Haechan's P.O.V

   I grunted in frustration, holding my head in my hands. The thought of you possessed my mind and I couldn't escape. Hyunmi came over to the chair I sat in and rubbed my shoulders.

   "Are you okay, Haechan?" she asked in a sweet voice. Her arms began to snake around me as she leaned her head against mine.

   A feeling of disgust overwhelmed me and I abruptly stood. Hyunmi looked at me with slight irritation. "You've been acting so weird ever since you come here to stay with me. You won't even talk to me."

   "Would you just shut up!" I shouted, a little more harsh than I had meant to. My eyes closed while I slowly exhaled. "I can't do this, I can't do this." I rubbed my face as my mind began to flash back to that night after work.

   It was a stressful day, and a couple co-workers offered to take me out for a couple drinks. I had consumed more than I had intended to, intoxicating myself. I lost all memory after that. The next thing I knew, I was waking up at three in the morning next to someone I didn't know.

   I guess I was just reckless. Stupid. So fucking stupid because I didn't stop. Hyunmi wouldn't stop. And that wasn't the last time I saw her.

   No, I never loved her. Just lust. That's all I felt.

   And now look at me standing here, lost without you. Lost without any love left to hold onto.

   "Haechan," Hyunmi slowly started, giving me a nervous stare. "I think you should go."

   I was so worked up, I felt out of breath. After a couple of seconds, I slowly nodded. "Yeah, I think so too."

   And I didn't even think twice as I walked away.

———

   I gave the front door a couple knocks, hoping for you to be home. I saw your car in the driveway, but never heard an answer. I checked the door handle to feel it easily twist. You must be home if the door unlocked.

   I gently pushed it open, trying to stay cautious. The house was silent except for the sound of the air conditioning running. Almost too quiet. I took a step inside with a small creak on the floorboards. The house was tidy and clean.

   "Daddy!" a small voice called and run up to me. Our daughter wrapped her arms around my legs tightly. "I knew you would come back!"

   I crouched down, feeling my throat close while getting emotional. Leaving both her and you must make me the lowest person in the world. Looking into her eyes, I can see love shining through.

   "I love you," I whispered to her.

   Her fragile arms wrapped around my neck and held me with all her strength. "I love you, too!"

   When I pulled away, I stood back up and pat her head. "I'll be right back, okay?"

   She nodded her head, staying put. I gave her a bright smile before turning to go back into our bedroom. Before reaching the door, I noticed a folded piece of paper sitting on the table with my name written on it. I stuffed in my pocket to read later.

   The door to our room was just barely cracked, so a lightly knocked before entering.

   "(y/n)?" I gently pushed open the door after hearing no response. You were lying in bed, curled on your side. "Are you awake? Did you decide to sleep early?"

   I moved closer to the bed to see your closed eyes. Your face looked so relaxed, unlike the tension you always had because of the pain your sickness brought. It looks like you still were overwhelmed with some kind of flu with your skin looking so tight on your bones. I felt your forehead to test your fever, but all I felt was coldness.

   My eyebrows furrowed as I lightly shook your shoulder. "(y/n)?" I called to you. "Do you need more blankets?"

   Your eyes remained closed and unbothered. So limp and fragile. I studied your features that had a loss in color. Your dark circles.

   "Yah! Why are you so cold?" I asked, drawing in a huge breath. My eyes began to water with the huge pit forming inside of my chest. "Talk to me!"

   Your peaceful body stayed still.

   I bent down and rested my head on your shoulder as tears began to cascade down my face and soak in the blankets. "Don't do this to me!" My hand held onto your frail and cold one. Your body had turned to just bone and skin because of the sickness eating away everything else. It felt like you could easily break.

   "This is all my fault," I began to sob, closing my eyes tightly.

   "Daddy?" the soft voice caused me to shoot up. Our daughter was standing by the doorway, hugging a stuffed bear and staring in our direction.

   I ran to her, quickly picking her up in my arms and carrying her out of the house.

   "Wait!" she yelled, stretching her arm out to you. "What about—"

   I gently shushed her, trying to not let my voice waver as I sat her down in the seat of my car. "We're going on a small trip, okay? Just for a couple days, then we'll be back home." I wiped away the tears on my face and forced a smile to our daughter.

   "Why just us?" she asked, looking concerned.

   I bit the inside of my cheek, not able to answer. The engine ignited and I drove away.

~   ~   ~

(A/N): I think just one more chapter...