a hoarse whisper.
Jeonghan pulled out the dagger and stabbed it again in his chest, "How dare you?!" He stabbed Hyeseok multiple times while screaming in anger while his eyes drained with tears while reminiscing the image of Seungcheol being hurt.
Hyeseok let out a series of agonizing screams, each time Jeonghan's dagger drove deeper into his flesh. His body trembled, writhing under the brutality of Jeonghan's attack, his blood staining the floor and spreading like a dark, gruesome trail.
"S-Stop...stop..." he gasped, his voice weak and pleading.
As Hyeseok laid dead on the floor, Jun, Seokmin, Vernon and Dino joined back Jeonghan after destroying the entire empire Hyeseok had built.
"Hyung, we should rush back to the hospital." Jun suggested.
Jeonghan was snapped out of the blurred vision of his revenge. The events had been a mix of anger and violence, and it took a while for him to fully process the reality of his actions.
"Right," Jeonghan mumbled, his voice still tinged with a trace of anger, but also a hint of weariness. "We should get back to the hospital."
All of them got into the cars but diverted their route to the mansion.
"Hospital?" Jeonghan perked up.
Seokmin glanced over at Jeonghan, noticing the older's sudden interest.
"We can't go to the hospital," he explained, his tone matter-of-fact but gentle. "This mansion still has medical equipment and supplies we need so Seungcheol hyung is here only."
Vernon and Dino nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, we won't leave any suspicious traces out there," Vernon added, his eyes flickering towards Jeonghan.
"Oh right, it slipped my mind." Jeonghan rushed out of the car, hoping to see Seungcheol in the best possible condition.
Jeonghan's heart raced as he stepped out of the car, his steps quick and deliberate as he made his way towards Seungcheou's room.
He pushed the door open, the hinges creaking softly under the sudden pressure. Jeonghan's eyes immediately locked onto the figure slumped in the bed, and he rushed over to him.
"Seungcheol," Jeonghan practically whispered, his voice trembling slightly.
Jeonghan approached the bed where Seungcheol laid, taking in the sight of the older man in the hospital room. His gaze shifted to the dressing on Seungcheol's stomach, relief washing over him to see it covered.
The room had been transformed into a makeshift medical space, with necessary items placed around.
Wonwoo and Woozi were present there along with Mingyu and Hoshi. Woozi reached out to Jeonghan, "Hyung, clean up first."
The sound of Woozi's voice caught Jeonghan's attention, pulling him out of the immediate vicinity around Seungcheol.
He blinked, registering Woozi's instructions. He looked down at himself, seeing the traces of the fight and the remnants of blood that clung to his body. He realized he needed to clean up before he could touch Seungcheol.
Jeonghan reluctantly nodded, acknowledging Woozi's words, "Right. I'll go clean up first.."
Jun, Vernon, Seokmin and Dino also left to get cleaned after which all of them returned.
Jeonghan re-entered the room after cleaning himself up, his clothing and hair immaculate. The others were a similar state, all looking tidy and cleaned up.
Jeonghan's gaze immediately returned to Seungcheol, studying the older man's features. He seemed to lay there peacefully, but Jeonghan knew better. A hint of worry and concern still tugged at his heart, even though Seungcheol was unconscious.
"We should wait outside." Mingyu suggested as Hoshi nodded.
Wonwoo patted Jeonghan's shoulders, "Don't worry hyung, he'll wake up soon."
Everyone left the room, closing the door shut. The shallow beeping of the monitor was the only audible sound in the room.
Jeonghan quietly made his way to the bedside, gingerly sitting down in the chair next to it, his eyes never leaving Seungcheol's face.
He watched the older's face intently, studying the rise and fall of his chest. Even in sleep, Seungcheol's features seemed oddly serene, free of the stress and tension that often plagued him.
I just woke up from a dream
Where you and I had to say goodbye
And I don't know what it all means
But since I survived, I realized
The image of Seungcheol being shot and stumbling on his feet was still clear in Jeonghan's mind. A tear rolled down his cheeks as he couldn't stop thinking about the worse things that could happen.
Jeonghan reached out a trembling hand, gently taking Seungcheol's in his own. His fingertips felt the older's pulse, the rhythmic, reassuring beat against his own fingers.
"Please wake up," Jeonghan whispered through his own fear and uncertainty. His other hand instinctively brushed a strand of hair off Seungcheol's forehead, as if hoping the action would stimulate the man to wake up.
The beeping of the heart rate monitor was the silent companion to Jeonghan's desperate plea.
Wherever you go, that's where I'll follow
Nobody's promised tomorrow
So I'ma love you every night like it's the last night
Like it's the last night
"I beg you." Jeonghan whispered, "Wake up. Look at me. Talk to me. Complain that I annoy you a lot, but you still love me. Please."
Tears continued to roll down Jeonghan's face, leaving wet trails on his reddened cheeks. He didn't care that he looked a mess, he only wanted Seungcheol to open his eyes and speak. To assure him that he was fine, that they would be fine.
"Reckless. You call me reckless, right? Yet you manage to keep me sane." Jeonghan mumbled, "Can you imagine leaving me alone? I'll be a mess, Seungcheol, please wake up, I beg you, please!"
Jeonghan's voice was a mixture of despair and irritation, yet the frustration was directed at Seungcheol's condition, not the man himself. He tightened his grip on Seungcheol's hand, not sure of what else he could do to get a response.
"You idiot," he muttered, his voice hoarse from the tears. "You've always been the one to keep me grounded. Without you, I'll fall apart completely. So wake up, damn it. Wake up and let me know that you're okay."
Soon enough, Seungcheol's fingers twitched. His eyes gradually fluttered open as he took a deep breath and the first thing that came into his sight was Jeonghan's reddened face with eyes filled with tears.
When Seungcheol finally opened his eyes and took a breath, Jeonghan froze, his heart hammering in his chest. He stared at Seungcheol for a moment, hoping to see a sign that the older man was lucid.
"Seungcheol," he whispered, his voice trembling with relief, "You-You're awake.."
"Jeonghan-" Seungcheol mumbled out as he groaned slightly.
Jeonghan's heart leaped as he heard his name escape Seungcheol's lips. He felt a wave of relief wash over him, his shoulders visibly slumping with a mixture of relief and exhaustion.
"Hush, don't talk," Jeonghan gently whispered, his hand moving to carefully brush the sweat-damp hair off Seungcheol's forehead. "Save your strength, okay?"
Seungcheol nodded as he managed to sit up with Jeonghan's help, acting as if he hadn't just survived a gunshot.
"Don't try to act tough," Jeonghan mumbled, his tone softer now that he knew Seungcheol was conscious. "You were shot, you know."
"Don't worry." Seungcheol muttered, "And first of all, although I'm pretty sure what you did after I was rushed for medical help, still, I want to know it from you. Where did you go so recklessly?"
Jeonghan's expression turned sheepish at Seungcheol's question, knowing full well that he had done something reckless. He sighed deeply, mentally bracing himself for the older's reaction.
"Yeah, um," he began, avoiding eye contact. "I might have gone after Hyeseok."
"And might have burned down his place and stabbed him multiple times." Seungcheol raised a brow.
"Damn, how do you know?" Jeonghan looked at him.
"You did-" Seungcheol gasped, "You really did that?!"
Jeonghan nodded slowly, not even trying to defend his actions. He knew he had gone too far, even if it was for Seungcheol.
"Yeah... I lost control," he admitted, his voice tinged with remorse. "After you were taken...I couldn't think straight. I only wanted Hyeseok to pay for hurting you."
Seungcheol scoffed, "Why do you always choose the paths which can get you into trouble?"
"I know...I know," Jeonghan mumbled, a hint of defeat in his voice. "But I couldn't stand seeing you hurt, I lost control. I just..I felt so helpless, you were in danger, and I couldn't do anything.."
"But your safety is my priority, Jeonghan. If something had happened to you-"
"Exactly. I was thinking the same." Jeonghan reasoned, "You can call me out all you want but you know damn well that you would have done the same if you were in my place."
Seungcheol sighed, "No point in arguing with you. At least tell me if you are fine?"
"Yeah, I'm okay," Jeonghan replied, a rueful smile on his face. "Just got a few scratches and bruises really. Nothing major, and I'm way more worried about you than myself, you idiot."
"Wow, now I'm the idiot. Nice." Seungcheol rolled his eyes.
Jeonghan chuckled softly at Seungcheol's comment, feeling a mix of affection and humor.
"Yeah, you are an idiot," he teased, gently poking Seungcheol's cheek.
"But yeah, I'm serious. I really was begging you to wake up back there. I really thought I was going to lose it if I couldn't hear your voice."
A smirk immediately formed on the older's lips, "You begged? Me?"
"Shut up, maybe I did. So what? I was worried about you, I'm allowed to get a bit emotional, you know," Jeonghan replied, avoiding direct eye contact with Seungcheol.
"Damn." Seungcheol teased further, "Yoon Jeonghan begged. I can't believe this."
Jeonghan's flushed face grew even redder at Seungcheol's persistent teasing. Jeonghan huffed and crossed his arms, trying to maintain a facade of annoyance.
"Okay, okay, I got emotional, is that what you wanted to hear?" Jeonghan muttered, looking away from Seungcheol. "There, I said it. I begged. Happy now?"
"Amused, I would say." Seungcheol replied, "And kind of disappointed that I missed the opportunity to witness that scene."
"Oh yeah, well, you should be glad you didn't see it. It was probably quite the pathetic sight, me all hysterical and pleading for you to get up," Jeonghan muttered, still avoiding eye contact.
Seungcheol chuckled as he held the younger's palms, "I was joking. I know you love me enough to burn down a place for me and then being all emotional over my hurt self."
Jeonghan's face softened slightly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as Seungcheol spoke. The older's words sent a warm flutter through his chest.
He squeezed Seungcheol's hands in return, his voice a bit softer now. "Yeah, I guess I do love you that much. And don't joke like that again, you idiot. Seeing you hurt like that.." Jeonghan trailed off, his heart clenching with the memory of the gunshot.
"Of course." Seungcheol nodded, "I would always prefer to be fine, if not for myself, then for you."
"And I would much prefer if you'd stay away from danger," Jeonghan said, his voice gentle but slightly reproachful. "The thought of losing you...it scared me, you know."
"I do." Seungcheol stated, "Jeonghan-"
Jeonghan's smile grew a bit as he waited for Seungcheol to continue. He gave Seungcheol's hands a gentle, reassuring squeeze.
"Yeah?" he prompted softly, his gaze fixed on the older.
"I love you a lot." Seungcheol held the younger's cheeks with one palm, "I never knew I could love someone like this."
"I...I love you a lot too," Jeonghan admitted, his voice a bit shaky as he returned Seungcheol's gaze. "More than I can put into words. And I never thought I'd ever have to worry about you getting hurt. But here we are."
"Okay okay, now let it pass?" Seungcheol muttered.
"Yeah, yeah, I get the point." He playfully rolled his eyes, but his smile was warm and affectionate. "I'll drop it... for now, anyway."
Seungcheol spread his arms with a small grin, "Come here."
Jeonghan let out a soft chuckle, his heart fluttering at Seungcheol's gesture. He scooted closer, moving to lean into Seungcheol's embrace.
"You're such an idiot," Jeonghan teased, but he wrapped his arms around Seungcheol, burying his face into his chest.
"Your idiot." Seungcheol pressed a kiss on the younger's hair.
"Yeah," Jeonghan mumbled against Seungcheol's chest, his voice soft. "My idiot."
If the world was ending, I'd wanna be next to you
If the party was over and our time on Earth was through
I'd wanna hold you just for a while and die with a smile
If the world was ending, I'd wanna be next to you
If the world was ending, I'd wanna be next to you
A/n : The epilogue is posted as well. It was really hard to write SL though as it was taken down and I had totally lost the rhythm of the story. Still, I tried my best!!
Take car everyone!
-Jeonghanneyonghaseyo
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