Work Text:
Hansol was casually walking into their dorm's living room at midnight when he saw Chan laying on the couch, playing with his phone mindlessly. Chan looks bored and tired, both physically and mentally, and Hansol's protective instinct came rearing its head.
It's true that Seventeen dote on their maknae so much more behind camera and Hansol is no different. But for him, it feels so much stronger because Chan is his only dongsaeng. It's not like he felt like he has to prove something to the older members and sometimes he did feel like Chan is the older one between them but if there's one thing he learned from being surrounded and raised by his hyungs is how to take care of the younger ones, or one in Hansol's case, and he'd be damned if he can't take care of Chan when Seungcheol-hyung, their oldest hyung, managed to lead twelve young men when he was a teenager himself.
Chan's more softer and mellower personality behind camera played a big role when, at one point he felt like he was being a terrible hyung, so it definitely gets easy after time passes.
Hansol sighs quietly. He's so soft for Chan. It's hard not to be when Chan is so lovable.
"Chan-ah? Are you okay?"
Chan merely tilted his head towards Hansol's direction but he didn't even managed to make eye contact because Chan moved his head back to it's original position almost immediately and covered his eyes with his arm while letting out a heavy sigh.
"Hey Sol-hyung... nothing, just... tired I guess."
Hansol felt his heart went out to the maknae. Today Seventeen had different schedules and while he only had one recording with Jihoon-hyung, he had heard that Chan's schedule was packed for the whole day. He must have just gotten home. He slowly approached the youngest and knelt down next to his head and removed his arm that was hiding his face. He saw tears at the corner of his eyes before Chan snatched his arm back and oh- his heart is definitely breaking.
"Channie... wanna tell hyung about it?" Hansol didn't hear an answer and he didn't pressed for one so instead, he laid his head on top of his folded arms, facing to the right so Chan's face was directly in his line of sight.
He heard sniffles and without thinking immediately sat upright and gathered Chan in his arms.
"Shh.. shh, it's okay baby, hyung's got you. Let it all out," Hansol slowly rubbed his back while gently shushing him, letting Chan cried out. After he heard Chan's sobs simmered back down to sniffles, he softly asked again if he wants to tell him what's wrong. Chan shook his head.
Hansol hummed. "That's okay. What do you wanna do now Channie? Wanna go back to your room?"
He felt Chan’s hesitation, "wanna go out for some fresh air?"
Chan nodded, "alright then."
———
After getting bundled up with coats and beanies for a semblance of disguise and anonymity along with their masks, they set out with no clear destination in mind. Hansol's only goal in mind was to make sure Chan felt better by the end of their walk.
Since it was currently midnight, outside was dark and sparse of any human beings. Their only companions were the stars and the artificial lights from buildings and other man made structures. Hansol had his arm wrapped tight around Chan's waist, allowing Chan to rest his head on his shoulder.
It was silent for awhile. This is nice, Hansol thought. No other members, just me and my Channie. Hansol put a brake on that thought. His?
Chan broke the silence with a question, "Sollie-hyung...," he trailed off rather cutely in Hansol's opinion. He glanced down and saw Chan puffed out a breathe, almost like he's gathering his courage, and then looked up at him. Hansol thought shy Chan looked so adorable he almost missed out his question. "...can we get ice cream?"
Chan had looked so hopeful that even if Hansol had the slightest inkling of saying no, he obviously couldn't do that. But Hansol is a weak man for one adorable maknae so saying no didn't even crossed his mind. "Of course Channie! Gosh, you're so cute like this," the last part came out without him meaning to but he just can't helped himself. Thankfully Chan just blushed when normally he would refute and argue that he is not cute but handsome.
- -
After getting their ice creams, they found a bench near the convenience store and it's illuminated enough that they won't be in complete darkness and empty enough that they won't be bothered by anyone.
Chan finished his treat faster that Hansol did, while he was taking his time as he had a feeling that Chan might be more open to tell him about what's wrong given the ambiance was just appropriate. And he was right.
"It was just honestly... a bad day, I think. I couldn't get my choreography right and I think that made Soonyoung-hyung annoyed cause he told me to go home and try again tomorrow. I couldn't get anyone to help me with my lyrics because I think Jihoon-hyung was busy. Then there's that whole issue with my next Danceology," Chan sighed. “All of the things that could go wrong gone wrong and I just want today to end," Chan let out a big sigh again after he was finished. Hansol felt slightly better now that he knew what's wrong but it still didn't alleviate the worry and sadness he felt for the maknae. He didn’t know what to do and he felt so helpless.
"But you came and somehow, everything is okay and my mind feels lighter. So thank you so much for this," Chan gave him a small but sincere smile. Hansol has so many things he wanted to say but he just sighed, and returned the smile, adding a peck to his forehead.
"Anything for my favourite and best maknae in the whole world."
And when Chan let out a small giggle, Hansol felt like everything in this world was right again.
———
When they returned to the dorm, Hansol thought the feeling of having Chan all to himself was really addicting, and maybe that got into his head so he asked if Chan wants to cuddle on his bed just like old times sake. Of course that's the only reason. And to comfort Chan as well. Yeah, that’s it. Better not overthink this.
His (?) sweet, shy Chan agreed, so after getting ready for bed Hansol eagerly pulled Chan so he would lay down first before squeezing in behind him. He rearranged their positions so Chan could lay his head on top of his arm, even if he would end up with a sore arm tomorrow morning, while making sure they are facing each other. They stared into each other's eyes for some time, and before Hansol could explore this unknown feeling, before he could step across the line he had been toeing the whole night, Chan let out a small chuckle that sounded embarrassed and cuddled in closer so he could hide his face into the the crook of Hansol's neck.
"Thank you again for tonight... and everything, Hansol hyung. You're the best hyung and I love you. Okay, goodnight!" Chan rushed in the last part and Hansol couldn't help but let out a chuckle of his own. His Channie is freaking adorable did he mention that?
"Ah, such a cutie. Goodnight, Chan-ah. I hope you can rest well tonight. I love you too."
Hansol felt rather than saw how Chan smiled into his neck. He gave Chan another kiss on the temple.
Our precious maknae. I hope you can stay happy forever.
———
Bonus excerpt:
SVT not RIGHT HERE (13 members)
🐯:
guys did chan mention he was going somewhere this morning?
he's not in his room
1004:
No
Why Soonyoung-ah?
🐯:
i wanna take him out for a meal☹️
my poor channie was all tired last night and as his favourite hyung i wanna cheer him up😞
Okay, okay calm down.
I can see several of you guys typing as soon as i sent that
boofromjeju🍊:
I would hunt you down for the fAv HyUng comment if not for more pressing matters🙄
Like where tf is chan
Wdym he's not in his room
It's our off day today
imstillyourleader🤨:
calm down seungkwannie
soonyoungie did you check all of the rooms?
chwenotchew:
oops soonyoung-hyung get in line ig
I already cheered him up last night
I think im channie's favourite hyung now :)
pic
(picture description: a selfie showing hansol with chan's face hidden in his neck, probably still fast asleep)
🐯:
NOO MY CHANNIE
1004:
MY YOUNGEST AEGI
SOLLIE YOU BETTER EXPLAIN YOURSELF
11 members are typing…
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