After about 50 minutes Taeil finally arrived at the studio. He got into some stupid traffic caused by a car accident. At first he was worried about the people involved but it turned out someone crashed his car into a traffic light because he was drunk, at least that’s what he had heard on the radio. The singer wanted to call Jiho and tell him that he would arrive later but as if the whole situation wasn’t annoying enough his phone died and he didn’t have any other options to let him know. He figured Jiho was busy anyway and wouldn’t notice being absorbed in his work as always. But when Taeil entered the studio that wasn’t the case at all.

¨Sorry Jiho I’m late, I go-¨

¨Hyung! Where have you been!? I’ve been worried sick and I couldn’t reach you either. I heard from manager hyung that there was an accident on your route. Don’t scare me like that! You could’ve at least given me a call or something.¨

Jiho rushed in Taeil’s direction the moment he saw him, nearly screaming at him.

¨Ah, uum, sorry I-¨ Taeil mumbled, confused by the situation.

¨Don’t ‚sorry‘ me, I’ve been literally pacing around the room the entire time, why didn’t you call?!¨

¨Oh my god Jiho, calm down for a minute, why are you so restless? My phone died, of course I would’ve given you a call or at least a voice message if I had the choice. But why were you so worried, you could’ve come to the conclusion that I’m waiting in traffic yourself. Did you really think that I’m the one that caused the accident because I was drunk?!¨

Jiho looked at the older male for a moment with weird expression. He didn’t look angry though, more sad or confused, maybe a little scared. The rapper sighed, then he answered in a slightly more relaxed voice.

¨Manager said it was a black Hyundai i30 that got into an accident… I didn’t know the man was drunk, he didn’t mention that.¨

‚Oh, it’s the same car as mine ‘ Taeil noticed. So that was the reason Jiho got so scared.

¨That was a shock…¨ He whispered so quiet, the singer could barely hear it. He still seemed upset.

¨Well, it’s alright now, isn’t it?¨ Taeil shouted, maybe a bit too loud and with a slightly too big smile as he opened his arms maybe a little too wide to show he was fine - but it worked perfectly for Jiho. The younger took the opportunity to hug his fellow band member and lift him up so their faces were on the same level.

¨Heeey!! I didn’t say you could do that, put me down!¨ Taeil yelled.

¨Oh come on, don’t be like that Taeilie, I know you like it.¨ 

Jiho laughed out loud and even though Taeil tried so hard to look angry and threatening he couldn’t help but join in, bursting into laughter himself.

¨I should just go home and keep the USB-stick, you don’t have respect at all! And I even came all the way to give it to you.¨

¨I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Please forgive me oh holy Taeil!!¨

¨That’s more like it you idiot.¨

¨Excuse me?¨ Jiho asked, pretending to be shocked.

¨What? Who came to our dorm to get the USB-stick and then left it there? It wasn’t me, was it?¨ Taeil giggled, it was good to see the leader all relaxed and happy again. He’s never seen him so scared before. Sure, he get’s impatient when things aren’t going as planned like on stage sometimes, but scared… he never gets scared.

¨Oh right, hyung.¨ Jiho suddenly bursted out all excited. He put the older down again.

¨I heard you got asked to sing a song at that music show. Why didn’t you tell me, that’s awesome news!¨

Taeil tensed. That wasn’t at all what he wanted to talk about right now but he tried to keep his smile steady so the younger wouldn’t notice.

¨Yeah, it’s somehow unreal. I didn’t think they’d ever offer me something like that.¨ 

¨…yeah…¨ is the only thing the rapper answered while his big smiling face turned slowly into a frowning one.

¨Taeil, how are you?¨

¨What?¨

¨I’m asking you how you are doing.¨

¨Err… good I guess? Why do you wanna know all of a sudden?¨ 

¨Have you ever noticed that I ask you this question before every performance?¨

¨Huh? Now that you mention it…¨

¨Yeah. I ask you every time and you always answer that you are doing just fine. But you seem to have misunderstood something.¨

¨What do you mean?¨

¨I am not asking you because I want to hear that you are fine. I’m asking you because I want to know. I’m asking you because I care and because I know that performing in front of people isn’t that easy for you. I don’t wanna hear ‚I’m fine‘! I want to know how you really feel! But you never tell me and I thought I shouldn’t ask because some day you would be ready and talk to me about it on your own, but you never did…¨

Jiho clenched his fists looking deep into Taeils eyes, he became more desperate with every sentence to convey his feelings and thoughts in a way that wouldn’t scare the singer off immediately. Taeil could hear the pure concern and sadness in his voice. ‚So he did know all the time. And I always lied to him.‘

¨I only want you to be happy. Wether you tell me about it or not.¨

¨I’m really sorry Jiho, I didn’t mean to lie t-¨

¨Stop apologizing. Why are you doing that to yourself? I’m not asking you to tell me everything now. I just want you to know that you don’t have to hide your fears from me. As your friend.¨

Jiho turned away to give Taeil more space when suddenly the older grabbed his arm.

‚Tell him‘  Taeil thought ‚Tell him the truth, tell him everything! If I don’t do it now, I never will!‘

¨The younger looked at him, waiting patiently for what the small male had to say. It took some time until he finally opened his mouth.

¨…Thank you.¨ Is everything he could get out though. 

Jiho smiled, maybe a little sad.

¨You are welcome.¨

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Ayooo, here's the next chapter! I really hope you like it ❤

If you have any advice feel free tol tell me! ^__^