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At times like today, Jeonghan gets reminded of how much his members care for him. With his injury and all, he was prepared for Seungkwan and Minghao's constant reminders and nags, but what didn't prepare him was their leader being extra meticulous and strict on him. After his visit to the doctor, the manager decided that discussing with the members would be the best course of action, and so they did.
"We need to make time for Jeonghan's therapy and check-ups. If it's okay, maybe a 2 month hiatus, that'd be enough for rest and recuperation, what do you think?" Sebong's manager hyung proposed the idea when they gathered the group in one of their building's practice room.
"No hyung, I can still handle it. It's just an arm, resting it would be enough. I can adjust with the schedule too." It was Jeonghan that protested against the idea of hiatus followed by some of his members' agreement.
"I'm with Hannie hyung on this, the comeback is all ready and nearing, I don't think hiatus is a good idea." Hansol voiced to which the others nodded on before devising their plans, every member speaking all at once.
"Jeonghan hyung is a vocalist, no need for tricky steps." Jun suggested, turning to their performance leader.
"We can definitely make adjustments with the choreo, maybe less hands?" Soonyoung replied with his phone already in his hands seeing over all the positions and movements
As much as Jeonghan don't like being a bother to their team because of his recurring injuries, the man can't help but find it endearing when they do big things for him. It was one of the beauty of working in a group than solo specially for someone like him who find it hard to socialize and connect with others easily. Jeonghan was glad and he wouldn't trade them for anything in the world, but that's something he didn't need to tell the others.
"Han, can I talk to you?" Seungcheol was the one who striked the conversation, worry etched all over the leader's face. Jeonghan smiled, in attempt to calm the older and tell him he's okay.
"Sure of course, you didn't need to ask you know." It was as if its Seungcheol's cue because he immediately got Jeonghan's hand in his, pulling him gently away from the chaos of their members trying to convince their managers to scratch off the hiatus idea.
"What do you really want Hannie? Don't think about anything, just yourself. Don't even mind the comeback." Seungcheol asked when they settled themselves in a corner of the room where they usually sit, his hand unconsciously reaching towards his boyfriend's knees.
"How can I not think of the comeback when everyone worked so hard for it. It took you and Jihoon hours in the studio for this, look at Soonyoung, still mindful of the choreography for this song. This pain is nothing compared to you and your efforts." Jeonghan placed his hand on top of Seungcheol, conveying sincerity, they stared at each other for a while, talking without words.
"You're in your bubble again, may I join you two?" naturally, Joshua occupied the space in front of the two
"I'm honestly against it Han" the younger started. "Not that I don't want you in the comeback, of course that's not it. But really, your health matters the most, a short two months won't be so long, if you want, we can even consider postponing, I'm pretty sure Carats will understand" Joshua explained earning nods of agreement from Seungcheol. Jeonghan don't really see this side of his two members often so he can't help giving them a fond smile.
"You two really, I swear I'm fine and I really want to be part of this comeback. Besides, if I feel any pain at all, I will tell you, I promise you that, hmmm?" Jeonghan looked at both of them alternately, convincing.
"I can't really talk you into it, can I?" it was an obvious question from Joshua accompanied by his usual and sincere gentle smile. Jeonghan only nodded returning the gesture with the same smile.
"This is not fair Yoon Jeonghan, you know how to play your cards well against us, Seungcheol can't even use the boyfriend card, can he?" the American eyed the leader, the boyfriend card being pretty much his last resort.
"Sorry Josh, but my boyfriend card is stronger." Jeonghan answered leaning his head to the said boyfriend that's awfully quiet, Seungcheol grumbled but gladly held the other.
"Alright, since it seems like I can do nothing here, let me go bother my own boyfriend, I'll leave you to it Cheol." Another protest was heard from the leader making the two chuckle before the youngest of the three stood up, running to hug his boyfriend who was busy discussing with their managers and other members. You can even make out a faint "Dokyeom-ahh" earning him a small "Why~?" from the other. The two watching from a corner smiled.
Jeonghan usually gets excused from practice earlier than usual, as requested by the maknaes "Nope, that's enough you'll strain your elbow," quoted directly from Chan himself, however, for the dress stage rehearsal, Jeonghan didn't want to miss out on anything so he insisted to practice with them until the end.
"Hyung, how do you feel?" It was a question from Wonwoo, but it wasn't the first question the older received from his members. Every few minutes, a member would ask him the same question with varying statement and every single time Jeonghan would answer them with a smile and a teasing "I love you too."
But who are we kidding, because despite the mischievous reply, the second oldest was enduring, hiding the slight throbbing from his elbow. And Jeonghan being Jeonghan managed to trick everyone into thinking that nothing is wrong, even his boyfriend who was monitoring his movements any chance he gets. So it was a shock to everyone when Jeonghan started whimpering in pain a few hours after they all retired to their beds. And oh were they lucky that their leader insisted to stay the night at his boyfriend's room.
On June 17, PLEDIS Entertainment revealed that Jeonghan had undergone surgery on his right elbow two days prior. According to the agency, he had already been “receiving conservative treatment” for lateral epicondylitis and tendon damage, but due to worsening of his condition, he ultimately had to undergo surgery on June 15.
When the news broke out, everyone found out about Jeonghan's elbow operation, as per Pledis' provided information. However, hidden from the scope of the media, was Seungcheol, the one who paced back and forth with worry in front of the OR, the one who called Mama and Papa Yoon to ease them even when he himself was feeling uneasy, the one who laid beside Jeonghan and held his uninjured hand as the anesthesia wore off, and the one who gave up his well earned rest to assure his boyfriend is attended to during their whole stay at the hospital. Yes, THEIR, because never did he leave Jeonghan's side ever since they stepped into the antiseptic-smelling building. All Choi Seungcheol, the leader and the lover.
Just when Jeonghan thought that this Seungcheol will be left at the confines of his hospital room, his boyfriend proved him otherwise.
"What are you doing?" confusion was written all over Jeonghan's face when he found the older unpacking his things on Jeonghan's floor, a suitcase laid messily on the side.
"Unpacking?" it was an obvious answer, so Jeonghan can only snort, walking towards his bed to further interrogate his other half.
"Yes, I get that, but what for? Are you moving or something?" Seungcheol turned to his very curious boyfriend who was struggling to maneuver his pillows with only his other hand.
"I am, as a matter of fact. I'll stay here just until you're comfortable enough to move around without help. Okay gently, careful." when he was certain that Jeonghan was comfortably laid, the leader sat on the bed, facing the other. "And no, you can't talk me out of it. Now rest, I'll just finish this and have my mattress settled after. I'll be here if you need anything." the older continued when Jeonghan gave him a protesting look.
"Cheol, I told you I'm fine, the others are here too you know. You should not give up your comfortable bed at your dorm." oh if only the younger knew how much his puppy eyes and pouting lips affect his boyfriend.
"I know, love, I know, but right now, I really want to make sure you're alright and I want to be here with you. Besides my bed won't even be comfortable if I'm worrying. Hmmm?" the look Seungcheol gave Jeonghan was just the thing that made the younger agree. It wasn't just sincerity or concern.
"Hmmm, I love you, my Daddu." Jeonghan leaned into the hand that was caressing his face that the other didn't remember doing because it just came naturally, like a habit.
"I love you too, so much. Now go to sleep, you need all the rest you can get. I'll message your family as soon as I'm done. Goodnight my love." Seungcheol leaned down to plant a kiss on his boyfriend just as the latter closed his eyes to finally retire for the night.
It didn't take long before Seungcheol is also rested on Jeonghan's room. His things remained seventy percent unpacked because he knows too well how his boyfriend can't sleep well with lights on. And just after making sure that the younger's newly operated arm is secured and out of the way, the leader finally let himself rest, of course not forgetting to send a short update to Jeonghan's parents and sister.
As expected, the two oldest of Seventeen was inseparable, well more like their leader is constantly tailing his recovering lover. Where Jeonghan is there is Seungcheol, for others it might be a normal occurrence considering how clingy the older is, but if you look closely and if you know them better, you would notice the changes. Like Jihoon who was shaking his head at their leader's pathetic overprotective instances.
"You do know that Jeonghan hyung still has his other arm right? Pretty sure he can still press the remote buttons." It's not the only time the oldest got told off for behaving this way because a few day ago, Seungkwan scolded him for not letting his injured lover lift a few plates and insisted on carrying it even with full hands, let's just say that he broke a few plates and maybe Seungkwan's patience.
But they can't really blame him, the man was worried and so in love, so niether can their naggings stop him.
"Jagiya, let him. I would do the same. Besides, Mama and Papa Yoon scared Coups hyung good earlier." It was the performance leader's reply.
Earlier Mama and Papa Yoon visited their son and entrusted Jeonghan to his boyfriend slash leader's care. It wasn't scary, Hoshi is just exaggerating.
Well, even without Jeonghan's parents telling him to, Seungcheol took care of his boyfriend, and it shows. Seungcheol even posts it on SNS, but everybody knows its not just through simple heartfelt meals like what he broadcasts in his just-get-better post because contrary to this, he didn't just offer to feed Jeonghan, he insisted on feeding him.
At night, the very heavy-sleeper Seungcheol became a very light-sleeper. A small rustle coming from Jeonghan's bed would wake him up, the leader would even wake up randomly to check his sleeping now-roomate. Constantly adjusting the other's sleeping position to make sure he's not leaning on his operated arm, and Jeonghan was a light sleeper, so he would be very gentle in doing so and by the end of it, the older would be panting in tiredness but for him, it doesn't matter.
If he can he would rather be the one with the injury, just to end his lover's suffering but he knows, Jeonghan would feel the same if ever. So instead he would be taking care of the younger for no matter how long, Seungcheol would even study a whole physical therapy book to aid Jeonghan better. It wasn't just sincerity or concern, if that's not love, then I don't know what that is, surely not fanservice though.