Lone Performer

The Funerals

It has been a week since the accident. Today was Chan's funeral. Next week Seventeen would fly to China for Junhui's and Minghao's funerals. They had already cried so much this past week, yet there were still tears to shed.

This past week, Seungkwan still slept in Jeonghan's room. Soonyoung stayed at the hospital for only one more night then was allowed to stay at the dorm. Vernon was happy to have him. He even worked his way into Soonyoung's bed where he clung to the older all night. Vernon was afraid that if he let go, then Soonyoung would be gone like the others.

Chan's family was there. Along with other idols like NU'EST and Pristin. Seungcheol was grateful that came and showed their support. The service did not last long.

"Thank you for taking care of our son," cried Chan's mother. "He was always so happy around you guys. I'm glad you were there for him when we weren't. Take care of yourselves." Chan's family started to leave. They needed to be with each other through these hard times.

Seokmin felt sorry for the woman. She was a mother who would never see her son again. Seokmin could only imagine what pain she must have been going through.

The remaining members of Seventeen stood at Chan's grave looking at it longingly. None of them said anything. They didn't need to. They all will miss him. They took comfort in each other's silence.

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Wonwoo looked down at his black suit, then glanced at the others. All of them wearing dark suits to reflect their emotions. They were at Junhui's funeral. Wonwoo listened as Jun's mother gave a speech. He couldn't understand what she was saying, but he cried anyway. Language was only a minor barrier to feel another person's pain. Especially if they share the same pain as you.

Vernon glanced at Jun's younger brother. The boy and Junhui had a big year difference. Idols rarely got to see their families, it was even harder for those who lived in another country. Vernon tried to imagine what would it must feel like to lose a sibling. What if Vernon lost his little sister? He suddenly wanted to comfort the boy, but he stopped. Jun's younger brother only knows Chinese. He would not understand a word Vernon said.

Vernon swallowed his anxiety and went over to the boy. Leaning down to meet eye contact, Vernon just gave him a soft, comforting smile. He hoped the younger would understand the meaning behind it. Jun's brother smiled softly before giving Vernon a hug. He definitely got the message.

Jeonghan was watching Vernon and Jun's little brother. This whole situation hurt. Everyone hurt. But Jeonghan knew that if they were together, they could comfort each other and overcome this grief.

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Seungkwan never wanted to attend another funeral ever in his life. They were at Minghao's funeral. It was pouring rain. Seungkwan thought it was perfect for this service. He was sharing an umbrella with Jihoon, who was standing with a far off look on his face. The younger guessed he wasn't the only one with a dull ache in his heart.

Soonyoung still could not believe this was real. He was glad that the others gave him space by letting him have his own umbrella. They were going to fly back the next day. Soonyoung was glad to leave China and its sad memories here, but Soonyoung would also be leaving Minghao and Jun too. He knew that it was right for them to be buried in their homeland near their families, but Soonyoung was selfish. He wanted to see them whenever he wanted.

Jihoon remembered when he first met Minghao. The kid was young and talent and barely knew Korean. He always stuck to Junhui's side needing translations. He remembered when the adorable Chinese member turned out to be straight forward. Jihoon smiled at the memories. He remembers when the two Chinese members would mumble to each other in the practice rooms. Jihoon was envious that Minghao didn't have to go through the pain of losing a good friend.

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When SEVENTEEN got back from the airport, Soonyoung immediately went to his room to sleep. The others followed his lead.