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Heechul could see that Jungsoo was getting stressed out of his mind.
There seemed to be so many things happening for him — emceeing duties, variety show appearances, and not to mention the never-ending slew of meetings he had with SM and Label SJ due to the shitshow of a situation that was SM’s management throughout the past few months.
Heechul felt bad for the older member. He half-wished that he could take on the burden of what Jungsoo faced as the leader of Super Junior, but he knew he would die doing what Jungsoo did. He had to salute him for that.
What made it worse was that Jungsoo’s birthday was coming up soon. Knowing him, Heechul knew that Jungsoo wouldn’t take a break, because the guy can’t sit still and do nothing for shit, leading to him just feeling more stressed than usual.
And for some reason, that burden seemed to plague Heechul's mind. He wanted to do something — anything, really — to help or at the very least cheer Jungsoo up.
That was how he found himself at a florist, his phone opened up to a video call with Ryeowook as he walked around cluelessly. He didn't even know why he thought Ryeowook was the best choice to help him, he just thought he was.
"Hyung, have you just been walking around there aimlessly?" Ryeowook's voice crackled through Heechul's earphones. "How long have you been in there?"
"Why do you need to know how long I've been here?" the older member retorted back. "There's way too many flowers for me to choose from, and I've got no clue what he likes."
"And that's why I'm on this call with you," Ryeowook sighed. Heechul wasn't looking at the video call, but he could tell the younger member was rolling his eyes.
"Just help me already."
"Alright, fine. Turn the camera around so I can see what there is."
Heechul was hoping he didn't look too awkward walking around aimlessly in the store. There was barely anyone in it, and he was hoping he wouldn't get recognised by anyone either. He didn't need another dating allegation against him in the news that paparazzi could slurp up.
"You've got lots of good options here," Ryeowook said through the phone. He was leaning in towards his own screen, looking at the flowers as Heechul skimmed through the store.
"Any ideas yet?" Heechul looked around the store, hoping something would catch his eye.
"If it helps, I remember Teukie-hyung saying something about sunflowers," Ryeowook commented, grabbing his laptop off screen and typing something in.
Sunflowers, huh? That idea didn't sound so bad. At least Ryeowook said that Jungsoo had at least said something about it.
“Ah, here! According to this website, sunflowers represent loyalty and also radiates joy and happiness. They also represent an ever-lasting friendship,” Ryeowook explained through the screen. “Ever-lasting friendship sounds like it can represent ELF, too.”
Bright, lively, and could easily make anyone's day. That sounded a lot like Jungsoo to Heechul. Not to mention, the everlasting friendship thing was cute, though he didn’t want to admit it.
"That sounds great," he finally made a decision, making a beeline towards a few stalks of sunflowers. "I'll probably get the florist to make this into a bouquet."
"I'm sure Teukie-hyung would love it!" Ryeowook also seemed pleased with the decision, clasping his hands together and leaning back in his seat.
"Well, I hope he does," Heechul eyed the sunflowers in his hand. "It's not everyday I do something like this for him. He would probably find it awkward."
"At least he'll be somewhat happy too. He looks like he’s been going through a lot lately," Ryeowook replied.
There was a moment of silence between the two.
"Heechul-hyung?"
"Hm?"
"Thank you for taking care of Teukie-hyung."
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Jungsoo woke up to the sound of his doorbell ringing, followed by the sound of Shimkoong barking at the door.
Jungsoo rubbed his eyes groggily, stretching as he got off the couch to answer the door. He had just come back from a variety show recording, and now had to prepare for another event that he had to attend. He hadn't meant to nap on the couch either - a schedule that was planned got cancelled at the last minute, and all he could think about at that point was sleep.
“I wasn’t expecting anyone, was I?” He thought out loud, checking himself in the mirror before making his way to the door. He hadn’t ordered anything online, and neither had he invited anyone over. Who could it be?
Before he could even open the door fully, Jungsoo felt a bouquet of flowers being shoved into his hands.
“Huh-?” Jungsoo’s eyes flickered from the bouquet of flowers and back to the sender - a flustered Heechul, who was quietly watching the older member.
“You got me flowers?” Jungsoo looked down at the flowers — a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers, accompanied with lilies, wrapped in blue paper (to represent ELF, as Heechul would play it off.) “What’s the occasion?”
"It's nothing," the younger member shrugged, trying to act nonchalant to the situation. "Just a little something for you."
Heechul couldn't help but stare at the way Jungsoo admired the flowers - the way his eyes seemed to sparkle as a soft smile played on his lips. Goddamn it, he thought. I can't keep this up any longer.
"You looked pretty stressed these past few days, so I decided to get you these to cheer you up," he admitted. “Also, you know, since your birthday is coming up, this can serve as a gift from me.”
Jungsoo sighed softly. He didn't think his stress was showing that much to anyone, especially to his members, and especially not to Heechul. The fact that he of all people noticed made him a bit worried.
“I’m sorry for worrying you,” the older member said. "I hope it hasn't affected the group much, let alone you."
“You don’t have to apologise to me, you know? I just-,” Heechul hesitated for a bit, before letting out a soft sigh. “I just want you to take care of yourself. That’s all.”
Heechul wanted to run away or disappear into the floor out of embarassment, but the look on Jungsoo’s face made him stay.
“Yeah, I guess I should try to take care of myself a little more,” Jungsoo let out a soft chuckle. “Thank you.”
There was a moment of silence between the two members.
“Would you like to come inside?” Jungsoo suddenly asked. “Isn’t it cold outside? I have some leftovers too, just in case you were hungry.”
Ah, Jungsoo. Still taking care of me even though I just told him to take care of himself more.
Heechul couldn’t help but smile as he toed off his shoes and entered the apartment. He wasn’t sure what Jungsoo felt as soon as he saw the flowers, but whatever the case it was, it was still flowers for his beloved.