⭑ 8:

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"Alright Hongjoong-ah eat well!"

Hongjoong nodded not wanting to reply as his tongue felt dry. He was glad Eden hadn't questioned him to add up on what had happened at practise because he had practically lied again saying his ankle hurt so obviously the members were with him before but not by his side when he bumped into Eden alone in pain.

Eden took his chopsticks, grabbing onto the delecious looking thick noodles although his mind and eyes were both on sternly looking at Hongjoong. The younger male tiredly did the same, he didn't even have much energy to hold them properly and Eden could see that the other's fingers had a week grip on them.

Not too long after both the males had finishes there meals. Hongjoong left a long sigh amd looked at Eden with pleading eyes wanting him to take him back at his studio.

"Joong are you sure you don't want to go back to the members though? It'll be easier if they take care of you instead."

Hongjoong shook his head before forming a weak smile on his face. "No hyung, I really want to be alone. I- oh uhm well only for a while though I will go back to them and tell them about the hospital!"

The male was almost about to scold him again but luckily Hongjoong was able to make up another one of his lies again. Well, not really. The members already knew, he himself had told them not worry too much.

Letting out a shaky breath, he spoke again. "h-hyung. Seriously, I need some time alone to think as not only I've injured myself but also postponded the debut for them. I have a lot on my mind at the moment."

"I- uhm I guess that's true. Alright then, I've already informed the company about our hospital visit but I still have to fill them in a lot more once we get back so I'll be busy. You can stay at your studio to take your mind off all of this but if you it pains too much or you need any help make sure to let the staff or the edenary crew know?"

"S-sure yeah I'll do that. Thanks a lot."

Eden smiled softly before getting up and slowly helping out Hongjoong to do the same.

.

"Where is he..." Seonghwa could let out a faint voice, his throat hurt too much from all the crying earlier amd now here was trying his best to find Hongjoong.He had already walked around almost every part of the company just not the younger's studio and well a few other places.

His heart was already telling him to go check the studio where the younger spent most of his time at crumpling pieces of paper that never made it to his taste and throwing them in the bin, the place where he always had his eyes stuck onto the screen infront of him, the place where he'd work his ass of trying to built perfection for his members and the small following of fans they had. Seonghwa just felt too weak, he doesn't have the heart to see Hongjoonh- hell he just doesn't deserve it after all that.

Inhaling in air to the complete capacity of his lungs to even take it in, he then ofcourse let out a slow exhale, finger slowly folding and forming into a fist he started walking again. This time to the studio.

"Shit. Did he lock it?" the male muttered to himself. His bony finger slipping off the door handle as he applied no more force, losing hope.

"Park Seonghwa- shii! Nice seeing you here, do you need something?"

Seonghwa's vision then slowly focused on the woman standing infront of him with a lovely smile.

"aahh hello Haneul Noona! and yes, have you seen Honhjoong?" The male tried to pull a soft smile as well though it was quite noticeable that something was wrong.

"Hmm. I don't think he's visited his studio today. Have you checked with your members?"

"Oh- armh yes, well he was with us earlier actually b-but thanks! I- uhm I'll go find him again! Goodbye!"

Seonghwa hurriedly bowed to her out of respect and then started moving the other way not forgetting to pass an apologetic smile for his unexpected behavior but he truly wasn't looking forward to any kind of a further talk.

The temporary wrinkles on forehead increased as the male furrowed his eyesbrow for the 15th time in just a little time. He let out another highly defeated sigh as he was going towards the other part of the company inorder to continue his search for leader. Where are you Hongjoong?