Seonghwa's phone buzzed and vibrated in his hand, indicating that Yeosang was calling. He glanced at the screen, momentarily torn between answering or keeping his attention focused on the festival happening around him. But concern got the better of him, and he excused himself from the lively group consisting of Hongjoong, Yunho, San, Jongho, and Mingi.

"Hey, guys, sorry, I just need to check on Yeosang," Seonghwa said apologetically.

With understanding nods, his friends assured him that they would be fine and urged him to go ahead. Seonghwa stepped aside, finding a quieter spot away from the echoing cheers of festival-goers.

Yeosang's second call came in, and Seonghwa answered quickly, worrying that something might be wrong. He could hear the distant sound of music and laughter as he spoke.

"Yeosang, it's me. Where are you? Are you okay?" Seonghwa asked urgently.

There was a momentary pause before an audible burning sound came through the speakers. Seonghwa immediately recognized it as the sound of a vape pen being inhaled. The realization made his heart sink a little; he wasn't sure if he was ready to confront Yeosang about his newly acquired habit.

Finally, Yeosang's voice broke through, although it lacked its usual warmth and enthusiasm. "Hello," he greeted nonchalantly, his tone completely uninterested.

Seonghwa took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to express his concern and worry without sounding accusatory. "Yeosang, I've been trying to reach you for a while now. Is everything alright? Why aren't you answering your phone? We were worried."

Yeosang let out a slow, apathetic exhale before responding, his voice filled with a tinge of annoyance. "I'm at the apartment. I didn't feel like going out to the festival today."

Seonghwa's brows furrowed in confusion. He hadn't expected Yeosang to decline an opportunity to attend the festival, especially when their friends were all having a great time.

"Yeosang, is everything okay? You sound... different. Is something bothering you?" Seonghwa asked, his worry deepening.

There was a brief silence on the other end. Seonghwa could almost feel the weight of Yeosang's hesitation before he finally spoke again, his voice distant and detached. "I'm fine, Seonghwa. Just needed some time alone. Don't worry about me."

Seonghwa couldn't help but feel a pang of concern and frustration. He knew Yeosang well enough to detect when something was off, and this abrupt change in behavior worried him to no end.

"Yeosang, I can't help but worry about you when you're acting like this. We're friends, and I want to be there for you," Seonghwa gently pressed, hoping that his words would break through Yeosang's emotional wall.

But Yeosang remained silent for a beat too long, and Seonghwa could almost sense the tension on the other side of the call.

Finally, Yeosang let out a weary sigh. "I appreciate your concern, Seonghwa, I really do. But right now, I just need some time to figure things out on my own. I promise, I'll talk to you about it when I'm ready."

Seonghwa's heart sank even further. He didn't want to force Yeosang into opening up when he clearly needed some space, but he couldn't shake off the worry that gnawed at him.

"Alright, Yeosang," Seonghwa relented, trying to hold back his concern. "Just know that I'm here for you whenever you're ready to talk. Don't hesitate to reach out."

Yeosang mumbled a quiet affirmation, and the call ended. Seonghwa was left standing alone, his mind swirling with a mix of frustrations and genuine concern for his friend. He knew that this wasn't the end of it, but for now, he would respect Yeosang's need for solitude and hope that things would soon improve.