세븐틴:  Reformat

 

The boys were quiet looking at their poor angel. No one was speaking because number one, they could still feel the anger towards each other; second, they were thinking of how to mend things; and third, they’re just into guarding Jeonghan.

 

The moment the other boys had returned from their schedule, they found the three all quiet with a foreign nurse; moreover, it depleted their energy after seeing Jeonghan with life support again.

 

Soon Young:

What happened?

 

No one talked.

 

Vernon then, asked the nurse and that he explained everything that he knew what Jeonghan’s state as of the moment.

 

As soon as the talk was already done with the nurse, Vernon translated everything to the others.

 

Short after, Coups decided to call a meeting…

 

Seungcheol:

I have to apologize to everyone because of my irresponsibility.

 

Seungcheol admitted. On the other hand, Dino and Joshua apologized personally and in front of their teammates to their leader sincerely.

 

Meanwhile, the boys were confused.

 

Seungcheol seemed down as ever and his reaction was keeping the boys hang in the air.

 

Jihoon:

What happened? Can somebody explain?

(He said in an irritated tone)

 

Seungcheol:

(He gathered himself together before he spoke)

I called a meeting because I need to ask you a favour.

 

One moment he bit himself feeling so disappointment of himself as he fisted his knuckles on the table.

 

Joshua:

Cheol, please… don’t do it to yourself.

(Since he thought he knew what Coups would do.)

I apologise for my behaviour.

 

Dino:

Me too, hyung. I didn’t mean it.

 

Seungcheol:

No. you are right.

(He admitted humbly)

I don’t deserve to lead you. All I think is myself.

 

Joshua:

No.

You deserve to be in your position and you are the only one who can handle us.

Don’t do this, Cheol.

 

Wonwoo:

Can you tell now what’s happening?

 

Mingyu:

You keep us hanging here, guys.

We have the right to know.

 

Seungkwan:

Why can’t you just tell us?

 

Vernon:

It’s my fault actually… I kept it a secret.

 

Soon Young:

The what?

 

Vernon:

I thought it can save us.

 

DK:

Can you not do that too?

Explain in details. We cannot just assume things here.

 

All were anxious and all needed an answer.

 

Vernon:

The doctor explained things to me, but I didn’t tell you everything. I thought it can protect hyung from everyone because I know, someday, it may lead there… but I know Jeonghan hyung won’t choose.

 

Seungcheol:

Vernon, I will be the one who will explain. And I should say you did a great job.

Listen to me well…

 

Based on how his expression was, the members knew how bad his disappointment to himself was. Joshua felt responsible for it- Dino felt the same way too.

 

Seungcheol:

Let’s discipline ourselves. We need to slow down. We cannot pressure Jeonghan for the love we wanted him to give to us.

Let him do what he likes, let him not feel that you are hungry for the love he’s offering.

Let him feel loved, not pressured.

 

Jun:

But how are we going to do that, hyung?

 

Minghao:

We are trying not to pressure him, hyung. How can we back off now?

 

Seungcheol:

(He looked down)

I don’t know. Just make it just like before, when he knew that we loved him as a dear friend.

 

Mingyu:

He would feel estrange hyung.

 

Seungcheol:

That’s why let’s do it slowly.

Let’s get busy, but we cannot leave him alone.

Like what we normally do, let him tease you, let him play with you, but refrain from touching him or even flirting with him.

 

The boys were shocked of what their leader announced.

 

Jihoon:

What if he feels that we are angry at him?

 

Seungcheol:

Let him feel not. I know it’s hard. Just try your best alright.

Keep yourselves busy, but don’t disregard Jeonghan. He might feel a little strange but it’s for him and for us.

I made a mistake, and I’ll take the responsibility.

Back to your routine.

 

Seungcheol shortly dismissed.

 

Joshua approached their leader as he was to, again, apologize; however, Seungcheol looked at him dearly.

 

Seungcheol:

I’ll be fine, Shua ya. Just give me a little time.

 

Joshua:

Call me anytime.

 

Seungcheol:

Yeah.

 

Seungcheol went out all by himself. The boys knew what he took responsibility of was not his intension to hurt s. It’s okay that they didn’t know…

 

That night, they felt really heavy.

 

Soon young:

This night is the coldest.

 

Dino:

I have to talk to hyung. I shouldn’t have blame him.

 

Jun:

Everything’s gonna be okay.

 

Minghao:

I’m worried with our hyungs.

 

Meanwhile, Mingyu and Wonwoo were looking after Joshua who’s staring blankly at the ceiling.

 

On the other hand, Jihoon was monitoring Seungcheol walking outside until their leader vanished from his sight.

 

Jihoon:

You think he’s gonna be alright?

 

DK:

I don’t know.

 

Seungkwan:

Hyung is really upset of himself.

I wonder what happened between our eldest and youngest.

 

DK:

I don’t really want to know although I am curious.

 

Jihoon:

Let’s not meddle with things. He can handle any problem. He’s our leader after all.

(Jihoon assured despite being worried about Seungcheol the most.)

 

Soon Young was looking at Jeonghan again.

 

Soon young:

He’s not waking up huh?

I bet he’ll be sad if he sees us like this.

 

Jun:

Let him sleep because he don’t deserve to see us like this.

 

Minghao:

He’s getting weaker isn’t it?

 

Vernon:

I believe so.

 

+++

 

Meanwhile, Dino felt like visiting his Shua hyung and consult on how to be forgiven by their eldest. The boy knocked on their door and asked Joshua if it was okay to talk to him that time.

 

The older nodded.

 

Dino:

Hyung… I think I hurt Coups hyung.

(He said in a sad tone with his head lowered down)

 

Joshua:

(He sighed as he felt the same)

I was thinking about it too. I think we need to apologize, and I know Cheol knew that it was just out of impulse that we acted like that.

 

Dino:

You think Cheol hyung will accept my apology?

 

Joshua:

(With a faint smile)

Of course!

Don’t worry, we just need a place to breathe in. We’ll be better.

 

During the night, the rest of the members surrounded Jeonghan. And there, they waited for Cheol’s return. However, as time passed by, they became sleepy and leaned on each other’s shoulder and there they have fallen asleep.

 

Dino, on the other hand, remained awake as he waited for their eldest to come home. Shua was on his room still trying to repent on his wrong doings; moreover, he was planning to do a serious talk with Cheol, and of course, that includes his apology.

 

So, Seungcheol went home late. Dino heard him open the door. Their maknae looked at Coups, seemed like drunk based on how red his face was, and then, he asked.

 

Dino:

Where have you been, hyung?

(With his concerned face)

 

Seungcheol was startled and in fact skipped back with the sudden appearance of their youngest.

 

Seungcheol:

I just went out to cool off.

 

Seungcheol tried to ignore the youngest as he planned to pass by Dino; however, the boy cornered him and talk.

 

Dino:

Hyung, I hope you allow me to talk to you.

 

Their leader knew what it was about, so he answered.

 

Seungcheol:

Chan-ah, I heard it already. I’m not mad, you know. I just need some time for myself.

 

Dino:

But hyung, I feel guilty about it. I shouldn’t talk to you like that. I’m sorry.

 

Their eldest smiled and tapped their baby’s head.

 

Seungcheol:

No need to apologize. You did what’s the right thing, Chan-ah. I know you are just protecting Jeonghan and I’m proud of you from doing that.

Thank you.

 

As Coups walked forward, Chan didn’t let him pass. It surprised their leader when he halted him by an embrace from his back. The boy was desperate to see that he’s forgiven with some actions. He won’t buy words and smile; even though, Coups had already forgiven him at all.

 

Seungcheol sighed and smiled, then, the man began teasing their baby because he’s acting strange that he risked his image “Maknae on Top” with that reckless but sweet action.

 

Seungcheol:

You are desperate, aren’t you?

(He chuckled)

Then, gimme a kiss if you really are sorry.

 

However, Chan wouldn’t do it. Instead, he embraced Coups tightly and never let go.

 

Seungcheol found him sweet, but Chan needed to let him go because it’s awkward for the both of them.

 

Seungcheol:

Ya. Are you planning to be like this until morning?

(Asked Cheol teasingly)

 

Dino:

I said, I’m sorry.

 

Seungcheol:

I said I’m okay now. And I am not angry with you to begin with. C’mon, you’re a big boy now.

(He teased again)

 

Dino did not let go and buried his head on Seungcheol’s back. Then, Seungcheol finally give up.

 

Seungcheol:

What is it you wanted to hear, baby?

(He teased.)

Let go now. I need to face you.

 

Dino listened and let go of his hyung from his tight embrace. And now, he stepped backward lowering his head in embarrassment.

 

Seungcheol:

(He found their maknae- oh so cute for the first time.)

Why baby? Daddy will listen.

(He teased more to make the ambience lighter.)

Wanna talk outside?

 

Chan nodded.

 

The two went outside discreetly, and there they talked somewhere secluded.

 

Time was flying, but Chan wasn’t talking at all. So, Seungcheol had to start the conversation.

 

Seungcheol:

Chan-ah, we’re here already.

I thought you want us to talk.

 

Dino:

Yeah.

Fi-first of all… I want to say that I’m sorry and that I’ve been so disrespectful to you.

 

Seungcheol:

(He felt more guilt when their youngest did that.)

Chan-ah-

(However he was halted by the younger one.)

 

Dino:

I know it’s been hard for you to handle things and I know how much you love us and especially Jeonghan hyung. I didn’t mean to say that all to you.

 

Seungcheol:

I understand.

 

Dino:

Please don’t give up on us. Don’t change yourself because of what happened.

We can all protect Jeonghan hyung, I know.

 

Seungcheol formed a big smile on his face and let Dino talk as long as he wanted to for him to release all that pained him.

 

Dino:

It’s just sad when he’s getting weaker.

I-

 

Suddenly, that halt on his voice indicated his tears were about to fall as he maintained his head down. Seungcheol never fail to notice and he became soft about it.

 

Dino:

You can talk to me anytime like a friend. I can understand as well as the other members too.

(Wiping his tears with his arms)

You are drunk, I know. It must have hurt you….

I don’t want you to feel responsible of anything wrong we are doing. We don’t mean to blame it to you. It’s just that sometimes we got easily surprised and we tend to say words that would hurt you.

Sometimes, we won’t listen to you too. I know…

You went to the vice president again, right hyung? And I know what you are thinking this time.

You are our older brother and leader and you are great with what you’ve been doing all this time.

(Chan continued to sob)

Don’t step down. We always listen to you.

I promise. I’m sorry.

 

Seungcheol felt crying too. Aw this tough young man was crying for the first time in history in front of him. He doesn’t know that to do. He felt soft and somehow hurt that he’s seeing Chan with his tears. But one thing bothered him…how the hell did he know that he went to their vice president’s and that he was thinking of stepping down of his position- feeling that he’s not the right person to be in that position.

 

The eldest tried not to cry, but he couldn’t help it; though, he wiped it immediately every time there’s a trail on his eyes.

 

Aigoo… poor leader.

 

Seungcheol:

Ya. Did you talk to the vice president?

 

Dino:

I texted him because I knew you are with him whenever you are bothered by something…

He texted me everything because he’s worried too.

 

Seungcheol:

Ya.

(With a scolding tone)

Don’t do that again. You know sometimes, I need to t-

 

Before Seungcheol completed his sentence, Dino interrupted him again.

 

Dino:

Saranghae, hyung. I hope you will not change. I hope everything will turn into normal again.

 

Seungcheol:

I understand, but I need to get a little strict right now. We can’t tolerate our relationship like this. Jeonghan will suffer, alright?

(With a soft and gentle tone)

 

Dino nodded.

 

Dino:

And what if what Doctor Eric was saying was true and it’s the only solution… I mean the…

(The boy blushed)

The last option.

(He gulped.)

 

Seungcheol:

I’m sure, there’s another way. Let’s trust everyone and doctor Eric and Jeonghan too. Maybe Jeonghan was just pressured with the news.

And I should apologize too… to you and to Shua.

(The leader smiled wearing his relieved expression)

 

Dino:

Alright.

But, hyung… if- what if it’s the only option we have, will you do it?

 

Seungcheol blushed.

 

Seungcheol:

Ya. Stop this nonsense.

You’re making me shy, imma!

Let’s not talk about it and we should be going home.

 

Dino:

But… this time… I will entrust Hanie hyung to you.

 

Seungcheol’s face was reddened.

 

Seungcheol:

Ya… don’t give me the confidence, imma!

Are you giving me a permission?!

 

Dino:

But I want Jeonghanie hyung to be well again.

I mean, it has to be only one-

(Dino blushed)

You know.

 

Seungcheol:

Ya!

(The leader scolded)

Chan-ah…

I assure you, it’s not the only option.

And please let’s not make it happen until he’s sure with his feelings, Chanie. Let’s protect him.

 

Dino:

Okay. I trust what you say.

 

Finally the boy smiled. Then, Seungcheol felt a little better. On the other hand, one member was still feeling heavy like something’s on his chest, and it was Joshua who was waiting for Cheol to come home- which he was not aware that he already did and that he just went away with Chan for a talk.

 

Then, the boys passed beside the street vendors selling food, and suddenly, since the boy was already confident that he was already forgiven, he played a game with Cheol. Suddenly, the boy grabbed his hyung’s sweater and said…

 

Dino:

Daddy, can you buy me tteokbokki? My energy is gone when I talked to you.

 

In disbelief, Seungcheol scoffed, but later on, chuckled as Dino was such a cutie pie while he’s being a little tease and naughty.

 

Being their dad, he needed to do his forced duty.

 

Seungcheol:

Aigoo. I think you trapped me here, boy.

Anything else?

 

Dino:

Can I ask for more?

(He said innocently)

 

Seungcheol:

Yeah.

More tteokbokki?

 

Dino:

No. I- I want. Eomuk too! Can I have shikhye as well?

 

Seungcheol opened his wallet and gave Dino money like a father to his son. Aiboo! And there you go, Dino vanished and was seen at a stall ordering some food.

 

They ate together and finally, went home.

 

Joshua fell asleep on a sofa while waiting for his friend. Upon witnessing all of the messy poor boys sleeping position, Seungcheol and Dino went to get more comforter and cover the boys, and there, they also sleep.

 

---

 

The next morning after Cheol woke up, Joshua immediately speak to him and ask for his time.

 

Oh my! Another serious moment and Seungcheol hates it, but he had nothing to do. Joshua needed to be at ease too.

 

Joshua:

Can we have a talk?

 

Seungcheol:

Sure.

 

Looking at how pale Joshua was, he became worried.

 

Seungcheol:

Are you alright?

 

Joshua:

Yeah. It’s just that I had to sleep late because I was waiting for you.

Where have you been?

 

Seungcheol:

Actually, I came home early but Chan wanted to talk to me so we went out until late night. Sorry.

Did I make you worry?

 

Joshua:

Just a bit.

I know you are a grown up man and you already know what you are doing.

I just want to talk to you, for a sec.

 

The two went inside a private room where no one could hear them, and while the others were still sleeping.

 

Joshua:

Hey… ummm…

 

Seungcheol:

Let’s not make it dramatic, Shua.

(Seungcheol smiled not to intensify the weight of their talk because last night was so emotional and he didn’t want to repeat that again. It’s heavy in the chest)

 

Joshua:

I know I’ve been so strict with you.

I know that you did that because of what Jeonghan have asked… I’m sorry for not listening and for judging you immediately.

 

Seungcheol:

I’m fine now.

 

Joshua:

Where have you been yesterday?

 

Seungcheol:

I just talked to someone, but not too serious.

(He lied)

 

Joshua:

(He sighed)

I understand.

Coups?

 

The boy looked intently to their eldest. One moment and then Joshua offered him a warm embrace.

 

Of course, Seungcheol would be surprised.

 

Joshua:

I miss you, my friend.

(With a soft tap on Cheol’s back)

Please understand us. Don’t give up. You are our leader and we are all we can depend on.

 

Then, Joshua released his warm embrace, leaving Cheol at daze because he could never imagine that Joshua would do that to him.- he meant, that serious and warm and sweet embrace.

 

Joshua:

Let’s have a quality time together!

(Joshua suggested)

 

Seungcheol:

The what? You mean a date?

 

Joshua:

Are you planning to date me now, Cheol?

(He teased and giggled)

If you want, I can give you some of my time.

(He laughed, but it didn’t annoy Coups because he’s still at daze)

Let’s be normal again.

I thought of that the whole night…

And I think we are just too concentrated in one thing and I think Jeonghan’s noticing it. It gives him more pressure.

Let’s talk to the boys after you are feeling okay.

 

Seungcheol:

Are we good now?

 

Joshua:

Yeah. I’m good now.

Just remember… I am here… for you and for everyone.

And Coups… thank you for being strong for all of us.

You are the best!

Just have patience on us. We’re adulating, and you know that dad.

(Joshua smiled after a tease.)

I won’t force you to be back at the moment. I know you need time and I will respect that. You don’t have to act like okay, when I know you are not.

Don’t smile if you are forcing it.

I know you Coups.

Don’t underestimate me, my friend.

Let’s date and talk when you are ready. Alright?

 

Seungcheol:

I’m okay now.

 

Joshua:

I know you are tired and you are thinking too much.

I’ll be your vice leader for the meantime. I will talk to the boys.

Have your own time for now.

 

Seungcheol was amazed on how Joshua read everything about him. He’s his friend- that’s why- a true friend that he can trust and rely on. Seungcheol was relieved.

 

Seungcheol:

Thank you.

 

Joshua:

Go have some rest. I’ll talk to the boys.

 

___

 

Joshua forced everybody to wake up. They were all groggy and at dazed upon the call; moreover, the fact that they were dragged to their dining table not for eating but for talking, some were still half in their dreams.

 

Unfortunately, Jeonghan couldn’t open his eyes again, so he assigned Coups to look after him for a while.

 

All were set. The boys were complete, and somehow- almost ready to listen.

 

Joshua:

Guys… as you can see. Cheol needs time to be alone. Don’t do something stupid alright.

And let’s care for each other.

I know we want Jeonghan’s attention, but I think, it’s time for him to feel at ease, because our extraness to him is I think adding to the pressure he’s in.

Is that clear?

 

Everyone nodded.

 

Joshua:

Let’s take care of each other, alright. Jeonghan wants that.

He’s weak, so we need to not being extra hyper whenever we are with him. Let him give what he can in his condition. I am sure that he wants to shower us… so… let his current ability show that to us.

I should say… let Jeonghan have some time to think too.

I’m not saying that we should not talk to him and all, but let’s lesser the intensity of the attention we are asking him. Okay?

…

And!!!

Let’s pamper our leader. But let’s not exaggerate it. Act normal.

Our leader is on leave with his position, so I’ll be your loving uncle in this family for a while.

(He giggled and found himself stupid for telling that thing to the other members. But well, Joshua had no regrets. That’s the man!)

 

Again, everyone nodded.

 

Joshua wasn’t sure if they were really listening or what, but he hoped they understood what he had said.

 

On the contrary, although the boys were still at daze, they fully understood everything that their hyung said.

 

Sebongs didn’t return to bed, instead, they help each other wash their clothes, clean the house, and cook their food. And one at a time, someone was looking after their sleeping beauty again.

 

They actually pampered their sad leader, and it disturbed him how they usually pester him.

 

Hoshi went rubbing his cheek on the poor eldest, while Mingyu served him food. Seungkwan and Seokmin be his clown. Wonwoo from time to time talks to him. Jun suddenly teaching him Chinese. Minghao went massaging his shoulders. Jihoon, in his surprise, was inviting him to watch a movie and it’s his treat. Vernon sat beside him without his earphones on- indicating that if he wanted to talk to, he could listen. And Dino was calling him daddy all day- a sign that he’s teasing him.

 

In short, Joshua was the only normal in their members right now. Coups suddenly felt the exhaustion after entertaining a bunch of kids. Goodness gracious! Seungcheol thought that he’d have his personal time, but there goes his kids, rampaging his private time because their mommy isn’t available at the moment.

 

All Coups did was to sigh with a smile on his face.