Seventeen Oneshot

Until Our Hearts Beat Again (Jeongcheol)

The sterile, white walls of the hospital room were a stark contrast to the warmth and vibrancy that Seungcheol had once radiated. He lay in the bed, his once strong and athletic frame now frail and weakened by a relentless illness. Tubes and wires surrounded him, a constant reminder of the battle he was fighting. By his side, Jeonghan sat, his hands tightly clutching Seungcheol's, his eyes red and swollen from days of tears and sleepless nights.

"Seungcheol, please," Jeonghan whispered, his voice cracking with desperation. "You have to keep fighting. I can't lose you. I don't know how to live without you."

Seungcheol's eyes fluttered open, the effort making him wince. He turned his head slightly to look at Jeonghan, mustering a weak but loving smile. "Jeonghan, my love," he said softly, his voice barely audible. "You've been my strength through all of this. But it's time for you to be strong for yourself now."

Jeonghan shook his head, fresh tears spilling down his cheeks. "No, Seungcheol. I need you. We promised we'd always be together."

Seungcheol's eyes were filled with sorrow and love as he reached up, his fingers brushing against Jeonghan's cheek. "I know, and I'm so sorry. But I need you to promise me something."

Jeonghan's heart ached as he nodded, his voice trembling. "Anything, Seungcheol. Just tell me."

Seungcheol took a deep, shaky breath. "Promise me you'll be happy. Live your life to the fullest. Keep your heart beating for me. Every smile, every laugh, every moment of joy-let it be because of us. Let it be because we loved each other so much."

Jeonghan sobbed, his hand tightening around Seungcheol's. "I promise, Seungcheol. I'll try my best."

Seungcheol's grip loosened as his strength waned, but his eyes never left Jeonghan's. "That's all I need, Jeonghan. Just be happy. That's how you'll keep me with you."

As the night wore on, Seungcheol's breaths grew shallower, his grip weaker. Jeonghan stayed by his side, whispering words of love and promises through his tears. Finally, with one last breath, Seungcheol's eyes closed, a peaceful smile on his lips.

Jeonghan stayed with him, the weight of his promise heavy in his heart. He knew the road ahead would be difficult, but he also knew he had to honor Seungcheol's last wish. Through his grief, he would find a way to keep his heart beating, to find happiness, for the love of his life who would always be with him in spirit.

In the quiet moments that followed, Jeonghan whispered, "I love you, Seungcheol," one last time. And as he stood to leave the hospital room, he carried Seungcheol's memory with him, determined to live a life filled with love and joy, just as Seungcheol had wanted. For as long as Jeonghan's heart beat, it would beat for Seungcheol.

---

The weeks following Seungcheol's passing were the hardest Jeonghan had ever faced. Each day felt like an insurmountable challenge, his grief a constant companion. Their apartment, once filled with laughter and warmth, now felt empty and hollow. Every corner, every photograph, every shared memento was a painful reminder of what he had lost.

Jeonghan spent many nights sitting on their couch, wrapped in Seungcheol's favorite blanket, replaying their conversations and moments of joy in his mind. The pain was raw and unyielding, but amidst the sorrow, he held onto the promise he had made. He knew that finding happiness again was what Seungcheol wanted for him.

Slowly, Jeonghan began to take small steps forward. He started by taking walks in the park where they used to stroll together, feeling the breeze that Seungcheol loved so much. He reconnected with friends, allowing their support to lift his spirits. They shared stories of Seungcheol, turning his memory into something that brought smiles as well as tears.

One sunny afternoon, Jeonghan found himself at a community center where a group was organizing a charity event in Seungcheol's honor. It was a blood drive, something Seungcheol had been passionate about. Jeonghan decided to volunteer, channeling his grief into something positive.

As he worked alongside others, he felt a sense of purpose and connection. The event was a success, and Jeonghan could almost feel Seungcheol's pride and approval. It was a small step, but it reminded him of the promise he had made-to live a life of joy and fulfillment.

Months turned into a year, and while the pain of losing Seungcheol never fully disappeared, it became a part of who Jeonghan was. He started painting again, a hobby he had shared with Seungcheol. Each brushstroke was a tribute to their love, every canvas a testament to their bond.

One evening, as he stood in front of a finished painting-a vibrant landscape of a place they had always dreamed of visiting together-he felt a peaceful presence around him. Closing his eyes, he whispered, "I'm trying my best, Seungcheol. I hope you're proud of me."

In the quiet of the room, Jeonghan felt a warmth in his heart, a gentle reminder that Seungcheol was with him, watching over him. He smiled, a tear slipping down his cheek, and whispered, "I love you, Seungcheol."

With time, Jeonghan continued to honor Seungcheol's memory by living fully and embracing each day with hope and gratitude. He traveled, he laughed, and he loved-keeping his heart beating not only for himself but for Seungcheol as well.

And in every heartbeat, in every joyful moment, Jeonghan knew that Seungcheol was there, a part of him forever, guiding him towards the happiness they both cherished.

The End~