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Exhausted.
No, actually, the word exhausted didn’t even come close to describing how he felt. It was as if every cell in his body weighed a ton, dragging him down with every step.
Lee Soo Hyuk shuffled into the modest house he shared with his closest companions, his feet barely lifting off the floor. Reaching the doorframe, he paused, leaning heavily against it as though it were the only thing holding him upright.
A quiet, almost inaudible, “I’m home,” slipped past his lips—addressed to no one in particular.
His voice barely carried past the entryway, not that he expected anyone to reply. Jung Soo was out on a mission of his own, and Rok Soo—well, their youngest was supposed to be resting.
The thought made his chest tighten with guilt. He should have been the one home, tending to Rok Soo after the younger man had nearly collapsed from sheer overexertion on their last mission. It had been a close call, and the doctor’s stern orders of bedrest were not to be ignored. Yet Soo Hyuk had left, called away by the undeniable need to save others.
‘It’s okay… surely he’d understand?’
He knew Rok Soo would understand—actually, Rok Soo was never one to fuss about himself. If anything, he’d likely tell him he was silly for even worrying, or maybe even scowl at him for not taking a ‘day off’ of his own, as he always said.
Typical of the stoic man, honestly, but it didn’t make the guilt any lighter to bear.
Closing the door softly behind him, Soo Hyuk toed off his boots and hung his jacket on the hook by the door, wincing as the movement pulled at the bruises and scrapes lining his arms. His entire body felt like it had been dragged through a battlefield—because it had been.
Dear fucking stars. All he wanted was a moment to collapse.
‘No, no, no. Not now. Don’t even think about it,’ he scolded himself sharply. ‘There’s still so much to do. Don’t you dare pass out too—that’d only make things harder for Rok Soo.’
Gritting his teeth, he shoved the exhaustion aside. Checking on his dearest came first.
The house was quiet, save for the faint hum of the refrigerator and the creak of the floorboards under his weight.
The living room was empty, but a folded blanket on the couch and a half-finished glass of water on the coffee table suggested Rok Soo had been here earlier. Soo Hyuk made his way to the younger man’s bedroom, his steps slow and deliberate.
When he reached the door, he hesitated for a moment before quietly pushing it open.
The room was dim, the curtains drawn to block out the harsh midday sun. Rok Soo lay curled up on his side, the blanket half-draped over him, his face relaxed in sleep. His dark hair was mussed, his breathing steady and even. The sight made Soo Hyuk’s chest ache in a different way—relief mingling with affection.
"At least he’s resting," Soo Hyuk muttered under his breath. He stepped closer, his eyes scanning Rok Soo’s form for any signs of discomfort or lingering pain. Seeing none, he allowed himself to relax a fraction.
Quietly, Soo Hyuk sank into the chair by Rok Soo’s bed. His body screamed in protest, every muscle and joint begging for rest, but he forced himself to stay awake.
For a moment, he just watched the younger man, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Rok Soo had always pushed himself too hard, trying to carry burdens that weren’t his alone to bear. It was both admirable and frustrating in equal measure.
As the minutes ticked by, Soo Hyuk’s exhaustion became harder to ignore. His head dipped forward once, twice, and finally, he gave in. Leaning back in the chair, he closed his eyes, telling himself it was just for a moment. He’d stay here, keep watch over Rok Soo, and rest—just a little.
He didn’t notice when Rok Soo stirred awake, blinking blearily at the figure slumped in the chair beside his bed.
“Hyung?” Rok Soo’s voice was soft and hoarse from sleep, but it carried enough concern to make Soo Hyuk jolt upright. He blinked at Rok Soo, his tired mind struggling to catch up.
“You should be resting,” Soo Hyuk said, his voice rough but laced with a warmth he couldn’t hide.
Rok Soo arched his brow, unimpressed by that. “Says the one who looks like he’s about to keel over.”
“I’m fine,” Soo Hyuk lied, waving a dismissive hand. But the way Rok Soo’s eyes narrowed told him the younger man wasn’t buying it.
“Come here,” Rok Soo said, shifting slightly to make room on the bed. “You look like you need rest more than I do.”
Soo Hyuk hesitated. “Rok Soo, you—”
“Hyung.” The single word was firm, but the fondness in Rok Soo’s gaze softened its edge. “Just this once, let me take care of you, okay?”
With a tired sigh, Soo Hyuk gave in. He kicked off his socks and slid onto the bed, careful not to jostle Rok Soo too much. The younger man tugged the blanket over both of them, his hand resting lightly on Soo Hyuk’s arm in a silent gesture of comfort.
For the first time in what felt like days, Soo Hyuk allowed himself to truly relax. The guilt and exhaustion melted away under the warmth of Rok Soo’s presence.
“Welcome home, Hyung,” Rok Soo murmured, his eyes already drifting shut again.
Soo Hyuk’s lips curved into a soft smile as he closed his own eyes. “It’s good to be home.”