Back in the castle
They rushed Han back to the castle, Taejoon's grip on him like a vice. Alexander barked orders, "Get the healers to Han's chambers, now! Assess the damage, I want updates!"
Taejoon didn't seem to register anyone else, his eyes locked on Han's pale face. He whispered, "Han... stay with me, okay? Just... stay."
Han's chest barely rose with each shallow breath. The healers rushed in, trying to get him on a bed, but Taejoon wouldn't budge. "Careful... be careful with him."
One healer, a soft-spoken woman with a gentle touch, said, "Taejoon, we need to work. Let us help him."
Taejoon hesitated, then stepped back just enough. The healers sprang into action, checking Han's pulse, applying potions, and muttering among themselves.
Alexander approached Taejoon, a mix of concern and exhaustion on his face. "Taejoon, we need to talk about what happened. The blood moon power... Han's going to need time to recover."
Taejoon's gaze snapped to Alexander, eyes blazing. "Time? He'll recover. He has to."
Alexander held up a hand. "I'm not saying he won't. But the power he used... it's not something to take lightly. We'll need to monitor him, make sure there's no... repercussions."
Taejoon's jaw clenched. "Just make him better."
The healers worked in tense silence, the only sound Han's faint breathing and the occasional murmur of instructions. Finally, one of them straightened, a look of cautious relief on her face. "He's stable. The blood moon power... it's dissipating. He needs rest, and he'll likely be weak for a while, but he'll recover."
Taejoon's shoulders sagged, his grip on the bedframe tightening. "He better be," he whispered, his voice raw.
Alexander put a hand on his shoulder. "He will be. Let's get you looked at too, Taejoon. You're not exactly in top shape."
Taejoon shook him off, eyes never leaving Han. "I'm fine. Just... get everyone else taken care of."
The door opened, and the other alpha boys and idols peeked in, concern etched on their faces. Kai usually the quiet one, asked, "How is he?"
Taejoon's expression was a mix of fear and determination. "He's gonna be okay."
The group nodded, a collective sigh running through them. Alexander ushered them out, "Alright, let's give Han some space. Taejoon, I'll check in with you soon."
The room fell quiet, Taejoon sitting beside Han, holding his hand. "You scared me," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Han is still unconscious, taejoon kiss his forehead
The door closed softly behind the idols, and the room plunged into a heavy silence. Taejoon's gaze remained fixed on Han's face, his expression etched with relief and lingering fear. He didn't move, didn't blink, as if afraid to break the spell that kept Han breathing.
The hours ticked by, the castle's sounds fading into the background. Taejoon didn't stir, his focus solely on Han. The night wore on, darkness outside giving way to the faint glow of dawn.
As morning light crept into the room, Han's chest still rose and fell with steady breaths, but his eyes remained closed. Taejoon hadn't moved, his posture tense, his eyes bloodshot from lack of sleep.
The healers arrived with a soft knock, concern on their faces. "Taejoon, I'm here to check on Han again... and you need treatment yourself."
Taejoon didn't look up, his voice low and rough. "I'm fine. Check Han."
The healers exchanged worried glans, but one of them approached Han, checking his pulse and nodding quietly. "He's stable. But Taejoon, you-"
Taejoon cut them off, "I'm fine. Leave us."
The healers hesitated, then retreated, leaving the room quiet once more. Taejoon's gaze returned to Han, his expression unyielding. He leaned back in his chair, his hand wrapped around Han's, determination etched on his face
The night dragged on, the room a cocoon of silence. Taejoon's grip on Han's hand didn't falter, his eyes burning with a quiet intensity. He didn't blink, didn't shift, as if willing himself to stay awake, to keep Han anchored.
The darkness outside deepened, the castle's sounds fading away. The only movement was the gentle rise and fall of Han's chest, Taejoon's gaze fixed on it like a lifeline.
Hours passed, the night wearing on. Taejoon's expression didn't change, his focus unbroken. He didn't feel sleepy, didn't feel tired – he felt nothing but the need to stay vigilant, to keep Han safe.
The first light of dawn crept into the room, casting a pale glow on Han's face. Taejoon's eyes didn't waver, his grip on Han's hand tightening slightly. He leaned in, his voice a whisper, "You'll be okay. You have to be."
The room held its breath, the silence almost palpable. And still, Taejoon stayed, frozen in his vigil