Word count: 1072 words

Summary: Joshua's awkward moment? Cool, Jun's there to save him.

ft. CheolSoo

“Seeing the hurt and sadness on his beautiful face could crush my heart instantly. That’s why I’ve decided to allow my heart and mind to act now. No more hesitations. All I want is to see him smile and laugh—because it’s the greatest thing to see in this world full of chaos. His smile brings hope to my heart. I will do anything just to put it back; his happiness is what I want to protect.”

July 3^rd, 11:00 pm KST – Comeback countdown

All members are gathered in one room, preparing for the live broadcast on V app. Jun noticed how lively the other members were even though it’s almost midnight, nothing new in all honesty. They’ve always stayed up late practicing in the wee hours of the night, trying to perfect the choreography that Soonyoung has taught them and to improve their vocals. He continued observing the other members, Seungkwan and Soonyoung are already seated in front of the camera that they’ll be using for the broadcast, and the other members were either standing behind the camera, checking their phones and secretly reading the mentions on the official twitter of seventeen or sitting and talking to the other members.

His eyes fell on the person he often secretly looks at. He’s wearing a plain white long-sleeved shirt and a white cap on his head, just to hide his newly dyed hair. Which Jun honestly loved because it makes him look sweeter to look at.

He was sitting quietly in a corner, browsing his phone. Jun wants to go and talk to him or just sit beside him but decided against it, he’ll probably have his chance later.

He immediately looked at Seungkwan and Soonyoung’s direction because he heard them start talking, which means that the broadcast has already started and they should be on stand-by. Jun immediately stood straight, alert now. Somebody moved beside him and he saw that it was Joshua, the latter briefly looked at him and offered him a small smile.

“Something’s really not right.” Jun thought, he’d noticed it for a while now. His hyung has been very quiet lately, not that he isn’t quiet most of the time, but unusually quiet. Joshua would always talk to the other members and tell another joke of his which would earn him an awkward laugh or a fake boo-ing from the other members, it was only just for fun but it was obvious that the other members appreciate how Joshua tries to make them laugh with his “lame” jokes. They know that he only wants to make them smile and to lessen their stress. Joshua, on the other hand, would only smile and laugh at them, knowing that it’s their way of showing their appreciation for him.

His attention snapped back to Seungkwan and Soonyoung because he heard that it’s already their cue to join them.

Joshua was in front of him but being the gentleman that he is, he let him sit first on the top row, and he was glad that it was Joshua who sat beside him immediately. Joshua even wiped the dirt off his left shoulder which he was thankful for. Joshua is really nice. And as the broadcast officially started with SEVENTEEN, all he can think about is the warmth that is currently pressing on his left side—and probably seeping through his soul. His happiness.

After playing and doing other activities, they decided to go back to their original place. Now, he noticed that Joshua sat first, already beside Seungcheol. He tried to ignore the feeling of jealousy that's spreading in his heart when he saw them sitting beside each other, he then immediately frowned when he realized that they’re sitting far too close to each other. He didn't like that he's currently feeling it when they're live on camera, he feels disgusted by it.

“But seriously though, isn’t Seungcheol-hyung sitting way too close? I mean, he could move a bit more since there’s still space between him and Mingyu.” Jun bitterly thought

He can’t help but check their proximity. Jun checked it twice. Or maybe thrice? Not that he cares how many times because he only wants to protect what he think is his. He’s feeling a bit irritated now, but he chose to put on a poker face instead. He moved closer to Joshua, acting nonchalant as he pretends that he doesn’t have enough room to sit properly, he was satisfied for a second because he won’t allow Seungcheol to get more points this time.

Or maybe, I’m the only one who thinks about this? Jun mentally scolded himself because he’s sure that Seungcheol is not even aware of this little competition between him and Jun for Joshua’s attention. But heck, Jun knows that Seungcheol has feelings for Joshua. He knows who are those people who are having a huge crush on Joshua. And of course, he’s guilty himself.

But the thing is, Joshua scooted closer to S.Coups to give more space to Jun.

Jun froze.

Now occasionally looking down just to hide his downcast face from the camera.

But when he felt Joshua pressing onto his side again, he instantly felt okay.

Jun’s mind was wandering when Jeonghan was talking but he acted as if he’s paying attention. It’s because he kept on thinking about what’s wrong with Joshua. He snapped back into reality when Joshua said “wow” loudly after S.Coups and Jeonghan high-fived, Joshua offered a high-five to Jeonghan but the latter ignored it. Yes. He ignored it. Because Jeonghan only looked at Joshua.

And right then and there, Jun finally knew what’s wrong with Joshua. He might have had a little fight with his best friend Jeonghan. It’s not new but he finally understands.

It was awkward.

Joshua exclaimed ‘wow’ too loudly while everybody is silent. And add the fact that his high-five was ignored.

He looked at Joshua and smiled, he offered his hand to Joshua—gesturing for him to give him a high-five instead.

Joshua took it.

Joshua flashed him a thankful smile.

Jun patted Joshua’s back in order to let him know that everything’s alright. That there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
 

And he secretly prayed for Joshua to understand that it’s not only in that instance that he’s ready to save him. He's always ready to protect him, and to make him feel wanted. To let him know that his attention is needed by someone; loved by someone who’s always there.

To remind him that somebody always got his back.

And to tell him that somebody’s ready to catch him even if he fails—I mean, fall.

- F I N -

A/N: Wrote this in one go. I just had to. It's been on my drafts ever since (I have a ton of drafts; I swear) so I decided to finish one. Or it'll end up being a draft forever. This is unbetaed- I will read it later again and try to edit it. (English is not my first language so bear with me?)

Please don't forget to leave a comment if you've enjoyed it! XD

ps. JUNSHUA is officially sailing. Mind you. ♥ and did you like the CheolSoo bit?