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The first-time Jeno notices something is off is when Mark stumbles over himself more than five times within their four-hour dance practice. Mark hardly ever stumbles, and if he does, it’s normally once or twice and then he’s all good and gets back into the groove of things.
Thankfully, Jeno is not the only one to be so attentive to Mark, as during their break Jisung huddles next to him and offers him water. For the rest of the practice, Mark seems okay and doesn’t trip again.
However, it didn’t end there.
Donghyuck who has a pension for clinging to the members and cheering them up when they couldn’t get the choreography right away or had fast-depleting energy, wasn’t all over the place like he usually was. Instead of clinging to his main target of the last year or so, Renjun, he’s pressed up against the mirror, his chest heaving and his eyes screwed shut.
Jeno heads toward Donghyuck who doesn’t notice his presence until there’s a hand on his thigh, rubbing comforting circles into the fabric of his sweatpants.
“Hey, you okay?”
Slowly, Donghyuck’s eyes open and focus on Jeno whose concerned eyes bore into his tired ones. Jeno lifts a hand to brush the sweaty strands of hair to the side. Donghyuck tiredly smiles.
“Me? Yeah, ‘m good. Just catching my breath. I went a little too hard on the last part.”
Jeno hums. He’s not fully convinced, but he knows that it’s probably a bad idea to pry into Donghyuck’s business during such a stressful time. What he does do though, is give Donghyuck his water bottle because Donghyuck downed the rest of his over an hour ago. The younger boy takes it graciously and downs it just as quickly as he did his own earlier, but Jeno doesn’t mind.
Their practice ends in an hour, well for the five of them at least. Mark and Hyuck have to stay back and wait for the 127 guys to swing by to practice their choreography for their tour, which means they’ll be here for another two or so hours.
Jeno used to envy Mark and Hyuck for the fact that they were in more than one group, and that they got to show off their skills in a different way than they do in Dream, but as they got older, he realized that it wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine. It takes extreme dedication and time, even more so than being in one unit, Jeno doesn’t think he could handle it as well as Mark and Donghyuck do. 5dream themselves rarely have any free time as is, and Jeno knows it’s ten times worse for Mark and Donghyuck.
Jeno, as Mark’s second hand man, Dream’s captain, took the role seriously, doing everything he could for Dream, but Mark, their leader, was wanted and needed. Jeno could do all that Mark could, sure, but even then, there were times Jeno thought he wasn’t good enough to lead, despite the handful of reassurances he’d get from the members.
They’ve been seven again for a good year and the year has been great, even when they had to perform just as five because they knew their missing members would come back and would participate when their schedules allow.
As much as he hates to admit it, at this very moment, there seem to be more negatives than positives that come with them being on stage together.
Their choreographer calls it a day at five pm. Jeno is quick to grab his things from the couch in the corner, ready to go back to the dorm, take a shower, and order some takeout for himself and the boys.
Jeno hates the fact that they have to leave the two here instead of taking them to the Dream dorm, but that’s what their schedules call for and Jeno is in no position to say otherwise. No one can really say no to the higher-ups unless they have a death wish or would like to be unemployed and most likely blacklisted by other companies.
He watches as Renjun shuffles toward Mark and Hyuck who are sprawled out on their backs on the cool floor. Renjun falls to his knees to get closer to them, his hands holding up his weight. Jeno can’t hear their conversation, but he watches as Renjun takes out two energy bars from his bag and hands them to them. They take it graciously before they both sit up and wrap Renjun in a bear hug.
Jeno continues to look over his members, a smile planted on his face. He probably looks like a fool with how wide it is, but he could truly care less.
A kiss is placed on Hyuck’s and Mark’s cheeks before Renjun is finally let go. He heads toward Jeno, who’s waiting for him at the door, the other members have already left for the van.
They bid their goodbyes, and the second the practice room door shuts behind them, Renjun gently pushes himself into Jeno, silently asking for a hug, which Jeno is always happy to give.
As they’re walking to the van, Jeno hears Renjun sigh. Before he can ask what the problem is Renjun’s looking up at the taller boy, his lips in a frown, his eyes filled with worry.
“I wish the company would stop overlapping their schedules. They need rest.”
Jeno nods. It’s obvious to anyone who has eyes (even though they try their best to hide it) that Mark and Donghyuck are beginning to burn out. Between the Dreamshow tour and the Neo City — The Link Tour, they’re flying to multiple places back and forth and learning choreography for songs that didn’t originally have it, all of which takes extreme dedication and stamina, which Mark and Donghyuck have always been brimming with.
But again, there’s nothing they can do about it, and he tells Renjun such as they climb into the van, Renjun takes his seat smooshed between the two youngest and Jeno sliding beside Jaemin who sneaks his hand into Jeno’s, giving it a gentle squeeze.
——
A few hours after their dance practice, Jeno’s getting ready for bed when his phone begins to buzz from where it’s situated on the counter. With furrowed brows and his toothbrush dangling from his mouth, he picks the device up and answers the call.
“Hyung? Hi,” His speech is garbled but Doyoung seems to understand him perfectly fine.
“Jeno, hey. There’s something I need to talk to you about.”
“One sec,” he mumbles, putting his phone down. He spits out the toothpaste, following up with a quick rinse of his mouth before he picks up his phone again. “Sorry, I was brushing my teeth. What’s up hyung?”
“No worries. It’s Hyuck and Mark, they’re…”
“Not doing too well. Yeah, I know. I’ve been noticing that lately. Are they getting enough rest over there?”
Doyoung’s quiet for a few moments before a sigh is heard over the line. It has Jeno dreading his response. “Mark’s locked himself in his room, he’s working on a piece. Hyuck just got home from the company building. We finished two hours ago but he stayed back.”
Jeno stays silent. He’s not surprised to hear any of that, yet it still sends a shock of worry up his spine. If they keep running the way that they are, there’s just no telling when they’ll hurt themselves or get sick. As idols, most of them are used to spending extra time in the studios, but there is a limit, and most of them know theirs by now. Mark and Donghyuck certainly have passed theirs already.
“One of the managers told me that we all get a few days off next week. They’ll be announcing it to everyone tomorrow. We all need it, especially those two. I just wanted to call and make sure you were aware of how they’ve been as well.” In case something bad happens goes unsaid, but Jeno knows Doyoung, knows that this is him telling Jeno to look after them when he can.
“Thank you, hyung.”
Doyoung hums. “I’m sure you’re tired as well, Jeno-ah. Get some rest yourself, okay? And don’t forget to eat well. That goes for all of you.”
Jeno chuckles. “Don’t worry about us, hyung. We’re all good.” And they are, considering Jaemin has cooked for them every chance he got, and when he couldn’t they got takeout. Neither of them was as bad at missing meals as they were in their trainee days. And as for sleep schedules, Jeno himself does have a habit of staying up and playing video games, but Doyoung doesn’t have to know that (even though he probably already does). The others though are pretty good when it comes to getting enough sleep.
“Alright. Well, I’m going to let you go now. Goodnight, Jeno-ah.”
“Goodnight, hyung.”
——
Once they are all officially alerted of their two days off this week, Jeno calls for a dream meeting in the living room, excluding Mark and Donghyuck. Because, well, they’re the topic of the discussion.
Before doing that though, he made sure their blanket and pillow stashes were out and ready for them to use to have a relaxed and comfortable conversation. As he drops the mound of blankets on the couch, the first to stumble out of their room is Jisung, a bit disoriented, most likely due to the new game he bought recently. He’s been playing it nonstop, despite Jaemin and Renjun trying desperately to get him to go to bed at a more reasonable time.
Chenle walks into the dorm a few minutes later, plastic bags in both hands. He rests them on the living room table after taking his shoes off and slipping into a pair of slippers by the door. “I got some snacks and drinks, take your pick. The barley tea’s for Renjun hyung though, so don’t take that one.” Chenle takes his designated spot for their little meetings in the big chair, his legs hanging over the armrest as he pops open a can of coke.
It doesn’t take too long for Renjun’s door to open, and for the small scuffing sounds of his slippers to be heard across the wooden floor. Once the eldest appears in the living room, Jeno snorts, and Jisung laughs, which is returned by a scowl from Renjun.
“What?”
Jisung gestures to his own face, “You have paint on your face.”
There’s pink and blue smeared on Renjun’s cheek, creating a pretty purple in the mix. It’s not hard for Jeno to spot the paint that is also on the sleeve of his sweatshirt that he’s almost one hundred percent sure is not Renjun’s due to the sheer fact that Renjun’s practically drowning in it.
Immediately, Renjun whips around and disappears back into the hallway, the sound of the bathroom sink being turned on following shortly after.
“You shouldn’t have told him, it was cute!”
“But if he didn’t he’d have our heads later for not telling him,” Chenle points out.
“You’re not wrong,” Jeno replies. “But you do have to admit that it was cute.”
“Of course it was, anything he does is cute, but I’d much rather him smiling than stomping along a warpath because we didn’t tell him he had paint on his face.”
Renjun returns only moments later, pout remaining on his lips as he silently snuggles up with Jisung on the loveseat.
And last but not least, Jaemin leisurely walks into the living room, as if he’s not 15 minutes late to a meeting hosted in his own house. He stops short when he notices everyone’s eyes on him.
“Oh. Were you guys waiting on me?”
Creepily in sync, the other four nod their heads. Jaemin sheepishly scratches his neck.
Renjun huffs, a pout on his lips. “Sit down Jaem, you took forever. I just want to hear what Jen has to say.”
“Sorry, Junnie~”
Quickly obeying, Jaemin takes a spot on the floor by Renjun’s legs even though there’s room right next to him on the couch. His head tilts to meet the older’s thigh. Now, all eyes are on Jeno, expecting.
“Okay, now that we’re all here, I’m sure you’re wondering why Mark hyung and Hyuck aren’t here, and that’s because this meeting is about them.” Jeno pauses, gauging his bandmate’s reactions. Little nods encourage him to continue.
“So, I’m pretty sure all of you have noticed that during the last few practices, and even recordings, they’ve been everything but okay. Doyoung hyung has told me neither of them has been getting the rest that they need.”
“You’ve noticed too? I thought I was just overanalyzing.” Jisung says, perking up in his spot next to Renjun, ultimately disrupting the older who was slouched against him, but Renjun doesn’t complain. “I’m so glad we’re all finally getting a break, especially the hyungs.”
“Yes Sungie, so am I. I was thinking, maybe we just have a day during the break when we spoil them. Give them whatever they want whether it’s a massage or making them their favorite food. Whatever their heart desires. they’re so hardworking— between having schedules with us and with the 127 hyungs, they never fail to cheer us up and make sure we’re at our full potential.”
“That’s a great idea, Jen. you’re right, I really think we owe it to them,” Renjun smiles his pretty smile that people, specifically Donghyuck goes insane for. Renjun tucks himself into Jisung once more, who allows it, but now seems to be zapped with energy, his fingers tapping against his thigh.
“We should list things we can do for the hyungs! We don’t have to do all of them of course, but just so we have some ideas.”
Jaemin coos at Jisung’s eagerness, twisting to pat the younger’s knee.
Chenle nods at Jeno, placing his hand in a salute. “Ay-ay Captain.” Chenle then turns on his phone and opens the notes app. “Let’s get a list of things we’ll need. I’ll write it all down.”
——
The dorm’s bustling with life on the first morning of their break. Jaemin and Jeno are cleaning the kitchen, Jisung’s putting all of the video games back where they belong on the shelf so they’re not scattered about the living room, and Chenle and Renjun are out buying Mark and Donghyuck’s favorite drinks and food.
It’s been a while since Mark and Donghyuck have been over despite having schedules together. The managers saw it easier if they were picked up from their respective dorms and taken to wherever they had to be. Jeno never saw the logic in it, but he always bit his tongue instead of saying anything.
Anyways, it’s safe to say everyone’s excited. Jaemin hopped from room to room, making sure their beds are made (not that Donghyuck or Mark would even care considering that they’ve probably seen the dorm in much worse conditions). They finally get to have downtime, and as 7, with Mark and Donghyuck safely in the dream dorm.
“Hey, Lee Jeno, you’re about to flood the kitchen with how much water you’ve got on that mop,” Jaemin scolds, gently taking the mop from Jeno and squeezing out the excess water. Jeno scratches the back of his neck, a sheepish smile on his lips as Jaemin hands the mop back to him. Right after, a kiss is placed on Jeno’s cheek. “You’re so cute, puppy.”
Heat runs from the tips of Jeno’s ears to the base of his neck, which always happens when he’s complimented by his boyfriends. He’s sure he’ll never get used to it, but that’s fine, it’s not like he’s embarrassed by it.
Minutes later, while Jeno’s putting away the mop, the door to the dorm bursts open, followed by Chenle’s voice.
“We’re home baobei’s!”
The two enter the kitchen. Renjun places the two bags hanging off of his wrists onto the kitchen table, while Chenle drops his unceremoniously onto the counter.
“Zhong Chenle! I just cleaned that!” Jaemin scolds, urging the younger boy to take the bag off the counter.
“They aren’t going to go around the dorm inspecting everything,” Chenle points out. His reasoning is valid because yeah why would they do that, but Jaemin simply ignores it and ushers Chenle to put his bags on the table next to Renjun’s. Chenle heads to the living room after, seeking out Daegal who he brought as a surprise for Mark and Donghyuck since they haven’t seen her in a few weeks.
By the time someone knocks on the door, the fridge is restocked and so is the pantry. The cleaning supplies are also neatly tucked away in their respective spots, and Renjun has tea brewing in the kitchen. It’s Jaemin who rushes to get the door, mumbles of greeting heard from where Jeno is lounging in the living room. Not long after, he spots a blur of pink and he’s tugged upwards and manhandled into a hug.
“Hey Hyuckie,” Jeno laughs out, arms wrapping around the other’s waist tightly. He pulls him closer, chin hooked over his shoulder. Donghyuck melts into his embrace. Jeno’s eyes water.
“Hyungs!” Jisung’s voice is heard before he’s seen. Jeno blinks away his tears and gives Donghyuck another squeeze before letting him go. Donghyuck turns around, arms open for Jisung, who despite not being big on skin-ship, slides into his arms. They all saw each other a few days ago, yet it feels like a two-year reunion. Jeno’s stomach twists at the thought.
Mark doesn’t enter the living room for another few minutes but Jeno figures out why, and it’s because he walks out of the kitchen, attached to Renjun, who has a steaming cup of tea in his hand. The smile Mark has on his face is tired, but the happiness bleeds through and Jeno relaxes.
Mark and Donghyuck are home. And god, does it feel good.
——
The first thing they decide to have them do is change into cleaner, more comfortable clothes because they had come straight from practice and honestly, they both reek. One a bit more than the other.
“Eh,” Renjun sniffs at Donghyuck who’s doing the best he can to wrap himself around the brunette. “Maybe you should take a shower, you stink.”
“But Renjunnie, I just got here, I want to be with you,” is Donghyuck’s reply. He tightens his grip around Renjun’s waist, his chin digging into his shoulder. Renjun makes a small pained noise but doesn’t try to rip himself from Donghyuck as he would on camera. Donghyuck needs this hug, this closeness, but he also really needs to shower. Renjun sniffles.
“And you will, Hyuck. Just go take a quick shower, it’ll also help relax your muscles. I’m sure you’re all achy and tense,” Renjun says. He turns around in Donghyuck’s arms, eyes meeting his. A hand goes up to his cheek, gently rubbing a thumb into his skin. “We’ll all be here when you’re done, I promise. No one’s leaving this dorm until our break is officially over.”
Donghyuck pouts. Renjun leans up, placing a chaste kiss on his lips. “Go on. I’ll even make Markie take one too. You guys won’t be missing out on anything.”
“He’s right. Mark Lee,” Chenle chimes in. He glances at Mark who looks like a deer caught in headlights. “You stink too, go shower.”
It takes a little more convincing for Donghyuck to detach his limbs from Renjun, but when he does he calls dibs on the biggest shower in their dorm and promises Renjun he’ll be back in ten minutes, while Mark shrugs, gets his own kiss from Renjun, and heads toward the one located further down the hallway.
Jaemin and Renjun take this time to start making dinner consisting of their favorite foods, while Chenle checks on Daegal in Jeno’s room. She’s been surprisingly very good and quiet, not alerting Donghyuck and Mark that she’s there, and for that Chenle gives her one treat only, knowing she’ll be bathed in tons of love and treats after dinner.
True to his word, Donghyuck’s shower only takes ten minutes, and an additional five to dry off and put clothes on. The scuffle of his slippers is heard before he rounds the corner, eyes searching and resembling a puppy. Jeno, who spots him from the entrance of the kitchen, laughs.
“Junnie’s in here, Hyuck,” Jeno says. Donghyuck heads toward him, but instead of heading further into the kitchen like Jeno assumed he would, he stops in front of Jeno who opens his arms once he realizes why Donghyuck stopped. Donghyuck once again melts against him, his arms wound tightly around Jeno’s waist. Secure. As if Jeno would go anywhere, especially when Donghyuck smells so strongly of his body wash. “You smell much better.”
Donghyuck huffs. Comfortable silence swirls between them.
“Missed you guys,” Donghyuck finally whispers. He nuzzles his face into Jeno’s neck. Jeno coos.
“We missed you too,” Jeno hums, tightening his grip on Donghyuck. “So much, you don’t even know.”
“We’re being all cuddly without me?” Jaemin’s voice rings. Donghyuck and Jeno just barely pull apart, their arms still locked around each other as they spot Jaemin who’s holding a spatula in one hand, and the other is propped on his hip.
“Yeah, and what about it?” Donghyuck teases, sticking his tongue out at the blue-haired boy. Jaemin huffs, he’s about to say something but Renjun’s voice stops him.
“Jaem! Is it supposed to be bubbling like this?” One peek around Jaemin’s shoulder shows Renjun, sweet, adorable Renjun standing in front of the pot of kimchi jjigae, playing with the heat nozzles. Jeno takes note of the cute pink and white apron Jaemin bought for him years ago wrapped around his petite waist.
“I’ll help you, Junnie,” Donghyuck removes himself from Jeno’s arms, heading into the kitchen, only to be stopped by Jaemin who holds his arms out in front of him, pushing his hands into Donghyuck’s chest.
“Nope! Not today, or tomorrow, for that matter. Let us do everything, okay, Hyuckie? Go sit with Jeno, dinner will be ready in 20.” With that, Jaemin pushes both Donghyuck and Jeno out of the kitchen. They end up settling together in the living room, Donghyuck’s head pillowed in Jeno’s lap, conversing quietly.
By the time dinner is finished, Mark is out of the shower fresh, clean, and smelling like Renjun’s shampoo. He’s all snuggled up on the couch, sitting criss-cross and holding a pillow to his chest. Next to him sits Chenle who’s gently combing his fingers through the damp hair at the nape of the older’s neck, his phone long forgotten on his lap as his attention is all on Mark.
“I hope everyone’s hungry!” Renjun exclaims, carrying a huge pot into the living room. Jisung gets up from his place on the floor, rushing to relieve Renjun of the heavy pot. Renjun thanks him softly, placing a dish towel on the table in front of the couch so no marks are left due to the heat.
Jaemin follows, hands full of side dishes that are quickly taken out of his hands by Jeno, who receives a kiss in return for the help. Jeno places the dishes next to the large pot as Jaemin heads back into the kitchen to get utensils and bowls. “I knew I smelled kimchi jjigae!” Donghyuck says. He leans forward to stare into the pot of deliciousness, and a large smile overtakes his features.
Renjun’s eyes are immediately glued to that smile. Everyone in their group has such wonderful smiles, all having the ability to make Renjun smile as well, but there’s always been something about Donghyuck’s that has a hold on him a little more than the others, especially when that smile has been so so tired lately.
They all gather around the table, sitting on cushions so that their butts don’t go numb from sitting on the hardwood floor. Dinner is filled with small conversations, but for the most part, they eat peacefully, soaking up the time they’ve missed together.
——
All of the used silverware and bowls are placed in the sink to be washed later, and the leftovers are tucked neatly away into the fridge. Chenle disappears into Jeno’s room to grab Daegal, while the others stay put in the living room, rightfully succumbing to a food coma.
“Jaeminnie, that was seriously so good, I missed your cooking,” Mark says.
“Thank you, Markie. I know our schedules don’t always align, but I’d be more than happy to cook a little something for you whenever.”
“I wouldn’t ever ask you to do that, we’re all so busy, I’d just feel bad,” Mark replies, a small pout on his lips.
Jaemin shrugs, adjusting the blanket that he had wrapped him and Jisung up in moments prior so that they’re both fully covered. “I’d do anything for you, even if it meant cooking a meal at 3 in the morning and delivering it to you during an early schedule.”
“Me too— I mean, I can’t cook but if you asked me to grab something from a convenience store at 3 am, I would. Or y’know, if you wanted to come over and play a game then, that works too,” Jisung clumsily adds, which has Mark leaning over to pinch and coo at their youngest.
“Thank you, Sungie, Jaem, it means a lot.” Before Mark can say anything else, the sound of claws against the floor echoes through the hallway, and a floof of white comes barrelling into the living room, small yips escaping said floof.
“Daegallie!” Donghyuck exclaims, leaping up from the couch and immediately scooping up the dog. He buries his face in Daegal’s fur. “Hi, my sweet girl, did you miss me? I for sure missed you!”
“Shit, how long has she been in there?” Mark asks, clearly baffled at how quiet she’s been.
“Since you guys got here. I guess she was occupied with enough toys to not bark or anything when she heard the door open,” Chenle shrugs. He sighs proudly. “I guess I’m just that good of a father.”
“Hey, I helped you make sure she was distracted,” Renjun huffs. And he did, whenever he could he snuck into Jeno’s room to pat Daegal and make sure she was eating. “Meaning I’m equally as good of a father as you are.”
“That would ruin the whole family tree we’ve got going on,” Chenle counters. “You’re my grandson, how would that make sense?”
Stumped, Renjun sits back and crosses his arms, his cute cheeks puffed out like little pastries. Jeno would totally eat them if he could. He settles for burying himself into Renjun’s side. “Fine.” Because how else was someone supposed to reply to that?
“If that family tree was real, our relationship would be so very fucked up,” Mark snickers. “Because if Donghyuck was actually dating a dog—”
“Okay, that’s enough,” Jeno cuts in, not at all wanting to hear what was about to come out of their leader’s mouth. “The family tree is not real. End of story.”
“Alright, now that our last family member is here, what do our two babies want to do?” Jaemin announces, standing in front of the six, plus Daegal who’s still getting pampered by Donghyuck.
“Who? Hyuck and I?”
“Who else?”
“I mean you call everyone babies.”
“Yeah, but you’re the babies we’re focusing on today,” Jaemin shrugs cheekily, a smile on his lips. “So what’s on our agenda today, boys?”
“Honestly?” Mark looks around, tired eyes latching on to each of his members. “Nothing. I mean, we can watch a movie or something but just sitting here with you guys is… it’s great. I feel like we haven’t sat down together and just breathed.”
“Agreed. Okay. We’ll make a cozy area on the floor. Get all the blankets and pillows we own. All hands on deck!” Renjun stands up and before anyone can say anything he’s disappearing into his room, which kickstarts the others to do the same, even Donghyuck who puts Daegal back on the floor and hurries to the closet where they keep spare blankets.
——
The seven boys eventually get a solid pillow fort-type thing going on in the living room, the table pushed to the side and all of the chairs that they could find within the dorm supporting a few blankets to create a little roof.
Jisung put his little star projector in the center of the room, and Renjun grabbed a string of his fairy lights to line the inside, which illuminates the small space enough for them to see each other well.
“Ah! This is so pretty.” Jisung claps, proud of their work. Also in the center, there’s a pile of their snacks and drinks, surrounded by a couple of pillows so they stay in that area.
“Right?” Mark grabs Renjun by the waist, pulling him into his lap. He hooks his chin over Renjun’s shoulder, nuzzling his face into the warm skin exposed due to Renjun’s oversized shirt. Again, probably not his. “Nice call on the fairy lights, Junnie.”
“Thanks, hyung,” Renjun replies, letting Mark do whatever he wants to him, his hand slipping up the front of the shirt, a warm hand splaying across Renjun’s tummy. Renjun lets himself relax in the older’s embrace, relishing in the small kisses Mark leaves on his neck and the comforting beat of his heart against Renjun’s back.
Jeno’s on their left, munching on bits of watermelon that Jaemin cut for them, and Jisung plops down on their right, leaning over to grab a drink. Donghyuck’s across from them tugging at the toy in Daegal’s mouth, while Jaemin and Chenle are lounging across a couple of pillows, snuggled up in blankets.
“I think I could fall asleep like this, seriously,” Chenle mumbles, rolling around in his burrito-formed blanket, knocking into Jaemin who lets him stay pressed against him.
A soft silence envelopes them save for Jeno’s quiet chewing and Daegal’s little growls. Renjun’s almost a hundred percent most of them fell asleep, but it turns out he’s wrong when Mark clears his throat, which startles not only Renjun but Jisung who spills a bit of his drink.
Mark squeaks, quickly grabbing a napkin to wipe at Jisung’s leg. “Shit, sorry Sungie.”
“It’s okay, hyung. Did you want to say something?” Jisung takes the napkin from Mark and finishes cleaning himself up.
“No— I well, yeah.” Renjun gently pats Mark’s thigh. A reminder that they’re all here for him no matter what he’s about to say, to make him feel at ease. He receives a pat on his stomach in return. “It’s just… I’m really really grateful for what you’ve done for me, us, tonight. I know we’ve only been together for a few hours— shit.”
Renjun turns his head enough to get a decent look at Mark. Even under the dim lights, he’s so handsome. Sure, the bags under his eyes tug at Renjun’s heartstrings, but he’s beautiful regardless. The slight stubble he’s got going on is attractive and Renjun feels he’s not the only one who thinks so. Renjun looks up from his pretty lips to his eyes which he now realizes are rimmed with tears that have yet to fall.
“Oh, sweetheart,” Renjun whispers, turning around in Mark’s arms. He hears blankets and chip bags rustling before he can feel the presence of their other members around them. He reaches up to gently thumb at Mark’s cheeks, catching a single tear that falls.
Mark swallows. He looks down at Renjun, then Jeno, Donghyuck, Jaemin, Chenle, and lastly, Jisung. He locks eyes with Renjun once again.
“God. It— It’s been so hard,” Mark whimpers. “I’m just so tired.”
Renjun nods. He understands. They understand. Mark and Donghyuck have been working around the clock, jumping from group to group, stage to stage. It’s only natural that the resilience and walls they built to protect themselves from this grueling job, their dream, crumbles.
Being in one unit is hard enough, Renjun couldn’t imagine being in two simultaneously. It’s why he and the others looked up to Mark and Donghyuck because as tired and burnt out as they were, they were beautiful and talented. Their stage presence never left and neither did their will to meet Nctzen’s.
“Markie… it’s okay. Let it all out,” Jeno says. Watermelon long forgotten, he scoots up against Mark’s side. Mark makes a strangled noise before the tears are finally falling. Renjun’s quick to reach up and pull his face down to his neck, the salty tears sliding down his neck and absorbing into his shirt.
Mark’s sobs rip into everyone’s hearts. Their strong leader. The one who’s kept them in check. The one who needs to be with them or NCT Dream is not complete. It bears a pain upon them greater than they’ve ever known.
They sit around in silence for as long as Mark needs it. Jeno and Jisung are rubbing soothing circles into Mark’s back. Renjun strokes his nape, pressing kisses to his temple and ignoring his own tears that want to burst out of his eyes.
The soul-wrenching sobs slowly cut into small whimpers. Mark clutches onto Renjun, pulling him even closer, his hands still attached to Renjun’s skin.
“He’s right,” Donghyuck says quietly. Renjun keeps Mark buried in his neck but manages to look at Donghyuck. So do the others. He’s not crying, but his voice is watery, about to give at any moment. “It is really fucking hard. Not just physically. Mentally, too, I’m sure you guys get it. I love doing what we do, I wanted to do this, but I didn’t expect this.”
Donghyuck heaves a sigh and looks up. He laughs, but there’s no humor to it. It sounds empty, so unlike their sunshine who’s usually full of life. “I almost broke my fucking ankle the other day, also had a panic attack on the same day. It’s exhausting. This… you guys, we really needed this. We love our hyungs, don’t get us wrong, but we never see you outside of schedules, and it— it fucking sucks. You’re our family too and we never get to see you.”
“We’re glad your managers allowed you to come, Hyuckie. We missed you too,” Jaemin says softly. He reaches up to card his fingers through Donghyuck’s hair and presses a kiss on his forehead.
Donghyuck nods. He looks down at his lap where he’s fiddling with his thumbs. “There are times when I want to come and just spend the night here. I promise the manager hyungs that I’ll be up in time, but they won’t let me.”
“Thank fuck the graduation system is gone or I truly think I would’ve gone insane,” Mark raspily says. His face is still hidden in Renjun’s neck, so his voice is a bit muffled but everyone can hear him. Hot puffs of breath are felt on Renjun’s neck, and while that’d be annoying had it been anyone else, it’s Mark. Renjun lets Mark get away with almost everything. “Sure, it’d be less work to be in one less unit, but it’s you guys. I hated not being able to dance and perform with you.”
“If it’s any consolation hyung, we didn’t like it either,” Jisung adds. “Not that we could’ve done anything if it weren’t for the change in the company’s heart.”
“No, no we didn’t,” Renjun agrees. He gingerly tugs on Mark’s hair. “Hyung… hey, let me see your face?”
Mark, obedient as ever, lifts his head up, red-rimmed eyes meeting hopeful doe eyes. Renjun smiles. He wipes away any stray tears before pressing his lips under each eye. “We’re so lucky to have you. Thank you for coming back to us.”
Mark frantically nods and closes his eyes. The grip he has on Renjun tightens as his face goes back into the nook of his neck. Renjun looks back at Donghyuck, who’s only a few inches away now. Renjun laughs. “Come here.”
He doesn’t have to tell Donghyuck twice. Jisung moves a bit so Donghyuck can access Renjun, and so he doesn’t get run over by the overeager bear. Renjun snorts. “The next two days are supposed to be about you two, why are you so adamant about giving me love?”
Donghyuck places his hands on Renjun’s cheeks, rubbing underneath his eyes. “Pretty. I already stole a kiss from Jaem and Lele. Now it’s just you three that I need it from.” Donghyuck leans in. He visibly melts against Renjun when their lips meet, or well, Mark because he’s still situated in his arms. Renjun hums against his lips, seconds later shivering when Mark’s hand rises up his torso.
“Hey hey! This is supposed to be a healing time,” Jaemin squeaks. Renjun feels Donghyuck smirking against his lips before he pulls away. Donghyuck licks his lips, keeping eye contact with Renjun, whose cheeks burn a rosy red until his attention is no longer on him, and instead on Mark.
“Healing time includes kissing,” Jeno says defiantly as he so patiently waits for Donghyuck to come over to him. Though he’s speaking to Jaemin, his eyes are on the seam of Donghyuck and Mark’s lips, fitting together so perfectly.
“Okay, yeah it does,” Jaemin agrees. He playfully glares at Mark who now has his chin hooked over Renjun’s shoulder as Donghyuck now corners Jisung. “But I saw that hand, Mark Lee! No funny business.”
Mark giggles, a wonderful sound, paired with Jisung’s quiet ‘hyung’ that continuously slips from his mouth as Donghyuck teases and pulls at his lip beside them.
“I can’t help it Jaeminnie, look at him.” Mark slips a hand under Renjun’s jaw, caressing the skin there. “So pretty.”
“Shut up, hyung,” Renjun splutters. He squirms in Mark’s lap, hoping the grip he has on him loosens, and it does, thankfully. He sits up as much as he can in their little tent and balls his small hands into fists at his side. “I’m going to get some tea.”
“He’s adorable,” Mark says in awe as Renjun exits the tent.
——
The next morning Renjun wakes up a bit sore and to the smell of bacon. It was definitely a bad idea for all seven of them to sleep on the floor because despite being propped up by pillows and on the softest and comfiest blankets they own, it was still the hardwood floor. If he didn’t have back problems before, he probably has them now.
Groggily, he makes a move to get up, only to now realize the pair of arms around his waist are holding him down, and so is the leg slung over his hip, both body parts belonging to two different boys. He forces his eyes to open wider. Inside the tent they made is still pretty dark save for a glimpse of light from the kitchen, so he can easily identify the first culprit.
Jeno’s arms only tighten around him when Renjun moves around to glance behind him, see who’s helping Jeno keep him hostage, and it’s no other than Mark, who he has no recollection of falling asleep near whatsoever. Renjun fondly sighs. He sees no reason as to why he needs to get up right this instant, so he doesn’t. Instead, he snuggles further into Jeno’s chest and falls right back to sleep.
——
Renjun wakes up the second time to something wet gliding down his cheek. He opens his eyes to see Daegal in front of him, her tongue lolling out of her mouth. Renjun smiles, reaching a hand out to pet her soft fur. “Oh, hi sweetie.”
“You’re up,” a soft voice, unmistakeably Donghyuck’s, says from above him. Renjun didn’t even notice him looming above him. Renjun yawns and nods. A kiss is placed on his other cheek. “C’mon, breakfast is ready, courtesy of Jaem and Lele.”
Donghyuck helps Renjun stand up and plants another kiss, this time on his lips. Renjun reels away, his face scrunched.
“I haven’t brushed my teeth yet.” He puts a hand on Donghyuck’s chest, keeping him an arm’s length away.
Donghyuck smirks, pushing himself into Renjun’s hands. He stares at Renjun. “When has that ever stopped me?”
Renjun rolls his eyes. “You, Lee Donghyuck, are a menace.”
“Your menace,” Donghyuck reminds him, pressing himself further into Renjun whose arms are beginning to bend under the pressure. Renjun musters enough strength to push him away and hurry out of the tent, almost slipping once he makes it into the kitchen.
“Woah, you good Junnie?” Jaemin questions, reaching out to stabilize Renjun.
“We need a leash. Maybe a muzzle.” Renjun huffs.
Jeno snorts as he passes by with a stack of pancakes. “He tried to kiss you before you brushed your teeth too?”
Renjun scrunches his nose and nods. He looks up at Jaemin who’s rubbing circles into his sides. “Does anything else need to be brought out to the living room?”
“No, we’re all good. The table’s all set too, so all we need to do is join the others.”
Renjun brushes his teeth quickly before he joins his members around the table that’s still pushed closer to the TV to make room for the tent. He slides into the open spot between Jaemin and Jisung, plating his food moments after.
Breakfast goes like dinner, it’s spent mostly in comforting silence save for the small conversations once in a while. It’s extremely welcomed, they all need a bit of quiet and even more time to relax.
After breakfast, dishes are put in the sink to be done later and they all end up back in the living room. Jeno’s situated on top of Mark, giving him a much-needed massage. Jeno’s the best at massages, so it’s not a surprise that Mark continuously groans, especially when Jeno hits a particularly tough knot and undoes it with his skillful hands.
“If you weren’t in this room you would think they were doing something different,” Chenle comments.
“Hm. You know how good Jen’s massages are though,” Donghyuck replies, stretching out amongst a multitude of pillows. “Almost as good as sex.”
“Ugh, hyung,” Jisung groans, tossing a pillow in Donghyuck’s direction, hitting him square in the face. Chaos ensues. Donghyuck hops up, closing the small distance between him and Jisung until he’s on top of him, and loud laughter is escaping the youngest.
——
The day passes slowly and uneventfully, but to them, it’s perfect. Jisung and Chenle go head to head with Mark and Jeno in Mario Kart for a good few hours, while Donghyuck, Jaemin, and Renjun holed themselves up in Renjun’s room to watch a few episodes of a new k-drama that Donghyuck is currently obsessed with.
It’s peaceful. None of them worry about a certain step in their choreography, nor are they fussing over the fact that they have a flight to catch soon. No dodging handsy fans in the airport. Just them. Seven.
“Jaeminnie~” Donghyuck coos. The TV’s playing an ad, so Renjun took the time to go check on the other boys and have a bathroom break, leaving Donghyuck and Jaemin in his room.
“Hm?”
“I’m kind of hungry. We should go out for dinner, so you don’t have to cook.”
Jaemin looks at Donghyuck, an eyebrow raised. His gaze softens once he notices Donghyuck’s mussed-up hair from when he rubbed his head into Renjun’s shoulder. “I don’t mind cooking, Hyuck. Especially not for you guys.”
“I know,” Donghyuck pouts. “But this break wasn’t only for us, you know. It was for everyone. You deserve it too. What better way to go out to dinner and have someone else cook for us?”
Jaemin blankly stares at Donghyuck who gives him a cheeky smile. “Lee Donghyuck.” The urge to tackle the younger and shower him with kisses and praises is so strong, and if Jaemin isn’t one of the members most likely to fall victim to his own wants and needs when it comes to his lovely boyfriends then, he doesn’t know who is.
Donghyuck lets out a surprised squeak when Jaemin pins him to the bed, pressing kisses anywhere he can. His cheeks, forehead, neck, and of course his lips. Jaemin doesn’t stop until Donghyuck, out of all people, is a blushing mess. It’s a pretty sight. Jaemin sears it into his memory.
Jaemin giggles before he places one last kiss on Donghyuck’s lips. Donghyuck hums happily, and his arms sneak around Jaemin’s waist to pull him closer. Jaemin leans down and brushes their noses together, a smile on his lips.
“Okay, Hyuckie. We’ll go out.”
They end up in the Korean barbeque restaurant they frequent which is also conveniently down the street from the dorm and is a ten-minute walk at most.
“Wow, I haven’t been here in a while,” Mark says, glancing around the room filled with many other customers. They’ve been coming here since they debuted, and when they first came it was a small family-owned business that would only get maybe 10 customers a day, but now it’s bustling with life, every table filled.
“Yeah, I think the last time we all came was at the end of Boom promotions,” Jaemin says as he places some meat on the grill.
“Mhm, we sat over there though,” Jeno points to another table across the room that is now occupied by a group of high-school-age students. Nostalgia floods his body immediately. While they’ve been here as five, it has been almost two years since they’ve been here altogether, so the tears threatening to build behind Jeno’s eyes aren’t exactly a surprise.
The uncertainty and sadness that loomed over their heads those few years took a hefty toll on them, but Jeno can’t say he isn’t grateful for the outcome. The outcome is 7dream, sitting around the table, laughing and sharing old and new memories, eating to their heart's content.
He wouldn’t have it any other way.