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"It's not even a sure thing for you yet!"
Yeonjin's words hit Hosu hard. He couldn't stop thinking about them the whole ride home. Chief Jongtan asked him what was wrong, but Hosu just smiled weakly and replied:
"It's nothing"
Others said that multiple times already. It's not like it was the first time someone told him something like that. But now that Yeonjin will join the special ambulance squad, he suddenly felt scared he wouldn't join his friends in the Heavy Rescue Service. Or even worse - they won't join him.
When he got home he sat down on his bed with a sigh. The thought of calming down crossed his mind, but he figured that would be a bad idea. He decided to worry even more, to Disconnect In a State of Hyperstress. Maybe this way he'll know what's going to happen. Maybe it'll reassure him - or help him and his friends pass the exams.
He closed his eyes and thought of all the worst possibilities, so he'll feel stressed more and more. But the vision he saw wasn't about the HRS, but something worse. Something much much worse.
He recalled it vividly. He woke up from his nap. He got a call from Yerin and ran to the hospital. He saw him. Wonho was dead. His funeral was the most painful thing he ever witnessed. He didn't even want to remember it. But he remembered one thing. It was all because of that one night shift he covered.
Hosu opened his eyes breathing heavily, sweat covering his face like never before. His whole body was trembling. No... no no no! He can't let that happen. He had to stop his best friend. No. Matter. What.
Luckily he had a convenient way to persuade him. The accident happened the same night as the planned meeting with his old groupmates. If he'd call Wonho beforehand and convince him to go with, he'll save him.
He had to wait for a few days, since the date was picked later in the future, but the moment it was decided he called Wonho right away.
"Hi Wonho." He said, trying to act cool. "You saw the message on the group chat, right?"
But his best friend knew better and quickly noticed Hosu's slight tremor in his voice. "Yeah, but what's wrong Hosu?"
The boy cleared his throat quietly, to avoid any voice cracks "Nothing's wrong. I was just hoping you'd come."
"I don't think I can. My coworker is going to take part in the strongest firefighter competition instead of me and I want to cover his shift to make it easier for his platoon." Wonho explained to him, hoping he'd understand.
"C'mon, you have to go. Byeong-gi will be there this time. It would be nice to finally meet up. All of us." Hosu pressed further, he started to feel more desperate.
"Did.... did you see something in the future, Hosu?" Wonho picked up on the hidden desperation in his friend's words.
Hosu stayed silent. But it was a clear answer for Wonho. He knew that whatever it was, it wasn't good.
He analyzed the situation, thinking whether his colleagues will manage without one person or not, before making his decision.
"I'll be there."
Hosu let out a deep sign of relief. Wonho was surprised that he reacted so obviously, which made him even more worried.
"What did you see?" He asked hesitantly.
Hosu replied with more silence .
"Hosu...?" Wonho's concern grew. "Was it really that bad?"
"Please stop asking." Hosu muttered a plea.
"If it's that bad, I need to know, Hosu. I can't let you carry such a burden alone."
Hosu felt lost. He didn't know what to do. Even though he felt nervous, he tried to calm himself down. He didn't want to use his ability. Not in a conversation like this.
"In the future... you died. During your night shift." He finally said in a half-whisper.
Wonho's breath hitched. What was he supposed to say? He died? In Hosu's vision? And Hosu was trying to prevent it.
"I..." Wonho stuttered. He took a deep breath.
"I'll be there. I promise." He finally said after an anxious moment.
Hosu smiled a little. But only a little. After exchanging awkward goodbyes he leaned back on his bed and tensed up to check if everything would be okay this time. Once his eyes glew blue he smiled again, brighter this time. He decided to take a shower and go to sleep with the newfound security.
The hangout went smoothly and everyone had fun. Wonho managed to forget the stress he felt, back when he was on his way to the restaurant everyone was supposed to meet up. He was still worried something might happen to him. But his worries disappeared when he saw Hosu's genuine smile when he looked at him. He was safe now.
After everyone left, Wonho was supposed to stay at Hosu's apartment just like last time. Once they got there Wonho asked.
"Is everything going to be okay?"
Hosu tensed up at Wonho's question and his eyes glew again.
"Yes." He replied after a second. "You'll be okay. We'll be okay."
Those words relieved Wonho. It was visible all over his face. The two decided to go to sleep. It was late, after all.
Hosu laid in his bed, not falling asleep before he made sure Wonho did. Once he heard Wonho's breathing deepen and become more stable he closed his eyes.
He won't let something like that happen ever again. He'll keep a close eye on Wonho. And the rest of his friends.