세븐틴:  Debate

 

While inside a quiet room, the others were feeling a little- maybe they’re feeling completely uncomfortable. It’s like they were inside a meeting with estrange people.

 

If that’s the case, one should break the silence. Joshua spoke for the first time.

 

Joshua:

Speak now.

(With a serious tone)

It’s more awkward because it’s quiet.

 

Jeonghan:

Ummm… guys.

I just think that I must take a …

Leave?

 

Everyone was surprised but they knew that he really needed it, so they agreed.

 

On the other hand, Jeonghan was surprised. He never knew that the boys would allow him.

 

Jeonghan:

Is it okay?

 

Seungcheol:

You need it, Jeonghan-ah.

 

Dino:

For how long?

(With a serious tone while wearing his frowning brows)

 

Jeonghan:

That-

I don’t know.

 

That was the time everyone became so shocked.

 

DK:

(With a sad face)

Are you going to-

 

Jeonghan:

I’ll be gone for a while, I think.

 

Vernon:

For a while?

 

Jeonghan:

Mn. Maybe… it will take long.

(He smiled worrying about them)

 

Dino:

How come you didn’t inform us beforehand that you planned to do this, hyung?

(With his sulking face)

 

Dino felt that Jeonghan did not trust him because he kept his decision alone. Maybe it’s his fault being so childish sometimes, but it still stung him, feeling useless and all; though, Jeonghan didn’t mean it. That was why he planned to tell them altogether.

 

Meanwhile, Seungkwan would just stare and push Jeonghan to continue what he had to say. He became Jeonghan’s support that time.

 

Jeonghan:

I was a little doubtful before, but I think…

 

Dino:

Then, where do you plan to go?

(He raised his voice a little, but unintentional.)

 

Jeonghan was worried that he might get Chan angry because he promised he would tell him everything, but instead he kept it all by himself. However, the others find it so rude.

 

DK and Seungcheol:

Chan ah.

(a firm voice for his first warning)

 

Jeonghan:

Hey, I’m okay.

Don’t fight over this.

 

Vernon:

When do you plan to take a leave?

 

DK:

And where will you go?

Will you go somewhere far?

 

His dongsaengs were extremely investigative because they would surely miss their angelic/ evil hyung who cares for them a lot.

 

Jeonghan:

I actually agreed to have the operation.

(He bowed down his head)

 

Joshua:

Is it guaranteed?

 

Jeonghan:

Actually, it cannot assure me a very good result yet.

 

With those unsure words, the boys became alerted.

 

Jihoon:

Then, why risk it?

 

Jeonghan:

Doctor Eric said there’s a chance that my coldness and heart attack would be prevented.

 

Wonwoo:

A chance? Only a chance?

(He exclaimed)

 

Mingyu:

Hyung, you can’t risk it.

(He said worriedly)

 

Jeonghan:

But I want to try.

I want to m-

 

Seungcheol:

Then what if it fails?

(He refuted out of concern.)

 

Jeonghan:

Cheol, nothing will change if I try this or not.

 

Seungcheol:

What do you mean nothing will change?

Jeonghan, your life is at risk!

We cannot approve that.

Please understand.

 

Jeonghan:

But, they said the operation they did last time was a success… he woke up…

 

Jun:

(Knowing that there’s a big ‘but’ on his next word)

And then?

…

What, hyung?

 

Jeonghan:

He- he’s still at daze.

 

Minghao:

At daze, meaning?

 

Jeonghan:

They cannot communicate with him yet.

 

Soon Young:

Hyung, no matter how successful you describe that operation, it still has no guarantee that you will be safe.

That man they operated is still in coma, even if you’d say he already woke up.

 

Jeonghan:

Listen…

(He breathed heavily, trying to pull the courage out of his heart.)

If… if I do not take this risk…

I don’t know what will happen.

Please, let me do what I think is the best.

 

Dino:

Best?

Hyung, you already said it. There’s no guarantee!

Since when do you think of this?

I don’t remember you telling me that the pain would lead you to this decision.

 

Jeonghan:

I’m sorry.

But Chan-ah-

 

Dino:

(He immediately stood up as he stomped his hand on the table)

You promised to trust me! To trust us!

But you didn’t even tell us how you exactly feel!

You are hurting so much… but not that we all know how exactly painful it is.

You lied to us every time, hyung.

 

Jeonghan was hurt with the boy’s statement, but he couldn’t deny that he has a point.

 

On the other hand, Joshua and Seungkwan were offended, while the others remained silent.

 

Joshua:

Chan!

 

Joshua shouted for the 1^st time the boys would ever experience. They thought their calm member also has his limits. Although, everyone was startled, they kept their mouth shut.

 

Joshua:

Since when do learn you speak like that?!

 

Seungcheol:

Sit down. Now!

 

On their leader’s duty, it is his responsibility to make everything organized.

 

Jeonghan:

Hey, it’s okay.

It’s my fault after all.

 

Seungcheol:

No, Jeonghan. It’s not okay.

 

Minghao:

Then, will you go far?

 

Jeonghan:

I need to go to London.

 

DK:

But it’s too risky, hyung.

(He started crying)

I cannot let them harm you like that.

 

Mingyu:

Is there any other way, hyung?

Can we do something for it?

 

Others gave their own suggestion of what to do, and Seungkwan felt that he needed to do something, so he spoke.

 

Seungkwan:

That’s how selfish you are?!

(With an angry tone)

Forgive me with what I’ll say, but I cannot tolerate all of this.

You are being selfish!

He needs it! Hyung needs a cure!

Have you not ever think that he might be feeling bad because of the pain. Have you not seen him with his sufferings?!

(He scoffed)

Maybe not.

Because you don’t know how hyung hid everything not to cause us trouble.

He’s in pain. I tell you.

He’s extremely in pain!!!

(He shouted in anger)

 

Seungcheol:

(He got a little insulted)

Then, do you know how much?

 

Jeonghan:

(His heart throbbed because of what he was seeing)

Stop.

If-

If you think it’s not

(With a little pause because he’s holding back his sadness.)

A good option, then, I will n-

 

Seungkwan:

Yes!

Yes, I know!

I know and you! You don’t know anything!

(He finally loose his cool)

 

Wonwoo:

(He became angry too)

Oh really?

(With a mocking angry tone)

 You think you are the only one who’s concern about Jeonghan hyung?

(He stood up in response)

 

Mingyu:

What else do you know besides we know?!

(He dared)

 

Jeonghan:
Stop!

Please stop… I will not continue it if you don’t want.

 

Seungkwan:

(He fisted in anger)

I read everything! I read how bad hyung is right now!

(He began crying)

And preventing him not to do what he wanted for himself is so selfish!

Let him go!

 

Jeonghan:

Enough, Seungkwan!

Please…

(He started losing his voice, but he presented his tears from falling down)

 

Jeonghan started breaking as he held his chest because he experienced some difficulty in breathing.

 

Seungkwan:

Hyung!

(He ran fast to Jeonghan’s aid)

 

Jun also ran beside Jeonghan and assisted him.

 

Jun:

Hyung!

(Then, he whispered with a worried tone)

You must rest.

 

Seungkwan:

You don’t need their permission.

Do what you have to do.

Do what is best for you.

 

Seungcheol:

Hey, Seungkwan!

I think you are being disrespectful!

(He reprimanded)

 

Seungkwan:

And I think you are all being selfish right here, hyung!

 

They all boiled in anger because of that and started fighting.

 

Vernon:

Then tell us what to do?!

Tell us what to do!

 

Soon Young:

We cannot just risk everything. It’s dangerous!

 

Seungkwan:

(Looked at his friends with a fiery eyes)

Then should you just witness how Jeonghan hyung will die slowly in our hands? Huh?!

Tell me?!

…

He even consulted you right now.

He even get your permission when he didn’t have to.

He could have just said it and leave immediately!

And he even chose to follow what you think is the best… for you and not for him!

See?!

Have you eve-

 

The boy was halted by Jeonghan in his arms.

 

Jeonghan:

Enough.

(With a weak voice)

I think, I am good now.

(With a little heart ache feeling that he doesn’t have a voice in the group)

I will stay.

Enough of the fight.

 

Seungkwan:

No.

I will defend you even if they hate me or suspend… or even remove me in this group.

I will go with you wherever you go.

 

Jihoon:

How pointy your words are, Seungkwan.

Is fame teaching you that?

 

Seungkwan:

(He staggered a little)

No. I am here for hyung.

I don’t care how you look at me now! I will stay with hyung.

 

Seungcheol:

You think, you can take good care of him alone?

 

Jeonghan:

Stop fighting please.

Stop.

 

He buried his face on Seungkwan’s chest as he tightened his embrace on the boy’s body while crying.

 

Jeonghan:

I’m tired. Can you lift me up to bed, Seungkwan?

Let me fix this when I get better.

(He whispered)

 

Seungkwan:

Don’t lose hope, hyung.

I will be right here.

 

Dino:

Playing so brave, huh?

(He mocked Seungkwan the way he would clearly hear it)

 

Seungkwan:

(He got insulted that he couldn’t control himself from speaking ill words to )

Yeah. What’s the matter?

He couldn’t even trust you, huh?

 

Jeonghan:

Seungkwan. I said enough!

(He called his name to stop him with all those tears falling down his cheeks)

Let us go now.

Take me to our room, please.

 

Dino:

Yeah! Sure!

(He gritted his teeth)

Coz he trusted you more. Is that what you are trying to say?

(They continued to fight)

 

Jun:

Hey.

(He felt that someone needed to stop them already)

Stop this already.

Calm down.

We will talk later.

 

Wonwoo:

I don’t think you can fix this alone, Jun.

 

Jun:

(Was a little taken a back with Wonwoo’s sharp words)

Don’t you think we all have the responsibility to fix the mess?

(He said in a high tone)

 

Wonwoo:

Try.

(The boy provoked)

 

Seungcheol and Joshua:

Stop now.

 

Seungcheol:

Jun is right.

…

Let’s call this off first.

Let’s cool down.

 

And so everybody dispersed.

 

Seungkwan carried Jeonghan back to their room, while the others went to where they could think properly.

 

***

 

In the room, Seungkwan brought him to his bed while caressing the quiet yet crying hyung.

 

Seungkwan:

They’re all bunch of child, hyung.

Don’t mind them.

 

Jeonghan:

Thank you Seungkwan-ah…

And I’m sorry because they hated you and not me.

 

Seungkwan:

…

No need to apologize.

I am the one who should apologize to you and to everybody because of my bad attitude.

 

Jeonghan:

I’m really sorry.

 

Seungkwan:

I shouldn’t have pushed you to do this.

(He sighed)
I’m sorry.

 

Jeonghan:

No.

I’m going to be fine.

 

Seungkwan:

How are you feeling?

 

Jeonghan:

I felt a little suffocated, Seungkwan.

(He forced a smile)
Can I have a favour?

 

Seungkwan:

Anything.

 

Jeonghan:

Can you do your magic therapy (The massage on his head, neck, and back) for me again?

 

Seungkwan:

Piece of cake.

 

Sometime later, Jeonghan fell asleep, and Seungkwan carried him back to bed and so, he stared at him with his apologetic eyes the whole time.

 

Seungkwan:

They don’t have any right for your love if they couldn’t give you any hope, hyung. They don’t deserve you. Those punks!

But I know they will pull themselves together. They will understand too.

I don’t feel how you feel, but I’ve witnessed it every time… every morning. It’s not normal… and besides… you wrote like you are giving up already. I got mad with that to be honest.

(He sighed)

Why did you choose to keep it a secret?

At first… I’ll be honest… I thought you are a little selfish because we are doing our best for you, but you don’t trust us.

Actually, I’m as immature as them, but seeing you like this… seeing you having a hard time, causing you to think hopeless… it makes me break into pieces.

…

You sacrificed a lot for us.

I don’t know how much more you’ve done to us, but I think you did everything that you think is best.

… loving all of us equally is a hard task alone.

(He smiled)

You are indeed our mom. Sometimes lover, sometimes little brother.

(He giggled softly)

I love you, hyung.

I love you so much.

 

***

 

Meanwhile, outside the concealed room where Seungkwan and Jeonghan was, DK was right in front of the door waiting for someone to get out because he couldn’t find the right timing to go in. He showed a sorrowful face as a mirror of how bad he felt after their conflict.

 

On the other hand, Seungcheol remained seated in the kitchen, crying while thinking of everything that happened during their fight that morning. He was trying to understand, which part they’ve done wrong. He was trying to analyse something that could fix all of them once again, and he’s thinking hard about what Seungkwan had told them.

 

Those words were hurtful than what Yo Han accused him… because, somehow, it’s true. Was it?

 

That time, Joshua chose to seat beside their leader because, he knew that Seungcheol had the tendency to blame everything on him too. He knew it’s not an easy task for any one and he believed that he’s hurt with Seungkwan’s words too as painful as he felt. Joshua comforted him that time, while the others chose to spend their time alone. Some went out. Some went to the corner of their house having an invisible barrier not to let anyone talk to them.

 

The boys were hurt badly. Every single one of them were hurt.

 

***

 

Seungkwan went out for a while and DK was startled upon hearing the door creaked open. Actually, Seungkwan squealed a bit like he got a really quick heart attack.

 

Seungkwan:

Omona!

What are you doing here, hyung?

(When he saw how sad DK was, he continued speaking)

He’s sleeping right now.

 

DK:

How bad is he?

(With a very low sad tone)

 

However Seungkwan did not respond, and because he’s a little pissed, he intended to ignore him and walk away, but it failed because DK held Seungkwan’s hand tightly as if he badly needed an answer.

 

DK:

What did you read?

 

Seungkwan:

(Looked a little pissed at his hyung)

Why are you interested, hyung?

I think you want him to stay.

 

DK, the soft hearted man started to shed tears.

 

DK:

I wanna know.

Please tell me.

I want to know.

 

Seungkwan melted immediately. He knew that DK, among all, had the tendency of breaking the most.

 

Seungkwan:

I read… actually, I accidentally read his diary while changing his bed cover.

There’s notebooks with the record of everything.

…

I think,

(Looked at DK)

Doctor Eric instructed him to do that.

 

DK:

Is he suffering too much?

 

Seungkwan:

To be honest…

Too much as we all have witnessed.

It’s from the inside… and the attacks are almost every day.

No. the attacks are occurring everyday… I mean.

…

Did you notice?

 

DK:

Everyday?

 

Seungkwan:

Like… everytime we are with him, but we don’t notice because he’s trying so hard to calm us down.

 

DK:

Why didn’t he let us know?

 

Seungkwan:

I am asking the same question… but I realized… if he tells us everything, I will feel really bad too.

Like I feel so much stress.

Jeonghan hyung is actually lessening the stress we are having.

Instead of showing he’s hurting, he’s showing his sweet and cheerful side not for us to worry about him.

Look, he even accepted our extraordinaire love for him.

Have you ever thought of handling… giving and taking love to 12 boys all at the same time?

I know Coups are doing great in handling us, but Jeonghan hyung is the one keeping us tighter.

…

(Looked at his sad hyung again)

Sorry… it’s just my opinion.

And I apologize for my words earlier. hyung.

 

DK:

I think, we need to wake up too.

…

Can I go in?

…

I hope he do not hate us for this.

I feel bad.

 

Seungkwan:

He loves you, hyung.

He won’t be feeling that way.

I hope the others would consider his decision.

 

DK:

I will go with you, Seungkwan.

Thank you for being brave for Jeonghan hyung.

You did well.

 

Seungkwan:

We all are… it’s just that we clash.

…

Please look after him first.

I need to buy food for him.

His favourite.

(He winked)

You?

You have anything you want?

 

DK:

Nope. Just get what he wants.

(He smiled)

 

Seungkwan went out to buy food without minding the other members. While DK entered the room and looked after his hyung.

 

DK:

Hyung… sorry, I’m being immature.

(He held his hands and caressed his head)

Hope you get well.

 

***

 

The whole day, Sebongs dorm was full of misery and confusion.

 

It was quiet like no one was around.

 

DK and Seungkwan were the ones who were with Jeonghan until he woke up.

 

Jeonghan, on the other hand, felt so heavy when he woke up; in addition with his swollen eyes because of the tears he shed.

 

Moreover, He noticed that DK was also with them, and somehow, it made him smile in relief.

 

DK:

How are you feeling, princess?

 

Jeonghan:

Not so good.

(But he still showed his smile to him)

 

DK:

I hope you forgive us.

 

Jeonghan:

I do.

Don’t worry.

I understand what you meant.

 

Seungkwan:

Ey, hyung, be honest.

 

Jeonghan:

I will accept, Seungkwan.

They have a point.

(He smiled)

That man still had no improvements after the operation and it’s been 6 months now.

 

Seungkwan:

Hyung… listen to what your heart is telling you.

 

Jeonghan:

And besides, I will miss you guys so much if I go to London alone.

 

DK:

I will visit you.

If that’s what you want.

(He smiled)

 

Jeonghan:

Aigoo.

…

 

Jeonghan stood up slowly.

 

Seungkwan:

Where are you going?

Jeonghan:

I’m hungry.

 

Seungkwan:

I bought street food outside.

I knew you would get hungry.

 

Jeonghan:

(He smiled)

Okay. Thanks.

Let me just go to the bathroom.

 

Seungkwan:

Throwing up?

 

Jeonghan:

Nope.

Just pee.

 

Seungkwan:

Okay.

 

Jeonghan:

How about the others?

 

Seungkwan:

I already gave them some junk food. But I only leave it on the table.

 

Jeonghan:

Alright.

Want me to get water?

 

DK:

I’ll get it.

 

Jeonghan went to the bathroom to do his business, plus he took his vitamin injection and injected it to himself because he could feel his body giving up from the stress he got that day.

 

He was about to go back to their room when he happened to pass by Joshua.

 

The other man, looked at Jeonghan with full of concern and worries.

 

Joshua:

Jeonghan-ah, are you alright?

(He asked gently)

 

Jeonghan:

(He wore a bitter smile because he must admit that he was a bit hurt of what they thought about him)

Yeah.

(He said briefly and politely went off)

 

Joshua didn’t have the chance to talk to him more; moreover, he felt really bad, assuming that Jeonghan was badly hurt too. He believed that Jeonghan was really suffering that’s why he end up deciding to take any risk because he knew it would all fall in the same situation no matter what. But then, the only hope he had with the operation was taken down completely by all of them. He realized that right after that moment, when Jeonghan looked at him in the eyes.

 

***

 

Back to their room, he joined his two dongsaeng to have a little snack. Jeonghan didn’t finish his food, and so, there’s Seungkwan to finish all of them.

 

Seungkwan:

Hyung, you should finish your food! You are making me fat!

(He scolded cutely)

 

Jeonghan:

(He laughed)

Sorry, Seungkwanie~

And besides, you are cute with your chubby face.

…

Can you check how the others are?

 

Seungkwan:

They’re all fine… I mean better than you.

 

DK:

Don’t worry…

You know Coups and Joshua hyung… they will call a meeting immediately.

(He cheered)

 

Jeonghan:

Thanks for cheering me up.

I’m worried about Chan.

I didn’t see him anywhere?

 

Seungkwan:

He went out, but I don’t know where he is.

Don’t worry about him. He’ll be fine.

 

DK:

He’s a big boy now, hyung.

And he’s like that all the time.

He’ll be fine when he cools down.

…

But hyung, I think you are hurt from what we did to you earlier.

 

Jeonghan:

(He smiled)

Just a little, but I realized you have a point.

 

DK:

But I know you got a little annoyed too… I’m sorry.

 

Jeonghan:

I cannot deny that.

But, I’m going to be okay.

 

Seungkwan:

I don’t think so.

Finish all of the food.

 

Jeonghan:

Want me to throw up again?

I’m taking it slowly, Seungkwan. I don’t want to waste food, ya know.

 

***

 

Until night, no one had ever talk, but they did the same things they always do, which was to do their respective chores. Mingyu and- that time, Jun and Joshua were preparing the food because they couldn’t call DK inside Jeonghan’s room. They were all half shy half pissed.

 

After they cooked, Mingyu just shouted that the food was ready. Seungkwan and DK volunteered to get their food so they could eat with Jeonghan inside the room. They thought it’s better to eat separately after what happened.

 

The boys got their portions of food and was about to go after getting their water, but then, their leader called.

 

Seungcheol:

(With a cold voice, which frightened the two boys)

Aren’t you going to eat here?

 

Seungkwan:

(Calmed himself down before he spoke)

Hyung, Jeonghan hyung needs to eat in peace.

How could he eat if…

(Looked at how bad the ambience was around their table)

There’s tension in each one of you.

 

Vernon:

…

How’s he?

 

Seungkwan:

What do you think?

(Still provoking his friend)

 

But DK nudged Seungkwan’s side to tell him to stop provoking the members. The boy got the message and composed himself.

 

Vernon:

How is he?

(He again stated)

 

Seungkwan:

Not so good as always.

If you’d excuse us-

 

Joshua:

Let him finish his food, then.

(With a soft, calm voice)

 

DK:

Leave him to us.

 

Seungcheol:

Thank you.

We will talk.

 

DK:

Including Jeonghan hyung?

 

Seungcheol:

Yes. I’ll tell you when.

But I don’t think, it’s not wise today.

 

DK:

I think so too.

 

Someone noticed that they’re not complete yet. One was missing.

 

Soon Young:

Where is Chan?

 

Jun:

Now that you mentioned it.

 

Jihoon:

I think he’s badly hurt and he’s throwing his tantrums elsewhere.

I feel bad for him.

 

Wonwoo:

You can’t blame him, though.

Chan put Jeonghan hyung in his care. He assigned himself to protect hyung from anybody else.

He has the right to feel that way.

 

DK:

Hyung, are you blaming Jeonghan hyung?

(He got pissed the way Wonwoo said his sentence)

 

Wonwoo;

Nope.

But that boy is blaming himself from failing.

He thought he’s doing fine, but not that he knew… he really don’t know anything.

 

Jun:

Jeonghan hyung is maybe worried about him so much.

He’s the youngest and he knew Chan needs to be taken care of.

 

Mingyu;

But the problem is, he doesn’t think that way. Chan is more mature than you think.

 

Seungcheol noticed the division based on their opinions, so he thought that he needed to stand up.

 

Seungcheol:

Seungkwan, DK, go ahead. Eat with Jeonghan.

Chan will return home soon. This is his home, anyway.

Let’s eat now.

 

***

 

While Jeonghan was left alone inside their room, he felt stung on his left shoulder up to his chest. He looked at it and saw multiple red spots growing redder on that side.

 

It hurts a lot. It was terrible. He pursed his lips as he positioned himself comfortably on his bed. However, despite the pain, he didn’t cry.

 

When his two fools went inside the room, they immediately gave Jeonghan his food.

 

Jeonghan:

Seungkwanie~ I cannot move my arms, can you feed me?

 

Seungkwan:

Sure.

Are you cold?

 

Jeonghan:

A little.

(But it was really burning hot)

 

DK:

I’ll get a plastic bag so if ever… we are ready.

(He smiled)

 

Upon opening the door, DK shouted. Everyone was startled and became alerted.

 

Jun, somehow, teleported from his seat to the wall just to check what happened.

 

On the other hand, Jeonghan was surprised making his arm hurt more due to an immediate impulse of looking back.

 

Seungkwan:

Ya! Hyung, stop surprising us.

 

DK:

No… I didn’t mean to.

I saw Vernon’s emotionless face in front of the door.

It scares the hell out of me.

 

Vernon:

Sorry.

…

May I come in?

(Bringing his food)

 

Jeonghan:

Sure.

(He forced himself to smile)

 

Vernon:

Thank you.

 

There, they ate quietly, but not peacefully as they could feel Vernon’s awkward presence. The boy didn’t talk much. He just ate like the usual thing he does, wearing a blank face while eating. But the stares he’s making was somehow weird. He’s like a watch at night just like those of people assigned watching the gates of the kingdom.

 

Jeonghan noticed.

 

Jeonghan:

What’s wrong Vernon?

 

Vernon:

I’m sorry.

(He said out of the blue)

 

Jeonghan:

Why apologize all of a sudden?

(He giggled)

 

Vernon;

I’ve been very bad on you, hyung.

 

Jeonghan:

No, you’re not.

 

Vernon:

I hurt you, am I right?

 

Jeonghan.

Th-

 

Vernon:

Don’t deny it.

I can see.

(Bowed his head and looked so sad)

I’m really sorry.

But, did you finalize your decision already?

I know nothing… so, I’m leaving you that decision.

 

Jeonghan:

(Was surprised)

I’m thinking again.

 

Seungkwan:

Hyung!

Don’t get influenced by anything… I mean anyone.

 

Jeonghan:

(He smiled)

I’m rethinking because I am considering your opinion.

 

DK:

But you know what’s better for you.

 

Jeonghan:

Yeah.

(He smiled)

I think, I’m better with all of you.

(He told himself.)

 

***

 

Meanwhile, Dino who was alone beside an old convenience store somewhere in the street, found his Joshua hyung looking at him from a distance.

 

Joshua knew where their maknae could have gone whenever he’s stressed. Soon Young does too, but he thought that Joshua was better convincing Chan than him, so he let him talk alone.

 

Chan was eating some instant noodles with soda alone in the table on his layered clothes covering him from top to bottom. He’s like a chunk of laundry on one side because he didn’t think of his clothes as he put everything to keep him warm before going out, since he’s really pissed.

 

Joshua walked towards him slowly, but Dino didn’t want to look at him because he knew he was wrong with his manners earlier.

 

Joshua:

Chan-ah, if I can drink, I could offer you a drink right now.

(He smiled)

Let’s go home.

 

Dino:

I’ll stay here for a while.

 

Joshua:

Can I join?

 

Dino:

I don’t care.

 

Joshua observed Chan and he noticed that his eyes were swelling.

 

Joshua:

Aigoo… did you cry?

Did your mom scolded you, Chan?

(He teased)

 

Chan scoffed.

 

Joshua:

(Noticed that it was not time to joke around)

I’m here to apologize from what I did earlier.

I’m sorry I shouted at you.

 

Dino:

I’m okay now.

 

Joshua:

You don’t act well when you are sulking…

I can see you so adorable now, Chan.

I’m sure your mom (Jeonghan) will tease you if he sees you like that.

 

Dino did not speak at all as he continued to slurp on his hot instant noodles. And Joshua was still trying his best to calm him down and to convince him to go home.

 

Joshua:

I know I was wrong.

But… Chan, I can feel you. You have the right to speak your mind, but maybe something went wrong… right?

 

Then, he got Dino speak.

 

Dino:

I know.

I should apologize.

 

Joshua:

Can I come close?

 

Dino didn’t speak, but it seemed he permitted it, so Joshua came close and cuddled him.

 

Joshua:

Such a good kid.

 

Dino:

(On Joshua’s arms without struggling to let go)

I’m not.

 

Joshua:

I know you are hurt.

Well, all of us, including Jeonghan….

Everyone is doing their best, Chan… I know you are working so hard too. That’s why… let’s keep our family tight and happy, alright?

If you are ready, let’s go home?

(He spoke softly)

 

Then, that was the time Dino broke up in tears. He cried on Joshua’s gentle embrace until he brought out the hurtful feeling he had. Joshua said nothing. He just give his sweetest and warmest cuddle for their maknae, who was doing his best for his team too.

 

After a while, Chan got a lot better and he suddenly asked for his Jeonghan hyung’s condition.

 

Dino:

How’s hyung?

 

Joshua:

No one knew, except from Seungkwan, DK, and Vernon.

 

Dino:

But he’s fine?

I mean he doesn’t have attacks?

 

Joshua:

So far, Seungkwan isn’t asking for something or DK didn’t panic at all. So I think, he’s fine.

…

Are you ready to go home?

 

Dino:

Not with my red eyes.

Sorry, hyung.

 

Joshua:

It’s okay.

I don’t mind staying a little bit.

How are you feeling?

 

Dino:

A lot better.

But I’m worried that I’ve offended all of you.

 

Joshua:

We are cool right now.

 

Dino:

How’s home? (The condition)

 

Joshua:

There’s a little tension, but we’ll settle it after we go home.

 

Dino:

I’m so sorry.

 

Joshua:

No need to worry.

 

Dino:

I should apologize soon to everybody.

 

And so, they went home.

 

***

 

That night when Joshua and Dino got home, Jeonghan was already resting. On the other hand, the boys, including those who sided Jeonghan were already settled on the table, waiting for them.

 

Dino went to his place shyly, like that of a baby and seated quietly. When everyone had settled down, Seungcheol began speaking.

 

Seungcheol:

Okay…. I know the fight is still fresh, but let us have a meeting about this.

I know it’s hard to force our feelings and fix this matter immediately because we all have different opinion, but I want you to act professional outside. Let’s not make the issue bigger… and while inside of this house, I want all of you… all of us to be considerate of one another.

I can’t make you feel better after this talk, but please have some respect for each other whether what your opinion may be. Alright?

Is that clear?

 

Sebongs:

We will.

 

Dino:

Hyungdeul…

I am sorry for my attitude this morning. I will never do it again.

 

Seungcheol:

(He smiled)

I know you won’t.

You are a good kid.

 

Seungkwan:

Me too. I need to apologize for acting like I know it all.

Forgive me.

(Bowed his head down while peaking to some of s especially those who were on the hyung line)

 

Jihoon:

You did what you had to do. We understand. We’re just a little hot headed earlier.

…

I apologize too.

 

Soon Young:

Do you think, we’re gonna be okay tommorow?

 

Jun:

Slowly?

Maybe?

I just don’t know with Jeonghan hyung.

 

Wonwoo:

He’ll be fine.

He’s strong.

 

Minghao:

Then,

(He sighed)

Let’s get it on?

(He smiled)

 

Although, they still have something that they couldn’t cool down as of the moment, they respected each other’s opinion. At least they would have peace for a while; though, they weren’t able to sleep immediately after that night.