Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Do you understand, Lee Chan?!"

Dino winced at the cold yet collected angry voice of his Seungcheol-hyung, and when he slightly raised his head to look at him across their private apartment unit's living room, he could see Seungcheol's angry eyes, boring through him. 

Dino inwardly gulped, but still, he dared to stare back at his hyung and leader. 

"I don't!" Dino spat.

Their other members — all his 11 other hyungs who were watching their oldest and their youngest argue, all gasped. 

"...D-dino-ah.." Seungkwan's small voice said, "listen to hyung—"

"Not until he explains WHY am I not allowed to talk to a producer on my own!" Dino raised his voice, his own eyes burning in anger despite his hands shaking in apprehension when Seungcheol crossed his arms against his chest. 

"I explained, but you are either not convinced or you refuse to follow what I explained." Seungcheol hissed. 

"Then—"

"YOU ARE STILL YOUNG, CHANNIE!" Seungcheol exclaimed, and Dino collected all the resistance in his body not to roll his eyes at their eldest hyung. 

"It is clear to me that despite my warnings to the team, you don't understand how dangerous talking to that producer is!" Seungcheol continued in frustration. "Do you even know HOW WORRIED I was when you didn't show up at our agreed schedule—"

"YOU ARE OVERREACTING, HYUNG!" Dino cut him off. 

"YES, PERHAPS I AM!" Seungcheol snapped. His rough voice almost sounded like an angry growl and everyone in the room shrunk, including Dino himself. "IF I AM OVERREACTING AS YOU SAY, THEN PERHAPS, I AM! SO BE IT!"

It has been awhile since he used that scary tone of his. Dino couldn’t even remember when was the last time Cheol-hyung used it. It carried his authority. His lovely hyung, who only always teases him jokingly, is yelling at him at full volume…  and it was both so scary and so frustrating to Dino. 

Look. Dino knows he's the youngest, alright? And he perfectly understands how his 12 oldest brothers have always been protective of him — whether he likes it or not — despite their outward attitude of always teasing him. Still… he wanted to try what they're doing too.

He wanted to contribute to their team too.

He’s not just a maknae. 

And so, he moved to create a contribution to his beloved, hardworking team by talking to that well-famed producer. However, when he thought he had already somehow succeeded — he was promised an invitation to one of the new performing programs to be launched next quarter — he was excited to share it to his members, expecting to be appreciated. 

Instead, he was rewarded by their Seungcheol-hyung, fuming angrily at him. 

Why?

JUST WHY?!

Dino looked down at his shoes, fighting the pooling tears of angry disappointment in his eyes from falling. On his peripheral vision, he saw how his 12 hyungs, Seungcheol included, suddenly looked alarmed at his sudden change of expression. 

"I… I just want you to know, not because I am the youngest means I am naive."

He felt twelve pairs of eyes inside the room look at him. Dino did not dare to look at any one of those this time. 

"I… I know what I was doing, Seungcheol -hyung. I was talking to that producer because he offered me an opportunity, and… I even asked if there's an opportunity for all the members to show up in his program. Like what you and Seungkwan usually does—"

Seungcheol froze… and the room was silent for a while, until Seungkwan intervened. 

"Channie-ah.." Seungkwan sighed. "...but I usually do that with the presence of our manager and I have experience—"

“Even so—” Dino dared to argue further, “You are free to talk to other producers and are free to proceed! Seungkwan-hyung doesn't even need to inform us ahead of time! You’ll just suddenly drag a free member to a variety show! But when I try it, it’s suddenly WRONG??! I suddenly wasn’t informing you—?!” 

"Lee Chan. Stop it now.” Seungcheol’s voice, laced with angry warning.

Dino gripped his fists… “I…”

This… 

…isn’t this unfair?

The way they’re too overprotective. 

“...I wish you experience how a maknae with 12 hyungs feels!” Dino mindlessly uttered, to Seungcheol’s shock. “ and see for yourself how suffocating these all are for me."

All his 12 hyungs around him looked at him in shock, until Seungcheol uncharacteristically answered back, his dark brown eyes blazed with anger as he snapped: “Then I hope you feel the burden I feel! Find out how immensely worried your impulsiveness makes me feel!”

A moment of silence ensued again, until Jeonghan-hyung decided to step in. "Seungcheollie!"

“Aw, stop this. Both of you are just—” Mingyu tried to say.

But Seungcheol ignored Jeonghan and Mingyu as he barked an order:

“You're not allowed to talk to any producer without me or without any of our managers with you. You got it, LEE CHAN?" 

Dino's eyes stared angrily at his leader. 

"And if I don't follow?"

"Don't test me." Was all their leader said— calm yet firm—  and he walked off the living room with a brief nod at Jeonghan on the left side of the room.

Jeonghan, who was sitting on the couch, only sighed; and that wrapped up their conversation… if that was even a conversation. In Dino’s mind, it was a one-way discussion of the oldest one forcing the youngest to submit. Without any input from Dino, their conversation was cut off. 

So bossy.

So unfair. 

"Oh god.." Woozi's voice muttered as he rushed out to follow Seungcheol in his room, followed by a very worried yet also scared Hoshi.

The rest stayed in the room, tensed. Dino can't blame them. It has been awhile since he used that kind of tone. 

His recent experiences of his Seungcheol hyung acting childish around him and tolerating his lack of formalities made Dino forget just how scary he was…

How scary he is…

…just like back during the training days, which was already 10 years ago…

Compared to back then, his hyung is like a fluffy cotton ball nowadays who only gently nudges them when they're wrong. 

Was he wrong though? Because how he's reacting right now is more than a nudge -- it's a freaking wrecking ball.

How was he wrong though?!

"Channie.." Jeonghan tiredly sighed, his hand motioning for him to sit down beside him… 

But…

…maybe it was an act of rebelliousness.

Or maybe he was indeed still immature, but Dino did the first thing that came into his mind. 

He grabbed his bag from the couch and stormed towards the apartment's door exit— only to be stopped by Mingyu, who simply leaned on the door to block it with his big body. 

"Sorry, Dino-ah." Mingyu-hyung sighed sadly. "But I can't allow you out, not when you're mad like that."

"Mingyu-hyung!" Dino protested. 

"Listen, Cheol-hyung was just not feeling well today. Perhaps that's why he reacted that much tonight." Defended Wonwoo-hyung. 

"But… he has a point, maknae." Mingyu said. 

"I hate to say this…" Joshua-hyung's voice was behind him. "But Seungcheol was just that angry 'cause you got him so worried. That… that producer has a bad rep—."

"I could have handled it, Shua-hyung!" Dino exclaimed. "Seungkwan-hyung and Seungcheol-hyung.. even Hoshi-hyung sometimes talks to producers with already bad rep!"

"We know, but…"" Jun-hyung said unsurely.

"But what?!"

Jun-hyung shrugged. "It's Cheol-hyung. I trust him with my life. Besides, has Cheol-hyung ever made any decision that harmed us?"

And then DK-hyung added, "Right… You never know, maknae-ah."

You never know, Maknae-ah. 

Maknae-ah!

Maknae. 

Oh , the utterance of the word made Dino even more angry. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply to control his anger, but then, he threw his bag against Mingyu (who caught it effortlessly) and stormed towards his room instead.

"CHANNIE!" Jeonghan-hyung called, but he couldn't resist locking himself in his room. 

They didn't appreciate his effort, right? That was all there is to it.

To be honest, Dino really gave his best to organize in his free time how to contact that producer. He really pulled the courage to initiate contact, to have a good PR. Seungkwan does that, Mingyu does that, Seungcheol does that, any of his hyungs do that— why couldn’t he?

And despite Seungcheol leaving the room already, it's as if all the members blindly followed his will. With or without his physical presence, even since pre-debut, Cheol-hyung's words — angry words — are often treated like law. It’s ridiculous!

Upon that thought, Dino angrily seethed under his breath and threw himself on his bed, his face against his bedsheet. 

Not caring what were the items on his bed that he haphazardly laid down on, hugged one of the otter pillows — seemed like it was one of the fan's gifts from their recent fansign — and Dino curled on his knees and angrily stared at the ceiling. 

So frustrating…

This maknae-hyung relationship was so frustrating to him.

He heard other cultures abroad didn't have this kind of maknae-hyung norms… and he sometimes wondered if his life would have been less frustrating if their culture didn't have one too. 

Dino was firm he didn't regret choosing being a maknae of SEVENTEEN instead of being a leader of another group, as what their Company president offered him before. But still… it doesn't get less frustrating on topics on his independence like this. 

Lee Chan sighed sadly and stretched his arms up in the air. 

“...I wish you experience how a maknae with 12 hyungs feels!

and see for yourself how suffocating these all are for me."

 

“Then I hope you feel the burden I feel! 

Find out how immensely worried your impulsiveness makes me feel!”

They uttered those unfair wishes in the heat of an argument…

Silent tears fell down his cheeks as he curled on the bed in anger… and he slowly fell asleep then; not knowing that one of the items on his bed that he had lied upon was one of the eccentric gifts that one of his fans gave during the last fan sign meeting. 

They uttered those words in the heat of an argument… not knowing that they are bound to have their wishes fulfilled; whether they like it or not. 

Chapter Text

“I think they’ve reconciled now.”

“Are you sure?”

“Why are they still not talking to each other then?”

“They’re civil though—”

*sounds of slap* “That doesn’t mean they’ve reconciled!”

“Ah I’m so worried.”

Dino pretended to not hear the whispers of his hyungs — Hoshi, Mingyu and Seungkwan — in the other room, as he took his favorite jacket out of the dryer.

Aside from them, everyone is busy preparing for a long weekend vacation thanks to the incoming Chuseok Holiday. 

“Ah, Jeonghan-hyung—”

“Maknae-yah, are you gonna go home with your brother too?” his Jeonghan-hyung’s voice suddenly addressed him, and Dino looked behind him to see their second oldest enter the laundry area with him.

“Ah yes, hyung.” Dino said with a smile. “But Gun-ah still has some errands to do so he might be ready to travel late. I might get an afternoon nap first to wait for him, ‘cause he wanted a ride.”

Jeonghan nodded as he folded his own dried towels. “I see.”

“Is something wrong, hyung?” Dino asked.

“No. It’s just that… the rest of us are going out of the dorms early except for Cheol-ah and you.”

“Oh…”

“Cheollie’s gonna have to wait here too, ‘cause he’ll wait for his hyung to fetch him to Daegu in the evening too.” 

“I see.” Dino said nonchalantly. Jeonghan’s tone of voice was so natural that Dino didn't realize what Jeonghan was trying to know, until he asked directly. 

“You two are gonna be left alone here. Will you be alright?”

He looked concerned… and Dino could only sigh. 

“I dunno, hyung. We’ll see.” Dino muttered.

Jeonghan’s look of concern escalated to a look of pure worry… but it can’t be helped, right?

With a little unsure smile, Dino stepped out of the laundry area with his clean clothes in his arms. On the other hand, Mingyu, Hoshi and Seungkwan whispers went louder. 

“Ah sh*t, they haven’t reconciled yet!”

“Hoshi-hyung, for heaven’s sake! Tone it down!”

“God, shut up you two.”

“Are we supposed to be hidden?”

“HOSHI-HYUNG! SHHH!”

Deciding to ignore them, Dino went to the living room, where he saw Cheol sitting on the sofa with his favorite bottled tea. He held his clean clothes tighter between his arms, sensing the sudden tension in the room.

Everyone else who was there with them gazed worriedly as the leader and the maknae just wordlessly passed by each other…

Actually, Dino and Cheol’s eyes met for a brief second as Dino walked past him towards his personal room…But…

Call him stubborn, alright... but… he ignored his leader’s gaze and walked past him without acknowledging him.

His Seungcheol-hyung did not react too; and while he knew he must be the one to greet first as he was the youngest, Dino still got hurt a bit when his hyung did not react to his small rebellion. 

'So be it.' Dino thought sulkily. 

It was past noon when all the members had already said temporary goodbyes to each other.

Their managers were also sending them holiday greetings, and small reminders on what and what not to do without their security guards during the holidays. 

Dino texted a brief message to his younger brother too, to text him if he’s almost ready to go, so Dino can get ready in time too… when his stomach growled. 

Hungry. 

Ah yes… He needs to eat lunch. 

He really wanted to coop himself inside the room because he knows that his angry leader is still outside… but, he needs to eat lunch.

Silently, Dino opened the door of his room and peeked at the common area.

It looked messy (as usual) but empty. Looks like all the members have already gone to their respective hometowns to celebrate Chuseok already…

There’s no sign of Cheol-hyung either. He’s probably the only one left in the dorms right now.

With that conclusion in mind, Dino excitedly walked out towards the pantry to look for some leftover lunch.

He was busy tinkering with their other members' leftover foods from the refrigerator when he heard someone enter the pantry, followed by sound of glass.

Dino looked back at the table, and froze. It was Seungcheol-hyung, holding an iced pitcher of cola. 

‘Oh. Cheol-hyung, you haven’t gone to Daegu yet?’ was what Dino almost said to him; but his last-minute pride bit his tongue and didn’t let him. 

Normally, Cheol hyung would whine too: 'Maknae-ah, let's eat, I'm hungryyy.'; but he only walked silently, took a glass from the dishwasher and put a glass of iced Cola beside Dino's  plate...

And the his hyung went to the other side of the pantry table to get his stuff. There was a sound of plastic bag there — hyung must have ordered some takeout food.  

Awkward silence followed. 

Dino inwardly sigh. He lost the excitement of digging in the refrigerator to steal forgotten leftover snacks of the members. Lazily taking Dokyeom-hyung's leftover chicken sandwich and kimbap from last night, he stood up and sat on the table with his plate. 

Seungcheol's glass of iced cola sat there beside his plate...and Dino glared at it before he started eating.

Their argument the other night —  things weren’t properly wrapped up unlike the usual arguments. It didn't help that Seungcheol uncharacteristically refuses to clarify himself — of what was so wrong with him talking to that producer.

Even during the schedule yesterday, they weren’t really talking.

Perhaps the staff also noticed it, ‘cause they tried to partner the two during the GoSe shooting but it just didn’t work. 

For the past 2 days, he has not uttered a single word to his Cheol-hyung and he stubbornly wanted to keep it that way. And so, Dino wordlessly continued eating without acknowledging his hyung’s presence. 

Much to Dino’s dismay, Seungcheol-hyung did the same. 

'Ah. He’s still angry at me.'

Dino thought guiltily, feeling distressed as he chewed his food; and then catching himself with an: ‘I didn’t do anything wrong!'

Wrapped in silence with only the sound of Dino’s chopsticks and Seungcheol’s takeout food plastic bags as white noises, it was getting awkward with only the two of them in the pantry.

It took maybe minutes more, when Seungcheol finally moved from that side of the pantry. Dino sighed in relief, expecting his oldest hyung to finally leave; but to his surprise, his hyung brought takeout food containers for his lunch and loudly dragged a chair beside Dino.

Noisily, he set up his containers on the table beside Dino and then he sat close beside him wordlessly.

Dino peeked at Seungcheol's face and noticed his scowling expression.

‘HYUNG IS PISSED? I pissed him off---’ Dino inwardly cowered… but...

No. Calm down, he's no longer the same pre-debut Channie who gets intimidated easily. After all, he now knows that this Cherry hyung: he’s actually a fluffy cinnamon ball.

All these scowling, yelling and intimidating stuff — he never really intended to have them. He’s just… naturally scary when he’s not in the mood. 

'I didn't do anything wrong.' Dino reminded himself, puffing his chest out, trying to look nonchalantly as he continued eating DK's leftovers --- acting unaffected.

Maybe Cheol-hyung will leave if he continues to ignore him. Right. 

Few moments turned to minutes… But Cheol-hyung stubbornly stayed.

He… continued eating silently too beside him, stubbornly silent like Dino, acting unbothered like Dino! 

It was so awkward!

By the time they reach 15 minutes of silent awkwardness, Dino realized he couldn't take it anymore. ' 

“S.coups-ah!” Dino dared to snap at the oldest, slapping his chopstick on his plate. He’s trying his best to look angry. 

Dino expected his lack of formality would provoke an angry retort from his leader; but to his surprise, his Cheol-hyung simply responded with a gentle tone:

“Hm..what?” 

It flustered Dino. He looked to his side and properly stared — or glared — at his Seungcheol-hyung.

To his surprise (and utter relief, but he's not gonna admit that), his Seungcheol-hyung didn't look angry.

Still, Dino’s personality is to be straightforward — one of the characteristics that he never knew his hyungs love about him.

He faced Seungcheol. 

“Coups--..hyung!" he belatedly added a hyung this time, ‘cause deep inside, he’s actually scared that his hyung might get angry soon.

A part of Dino also expected, or wanted, his Seungcheol-hyung to react cutely… the way he does when he’s awkwardly apologizing; but a calm yet nonchalant Seungcheol stared back at him instead. 

Despite his gentle tone, hyung's gaze back at him as he chewed his take out was still sharp and… kinda intimidating. 

'Ah... is he actually still angry?'

Dino had to drop his eyes to look at his food. He can’t get a proper read on him.

He’s scared, yes.. But he also provokes him too… 'Kinda stupid, right?' He inwardly thought.

“If… if this is your way of asking for forgiveness for our fight the other night, hyung, then I don’t buy it.” Dino said loudly, with a pout he didn’t know he showed. 

He heard Seungcheol sigh. 

“Nah, I’m not asking for forgiveness, maknae-ah. I know I’m right.”

What?

Dino almost rolled his eyes--- but he stopped himself. His heart knows he can never disrespect his hyung that much. EVEN SO!

“Then why are you here, beside me?” 

“I just wanna eat beside my maknae, what’s wrong with it?” 

“You know, I’m still angry with you right?” 

“So am I.” Seungcheol calm, deep voice muttered. “I’m still angry at you, too. How dare you give me a heart attack last night."

‘So we are still angry with each other… THEN, WHY IS HE HERE? IS THIS A LEO THING??!’ 

Dino bristled. Sometimes his 12 hyungs -- especially Cheol, Jeonghan and Joshua --- just don’t make much sense!

Ah. He regret eating in the pantry now. Change of plan: 'I gotta exit fast'.

With a 'hmp!', Dino focused again on eating — faster this time — so he can finish his food and respectfully go out of the pantry already… He could actually take his food to his room, but leaving like that would be too disrespectful for his hyung. 

The only disrespect he can afford to do is to sulk. 

Dino was almost finished eating (and leave asap) ... When Seungcheol suddenly added some food on his plate!

Dino whined loudly. “HYUNG! WHAT THE –” 

… wait.

Is that his favorite spicy squid his hyung is adding on the plate…? Where did that come from? When did hyung order a takeout from his favorite snack bar? 

It's a bribe. 

“Rushing to finish your food to leave me here ain’t a smart move." Seungcheol nonchalantly leaned his chin on his left hand as his right hand continued to add more and more of Dino’s favorite spicy squid on his plate…

"You do know your prone to indigestion when stressed. Right, maknae-ah?

Dino gave him a look but Seungcheol doesn’t seem to care. Instead, he looked deep in thought as he settled beside him to watch him eat… 

Dino's glare softened at the kind of expression his hyung was wearing. 

“Eat slower…" his hyung demanded, "And don’t leave any leftovers or I’ll get really mad again.” 

so bossy. 

Oh well…

Sulking, Dino took a bite of the spicy squid Cheol brought. There’s quite a  lot hyung ordered... 

And then, instead of thanking him, Dino of course complained. “You ordered my favorite stuff, so how could I eat slowly?”

Leaning on his chin, watching Dino eat — Seungcheol just silently shrugged at him. 

“And why would you order this? You don’t even like spicy food.” Dino scoffed.

Seungcheol just… shrugged again. "No questions. Just eat."

Ugh. 

...

it's yummy. 

...

...

“Look, hyung. I…” Dino chewed sulking..

...

“Cheol-hyung… I just really wanted to help you, you know…"

Seungcheol hummed.. "Mm I know…"

"...but the other night…”

"..."

Dino looked down at his plate. “ Hyung , the other night,  I… I-I just felt dismissed and underappreciated--- ”

He paused. That came out without thinking…  his thoughts spilling out.

Letting go of his pride, Dino didn’t notice how his voice cracked.

“I felt useless, hyung…”

His Hyung did not immediately reply...

Instead... he continued to slowly add the squids on Dino’s plate…

one by one… 

...until his reusable container was empty. 

And then, he gently took the chopsticks Dino was handling tightly, took a piece of the squid…

…and then unceremoniously shoved it in Dino’s mouth!

“PFHYUNG–!!” Dino exclaimed, annoyance surging when his mouth was suddenly stuffed!

He was being emo here, how could he! He glared up, expecting to see Seungcheol’s teasing expression like usual... whenever they're teasing him and not taking him seriously. 

To his surprise though, his hyung looked dead serious as he met his teary, annoyed glare.

“Channie-ah, you didn't have to feel that way.”

Seungcheol said gently, his facial expression calm, almost melancholic. 

“Hyung.”

Dino’s glare shifted back to puppy eyes… and with his cheeks adorably stuffed — Seungcheol’s serious look morphed into a slightly amused one.

Adored, he pinched his maknae’s cheeks.

Dino whined silently.

Hyung chuckled... and then sighed again.

“Listen, maknae-ah. ” Seungcheol’s deep voice said...

...and it should have been scary with how low and deep and serious his voice was, but his tone was so gentle too that Dino had to look up. 

“Yes, hyung?”

AH. There it was again. Dino’s unexplainable feeling of comfort whenever Seungcheol-hyung looks fondly at him like that… 

“It’s Chuseok this week so we will have a long break, I can’t gather everyone yet.” Seungcheol poked at his hair.

"Okay?"

“But next team meeting, we’ll talk about how you can effectively help more for the group as you wish; but that definitely doesn’t mean you aren’t doing your part right now.”

“....”

“You’re our maknae. Don’t you know how precious you are to us?” Seungcheol sighed as he ruffled his hair… and Dino let him.

"..."

“You’ve always contributed to the team with just your presence, positivity and passion alone.”

“I…” Dino sulked. “I… know that, hyung. Y-you always… you always tell me that I’m great and stuff..."

Seungcheol nodded. 

"A-and… and I know I’m great! But I still wanna…you know… I think I can do more for the team…

"..."

"I want to let you know... I’m no longer the same clueless 16 year old boy who debuted with you, hyung.” he emphasized his tone there. 

Seungcheol gave him a long, silent gaze... And then he sighed.

“I know that too… and, yes... I’m sorry  about my tone the other night. I was just… very very worried. Even so...”

Seungcheol shook his head, as if dismissing an inner thought... And then he placed Dino’s chopsticks back on Dino’s hand.

“Now, hold this gently, and eat comfortably now or I’ll get really mad again.” There was a teasing tone this time…and with that, his hyung stood up and left. 

…Leaving Dino thinking alone in the pantry. . 

….He says I didn't have to feel this way, but I felt it. 

I am feeling it. 

I feel useless. 

“You’re our maknae. Don’t you know how precious you are to us?”

Dino blinked back some tears.

He didn’t know if it was because he still felt hurt… or if it’s because he felt touched. Talking to Seungcheol-hyung like this often leaves him teary-eyed after all. But one thing was for sure...

He felt lighter. 

There’s still an unexplainable weight in his chest… but it’s definitely lighter.

Seungcheol-hyung said they will have a heart to heart meeting again after this Chuseok, right? 

Right. Chuseok. The Korean Thanksgiving holiday starts today… that’s why the majority of the members are gonna have to go to their respective provinces to celebrate the holidays with their families, except for the foreign members. He heard that Joshua will be with Jeonghan because of an overseas schedule, Jun was invited by Wonwoo’s family, and Myungho would be with DK and Mingyu for a fishing and camping trip. 

That’s more or less a week of vacant days with no schedule for the rest of them.

Dino gratefully huffed, since it also means he will have enough time to process these swirling feelings. 

…perhaps he really just needs to unwind. 

…perhaps they all need it.

… perhaps their argument was just because of stress mixed with misunderstandings. 

…and they will talk about it calmly next week, Cheol-hyung said. 

Let’s trust Cheol-hyung.  

As soon as Dino finished his unexpectedly large meal, he slowly fished out his phone and sent Seungcheol-hyung a brief message.

“I’m sorry, Cheol-hyung. I acted without telling you. Happy Chuseok.”

His hyung’s reply was almost instant. 

“I love you too.”

Cheesy… but Dino found himself smiling slightly. Silently, Dino picked his chopsticks again and cleaned up the spicy squid’s sauce with the leftover kimbap rice, cleaning his plate.

It’s really yummy…   Maybe he’ll cook his Cheol-hyung some dinner food, he noted….

…..not realizing that what was carelessly wished has already been wished. 

Instead of preparing some dinner food as what he first planned…Dino fell on a light afternoon nap in his bedroom with his fan gift otter pillow in his arms. He often sleeps comfortably like that with something to hug. 

He didn’t know how much time had passed, but the sunlight was low in the horizon when he blinked his eyes open due to some noise.

The light from the sunset was hitting his face from the window sill when a loud knock on his room's door made Dino further flinch in his sleep. 

"hmmmm." He groaned as he covered his ears with the fan gift otter toy, only for the furious knock to go even louder…

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK. 

"DINO-AH!" Cheol-hyung's voice shouted. 

'Aaaaaaaa'. Dino wanted to smack himself back to sleep again. He curled on his bed and sleepily opened his eyes, unwilling to get up and open the door.  

"DINO-AH!” Cheol’s voice yelled. “I swear—"

Dino yawned. Why is hyung yelling like that? Didn’t they reconcile already?

"Dino-ah are you still in there?" Seungcheol's voice sounded so loud, as if he’s barking an order.. God, why is he shouting?  "T-the other members already left to their vacation, so…"

Dino blinked and slowly sat down on his bed, rubbing his eyes while checking his phone.

"DINO-AH!” 

"Cheollie-hyung, aren't you gonna go to Daegu too?” Dino leaned his head to the direction of his door and sleepily called out.

"...."

“Just go, hyung. I’m gonna be okay. I’ll wait for Gun-ah, he hasn’t texted me yet." 

He heard his hyung's footsteps circle around outside his door, his shadow under the door moving back and forth. 

"Look." Seungcheol's voice from behind his door said. "I… I’m not really sure what is happening but I really NEED to talk to someone right now.” 

Dino slowly stood up from his bed, still groggy. “Aren’t we gonna talk next week instead? What’s wrong?” he called out.

"...N-no. Not that . Y-you're the only one with me in the a-apartment right now and… " Seungcheol paused. He’s now sounding weird… 

…And?

"...and…Idunnowhat’shappening-I'm kinda----- *gasp*" Dino belatedly heard the shortness of breath of his Seungcheol hyung… his wheeze… the scared tone behind the loud voice.

“Hyung?” Dino’s sleepy head instantly felt alert.

“......”

Adrenaline now pumping, Dino immediately sat up and threw himself forward from his bed. He ran towards his door lock to slam it open. 

Just in time, Dino was able to catch his hyung's small body before he hit himself  into Dino's door, desperately gasping for air.

“Channie…” He heard Seungcheol wheezed.  He slammed his face towards the maknae’s chest; and Dino held him… panic settling in Dino’s core as he watch seeing his hyung’s very bad condition.

"CHEOL-HYUNG!" Dino hugged his wheezing hyung in panic, his hand on Seungcheol's nape.

Encircling his arms protectively around his hyung, Dino felt his Seungcheol's hands claw at his shirt, tightly holding onto him like an anchor as he struggled to breathe.

“H-HYUNG… WHAT’S WRONG – H-HOW – WHAT DO I DO–-” 

He gasped and gasped, shaking uncontrollably… and Dino’s heart felt like it would shatter. 

Why didn't I notice earlier?!

Was hyung initially trying to hide it? 

Unable to do anything else as it was his first time to actually be in charge alone for his oldest hyung’s panic attack (it was often the older members who do this), Dino could only helplessly rub his hyung’s back. 

“W-what do I do, hyung? H-h-how can I help?! WHAT DO I DO, HYUNG---- HYUNG?”

Dino almost stopped his breath when he felt Seungcheol’s body limped in his hug, and he seemed to wheeze even louder! 

Hyung couldn’t breathe! 

Dino's eyes watered in tears now too. He doesn’t know what to do. His hyung was shaking in his arms and he didn't know how to help.

'D-Do something.... anything!'

"HYUNG, hyung listen! Y- you have to breathe with me okay. Hyung, I… I… I-I'm gonna count okay?" Dino yelled in panic, his own heart beat getting wilder. “One…two…”

it's not working. 

What to do?

Hyung is hurting!

S-s-stop panicking. 

Dang it, what do Jeonghan-hyung do during these kinds of emergencies again?!

Phone? — his phone, he needs to call the members, but he left it on his bed meters away, and he can't move in his spot, his hyung was hugging him so tight. 

Water? Meds??

"M-meds! Where's your meds for this, hyung—??"  

Does he have even meds on this?

Why didn't he know?!

Should he call an ambulance? Their manager?

911?!

“C-channie-ah…” Seungcheol's limp and small frame suddenly hugged him tighter. “Please c-calm down, channie-ah…”

Huh. 

"deep b-breaths, Chan.." Seungcheol wheezed, looking pale. "C-calm down."

"O-okay." Dino breathed deeply. "S-sorry hyung."

Dino finally froze on Seungcheol's tight hug... and only then did he realize that his hyung's right ear was on Dino's chest, as if he's listening to the youngest's heart beat.

He belatedly realized that his hyung was listening to it, as if Dino's loud panicking heartbeats were like a metronome.

When he stopped moving, his hyung started to match his breathing with the rhythm of Dino's loud panicking heartbeat…

Slowly… after a few seconds, a few minutes... as Dino's heartbeat calmed down too,  so did his hyung's breathing. Well.. to be calmed down by his hyung instead of him helping out, Dino felt a bit embarrassed at himself but,

'Thank God.'

They slumped on the floor as Seungcheol could finally breathe properly now.. but he look pale and shaken. He tiredly close his eyes as he lean on Dino, his body still shaking slightly from the ordeal.

It has been  awhile since he saw his hyung had a panic attack… and this.. This was really bad.

What triggered him though? Hyung has already improved his stress management and mental health... And the only thing that Dino guess might have affected him was their recent fight...which they already reconciled.

Did I stress him that much? :(

"Sorry, hyung..." Dino rubbed Seungcheol's small back with his right hand worriedly, while his left hand ran through his hyung's sweaty hair. He tried to remove the hair from his hyung’s face...

…Until he realized something. 

Probably due to his own panic, he didn't notice earlier that he back he was rubbing wasn't the strong and broad muscular back of his hyung!

And the way he was hugged tightly without him feeling crushed… There's no way his strong hyung could be smaller than him. On the contrary, Dino is usually the one who often slams himself onto his hyung’s chest for a hug. 

He quickly grabbed Seungcheol's shoulders away from him and gave his hyung a hard stare. Seungcheol looked both tired and pale from his recent attack, flustered at Dino's reaction…

"…Chan-ah.." Seungcheol shakily stared down at his own smaller hands in horror, and Dino mirrored his expression.

Now, his panic attack makes sense. 'CAUSE WHO WOULDN'T?'

Seungcheol-hyung looked like… like…

...like he's back to his 17 years old self!

“H-HYUNG, WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?!”

Chapter Text

"Am I dreaming?"

Dino asked Seungcheol across the sofa. He still looked extremely exhausted, and his hands were still shaking… so Dino decided to let him lie down on the sofa and offer him a bowl of cold water and towel, like how Jeonghan hyung and Joshua hyung do when he’s in a recovery state.

His hyung… who awfully looked ten years younger, washed his face with the cold water and then he replied back with an extremely tired sigh.

"You tell me." Seungcheol whispered shakily. "Am I dreaming?"

"...."

Dino gulped as he looked at his supposedly oldest hyung. He looked so young… like how he looked when he first debuted. Maybe even younger. 

His jaw was not as sharp, his manly handsome features that have matured in years were suddenly replaced by a slightly boyish, rounder look. 

Seungcheol loves oversized shirts too in his 28 years of age, but now, having his body forced back to its leaner built ten years ago, he looked like he’s gonna drown in his shirt. Seungcheol was struggling with its sleeves as he fumbled panickedly… his now oversized jeans hem being dragged against his shoes. 

Dino ran his hands across his hair in distress. “What happened? W-what happened to you?”

"I honestly don’t know. I was just… packing my own bag and was video-calling Seungmin-hyung about what we’re gonna do for the vacation…” Seungcheol explained. “And he said he will fetch me after his work… and so I waited for you to come out for some snacks…… But you didn't come out of your room so I decided to wait. I was knocking on your door but you didn’t answer so…Ithought maybeyou’re asleep…  I-didn't noticeIfellasleeponthecouchtoo,andthenwhenIwokeup, Iwasalready—-- IDON’TKNOWBUT I’MALREADY —"

“C-calm down, hyung.” Dino flustered, patting his hyung’s chest. “Pause. Breath. You’re talking too fast!”

Seungcheol closed his eyes and tried to control his breathing, washing his face with the wet towel, as Dino patiently rubbed his chest… praying he calms down soon…because that…that was kinda scary even for Dino. 

After a while, Seungcheol opened his eyes again and they both looked at his reflection through the wall mirror across them and stared at himself, as if he couldn't believe it. 

“W-What’s happening, Dino-yah?” Seungcheol asked. “Why do I look like…l-like.. a child?” 

Dino’s face was full of worry too but he wanted to downplay Seungcheol’s panicking tone because he doesn’t know how to handle one again. “You don’t look like a child, hyung. Don’t overreact. You just… you just look like… like… like a teenager!”

“A teenager IS a child, maknae-ah.” Seungcheol yelled, and then he paused, suddenly feeling awkward. 

Well, it is awkward… to be suddenly yelled at by someone who looks younger than him, Dino felt that awkwardness. 

‘Maknae-ah.’ He called him that when he’s a seemingly 17 year old talking to a 24 year old Dino. 

“I…” Seungcheol brushed his palms on his face in frustration.

In an attempt to try to lessen the tension in the atmosphere, Dino let out an awkward chuckle as he took the wet towel from his hyung’s arm. “P-perhaps… you should call me ‘hyung’ now, Cheol-ah?”

“HAH.” Seungcheol deadpanned, looking at him through the spaces of his fingers. “Not funny.”

“WHat?” Dino nervously smirked with the joke. “This is a dream come true to me, hyung. I mean, dongsaeng .”

Seungcheol tried to chuckle as he sat up from the couch with his elbow, briefly struggling with his oversized clothes. He pointed at his chest animatedly.

“YAH, LEE CHAN . I am still the Hyung here. My mind is a hyung!”

“OH YEA? We’re not too sure about that. You are very very childish even when you were on your original age—”

Seungcheol scoffed with a funny exaggeration. “I am just young at heart, ok???” 

“Yea, yea. Whatever.” Dino crossed his arms in a Dino-like way, with his jokingly condescending tone that Cheol often love. Dino grinned teasingly. “Well… You are… I think… 17 years old right now?”

Seungcheol shook his head. “You’re just assuming my age based on my current look, but I might be older than that. I’ve always looked younger than my age.”

“Even so, I am 24.” Dino nodded condescendingly. “What would you call me then, huh?”

“Are you being serious right now?” Seungcheol gaped, although his previously worried expression was now mixed with humor too. “I might be 25 right now.”

“You didn't look that small when you were 25, hyung—” Dino said, but was cut off when a sofa pillow hit him squarely in the face. He immediately switched his voice to his Pi Cheolin voice “Hey, you’re not supposed to throw anything at your elders, hyung! KIDS THESE DAYS — HAVE SOME RESPECT!”

“Pfft — this is so ridiculous!” Seungcheol fell back on the couch and covered his face with his arms as he suddenly chuckled out loud; and Dino sighed in content, hearing it. 

Thank God… he calmed down, he thought as Seungcheol hugged himself to contain his laughter. 

The oldest and youngest shared a light laugh for a while after that.

Seungcheol’s younger voice’s chuckle sounded so youthful too… and Dino was reminded of their old trainee days, when his hyung didn’t have any leader responsibilities yet. He would chuckle like that naughtily to their noonas without a care in the world… not thinking of his image and such.

Both were actually still quite shocked at what was happening — confused, awkward, unbelieving — and the brief humor helped a bit in dealing with their nervousness…

…until Seungcheol’s phone rang. 

Cheol clumsily fumbled on his phone screen and gasped. “It’s Seungmin-hyung. He’s here.”

Dino had to gasp as well. Choi Seungmin… It’s Hyung's biological older brother. 

“He’s here??”

“Yes…” Seungcheol said nervously, gone were the mirth they previously shared a few moments ago. “Didn’t I tell you earlier? He was supposed to pick me up so we can go to Daegu together.”

“W-what do we do, hyung?” Dino asked anxiously. “Do we tell him the situation—”

“What?! NO!” Seungcheol barked, as he slid his finger on his phone screen to answer his older brother’s call. 

Dino nervously watched his hyung put the phone by his ears.

“H-Hello?” Seungcheol said. “Seungmin-hyung.”

There was a bit of a pause… as Seungcheol froze. “Umm.. Ah… m-my voice?"

And then he looked at Dino with wide eyes, as if he’s asking for help. 

"I-I’m Lee-Chan’s younger cousin." His Hyung suddenly said numbly, eyes wide as he stared at Dino with desperation in his eyes. "Cheol-hyung forgot his phone in the dorms — w-would you like to talk to Channie-hyung?”

Dino gasped and mouthed: “ME??!”

Seungcheol nodded vigorously, haphazardly handling — almost throwing — his phone to Dino’s direction. Dino caught it, turned the speaker on and nervously answered: “Hello?”

A deep voice spoke in the speaker, his voice almost as deep as his Cheol hyung when he was… well, when he was — is — 28 years old.

“Hi, Chan-ah. Cheollie said to meet him here so we could both go home together for the Chuseok holidays.

But a child answered the phone, saying my younger brother forgot his phone there and just left?”

Dino looked at Cheol, who was wide eyed, staring at him. Now he understood why Cheol was lying. His brother immediately noticed it wasn’t the usual him… ‘because his deep voice was back to sounding boyish… 

He just didn’t look younger, he also sounded younger. 

“Chan-ah?” asked Seungmin from the other line.“

Are you still there?”

“AH YES MIN-HYUNG!” Dino returned his attention back to the problem onhand… mind going overtime to think of a believable lie. “Cheol-hyung… err.. You see, Cheol-hyung did say he would wait for you, but he suddenly went out earlier without telling me! I-I think he only brought his wallet with him.”

Dino bit his lip, wondering if the lie was believable. 

“Aish, that kid.” Seungmin’s voice sighed in the other line. “Did he forget that we will meet up tonight?” 

“I-I don’t really know, hyung.” Dino lied again.”I just went for a nap… a-and when I went out, he was going out. I don’t think he has plans now to go home with you…”

“Okay then.”

Seungmin sighed again, obviously annoyed.

“Can you send him a message from me when he returns?”

“Okay. What is it?”

“Tell him he’ll pay for making me wait uselessly.”

Seungmin’s tone sounded dead serious. Unlike Seungcheol, he often comes off as more aloof, but Dino knows him well enough now to know he’s not really angry.

“And that I’m going back to Daegu first ‘cause I can’t wait for him any further.

Also, don’t forget Mom’s family event tomorrow. Apologize to Mom for not being there."

Dino looked at Cheol… his 17-year-old hyung paled at the message. 

“O-okay, I’ll tell him.”

“Oh, also please tell him he’s such a brat!"

Seungmin’s cold voice sounded joking this time. 

“He is!” Dino agreed absent-mindedly… and he received an appreciative hum of approval from the other line.

“hey!” Cheol mouthed, sulking.

Seungmin sighed.

“Alright. Thanks Chan-ah. Please take care of my brat of a younger brother for me again.” 

And the phone call was cut — giving Dino a sigh of relief, and a blushing Cheol, sitting awkwardly on his seat. 

“There we go.” Dino said awkwardly, giving back the phone to his young Cheol-hyung. “He said I should take care of you.”

Cheol side-eyed Dino. “The last part was embarrassing. Does he always say that?”

“He does. To all the members he talks to..”

Cheol-hyung’s ears turned even redder. “Every time?”

“Every time.” Dino grinned.

That seems to get Cheol more flustered… and Dino was reminded suddenly, that in their own household, Cheol-hyung is a maknae. How could he forget? 

Ah, perhaps because they’ve so often depended on him. 

“What do we do now?” Seungcheol looked at his small hands, the reality of their problem now slamming back to him in full again. 

Dino worried for his hyung again. “Erm… should we eat some dinner first?”

“Aren’t you going to go to your province too with your younger brother?”

Dino blinked. “Ah right. I’m just gonna cancel.”

He fished out his phone and sent a quick message to his biological younger brother Gun. 

"Gun-ah, Hyung has important work to do. Tell Grandma and Mom and Dad I can’t go home this holiday. You commute for now too."

His dongsaeng texted back quickly:

"But Hyung, I have lot of stuff 'cause I thought I’m gonna ride in your car."

Dino sighed.

"Ah just get a taxi.

I’ll just pay you back for it. "

That seemed to fix the minor problem.

"Sweet!

Okay, Chan-hyung :)"

"There. All done." Dino smiled at Cheol, putting down his phone. 

“Are your sure?” Seungcheol’s voice sounded guilty. “It’s our only proper vacation in a year —”

“Hyung.” Dino cut him off. “I can’t leave you here like this. I’ll stay until you return back to normal. Who knows, maybe this is just a 1-day thing, right?”

His Seungcheol-hyung’s eyes widened at him, as if he looked grateful… but shy; and Dino couldn't resist but give his younger hyung a soft and fond smile.

Cheol only threw a towel at his face, whining “stop looking weird at me”, effectively ruining Dino’s sentimental thoughts. 

He rolled his eyes at his hyung teasingly. “Come now, kid . Let’s get you changed to a better sized shirt.”

“Oh please.” Seungcheol chuckled a bit…and then hesitated. “I-I’m… just gonna shower a bit and… I’ll probably try to sleep.” He started to walk to the direction of his room. 

“I’ll cook a meal set for us for dinner, hyung…” Dino said.

"Don't mind me---"

"You have to eat." Dino insisted. 

"..."

"You have to eat, hyung..." Dino almost pleaded. "Eat. or I'll get really angry... and worried."

"...."

"...I'll cook your favorite meal set?"

".......alright...”

For some reason, his hyung's small, unsure voice almost broke Dino's heart. 

“Do you need other help, hyung?”

“N-No. It’s alright. You’ve already done plenty. I’ll eat with you later and uh.. Thanks for earlier.” Seungcheol smiled.

…but Dino worried when his hyung’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. 

Chapter Text

When Dino woke up, the first thought that came to his mind was: "Is this dream over now?"

It’s morning now.

In fantasy novels, it is usually the start of the day that everything gets reset, right? Perhaps his hyung has returned to his original age now, or perhaps they have both awakened from this weird dream now. 

Rubbing his sleepy eyes awake, Dino went out to the living room, calling out a small:

“Seungcheol-hyung?”

"Hmm?"

Dino was greeted by the scene of depressed-looking 17 year old, sitting on the carpet in front of the television, monitoring their recent practice videos. He was wearing one of his old pajamas that seemed to fit him better than the new ones he recently purchased. 

…so, he’s still young…

Dino sighed… and sat beside the younger on the floor. “Hey.”

“Hey, maknae-ah.” Cheol muttered… although it looked and sounded really wrong. A 17-year-old calling a 24-year-old his maknae. 

Dino discretely looked at the messy living room around them, the midnight snack leftovers on the coffee table, and the cans of beer --- one of the cans is on his 17-year-old hyung's rather smaller hands. 

“You... didn’t sleep, hyung?”

Seungcheol made a quick sip from his bitter beer as he pressed the pause button of the remote. 

“I can’t sleep.” Seungcheol muttered, his boyish voice sounding all wrong to Dino too.

“I’m so worried... I was hoping I’ll get back to normal this morning, but I didn’t. Am I... am I not really dreaming?

Dino leaned his back on the armrest of the sofa. “Hyung. If you were dreaming, then I am too…” 

“I’m so worried, Dino-ah..."

"...hyung."

"What if… what if I don’t return back before Chuseok holidays are over?” Cheol asked as he faced Dino, the skin under his eyes looked dark and puffy; his eyes were red from lack of sleep.

“W-what if... what if I’m like this forever?"

Seungcheol took another sip of his beer.

“What about the team, about our contracts? About my schedules? My responsibilities, my life —”

Dino grabbed the can away from the obviously slightly drunk 17-year-old.

“You shouldn’t be drinking this early in the morning, hyung..”

“It calms me down.” Seungcheol tried to take it back. “Give it back, maknae-ah.” 

His tone of voice sounded like an order, but none of the usually deep, intimidating tone was there that makes Dino subconsciously flinch every time.  

Looks like his alcohol tolerance was affected by his de-aging as well. Today, Seungcheol sounded like an emo drunk teenage boy whining immaturely. So naturally, Dino scoffed at his hyung's order and gently slapped Seungcheol’s hand. 

“Minors aren’t supposed to drink, hyung.” Dino asserted.

“I’m not a minor."

“You are, right now.” Dino said. “At least your body is...”

“But—”

“Hyung." Dino asserted. "Until we know what’s happening, let’s not do anything that could harm your current body age… okay, hyung?”

"..."

Dino gave him a sincerely worried smile.

Seungcheol was silent for a while… and then he sighed defeatedly.

Soon, he was handing the rest of his unopened canned beers to Dino. “Alright, Channie… please get these out of my sight.” 

“Good boy.” Dino nodded, ruffling Seungcheol’s messy bed hair… and his hyung didn’t seem to mind.

Seungcheol drunkenly crawled towards him instead and leaned on his lap sleepily, his drunk head cozying on his thighs. His drunk hyung seemed to like it when Dino ruffled his hair… like a big puppy he is. 

“He’s so cute.”

Dino absent-mindedly thought… fondly, his fingers tangling and untangling from Cheol’s hair… until he heard a light snore from his Cheol-hyung.

He...fell asleep?

Dino blinked, surprised. It is very rare for his hyung to get knocked out by alcohol. He really did not expect that… but soon he nodded at the asleep boy. 

That’s right. Try to go back to sleep, hyung.

To be honest… Dino is very worried too. What now? What will happen next? 

What do we do?

Dino felt a vibration from inside one of the throw pillows on the floor. Dino patted it, and then open the linen, only to see Cheol-hyung's phone vibrating angrily—which was weird.

It is rare to see Cheol put his phone on silent mode like that— hidden and out of sight. Dino tapped the phone's screen and saw notifications on its lock screen. 

Messages. Missed calls. 

Lots and lots of messages and missed calls– from his hyung’s brother, his parents, his non-showbiz friends, their managers… and then his eye caught one message that seemed to be asking for his attendance confirmation for a meeting… 

There's so much in his hyung's plate... But how could hyung respond to the calls when he's like this?

They won't probably recognize his voice either, just like Seungmin hyung yesterday night. 

…no wonder his hyung was getting stressed. 

Slowly, Dino put the throw pillow and put it under his drunk hyung’s asleep head, in exchange of his lap. His young hyung immediately curled on his side, by the floor... asleep drunkenly in what seemed like a fetal position, toes curling... 

He looks cold. 

Dino carefully covered the younger with a fleece blanket, before turning off the TV.

That seemed to do the trick as his hyung's deep asleep breathing seemed to have deepen. 

He looks comfy. 

....

...

What now?

For now, let him rest and sleep — was Dino’s first thought. He’ll whip some breakfast for the two of them too… and.. maybe celebrate Chuseok together… 

…and then…

...

…then what? 

Dino held his chest.

It feels overwhelming. 

Overlooking his hyung’s asleep figure, Dino felt the slow panic creeping from within. He knows he must be calm... but he doesn’t know what to do. What if Cheol-hyung indeed doesn’t turn back to his real age?

Should he tell the managers? Or the members?

He looked too young, there’s no way they could make it past the media if he just goes out with the other members on a public schedule and pretends like nothing’s changed. 

What should he do? 

Should he bring him to the hospital?

What about the paparazzi?

Is it even safe for hyung?

....

....

....

Ah.

How do Cheol-hyung deal with this heavy feeling all the time? The feeling of responsibility.

The feeling that he has to go and decide something major for someone… that could affect Cheol-hyung and their team if he messes up.

What now?

....

....

'i need help.' Dino finally admitted to himself.

Soon… Dino found himself texting Seungkwan and Vernon — two of his most treasured people he could trust his life with, among the 10 other. 

"Kwan-ah, Nonie.. 

We have a big problem.”

Seungkwan frowned worriedly at Lee Chan’s message…

What the hell. Did that boy forget that Seungkwan has a flight to Jeju for the holidays this weekend? He has the plane tickets already too.. His mom and older sisters have all planned out where to go as well. 

But Dino’s chat worried him. 

We have a big problem.

Well, before the vacation, they certainly did have a big problem: Seungcheol-hyung and Dino-ah weren’t talking to each other, and they weren’t able to get any closure!

A fight among members does not usually go beyond a day; and yet, this fight — which, in Seungkwan's honest opinion, both parties have a point – was being unfortunately stretched to more than a week due to this holiday. 

Mingyu-hyung created a GC with the 11 of them, minus the oldest and the youngest --- to try and attempt to fix the two; even trying to force the staff during GoSe recording to have them as partners --- but it just didn't work.

Everyone was already silently panicking... Until Jeonghan-hyung and Joshua-hyung advised everyone to leave the two be for awhile for now, ‘cause it wasn’t a simple fight either.

Cheol-hyung seemed to have some restrictions from the management on what to tell and what not to tell to them… while Dino-ah seemed to have misunderstood his hyung’s seemingly bossy, unexplained order why he’s not supposed to engage to that producer. 

If Seungkwan were in Dino’s shoes, perhaps he would be hurt too, after all those efforts he heard from Dino, that went underappreciated. 

But Seungcheol-hyung is an appreciative leader, so why would he react like that if not due to something terribly wrong?

Seungkwan could only sigh at the dilemma, until he saw message reply pop up on his screen. 

“What’s wrong?”

chatted Vernonie to Dino, who was on his way to New York with his sister. 

Seungkwan looked at Vernon as both of them were in the airport. 

With Seungkwan’s worried look, Vernon's sister Sophia suddenly nodded and casually waved goodbye at his brother. Vernon casually waved back, as if both Chwe siblings already knew Vernon wouldn't be able to go the moment Seungkwan and Vernon saw Dino's chat. 

“Yah, you’re not seriously thinking about ditching our flights and returning back to the dorm, right?” Seungkwan scolded Vernon.

Vernon simply shrugged off. “That’s gonna be my question to you, ‘cause you looked so worried."

"What?"

"I’m okay with either way.”

"..."

"Shall we go back to the apartment?" Vernon coolly asked expectantly.

“No!” Seungkwan said, mostly to himself. “We will not go back —”

His phone suddenly pinged, indicating Dino’s chat reply to Vernon:

“It’s about Cheol hyung.”  

“Please help.”

“I’m really worried.”

As soon as Seungkwan read it, he was already pulling Vernon to the exit of the airport, their guard and manager confused as they stopped in the middle of checking in their bags. 

“Change of plans. We’ll stay in the dorms for Chuseok.” Vernon calmly told them, as if he was already expecting Seungkwan’s sudden change in decision too. 

“DINO!” 

Dino jumped at the sudden shout from Seungkwan when their apartment’s main door suddenly swinged open, followed by heavy noisy footsteps of the main vocalist. 

Honestly? Dino wanted to manhandle Seungkwan for the excessive noise, but then, Vernon’s silent assuring smile as he slowly entered behind Seungkwan made Dino pause. 

They’re here. 

He was worried at first when they did not reply to him, but they’re here. 

“Ah, what about your flights?” Dino asked, not wanting to show how touched he is by their sudden arrival. 

“Don’t pretend you care about our flights!” Seungkwan exclaimed, pointing a reprimanding finger at him with that loud reprimanding voice that Dino’s so used to... (and endeared with.)

"I didn't care, duh." Dino bluffed with a condencending tone siblings use to annoy each other. "I mean, who would have thought you're crazy enough to ditch your flights like that---"

"How can we comfortably fly through the air when you send us cryptic messages like that, HUH?!”

....right. 

.....

Dino laughed uneasily, rubbing the back of his neck. “Ahh.. haha.. Sorry about that.” 

“You didn’t even send your message to the group chats, you sent it to just us Vernonie.” Seungkwan complained. “What do you think we are supposed to think, HUH?!”

Dino sighed. “I.. I haven’t really thought about that. Really, sorry……. I'm kinda out of safe options..."

Seungkwan and Vernon suddenly looked concerned. Dino knows… It's because he rarely says sorry to these two hard-headed boys who are only a year older than him. 

Seungkwan's annoyed tone changed into a worried one.

"What's wrong, Channie-ah?"

Dino looked lost. Now is the hardest part --- how to explain the situation?

"Did you and Cheol-hyung had another fight?" Asked Vernon. 

"uh.. no..."

"I knew it! Was he being too mean?!" Seungkwan asked. "Wait! I'll call Hannie-hyung to reprimand him!"

"N-no, it's not like that." Dino half-laughed worriedly as he tried to calm down his extra-protective Seungkwan-hyung. 

“THEN WHAT–” Seungkwan’s loud voice reverberated in the room, seemingly trying to lift Dino’s worried voice, when Dino panickedly raised his hand and covered Seungkwan’s mouth!

“Geez, please keep it down!” Dino insisted. “You’ll wake him up! He’s just finally fell asleep, hyung!”

“Who?” Vernon asked.

“Seungcheol-hyung.” Dino said uncomfortably.

Seungkwan gasped. "He's here?! He hasn't gone to Daegu yet? D-did he hear me---?

Dino sighed. "Come. He's in the living room... but he had insomnia last night and a panic attack yesterday. So don't be loud, okay?"

He saw Seungkwan and Vernon share a confused look at each other, before they followed him… and he worriedly pointed at  their asleep Cheol on the carpet of the living room, bundled with thick fleece blanket on the floor. 

Empty canned beers and untouched food on the coffee table beside him. His back was facing them. 

“W-what’s wrong with Cheol-hyung?” It was Vernon’s turn to have a worried edge on his voice. “I-Is he sick?”

“Why is he there? Why is he sleeping on the floor...” Seungkwan asked, quickly walking towards the asleep bundle on the floor. "...and the beer cans...?"

It’s worse than that, Dino wanted to say, but the hurrying Seungkwan accidentally kicked a glass of water on the side of the chair — why is there a glass there, Seungcheol-hyung?? — and it shattered, creating a high-pitched noise of glass breaking. 

Seungcheol’s asleep small back flinched… and he stirred, before suddenly bolting up with his elbows, the blanket revealing his messy cow-licked hair, sleepy eyes, and pouted lips. 

He called out drowsily: “Chan-ah? What was that noise?"

Dino gulped. "Ah hyung..."

Just as Seungcheol looked up at them, Seungkwan and Vernon looked down at him too — their expressions were a combination of wonder and shock. Seungcheol’s drowsy expression morphed into a shocked one too, upon seeing his two other maknaes. 

“W-what are you doing here?” Cheol whispered…

“Did Cheol-hyung have a younger brother?” Seungkwan asked, confused. 

“Who…” Vernon blinked. 

Dino rubbed his palms to his face. He was not even given a proper chance to explain the situation to either Seungkwan-hyung, Vernon-hyung or Cheol-hyung.... The world just loves messing up with him, doesn't it?

“That’s… that’s Cheol-hyung.” Dino sighed to Seungkwan and Vernon, feeling defeated.

There was a bit of a pause from the 98-liners… seemingly like a computer buffering to process… until both of them burst into a loud exclaim: 

“WHAT?!”

Chapter Text

"h-hyung..?" Seungkwan sat beside the young boy, reaching out his hands to touch Cheol's face. 

Vernon awkwardly remarked. "Ah. A-Alright, Dino, Cheol-hyung, you got us. T-this gotta be some sick prank?"

Is it a costume? A trick in the eye look? Make up trick??

Seungkwan wanted to agree to what Vernon just said... But he pinched his hyung's face, and it felt real.

His hands patted his hyung's arms too... and they felt smaller. Leaner. The way his small body didn't fit the large shirt is highly concerning. This is definitely not Cheol-hyung's muscles build. 

How could it be?

He just saw him yesterday?

Unless... Unless, this isn't Cheol hyung? Does he have a younger brother?

...but, the surprised yet frightened look on his Cheol-hyung's face --- they looked very real. 

Cheol-hyung cannot act this good just for a prank. There's a reason why the staff never make him a mafia during their variety games --- he was never good at messing with people. 

"Cheol-hyung?" Seungkwan softly asked. The more he feels how real this is, the more his worry rockets, and now, it's sky high. 

His small hyung seemed to have recovered from the initial shock and lightly tapped Seungkwan's investigative hands away from him. "S-seungkwan-ah--- wait."

The three maknaes watched as young Cheol clumsily stood up and pulled a blanket around his body, as if trying to cover himself. His ears looked red. That only happens whenever he's embarrassed... or ashamed. 

"Vernonie is here too?" Seungcheol flustered. 

"No way." Vernon stepped forward to approach him. "You're really Cheol-hyung?"

"I.. y-yes?" Cheol stepped backward.

Vernon took another step forward. "Hyung.. h-how?"

Cheol stepped back away from them again. "I don't..........."

"We don't know either." Dino said behind them.  Seungcheol only nodded vigorously in front of them. 

Their dependable hyung looked...ten years younger? How is this possible? Seungkwan couldn't close his jaw in scared awe.

"How old is he right now?" Seungkwan asked, still eyeing the clumsy boy in front of them. 

"We.. don't know." Dino said again. "Looks like... 16? 17?"

"No. I'm 28!" Their hyung suddenly asserted, correcting them eagerly. He looked like he's in denial. "S-something must have happened, but I still f-feel 28 --- AH!"

Their hyung suddenly stepped on the part of the floor with no carpet, and having his foot on the silky blanket, he naturally slipped and fell down backwards. 

Dino tried to catch him with a "Hyung, BE CAREFUL---" but it was already too late. His butt made a loud thud on the floor.

Usually, whenever their Cheol-hyung falls down like this, he sits right back up with an embarrassed laugh; but none of that happened this time.

Their hyung just silently stayed on the floor, blanket on his arms, with a flustered look at his younger face... like he looked lost. 

Silence followed. 

Seungkwan worriedly leaned on his hyung's direction. He would have rushed to hug him... to comfort him... until those lost eyes suddenly flared up with the familiar angry brown eyed look of their leader, albeit younger version. 

"Wait. Weren't you supposed to be on your family vacation???? What the hell are you two still doing here?" He reprimanded.

Seungkwan's eyes widened.

That's Cheol-hyung, alright.

“Seungkwan, hand me the dustpan.”

Their young hyung instructed, with a small annoyed tone. 

Seungkwan only nodded as the 17-year-old boy bossed his 24-year-old ass around… and he let it. He rushed to get the cleaning item from their cabinet.

Well, what could he do when the boy in question, was...is... supposed to be his oldest hyung in the team and is supposed to be four years older than him?

Silently, he handed him the dustpan as the boy lifted his big pajamas’ sleeves up his shoulders and suddenly started to clean the broken glass on the floor. 

Dino immediately was by his side; and soon, Seungkwan and Vernon heard another argument from their oldest and youngest member... It was just like their commotion the other night here in the common area; except this time, the topic of the argument was less serious. 

The more they listened to it, the more it sounded... childish. 

“Hyung, wait. Let me do it." Dino instructed. "Let me just---"

"I can handle it." Seungcheol replied. "It's my fault why the glass was there after all."

"I know that. Still.."

"I can do it." Seungcheol insisted, and you could hear the impatience in his boyish voice. 

"HYUNG, stop. just listen to me!"

"I said I can do it, maknae-ah."

"I know you can, but not right now. Stop being stubborn!"

"I'm not--"

"But there's glass!"

"So?"

"You’ll get hurt!”

“I won't."

"You're being careless, hyung."

"My body just went younger, Dino-ah.” It doesn’t mean I became an actual child—”

As if on cue, his hand suddenly flinched… and soon a small drop of blood was flowing down his right forefinger and into the tiled floor

"Ah, shoot." Seungcheol cursed.

“AW, SEE?!” Dino exclaimed, suddenly angry as he took Seungcheol’s hand and checked it. “Why don’t you listen to me?!"

"You distracted me." Seungcheol accused. 

"I did not."

"YOU DID."

"I DIDN'T!"

"DID SO!"

"Gah!" Dino frustratedly huffed. "Stop being childish!

"I am NOT being childish. I told you I could do it! But you kept whining on me!"

"Yes, you could do it while injuring yourself! Great job." Dino reprimanded. "I kept telling you to stop cleaning it!"

"It's just because my sleeves got in the way."

"EXACTLY!"

"What do you mean 'exactly'?!"

"you’re clumsy with those clothes, hyung! WhY DoNT you LiSteN To ME!"

"...it's just because it's bigger than my current body---"

"That's what I'm saying."

"--- oh, and you distracted me." 

"I DIDN'T!"

"YOU DID!"

"Ugh, this is never-ending! Whatever." Dino stood up angrily and was already on his way to get the first-aid kit in the small cabinet beside the sofa. "COME HERE!"

Seungcheol stayed still for a while, as if rebelling. But then, he soon raised his bloody finger and frowned at the wound…

...and then he eventually silently followed Dino, who was holding the kit. 

On the side of the room, Seungkwan, who was busy putting away the empty canned beers in the living room, blinked… looking at Vernon.

Vernon’s expression was low-key amused as he observed the two as well. 

Seungkwan rolled his eyes. "What's funny?" 

"Nothing." Vernon said. "It's just.. listening to the two of them feels like the stubborn version of  Dino suddenly multiplied by two."

"Ah." Seungkwan sighed, unable to disagree. He massaged his temples as he heard the two at the common area again, bickering about band-aids this time. 

"Don't move!" 

Dino reprimanded Cheol since he kept on moving. He has to put the band-aid now. Need to hurry. 

"You're so bossy." Seungcheol frowned at him. 

"I'm not!" Dino huffed, holding the bloody finger more firmly as he tried to remove the small glass. "Don't move!"

In Dino's perspective , he wasn't being unreasonable. The reason he insisted on Cheol not doing it was because, since yesterday, he could see the small yet highly concerning change in the way his hyung moves. 

His Seungcheol-hyung, despite having a large muscled body before, still moves naturally graceful, with his unique, confident gait. Today, however, his young hyung looked very clumsy --- the way he moved and walked, he looked so unstable! --- and Dino worried that it was as if... he wasn't used to his new body yet. 

He didn't know if Seungkwan or Vernon or even Seungcheol himself could notice it... But his current Cheol-hyung might be prone to accidents... like this. 

Maybe because Dino is sensitive with body movements, like when he does choreography or when he do dance practices and observes everyone's body lines in detail, that's why he could tell...? Either way, Dino internally promised he will do his best to not let anything happen to his hyung.

Dino wouldn't dare to voice out that concern though, because he could already tell that that info will only make his overthinking hyung worry more.

"THERE WE GO." Dino said impatiently, finally able to remove the glass. He quickly disinfected the wound and put a band-aid to  the small cut on his hyung's forefinger --- FINALLY, after numerous bickering.

Seungcheol pouted. 

"See? It wasn't so hard, was it?" Dino huffed. 

"I told you, it was nothing." His hyung mumbled ungratefully, taking his hand away from Dino. 

this brat!

"There was a freaking glass!" Dino exclaimed.

Seungcheol narrowed his eyes. "Yes. It was very small."

"Oh yea?"

"Oh yea. You fussed over nothing."

"It could have caused an infection ---"

"I doubt it."

"It could have dug deeper!"

"You're exaggerating." Seungcheol glumly muttered.

"Ahhhh.. so you're allowed to fuss over me when I'm injured, but when it's my turn to worry, I am not allowed. Is that it?" Dino asked sarcastically. 

Seungcheol froze a bit at that... "T-that's not what I..."

"...then what is?"

"I don't fuss like that."

"Remember when I once slipped on the dance practice and I kept telling you it was okay, but you forced Hoshi-hyung to stop practice and you wanted me to go to hospital ER?"

"You got dizzy that time!"

"Yea, 'cause I forgot to eat breakfast. It wasn't because I got injured or anything." Dino said. "You were so overreacting!"

"I don't!"

Dino raised his arms and pointed them Seungkwan and Vernon's direction. "Well, be my guest and ask the other members who were there that time." 

To his relief, Vernon did not wait to be asked and just said: "He was overreacting."

His hyung just pouted... and looked away.

He did not answer anymore.

Dino felt like he won that small argument --- it is rare to win against Cheol-hyung after all --- and he gave the young boy an 'i told you so' look.

Seungcheol made a face at him.

what the--

Dino was about to make a face too when Seungkwan's tired voice suddenly interrupted their bickering with a:

"Cheol-hyung, please just listen to Dino-ah." 

Call Dino childish, he doesn't care; but when Seungkwan sided with him, he closed the first aid kit with satisfaction. 

"Hmp." Seungcheol huffed.

His stubborn hyung glumly curled his knees to his chest on the sofa as he sulkily stared at the band-aid Dino put on his finger. 

Dino frowned. "You have customer complaint?"

"Yes." Seungcheol whispered glumly. "I don't even like this band-aid's design." 

"I made you choose, didn't I?" Dino asked. 

"You didn't show me all the choices!"

"I did."

"You didn't!"

'Sigh, he's starting again.' Dino thought. 'So stubborn.'

“Alright, enough now." Seungkwan finally said, approaching the two. "More bickering from the two of you and I'd get a migraine. I don't even have migranes."

"Dino-ah," Vernon said. He looked calmer now. "Can you now tell us what is happening?” 

Dino sighed. It’s been countless how much he has sighed in exasperation since yesterday already.

“As I kept telling.. we don’t know either."

"Did something extraordinary happen before hyung changed?" Vernon asked. 

Dino shook his head.

“When did Seungcheol-hyung get… de-aged?”

“Just yesterday.” Dino said. “He said he took a nap, and when he woke up, he’s already… like this.”

“Should we have him checked to a hospital?” Vernon inquired.

“W-what, is this some sort of a virus?” Seungkwan asked in panic. “Is this a new pandemic???”

“Does Seungcheol-hyung feel sick?” Vernon asked.

Suddenly, their 17-year-old leader stood up and stared at his three maknaes.

“Excuse me… Why are you talking as if I’m not here?” 

Chapter Text

“Excuse me… Why are you talking as if I’m not here?”

Their Seungcheol-hyung suddenly asked, looking irritated again. If he had his more deep and intimidating voice, the three would have flinched. But Seungkwan only stuttered instead.

“I-I’m sorry, hyung.”

Seungcheol crossed his arms on his chest and huffed. Rather than looking intimidating, he looked thinner, yet long and lean. His now slender, lean arms have replaced the muscled biceps that often bulge whenever he does that. 

And then, his dark-brown eyes glared at Dino… seemingly trying to give the maknae the usual silent reprimanding glare… but the long eyelashes in his double lid, large eyes were distracting.

…all Dino could think about was ‘right.... he looked this cute already when we were trainees... Were his eyelashes longer when he was young? Or is it because his face was smaller back then?'

“Lee Chan, mind telling me why you called Seungkwan and Vernon without informing me first?” Seungcheol’s boyish reprimanding voice… also sounded cute. 

Dino flinched a bit at that. “Ummm… it’s because you were drunk. And I’ve been worried too… I got overwhelmed about what to do next, so I decided to text them… I didn’t expect they’d be leaving their flights like that though.”

Dino wouldn't admit that he felt touched. 

“I told you, it's fine---” Seungkwan said, then caught himself not using honorifics. "--hyung. It’s fine, hyung."

"But you should be resting with your families right now. Dino could be alright with me, but you two, your hometowns are far away. I know you miss your family a lot too --- and your plane tickets ---"

"Nevermind us!" Seungkwan dismissed as he held Cheol's small hands gingerly...

"Hyung, are you feeling unwell in any way?”

Dino heard the concerned tone from Seungkwan again, and Dino waited at Seungcheol's answer anxiously.

Oh.. i forgot to thoroughly inspect hyung. Was he actually feeling sick?

Seungcheol paused, taken aback by the sudden question... Then he paused as if self-assessing himself.

He then tilted his head. “N-no.. I don’t feel sick.”

“Tell us the truth, hyung!” Seungkwan demanded. "Please don't hide anything!"

“Honestly.” Seungcheol said.

"Are you sure?" Seungkwan chided. "You often hide it when you don't feel okay. Please swear to me, you really feel fine."

“Yes. I feel fine, Seungkwan-ah, I swear." Seungcheol replied with a small smile. "Except for a mild hangover, I think I feel fine.”

“...hmm.. Should we call a faith healer?” Vernon unsurely asked… and two adults and one teenager looked at him questioningly. 

A faith healer? 

That sounded absurd as well, but Dino was starting to seriously consider that option too; until Seungcheol sighed…

“I have been checking the internet yesterday… and it said there is no syndrome recorded that could de-age humans. They said the scientists are trying to study deaging in real life, but so far, they have only done that to cells of mice.”

He uncomfortably looked down at himself. “I’m not a mouse, am I?”

“H-hyung, don’t be ridiculous.” Dino muttered. 

Vernon had a mini-Eureka moment, snapping his fingers. “Wait! Isn’t there a myth called Fountain of Youth—”

“---I haven’t drank to any mysterious fountain except our water purifier system, Vernonie-ah.” Seungcheol cut him off.

"….Ah." Vernon suddenly looked disappointed. 

“...hmmm. But you said he just took a nap, right?” Seungkwan asked, and they nodded. 

“Maybe you just need to sleep again, for you to turn back?”

“I already tried, didn’t I?” Seungcheol said. And then, defeated, he sat back down on the sofa. 

"Maybe this is just a Chuseok thing?"

Dino fished out Cheol's phone from his pocket and sat beside Cheol. His hyung froze when he saw the phone on Dino's hands. 

“Look, hyung. I’m not sure how this happened, but one thing is for sure." Dino said. "If you don’t turn back before the end of Chuseok, we’ll have a big problem. You can’t appear on TV and schedules like this...”

Dino could see the reluctance on Seungcheol's body language as he slowly took his phone from Dino's hand.

“Actually..." Seungcheol smiled bitterly as he turned on his phone screen... his brown eyes numbly reflected the numerous notifications that he was unable to respond to. "Actually, not just after Chuseok… You see... I have to appear at a meeting the day after tomorrow."

"What?!" the maknae line exclaimed. 

"Marketing Director-noona just texted me yesterday night." Seungcheol-hyung explained. "There was a sudden call for a proposal, and it seemed like it was from a big brand. It might be important for the team.”

Dino frowned. “A meeting, during your holiday break?”

Seungcheol nodded numbly. "That happens when a brand deal is eager to get us. And... we are full on sched during regular days too. Due to the rush, I understand the meeting during holiday break. I… I couldn't answer her phone calls yesterday so perhaps that's why she texted instead."

“Do we have the meeting agenda?” Seungkwan suddenly asked in his professional tone... and Dino could hear the switch ON button of ARTIST Seungkwan. 

“Yes. Management is requesting my presence to represent SEVENTEEN while we talk to a major shareholder and producer." Seungcheol replied. 

"Do we have the name now?"

"I don’t know who it is yet. Manager-nim said he’s gonna let me know ahead of time ‘cause they don't know yet either; but I obviously can’t answer the call or else it would appear like a child is holding my phone. I'm worried 'cause if I don't show up, this will affect the project planning and the advertisement plans we have for next year too…” Seungcheol rubbed his temples. “But with this appearance, how could I appear—”

“What if, temporarily, I represent you, hyung?” Seungkwan asked carefully.

Dino thought Seungcheol wouldn’t agree. Usually, it was Woozi, Hoshi or Jeonghan-hyungs who get the second say during these kinds of important meeting when their leader is absent after all. But aside from the fact that they still aren't aware of Seungcheol-hyung's situtation, they're also currently overseas. They physically can't show up.

Even so, Dino was surprised that his leader’s agreement to Seungkwan's proposal was fast. “I guess we can consider that ---”

Dino felt a pang in his chest.

What was that? 

Why was that?

Why was Seungkwan allowed to represent and not him? Why is he allowed to talk to a producer and not him? 

Dino looked down dejectedly. 

Why didn’t hyung ask him earlier? He preferred to get himself drunk rather than maturely discuss the dilemma with Dino.

“ Hyung , the other night,  I… I-I just felt dismissed and underappreciated--- ”

“I felt useless, hyung…”

“---but Dino will be coming with us .” Seungcheol suddenly said, patting Dino’s shoulder. Dino looked up at his leader in surprise. For some reason, Seungcheol gave him a small knowing look, and a brief encouraging smile. 

"What?" Dino blinked. 

Seungkwan looked a bit surprised too, before nodding in agreement. "Alright."

"W-won't I mess it up?" Dino asked. 

"Don't overthink it." Seungkwan-hyung reprimanded him. "As long as you relax, you'll be fine. We're just gonna represent Seungcheol-hyung after all, easy-peasy."

Dino nodded unsurely. "O-okay."

"Hyung, you have to give us more context on the meeting, so I can get ready with Dino." Seungkwan said, now addressing Seungcheol. 

"Oh no, we are going to get ready." 

Dino and Seungkwan frowned. “We?”

“I’ll be coming with you.” Seungcheol said. “I just thought... maybe I’ll just pretend to be someone’s son, so I could guide the two of you during the meeting?”

“Oh no, you can't be Dino's or Seungkwan's son. The rumors are gonna be messy, hyung.” Vernon said.

“Then… perhaps... my cousin or something?” Dino asked.

Seungcheol half-heartedly nodded. “Sounds like a plan.” 

The next morning, Dino woke up early.

He opened and closed his closet several times today, wandering endlessly what he should wear to an important meeting with the management tomorrow. He knows Seungkwan told him to relax... but his personality just can't. He can’t mess it up.

Not when Seungcheol-hyung finally trusted him with stuff like this.

Dino tried to pinch his arm, wondering if he’s just dreaming; but all it gave him was a brief pain, signifying he's awake.

This is real. 

Ah, I can't mess it up. He thought nervously... yet excitedly. 

Excitedly? 

Dino realized... he really likes these kinds of responsibilities, huh? He has seen his Cheol-hyung once in an executive meeting and... the way he enforced their group's say on the company decisions -- even as far as almost arguing with the executives -- he was young back then but he remembered how he thought his hyung looked so cool. 

Well... yes, sure, Dino would tease his hyung for embarrassing them during variety shows... but actually, he also kinda idolize his Cheol-hyung in the field of artist management. He acts like a harmless, embarrassing bear these days, but he's actually really cool sunbae and hyung, isn't he?

Dino wouldn't dare say that out loud though. There is no further need to feed their hyung's Leo ego.

Dino smiled on himself as these thoughts swirled in him. 

He was busy looking for a casual formal clothing in his closet… when a loud sound suddenly jolted Dino, the noise coming from outside his room.

It sounded like someone was yelling.

What was that? 

Dino let go of the clothes and rushed out of his room, only to see both Seungkwan and Vernon getting out to the hallway as well… and then, to the three’s horror, they belatedly realized that the yelling sound was coming from their Seungcheol-hyung’s room.

It was Seungcheol-hyung.

His loud voice sounded like he's shaking. 

“Shit, what happened?! HYUNG!” Dino’s heart hammered as he sprinted to his hyung’s room in worry, slamming the door open. It was thankfully not locked. Scanning the room, he worriedly found his Seungcheol-hyung collapsed on the side of the bed... he doesn't seem hurt, but, he was staring at his wall mirror in horror… 

"HYUNG???" …Dino’s knees buckled to the carpet as he suddenly understood what was happening… at what his hyung found out in his own reflection.

Soon Seungkwan and Vernon arrived and both had gasped in shock as well. 

“CHANNIE-AH!”

There were tears in Seungcheol’s frightened eyes as he helplessly yelled his maknae’s name, pointing at the wall mirror in front of him.

“I... I JUST WOKE UP AND I... W-WHAT... wHAT IS HAPPENING?!”

How was Dino supposed to know?!

How does one explain what is happening?

When your supposedly regressed 17-year-old hyung’s height has dramatically shrunk again, how does one comprehend the further change?

The first change to 17 year old was a mystery enough. Why... why was there another one? 

Dino's eyes stared in horror at his hyung's pajamas that were way larger than him again…  at his way smaller face...  his rounder cheeks... larger eyes... and his voice sounded even more shrill.

They were supposed to be waiting for him to return to normal, not turn even more younger again!

Seungcheol continued to ask the unanswerable questions:

"D-DID I DO SOMETHING WRONG?

BECAUSE WHAT THE H-HELL IS THIS?!

A-AM I CURSED OR S-SOMETHING--- *gasp*"

Seungcheol's breathe suddenly caught mid-sentence as he almost fell forward. He clawed at his chest, holding tightly on his pajama shirt.

"h-h-hyung..." Dino crawled towards his younger leader's side, holding both his shoulders as his young body seem to reject breathing. "hyung. Hyung, relax!"

Instead of relaxing, their child hyung started to dry heave in between his breathless gasps, as if he's gonna vomit. Seungcheol slapped both of his hands on his mouth to stop himself. 

Oh shit.

"Hyung?!" Vernon rushed into the room in worry, his eyes wide like saucers.

Seungkwan stepped forward in panic too. "HYUNG??? OHMYGODHYUNG, HE'S HYPERVENTILATING ---"

"Seungkwan-hyung! Get me a basin and a glass of cold water, and some towel!" Dino swiftly instructed as he held his panicking hyung in his arms, leaning his head on his chest, holding him in a hug.

"Vernon-hyung, please get me a portable fan! I have one in my drawer, beside the bed! HURRY!"

"O-okay."

His two 98-liner hyungs scrambled outside as Dino took Seungcheol's hand on his chest...

...as he calmly counted while he heard his hyung fought for oxygen.

...tears brimmed on his hyung's child-like eyes.

...he started inhaling deeply through his nose and exhaling slowly through his mouth.

...he hugged back Dino as tight as he could and slowly win against the struggle for air. His tight hug hurt Dino a bit, but if it could help ground his hyung, he'll bear with it.  

"C-Channie-ah..."

His hyung gasped tiredly as he slowly recovered from the brief panic that lasted at least three minutes. 

The panic attack today seem worse than the other day... But it is thankfully a lot shorter than the other day too; so Dino couldn't decide which was more preferable. Dino suspects the reason why it was much shorter now was because he forced himself to stay calmer this time to guide his hyung faster... but if Dino wasn't able to gather his wits, would this have been much worse? 

"I'm sorry..." Seungcheol shakily whispered as he ashamedly buried his small face on Dino's now larger chest. "i-I.. can't stop crying, I'm sorry... hyung is sorry... I---"

Dino worried that Seungcheol must be feeling so so anxious right now, and Dino buried his face on his hyung's hair as he hugged him back. 

"Sshh, hyung... Don't think. Just focus on your breathing. please just relax."

Dino rubbed small circles on Seungcheol's small back as he tried to reassure the child in his arms... He could still feel the involuntary spasms left on his hyung's arms...

'he's still shaking.'

"I...I feel n-nauseous..." Seungcheol weakly admitted, his eyes unfocused.

"...Do you think you'll vomit?"

"...........i don't know..." Seungcheol whispered. "...I don't want to...."

"Ok.. but hyung, if you really need to, j-just do it, okay? We'll clean it up, don't worry. Don't force your self to stop it."

"........ I'm really sorry."

"Don't be." Dino held him tighter. "Please don't be sorry, hyung. We don't know what is happening. This isn't your fault."

...Seungkwan and Vernon soon came by the doorway, but at that point, Dino could feel his hyung slowly going pliant in his arms. His hold on him is getting weak...

Dino has heard of this after-panic response by Cheol once. He heard from the hyungs that their leader once had a very bad attack backstage when he was not diagnosed yet...

...and it left him so exhausted he unceremoniously fell asleep on Jeonghan's shoulder before the medic staff could even touch him. 

'He must be falling asleep now too...' Dino worriedly concluded. 'He should be laid down on somewhere safe.'

"I'll carry you to your bed, ok, hyung?" Dino gently asked. 

"...."

"Take a quick recovery nap?" He suggested.

"...."

His hyung would usually decline...

But all Seungcheol did was lean on Dino's right shoulder weakly, sweat beaded on his forehead as he closed his eyes--- seemingly too tired to protest.

Dino took that as a silent ok. 

Carefully, Dino gathered the lethargic young body of his hyung on his arms and almost cried at how light the new body of his hyung was...

Vernon rushed to set up the pillow on the bed as Dino gently deposited Seungcheol on the mattress. 

Vernon then raised the portable hand fan at his pale and clammy face, wiping the sweat on their hyung's forehead with the sleeves of his jacket; while Seungkwan managed to make their hyung silently take a small sip of the water he was holding, and then put a cold, wet towel above his closed eyes...

...not even a minute longer, their Seungcheol-hyung quickly fell under.

None of the maknae line was able to manage to speak a single word as they all froze watching their now knocked out hyung on the bed --- all shocked and overwhelmed by the situation. 

As for Dino... Well... he himself was shaking....

...because for real, what's happening right now ---it was frightening. If this was what they're feeling, how much more for his hyung? The shock must have been too much for Cheol. 

Beside the asleep Seungcheol, despite his calm tone of voice earlier, Dino stared wide-eyed at their collapsed hyung on the bed...

...because why... 

...and how...

...Why does their Seungcheol-hyung... now looked like a 13-year-old boy? Maybe even younger. 

What's happening?

What the hell is happening?!!!!

Chapter Text

"I'll carry you to your bed, ok, hyung? Take a quick recovery nap?" 

Dino said that and for the next restless 2 hours, their 13-year-old hyung was sound asleep...

...but as soon as he woke up again, he bolted upright and....

...and he sobbed. 

Not just any sob, it was a wild, long, childish sob. It doesn't seem like it would lead to another panic attack amymore, but the maknaes were still in another wild ride to try to calm him down. 

“Hyung.” Dino called unsurely.

The 13-year-old Cheol hid under his blankets, his hands over his ears, as if rejecting the current situation.

All he kept doing ever since he woke up from his panic attack and re-find out he was younger was to continue sobbing...

....hyung, please stop crying...

Dino unsurely tapped Cheol’s back that was under the blanket. 

This is so... weird.

His hyung doesn’t cry like this.

“Don’t be a crybaby, hyung—” Dino tried to joke, but was cut off when Seungkwan lightly slapped him from behind and nudged him angrily with a:

“He’s currently a child--- literally a child now --- what do you expect? Give him a break!” Seungkwan whispered angrily at Dino. 

Dino was tongue tied.

It was the first time he saw his strong, brave and mature-when-he-needs-to be Seungcheol hyung cry childishly like this. A part of Dino couldn’t comprehend the scene… as he gaped at the… the… the devastated 13 year old under the blanket in front of him. 

Seungkwan lightly slapped Dino away to give him his spot, and gently… Seungkwan nudged at the blankets tightly held by their way younger hyung. 

“H-hyungie.” Seungkwan called out, leaving Dino more shocked at the cute endearment his Seungkwan-hyung used.  

“Cheol-hyunggie… you’ll tire yourself out, sobbing like that…”

Seungkwan said even more gently as he successfully nudged the blanket open, revealing a very red-eyed Seungcheol-hyung under it. 

Dino’s chest felt hurt… seeing a younger Cheol looking devastated like that. 

Seungkwan put his hand under the blanket and wiped Cheol’s silent tears.

“Cheollie-hyunggie… come here, hyung.”

“S-seungkwan-ah..” Seungcheol sniffled against his already very wet pillow. “What’s happening? I don’t understand what’s happening… i'm so scared...."

Seungkwan and Dino felt pity for the boy.

Dino knelt on the floor to look at the young Seungcheol from under the blanket. 

“We… we didn’t know either, hyunggie…” Dino used the endearment Seungkwan used. 

“But one thing is for sure. You haven’t eaten yet all morning.” Seungkwan said, sounding a bit more positive. 

“R-right.” Dino said, reminding himself to talk gently.

Talk gently… talk more encouragingly.

Now is not the time to reprimand his hyung’s sudden childishness… it’s probably a childishness he couldn't control. 

“Come," Seungkwan patted his crying hyung's messy hair. "Vernonie prepared some breakfast.” 

Slowly, Seungcheol came out of his blanket, sniffling on his oversized pajama sleeves before he suddenly hugged Seungkwan tightly. When he and Seungkwan stood up, the weight of the situation further made Dino dizzy. 

His hyung… beside Seungkwan… looked so small. Not just in muscle size, his height literally just shrunk.

Is this real? Seungcheol used to tower over him… and without any worries, Dino used to slam into his hyung’s chest for a tight hug. But now… Dino is 10 years older than his Seungcheol-hyung right now? 

Cheol-hyung, he is… he is 15 years younger than his supposed age. Probably more, since they’re just estimating his age based on how he looked. 

Dino’s hands shook in further worry… and he saw Seungkwan did as well. Vernon too, who was standing in the doorway.

Vernon gave Seungcheol a glass of water, and the boy reluctantly drank from the glass, while Dino continued to rub his small back to calm down their young hyung further. 

“Hello, Chan-ah.” Says a very distressed voice of Choi Seungmin from the other line.

“Are you sure Seungcheol hasn’t come back home there since the last time we talked?”

“Yes, Seungmin-hyung.” Dino lied. 

The current call was through their Seungcheol-hyung’s phone. Their leader’s older brother has been quite insistent on calling, logging a total of 43 missed calls since two days ago. Today, they decided to answer his call through the phone speaker, with Seungkwan and Vernon listening in. 

“Why did he leave his phone there? We are getting worried. He did not come home even though he said he would, and he did not inform us for any change in plans.. This is not like him.”

“Don’t worry hyung. Seungcheol-hyung is sometimes like that whenever he’s with his girlfriend.” Seungkwan sounded almost confident, adding to Dino’s lie.

“He has a girlfriend?”

“Yes, but we don’t know who either. He’s hiding her identity. Maybe he left his phone so it won’t be tracked by Pledis too.. We dunno really. But I think he’s been making plans to inform the management soon.” 

They heard Choi Seungmin’s huff of relief.

“He’s ridiculous, making us worried like this.”

“I know right.” Seungkwan said. “Don’t worry, Minnie-hyung. We’ll let you know ASAP once Cheollie-hyung comes back home.”

“Right… Please take care of him for me.”

“Of course, hyung.” Seungkwan said.

And the phone call ended… leaving both Dino and Seungkwan melting down, with the amount of lies they just uttered in the past 3 minutes of their lives.

Dino was about to say “mission success”, when they saw another message pop up from one of their senior managers, angrily saying:

“CHOI SEUNGCHEOL, ANSWER MY CALL.
THIS IS VERY UNPROFESSIONAL OF YOU!”

Dino gave Seungkwan a look, and Seungkwan immediately shook his head. “No, I don’t think I could lie any more, and not to that manager. He’s sharp.”

“Yep.” Vernon nodded calmly. “It’s better to leave him be for now… ‘cause it is not the main problem right now.”

“Right.” Dino nodded… and all three of them looked at the real problem right now — 13-year-old Choi Seungcheol, who was busy playing on Wonwoo’s gaming console since this afternoon. 

Well, Dino was glad he stopped sobbing now, but for some reason, Seungcheol seemed out of it today after his late breakfast.

He wasn't able to finish breakfast...

He was uncharacteristically silent… and then, when he took a bath, he saw Wonwoo’s gaming console and excitedly jumped at it. 

He has not moved on the sofa ever since he started. 

Dino stood up from the dining area to the sofa, and sat beside Seungcheol who was very much immersed in his game. 

Maybe too immersed.

“Hyung.” Dino called, putting Cheol’s work phone on his lap. “Did you hear us? Seungmin-hyung called.”

“Hmmm?” Was Seungcheol’s only response, not bothering with the phone on his lap. His eyes were completely focused on the gaming console, tracking the movement of the enemy character, before performing a deadly combo.

"There was a senior manager though, who's getting angry at you." Dino worriedly reported. "I.. we… we think you should at least text him. Maybe tell him you're not feeling well?"

"Hmmm.." Seungcheol frowned, still immersed in his game. "Why'd I do that? I'm not sick."

"W-well.. a lie is better than being called unprofessional." Dino tried to explain…

…but his leader looked unbothered... Unfazed...  like he doesn't care at all. 

As a 27 year old, Dino knows how Seungcheol could get immersed in his games... He’s actually very good at it, second to their Wonwoo-hyung.

But is this normal? They are literally in a panic mode and their hyung — albeit he looks younger — only nonchalantly hums at him. 

Like they currently don't have a problem. 

When their Hyung finally said, "Can you move, let me finish this round first," with an expression that Dino was being an annoying interruption in his game… 

…Dino burst out, unable to hold it in anymore.

“Cheol- hyung,” Dino eventually snapped, taking the gaming console away from Seungcheol’s hands angrily. “Listen to me, this is serious!” 

Seungcheol, suddenly having his game taken away, suddenly had his dark brown eyes blaze at Dino. “What the hell are you doing? Give it back to me!”

“Hyung!” Dino put the console further back, “No, we have to talk!”

“What do you mean?” Seungcheol asked angrily, his jaw locked, looking almost like his 27-year-old self when he’s extremely angry. Except, this was the 13-year-old version.

“What do we have to talk about? We have NOTHING to talk about!! Just give my game BACK!!" Seungcheol whined.

“CHOI SEUNGCHEOL!”

Dino screamed angrily, so loudly that the boy Seungcheol suddenly flinched at him. 

Seungkwan behind him winced at Dino’s loud voice too… “Chan-ah, c-calm down.”

But Dino couldn’t take it anymore. He was so ready to burst! 

After hours and hours of immature, childish crying, their leader was suddenly not caring at all!?

He grabbed the hem of Seungcheol’s oversized shirt and shouted.

“WHAT TO TALK ABOUT???! THIS! THIS ENTIRE SITUATION!” Dino yelled, standing up as he bellowed at the young kid. His large 24-year-old build suddenly shadowed over the 13-year-old kid he was grabbing by the hem.

“ HYUNG, WE JUST LIED TO YOUR OLDER BROTHER FOR YOU! THE MANAGERS ARE LOOKING FOR YOU TOO, WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE NOTHING TO TALK ABOUT?!!! AND WE HAVE A MEETING TOMORROW AND DIDN’T YOU SAY YOU’LL TEACH US WHAT TO SAY TODAY?!”

Dino wasn't wrong to get angry, right?

Him getting suddenly young isn't an excuse to be unprofessional!

It's not an excuse to be a jerk!

It's not an excuse to be so unbothered!!!

Dino was about to drag the young Seungcheol out of the sofa… when Seungcheol's wide, scared eyes and shaking voice suddenly made Dino freeze. 

“W-what the hell is your problem?” was Seungcheol’s wide eyed stare at him, the 13-year-old was suddenly shaking like a leaf… 

That was when Dino noticed something was wrong… 

..s-something was even more wrong.

“S-seungcheol-hyung?” Dino called slowly… 

“ Stop. ” Seungcheol said fearfully. “W-why are you calling me hyung, ahjussi — 

"Ahjussi??"

"W-who are you?"

Seungkwan suddenly ran towards them and tore Dino’s hand away from their shaking young hyung, and angrily put himself between Seungcheol and Dino, suddenly hugging Seungcheol tightly.. 

“Hyunggie?” Seungkwan flustered. “Hyunggie, are you alright?”

Seungcheol’s shaking hand hugged Seungkwan’s arm fearfully, his eyes side eyeing Dino in fear.

Dino's loud voice obviously frightened him. 

“Where am I? Why are you all calling me ‘hyung’ ?”

It was Dino’s turn to shake. What the hell…

“H-Hyung, stop that. T-this isn’t funny!"

"Who are you people?!!" Seungcheol suddenly asked in full blasted fear. Suddenly, he pushed Seungkwan's arm away too.

Dino grabbed the boy's right arm and tugged him to himself, arms covering the boy's head in a tight hug. 

"HYUNG. I’m Lee Chan! DINO!”

There was silence as Seungcheol froze for half a minute… until Seungcheol slowly freed his head from Dino's arms… 

“Dino?” Seungcheol blinked, his eyes suddenly showing a dazed light of recognition.. 

"Y-yea?"

“Dino-ah. Right… y-you’re Dino-ah.” His dazed tone of voice gave Dino goosebumps.

“Do you know me, hyung?” Seungkwan asked immediately. 

“Seungkwan-ah?” Seungcheol whispered… dazed.

"Yes hyung!" Seungkwan nodded vigorously, looking relieved. "Do you know what we're going to do tomorrow?"

“I... I have to tell appa I have a taekwondo class tomorrow morning. And soccer practice in the afternoon?”

Seungkwan and Dino froze at his answer. 

"W-what?" Dino gaped in horror. Did... did he forget his current situation too?

“No hyung," Vernon's gentle voice suddenly said behind them. "You have a meeting with Seungkwan and Dino tomorrow afternoon.”

Seungcheol blinked at Vernon,  as if he was just reminded of that. “Oh.. yea. The meeting with the advertiser and producer…"

Their Cheol-hyung looked down and opened his small palms and frowned confusedly at himself. “Wha… I've turned younger. Since when did I..."

"Hyung, are you okay?" Dino asked fearfully.

To which, Seungcheol nodded. "Yes. But I feel sleepy."

"But you just... slept."

"I'm sleepy still." Seungcheol murmured. "Where's my soccer ball pillow? And appa."

“Y-You’re just tired, hyung.” Seungkwan suddenly assured, although his eyes looked like they were in scared confusion too. “Come, let’s get you to your room.” 

Seungcheol looked at Dino, then at Vernon behind, and then at Seungkwan… and he slowly nodded. 

“O-okay.” his voice sounded suddenly tired. "Sleepy."

Dino could only watch as the two left the living room… and when Seungcheol’s door closed, Dino’s mind was flooding with too many thoughts and emotions… but most of it was confusion. 

What just happened? 

What was happening to their Seungcheol-hyung? 

Dino helplessly looked back to Vernon, but all he got was Vernon’s sudden cold gaze. 

“Lee Chan.” Vernon’s voice was calm yet cold. “Don’t ever yell at Seungcheol hyung like that again, no matter his age.” 

And Vernon followed Seungkwan and Seungcheol in the room, closing it with a loud slam. 

Vernon was… angry. At him. 

And Dino… 

Dino just crumbled on the sofa in frustration and confusion. 

Night has come.

But it was Dino’s turn to feel restless, turning in and on his bed unable to fall asleep. 

He’s scared.

He’s sick and worried about his Seungcheol-hyung. 

Whatever is happening isn't normal. If this is a nightmare, he’s praying to wake up already… Chuseok was about to end too.

They will be back to their almost busy schedule… but if Seungcheol couldn’t show himself up, what is going to happen to his career?

What’s gonna happen to his hyung’s life?

And of course, SEVENTEEN is thirteen. But if their leader is that young, there’s no way he could make the group thirteen. 

In the middle of the dawn, Dino found himself walking towards their dark apartment hallway, opening the door to his hyung’s door. On the bed, he found the young Seungcheol sleeping soundly, snuggled comfortably between Seungkwan’s arm. 

Worriedly, he sat on the bean bag couch beside his hyung’s bed… worry was filling his head. 

What are we supposed to do now?

How long will hyung be like this?

What… what am I supposed to do? 

He hates this worry… 

‘Hyung…’ Dino thought, almost pleading. 

As if in response, the young Seungcheol suddenly…

…suddenly kicked his blanket off his legs, and then repositioned himself in Seungkwan’s arms, snoring lightly.

Dino could almost see the faintest smile. He must be dreaming something good — not a care in the world…

Not a care in the world...

Is this the first time he saw his Seungcheol hyung sleep so deeply and relaxed like this? 

Ah… he couldn’t tell. 

Hyung has insomnia, which is a well known fact to all the members. Even carats. Before comeback dates, there were times he couldn't even sleep… 

But he looked like he's free to dream now. So free from all the worries…

Like a child. 

“Are you okay?”

Dino’s shoulder suddenly flinched at the sudden voice, only to see Seungkwan’s eyes were open. 

“Don’t surprise me like that.” Dino sighed.

“Sorry.” Seungkwan muttered, fixing their young Seungcheol’s head nearer his chest, patting the boy's head. “Why are you here?”

“Oh..” Dino said. “I… I can’t… I can't sleep.”

Seungkwan looked at Seungcheol for a moment too… eyes shining with unshed tears amidst the light of the room’s small bedroom nightshade…

...and then he whispered. 

“Same.” 

Chapter Text

Seungcheol rolled on the bed and stretched his arms against the soft pillows before he opened his dark brown eyes with a yawn.

He felt light, refreshed... and surprisingly very well-rested. With another reluctant yawn, Seungcheol sleepily rubbed his eyes and tried to sit up from the bed; only for two pair of arms to scoop him back down and hug him tightly. 

"Hyunggie..." Seungkwan murmured on his sleep as Seungcheol's new small body was easily trapped on his dongsaeng's arms. Seungcheol made a soft gasp, before looking up at his maknae. 

'oh... Seungkwan-ah?' Seungcheol thought sleepily. His Seungkwan looked adorable with his asleep bed hair and slightly pouted lips.

Seungcheol tried to squirm away a bit from Seungkwan's hug and looked around the room, frowning when he found his youngest maknae Dino's sleeping figure on the bean bag beside his bed too.

His dongsaengs were with him the whole night? 

Suddenly, the memory of what happened last night flashed on Seungcheol's mind:

"Sshh, hyung... Don't think. Just focus on your breathing. please just relax."

"...Do you think you'll vomit?"

"Ok.. but hyung, if you really need to, j-just do it, okay? We'll clean it up, don't worry. Don't force your self to stop it."

"Don't be. Please don't be sorry, hyung. We don't know what is happening. This isn't your fault."

"I'll carry you to your bed, ok, hyung? Take a quick recovery nap?"

Seungcheol's refreshed feeling suddenly disappeared as he buried his face on asleep Seungkwan's chest --- shame and guilt for appearing weak and burdensome in front of his dongsaengs shattered his pride as their leader. 

It's one thing to crumble in front of Jeonghan or Joshua... or in front of their reliable managers... but in front of his maknaes?

Wasn't it so shameful? 

He's supposed to be their pillar of support, not their unreliable foundation... 

Riddled with internal embarrassment, Seungcheol with his 13-year-old body slowly removed himself from Seungkwan's arms and got off the bed. Thankfully, Seungkwan only huffed once, but didn't wake up from his movements; same with Dino who only moved a bit but stayed asleep. 

Seungcheol glumly looked at the time --- it was 5:00 AM. 

Was he asleep since yesterday morning, after his panic attack? 

How dare he feel refreshed, when his maknaes looked so tired on their sleep?

Was that why his dongsaengs looked so distressed, because they were taking care of him? 

...

...

Seungcheol sighed sadly and slowly went out of the room. 

'Breakfast,' he thought. The least he could do for the dongsaengs he burdened was to  prepare them some breakfast. 

With a heavy heart, he went to the kitchen to prepare. 

“Maknae-ah.”

Dino groaned, opening his eyes to a young child looking down at him. His cute, adorable brown eyes curtained by unnecessarily long eyelashes gave Dino the oddly familiar reprimanding look. 

“Maknae-ah." The young kid gently tapped his forehead again, just like what his oldest hyung used to do — tapping him softly as not to startle him, but urgent enough to gently wake him. “Wake up, maknae-ah. We have to attend a meeting at 2pm, remember?”

“Hyung?” his eyes suddenly focused… and then Dino suddenly jumped up, making young Seungcheol gasp. “Oops sorry.”

"why did you fall asleep on my bean bag?" 

"I..." Dino blinked sleepily. "I didn't notice..."

"It's not comfortable to sleep there." young Seungcheol told him. "Don't sleep there again, okay?"

"...mm o'kay..." Dino muttered. "H-How are you feeling, hyung?" 

Instead of replying, young Seungcheol only sighed… and then looked on the bed behind him, with an equally dead-to-the-world sleeping Seungkwan on the covers. 

“Wake up Seungkwan too, would you? I need to go back to the kitchen.” Seungcheol gently ordered as he waved the cooking spatula he was holding. Dino could hear a sizzling sound from outside the room too… and the smell of egg rice. 

Dino only sleepily nodded at the 13-year-old boy, and Seungcheol gently ruffled his bed hair with that soft, assuring smile. 

‘Hyung... He's back to his old self. ’

Dino now  thought with relief as he sleepily zig-zagged his way to Seungkwan’s direction. 

“Hyung.” Seungkwan called out.

“Hmm?” Seungcheol said, as he busily — and kinda strugglingly — poured his stirred side dishes onto four small plates. 

“This feels like child abuse, hyung. Like... child slavery.” Seungkwan muttered jokingly. And Seungcheol only scoffed lightly.

Well… it was awkward. A 13-year-old ordering 3 young adults — Dino, Seungkwan and Vernon — to sit on the table and wait while he does all the cooking and serve them with his stir fried side dishes and homemade kimbap for breakfast. 

Normally, they would be more than happy to just wait… but as what Seungkwan said, with a child serving them, it felt like child abuse. 

Soon, young Cheol-hyung single-handedly finished serving all the dishes in the middle of the dining table… and then he sat down at the head of the table.. although he looked small now on the dining chair. Seungkwan, Dino and Vernon silently took their chopsticks.. And started eating.

The food wasn’t as exemplary in taste as Mingyu's or DK’s or Jun’s cooking. Some of the kimbap slices don't have any taste too, very bland… while some are really delicious. It’s ike a Russian Roulette with the kimbap ingredients — a classic Seungcheol cooking, if you ask Dino. He’s not that good at cooking but it is enough to create edible things.

Still… even if it was delicious, Dino doubts he could eat properly. Right now, he was just methodically munching at his food when Seungcheol suddenly initiated the talk. 

“So. Something’s up with the three of you.” Seungcheol said calmly… maturely… like how his 27-year-old self often starts a heart-to-heart conversation with the members. “What’s wrong, guys?”

Vernon sighed and gestured at Seungcheol… “Hyung.”

“Well, besides that.” Seungcheol said. “Like… me looking approximately a 13-year-old minor right now isn’t wrong enough… you three maknae-ah looked extremely awkward ever since I woke you up.”

“....”

Seungcheol asked further when no one answered. “Did something happen?”

Seungkwan sighed, repeating Vernon's answer. “It’s you, hyung.”

“Me?” Seungcheol raised an eyebrow. It should have looked a bit intimidating on his original 27-year-old self, but that just made the three maknaes silently blink at him adorably. If Dino could pinch his cheeks from this distance, he would have done so. 

Dino shook his head and returned his attention to the topic at hand. “Actually… you were being very weird yesterday, hyung.”

“Y-yeah.” Seungkwan nodded.

“I am weird now.” Seungcheol said, as a matter-of-factly. "I'm a child when I shouldn't be."

“Well, you were more weird yesterday, hyung.” Vernon supplied. 

Seungcheol let go of his chopsticks and frowned as he crossed his arms. Unfortunately, he just looked more like a cute young teenager angrily pouting. 

“..what… what, how more weird?” 

A soft coo escaped Seungkwan’s lips, followed by a light flick of hyung's mochi cheeks, whispering: “aigoo you’re so cute, hyung—” 

Dino couldn't agree more. Those cheeks literally disappears when you turn adult, so seeing it on his hyung was really... really adorable.

“Maknae-ah, can you please elaborate?” Seungcheol dismissed Seungkwan's hand and looked Dino squarely in the eye. 

Dino blinked, distracted. “Your cuteness, hyung?”

Seungcheol gaped. "What?"

Dino was about to continue talking, elaborate how his baby cheeks look a bit like mochi when–

“No!” Seungcheol gasped, facepalming himself. “Focus, guys. I meant yesterday. What was it about me?”

“Ah.... you mean that.” Dino nodded, being reminded of the weird phenomena yesterday… 

“Well… you were acting not like yourself for a few hours, hyung. Did you not remember?" Asked Vernon.

"You even fought me for Wonwoo’s gaming console… and… and I’m sorry I think I went out of patience and yelled at you." Dino murmured… "Seungkwan-hyung and Vernon-hyung got angry at me.” 

“I forgive you, now.” Seungkwan muttered… but Vernon, expressionless, silently took another gimbap and said nothing. 

Ah. He’s still mad.

Their hyung seemed to have noticed too, the cold aura between him and Vernon.

Seungcheol sighed. “I don’t remember that… but please don't fight. In a situation like now, it's not like fighting will resolve to anything." Seungcheol looked at Vernon, who was still very silent, not looking at Dino. 

Vernon... it might not be obvious but Vernon adores Seungcheol so much. He looks up a lot to their eldest hyung. During their pre-debut, Seungcheol-hyung has been one of Vernon's greatest support and fiercest defender; and Dino knew how Vernon's loyalty to Seungcheol has only even strengthen more since then. He... he must have been upset then of the way young Cheol-hyung got scared by Dino's temper and loud voice yesterday...

...and Dino understands that.

His anger at him is fair. He felt bad at what he did too...

Dino bit his inner cheek guiltily. 

"Cheol-hyung... what was the last time you remember, hyung? Yesterday." Vernon suddenly asked. Classic Vernon move, he changed the topic instead.

Seungcheol blinked… then paused, thinking about it. “yesterday… I only remembered that I fell asleep after my panic episode...” Seungcheol whispered…

"You cried a lot after you woke up, hyung." Dino said. "L-Like... you were wailing under the blankets.."

"W-wailing?"

"...I assisted you to take the shower and eat breakfast." Seungkwan added. "And then you played Wonwoo-hyung's game."

"What?" Seungcheol frowned, struggling to remember. 

“You said something about taekwondo lessons too, hyung.” Vernon said. 

“And soccer practice.” Seungkwan supplied.

"I-I did?" Seungcheol gaped.

“Hyung... When you were around 13 years old… were you doing taekwondo and soccer?” Vernon asked.

Seungcheol thought about it for awhile, before replying… “Y-yeah. Before I trained in Pledis, Dad enrolled me in taekwondo. And... I used to get into sports too; I play soccer at middle school. A-around this age.” He looked at himself. “I think… this was how I looked when I was scouted in school?”

Dino unconsciously bit down his lower lip, suddenly feeling anxious. His attitude yesterday --- an explosive mood swings, stubbornness, crying like it's not him --- it fits a 13 year old or younger… doesn't it? 

Oh. 

...

Oh no. 

....

“Hyung… are you perhaps de-aging mentally too?” Dino suddenly asked fearfully, and it suddenly sparked an equally fearful shine on Seungcheol, Seungkwan and even Vernons’ eyes. 

Seungcheol held his chest and closed his eyes tight and muttered. “Goodness, what on the world is happening to me?”

“There must be some sort of explanation to this phenomenon!” Seungkwan worriedly said. 

Dino asked, “Should we call and tell the other members and managers?”

“Right! Shouldn’t we be telling this to the management now?” Vernon asked, holding Seungcheol's hand worriedly. “Hyung, maybe they could help? We have to ask!”

“And risk this getting out of our circle, gaining unwanted attention, or worse, get caught up by the media?” Seungkwan asked. “What if hyung becomes a science experiment?!”

Seungcheol looked down at his hands… “I… I’m not a mouse, am I?”

Yesterday, Dino could easily answer that ridiculous question at ease. Today however, with all the impossibles that had happened, he wasn’t so sure anymore. 

It still feels surreal, as if he’s dreaming. 

“Hyung.” Dino murmured. “I’m serious. Perhaps we should let at least the other members know. Or your brother and parents, at least.”

Seungcheol shook his head. “No–! Especially not to Hyung and Eomma and Appa!”

“They could at least have an idea what to do.” Dino urged. Dino knows… Jeonghan-hyung told him that he hates it when other people worry about him. But he can’t handle this himself… Dino... he’s, he’s just a maknae.

“More heads, more solutions – isn't that your motto?” Dino asserted.

“Even so.” Seungcheol gripped his hands. “This… this image. This look of mine — I feel vulnerable enough to show myself to the three of you… I don’t know if I can take it more if I show myself like this to more people... Please don't tell this to anyone.” 

Dino and the maknae line could hear the pleading voice of their oldest hyung in there... and when he talks like that, what else could they do?

Dino leaned on his seat worriedly, defeatedly... but with one last push, he asked: “Hyung. Please reconsider…”

Seungcheol stared down at his food… his eyes darted at every ingredient on the plate, but all three of them could tell his mind was nowhere near food. 

He’s struggling to think of any solution, but for a phenomenon as extraordinary as this, what solution could be possible?

“Three days.” Seungcheol suddenly said. “Give me three more days and if I don’t return to normal… w-we will let the other members know… a-and seek medical help… if needed……..”

“Alright.” Vernon was the first one to react, his face impossible to read, but his hands were holding their hyung's hand tightly. “So.. for the meeting later, should you three continue?”

“Yes.” Seungcheol nodded. “Seungkwan and Dino can be my proxy, but you must bring me along as Dino’s cousin... So I can hear what they are saying, and also, guide you two on how to respond if there are difficult questions or situations...”

“Okay…” Seungkwan and Dino both nodded. 

“Please help me with this one meeting.” Seungcheol whispered.

“Yes hyung.” Seungkwan said, looking determined as well. “We should start preparing after our breakfast then.”

“Yes..”

Instead of looking grateful, Dino noticed his hyung's expression says otherwise. He was looking down, looking ashamed. Dino wanted to say he didn't need to feel that way, but Vernon beat him to it with a different topic. 

“But hyung, you need to dress up in casual attire that fits you first..” Vernon commented. 

Oddly enough, Dino hadn’t noticed until now that Seungcheol was still wearing his oversized shirt and oversized pajama pants that he folded on his ankles to stop pooling down his legs. 

His clothes are way too big. He’s drowning on his clothes. “Dang, do we have any clothes that will match his size?”

“No way. All our clothes will be way too big for him, even if we cut it with scissors.” Dino muttered.

“Wait.” Seungkwan said, as he pulled out his phone. “Let me call my friend who has a son as old as hyung, so I can borrow some clothes—” 

The rattling of a boiling pot suddenly interrupted the three. 

“OH NO, I FORGOT OUR RAMEN!” Seungcheol exclaimed when he looked at their stove, urgently standing up before all three of them. He then immediately grabbed a stool (because his new height doesn’t match with the stove anymore) and stood up on it. 

Looking clumsy as he panickedly hurried to turn off the stove, young Seungcheol was about to transfer the boiling hot ramen from the pot to a big bowl — the way his hyung looked so unstable with his new body made Dino’s heart suddenly skip. Comparable to a mother hen's instincts, Dino rushed off his chair and hurriedly ran towards his young hyung, who — as if right on cue — almost poured the hot ramen towards himself.

Dino immediately grabbed the boy OUT of the boiling hot soup’s way as the hot pot fell down the tiled kitchen floor.

“HYUNG!” Seungkwan and Vernon belatedly stood up too; while Dino could only hug Seungcheol tightly… letting out a sigh of relief having his boy saved right on time. All of them stared for a moment at the boiling hot soup now flowing on the tiled floor, dreadfully imagining the serious burn injury his young hyung could have gotten if Dino wasn't able to pull him on time.

Dino could feel Seungcheol’s heartbeat beating fast against his chest too.

“I-I’m sorry.” Seungcheol’s boyish voice squeaked, eyes looking at the mess he made. “I didn’t realize it’ll be too heavy for me. I often do it that way—”

“Sssh.” Dino patted his boy’s head. The young boy's eyes looked up apologetically at him, and Dino’s chest hurt. 

Indeed, that heavy pot of ramen could easily be pulled up by the usual, strong Seungcheol. But his hyung... his hyung is not used to his current body. This only further strengthened Dino's theory that he is currently very prone to accidents... 

So Dino calms himself down… he must not let his temper get a hold of him. 

“Are you alright? Not hurt somewhere?” Dino asked gently, like how Seungkwan does it. 

Seungcheol nodded, looking pale at the soup now flowing down the tile. Despite the dreadful look on his face, his young cheeks look like soft mochi…

“Maknae-ah... W-We lost our ramen.” he muttered with regret. "That's... 5 packs..."

"It's okay, hyunggie."

Slowly.. Cheol looked down this time…

“I... I  feel useless. I’m so sorry—”

“You’re not useless, hyung.” Dino immediately yet gently corrected. “It was an accident. And you are... our precious hyung! Whatever is happening, it does not erase what you are and how important you are to us. Okay?”

Seungcheol did not reply. He only looked up at Dino as Vernon and Seungkwan nodded in the background. There were unshed tears shining in his young hyung’s eyes. 

Dino sighed, tapping his young hyung’s hair.

“Really, hyunggie. You don’t have to feel this way. Don’t worry about it, okay?” Dino asserted.

With few more nudges, Seungcheol fisted his hands… then… he let out a small squeaky “o-okay…”

“Let me cook?” Dino asked permission. “You sit and discuss?”

“But—”

“You already finished everything else, hyung.” Dino nudged. “It’s okay. I’ll cook, we’ll eat, then clean up this spilled ramen later, ‘kay?”

"....."

"Please, hyung."

“....o-okay.”

Dino smiled gently at the permission and ruffled his young hyung's hair. 

His hyung needs understanding right now…  His hyung needs all the support. His hyung is the one who is struggling more than he is. If he’s already this anxious, how much more for Seungcheol who was directly undergoing the change?

“T-thank you.” Seungcheol whispered as he defeatedly sat down on his chair and finally --- FINALLY --- let Dino handle the situation.

I’ll take care of him. Dino promised himself as he took a new pot and took a ramen that has his young hyung’s favorite flavor on it.

Chapter Text

“Alright, you look decent now, hyung.”

Seungcheol sighed at Dino as he looked up and down his reflection against a car's shiny door in the parking lot. 

He was wearing denim pants, and a black semi-formal polo under a sky blue casual hoodie that fit his small body well. 

“Do I really?” Seungcheol asked unsurely. 

“Yes.” Seungkwan said, holding a semi-large paper bag with other clothes in it. “I also borrowed some pajamas for you to wear at night — I know you love pajamas. This one has a white dog design printed on it.” 

Seungkwan pulled up the pajamas and showed it for everyone to see. “Look! Isn’t it cute?”

Dino chuckled. “Look, hyung. It looks like your baby kkuma!”

Seungcheol asked. “Who’s Kkuma?” 

The mirth on Seungkwan and Dino’s faces froze… their eyes suddenly flashing towards Seungcheol, who looked totally clueless.

“It’s your daughter, hyung.” Seungkwan said.

Their young Seungcheol-hyung blinked. "I have a daughter?!'

"No, hyung!" Dino exclaimed. “Your fur baby! She’s your cute, white dog!" 

The confusion that showed on Cheol's face made Dino's heart beat nervously. He went down on one knee to look him in the eye and cupped his hyung's face

"Hyung… Are you alright?" Dino asked worriedly. Fearfully. 

Seungcheol squinted his eyes. "I'm.. sleepy…"

"Should we continue this?" Seungkwan asked anxiously. 

Seungcheol was about to reply again, when they were suddenly interrupted by one of their managers, who suddenly arrived. Despite their worries, Dino had to push it aside as he quickly put a hat and facemask on Cheol to cover his face. 

Managers might not really know what their Seungcheol-hyung looked like when he was young, but their leader also trained with the company for six years as a young teenager so they might remember…

“Hey–,” their manager called, then froze when he only saw Dino, Seungkwan and a kid in the waiting area. “W-wait, where is Scoups-nim?”

“Oh, h-he’s” Dino stammered, but Seungkwan beat him to it.

“Hyung wasn’t feeling alright, he had a slight fever and we decided he needed bed rest.” Seungkwan lied smoothly. “But he was worried about today’s meeting and so I said I would go.”

“And I tagged along!” Dino added. 

The manager looked displeased for a second, and then sighed defeatedly.. “But… he wouldn’t have agreed if he knew who we’re meeting with…” he looked down at his phone bitterly. "He wasn't even checking my voice calls and messages, how would he know?"

Their hyung's young voice squeaked, "what do y—"

“What do you mean?” Seungkwan asked the manager loudly, as he discreetly hid young Seungcheol behind him.

Their Manager-nim didn't seem to mind this and flipped his phone off with a vague reply. “Never mind. Anyway, who’s the kid with you?”

The kid in question — their Seungcheol-hyung in disguise — suddenly bowed politely. “Good afternoon. I am Channie-hyung’s cousin.”

“Ah right.” Dino said, nodding; relieved that their hyung was now acting as planned. 

"Why did you bring him?"

“No one would look after him, his parents were in a much-needed vacation and I decided to take care of him for a while.” Dino explained smoothly. 

He's starting to learn how to lie smoothly.

The manager nodded, understanding… and they all thought everything was going according to plan…

…until he suddenly said: “You can’t bring him inside the meeting room, okay?”

Their young Seungcheol-hyung, with his face hidden, suddenly stiffened. “I-I promise to behave!”

“He’ll be fine, hyung.” Dino said, suddenly anxious.

“I know.” The manager assured Dino, but it’s just… we need to follow protocol. We’re gonna talk about possible partnerships with this producer we will meet, for possible future projects next year — which will need confidentiality — we will not risk any third party to learn about it yet. 

“But—” their Seungcheol-hyung tried to protest, until Seungkwan put a hand on his shoulder. 

And Dino understands. Protesting here will look suspicious.

“W-we can leave him outside the meeting room, at least?” Seungkwan asked their manager worriedly.

“Yes. There is a waiting room there.”

“A-alright.” Seungkwan said. His eyes reflected the same anxiety Dino had, and squeezed Seungcheol’s shoulder to calm down their young leader. 

Seungcheol could only defeatedly nod… and Dino couldn’t even think of any other excuse they could use to include Cheol-hyung without looking suspicious. 

“Let’s go.” Their manager said numbly, seemingly worried on his own concern, clueless to the dilemma of the three. 

“Producer Oh.” Dino exclaimed as he cheerfully greeted the producer. He was the one whom he talked about last time… and also the reason why he got reprimanded by their Seungcheol-hyung last time too. 

“Dino-nim!” The producer smiled amicably, looking half-surprised that he was the one present. He looked around and greeted Seungkwan, before looking back at Dino. “Oh, I didn’t expect you would be the one present. Where is your leader?”

Their Marketing Director suddenly replied. “Choi Seungcheol-nim is sick, Producer Oh. He will not be present for today’s meeting.” 

Dino blinked at the cold voice of their Marketing Director, and the sudden fading of an amicable smile in Producer Oh’s face… being replaced by a mild smirk. “I see. Dino-ah, did you think about my offer last time?”

“Oh…” Dino gulped as they all lined up on the table to sit properly. “A-about that… we are still in the process of discussing the variety show with the members.”

“What were their reactions?” Producer Oh asked.

‘We fought.’ Dino thought… but he couldn’t say that, right?

Fortunately, their Marketing Director saved him.

“Unfortunately, SEVENTEEN already has a prior schedule already reserved for the said month.” their Marketing Director said with a professional smile. “So we might not be able to bring our artists to your show, but we are very grateful for the offer.”

Dino looked at Seungkwan, who looked equally baffled. They still have a lot of days open for schedule in that month, that was why Dino chose it… so why was the Marketing Director being like this now.

As if she was casually and politely rejecting the offer of this well-connected producer already. 

“That’s unfortunate.” the producer casually said, looking amused, as he relaxed on his seat. 

Soon, a server entered the room with a tray of hot tea, and Dino was given a glimpse of their young Cheol-hyung outside, behind the server — looking at them worriedly — until the door was closed on him. 

Their guest waited for hot tea to be served to everyone before his staff showed his proposal. An advertisement project, referred to by this producer… as well as future activities and an early invitation to award shows… were offered by Producer Oh’s staff. 

The marketing director reviewed the papers, with Seungkwan behind her… and Dino casually reading the projects, thinking “this is a good offer.”

“I’m not gonna lie, right now, your artists’ popularity index is high. That, along with a few personal reasons, is why I am choosing your artists.” the Producer started. “You can see the profit plan in the proposal.”

“It is very enticing, indeed.” The Marketing Director nodded amicably… "However, we are afraid that this doesn't coincide with some of the plans that were already approved."

'Huh? She's rejecting it?' Dino blinked, failing to hide his disappointed expression. 

The producer gave their marketing director a long, silent stare… before suddenly motioning at Seungkwan and Dino. "Seems like that for you, but what about the artists?"

Their marketing director stiffened for a bit, before giving the producer a smile. And then she nervously glanced at Seungkwan and Dino. “What do you guys think?”

Dino froze for a while. The option to  say “yes” overwhelmed him. This was like an offer of a lifetime — the group’s exposure as well as the benefits were high and exciting, all the Kpop groups this producer has supported has been successful after all — until Seungkwan smiled politely. 

“Ah, about that…” Seungkwan carefully looked at their Marketing Director. “...we might have to uh... discuss with the team first.”

Producer Oh placed the warm cup of tea down the teacup plate and gave a disappointed look. “What is there to discuss, time is of the essence. Right, Dino-ah? My proposal is great after all, suited for a kpop group of your caliber.”

Dino gulped. The last time he talked to this producer, he agreed that time was important and agreed on the offer right away…

...Causing Cheol-hyung to get very angry at him.

He still doesn't understand why their Cheol-hyung forbade him to talk to this producer. 

Producer Oh looked really interested in their group after all!

The opportunity they’re wasting … Dino shook his head.

…and Dino smiled at the Producer. “Time is of the essence and I would love to say yes to you really soon, Producer Oh.”

Seungkwan and the Managing Director’s legs were suddenly nudging his knees underneath the table. 

“Then, let’s proceed.” Producer Oh said with an ‘i know right’ smile.

“ Unfortunately ," Dino added. "We are just representatives of our sick Cheol-hyung today, and as per our leader’s ways, please give us time to properly check these projects with our staff and check our team’s overall availability.”

Producer Oh’s smile faded the second time today. Dino gulped, inwardly worried… but, he promised to only represent their leader today. Dino isn't the SEVENTEEN leader… there must be… factors that their Cheol-hyung also considers. 

He doesn’t want to lose their Cheol-hyung’s trust.

He’s not part of the decision-making process.

He’s… he’s just a maknae…

…why did that hurt? Dino subconsciously held his chest. 

But then… Has Cheol-hyung's ways ever led them astray? 

Has Cheol-hyung ever made a decision that had hurt the team?

Suddenly, he felt Seungkwan’s hand on his back, reassuring him that he answered well. 

Right…Dino fisted his hands. He gotta trust his twelve hyungs, he thought with determination.

“Oh well.” Seungkwan chuckled with a light joke. “There’s eleven more people to talk to, ahhh why is our group so big. I’m so sorry, Producer Oh-nim.”

The dark expression the producer was wearing has lightened at Seungkwan’s joke. “I see.. Ah why do I have to get interested in such a large group who always talks first among themselves . Other large groups, I just need to talk to a CEO and it's considered done!"

"I know right, I heard from my friends too that our team is a bit… eccentric. I'm so sorry." Seungkwan smiled apologetically. 

"Anyway, alright." Producer Oh huffed. "I’ll just have to wait a bit more, right?”

“Yes.” their marketing director smiled professionally. 

Producer Oh sighed, then rolled his eyes. “I’ll just have to wait a bit more to receive your formal rejection letter , right?"

Nobody answered.

Producer Oh sighed as he fixed his coat. "Has Scoups-nim not forgiven me yet? It was just a joke.”

Dino frowned. ‘What? ’

“We know. It’s not like that.” the marketing director laughed, a bit forcefully.

The producer scoffed as he and his team stood up and went out. The producer walked out unceremoniously, while his team bowed respectfully as they left. 

As soon as the doors closed, their marketing director and manager suddenly sighed in relief. “Thank God, you backed me up there. Thank you, Dino-ah, Seungkwan-ah.”

“D-don’t mention it, noona.” Seungkwan said.

“Did Cheol-nim tell you?” their marketing director asked. “I was so scared you wouldn’t back me up. We weren’t able to brief you prior because he arrived too early.”

With all the anger their Cheol-hyung gave him last time, Dino could only smile. “Cheol-hyung kinda did.”

“Good! We can’t trust that snake.” 

"We didn't even know it was him until this morning!" Their manager added frustratingly. "Anyway, I'm outta here. Give me a call if you're ready to go."

And their manager left. 

“Noona?” Seungkwan asked after a moment. “What does he mean by Cheol-hyung not forgiving him yet?”

“Ah…” their marketing director’s eyes suddenly shifted. “I don’t know.”

Dino and Seungkwan could tell she’s such a bad liar. 

“Ahh, come on, Noona.” Seungkwan nudged gently. “How are we supposed to help Cheol-hyung if you do not tell us…”

“Yah, Seungkwan-ssi. I’m not in the position to tell you anything.” She said.

“The one in position isn’t telling us anything either.” Dino said, “He even reprimanded me for approaching Mr Oh—”

“WHAT?!” Their marketing director exclaimed. “He approached you too?? Are you okay?”

Dino gasped at the sudden reaction of their marketing director. It’s almost… like their Seungcheol-hyung. “Uh… what’s with the reaction?”

“Noona, we’re being kept in the dark here.” Seungkwan insisted, looking alarmed as well at the reaction given to Dino. 

Their director looked around, seemingly checking if someone was still left inside the room. Seeing that there were no one else but the three of them, she leaned forwards towards the two artists and whispered. 

“Don’t tell this to anyone but, there was a rumor that Producer Oh has secret sexual relationships with young actors he sponsors… and sometimes, on rare moments, he approaches idols when he has ulterior motives or targets… but we can’t know for sure.”

What?!

Dino’s eyes widened.

Seungkwan whispered back. “Then… does that mean he is… interested with Dino-ah?”

"Like... interested in my talents? Me as an artist?" Dino asked. "'C-cause there's no way he'd be l-like.. interested in me in that way. I'm not as charismatic as those young actors---"

"Are you kidding me?" Marketing Director noona deadpanned at Dino. "Dino-nim, have you seen yourself in the mirror recently? You've matured handsomely! You're so handsome and charming... and that body --- oh my god, you're assets are screaming in the camera and offline! Ah, I have to talk to you by the way, 'cause we managed to sched a solo photoshoot for you at the end of the month!"

Dino's eyes widened at the sudden barrage of compliments. Suddenly, his cheeks and ears felt hot...

He's probably flushed in embarrassment that Seungkwan chuckled and tackled his hair. 

"Don't act humble now," Seungkwan teased. 

"I-I'm not." Dino jokingly snapped. "I know I'm charming."

"Heh~"

"A-anyway," Dino hurriedly redirected the two, eager to learn everything about Producer Oh. "So... He's... a dangerous guy? Is that why Seungcheol-hyung dislikes him?"

“Oh, 'dislike' is too light of a word. Seungcheol-nim hates him. I can’t know for sure, okay?” The director suddenly whispered. “All I know is he’s been trying to contact Seungcheol-ssi the past few months and Seungcheol-ssi has been contacting me for creative and respectful reasons to decline…”

“He's pressuring Seungcheol-hyung?" Dino asked. "C-can’t we report him?”

“Are you insane?” Their director said. “Without evidence, we’d be sued for defamation. Plus, he’s a famous producer, with lots of connections. We can’t risk it.”

“Then perhaps it’s just only a rumor, if there’s no evidence until now?” Seungkwan asked, skeptic as ever. Dino nodded, that was what he’s thinking too.

Their director scoffed. “Years ago, you were just newly debuted, we think he tried to make a move on Seungcheol-ssi..."

Dino froze. 

What? 

"Seungcheol-ssi reported that the Producer kept on making him feel uncomfortable, his words allegedly often double meaning, implying he wanted Seungcheol-ssi to have something with him. O-of course we couldn't do anything about it. Since then, he passively stopped talking to variety producers for awhile.."

WHAT?!

His Seungcheol-hyung had that problem... And he never told them?!

"I think Seungcheol-ssi finally snapped when... when one day, Mingyu-ssi told Seungcheol-ssi that the Producer also offered him."

MINGYU-HYUNG TOO?!

"I remember Cheol-nim being so mad he requested an urgent meeting at 3AM with all of us and demanded he didn’t want any of his members to have any project with that producer. W-We tried to clarify this with Producer Oh, but he swept it as 'just a joke'.

Now, there’s no evidence to back up Seungcheol-ssi’s and Mingyu-ssi's claims… but we trust our artists more, you see?”

Seungkwan slowly nodded as he processed the information, chewing his lips in worry. “So… this time... Dino-ah caught his eye and having liked Cheol-hyung and Mingyu-hyung before... is he trying to have another angle to approach our group?”

The director nodded. “That's what we think! Even today’s meeting, wherein he belatedly announced his involvement in the advertisement proposal is suspicious. We really thought the product marketing CEO would be the one to be in attendance; so we were stressed this morning when we found out it's him. He even isn’t often involved on projects with product advertisements too! Seriously, it is a blessing in disguise that Cheol-ssi isn't here 'cause things will just be more messy."

“But then, why didn’t Seungcheol-hyung just tell us any of this?” Dino asked.

The director made a face. “Geez, this is very unprofessional of me, but i’m not really allowed to tell you too either. I just thought... since he's approaching you, you have to know!"

That makes sense. Dino nodded slowly. 

"Anyway, is Seungcheol-ssi aware of your situation?"

"Hyung... He..." Dino blinked. "He just reprimanded me. Forbade me to talk to that producer again."

"He got really angry, it was so scary." Seungkwan added. "It was like we're back to predebut Cheol-hyung who was really strict and scary..."

"That's completely understandable." The Marketing Director noona nodded repeatedly in agreement. "Anyway, this is for your information only, alright?!”

Seungkwan nodded vigorously; while Dino looked down, deep in thought as their Director and Seungkwan continued to keep whispering at each other. 

Everything suddenly made sense to Dino. 

His Seungcheol-hyung's strong negative reactions, when he told him he had a discussion with this producer… he.. He wasn’t discrediting Dino's efforts.

...But rather, hyung was protecting him from a known potential harm. 

Ah.. he messed it up big time, didn't he?

He didn't talk to hyung for several days after that argument. 

Ah...

‘I really should apologize to Seungcheol-hyung…’

The meeting wasn’t that long as Dino expected, but after saying goodbyes with their marketing director, he could tell that the short meeting psychologically drained him. 

And so, he and Seungkwan sluggishly went out of the room to look for their 13-year-old hyung at the waiting area to report what had happened --- eager to report to their hyung what happened ---

---but they couldn’t find him. 

“A young kid?” the receptionist asked.

“Yes!” Dino breathed. “He’s around 13 years old. Maybe even younger. He was wearing a blue hoodie and denim.”

“We asked him to wait here.” Seungkwan said, pointing at a couch.

The receptionist's eyes glinted with recognition. “Oh, the cute boy? He was pacing the room seemingly anxious, so one of the staff gave him a book to read. And then when Producer Oh came out, Producer Oh approached and talked to him and the kid walked out with him.”

“WHAT?!” Seungkwan suddenly gaped. 

Dino frowned. 

Why would he go with him? Did he decide to talk to the producer himself? But he would have to introduce himself, if he really did so, right?

And… with the recent information they got from the Marketing Director, he’s supposed to avoid the producer, not engage with him. 

So… that can’t be right. 

“Is he related to Scoups-nim by any chance?” The receptionist suddenly curiously asked, and Dino and Seungkwan struggled to keep their faces straight. 

“N-no.” Dino said.

“Oh…” the receptionist nodded. “‘Coz he removed his hat after around an hour of waiting, and his dimples reminded me of Scoups-nim—”

“He removed his hat?!” Seungkwan exclaimed… surprising the receptionist. 

"Y-yes..."

Something’s not right. Dino’s feet turned cold as he fished out his phone and tried to dial his Seungcheol-hyung’s. 

Ringing…

Ringing…

Dino’s chest burst in relief as the dial tone was answered with a small, familiar child voice of his hyung. 

“...h-hello?”

“Hyung!” Dino exclaimed as he ran to the side of the room away from the receptionist, Seungkwan following him. “Hyung, the meeting is done. Let's go home. Where are you?”

…There was a brief silence in the other line.

“Hyung?”

“...uh… i think you have the wrong number.” the child-like voice of their hyung said. 

“What?” Dino looked at Seungkwan in alarm. “N-no, Cheol-hyung. It’s me, Dino. Where are you, let us fetch you.”

“...i don’t know any Dino though…” he answered.

"Hyung, what are you talking about? It's me. I'm Dino. Lee Chan."

“...uh... how did you get my number?"

"HYUNG! Please, where are you?"

"...a nice guy said he’ll drive me to my taekwondo class. I’m on my way.”

“A nice guy? Who? Tell me!"

“He’s called Mr. Oh.”

Mr Oh? Producer... Oh? 

No.. not when they just learned what he tried to do to him as an adult!

"HYUNG, DON'T COME WITH HIM!"

"...you're... being weird..."

The phone call was suddenly cut.

“W-wait, hyung!” Dino looked at the screen. “Hyung!”

“What happened? Where was he?” Seungkwan asked in a rush.

"Cheol-hyung…on the phone... h-he doesn’t remember me.” Dino whispered in horror. “I think he… he's back to that mentally young state...”

"Ohmygod." Seungkwan exasperatedly said. "Ok, calm down. Maybe.. maybe we can ask security for help?"

“Seungkwan-hyung..."

"What's the matter?"

Dino, with big wide eyes, turned to Seungkwan in worry. "I think he's with Producer Oh "

Seungkwan turned even paler."WHAT?! HOW?!"

Chapter Text

“Mingyu-ah, thanks for sticking around with us. Sorry for the awkward re-schedule of the photoshoot.”

Mingyu zipped his bag and slung it on his right shoulder. “It’s fine hyung. You couldn’t have controlled that sudden change in the photographer’s schedule.”

“I know but…” Their manager sighed. 

Mingyu checked his phone screen, looking at his message to his oldest seventeen brother and leader, Seungcheol-hyung, telling him he had a re-schedule and needed to work. 

‘But there’s no reply yet.’

It’s been more than 24 hours. If it was Joshua, Mingyu wouldn’t have wondered. Joshua-hyung is known to have a very late tendency to reply after all. But for their leader? 

That’s a bit…

“Hyung, did Cheol-hyung reply to your messages already?” Mingyu asked.

Their manager looked even more stressed. “Actually, no. We’re all been having a hard time contacting him since the other day.  I guess he’s resting…?”

Mingyu nodded unsurely… but accepted the reason his manager offered. 

“Anyway, I’m really sorry Mingyu-ah.”

Mingyu smiled politely at the frustrated manager. “It’s okay, hyung.”

“I hope we didn’t make any changes in your planned vacation?”

“Don’t worry about it. Myungho and Dokyeom said they would just collect me here in the company.”

“Alright.” The manager sighed. “So. Are you sure you don’t need me to accompany you anymore?”

“Yes!” Mingyu said brightly. “Enjoy your Chuseok with your family already, hyung.”

“Ahh thank you so much.” Their manager said, collecting his own belongings and bowing to Mingyu. Mingyu bowed back with respect. “Text me once you meet up with Myungho and Dokyeom, alright?”

“Yes, hyung.” Mingyu smiled.

With a few more nudges and encouragement from Mingyu, their manager eventually left him. 

Mingyu sighed and was left alone in the company building’s cafeteria. Covering his face with a black facemask and his black beanie, Mingyu arranged his cardigan and sat comfortably on one of the giant sofas. 

“Where are you?” he texted Dokyeom.

“Brief traffic. On our way. I’m with Myungho-ah already.” Replied DK.

Mingyu was about to stretch on his seat when he heard a kinda unusual conversation behind the decorative wall behind him. 

“You’re lost?” a friendly uncle-like voice asked.

“Y-yes.” a young voice replied, sounding anxious.

The friendly uncle-like voice laughed… “Do you know me?”

No reply. Probably a nod or the boy shook his head, Mingyu simply shrugged.

“Then… why did you come with me if you didn’t know me?”

“B-because…because among all the strangers around the waiting room, you’re the only one who responded to my nervous glances… the o-other adults ignored me...

“I see…” the friendly uncle's voice said. “But I am a producer…And… I have had a lot of young men wanting to become famous actors approach me this way too.”

‘…what?’ Mingyu slowly slid down his sofa’s back seat. With the way he speaks, Mingyu couldn't help notice how familiar to him the voice sounds. He tried to focus on his phone instead.

"Hmm… such a handsome face, at such a very young age. How old are you, boy?"

There was a delay in the boy's answer of… unsurely answering … "H-how old am I? I…"

The uncle-like voice, who called himself a producer, sounded amused. "You wouldn't even tell your age? That's fine though, I like it young too."

Mingyu felt nauseated. 

"Are you mixed?”

“M-mixed?” the voice of the young boy stammered.

“You look half.”

“No, I-I’m pure Korean.”

The uncle’s voice suddenly muttered . “You remind me of someone. Are you a relative of S.coups?”

Upon hearing the name of his leader, Mingyu couldn’t help but get even more nauseatedly curious. He discretely looked around… and saw that there was no one in the artist cafeteria on his side of the room, and the employees in the counter were seemingly on break too… Did these two behind the decorative wall think they were alone?

The voice of the young boy replied. “No. I don’t know him.”

His accent was almost rough… and his straight-forward style of speech sounds like from Daegu province though, Mingyu noted.

"Shame." The older voice said mockingly. "Here I thought you researched about my taste. 

"Your taste?"

"Yes... You're here to spur me, didn't you?"

“N-no......I-I think my brother is playing a prank on me leaving me here…” the voice was filled with a mix of confusion and frustration. "I-I just think I'm lost. I don't know why I'm so confused......."

He heard the uncle-producer’s amused scoff. It sounded borderline rude. “Oh stop acting naive now. I know your modus operandi.”

“....”

A scoff. “Don’t act as if you didn’t approach me with this modus operandi to become an actor?”

“....an actor?”

“Yes.”

“Huh?... I… I can be an actor?” There  was a sound of curiosity in the boy’s voice this time.

The producer, whose voice was awfully becoming even more familiar to Mingyu, laughed mockingly. 

The voice… he knows who he is now.

Mingyu was reminded of the producer he and Seungcheol-hyung despised… Producer Oh.

It's... Producer Oh. 

Unexplained shiver ran through Mingyu's nerves as he wanted to walk away right then and there, now that he has identified who the man behind the decorative wall... Memories from seven years ago flooded through him, when he was young and naive.

"Mingyu-ah?" Their 21-year-old leader asked worriedly as he sat on the floor with Mingyu, who was crouched down on the side of his sofa bed.

It was past 2AM in the morning. 

All the members were already asleep... except Mingyu and Cheol.

How did Cheol-hyung knew he wasn't asleep yet, God only knows.

"Coups-hyung..." Mingyu fearfully said, eyes wide as he looked up to his older brother.

"Yes? What's wrong, bub?"

"C-coups-hyung, I-I'm sorry." Mingyu muttered. "I... failed the team... I'm a failure."

"What?" Young Seungcheol frowned, but nonetheless gave him a comforting pat on his back. "You're not a failure. Where is this coming from?"

"W-we're not gonna be able to get that important project, hyung... We failed to get it right? it's my fault, i'm so sorry---"

"H-how did you know?"

"Because it was my fault." Mingyu hugged his knees tight, his forehead against his knees... tears flowing. "I failed the team."

"M-Mingyu-ah..." Their leader's voice was soft, so unlike his tone of voice whenever he reprimands them.

He's gonna be disappointed to him, Mingyu thought. 

"I dunno if I can take this, hyung. But I-I really wanna stay with the team. I-I-I'm really sorry... I just couldn't do it, Coups-hyung."

"My dongsaeng." Seungcheol muttered softly, his hands cupping Mingyu's jaw and cheeks, urging it up so he could look into Mingyu's shaking, teary eyes."

"H-hyung...... It's my fault, hyung. The team will fail because of me---"

"Nonsense." Young Seungcheol assured. "Now, tell me what's wrong, so hyung can fix it."

Mingyu's young eyes teared even more. His leader hyung... will he help him?"

"I... I-I don't want us... to partner with that Producer Oh anymore, hyung. I-I know he's famous but..."

Seungcheol's eyes sharpened, his brown eyes suddenly flashed in anger... and Mingyu got a bit scared for a while. 

He understands. 

It was a big and invalid request...

If they want to hit big, they have to be close to the big men in the industry...

Even so...

"I-I'm really sorry, hyung. N-no, of course we can't do that." Mingyu shook his head, retracting his request. "J-Just remove me from the team."

"Did he say something to you?" Seungcheol asked... and Mingyu was surprised it still sounded soft despite the obvious anger in his eyes.

Mingyu was scared... His hyung was reacting with anger.

It was his fault.

But he didn't want to lie.

"Tell me what's wrong," Seungcheol urged. "...so hyung can fix it."

....

....

"Hyung... I wasn't able to... t-to... g-grant  Producer Oh's demand. And b-because of it, he said our team will not get the project and promotions..."

"What was the wish?, Gyu?"

....

"It's okay... you can tell me, Gyu."

....

....

....

"H-he said I...  I look delicious..."

.....

"H-he said... I need to ride him... and that, he will make our team famous if I let him taste me..."

More flames of anger burned in his hyung's eyes... 

Young Mingyu was frightened.... 

...but his voice became even more softer. "And what did you say to him, Gyu?"

....

"What did you say to him, Kim Mingyu-ah?"

"I-I'm sorry... but I told him 'No.'"

Mingyu expected to be reprimanded.

But he did not expect the tight hug that followed as Seungcheol enveloped him in warmth.

"Good job, Mingyu."

"Hyung?"

"Did he touch you?"

Mingyu shook his head. "N-no. I... discretely ran away."

"You did well."

"...but hyung... the project... the team will--"

"Sssh, don't worry about that." Seungcheol said, tapping his hair. "It's almost 3AM already, you should try to sleep."

.....

"And don't worry anymore..

 Hyung will fix this." 

---

“You’re good,” said the older voice. Mingyu could picture the old man nodding. “It’s amusing that you passed my preferences too. Come on, eat.”

“Preferences?” naively asked the other. “Sir.. I just wanna be driven back to —”

“Oh yes, you did say you wanted a ride?"

"Yes! Absolutely!"

"Hmmm…" a pleasant hum from the old producer. "I don't know. I don't like hard-to-control boys."

“I promise I'll behave.”

Another pleasant hum. 

"But… I can really drive roughly... Can you handle me? With that small body?"

Mingyu flinched on his sofa. Him pretending to look at his phone isn’t working anymore. He slowly fisted his hands instead… 

“Yes!” The boy’s voice eagerly agreed, sounding naive. 

"Hmmm… I am very large for you though."

Mingyu gulped again. That… sounded awfully double meaning... bringing back the bad memories...

In no way should you talk to a mere child like that!

“It's fine." The boy replied, to Mingyu's horror. "I can handle the rough drive, sir. My dad has—”

"Hmmm..."

The boy’s voice suddenly stopped mid-sentence, replaced by a sudden gasp.

"Your wrists look fragile. I wonder if you can handle it tied?"

"Ahjussi? w-what do you mean..."

"hmmm... you look a bit headstrong for my taste... but you also look delicious... Ah.. you really reminds me of a certain... idol leader who has been too good in dodging me..."

"...."

"...nonetheless... I think I can make you cry... how exciting." 

"........c-cry?"

"I wonder how beautiful you will look, while under me once you do."

"................?"

Mingyu blinked worriedly. His breath was shaking. He looked around the area again, but there were really no people around except him. 

What should he do?

“So tell me. What kind of dramas are you interested in?” Producer Oh asked… his voice borders on the tone of joking and… seeking .

Mingyu now noticed that there was a shaking in the voice of the boy, who sounded awfully confident just a while ago.

“H-historical dramas and rom coms…” 

“And... What time is your class?”

“It’s… T-two hours from now.”

“Good.. But I only have two hours to decide for this transaction?” The producer said. “But someone seems to know I like young boys. Who sent you?”

“uh… no one? I.. I was lost. I.. dunno where I am... I–”

“Nonsense.” 

“Uh… uncle, I think I have to go—"

"What is your favorite dish?"

"Umm.. anything?"

“Would you like to come to my penthouse? I can cook a good meal there, you must be so hungry.”

“Uh… yes... I-I am kinda hungry..” the boy cautiously agreed. “But.. I gotta contact my brother first… I..”

“So your brother was the one who sent you to me?”

“I don’t remember much… but I think he left me here?”

The producer chuckled. “You look so cute… and I think this acting is quite endearing. I think, with your looks, I could get you a training camp tomorrow  and a debut role in three months, if you’ll perform well tonight , my boy.”

“Perform?”

There was silence… Mingyu held and unheld his bag. 

Should he go? 

Or should he interfere? 

It will be very awkward if he interferes… but what was happening behind him, behind the decorative wall… it's been years since he has debuted. He now knows this stuff is possible to happen in this industry…

But the kid consented.

The kid even agreed to come to Producer Oh’s penthouse.

But.. leaving would be so unethical and against his morals. 

But what if the boy himself likes it?

But... he sounded so clueless. 

Was he just acting? 

Should he butt in?

Mingyu was in a dilemma on what to do, until the next words of the boy —

“but Ahjussi.. I… dunno how to sing or dance.”

— solidified Mingyu’s initial suspicion that the boy really didn't know what was happening.

“Drop the act. Don’t be coy.” The producer's pleasant tone turned cold yet gentle... too gentle.

Disgustingly gentle.

“Uh……" The boy made an uncomfortable sound that spurred Mingyu into action.

Determined, Mingyu stood up with his bag suddenly and walked around his side of the cafeteria, and then returned to his seat loudly.

He threw his bag on the glass table and it hit with a loud thud… trying to create the image that he just arrived. And then he pressed his phone and made it ring. The loud sound of his cellphone echoed in the entire cafeteria…

“Hello?” Mingyu pretended to answer a call. “Ah yes, are you coming here now? Oh no. I’ll just wait for you here. I’m still tired from the recent schedule, I’ll just refresh for a while. Yea, yeah, I’m in the artist cafeteria, there’s no one here yet.”

Mingyu paused in between, pretending he’s waiting for the other person in line to finish talking.

And then, making it natural, he ended his fake phone call with an “Alright. See you here soon.” And he leaned down on the big sofa and turned off his cellphone. 

Mingyu looked sideways at the decorative wall behind him. There weren’t any sounds anymore. 

They stopped talking.

Whatever that was about to happen that was seemingly against the boy’s will, Mingyu hoped he had interrupted it. 

“Let’s go.” He heard Producer Oh’s voice gently nudging the boy.

Nobody replied. The boy seemed tongue tied.

“Come on, let’s talk elsewhere —” Producer Oh said, but the boy still didn’t reply.

Despite his internal struggle, Mingyu gathered his courage and stood up.

He then peeked at the decorative wall behind him and, upon confirming Producer Oh with a young boy who was awkwardly seated beside the older man, Mingyu forced himself  to enter the area with a friendly smile on his lips and bowed a greeting.

“Producer Oh! Wow, it’s been awhile, sir. How are you?!” Mingyu greeted amiably.

He hoped it didn’t look too amiable. 

“Mingyu-ssi!” Producer Oh’s smile looked forced too, but he greeted back with a wave. “Yes, it’s been awhile. Why are you here?”

“Ah there was a sudden re-schedule of a photoshoot and after the schedule, my manager and I separated here! How about you, sir?”

“Actually, we had a meeting with your co-members regarding a project proposal I sent last time.” Producer Oh said.

‘What?’

“Ahh I didn’t know.” Mingyu replied, trying to sound casual. “Yah, I was told Scoups-hyung was resting at Daegu, on vacation.”

“Ah yes, he didn’t show up.” Producer Oh replied. “I talked to your marketing director and the representatives of the group were Dino-ssi and Seungkwan-ssi.”

‘What?’

“R-really?” Mingyu was a bit dumbfounded at that info— their hyung didn’t attend a meeting, and the maknaes represented him? It's usually Hoshi-hyung or Jeonghan-hyung who cover for Seungcheol-hyung too, not the maknaes. It was unusual, but he shrugged it off.

“I hope the meeting went well.” Mingyu smiled.

“Yes, yes. Although it seems like a no-deal to your group again.” Producer Oh shook his head.   “But Mingyu-ah, I hope you can help your team reconsider, once Dino-ssi and Seungkwan-ssi discuss it with you. The terms I added to that deal are worth it, I promise. Even Dino-nim can attest that it was a very good deal.”

Mingyu wore his friendly smile as he internally cursed: 'How dare you try to trap our maknae too...'

“We’ll discuss it thoroughly, Sir.” Mingyu simply replied… “I’m sure Seungcheol-hyung will—”

…Suddenly, the boy that was beside the producer raised his head towards Mingyu expectantly, as if his name had been called. 

Their eyes met and Mingyu felt like he was hit, because he saw a very, very familiar face…

…as if he had been dragged back to the time of his pre-debut. 

“--- w-will check the pros and cons of the project.” Mingyu continued, despite his mind being a mess. “Also, we had to check with the staff regarding our availability too.”

The producer simply sighed… and then he looked at Mingyu in a way that made Mingyu feel uncomfortable.

“You’ve grown quite wonderfully, Mingyu-ah.” Producer Oh joked. 

“Thank you.” Mingyu replied humbly. 

The producer stood up. “Oh well, my little friend here and I have to go now. Come, boy.” he gestured at the 13-year-old-looking boy to stand beside him.

The boy, whom Mingyu mentally tagged as  ‘WHAT THE HELL WHY DOES HE LOOK LIKE CHEOL-HYUNG’ , however, was frozen on his seat. His eyes were wide like saucers as he stared back at the producer… hands rigidly placed on his lap, gripping the edge of his shirt with the fabric of his denim pants. 

He’s uncomfortable.

He’s…

The boy looked scared of Mr. Oh. 

How could he help him get away from this producer?

“It’s alright, sir.” The boy suddenly replied calmly, despite the wide-eyed look. “I think I’m just going to give my brother a call again. I’ll.. I’ll find him first so I can go to class.. Or if it’s too late already, I’ll go home.”

The boy slowly stood up, and bowed respectfully at Producer Oh. “Thank you for the free meal.”

He was trying to diplomatically brush off the producer. Mingyu thought how mature the boy seemed for his age, despite his obvious naivety. 

Producer Oh’s expressions were a mix of fake smiles, irritation and disappointment.

He’s not very good at hiding his wretched real personality.

“I can help you find your brother with you.” Producer Oh tried again, making the boy freeze on his bow. 

And that was when Mingyu added. “Ah about that, I think I saw a man looking around in the front lobby on the first floor. He’s looking for his brother. That must be him?”

The boy’s eyes brightened. “REALLY?”

Mingyu nodded awkwardly. He was supposed to fool Producer Oh, but why was the boy suddenly so relieved? Wasn’t the ‘looking for my brother’ just an act to get away from the producer?

The bright expression on the boy’s face seemingly irritated Producer Oh more. He waved his hand dismissively and tapped Mingyu on the arm — “I’ll get going now.” 

Mingyu smiled politely, vaguely noting how the old man pressed on his biceps a second longer before walking out of the cafeteria. 

Seungcheol-hyung would have scoffed at his act. 

Seungcheol-hyung would have—

— There's a small Seungcheol-hyung here. 

Producer Oh was right... He reminds Mingyu of Scoups too. 

What the hell. 

“Hey.” Seungcheol-hyung’s young look-a-like suddenly approached him as soon as the producer was out of sight. He looked wary, as he raised his little head up to talk to Mingyu. 

“Did you really see my brother?”

Mingyu blinked. “Uh… no.”

The boy slowly nodded.. And then he gathered his hat and sighed heartbrokenly. "Why did you lie to me then?" 

"I…" Mingyu blinked. 

I did it to help you. 

The boy ... he's so... naive. So young.

Did he even know that he was being verbally abused a while ago?

"I need to go." The boy said in a rush, his eyes… his eyes awfully red, the way his Seungcheol-hyung's eyes look when he's trying his best not to cry. 

His accent. 

His… he's… 

Mingyu dropped all his sane logic and decided to listen to his instinct as he crouched down in front of the boy, eyes wide as he held the boy on the shoulders in front of him.

"Little boy," Mingyu started. "You said you're lost?"

"y-yes…" 

The young boy tensed, side-eyeing one of Mingyu’s hands on one of his shoulders. Mingyu immediately removed his hand. He may or may not fully understand what Producer Oh did to try to lure him... but whatever Producer Oh already tried to do to the boy just now, there was certainly an effect on him already.

Mingyu’s now glad he decided to take action.

"I work here. Can I help you?"

The boy looked up at Mingyu. "R-really?"

"I will try."

The young boy stared at Mingyu; but when he sounded very trustful earlier, now he's full on mistrust as he cautiously looked at Mingyu.

"I dunno w-where I am. I...I don't wanna go to class anymore. Can you give me a r-ride?"

"Where to?"

"— t-take me to the nearest taxi station? I-if you write your bank account number on my palm, I promise you, my dad or mom will pay." 

Yes, an innocent car ride. 

The boy handed him a pen and showed his right palm --- and Mingyu gasped out loud at the silver ring on the little finger of the boy. Although the ring looks bigger than his finger, it looks awkward… but it is, without a doubt, the SEVENTEEN Leader’s ring.

What the hell is happening???

"A-alright…" Mingyu said, staring at the boy. "Where do you live?"

"My address is…" and he proceeded to say a rather… familiar address.

…The boy is from Daegu too…

Kim Mingyu gulped nervously. "I'm Kim Mingyu. You can call me Mingyu-hyung. You are?"

The boy blinked, and then gasped. "I-I'm sorry that was so rude of me. I didn't even introduce myself to the uncle earlier!" 

He looked embarrassed at his lack of etiquette… the way his Hyung would look whenever he's upset with himself. 

"That's alright." Mingyu smiled patiently. "W-what's your name?"

With bright, intelligent young eyes shining, the boy answered confidently: 

"I'm Choi Seungcheol."

"What did you say to him, Kim Mingyu-ah?"

"I-I'm sorry... but I told him 'No.'"

"Good job, Mingyu."

"Hyung?"

"Did he touch you?"

"N-no. I... discretely ran away."

"You did well."

"...but hyung... the project... the team will--"

"And don't worry anymore.. Hyung will fix this." 

The hows, whats and whys were suddenly unimportant. How was he so young was not Mingyu's first concern. 

Mingyu's eyes only widened in shock... his shaking hands held the young boys' hands as the full blast of realization hit him on who he just saved.

"Cheol-Hyung?"

Chapter Text

Mingyu held the young boy's left hand as they stood by the carpark waiting area, for Dokyeom and Myungho's car to arrive. He had already explained the situation to them, that he's cancelling their vacation...

Myungho scolded him in the chat to stop speaking nonsense... And Mingyu dared to reply:

"pick us up and see it for yourself."

The boy --- or rather young Seungcheol-hyung --- was having a hard time finishing the sandwich Mingyu bought him, despite saying he's already hungry. 

Hungry... He didn't eat the food Producer Oh bought him... or was he being distrustful of Mingyu now?

Or is he on a diet?

He's not forcing himself on a diet, is he? 

He's just a kiddo right now, and he couldn't even seem to remember himself... he should forget too his dietary restrictions due to his current career. 

...but Mingyu wondered more in worry, not why he was young and why was he like this but...

...more on why was he with Producer Oh?

...

...

"You should finish your sandwich." Mingyu commented. 

Young Seungcheol looked up at Mingyu with those big brown eyes, and shook his head. "It's very meaty."

But you like meat. 

"Don't you like chicken?"

"...I-I do." He muttered. "I-I'm sorry... I just feel queasy..."

Mingyu nodded slowly... before suddenly crouching down in front of the boy to check him properly.

"Queasy? Do you feel okay?"

"...."

"Tell me if you feel like... l-like really nervous, or panicky, okay?"

"O-okay..?"

He looked clueless at what Mingyu meant.

He... probably didn't know his condition during this age? Makes sense, 'cause he was only diagnosed when he was a young adult... Or, he probably wasn't sick before too?

Anyway, it's better for Mingyu to make sure. 

"I mean..." Mingyu struggled to think, "I mean, if you feel like.. You know. Panicky. Hard to breathe, fast heartbeat, nervous, feeling dizzy... Something like that."

The confused crease on young Seungcheol's brow lessened, replaced by a sudden doe eyes. 

"I-I'm fine..." He muttered...and after a heart beat, it was followed by a small, "Thank you, hyung."

Mingyu nodded, but the dam full of his worry was still flowing. Listening at the cafeteria earlier, Mingyu thought he's probably more traumatized than the naive boy... 

"The uncle earlier... Was he kind to you?" Mingyu asked, straight forward. 

That seem to rattle the boy, blinking wide at Mingyu, before suddenly squeaking an unsure "Y-yes."

He doubts it. 

"Alright... That's good." Mingyu said. "How did you feel while talking with that uncle?"

"I..." their hyung stuttered... And Mingyu worried at the new expression he was wearing. 

The old core memory kept on repeating inside Mingyu's head. 

"I-I'm sorry... but I told him 'No.'"

"Good job, Mingyu."

"Hyung?"

"Did he touch you?"

"N-no. I... discretely ran away."

"You did well."

Mingyu gulped, before he dared ask the question... A question he didn't know would be too hard to ask. 

"D-Did he touch you?" 

Seungcheol looked at him again with apprehensive doe eyes. 

"Tell me." Mingyu encouraged. 

"Are you friends with him?" Seungcheol asked cautiously. 

It somehow broke Mingyu's heart how confident he sounded earlier when he first arrived at the cafeteria, versus how overly cautious he is now. 

Mingyu shook his head. "No, we are not friends. In fact, I don't like that uncle."

He saw Seungcheol's eyes stare back at him, as if those young eyes were scanning for a lie....

...and when he seemed satisfied the young boy nodded. "He... He pushed a finger inside my lips? And... Pressed my tongue?" Asked the kid, pointing at his mouth like he's very confused.

"H-he did that??"

"Uh-uh..." the young boy touched his lips. "I think he didn't like it when I talk... But his finger is close to the back of my tongue, I didn't like it."

How dare he do something so inappropriate to a kid?!

Mingyu felt the anger slowly re-ignite inside his gut for the 2nd time... but he tried to sound calm, because he didn't want to freak out his child hyung. 

"Alright. What else?"

His young leader confidently shook his head, like it's not a big deal.

"Nothing else. Because... because you arrived on the other side of the wall, talking loudly on your phone."

So... Mingyu was almost late?  

Mingyu paled. "........I-I see. It's g-good that I arrived on time."

"Why? Was it bad?" Young Seungcheol asked. 

Mingyu paused a bit, dumbfounded by how honest and clueless the question was... But he decided to animatedly nod his head. 

"It is, if his finger and hand was dirty." Mingyu tried to smile. "B-because, there will be some germs."

"Oh... but I think he washed his hands." Seungcheol muttered with sudden relief. "'Cause he was eating the bread and finger foods with his hand. He must have washed it, right?"

"Most likely." Mingyu nodded again. "Then, it's all good. Don't mind it anymore, okay?"

"Hmm okay, hyung." Seungcheol smiled a bit. "But then again, uncle could have just told me to stop talking first, you know. I would have listened. I hope he didn't find me rude..."

Suddenly, a familiar car stopped in front of the two of them. Mingyu felt Seungcheol's arm hold the edge of his jacket. 

"Here is our ride, and we have friends here."

"W-who are they?"

"They're good friends." Mingyu patted the boy's head. "As long as you're with me, you are safe. Okay?"

"Okay."

"And again... tell me if something is making you feel uncomfortable. Okay?"

"O-okay." Seungcheol squeaked. "Thanks, hyung..."

Mingyu stood up. He had been jokingly saying in the group that he wanted their eldest to call him hyung too....

...but not this way. 

Myungho and Dokyeom stared wildly as Mingyu opened the car's door to the passenger seat, and guided a young boy to the seat. Their boyish hyung stared at each of them one by one – looking at them like strangers —  hesitating…  

“Don’t worry, we are not bad guys.” Mingyu assured the anxious boy who was shaking like a leaf a bit. Mingyu isn't sure if it is because of the cold or anxiety, but Mingyu removed his jacket and covered the boy's small frame with it. 

“You have my ID, right?” Mingyu said. "I'm not a bad guy."

“Y-yes.” Seungcheol bit his lip for a moment; and then, he intelligently reached out beside his assigned car seat and buckled his seatbelt by himself, whispering ‘safety.’

"Mingyu-ah…" whispered Myungho, who was gaping at the boy from the driver's seat. Dokyeom couldn't stop himself but leaned towards his arm and pinched himself in the passenger seat. 

Mingyu couldn't blame them. He himself was in shock… 

"Are you sure he isn't just a young look-a-like?" Dokyeom asked in a whisper.

Mingyu sighed… and then turned to the boy with a soft smile. "Seungcheol-ah, can you show your left hand?"

The boy, who was a carbon copy of their leader, blinked… rather adorably. His Hyung looked so adorable that, if not for the awkward and confusing situation, Mingyu almost wanted to coo. 

Seungcheol raised his left hand cluelessly and tilted his head. "Like this, Hyung?"

"Yes."

The undeniably legit SEVENTEEN ring shone on his right pinky finger… although the jewelry looked too big already on his small finger. His pinky was unconsciously curled, pinching the big ring in place. Due to the small finger, there was enough space for the three of them to see the leader symbol engraved behind the silver band.

There’s only one ring like that in the entire country… and not even their fans could make that because their Seungcheol-hyung didn’t publish the existence of that leader's symbol in their new ring. 

Myungho and Dokyeom could only nod numbly, acknowledging that Mingyu was right.

"Alright, thank you." Mingyu nudged the boy's arm. 

"N-no, thank you for giving me a ride." Young Seungcheol-hyung answered politely. 

Mingyu nodded, although deep inside, he was in confused shock. He still didn't know if he should return the boy to his family…

"...hey, about that." Mingyu said. "I googled your address and we realized that Daegu is a bit far from here."

"What?" the young boy asked. “Is it far?”

"Y-yeah. Like very far from here." Myungho replied from the driver's seat. "but… we have a friend who is from Daegu. He said he will come over for a vacation, and you can return with him when he returns home."

Not a bad lie, Mingyu thought. 

But the young Seungcheol nervously held his hand and peeked out of the car windows.

"B-but… but aren't we in Daegu already? Our home is just a few roads and hi-ways away—" he paused when, as if on cue, he saw an advertisement truck drive by beside their car, with an address of the current location. 

The boy gasped.. His hand went towards his chest, eyes shaking… "Why.. am I so far away from home?"

Mingyu tapped the boy's back, trying to calm the boy down. "I-it's okay.. for the meantime, you can spend the night at our dorm, okay?"

“Your dorm?” Seungcheol’s boyish voice sounded unsure.

Well, he said yes to a penthouse visit earlier and that didn't go well, Mingyu couldn't blame him.  

“It’s.. it’s our home.” DK panickedly explained. “It’s really safe. With security guards. And you can spend the night there.”

“I…” Seungcheol looked weary that Mingyu almost said 'It's your home too.'

Fortunately, a loud vibrating sound echoed from the boy's pants pocket, interrupting Mingyu. Young Seungcheol flinched in surprise for the nth time today.. and he fished out his iPhone…

The 97L perfectly knew it's their leader's phone —- from the cherry phone case, to the little kkuma and Joshua's bracelet charm attached… to the SEVENTEEN wallpaper he stole online from a fan edit…

…except… except their Seungcheol-hyung doesn’t seem to know it’s his.

Their young boy confusedly look at the phone as if it’s a stranger phone that was placed on his pocket… and as the iPhone rang, Mingyu saw the caller ID: 

"Maknae Dino ❤️"

Seungcheol almost fearfully pressed the reject button, when Mingyu stopped him. 

"Who is it? Is it your brother?"

"N-no, Hyung." Seungcheol replied, shoving the phone back into his pants pockets. "It's… it’s just a weird ahjussi."

He called Dino an ahjussi. Mingyu, Myungho and Dokyeom would have laughed at that… except they couldn't. The situation was too ridiculous yet serious. 

"Can you trust me, a Hyung, to talk to a fellow Hyung for you?" Mingyu asked gently.

Seungcheol nodded immediately, looking… scared and confused as he looked at Mingyu; almost throwing the iPhone onto his lap. " Please hyung ."

His words sound like he deemed Mingyu could be trusted now at this rate. 

The moment Mingyu pressed the accept button of the call, he heard their maknae's desperate voice, making Mingyu uneasy. 

"HELLO?! CHEOL-HYUNG PLEASE!!!” their maknae’s voice cried. “H-HYUNG, SEUNGCHEOL-HYUNG, I'M DINO!”

“....” Mingyu’s emotions were all over the place… 

“Hyung, did you forget again? P-please remember!

PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHERE YOU ARE, SEUNGKWAN AND I ARE SO WORRIED!!"

In the background was Seungkwan's voice:

"I'm so sorry, you've become a child but we thought what happened yesterday wouldn't happen again. we shouldn'thaveleftyou—"

That’s right. Mingyu doesn’t know what was happening… but… they shouldn’t have left him. 

"Chan-ah." Mingyu replied calmly… yet his emotions have already evolved into this unexplainable white, blazing anger. 

"MINGYU-HYUNG?!!"

"I have him.” Mingyu said, side-hugging the small Seungcheol beside him, who was eyeing him worriedly.

 “Let's meet in the dorm. We have to talk."

It's been two hours since he's gone missing... Seungkwan and Dino were urging the security camera men to help them, when Seungcheol-hyung finally answered the phone again. Seungkwan tensed with teary eyes beside him as Dino desperately almost screamed at the phone's receiver:

"HELLO?! CHEOL-HYUNG PLEASE!!!”

No one replied.

“H-HYUNG, SEUNGCHEOL-HYUNG, I'M DINO!” 

NO ONE IS STILL TALKING. Dino wanted to rip himself inside out from worry... but he gotta try. 

"Hyung, did you forget again? P-please remember! PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHERE YOU ARE, SEUNGKWAN AND I ARE SO WORRIED!!"

Seungkwan's shaking voice tried to talk beside him too. "I'm so sorry, you've become a child but we thought what happened yesterday wouldn't happen again. we shouldn'thaveleftyou—"

"Chan-ah,"

Seungkwan and Dino looked at each other in surprise, hearing a familiar voice in the other line. 

"MINGYU-HYUNG?"

"I have him.

Let's meet in the dorm. We have to talk."

Dino's heart almost fell in relief as Mingyu confirmed that their Cheol-hyung was with him. He looked at his phone screen. It was definitely their Seungcheol-hyung’s number, but that was definitely Mingyu-hyung’s voice. 

"Yes hyung." Dino replied hurriedly. "Thank you for finding him."

"I'll see you in an hour."

"Okay."

There were a lot of questions, and yet, it wasn’t Dino’s priority. Right now, his priority was to go home IMMEDIATELY — to see with his own two eyes that their hyung was okay. 

Without calling their manager to drive them back to their dorm, Seungkwan and Dino hailed a taxi and rushed towards their dorm. 

“WHERE IS HE?!” Seungkwan said breathlessly as Vernon opened the door, revealing their 97L hyungs inside the spacious living area. 

“CHEOL-HYUNG?!” Dino haphazardly removed his shoes as he ran towards the living area; only to see the young boy cuddled on DK’s lap, sleeping soundly. 

“Shhh..” Myungho-hyung said from one of the sofas, his eyes looking clouded with worry. “Hyung is asleep.” 

DK-hyung was gently caressing the boy’s hair… their hyung looked like he was upset when he fell asleep. 

"Is hyung okay?" Seungkwan asked. 

"He wanted to go home to Daegu..." DK said worriedly. "He was asking why he was so far away from home... and it's hard to explain that he's already here at home. Vernonie gave him some warm milk so he could calm down... until he fell asleep on my lap while watching TV."

“Cheol-hyung…” Dino whispered, almost collapsing on the floor in front of his child hyung. He felt like he just experienced the most torturous two hours of his life. Looking for their missing hyung felt like a waking nightmare.

Behind him, Seungkwan who was still catching his breath almost sobbed in relief. 

He’s safe.

He’s goddamn safe. 

Dino wanted to cry… until Mingyu-hyung’s cold voice suddenly told DK, “Please bring Cheol-hyung to his room.”

There was a sudden shift of tension in the room, as Vernon soundlessly assisted DK in gathering their sleeping child-hyung, gathering the boy on Vernon’s back… and they went out of the living room. 

As soon as they were out of the room, Mingyu suddenly kicked one of the chairs beside him, and the poor furniture skidded loudly, until it hit the wall. 

Dino and Seungkwan flinched. 

“What the hell...” Mingyu muttered… his eyes blazing. “...is happening?”

Dino has never seen their gentle Mingyu get as angry as that. 

“Mingyu-hyung…” Seungkwan muttered in a small voice.”

They were about to answer that they didn't know how he turned young, but Mingyu-hyung seemed to be angry at something else.

“I don't know what is happening… but how… HOW COULD YOU LEAVE HIM ALONE?” Mingyu asked again, his face red in anger. “DID YOU KNOW WHERE I FOUND HIM?! WITH WHOM?!”

He heard Seungkwan gulp. “T-the… the receptionist said… he-he walked out with Producer Oh…”

Mingyu’s eyes directly blazed at Seungkwan and Dino, fists opening and closing tightly… and for a moment, Dino thought their usually gentle hyung would throw a punch. Dino was dreadfully reminded of what their Marketing Director said about Producer Oh.

…about Producer Oh making a move on young Seungcheol-hyung and… and young Mingyu-hyung .

He knows. 

Mingyu-hyung probably knows why Cheol-hyung was so angry at Dino too, when Dino admitted he went with Producer Oh. 

For him to be this angry………. Dino’s blood ran cold.

“Did… did he do anything to Cheol-hyung?” Dino asked Mingyu carefully… in a way that Mingyu would know that they know, without spilling the secret to Myungho-hyung who was in the same room as them.

Mingyu’s shoulders tensed, his angry eyes suddenly mixed with disgust… “He almost did, if I didn’t overhear them!”

Seungkwan and Dino gasped, while Myungho confusedly blinked.

“WHY DID YOU LEAVE HIM ALONE?” Mingyu asked. "HOW COULD YOU LEAVE HIM ALONE WITH THAT PRODUCER? WHY ARE YOU STILL IN CONTACT WITH HIM??? DON'T YOU LISTEN TO WHAT CHEOL-HYUNG SAID TO YOU??!"

Mingyu-hyung's anger was almost synonymous to Seungcheol-hyung's anger at Dino a few nights ago...

...but this time, Dino stared not with rebelliousness, but with full blast of horror and understanding. 

He was tongue tied. 

“We had no choice!” Seungkwan tried to defend. “He was still… he was still Cheol-hyung when we left him in the waiting room. He was supposed to tell us what to do in the meeting… but the manager said we couldn’t let him in! He had to wait in the waiting room—”

“What do you mean ‘he was still Cheol-hyung’ —”

“Wait, first thing first: What happened to him?” Myungho cut them off. “Why is hyung so small?”

“Since when did this happen?” Mingyu asked. “WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL US?!”

“A-and HOW?!” Myungho asked.

“WE DON’T KNOW!” Dino and Seungkwan both shouted in reply, exasperated. Dino feels like he’s becoming insane. 

“Before the meeting, he was still okay!” Dino explained. “He told us to tell him what will be discussed! We didn’t know it was Producer Oh at first too! But AFTER THE MEETING, he was gone in the reception area! When he answered my call, he SUDDENLY didn't know me anymore. He couldn’t REMEMBER me anymore... I… I-I DIDN’T KNOW W-WHAT TO DO, MINGYU-HYUNG!”

Dino couldn't help but to sound broken and lost at the last sentence.

Upon seeing the equally distressed maknae, Mingyu slowly seems to calm down.

Slowly, he sat down on the couch, stressed.

"Mingyu-hyung..."  Dino helplessly uttered. "Thank you so much for finding him...'cause we really didn't know what to do."

Mingyu shook his head. 

“I was in the right place, at the right time.” Mingyu said silently. “But I couldn’t help imagining what could have happened had I not been there…Hyung sounded so young, so naive… and the Producer said suggestive messages….

And… i think... he almost touched him…” 

“What?!” Myungho asked in horror.

“That Producer was even encouraging him to come to his penthouse with him.” Mingyu said numbly, seemingly forgetting that Producer Oh is a confidential topic he shouldn’t be discussing. 

“W-what did he say?” Myungho asked. 

“Said he likes youngsters… said he can ride him rough .” Mingyu’s eyes defeatedly looked at the direction of Seungcheol-hyung’s room.

“And…and hyung, in his naivety, said he can handle him, probably thinking the producer is just your regular bumpy car driver… I hesitated to interfere at first… but when I already did, I think he attempted something — because hyung was suddenly looking uncomfortable.”

Myungho gasped. "What?!"

Dino’s eyes widened. 

It was his turn to get angry. 

How could that old man… with such a young thirteen-year-old-looking child?

The chill, the disgust, and the wrath rolled into Dino’s chest all at once as he stood up from the floor — absent-mindly leaving the ongoing conversation — and rushed towards their hyung’s room. 

Is this the feeling of dread their Seungcheol-hyung felt too, when Mingyu-hyung first told him about that producer? Why he hurriedly requested for a company meeting at 3AM just like what their Marketing Director said?

And… is this how Seungcheol felt too when Dino first reported to him that he was in good terms with this producer? That they were invited in a program?

Was that why he was so angry at him that time? Because of this feeling of anger, dread… and immense worry … it feels like Dino’s gonna drown with it.

Dino hurriedly sat beside the bed, beside his asleep child hyung, his eyes inspecting every button out of place, if any—  his hands, his arms, his face — Dino needed to see for himself that his hyung was safe!

He saw nothing out of ordinary though– his hyunggie looked okay – but why was he asleep with such an anxious expression plastered on his young face?!

His strong Seungcheol-hyung was able to defend himself --- and even protect others --- against that Producer as a young adult; but as a child, he was completely and utterly defenseless…

…and they left him alone. 

They left him alone with a monster. He left him alone, defenseless…

Goddamn. 

Goddamn, me.  

“Dino-ah.” He felt a hand tapping his shoulders. When he looked back, it was Vernon.. It didn't register to Dino that Vernon is talking to him now. He just simply stared wildly at him...

"Dino, y-you're shaking." Vernon muttered. "C-calm down."

And then he felt the warm hug from DK-hyung who was hugging him, tapping his back. “Calm down, maknae-ah. He’s safe now.”

"But I..." Dino gripped his fist angrily, at himself.

"Seungcheol-hyung is safe now." DK assured. "Ssshh... calm down, maknae-ah."

“We left him alone…” Dino whispered brokenly to Vernon and DK, guiltily. “I was so worried, hyung… we left him alone, defenseless.”

DK hummed, and only then did he realize how hard was he indeed shaking.

The words he and Seungcheol exchanged that night due to moments of anger suddenly echoed inside Dino’s head:

“I wish you experience how a maknae of 13 hyungs feels! and see for himself how suffocating these all are for me."

Dino was suddenly reminded of his Cheol-hyung’s angry answer back, at Dino’s angry outburst, just a few nights before. 

“And I wish you feel the burden I feel! Find out how immensely worried your impulsiveness make me feel!”

Hyung… being forced to be this young. And Dino… now feeling the burden and worry for all the impulsiveness their young hyung has been unknowingly doing. 

Is it his fault?

Is it his fault why his Seungcheol-hyung was like this?

With shaking hands, Dino gently released himself from DK's hug and reached out to his asleep hyung’s small hands… whispering. 

“I’m sorry hyung.”

Chapter Text

When Seungcheol opened his eyes, he didn’t understand where he was — why was he in his bedroom, on his bed, with his dearest maknae hugging him tight?

Well… Dino really does like hugging pillows, toys or people when he’s sleeping… but shouldn’t he be outside the company waiting room, awaiting Dino and Seungkwan to come out of the meeting? 

His window curtains moved a bit, and a sliver of morning sunrise light hit his face, confusing him further. It shouldn’t be morning… 

It felt like there was a time gap… just like… yes, just like the last time when he suddenly woke up from  his bed too, a few hours after he knew he’d gone even younger from 17 to 13. 

Flabbergasted, Seungcheol raised his hand to cover his face from the sunlight… and his brown eyes sleepily stared at his hands. 

It doesn’t look like his. 

His arms were small, hands were awfully young… he’s… he’s a boy. 

Why is he still a boy? 

Suddenly, his maknae adjusted his hug on him — and since he’s suddenly larger than him, his smaller body frame was engulfed in his sleeping hug; and then his heart was touched when he murmured his name. 

This feels familiar... except Seungkwan was the one hugging him last time. 

“Cheol-hyung.” Dino sleepily breathed. 

“Y-yes?” Seungcheol whispered his reply— startled that it sounded so small and high-pitch, so unlike his deep adult voice. His larynx… his voice hasn’t changed yet; and when he touched his throat, there was no Adam's apple yet.  

How young is he exactly? This seems… younger than 13. 

Instead of replying, Dino hugged him tighter.. And sniffled… and that sniffle alerted Seungcheol. 

He’s crying?

He immediately dropped thinking about his own body and slowly tried to remove the hug and sit up against the bed frame, only to see his maknae asleep with dried tear tracks on his cheeks. 

Confused and worried, he tried to erase the tear tracks on Dino’s cheeks with his small fingers — why did he cry? Who made him cry? Who hurt his maknae??

'Shit... Did I make him cry?'

His thoughts were a whirlwind, anger reflected on his young eyes as he noticed movements on the side of his bedroom; and saw Mingyu standing there beside his window, closing the curtain properly to remove the sliver of sunlight that woke him up earlier. 

“H-hi…” Mingyu’s voice sounded strained and awkward, as he seemed to cautiously approach him – his smile forced into an unsure one. “Did that wake you up? A-are you okay now?”

“Gyu?” Seungcheol sleepily and confusedly asked. 

“Y-yes.” Mingyu nodded with relief. “Gyu, that's me. I'm glad you remember my name.”

Since when did Mingyu arrive? 

How long have they seen him like this?

He.. he didn't want to be seen looking like this...

Seungcheol suppressed the feeling of shame as his small hands crumpled the bed sheets... 

Soon he saw DK on his room’s door frame too, looking shocked. And Seungcheol was shocked again too...

Since when was DK here???

“What… how… I...” Seungcheol mumbled in rising anxiety, taking a good 10 seconds to recover what exactly he wanted to ask. “H-how... How did I get here?”

“Y-you cried a lot in DK-hyung's arms yesterday, until you fell asleep, do you remember?” DK, who looked just as cautious as Mingyu, replied. “I’m DK-hyung by the way.”

They sounded like they were talking to a child. Seungcheol frowned confusedly at them. 

His frown seems to alert Mingyu and DK too. Mingyu further explained cautiously, a good 1 meter away from him, 

“L-listen, we are going to drive you home, okay? We… We just want to make sure you get home to Daegu safely, but for the meantime, let us take care of you. We are not bad people, okay, Cheollie-ah?”

Seungcheol gaped at Mingyu – why was he here? How did he know? Didn’t the maknaes promise not to tell the members yet? And why was he talking like Seungcheol was gonna run away any time soon? 

Seungcheol frustratedly reached up his hand to his head, feeling so confused.

This… everything…

Everything feels so unreal. 

“What the hell are you talking about, Gyu-ah?” Seungcheol finally snapped, urging his bossy, leader tone to sound demanding despite his small, high-pitched boyish voice.

“And why is our maknae-ah here in my bed, crying?” 

He glared at them, eager to know the answers. It was DK’s and Mingyu’s turns to gape, as they asked in shock:

 “SEUNGCHEOL-HYUNG???” 

“WHAT?” Seungcheol asked exasperatedly. “Why are you—”

Suddenly, two more bodies collided towards Seungcheol, barreling him into bear hugs. 

“It was my decision.” 

Dino flinched awake at a young boy’s firm voice. Eyes heavy with sleep, Dino re-adjusted his hug on his pillow – melting at the small fingers that seemed to gently caress his hair. 

Dino was about to fall back asleep again when Mingyu-hyung’s exasperated tone suddenly replied:

“EVEN SO, YOU SHOULD HAVE TOLD US!”

“That’s right, it’s my fault.” Boyish voice shrugged at Mingyu. “So don’t blow off your steam at the maknaes! It’s all my fault.”

“THAT’S NOT THE POINT, SEUNGCHEOL-HYUNG!” Mingyu shouted. 

“Tone it down, Mingyu.” Seungcheol’s boss-mode tone warned… and even with the boyish voice, it held untold authority this time. “You’ll wake up Dino-ah.” 

He's back. 

Slowly, Dino opened his eyes – blinking tears instead of sleep — as he slowly sat up awake from his pillow. Seungcheol's young eyes worriedly looked at him. 

Seungcheol was sitting on the bed beside Dino’s pillow, a pillow by the head board behind him.

Dino seemed to have fallen asleep beside Seungcheol last night, as he apologized profusely… and Cheol, upon waking up, only sat up and didn't move at all to give Dino more time to sleep.

His hyung's small hands were on his hair too, and Dino was reminded of the small fingers that were massaging his scalp a few moments ago. 

Hyung is back.

Deep inside, he hoped that Seungcheol-hyung was already back to his 28-year-old self… but the 13-year-old looking leader was the one in front of him.

He’s still not back to normal… 

This time though, he wasn't greeted by a Seungcheol who doesn't know him. Instead, his hyung and leader looked like he's filled with worry for Dino, his eyes looking worried at Dino's red teary eyes 

"Maknae-ah." Seungcheol's young voice muttered softly, brows knitted in worry. 

Maknae.

Maknae. 

Oh, the utterance of the word gave Dino a sense of comfort and protection…of peace and security… the unsaid assurance that everything will be okay because hyung is here. 

Dino only got more teary-eyed at the word.

"A-are you alright?" Seungcheol flustered when he didn't reply at once. "Did you cry— I'm really sorry. I heard from Mingyu and Seungkwan, I don't know what happened—"

“Hyung.” Dino responded gently. “Hyung, are you okay now?”

Seungcheol sighed as he stopped caressing his maknae’s hair and looked down at Dino. “I’m okay. I’m so sorry for worrying you—”

“Don’t apologize!’ Dino shook his head, as he held the young boy’s hand.“Seungcheol-hyung, don’t apologize. I should have kept you safe.”  Dino said, voice filled with regret. 

Seungcheol shook his head too. "No, I should have been more careful. I shouldn't have made you and Seungkwan worry. It wasn't what we planned.. I truly didn't know how that happened."

Seungcheol's small arms attempted to hug Dino, but his small body was only engulfed when the maknae hugged him back.

Mingyu, who was standing in front of the bed across the room, could only sigh. 

"...I'm sorry too.. for lashing out, Dino. I… I didn't know the entire story but I was so mad so I…"

Mingyu wasn't at fault either, Dino noted. Still, wanting to make the atmosphere lighter, Dino rubbed his red-rimmed eyes and jokingly scoffed at Mingyu:

"Yea, Mingyu-hyung. You kicked a chair, that was so evil of you." He half-heartedly teased. 

Beneath his embrace, he heard a half-hearted chuckle from his young Cheol hyung, while Mingyu scratched his head shyly. 

"Let's have some breakfast." Seungkwan, who seemed to be listening in by the door, suddenly announced. "Myungho-hyung and Nonie set the table already. Also... we have some guests..."

"Guests?"

"Jun-hyung and Wonwoo-hyung just arrived---"

"WHAT?" Seungcheol rushed up from the bed in horror. "Why?"

More members are here?!

“C-CHEOL HYUNG?" 

It was Jun’s voice who shattered the peace and quiet of the supposedly uneventful breakfast they should be having.

His voice was followed by the sound of the door closing, and as Dino looked towards the voice, he saw Wonwoo behind their tall Chinese member.

Wonwoo's eyes behind his glasses were filled with worry. 

“J-junhui…Wonu...” Seungcheol gaped wide-eyed as he saw that 2 of the 96-liners had arrived in the dorm, and then suddenly flashing an anxious stare towards Dino. 

Dino got reminded of what Cheol told them few days ago..

“Even so.” Seungcheol gripped his hands. “This… this image. This look of mine — I feel vulnerable enough to show myself to the three of you… I don’t know if I can take it more if I show myself like this to more people... Please don't tell this to anyone.”

“Hyung. Please reconsider…”

“Three days... Give me three more days and if I don’t return to normal… w-we will let the other members know… a-and seek medical help… if needed……..”

Dino shook his head, “Hyung, I promise, I didn’t call them—”

“It was me.” Mingyu declared at once as he finished putting the hot soup on individual bowls at the pantry table. “I messaged all the members… about your situation, hyung.”

Vernon suddenly stood up. “Mingyu-hyung, we have an agreement to give him three more days before telling the members —”

“Three more days?” Myungho whispered in disbelief, looking at the maknaes. “Why are you willing to risk more days with hyung’s condition?!”

“---you don’t understand!” Seungkwan said, backing Vernon. 

“What I don’t understand is WHY would you keep us out of this.” It was Wonwoo's deep voice now, walking towards their table. “What else are you prioritizing aside from Coups-hyung?”

Wonwoo-hyung rarely gets mad; he rarely speaks actually... but seeing how his eyes stare with silent accusation at Seungkwan, Dino fisted his hands. 

"IT WAS COUPS-HYUNG'S WISH!" Dino exclaimed. 

They don’t understand. They didn’t see Seungcheol-hyung’s expression two days ago… 

"W-we are just following what Hyung wished." Dino explained. "Especially since this is hard for him, we have to decide based on what Cheol-hyung feels about the situation..."

"S-sorry to Cheol-hyung..." Dokyeom's small voice interrupted. "I-I know it's hard but, given the circumstances... how sure are we that Cheol-hyung's decisions are the best one for him right now?"

"He's our leader!" Dino exclaimed. "Who else should we follow except for him?!"

Instead of the usual hums of agreements, however... silence followed inside the room. Dino gave a frustrated look towards his hyungs at the lack of the usual agreement! 

... Dino felt frustrated for Cheol-hyung

... the words imply as if Cheol-hyung cannot decide for himself anymore

... how dare DK-hyung?!

... What now?

Are they gonna throw Cheol-hyung now that he isn't as useful as he was before???!

Dino's eyes glistened in anger. "HYUNGS!---"

But instead of answering his angry yell, Dino heard DK's shaking voice say, as if fighting a sob.

"I'm sorry, Cheol-hyung... but based on how we saw him yesterday, he's... he's too unaware. It might not be... a-a good idea... to follow what he thinks is best this time."

"SEOKMIN-HYUNG!" Dino exclaimed. 

"Will you please stop fighting about me as if I’m not here?” 

Seungcheol-hyung's eerily calm voice suddenly echoed above all the arguments... and although it was a voice of a young boy, everyone shut up and automatically listened.

"or now that I am smaller, you think I will be more tolerant of you fighting in front of me?"

The 13-year-old boy stared authoritatively at the fully grown adults around him.

It spurred everyone to freeze… but the tension remained. 

Seungcheol regarded them silently with his unfamiliar young boyish eyes that has that familiar sharp, knowing look...

He's scary, leader mode turned on. Everyone froze...

“S-sorry hyung…”  they grumbled one by one. 

Dino thought their young leader-nim was going to scold them further...

...but as sudden as his scary vibe appeared, it also suddenly receded... 

Instead, he gestured at them adults, pointing at the empty chairs in the dining table. 

“well... shall we eat the breakfast Myungho and Nonie-ah prepared first?" He asked, his voice suddenly... softer. 

What?

"Sit down." Their hyung ordered without waiting for their reply. "I'm hungry, let's discuss while eating." 

Cheol-hyung gave them a small, boyish smile that did not reach his eyes...

...and Dino's chest wanted to rip out, knowing that their leader only smile like that when he's struggling to hide his despair. 

Chapter Text

"Will you please stop fighting about me as if I’m not here?” 

Seungcheol said without thinking. 

"or now that I am smaller, you think I will be more tolerant of you fighting in front of me?"

Seungcheol's eerily calm voice echoed above all the arguments... and although it was a voice of a young boy, although he half expected that now that he's a kid, everyone will just dismiss him...

...everyone shut up and automatically listened instead.

The 13-year-old boy glared at the fully grown adults around him. It spurred everyone to freeze… but the tension remained. 

“S-sorry hyung…”  they grumbled one by one... and he's half surprised at their reaction.

Ashamed, he also appreciated it.

His kids. 

Members he swore to protect more than himself. 

They still listen to him... Even when he's like this. 

Swirling... C ontrasting emotions filled his chest. 

Their eyes looked at him and he could immediately see that they thought he would further scold them...

...but what right does he have to do so when he's the reason for their fighting?

So Seungcheol instead gestured at the adults, pointing at the empty chairs in the dining table. 

“Shall we eat the breakfast Myungho and Nonie-ah prepared first?"

Seungcheol said, trying to sound enthusiastic, despite internally dying inside. Around him, he could see his older dongsaengs gape their mouths at him... but, what else could they do right now, except to eat?

...and what else could Seungcheol do now, except to accept his fate?

It's so hard.

It's so hard to fight something so mysterious.. something so mystical. 

Now, he's not only the one affected. His precious members are being affected now too... 

"Sit down."

Numbly, like how he always did whenever feeling overwhelmed as a leader, Cheol gave them a small, numb smile. 

"I'm hungry. Let's discuss it while eating." 

...

...

Seungcheol silently walked towards their breakfast and sat at the head of the table. The height of the chair and the distance of the plates to him was awkward --- and the pairs of eyes that looked at him awkwardly, it felt so shameful , he felt like he wanted to die on the spot--- but he silently adjusted himself.

Slowly, his boys followed him to the dining area... 

"Jun-ah, Wonu-ah – take your chopsticks and eat first." Seungcheol calmly instructed as he started chewing his food. "You must have been tired rushing to come back from your vacation.”

He knows after all that Wonwoo and Jun decided to be travel buddies this Chuseok, to hike a mountain from Gyeongsang province.  Cheol has their schedules memorized...

"Y-yes, hyung..." Jun and Wonwoo whispered... their eyes bore worried looks at Seungcheol's new shocking physical look... and Cheol tried his best to ignore it. He silently reached out to get a piece of the served tonkatsu and his bowl of hot rice while his two 96-liner members reluctantly left their bags in the living room and sat on the table… 

The first five minutes of the breakfast with the nine of them were filled with tension.

With the youngest and smallest boy Seungcheol leading the silence in the middle of the dining table, everyone was holding their arguments. Seungcheol sighed again… and as he raised his eyes from the food he barely touched, everyone at the table was alerted. 

“Alright…” Seungcheol said as if he’s talking to children… Even though he was the one who’s physically like a child right now. “Slowly, like how we do open-forums… calmly discuss one by one your concerns and grievances. It’s... it's all my fault anyway.”

“WHAT?” His beloved Myungho suddenly exclaimed. “NO, HYUNG, it wasn’t your fault! We just… we just can’t believe Dino, Seungkwan and Vernon would keep such a big problem involving you – if not for Mingyu seeing you in the cafeteria, we wouldn’t even know what happened to you —”

“EXACTLY!” Jun stood up, his eyes full of emotions. “If MINGYU didn’t chat the team group chat, we would be on vacation, stupidly having fun while you’re suffering here —” 

“BUT MINGYU-HYUNG SHOULDN’T HAVE ANNOUNCED IT WITHOUT CHEOL- HYUNG’S CONSENT FIRST!” Vernon’s voice suddenly boomed, shocking everyone because he rarely raises his voice up. 

“AND WHY WOULDN’T I?” Mingyu angrily confronted Vernon, his eyes blazing against Seungkwan and Dino across the table again. “SO YOU COULD LEAVE HYUNG ALONE? YOU COULDN’T EVEN PROTECT HIM, HE WAS ALMOST TAKEN BY PRODUCER OH!”

Dino and Seungkwan looked small, unable to reply against that accusation; while Seungcheol gaped at the new information from Mingyu’s mouth…

He didn't know he was almost taken by that pervert producer Mr. Oh.

...and suddenly, something clicked.

DK's words.

Mingyu's anger.

Seungcheol's hands suddenly shook— making him let go of the chopstick he was holding —  as if his body re-lived some sort of nervous experience he doesn’t remember… and suddenly, Mingyu’s anger when he is usually gentle, and DK's words when he usually is timid, makes so much sense. 

This time though.. Seungcheol did not referee the ongoing fight.

He only listened as he drank from the glass of milk Mingyu prepared for him, with his two hands… 

Words they don't mean were thrown away.. 

…like how stupid the maknaes are.

…how insensitive the hyungs are when they do not know the entire story yet. 

…how the meeting went with Producer Oh. 

…how Seungcheol suddenly went missing. 

…how Producer Oh tried to harass young Seungcheol. 

…how Mingyu accidentally saved him. 

…and finally, how he acted when he was in this “younger mode” of himself… that he never knew. 

Listening to the boys, even Seungcheol could tell how naive he acted, how clueless he was. 

He could have been manipulated. 

Worst, he could have been abused and hurt... 

It sounds like ... I literally became a kid..?

Seungcheol numbly listened as he robotically chewed his donkatsu… unable to taste anything, his head confused on what to do, his heart secretly pounding loud in his ears, honestly.

Silently reviewing the situation in his head in — he grimly deduced the following:

• First, that the maknaes got angry at Mingyu, because Mingyu admitted he told the other members about his situation without his consent. The maknaes saw how desperately Seungcheol pleaded to keep it away from the members after all...
• Secondly, that Mingyu, together with the rest of the “hyungs”, were angry to the maknaes that they didn’t tell them the situation about Seungcheol earlier… not understanding that it was Seungcheol's request not to do so.
• And Thirdly, and probably, most hurtfully --- that DK and the 97-liners proposed Seungcheol is currently not in his right mind to lead them properly... that his request not to tell anyone was unwise... 

The third one --- well, his maknae got angry for him, and that would probably have been Seungcheol's initial reaction too --- except...

...except he could see in Dokyeom's eyes how it shattered him when he opened up that thought. His gentle, sunshine-like dongsaeng dared to say something so disrespectful... yet factual. 

...how sure are we that Cheol-hyung's decisions are the best one for him?"

How sure are they indeed?

Yes, those words were absolutely, without a doubt, factual.

Dokyeom's words especially hurt because they were true...

What the members don't realize was that... what happened was not just dangerous for him, but for Mingyu and the maknaes as well... So many alternative endings could have happened. 

Dino and Seungkwan could have been harmed too, looking for him, knowing dangerous information in panic. Producer Oh could have fooled them to do something if they saw him first instead of Gyu. 

Thank God it was Mingyu who found him instead, but...

...Mingyu could have been re-tangled again with Producer Oh too. After all of Seungcheol's years of hard work to sever ties and protect Mingyu... 

no. With the way Mingyu was acting right now, Seungcheol deduced that Mingyu probably already forced to subject himself to uncomfortable memories just to save him. 

...and Seungcheol, on his naivety, exposed them on such danger. 

Dokyeom was right.

He's currently unfit to protect them. 

Worst: He's... unable to tell when would he forget he's Seungcheol of SEVENTEEN again, and everyone except Dino agreed. 

Dino though... Oh, Dino.

Dino was stubborn at protecting Seungcheol's feelings.

His precious one and only maknae has always been their positive sliver of light in their path. Whenever there are hard bumps along the group's way, he'll always be there to remind all of them older ones that there are other perspectives in a problem...

His long, motivational texts in their group chats --- despite being teased by them --- are actually one of the things Seungcheol appreciate the most about Dino. 

Dino always never gives up. Just like now.

Yes, just like now.

Dino isn't giving up on him being the leader, despite his current situation; and Seungcheol appreciates it --- except this time, he also knows he needs to be more pragmatic with his decisions for the group, casting his feeble feelings aside.

After all, no matter what angle Seungcheol looks at it... the chaos that was making his members fight was his fault, all his fault. 

“It’s really my fault." Seungcheol muttered again, more dejectedly as he finished his hot milk, tossing the glass to the side of the table as if it’s a can of beer. "I’m making you fight...” 

“NO HYUNG!”

Seungcheol raised his right hand, gesturing everyone to listen to him — and everyone immediately went silent again, all eyes on him. Somehow, Seungcheol’s chest warmed knowing that despite his physical appearance, the boys were still looking up at him with respect. 

Mingyu was right though.

He shouldn’t have decided to keep his current situation from the members… as well as other sensitive information.

Despite the level of confidentiality, he should have trusted the kids. 

But he didn't.

This is why they're currently having a fight.

This is my fault.

“Mingyu.” Seungcheol said, leaning on the chair’s armrest.

"Y-yes hyung..."

“Thank you for saving me. Moving forward, please fully discuss how dangerous Producer Oh is to the members. That was a bad decision from me, resulting in this mess of misunderstandings. I even scolded Dino without explaining the dangers clearly...” 

“Hyung…” 

“Dino-ah.” Seungcheol smiled at his maknae. “I’m sorry for instructing you to keep my situation a secret to everyone at first… I was so confused. And, I’m sorry for treating you like a naive child, scolding you harshly last time without explaining anything —”

“No, hyung, it was my —”

“It was my fault. I listened too much to the company’s instructions.” Seungcheol cut him off. He wouldn’t allow his maknae to take responsibility for his poor decisions. “I… should have been open to all of you, like what Jeonghan often advise me. I’m sorry.” 

His apology made all the members in front of him startled, forgetting all their apprehensions and frustration against each other momentarily.

After a brief silence of reflection, Seungcheol continued.

“Can someone... further explain to the rest of the members that are not here yet what happened to me? And then... we’ll have a group meeting — because I think we will be having more problems if I don’t go back to normal soon.

"As you can see... I don’t really know what happened to me — what is this mystery. How did I become like this, why am I getting younger — all of us have no idea.

"But... I have another selfish request… for now, can we hide this fact about me, and reveal it among the members only. I’m… I’m scared what will happen to me if the public suddenly learns about this.”

“...that… makes sense.” Wonwoo's voice unsurely said. 

"But that decision... will be based on the situation, hyung." DK muttered worriedly.

"Let us decide for you, hyung..."Mingyu asserted.

"Let us protect you." Wonwoo muttered. 

"Yes, of course." Seungcheol replied with a small sincere smile. "I have no doubt you will protect me, guys. But for now... j-just give me time to prepare everything by myself first, while I am still me..."

...while I am still SEVENTEEN's Choi Seungcheol.

“The end of our holidays is in two days.” Jun muttered. "After that, we will go back to our busy schedules as idols. What… will happen to you? To us? I-is it alright to know what are you planning to prepare, hyung?”

Jun's question was valid...but .. 

Seungcheol anxiously looked down. “I’m thinking that... I'll need to write an absence of leave to the company… for an indefinite time period."

"A hiatus?" Seungkwan's shocked voice said. "But hyung... your schedules are already set..."

"They're probably gonna be mad for me not showing up to the schedules… breach of contract… But ... what else can they do to me?” 

“Where will you hide, hyung?” asked Vernon, and he heard the worry in his voice.

“Not my parents’ home, they might get a heart attack when they see me.” Seungcheol smiled numbly. “I’ll… I'll probably stay at my older brother’s apartment in Gangnam. Seungmin-hyung’s heart can probably take my appearance. I’ll text him later…” 

“Hyunggie…” Seungkwan muttered. 

“Also… Dino must be right…” Seungcheol added. “I’m probably mentally de-aging too."

This time, all his dongsaeng's eyes widened a fraction. 

They are all scared... 

...the anxiety of the unknown...

It's getting harder to breathe, but Seungcheol pushed through his small speech.

"Honestly, I don’t remember anything of what you all just said now. All I remember is, after feeling sleepy, I woke up with a big gap in my memory, but I am feeling all freshen up. As if… maybe as if... I was in a restful coma?”

That made all pairs of eyes direct at him with an anxious and fearful look. But this time, instead of panicking, Seungcheol’s mind and heart were numb.

If this is really his new reality… he has to do something. 

“In this case… we do not know when it will happen again.” Seungcheol said bluntly… feeling empty inside. “So I have to hurry and need to do something to ensure whatever that’s happening to me wouldn’t affect the group. I don't want you all to be arguing about me again after all. So... I can be on hiatus... but before I go, I have to talk to Woozi and Hoshi.. And Jeonghan and Shua... To transfer my position.” 

The two sub-leaders, and the two oldest after him. He has to tell them the group’s direction, the discussed two-year plan with the management --- marketing-wise, music-wise, performance-wise, contract-wise, security-wise, artist management-wise --- everything, all the things he knows should and should not be agreed upon with the management… the confidential know-hows...

...all the General Leader position know-hows… 

...he needs to transfer them all. 

Maybe he should write it all down on a lockable notebook...

“We don’t want it.” Dino said with his small, rough voice… “We want to be complete with you, hyung. Y-you promised — ”

“SEVENTEEN is twelve for now, Dino-ah.” Seungcheol said… “This isn’t really something we can control after all. Dokyeom is right. I’m.. I’m not fit to lead right now. Just… just please, all of you, don’t fight because of me. We all have no idea what is happening after all. We are all in the same page.”

DK made a broken-hearted noise while a collective “hyung” echoed among the boys as they anxiously responded at the 13-year-old child in front of him.

Never in Choi Seungcheol’s imagination would he ever step down as leader to these rowdy boys that he loves and cherishes more than his own life.

But…  

…He has to do this.

He needs to step back for a while to figure out what is happening to him. 

Right?

Suddenly, there was a bigger hand reaching out to his smaller fists… gently unwrapping his small fingers from the tight force of his fist. He didn't notice he has fisted his hands that hard... When he looked up, he realized the gentle hand belonged to his maknae, who looked much bigger than him now that he’s standing on his side. 

"Don't hurt yourself , hyung. Don't get too nervous." Dino muttered, unclenching his fists. "As you always say, I-it's gonna be alright. Okay?"

Looking up unto his Dino's supportive gaze, Seungcheol's fears ebbed a bit as he felt how dependable his maknae has become. "T-thank you..."

He smiled a bit... 

"Please tell Woozi, Hoshi, Joshua and Jeonghan to hurry home. We need to have a meeting... before it's too late." 

"Yes, hyung."

Chapter Text

Wonwoo nervously watched their silent  13-year-old leader, who was busying himself cleaning his room. 

His small frame was almost swallowed by the entire duvet, but he was insistent that he doesn't need help. He was moving a lot on the bed frame, when he suddenly paused and stared at his window... A sudden faraway look at his face. 

His hyung --- the one who has always been with him, the one who has always advised Wonwoo on what to do whenever he’s in a difficult situation, and the one who has tirelessly consoled him during one of his most difficult moments --- is a 13-year old boy right now.

He looked younger..

Too young… way younger than they were just young trainees in Pledis’ old green basement. 

Wonwoo swore before that one day, he would be able to repay his hyung from all the support his hyung provided to him during his darkest days… but, how could he do that this time? 

Are fully grown men suddenly de-aging into children even possible???

What kind of support could he possibly give?

What kind of support is even effective??

Wonwoo tried to scour the internet all night, ignoring sleep, trying to research anything — anything —- that could help them figure out what is happening to their hyung. He researched scientific articles, researches, websites, institutions — but found nothing that could help. 

All he saw were the fables, children’s stories, that discuss sudden youth — but those were just stories. Or is this plot of their life right now suddenly connected to those? Are they just characters on some web novel being written casually by some anonymous internet writer because she’s so anxious in life she wants distractions?

Wonwoo ran his hands frustratedly through his hair. He’s been doing that several times now, since morning. 

He’s so frustrated. 

It is so frustrating...

Suddenly, Seungkwan approached him anxiously. “Wonu-hyung?”

“Y-yea?”

“Wonu-hyung,” Seungkwan pointed at their child Seungcheol-hyung, who had paused from fixing his bed… still staring at the window with his dazed look. 

Wonwoo got worried. “What’s wrong?” 

“He’s… paused again.” Vernon said. He must have been observing their hyung all day. “I’m afraid he’ll mentally de-age again. He’s always like that when he’s about to…”

"You think he's gonna mentally revert again?" Seungkwan asked.

"Alert Mingyu-hyung and the rest of our members." Dino sighed, looking defeated. 

Wonwoo’s eyes widened… holding his breath.

Mentally de-aged Seungcheol --- Wonwoo had never seen that before, but apparently, members who had overheard them suddenly moved equally anxious… 

The maknae line has seen it, the 97 liners have seen it too. Wonwoo and Jun--- they have no idea what it was like...

But based on the latters' reactions, it must be bad.  

Wonwoo imagined it… to be like maybe having a dementia patient? Memories and functioning forgotten and all? 

His hyung is gonna be like that??? 

No. 

DK slowly walked from behind Wonwoo and carefully approached their seemingly daydreaming hyung by the window.

“C-cheol-hyunggie?”

Silence. 

"H-hyung..." DK's whisper sounded almost brokenheartedly. "Please, hyung..."

To everyone's relief, their young Seungcheol  hyung turned his head to DK and responded normally:

"When are Hoshi, Woozi, Shua and Hannie gonna arrive? Any news yet?”

Wonwoo released the breath he was holding, feeling relieved. 

He’s still Choi Seungcheol.

“Hyung said in the group chat that Hoshi and Woozi-hyung are probably gonna arrive tomorrow evening, because there’s no earlier schedule available for flight booking from Japan.” Seungkwan replied as he approached Seungcheollie, unconsciously touching Seungcheol's stray hair away from his eyes. 

“And then for Shua and Jeonghan-hyung, they will arrive a day after the Chuseok holiday because they’re scheduled to immediately film their guesting schedule overseas at Dubai tomorrow…”

"That long?" Seungcheol hyung asked, worry plastered all over his face. 

"Y-yes, unfortunately..." Dino muttered. 

“I see…” their young hyung muttered as he returned to folding and fixing his bedsheets and pillows. "They're gonna be late."

"You... don't really have to hurry, hyung." Mingyu supplied. "Why are you in a hurry?"

Seungcheol only looked down, and then answered the question with another question. 

“What... did they say? About my situation?” their hyung sounded depressed this time, Wonwoo’s heart couldn't take it. 

“Hoshi-hyung and Woozi-hyung… they're very worried.” Mingyu muttered. "Woozi-hyung kept asking us questions... but... I can't really answer. I think... I think I now know what the maknaes felt when I kept questioning them the first time I saw you, hyung."

"Hmp." Seungkwan scoffed silently.

“Ah…" Seungcheol nodded... "What about Shua and Han?”

“Umm…” DK unsurely hummed. “...Actually.... Jeonghan-hyung and Joshua-hyung thought we’re pranking them.” 

At that, Seungcheol suddenly chuckled. 

“I see..” Their Seungcheol-hyung finally faced them, and Wonwoo saw how he seemed surprised that the members in the dorm were suddenly around him …

“H-hey, is something wrong?”

“N-no hyung.” Wonwoo tried to answer casually. “We’re just looking at how amazing you are at fixing your bed.”

“Is that supposed to be sarcastic?” the 13 year old deadpanned, seeing that there was no progress in fixing his bedsheets. 

“No, I mean…” There's no way they're gonna admit they circled around him in worry because he seemed to be on the verge of "de-aging"... or probably they're just being paranoid.

“Hyung,” Dino called out in a teasing tone, saving Wonwoo from explaining. “You rarely fix your bed on your own so what you’re doing right now is a miracle worth seeing—”

“Shut up~” Seungcheol suddenly whined with a small smile as he threw a pillow towards their maknae’s face. 

Everyone chuckled, temporarily lifting the heavy atmosphere in the dorms. 

Even Wonwoo had to smile despite the anxiety of what will happen next to them, assuring himself that he’s still Choi Seungcheol. 

Please remain as our strong, dependable leader Choi Seungcheol.

“I’m fine.”

Dino kept on hearing his young hyung say all day.

He went to the kitchen to eat their breakfast, and as  DK and Myungho fussed over him in worry, he kept on saying “I’m fine”. 

Mingyu keeps on asking questions that seem to be just variations of:

“Hyung, are you not feeling well?” 

“Are you okay?”

“Do you need help?”

“Is there something we can do to help?”

"How do you feel?"

“I’m fine.” Seungcheol would always say… with that small smile.

Even on the smallest things, like when his hyung obviously just wanted to help putting the dishes to the sink afterwards, the members would say “No, hyung. Go and rest.”

“But, I’m fine.” Seungcheol replied curtly. 

“Even so!” DK nudged, his eyes looking at their hyung with pity. 

Dino could only sigh. 

“Let’s go and rest.” Jun touched his young hyung’s hair with gentle caress, looking worried. 

“O-okay.” Dino could see Seungcheol’s small frustrated nod as he followed Jun to the living room. 

As everyone gathered, soon the questions would get bombarded in the air every once in a while:

"Do you know us?"

“Do you still remember us?” 

“Are you feeling alright?”

“No headaches?”

“Do you feel suddenly sleepy?”

“Hyung, who am I?”

Seungcheol gave them a small, forced smile as if an attempt to reassure the members present… but his arms slowly, and secretly, reached out on Dino’s arm from behind the cushion pillows; and based on how tight the hold was and the intensifying breath of the 13-year-old child beside him, Dino decided to just pull Seungcheol and cover him in his arms. 

They were doting on him… being overprotective, being extra paranoid... and Dino could see his young Seungcheol-hyung's discomfort; so Dino wanted to help. Among all the 12, Dino perfectly knows how that feels after all.

“HE’S FINE!” Dino almost half-yelled to his fellow members, covering his hyung who was getting more anxious by the minute. “HE SAID HE’S FINE, NOW STOP ASKING!”

He was met with a light head smack from Seungkwan. “Stop being disrespectful. You didn’t have to shout."

Dino scratched his forehead. “Sorry…”

He lost his temper there again… but whatever the members are doing is not helping their hyung at all. 

Suddenly, Myungho and Jun were rushing inside the apartment. 

“Hide Cheol-hyung! Senior manager is here!” Jun suddenly said, followed by heavy footsteps of someone walking angrily inside the SEVENTEEN dorm. 

“Hyung.” Dino gently pulled the young Seungcheol  from the sofa, to the latter’s wonder. “Let’s go to my room and hide, hyung. Just as they closed the door to Dino's room, they heard their uninvited visitor asking:

“Where is Choi Seungcheol?”

“Where is Choi Seungcheol?”

Seungcheol heard the question… and his stomach twisted as he was unable to show himself right now. Not in his current state and appearance. Dino was back hugging him as they both listened through the closed door. 

“We don’t know too, hyung.” Was Mingyu’s answer. “He didn’t text you or anything?”

“That’s the problem!” Their Senior Manager said, exasperated. “We haven’t heard from him since the start of the Chuseok week and then…we received THIS email . A formal request for an indefinite hiatus???  AFTER BEING UNABLE TO REACH FOR DAYS??! We have to talk to him, where is he?”

“We would love to know too, hyung.” Seungkwan replied.. Lying through his teeth. “But we haven’t heard from him either.”

“This…is quite worrying!” The manager exclaimed. “He must have been going through something, because this is not like him! But whatever it is, HE SHOULDN'T BE THIS UNPROFESSIONAL!”

Seungcheol winced.

That hurt. 

Never in his life did he think he would be called unprofessional. He promised himself that he would never be like that when he entered this industry… and yet, now… 

“He has a solo photoshoot in a magazine three days from now! The contract with the brand has already been signed! He can’t just file a sudden leave of absence on his own! Did he forget how expensive penalties are for breach of contract?!”

He knows...

Ugh... Maybe Pledis can automatically cut it for his next month's royalty pay? Should he send an email that he agree for that?

But won't that make it sound more arrogant of him? 

“If.. If anyone of you get a hold of Seungcheol-ssi, please I beg you, tell him to contact me or the management. We don’t know what is happening to him, but I can guarantee at least a three month leave is possible —- BUT NOT RIGHT NOW, when his schedule is currently packed!”

“W-we… will let him know.” DK said, but he is so bad at lying so... “I mean.. If w-we see him.. Not that we know where he was, we just… if —-” he was suddenly interrupted as if someone covered his mouth. 

The manager seem to sound suspicious. “Are you really sure you don’t know where he is??”

“We don’t know where he is but we’ll let him know when we see him.” Wonwoo supplied. “Please let us know too if you contact him first. We’re worried.” 

...

...

...

The manager suddenly sighed. "Ya'll are bad liars."

...

...

"There's no way you don't know where he is." The manager seemed to sound defeated. "Your loyalty to each other are stronger than your loyalty to us..."

"we... don't really know......" DK's sounded so untrustworthy there. 

"Just tell me..." The manager said. "Is he alright?" 

...

...

"He's not." Seungkwan's voice said truthfully... and Seungcheol who was listening in, looked down. 

"Is he in danger?" The manager asked again.

"We don't know, hyung..." Vernon said. "Honestly, we... we are at a loss of what to do too..." 

"We don't know what's happening..." Mingyu's voice muttered.

“We are immensely worried too...” Myungho added with conviction. At his words — from Myungho who is known to be unable to lie — the manager seems to finally believe them. 

“Okay..” The manager said, stressed. “I… I might lose my job if I don’t find him; ‘cause I'm mainly in charge of him and his personal schedules. Please help me find him, okay?”

“Okay, hyung..” A collective reply from the other side of the door as they heard the manager finished. 

"I-I’m sorry…" Seungcheol whispered, slowly removing himself from Dino’s back hug and dejectedly sitting down on Dino’s bed. Suddenly, he felt his maknae’s hand comforting him, ruffling his hair. 

Not your fault, hyung. Dino whispered back as they heard the retreating footsteps of their manager and their dorm’s main door closing locked. 

Seungcheol looked up at his maknae… He looked so big from this young child’s perspective.

He looked so mature, so dependable as Dino gave him a small, comforting smile. 

“Dino-ah…” Seungcheol called. “It’s falling apart now. All the effort I build to maintain my image and career… It's going down the drain now. I’m even dragging my manager-hyung with me.” 

“Hyung… I’m so sorry this is happening to you…”

“I’m sorry too…” Seungcheol said. His voice sounded so young and now, so heartbroken. “I…”

“Listen…” Dino said, kneeling on one knee in front of the young boy sitting on the bed, to match his eye level. “It’s evening now, see? Let’s get you ready for bed, and then have maybe a restful sleep. W-we… we can’t keep on overthinking this situation, hyung, coz as what you said yesterday, this is outside of our control.” 

“.....”

“...you’ll only trigger your panic attack back, hyung…” Dino said worriedly, gently massaging his back. “You have to relax. And then… maybe it’ll all work out?”

Seungcheol sighed… and nodded defeatedly. 

'cause... In front of Dino whose eyes shine unshed tear, what else could he do but nod? 

He's been burdening his maknae so much. This... This wasn't what he swore to himself. 

He swore he would protect the members --- protect Dink --- treat them well more than himselt; but now it is the other way around. 

Seungcheol wanted to curse... 

“Ah, look.” Dino suddenly stood up and scrambled to get a paper bag on his bedside table, next to a teddy otter-bear. As he took the paper bag, the fluffy otter-bear toy suddenly fell down on the floor in front of Seungcheol. 

It’s cute. Seungcheol thought. 

It looks familiar too. 

Dino didn’t pay attention to it though and opened the paper bag in front of him. “Look, Jun-hyung bought you new cherry pajamas that will fit you… but he couldn’t give it to you earlier ‘cause you looked so depressed. 

Seungcheol looked down at the white dog pajama pair he was currently wearing… and sighed. He forgot that he hadn't taken a shower for a day already. 

“Why don’t you clean up and then take a rest?” Dino gestured to the shower room. 

“Okay…” Seungcheol said… and gingerly  took the new set of clothes and went outside Dino’s room reluctantly. 

As he went out, he was faced by the silent members outside… with few words like "hiatus", "hide", "schedules" and "coups hyung" being caught by Seungcheol's small ears. 

It was obvious they were having an emergency meeting among themselves, worry plastered on their faces; but they all suddenly stopped discussing when Seungcheol appeared in front of them. 

"What are you discussing without Dino and I?" He dared to ask. 

"D-don't worry about it, hyung." Myungho said while caressing his hair briefly, and then... He dismissed him. "Go to your room and rest."

And they resumed their hushed heated discussion... leaving Seungcheol in shock. 

....

... What just happened?

He...

H-he couldn't even be part of emergency discussions now huh?

Maybe because he wouldn't be able to manage them anymore. 

Are they happy without me?

Given the situation, it was only natural...

...but it’s too much for Cheol.

You're not needed here anymore.

The inner voice crawled vile and loud inside his head, freezing Seungcheol's core. 

“I’m sorry." Seungcheol muttered all of a sudden.

"For what hyung...?" Seungkwan sighed. 

"I'm sorry..."

The urge to cry like a child washed over Seungcheol... his eyes blurring as he stared in front of his precious members, his teeth biting his lower lip, his hands handling his pajamas tight. 

"Hyung?" Mingyu worriedly glance. 

"I-I'm really sorry." Seungcheol repeated. "....that you had to lie for me. I promise to be a good kid, hyung..."

what did he say?

Seungcheol covered his mouth, his eyes wide in shock. 

what did he just say?

"Hyung." Mingyu gaped his mouth.

"hyung, no it wasn't your fault --- " Junhui's voice said while Wonwoo tried to crouch down to comfort him. 

"no!" Seungcheol mumbled as he ran towards the shower room where Dino told him to go..

... not knowing what is happening.

... not wanting to hear any of the usual ‘it’s  fine’ responses.

... because he knows they’re just lying to him. 

Chapter Text

It’s not fine.’

Seungcheol whispered as he soaked himself in the hot spray of water coming out from the water… standing like a statue there for a while, not doing anything. 

His mind is a mess.

His thoughts were going in circles.

Usually, he can tackle any problems they face, but not this one — it’s too extraordinary. Too mystical. 

Seungcheol raised his palms against his face and slapped his cheeks lightly. It hurts a bit — it’s real. He’s not like, still stuck in a dream...

…but this is too unreal. 

He closed his eyes and let the water flow through his body; tired of thinking and re-thinking and meta-thinking of what he needs to do… because there is no answer. He’s trapped in this situation… 

If it continues, what’s gonna happen to him? 

Hot shower usually calms him down… probably that’s why Dino was urging him to take one… and for maybe a while… It was working.

But soon, his vision blurred... he started to feel sleepy as he took his shower gel – ignoring his shaving cream as there is nothing to shave, he has no facial hair— and patted it on his nape and shoulders… 

…and then, suddenly, he’s feeling dizzy.

The water was getting too hot, the steam was everywhere. 

He tried to turn the shower knob to turn off the shower, but his small soapy hands were slippery now that his palms were wet. Never did he think their shower room’s  aesthetics that he praised so much before would not be child-user friendly.

It’s fine though, he just... needed to adjust the temperature on top of the shower — except… except he couldn’t. His vision blurred again.

He looked up… and on this body, this child’s height, he couldn’t reach that. 

Still, Seungcheol refused to feel useless. He tried to climb on one of the shower glass door’s ridges to try to reach the temperature controller — to no avail. 

CRASH!

“OW!” Seungcheol winced as the water started to scald his skin; making him flinch and fall down the shower floor. His commotion created a very loud noise as all the shower gels of the members who often use this bathroom fall down towards him and he’s so useless and stupid and —-

—and he heard the shower door scrambled open, with probably their spare keys. As soon as it opened, Dino was rushing towards his defeated figure on the shower floor. 

“OUCH!” Dino flinched at the scalding hot water on his hand but managed to turn it off at one go… and then he reached for the young Seungcheol on the tiled floor, covering his body with a white towel like a burrito. 

“WHAT HAPPENED HYUNG? ARE YOU OKAY??!” Dino asked, his eyes looking wild as he saw Seungcheol’s back looking red.

Cheol slowly looked up at his maknae... feeling very tired and devastated. 

"Hyung." Dino nudged him, patting his wet hair gently.

“I… couldn’t turn down the water… and…” Seungcheol tried to explain, much to his shame. “Looks like that shower know that Jeonghan bought isn’t child-user friendly…”

“Are you hurt?”

Seungcheol shook his head.

“Stop lying.” Dino said with a sigh.. “Your skin looked red. And your hand…” Dino worriedly checked at the small scrape. 

“Oh.” he heard Seungkwan's voice, who probably followed Dino, mumbled… and then said “I’ll go get the burn ointment and the first aid kit. Dino, go and pat Cheol-hyung dry.” 

“Did the shower bottles hit your head, hyung?”

Seungcheol shook his head. He’s just… feeling very sleepy.

Dino sighed. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“okay…”

Seungcheol let himself be lifted by Dino outside the shower room, his small arms on his maknae’s neck as Dino held on his towel burritoed on his body. 

They met Vernon in the hallway, who asked “what was that loud sound?”

“Cheol-hyung fell in the shower room.” Dino said. “Tomorrow, you and Mingyu-hyung should go to a warehouse store. That shower knob’s shape isn’t  really good for hyung’s small hands right now. Look!”

Seungcheol rested his sleepy head on Dino’s neck, whining a bit in displeasure when his maknae worriedly set him down on Dino's bedroom’s large bed, giving him a set of cherry designed black pajamas. 

“Here, hyung. Go and wear this.” 

The sound of the hair dryer soon reverberated, as Dino clumsily dried his hair. When he was done, he scolded the sleepy boy.

“Hyung. Why aren’t you wearing it?!”

Seungcheol looked up at the man who was instructing him.

“yah.. why are you bossing me around? So disrespectful...” he wanted that to sound bossy and whiny like the usual, but it came out sounding weak and depressed. 

Dino scoffed, not noticing him. “Hyung, hurry up. Wait, do you even have briefs —?”

“it doesn't matter..,” Seungcheol pointed out. “'cause nothing fits me anymore so…”

Dino facepalmed and looked around his closet. “ah, we forgot about that. We need to go shopping for clothes, like for real, one of these days, hyung.” 

Feeling dazed, Seungcheol took the large underwear Dino gave him, tied on the side to match his smaller hips. And then he sluggishly wore his pajama bottoms… and just in time, Seungkwan burst in the room with the first aid kit. 

“It doesn’t look serious,” Dino’s voice said as he inspected his back.

“Probably just lightly scalded. We can still put the burn ointment though, just to be safe.” Seungkwan said. 

“Okay. Go to sleep now, Seungkwan-hyung.” 

“O-okay.”

And he heard the door closed. 

Soon, Seungcheol felt a mint feeling all over his back’s skin.. The blunt pain felt relieved. Gently, Dino raised his left arm to make him wear the sleeve of his pajama shirt… and whined a bit when Seungcheol didn’t lift his right arm to help Dino. 

“Really, hyung?” Dino sighed, “are you sure you’re feeling okay?”

Seungcheol nodded childishly. 

As Dino finished buttoning his pajama shirt, a very dazed Seungcheol reached up his arms towards his maknae’s neck and he hugged Dino tightly... mumbling his thanks. 

“Are you alright, hyung?” Dino asked worriedly at the limp Seungcheol on his neck, this time putting a band-aid to the hands of the very sleepy boy.

Seungcheol buried his face on the crook of Dino’s neck and hummed sleepily. 

“Dino-ah…”

“Yes hyung?”

“I’m scared.” he whispered. 

Dino blinked at him… before suddenly flashing him a comforting big brother smile. “Why are you scared?”

“I dunno. I just feel like… I’m gonna lose myself.”

“You’re not, hyung.” Dino’s voice cracked. “Stop saying that.”

“I’m sorry, ‘kay?” Seungcheol slurred… his eyes suddenly blurring with tears. “I’m so sorry this hyung sometimes treated you badly, thinking you’re not yet good enough.” 

“Hey…” Dino said… trying to interrupt him, but Seungcheol did not let him.

“I’m... I'm so mad at myself.” He whispered. “I shouldn’t have been too overprotective of you.”

Dino sighed... "Hyunggie.."

Sleepily, Seungcheol reached up his hand to his maknae’s hair, his small hands patting it. “My maknae is so big now. So grown up. So…dependable. Since when though? Why didn’t I notice?” 

Dino’s eyes seemed to tear up at those words… 

“Maknae-ah…” Seungcheol’s tears were brimming… but Seungcheol himself does not know why he’s being emotional like this.

“Maknae-ah, hyung is so scared.” 

He’s scared.

Why is this nightmare taking so long?

When will he wake up? 

He’s scared. 

So damn scared.

But he doesn’t want to show it.

Not right now… 

Maybe in front of Hannie or Shua… 

Ah, when are they coming? 

Please come... 

This is shameful...

He shouldn't be weak... not in front of his maknae. 

Stop.

Don’t cry right now. 

Please don’t cry right now.

Struggling to contain the tears brimming in his eyes, he fisted and tried to hide his shaking hand, his shoulders trembling… but Dino could feel him.

Dino could feel his entire body shaking in emotion.

“Hyung…” 

No.

“Seungcheol-hyung.” Dino gently said, eyes looking teary.

“I-It’s okay, hyung. You can cry.”

Sudden unexplainable relief washed over Seungcheol's chest upon the permission... and then a boyish wail echoed in the room —  as Seungcheol hugged into Dino tightly, like a scared child seeking comfort in his older brothers’ arms. 

He cried... And cried...

And cried...

Not caring even if all the members in the apartment hear... 

Not caring what he looks like. 

Not caring about anything, like a child.

Seungcheol cried his heart out against Dino's large chest, like a desperate child. 

The emotions inside his chest seem to burst like a water dam sealed for a very long time...

This...

This is what he gets for always pretending tk be strong, right? 

cRy.

It's okay, self. I can cry.

I'm so tired. 

...

Let me rest. 

...

He didn't know how long his emotional outburst took...

...but for once, he didn't care. 

Not inside Dino's protective arms that felt safe. 

Not inside Dino's shusshing voice... He couldn't hear what his maknae's voice was. saying... But his voice sounded comforting

He didn't care, even when he sensed other members flock on the room's door...

...he cried.

Like a child.

...and when everything seemed to fall down on Seungcheol's chest, when his throat was hoarse and his eyes seem to have cried his tears out dry...

...Dino, with his strong arms, carried his very emotional and sleepy young hyung towards the bed, deciding to just cuddle the boy whose small arms refused to let Dino go.

"I'm here, hyung." Dino keeps on comforting him with his cracking, emotional voice. "I'm here. Let it all out, hyung..."

"Maknae-ah.."

Dino further engulfed him on a warm hug and they lied down on the bed, on their side.  Someone wrapped them in a blanket. Someone turned off the lights... Someone patted his head a bit as he buried his face on Dino's chest. 

...Seungcheol cried himself to sleep that night.

And Dino, together with the members around them... teary-eyed, let him be...

...not knowing it’s gonna be a very deep sleep. 

Dino opened his eyes and immediately bolted up right from his bed. 

"Hyung!"

He didn't want to fall asleep whilw comforting Seungcheol, but somehow, he must have fallen asleep as soon as he noticed him stopped crying. 

Dino looked around his bed... only to see his hyung tangled up on the blankets and sheets... Buried on the big pillows Dino had...

...but that silhouette under the blanket, looked unmistakably smaller.

"H-hyung?" Dino approached carefully as he slowly pulled up the pillow to look at his young Seungcheol hyung. 

"....ah." Dino held up his hands and pulled his hair a bit from the intense frustration, as his asleep hyung moved asleep and hugged him again, still snoring.

Yesterday night, his 13-year-old hyung cried all night to him; but now, waking up, there was…an unmistakably even younger child on his chest.

“Cheol-hyung…” Dino gently coaxed the definitely smaller boy on his chest — who was snoring gently.

Again and again, the question is the same: WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING???

Dino was starting to get *this* close to being insane. 

But, Dino...h-he has to wake him up, right?

They have to understand what the new problem is this time, because the fact is...

..he’s gotten even younger again. 

....He looks like around 6-year-old child this time… Probably older, or younger than that. One couldn't really tell age based on appearance... 

Even so, it's definitely not a 13 year old.

Gently, he tapped the asleep boy’s shoulder. “Hyung… good morning.”

“hmmm... 5 more minutes.” an even childlike tone murmured… he slowly slid down Dino’s chest and curled on the pillow beside Dino instead. This gave Dino a chance to sit up…

'Hyung has really gotten smaller. '

Dino’s heart sank as he watched the boy yawn in front of him…and then… he fell asleep again.

“I’m sorry, ‘kay?” 

“I’m so sorry this hyung sometimes treated you badly, thinking you’re not yet good enough.” 

“I’m so mad at myself.” 

“I shouldn’t have been too overprotective of you.”

“My maknae is so big now. So grown up. So…dependable. Since when though? Why didn’t I notice?” 

His hyung’s words last night were both hurting and healing Dino’s heart.

Why did he forget – being a leader is a hard task, as well as being an older brother you can depend on. He himself was an older brother to his own biological sibling, Gun-ah.

He himself should have understood where the overprotectiveness was coming from. 

He shouldn’t have given his hyung a hard time before. He… he wanted to correct that now. 

Dino sighed as he gently rubbed off the tracks of dried tears from the half-asleep Seungcheol’s puffy younger cheeks. 

He just wanted to remove it.. Remove the proof of anxiety his leader-nim had the night before. However, his action seemed to have completely awakened the child. 

“Uhhh..” his 6 year-old hyung yawned again, stretching as he sleepily sat up with a pillow hugged against his small chest...

Child Seungcheol raised his hand to rub his eyes, but the sleeves of his pajama shirt overflowed his hand. 

The sleepy child, with his swollen eyelids with long lashes, curiously looked at the sleeves of his supposedly new cherry pajamas — it now looked like paw sweaters because he had obviously become smaller than his pajamas overnight. 

“Good morning, Cheol-hyung.” Dino said calmly, even though he doesn’t feel the same. 

Still, hearing his hyung’s worries the other night, Dino wanted to take this news to Seungcheol calmly. 

He doesn’t want a repeat of Cheol-hyung’s  panic attack when he first changed from 28 into a 17 year old… and the sudden screaming over his sudden 17 to 13-year old transition the other day too.

Yes... Dino doesn’t want a repeat of any of that. 

“g-goodmorningg… ” his hyung mumbled, half-asleep.

With his cow-licked hair on one side, brown eyes blurry from sleep, he flashed a very innocent child-like smile to Dino— with teeth and dimples and all. His eyelashes looked especially long now with a smaller, chubbier face too… 

'Hyung is a very cute kid.' Why didn't he try being a child actor or something. 

It’s too adorable to look at. If not for the current situation, Dino could have cooed.

He gently... oh so gently… hand-combed his little hyung’s hair as he smiled slightly. Hyung looked soo much smaller.

So much more fragile...

Dino wanted so badly to protect him, now more than ever. 

How would he deliver the bad news?

He’s decided to try and mimic Seungkwan’s positive tone when talking to little kids…

“Hyunggie?” Dino started… trying not to rush the bad news… “Don’t be shocked by your current age, alright?"

Brown eyes blinked sleepily "..........?"

"R-Remember and know t-that... that we’re here with you. Your current age... It’s gonna be fine, okay?”

Dino expected his hyung to act alert at his choice of words, to panickedly ask what's wrong, how old he looked this time; but curious yet sleepy young dark brown eyes looked up at Dino instead. 

A childlike confusion briefly passed his beautiful, innocent eyes and then, his young hyung suddenly giggled in a way that was so unlike their leader-nim, as if he was tickled by the way Dino hand-combed his hair. 

Oh.

Dino stopped his hands mid-movement at the realization. 

“Dino-ah… I’m scared.” 

“Why are you scared?”

“I dunno. I just feel like… I’m gonna lose myself.”

Scared. 

Hyung was scared… and now, Dino is too. 

Hyung, no. 

No.

No, no… 

Please.

Dino doesn’t want to cry. 

He stopped the tears, tried his hardest… 

Dino isn’t even one of the members who easily cries… but at the lack of recognition in his young hyung’s eyes… Dino’s heart felt like it was pierced by a metal rod. Tears fell down his cheeks as he slowly asked the young child in front of him:

“Hey, h-hyunggie… Do you know who I am?”

Six-year-old Seungcheol's giggles faded as he childishly shook his head…

...and then his young innocent eyes stared at Dino, suddenly getting filled with fear and confusion, as if finally recognizing that he's some kind of a weird stranger.

“A-are you… grandma's friend?”

Chapter Text

“NOOOOO!!!!"

The loud tantrums of a feisty 6-year-old boy has left Dino’s head spinning. 

He tried everything — EVERYTHING HE KNOWS— to get his young Seungcheol hyung to calm down; but he kept on calling incessantly for Minnie-hyung.

“HYUUUUNNGGGGG! WHERE IS MINNIE HYUNG!!!!”

“Minnie-hyung? Seungmin-hyung?” DK asked Dino in distress and Dino could only numbly nod.

Seungmin hyung, Seungcheol's biological older brother. The only brother he could remember right now... all his pledged 12 soul brothers from his bandmates forgotten, evident by the way their young hyung stares at them with fear and non-recognition. 

Seungkwan and Vernon are trying to sell their own games to the young child to distract him, but the boy could only scream:  

"No!"

“WHO ARE YOU?” 

“WHERE AM I?”

“WHERE IS APPA?”

“MINNIE-HYUNG!”

“EOMMA!!!”

“GRANDMAAAA!”

“If he doesn’t stop, I will not be surprised if police knock on our door any time now.” says an equally distressed Myungho-hyung, who has suddenly worn his stage- in-ears, probably to help his head from the noise. He was one of the first members who rushed into their bedroom when Seungcheol-hyung’s banshee scream first echoed.

“Yea…” Jun sighed, tiredly. “We look like kidnappers at this point.” 

“We just… just have to learn how to calm down a child.” Wonwoo said, scrolling at Google desperately.

It's not that easy though. Like how Dino read that distractions can help — but how do you distract a crying child when you don't know what he wants? 

They all met a 17 year old Seungcheol. Some probably met the 13 year old Seungcheol in their lifetime.. but his 6 year old version is entirely new universe to them.

"Cheol-hyungie, look! Let's watch mukbang!" DK desperately offered. 

Vernon scratched his head. "DK-hyung, mukbang ain't interesting to a 6 year old."

"It's not?" DK blinked. "Uh.. oh what about KDrama?"

"Baby Shark, Seokmin-ah?" Myungho recommended tiredly. "Thomas and friends?"

"Show him Seungkwan."

"Hah. Not funny." Seungkwan scoffed.

“N-NOOOOOOOO! BAD PEOPLE!” was his 6-year-old Seungcheol hyung’s fresh scream, as if he’s being boiled alive. He… was simply being asked if he wanted to eat breakfast yet or if he wants to play, or watch TV. 

Dino exhaustedly sat on the carpet, by the door frame of his room, feeling like he’s about to go crazy. He realized now that the energy of a 6 year old screaming banshee is enough to drain his brain cells, more than the tedious dance practices —how could mothers survive something like this. 

“Hyunggie, we are not bad people!” Seungkwan tried to explain, on which the 6 year old Seungcheol dramatically covered his ears and responded:

“DONT TALK TO STRANGERS! NO!”

"Strangers?!"

Dino wanted to slap himself. 

When the boy woke up and asked him ‘Are you grandma’s friend?’ —- rather than panicking and telling him “NO, YOU’RE OUR LEADER, he should have just answered “YES.” 

Because apparently, in young Cheol's logic, it makes perfect sense! Why the hell would a child wake up on a stranger’s house’s bed if he isn’t grandma’s friend? 

"Oh, what if we try this "I'm gonna be mad" tactic?" Wonwoo quickly showed his phone screen.

“Seungcheol-hyung!” Seungkwan suddenly yelled back at the screaming Cheol-hyung. “If you don’t behave, we're gonna be really mad!”

Seungcheol-hyung's screaming changed into a scared gasp on Dino’s bed — eyes red from crying, nose full of snot, voice slowly sounding hoarse — and the child froze as he stared back at Seungkwan for a moment. 

For a moment, Dino thought it worked,  Seungcheol did stop screaming… 

…but then, he should have known that their leader is a stubborn man, and a stubborn man was a stubborn child in his childhood.  

Seungcheol suddenly stood up and pointed back at Seungkwan with shining conviction. 

“YOU ARE A BAD MAN!” 

Seungkwan blinked in surprise. “I…I’m not —-”

“GO AWAYYY!” The young Seungcheol screamed as he jumped forward from the bed, attacking like a World War II warrior and kicked Seungkwan in the shin, to everyone’s surprise. Although it wasn't that painful, Seungkwan gasped out loud. 

When all the adults looked shocked, their child leader used that chance to run past Vernon and jump past DK and skid past Myungho…until he reached the doorway where Dino was waiting.  

"AAAAAAA!!" The child screamed. He seems to think like he’s Power Rangers.

Dino, who was by the door frame, tried to catch the nimble Seungcheollie from running away; but he was granted a quick bite in the finger and a good kick on his tummy.

Well.. the bite and kick weren't really painful but it was startling enough that Dino was forced to let go of the boy, and the boy ran out of the room successfully.

“WHERE IS HE GOING?” Mingyu asked panickedly. 

“IS THE MAIN DOOR TO OUTSIDE THE DORM CLOSED?!” Myungho asked worriedly as Dino stood up to catch the little vermin!

"DANG, I'M NOT SURE." Wonwoo worriedly muttered. "Catch him!"

The boy has the energy of 200 horses because how the hell could he run fast like that, he’s like already gone by the time they reach the common area. 

Their dormitory — housing 13 grown men — is quite large. Their company has rented an entire floor for this apartment, you see… and thus, the place has enough rooms and space for a small 6 year old to hide in.

Oh no. Where is he now?

"HYUNGGIE, STOP HIDING!" yelled Seungkwan. 

Dino could only sigh… he’s hungry, annoyed, stressed by the tantrum… but calming down Cheollie-hyung is the first priority. 

“CHEOLLIE-HYUNG, WE ARE NOT BAD PEOPLE!” He called out loud… 

…Dino thought they would have a hard time looking for their Cheollie hyung when the boy suddenly replied from his hiding spot in the laundry area: “YES YOU ARE! YOU ATE MINNIE-HYUNG”

“Pfftwhat???” Dino couldn’t help but scoff out loud at that. 

First, because, why the hell would you reveal your hiding spot just to make a point; and second, how the hell did he have the conclusion that his Seungmin hyung has been eaten???

Despite the tiredness and the frustrations, Dino was slapped with the reality of the situation again— HIS HYUNG HAS BECOME A CHILD. 

…He’s dealing with a child. 

…A feisty, crazy, rebellious child, but a child nonetheless. 

“He’s in the laundry area.” Jun sighed behind Dino… and Dino looked back at him. 

"'I'm gonna be mad' tactic clearly didn't work." Wonwoo said. "Let's return back to distract the child route."

“Hyung, do we have kids' toys?” Vernon asked.

“Toys?” Mingyu asked back. “This is a men's apartment. How will we have toys —”

“WAIT. I have some stuffed toys.” Dino exclaimed. 

He rushed back towards his room and checked for his bedside table’s drawers. There, he hid the few memorable fan made gifts and took the small otter doll pillow from there. 

And then, he rushed running towards the laundry area, wherein he finally saw Seungcheol “hiding” in between the automatic washing machines. 

…well “hiding”, if you consider that even hiding. The young boy had covered his head and torso with dirty linen, but his legs and feet were out in the open air. 

“Cheollie-hyungie?” Dino called carefully as he knelt in front of the “hiding” boy… “Hey…”

The boy gasped when he slowly removed the linen out of his head, and he panickedly hugged his knees upon getting “caught”. 

“Hey, i’m… i’m not a bad man, okay?” 

“You’re not grandma’s friend.” The young Seungcheol accused stubbornly, as if that is all the wrong in the world. 

“I can be your new friend though.” Dino said gently… or as gentle as he could. Ugh he’s not good at this, he should have called Seungkwan. 

“You can’t! You’re bad!” Cheollie ran towards a small space in between the two washing machines.

"No, it's dangerous there!" Dino exclaimed. Never did Dino imagine that a small child could fit there.

That seem to stop the child from going in. 

“Look! I-I just want to play!” Dino tried to coo as he slowly flopped down the laundry area’s tiled floor and scoot closer to the kid. “I… I have toys, see? Let's get out of here and play, shall we?"

He showed him the little otter toy. 

“Good job, maknae.” Whispered Mingyu.

“Go get him.”

Cheollie — with all the swollen eyes, red nose and snot — stared at the otter toy with a suspicious child glare that actually made him look more pitiful than scary. 

Dino wanted to get this over with so he could soon clean up the boy and make him rest already. It’s so obvious that it's not just the grown ups who were tired from his 2-hour long tantrum… the kid himself is tired too. 

To Dino’s delight, young Cheollie started to reach out his little hands to take the little otter toy. They all thought he was about to get manageable when, suddenly… Cheollie decided to scream again: “BAD TOY!”

Probably because the stitching was just fan made, their precious boy easily ripped the toy otter apart and threw it into one of the washing machines. 

And then… he cried again. 

A banshee scream. 

“CHEOLLIE-HYUNG! THAT’S BAD!” Dino exasperatedly yelled, seeing how the precious fan made gift got destroyed so easily. 

“WAAHHHHHHHHH” Cheol just cried again in response, and further crawled towards the small dirty space between the two washing machines. Unable to reach the little child,  Dino felt more stressed. 

"Hyung, don't go there please." 

Hyung.... I'm your maknae. 

Please. 

...stop this, Hyung. Please. 

"GO AWAY." was his child hyung's reply, dark brown eyes shining full of anger and fear.

To Dino's horror, their child Seungcheol crawled further inside the small space between the washing machines... further the small space the grown ups couldn't reach. 

Dino sprang up in worry. "I messed up. He went inside."

"We can see that." Vernon replied in as-a-matter-of-fact tone. 

"Oh my god." Seungkwan face slapped himself. 

Dino turned on his cell phone's flashlight and saw Cheollie-hyung stubbornly curled in between the dirty space… desperate to hide from them. 

"DANG IT. It's dusty there and..." Dino's eyes widened. "...there's electric sockets—"

"NO CHEOL HYUNG!" Mingyu rushed towards the circuit breaker of the laundry area, turning off the electricity in the room, turning the laundry area into a blackout. 

"Come out now, Cheollie-hyung." Pleaded Jun-hyung, flashing their phone's flashlight to that dirty space. 

But even when blanketed with darkness, their Cheollie-hyung didn't come out. 

"NO! GO AWAY!" he screamed as he cried. 

"What now?" Myungho asked worriedly.

"I dunno..."

"Let's leave him be for now, he might come out later—" 

"NO." Dino's worry blazed into desperate determination. "We have to get him OUT of there, hyungs! AS SOON AS POSSIBLE." 

"But he... he doesn't want to cooperate. He doesn't want to listen---" 

"HYUNGS!" Dino frustratedly remarked. "We can't just TRY to calm him down. We NEED to! We literally NEED to TRY everything!"

They need to know what he wants, to calm him down! 

"Ji, wait up!" Hoshi called, pulling his travel bag from the company car… but Woozi couldn't wait any longer. 

As soon as the car arrived to the dorm, he rushed out with his own bag and almost half ran to the elevator, giving Hoshi a hard time to follow him. 

He couldn't help it. Woozi wasn’t just worried. He was beyond distressed!

'Seungcheol-hyung.'

The moment he learned of what his members told him in the group chat, that their Seungcheol hyung has ‘de-aged’ — no matter how ridiculous it sounded — he knew it had some truth in it. 

Because how else could you explain their Seungcheol-hyung’s mysterious lack of communication these past few days since Chuseok? 

Woozi had been giving him a call, sending him sample tracks for their next comeback…for his comments and lyrics writing; for the confirmation of upcoming recording schedules; but he wasn't responding. He wasn't even checking the messages! 

Their oldest hyung isn’t the type to not answer his phone. Maybe if it’s Joshua, he wouldn’t worry — but Seungcheol?

No way. He’d never. 

Much worse was when the members in the dorm suddenly told in the GC that Seungcheol wants to step down from his General Leader position, wanting to have a one-on-one meeting with Jeonghan, Joshua, Hoshi and himself. And the members telling them not to reveal it to the Management yet.

His heart even pounded further when their manager who drove them here told them earlier that Seungcheol suddenly emailed them for a leave of absence…! 

It was so uncharacteristic of their leader!

The way the members reported it in the GC though, saying he has ‘de-aged’, Woozi and Hoshi thought he'd gotten some type of sickness that made him unable to function well — somewhere in the spectrum of Alzheimer disease.

So nothing has ever readied him to what he saw as he and Hoshi arrived in a hurry, opening their apartment's door. 

Nobody greeted them but chaos. 

A very panicked Mingyu was rushing out of the kitchen with chicken nuggets and hotdogs in tow. A very distressed Dino was holding all the small toys and an otter pillow. A stressed Seungkwan and Vernon were trying to play children’s songs with their phones. Myungho was wearing this frog hat as he sat like a frog on the floor while Junhui kept on meowing somewhere in the room. DK would soon bump into them with candies and chocolates on his hands… 

“Dokyeom?” Hoshi asked, “w-what’s happening?”

DK looked surprised to see them. “Hoshi-hyung! Woozi-hyung! Ah…you've arrived! But.. err… now’s not the right time—”

“What’s happening?” Woozi demanded, and DK flinched at him. 

"We're trying everything to calm down hyung ---"

As if on cue, they heard a child's scream from the laundry area. It was so loud that Woozi had to cover his ears. 

“NOOOOO! I WANNA GO HOOOME PLEASE!”

That loud scream, Woozi noted, is very bad for anyone’s throat. It sounded hoarse already too. 

"That sounds like he's been crying for hours." Woozi muttered in shock.

“Is that… Is that a child?” Hoshi asked in surprise.

“Whose child is it?” Woozi asked.

“No one’s.” DK said in distress. “It’s... I-It's  Cheol-hyung.”

“WHAT??!”

Vernon's brokenhearted voice suddenly spoke behind Woozi. 

"You're late. He was waiting for you and the rest all day yesterday...."

Woozi's chest tightened, turning to Hoshi behind him --- who equally has a distraught expression like him. Woozi suddenly remembered Hoshi's antics yesterday, saying his gut was screaming at him to come home yesterday. But their schedules, project and flight ticket wouldn't permit it. 

But... Did he really turn into an actual child?!

Another wave of exhausted scream reverberated throughout the dorm. 

Move now, questions later.

Hoshi stepped forward."WHERE IS HYUNG?!"

Followed by Woozi snapping into action. "STOP HIM ALREADY, IT'S HURTING HIS THROAT!" 

Chapter Text

Everyone got  startled when they heard Woozi and Hoshi among them in the common area. 

"WHERE IS HYUNG?!"

"STOP HIM ALREADY, IT'S HURTING HIS THROAT!" 

'That's easier said than done!' Dino wanted to say, but the screaming child was the priority of his attention as he screamed further, his voice almost gone.

"GRANDMAA, WHERE ARE YOUUUU?!!!!"

EVERYONE WERE DOING THEIR BEST to calm him down; so when Woozi advised everyone to STOP TRYING and LEAVE HIM ALONE in that dark space, Dino couldn't comprehend it. 

“Let’s stop. Just STOP for now, everyone.” Woozi advised in distress, insisted even -- when Dino still tried to take some candies to offer to their child hyung.

“But — he’s stuck in there. It’s dirty there!” Dino snapped. 

"APPA!!! huhuhu..."

“I know!” Woozi said irritably. 

Well, they all are irritated already, having to deal with the tantrum, so Dino ignored the tone of his hyung. 

"There's electric sockets there!" Dino worriedly insisted. 

"MINNIE-HYUNG, PLEASEE! I DON'T WANT TO BE HERE!"

"The circuit breaker is off now." Mingyu muttered.

"Even so! What if there are other dangerous things there!" Dino insisted, in extreme paranoia. "Can't we move the washing machines?"

"It might crush him if we move it wrong." Wonwoo reminded, since these are not your normal washing machines and dryer. They're like industrial type of appliance, and so they're very heavy duty. 

"Let's just… try to wait for him to come out." Woozi instructed everyone; but Dino could see in his eyes that he's just as clueless on what to do as everyone. 

Dang. Why would hyung even hide there, of all places????! 

"NO!" Dino insisted. 

“Let’s stop. Just STOP and WAIT for now, Dino." Woozi-hyung suddenly raised his voice. Their vocal leader, who rarely shouts except during their recording sessions, suddenly yelled at Dino… and Dino just froze at the reprimand. 

"Woozi-hyung… but Cheol-hyung he…" Dino tried. 

Woozi only gave him a look --- and resumed looking at the laundry area. 

"Give Cheol-hyung some space for now." Woozi muttered. "In the mean time, tell us everything that has happened so far."

"…so, we're clueless as well." Dino muttered as he finished talking. He tried to compress all that has happened so far, since the first day of Chuseok, the meeting, the slow degeneration of his hyung --- physically and mentally --- until he reached this point of age today. 

"He was crying too yesterday night." Seungkwan added.

"I overheard him tell Dino he feels like he's fading away." said Vernon.

"W-we didn't know what to do..."

After the maknae line finished, the hyungs looked conflicted.

Everyone slumped in front of the laundry area's door tiredly. Literally hours of this tantrum have passed --- a 12 adults vs 1 child duel, and it was a complete defeat for them. Their leader is stubborn and resilient as an adult… and it appears he also has these qualities as a child, unfortunately; because his Seungcheol hyung did not come out and remained in between the washing machines of the laundry area even after an hour of waiting. 

It's dark in there.

Dirty even.

Might be even dangerous. 

But instead of finally giving up, he hid his small little body even further in the space between the two washing machines… it's been half an hour since he last screamed.

The adults, clueless on what to do, were frozen around the laundry area now. Based on this stalemate silence, did he finally fallen asleep from crying so much in there?

It's almost lunchtime too. 

"well.. at least he calmed down." Myungho muttered.

"Woozi-hyung is right. I'm worried for his throat." Dokyeom whispered. 

For Dino, their words oddly feels like they've given up.

"w-we… have to do something." Dino muttered at his hyungs again. "we can't just give up and let him stay there!"

"We're not giving up." Mingyu said. "We just have to… wait."

"What if he never gets out there on his own then?" Dino asked anxiously.

"You think he'll do that?" asked Jun worriedly.

"Well… he's doing it." Dino said. "He needs to eat too, he hasn't eaten anything yet. He didn't eat dinner yesterday too!"

"Let's wait a bit more, Dino."

“Don't rush him… Cheol-hyung is getting tired." Hoshi said.

Woozi nodded. "The more we force him to trust us, the more he gets frightened.”

Frightened. 

That was the word that made Dino pause.

His patience and dedication to save him has no effect on this child because… he’s frightened?

"You always try to solve any problems we face, maknae-ah… and that is one of your amazing qualities; but determination isn't going to work in this problem right now." Hoshi explained. "It's patience. And trust."

"Unfortunately…" Woozi muttered, suddenly taking out his phone and scrolling through his phone contacts, "Cheol-hyung doesn't have a healthy amount of trust to others."

"Yes. Opening a no-lid can of tuna bare-handed is probably more easier than forcing hyung to open up to anyone." Hoshi nodded, sighing. "Where is Jeonghan-hyung by the way?"

What ?

What the hell are their leaders saying?

“But… but the place he is sleeping at right now — it’s dirty there. I don't want to be overprotective but he shouldn’t be there!” Dino tiredly snapped.

"Stop overreacting, Dino-ah—" Seungkwan tried to tease… probably trying to make light of the atmosphere… but Dino snapped at it.

"Yes fine, I'm overreacting, I don't care!" Dino glared at Seungkwan. "If I'm overreacting like you say so, then so be it!!" 

Jun rushed between the two youngest. “Whoa, hold on. Let’s not fight again. Cheol -hyung just said so yesterday!" 

Dino insisted. “Let's just wake him up and —” 

“If you wake him up, he’ll cry again.” Woozi-hyung warned. "We aren't ready yet. This will just hurt his throat if he cried again and we're unprepared."

Dino rubbed his hands on his face in frustration. 

“Then… should we have some lunch for now and re-plan all this?” Wonwoo asked tiredly. 

It shouldn’t be like this… how … How should they deal with a child? A highly stubborn yet frightened child, on top of that! He has no idea how...

He's very worried.

He's not a fan of this waiting game either ---

"Alright. Let's call Seungmin - hyung." all of a sudden, Woozi suddenly declared, staring at his phone screen.

Seungmin-hyung? 

"We can't!" Almost everyone exploded to Woozi, but Dino gasped instead. 

Call Seungmin-hyung. 

"You're right." Dino stood up with a Eureka moment… probably because he's already very desperate. 

"YES." Wonwoo said.

"Wait wait wait!" Seungkwan tried to stop him from fishing out his phone. "You can't call Min-hyung!"

"We can!" Jun said.

"But isn't it more problematic if he learns about it—" inserted Seungkwan, to which DK nodded profusely. "What do we tell him? Seungcheol hyung said not to tell anyone --- "

"Aren't you the one who told hyung that he should let important people know?" Vernon asked. 

"He will be harder to hide if we tell his family." Myungho said. "And honestly, right now, it is dangerous if the public knows what happened to him!"

“I know, but Seungcheol-hyung is our priority!”

“Are you sure you’re just not being impatient here???” Mingyu asked. "We can't let anyone know yet. Hyung is a public figure! Everyone will give him unwanted attention!"

The 97 liners who interrogated the maknae line for not telling them what happened, are now together with the maknaes, defending against the 96 liners. 

"Do it." Hoshi told Woozi. 

"WAIT---"

"Aish!" Amidst the chaos, Woozi-hyung’s annoyed tone suddenly stopped everyone's debate.

Woozi dropped his bag and then he unceremoniously walked towards the dark laundry area where young Seungcheol - hyung was hiding. However, he didn't open it gently. When Woozi opened the door to the laundry area, he opened it aggressively; with enough impact to awaken any child who has allegedly fallen asleep due to temper tantrums.

“Wait, hyung!” Dino stood up to follow him with a flashlight, but their vocal unit leader ignored all of them as he turned on his phone’s speaker and it rang loudly.

Woozi probably adjusted the volume to highest — he wanted everyone to hear it. 

A quick dial tone beeped, and their leader’s biological brother answered:

“Jihoon-ah? Hello?”

“Hi, Seungmin-hyung. Sorry for the sudden call, but we’ve been looking for Seungcheol-hyung.”

“Jihoon! Ah, yes, we haven’t heard anything from him. As his friend, I was hoping he contacted you?”

“Sorry Seungmin-hyung, but I have no clue either.” Woozi said, eyes in the direction of the small legs that twitched in the small space between the washing machines. 

To everyone's surprise, their hyung's normally composed biological brother suddenly barraged them:

“He cancelled all our plans without a proper notif! My younger brother isn't like this! I swear! I called your managers too, they don't know where he is either! Is it true he emailed your company for hiatus?! He hasn't even told us, Jihoon! I swear why would he do this--- do you think something has happened to him?! Because he wouldn't let us worry like this, my brother isn't like that even if he's hardheaded and stubborn sometimes! WAIT Seungkwan said he has a girl—--”

“NO!” Dino suddenly yelled in panic, followed by a very wide-eyed Seungkwan. Hyung having a secret girlfriend… That.. that was a lie that they concocted but none of the hyungs knew about that lie yet!

Dang it, Dino couldn’t keep up with this level of stress these days, but he needs to fix this!

“SEUNGMIN-HYUNG, it’s Lee Chan!” Dino said as his eyes slowly saw the small peeking head of their hiding Seungcheol-hyung between the washing machines… 

He’s listening..

“Yes, Channie-ah. I.. You’re with Jihoon? Has Seungcheol contacted you yet?”

“Not yet either, Seungmin-hyung.” Dino stated… and Woozi stepped back to give him his phone. 

Dino could hear the little vermin of their hyung shuffling in his hiding spot… and Dino felt Woozi’s nudge behind him, encouraging him. 

“Mom and Dad are getting worried for him.” Said Seungmin-hyung. “Grandma too.”

Seungcheol-hyung’s head popped out of his hiding spot, right into the area with the flashlight and all the hyungs behind Dino gasped. 

“Grandma?” his little hoarse voice squeaked a whisper… and Dino's eyes widened when he heard it.  

Dino controlled his breath... He saw a sliver of hope… and he couldn’t let this chance go. And so… he puffed his chest and asked the most ridiculous question: 

“Seungmin-hyung, r-random question — am I grandma’s friend?”

“What?”

“A-am I…” Dino gulped.. Ears turning red. He knows it is an embarrassing and so out-of-context question, but in front of a child, this is do or die. “Am I Grandma’s friend? Just humor me, Seungmin-hyung.”

“Errr… yes?” Seungmin’s voice said. “I mean, you’re close with us but… I think you’re more of Seungcheol and my friend.” 

"Y-yes. We're friends." Dino nodded. "And… that means when Seungcheol-hyung contacts me, he can t-trust me, right?"

Choi Seungmin made a confuse sound on the other line. Well, his words… those… didn't make much sense so Dino couldn't blame him.

To his relief though, the other replied:

"Of course."

“Thank you so much.” Dino gratefully replied, maybe too dramatically. 

“What was that for—”

“Nothing, hyung!” Dino quickly retracted. “Regarding Seungcheol, I think he’s … he’s still.. hiding from us.”

He heard Seungmin’s sigh.

“Why did this brat suddenly — gah, Channie ah, please let me know if he contacts you, please.”

“Yes, hyung. You know you can count on me."

“Thanks. Please take care of my younger brother for me.”

It was how Seungmin hyung often ends his calls with SEVENTEEN members, but this time, Dino heard a small plea in there. He’s very worried. 

“Yes, hyung.” Dino said as he eyed the small body noe struggling to come out of the space in between the washing machines. 

Dino ended the call and handed Woozi’s phone back to him… and the rest of the members behind him rushed to help the young boy stuck in the dirty space — but Woozi all stopped them. 

“Let him come out on his own.” Woozi said rather coldly, muscled arms crossed on his chest. 

“But –” Dino wanted to complain, as they all watched the young boy free his arms with small grunts —yah, ugh… wah. 

“Coups-hyung… is a highly meticulous man.” Woozi whispered. “In all the problems our group face, he usually overthinks them — adding plan As and plan Bs on how to deal with problems that we haven’t even encountered yet...

...When talking to the company, investors, producers — he’s always observant of people, always careful of people. And that means, he’s very cautious and distrustful too. He always checks what is safe and what is not for us, and so for himself. 

...So as a child, I could now imagine what started his tantrums. It’s not because of hunger, or lack of sleep or boredom… it must be because there's no one familiar enough that he could trust.” 

Dino's foot hit the broken otter toy he tried to use for a bribe earlier… it didn’t work out. And then suddenly, he was reminded of what happened when his hyung first woke up. He… wasn't really this difficult when he woke up as a 6 year old earlier, right?

In fact, he even smiled and laughed at Dino. 

But… 

“He asked if I was grandma’s friend, and I stupidly said no.” Dino suddenly breathed in belated realisation. 

The rest of the members gasped with understanding while Woozi nodded grimly. 

“When he comes out, the only one he will trust is you, Dino-ah.” Woozi whispered. “Because you’re a family friend. Seungmin-hyung vouched for you. So.. you have to take care of him, until we figure out what the hell is happening.”

Dino nodded profusely. “Y-yes hyung.”

“Wah… haa-chooo!” The boy finally popped out from his hiding place with a loud and rather cute sneeze… and Dino finally saw him properly in the light. 

His black hair was sticking out in all directions. His long adorable eyelashes were still wet from tears. His face looked puffy from crying, with red, flushed cheeks and nose stuffed with snot. His eyes were very red...

He raised his hands to rub at his face like a kitten, but his hands were covered with his oversized pajamas that are now dirty due to the place he insisted to stay at. Because his oversized sleeves were dirty, the dirt transferred to his face too. 

The 6-year-old Seungcheol-hyung slowly stood up and faced his supposedly ten dongsaengs that are now larger than him… and Dino could see the fearful teary-eyes as they all looked at each other… and he gazed at them like they’re strangers. 

Unlike the other hyungs, Dino dropped to the floor to make himself look less intimidating… and he summoned the tone that he heard Seungkwan use before.

“Hi, Cheollie.” 

Seungcheol stepped back a bit… and then squeaked…before clumsily bowing at him. “H-Hi.”

Dino smiled at the clumsy bow. Well-mannered at such a young age, at least when he’s calm.

“I’m.. I’m Lee Chan. Uh.. Channie.” Dino tried to make it sound sweet, like how moms call their children. “I’m… Seungmin-hyung’s friend.” 

"Hyung doesn't sound like hyung." Was the sudden smart reply of the 6-year-old… red-rimmed eyes that looked smarter than a 6 year old suddenly eyed Dino with a bit more remaining doubt. 

Opening a can of tuna bare-handed is probably more easier than forcing hyung to open up to anyone.

"Oh. He has colds." Dino lied confidently, instead of explaining that it is because they talked to a grown up Seungmin, of course his voice is deeper than how a 6-year old Cheol remember. "His voice is like that, because he's just a bit sick."

Seungcheol eyed Dino, the way their adult leader would eye you when he's wondering if you're lying.

"Minnie-hyung said he's looking for me?" 

"'Cause you're hiding. We couldn't find you."

"Oh..."

"But I will tell him I found you now."

"What is... hiatus?"

"It means to rest." Dino said. "You need to rest anyway, right? You look tired."

Young Seungcheol looked down and nodded a bit. 

“Minnie-hyung's friend… grandma… are they going to fetch me later?” 

“Minnie-hyung is… a bit far away.” Woozi spoke behind him in a suddenly friendlier tone too. “But Channie-hyung is gonna take care of you. You heard them earlier, right?”

Seungcheol hesitated… “and…and Grandma?”

“Well, Grandma needs to go somewhere far away too.” Woozi added. "I heard she's on vacation."

Seungcheol pouted as he looked down… and then he sniffled… 

…and then, the child nodded as if finally deciding to believe Dino, his small hands reached out to Dino’s sleeves, to everyone’s relief.

“Sorry.” Seungcheollie sniffled. "Grandma said… don't talk to bad people."

"Oh Cheol-hyung…" Dino held him carefully… "Why did you cry like that?"

"I was scared."  the boy rasped. His throat must be hurting. "And I'm not a hyung. You're a silly hyung."

Dino couldn't help but laugh sadly at that.

"Ah yes… Cheollie. Is it alright to call you just Cheollie then?"

Seungcheol's eyes looked tired as he muttered a small "yes…"

Their child hyung finally allowed Dino in now, but he still suddenly looked scared when the rest of their members tried to approach them.

Dino gave his other old hyungs a warning look and they all froze on their positions. Woozi gave them a signal too, to not move.

Hyunggie... He really is frightened… and Dino regrets that he failed to read that earlier. He wanted the problem to get resolved easily… without understanding. 

"I'm sorry too." He whispered to the boy. "Is Cheollie feeling okay now?

“umm …h-hungry… hurts."  the 6 year old touched his tummy. "Can I... eat?"

Dino almost collapsed from relief as he moved forward and finally scooped up the young boy into his arms. Unlike his 13 year old version, he's so light and small. 

“Alright, what does Cheollie want to eat?" Dino made his tone sound light, but he side-eyed the members to step back and give them space. "My friends here will cook some while we clean you up.” 

“Um.. hotteok?” Cheollie huffed and leaned on Dino's shoulder, and yawned tiredly. “G-grandma says no hotteok for breakfast… but can I…eat hotteok, hyung?”

"Of course." Dino muttered. "And we won't tell grandma. It's our secret."

Cheol's eyes suddenly glittered at the word secret. 

“Hotteok.” Mingyu repeated, obviously glad he finally had an order. “Alright, those sweet pancakes.”  

“You hear that?” Dino rubbed the boy’s back. “That’s Mingyu-hyung. He’s my friend and he’s gonna help us cook.” 

“Hmmm.” Seungcheol mumbled… rubbing his nose and snot into Dino’s shoulder.  “Gyu-hyung…........”

"Yes. He's a good guy. He cooks yummy food."

"He's also going to keep it a secret?" Cheollie whispered.

"Yes of course."

"Hmmm.." Suddenly the little boy stopped moving on his shoulder.

Dino alarmedly peeked at the boy's face and found that he has closed his eyes...and now unresponsive.

“He fell asleep.” Hoshi muttered. 

"That was fast." Dino replied. "and unexpected."

"He looks drained." Seungkwan said worriedly...

"He's not sick, isn't he?" Dokyeom asked

"No, I think he just fell asleep." Vernon muttered.

"Mid conversation?!" Mingyu asked.

"Don't kids fall asleep easily like that? He's tired too." Jun said.

“Well.. that’s the three-hour temper tantrums for him.” Myungho sighed, removing the stage in-earphones off his ears. “We all lack breakfast and sleep. Let’s all rest while he’s asleep — I think we’ll be very busy soon for hyung.”

“Right.” Wonwoo nodded. 

Dino hugged their sleeping child-hyung worriedly before facing Woozi. 

“Woozi-hyung, thank you.”

“Nah, don’t thank me yet.” Woozi muttered. “We need to have a meeting, on what to do now moving forward."

“No.” Wonwoo suddenly cut Woozi off.

"What do you mean 'no'. This is urgent matter."

Wonwoo shook his head. “Before all of that, we need to fix that space between the washing machines first. It’s not child-friendly. We can’t have him stuck there again!” 

Everyone suddenly looked around their apartment… and Dino heard all the members gasping. 

“Wait a minute, that fancy table has a dangerous edge.” DK said.

“Ah, the showers.” Seungkwan supplied. “Hyung got into an accident there last night. We need to change the shower handles. It's too slippery for his smaller hands.”

Hoshi pointed at the drawers. “Perhaps we need to bolt these drawers to the wall too, what if hyung decides to climb it, he might fall.”

“And the pantry!” Mingyu said. “We need to put all the sharp objects out of his reach. The knives, the shredders, the forks---”

“The small objects too!” Jun said. “All choking hazards.” 

"I'll keep all the dangerous appliances locked in the closet too." Said Myungho. 

"Remove the carpet and add child floor mats in places that are slippery." Vernon muttered.

Dino watched as all his old hyungs scrambled around the apartment, with Mingyu suddenly listing what to buy on a DIY hardware store downstairs. 

"If he stays like this for long, we need to add childrens' clothes and some toys..." Woozi told Mingyu as he looked at the list. 

Yes... Those are of utmost importance before anything else. Their young hyung's protection is important. 

Dino was about to help too, but the 6- year-old asleep Cheol on his shoulders suddenly huffed softly against his chest...

His swollen eyes fluttered in his sleep. 

He's so small…

…and he looked so fragile.

This tiny kid on his arms is his hyung now…

But rather than ask what is happening, this time Dino asked himself what to do next. 

“R-right… I’ll bring hyung back to my bedroom." Dino said out loud. "Please check hyung's bedroom for any non-kid friendly stuff too."

 Everyone gave him an ok. 

Chapter Text

Umm... Hi.

My name is Choi Seungcheol. 

I like hotteoks.. And donkatsu. 

I like red cars. 

And red balls. And robots.

And large fluffy toys. 

I also love mom…

...and dad…

...and Minnie-hyung…

and Grandma!

I want to play outside today, but… I am tired.

Because… I cried. I thought there’s bad men. 

Grandma says do not talk to strangers. They might be bad people. Especially when they are not grandma’s friends. Definitely a no, no. 

But! Minnie-hyung said one of the bad people are his friends.

And his friends are not bad.

So that man is good. 

Because he is my hyung's friend. 

...Right?

Right. 

“Cheollie-hyunggie, are you awake?” The hyung who was Seungmin-hyung's friend asked. 

I looked at him and he smiled. He is a Mr. Smiley.

So kind.

He touched my hair. Rubbed my eyes with his thumbs... I have eye boogers. 

That's... a lot of boogers. 

His name is… uh… Channie?

"Channie- hyung?" I asked, sleepy. 

He nodded...

...but he looked like he cried. 

He cried with me?

"You still look tired, hyung." Channie-hyung whispered. He looked worried...

Well.. My tummy hurts.

My eyes also hurt. 

My head also hurts. 

My nose… I sniffled.

I blinked at him. I’m sleepy… but my tummy also hurts. 

Hungry?

Hungry. 'Cause the tummy spoke. Channie-hyung and I got surprised it spoke.

...and then Channie-hyung laughed a bit. "Your stomach is growling. You must be really hungry, hyung."

I nodded a big nod. "My tummy aches." 

"It's because you are hungry."

"Will the hurt go away when I eat?"

Channie-hyung paused a bit, looking at me. "I hope so. But if it doesn't stop, you tell me, okay?"

I nodded.

But I am tired and sleepy and… I looked at my hands. It’s dirty. 

“I'm dirty. hyuuuunng.” I murmured… dirty hands up. I’m scared ‘cause that’s bad.

Grandma will get mad if I’m dirty… 

“If you’re awake now, shall we clean up a bit?” 

I nodded and Channie-hyung smiled at me. “Ta-dahh.” He suddenly holds a wet towel. Like magic. 

He’s so kind. 

I like him.

Channie-hyung is good. He helped me sit up from the bed.

I yawned sleepy while he rubbed a wet hot towel on my face. To clean my face. And then clean my hands. And my legs and feet. They were dirty too. 

Channie-hyung is good. I am clean now. 

“I got some cute pajamas here. They’re from Seungkwan-hyung’s friend.” Channie hyung said… 

“Sung..kuwan-hyung.” I repeated.

“Seungkwan-hyung.” Channie hyung corrected. 

“Kwan-hyung.” I repeated. 

“Hmm. that’s good enough.” Another voice said. Another bad man waved at me. “Hi, Cheollie-hyung, I’m Seungkwan.. Do you want to choose your pajama?”

He smile at me. But his eyes looked red too. 

I hid behind Channie-hyung's arm. 

"He's a friend, Cheollie-hyung." Channie hyung say.

I looked at Kwan Hyung again...

"D-do you... want to choose pajama?" bad man Kwan Hyung asked. "Come, choose, our cute hyunggie..."

I nodded… careful.

"isn't that too big for him?"

"We... Bought the one for his 13 year old version, so..."

Kwan-hyung smiled at me…and then he showed pajamas. And I gasped at the color red. With cars!!

I like color red, so I pointed at it. “This, Kwan-hyung... It’s cute.”

Channie-hyung nodded. Kwan-hyung nodded too, .....

...he’s good man? He has red and he’s friends with Channie-hyung. 

Channie-hyung helped me remove the buttons of my shirt. 

Buttons are hard. When I grow up, I want to be a buttoner. 

“Andddd… done! There we go, Cheollie is all clean up!” Channie-hyung said. 

I am all clean up! I am a good boy now. 

“Now, shall we eat? Gyu-hyung prepared some hotteoks” Channie-hyung said and I nodded… I’m hungry, but I am tired also. 

I yawned.

I lied on Channie hyung's lap and yawned again.

Channie hyung ruffled my hair. He looked worried “Why are you still sleepy?”

I looked at him.. And he was holding an otter toy. It was broken. I ripped it. 

Why? ‘Cause it is a bad toy. 

A bad toy… 

It’s…

....a very weird toy, I feel uncomfortable around it… the aura around it makes me tired and sleepy. 

But Lee Chan seems unaware of it. He doesn’t even seem affected by it either. Should I tell him? 

Ah… Lee Chan. My Dino.

Maknae-ah is holding my cheeks.. Tapping me awake, but I feel very tired and sleepy… It’s like I’d fall under again. 

Like I'm on a spell... 

...my consciousness drifting here and there.

Ebb and flow...

...like water...

...far and then near...

...knowing and not knowing...

...aware and unaware...

...hmm...

It doesn't feel bad though. 

In fact, if feels calming. 

Too calming. 

I have to tell him about that toy – isn’t that one of the fanmade gifts that he took during the last fansign? 

Why does it feel weird here? 

"hyung??"

Ah… Maknae-ah held me up and took me into his arms… and then, he ran rushing out of the room worriedly. 

“Hyungs? He’s fallen asleep again.” Dino huffed as he held me and put my sleepy head on his shoulders. “Hyungs! Is… is he sick or something?”

“I don’t think so,” I heard Woozi-ah’s voice. “I think he just really tired himself out, crying like that. Kids and their ... t-tantrums.... Cheol hyung?" 

"H-he looks kinda pale." 

"Anyone knows any pediatrician?" Hoshi's voice. "J-just in case?"

"No but we don't have a medical record of him as a child. Not even an ID except for his 28 year old version." Wonwoo said.

"The doctors will know something is off then."

"Why is he pale and weak???"

"Maybe because he hasn't eaten yet?"

"Or dehydrated? He cried a lot after all."

"How could he eat if he's this sleepy."

"Milk." Mingyu's voice said. "Put it on a baby bottle if he can't raise his head? Let him drink a warm milk."

"O-okay."

.......

“Hyunggie?

I opened my eyes sleepily. I am suddenly on a bed...

Maknae called out to me. I peeked and I saw maknae-ah smiling at me, but it’s obvious he’s having a hard time. 

"Hyung, please wake up."

I hate that smile… He looked flustered and tired… is it my fault? I’m so… small? 

I opened my mouth to assure him... but a sluggish, sleepy breathe came out instead. 

I can't speak.

Maknae ah let go of the milk he was holding and hugged me. 

"Please don't tantrum like that ever again, hyung. Don't scare me please."

“Then I hope you feel the burden I feel! Find out how immensely worried your impulsiveness makes me feel!”

Is it my fault? 

I’m so sorry Dino-ah. I don’t want you to feel burdened by me. 

I’d never want you to feel that way. 

But Hyung… is feeling very sleepy right now.

Very...

...Sleepy....

...ah.

"Why don't you just tell him about Producer Oh?" Jeonghan asked. "Was it really worth it to have a fight over it with maknae-ah?"

"I don't know." Seungcheol muttered.

He and Cheol had secretly opened Dino's room to check on their maknae, who locked himself in frustration after the fight. They found him sleeping on his bed, in the most uncomfortable position, with tear tracks on his cheeks.

"The Management said it was better not to tell the younger members." Seungcheol added half-heartedly. 

Jeonghan scoffed. "Since when did you become the obedient leader? Don't act as if I don't know you."

"...."

Seungcheol sighed as he crossed his muscled arms across his chest... watching  Dino on his bed, who seemed to have immediately fallen asleep in disappointed, few hours after their fight. 

He completely lost it, didn't he?

Dino didn't deserve such temper. 

But he can't go back from his words now. 

This is the few times that Seungcheol needs complete obedience from the members. 

He won't take a NO for an answer. 

...because their safety is at stake. 

"Don't treat Dino like a child, Seungcheol. You're being unreasonable." Jeonghan said beside him... The vice-leader's eyes boring through him with the brutal advise. "Dino can take care of himself, as long as you tell him what's wrong."

Jeonghan looked so serious, so unlike his usual goofy and prankster image. In times like this, he gets reminded how Jeonghan suddenly gets so fierce whenever he's protective after his younger sister Soobin's well-being. Right now, he looks the same too with Dino. 

"....." Seungcheol didn't meet Jeonghan's gaze. He remained focus on watching Dino sleep. 

"Seungcheol." Jeonghan called again. "Re-think this---"

"No." Seungcheol said with his deep voice. "I don't want him to lose trust on industry people. This industry is dirty enough and he didn't have to know that."

"...." Jeonghan face-palmed himself. "But... He'll misunderstand you."

"Look... I just want Dino to focus on his craft ---singing and dancing." Seungcheol muttered. "I don't want him to overthink... I don't want him to be like me, anxious of everyone around us too much."

Ignorance is bliss... And sometimes, it's not a bad thing. Right?

With that, Jeonghan could only sigh. "...okay, fine. I... I understand."

"I'm sorry." Seungcheol muttered. 

"Why are you sorry?" Jeonghan asked.

"For not heeding your advise. 

"I just gave you my honest advise, but you're the leader I trust. We trust your judgement, Cheol."

Seungcheol sighed. "Thank you..."

"Anyway." Jeonghan walked back towards the doorframe of the bedroom. "Mingyu... He seems upset for some reason... Wonwoo told me."

"Of course he is." Seungcheol said. "With Dino talking to that producer, he'll be close to the group again. It'll no doubt make Mingyu anxious."

"Why?" Jeonghan asked. 

For the third time that night, Seungcheol didn't reply... And Jeonghan understood. It must be another confidential story that Mingyu entrusted to Seungcheol. 

"Ok. Fine." Jeonghan raised his hands in defeat. "You win. Just follow us to Mingyu's bedroom, okay? And... Don't handle the burden of everything, leader-nim."

And Jeonghan left. 

L E A D E R - N I M. 

Oh. The utterance of the word sometimes makes Seungcheol feel full of pride. He's handling all these fine 12 young men who are all kind and talented and passionate and amazing enough to make him look like a good leader. 

But on times like this, the utterance of the word makes Seungcheol feel nauseous. 

His heart is restless, as he sat on the side of Dino's bed, gently trying to wipe the dried tracks of tears on his asleep maknae's face. 

He feels bad for making Dino feel like this.

But he can't apologize tomorrow though. He needs to be strict. 

He needs to comfort Mingyu too...

..and he need to explain himself on angry Hoshi and disappointed Woozi who were both secretly siding with Dino...

and he needs to do that without telling them Mingyu's past concerns, due to promise of confidentiality on his precious dongsaengs. 

He needed to be firm. 

...but Dino... 

Once again, he needs to find the balance. 

Seungcheol ran his hand on his hair. He constantly feels like a circus star playing tightrope in a balancing platform...

...it's so tiring. 

Out of nothing, staring at the maknae he just snapped at earlier, Seungcheol muttered. 

"I wish I could rest from all these responsibilities . Wouldn't it be nice to be taken care of as well, ignorant to everything that's happening like you..." 

The last part was an innocent joke to himself, as he caressed his asleep maknae's hair.

He knows it was a selfish, thoughtless wish too, 'cause who knows what kind of problems is plaguing Dino as the youngest...

For a brief second, Seungcheol thought he saw Dino's otter toy's rose quartz and serenity bead eyes sparkle... but when he blinked, it was gone. 

huh. 

It's one of the fan's gift for Dino during a fan sign...But Seungcheol only scoffed at it as he stood up and left the room ---making sure to lock the door -- and he was off to Mingyu's bedroom this time...

... not knowing that they are bound to have their wishes fulfilled; whether they like it or not. 

...not minding the careless wish he spoke of. A wish he'll never remember he uttered. 

---

What's happening to me?

I'm so scared!

What about my career?! 

My responsibilities----

What about SEVENTEEN?!

And yet,

I wish I could rest. 

Fervently, deep in my heart, I wish to rest. 

I feel suffocated.

Life has been tiring these days.

So many concerns. 

So many demands.

So many expectations.

But...

Even with all the pressure, he must motivate the younger members. 

It's alright if he's not in the spotlight.

His role is to make sure his 12 kids are focused on their craft. 

He promised during their very first ring ceremony, that he will take care of the members more than himself after all. 

So he's not complaining. 

He will do it.

He will take care of them.

He doesn't regret any of this. 

Just...

Just give him a second to breathe.

"I'm just tired."

Just give him a moment.  

It's so tiring being the adult...

Being the eldest. 

Let me just… 

...in this warm blanket of ignorance... 

...In this bliss of childishness...

Let me just... 

….sleep...

Just some more…………….

...me too, please take care of me.

Hi!

My name is Choi Seungcheol. 

I like hotteoks.. And tonkatsu. 

I like red cars. 

And red balls. And robots.

And I like Channie-hyung.  

Chapter Text

"Hyunggie..." 

Dino murmured again as he tirelessly stared at the asleep boy on his bed, holding the hand of his child hyung, who has been mysteriously asleep for the past hours... patiently waiting for him to wake up. 

The members around and outside their room were all awake too, agitated. 

Still, Dino held the small, delicate hand of his hyung's new 6 year old body. 

Seungcheol hyung has actually opened his eyes several times in his sleep earlier.

Sometimes his eyes look clueless and dazed... But there are times that it looks regretful at Dino as if...

...as if he wanted to say something important. 

So... He will wake up.

Dino doesn't doubt it. It's just... who will wake up --- is it his hyung or the child Seungcheol?

"Perhaps... We need to bring him to a pediatrician?" Was Hoshi hyung's small voice behind him, asking no one in particular. 

"We can't just bring him to a hospital." Myungho hyung's reply, worry laced on his voice too. "They will ask the child for patient identification. It's not like... we can provide them with Coups-hyung's 28-year-old IDs..."

"So we just... wait?" Was Mingyu hyung's frustrated reply. 

Nobody answered Mingyu hyung. Not even Dino. He has stopped paying attention to his other hyungs, focused only to his leader... 

...feeling defeated of the situation. 

"Dino-ah." Seungkwan's voice called him. "You haven't eaten yet ---"

"Later." Dino immediately murmured, cutting off Seungkwan. Unmoving. 

The members worry shifted from their oldest to their youngest. 

Dino paid them no mind...because for some reason, he feels like this is his fault. 

He did this to his hyung, didn't he? 

There is no other explanation... Just right when he wished him to experience being the youngest, this happened. 

But how?

They continued to talk behind him about the situation despite Dino's deep ruminations. Some members came and go inside the room. 

Dino didn't know how many seconds... minutes .. maybe hours have passed. Dino just stubbornly decided to sit beside his hyung's bed, and wait for him to wake up.

... stubbornly , 'cause that's just how Dino is. 

He didn't know he fell asleep already when a small tug moved his hand... Dino opened his eyes, and two very awake dark brown orbs stared back at him. 

"Cheol-hyung!"

Dino suddenly bolted his head upright from a pillow he didn't know where from, the blanket he didn't know where from dropped from his shoulder to the floor. 

"Cheol-hyung, you're awake!"

The sun was up in the windows... It's morning already. 

The kid's small tugging movement at his hand paused, and suddenly, young Cheol-hyung hid his hand and then half of his face underneath his duvet --- suddenly looking apprehensive.

"Hyung?" Dino asked. "Hyung are you back?"

He wanted to hear his leader's usual pouty retort... but when the kid looked back at him in confusion, Dino knew it wasn't his hyung. 

He's still a child. 

...is hyung even gonna come back? 

"Ummm..." His Child Seungcheol hyung unsurely hummed. "...Channie hyung...?" 

Dino tried to make his voice light. "Yes, hyunggie?"

The boy seem to hesitate a bit. 

Dino touched the kid's forehead --- no fever. Just a bit pale. He's biting his lip.

"Hyung..." The kid whispered.

He's really calling him a hyung... 

"Yes?" Dino replied. 

"Hyung... Do you think... Grandma and Mama and Papa don't like me anymore?"

".......what?"

"Why would they leave me here if I'm not a bad boy?"

what?

"You're not a bad boy." Dino remarked, pulling the blanket away from his child hyung, only to see that his hyung looked like... 

...he's shaking a bit. 

"Are you okay?" Dino asked. 

"I feel like I did something wrong." Cheollie muttered. 

"What is it?"

"I don't remember." The kid reply. "Am I a bad kid? Did I run away?"

"No." Dino replied. "Why do you even think about that?"

"'Cause I gave you trouble."

"Hyung---"

"I want an ice cream." 

'wait what?' that was so random.

"if grandma comes back, will she give me an ice cream?"

"Uhhh... maybe?"

"AH, I forgot my doo-doo at Grandma's house. Is it far away?"

"What is a doo-doo?" Dino asked.

"He's my little plushie-- *gasp* look hyung---, a big bird!" Pointing at the window.

Before he can reply, he was baragged by the little one's random thoughts:

"Say hyung --- can a bird eat dogs?"

"But Why would a bird eat a dog----"

"OH, I want a hotdog."

"Hyung, are hotdogs made from dogs?"

"Can the street dogs become hotdogs in summer?"

"My red pajamas are cute but they're reaaaaallllyyy big, is that because I am now a big boy?"

Dino blinked, the topic keeps on changing and he couldn't keep up. 

Has his hyung ever been this talkative????

Well.. yes maybe? During their early training years in the green room, their hyung used to be very naughty and loud --- but Dino already forgot that because ever since he became their leader, he has been very focused, hyper aware, disciplined and reserved...

"Channje hyung. Channie hyung, listen to me."

"Cheollie hyung, c-calm down ---" Dino murmured. "Chill, hyung."

Suddenly, his loud stomach growl sounded. 

"My tummy... is like... moving a lot. Loud. Do you think... Do you think it's the monster that Grandma used to warn me about?"

The worry in the kids eyes looked rather clear, that Dino had to smile. 

so young and innocent.

"You're just hungry. You haven't eaten almost all day yesterday after all." Dino concluded. "You said you like hotteok, right? Or hotdog?"

His Seungcheol hyung's kid face suddenly pouted, eyebrows knitted in the middle... just like how his hyung would act when he's undecided...

"Channie hyung, can you help me decide?" His tiny voice asked, leaving Dino speechless. 

Maybe... He's being dramatic. But maybe this is the first time his Seungcheol hyung let him decide for anything? 

Dino didn't know how to feel. 

But he knows what a child will like. 

"Why not eat both?"

"OKAY!" His kid eyes suddenly sparkled, jumping up his bed, all worries gone from his mind.

"AND WITH WARM MILK, HYUNG!"

His tiny cute excited voice reverberated all around the apartment, alerting all the members present that their hyunggie is finally very much awake.

If yesterday was a day of crying and tantrums, well today is a day of giggles and energetic yelling. 

Hoshi watched in awe as their leader turned into kid yell excitedly atop Jun's shoulders, as they ran and ran from one side of the living room to the other. 

"JUNNIE HYUNG, ONE MORE!!! ONE MORE!!!"

Jun would start the playful chant as he start running again: "To Infinity, aaaaandd---"

"BEYONDDDD!!!!" would be their kid Seungcheol's giggles as he "flew" across the room. 

"Jun-hyung is so good playing at him." Dino murmured, with a bit of amusement in his voice. 

"I think it is because he once had a younger brother with a large age gap from him." Hoshi said. "He's used to playing with kids that age."

"Cheol-hyunggie," Seungkwan called out, making Jun and Cheol pause. "Is Jun-hyung a bad man?"

"NOOO." Cheol indignantly said, as if Seungkwan just said something unforgivable. "Don't listen to him, Jun-hyung!!!"

"Oh, you did say we are bad men." Jun suddenly said, with a teasing tone. "Cheol-hyung, I heard it. Should I put you down ---- UGHH!!"

"NOOOO!" The small arms of Seungcheol grabbed and pulled Jun's neck, and the poor Jun almost choked. Hoshi ran to their side to help Jun, although he was laughing. 

"Be careful, hyung. You might kill Junnie." Hoshi reminded in between his laughs, hugging the little leader as Jun coughed a bit. 

Suddenly, Hoshi had felt Cheollie's small body stiffened on his hug. Hoshi sadly let go of his kid hyung and, unsurely, Cheol-hyung faced him with an unsure look.

"Who... are you?"

ah yes... He didn't know me. 

It kinda feels sad, reintroducing himself. He remembers the first time he told Seungcheol his name, he was a young trainee and Cheol was a senior... He was nervous then. 

He's sad now. 

"Cheol hyung, I am Kwon Soonyoung!" Hoshi said slowly, hand on his chest for emphasis. "I am Dino, Woozi, Seungkwan, Mingyu and Jun's friend!"

He really enumerated the name of the members who have already warmed up to this child Seungcheol. 

"Soonhyoung... S-soonyoung-hyung...." Their little leader gave Hoshi a bit of a glare. "It's long?"

Hoshi chuckled. "Is it?"

"Can I call you Soonie-hyung?"

"Sure~" Hoshi crouched down chuckled, removing a stray hair from their kid leader's forehead endearingly. "But I tell you what, I also have a stage name."

"Stage name?"

"Like... A nickname. It's Hoshi."

"Ohhh..." Seungcheol -hyung looked so impressed, Hoshi almost giggled. 

He's so cute. 

"I want a stage name too!"

"You have~" Hoshi said. "But you forgot it. You will remember it though, yes?"

"I will?"

"Absolutely." Hoshi said with a fake confidence, masking the worry as their maknae Dino gave Hoshi a sad look. 

Before Hoshi could dive down to the pessimistic stream of thoughts though, he gingerly held the kid's hands and grinned brightly. "Anyway, do you remember why my stage name is Hoshi?"

Cheol hyung made a big, exaggerated shaking of his head. "Why?"

"Because I am a tiger---"

Woozi suddenly smacked the back of his head. "WHAT THE HELL, HOSHI."

It was Jun's turn to laugh beside them, as all the members shook their heads. But Hoshi wasn't concerned. 

Why?

Because their leader --- Seungcheol hyung --- had his eyes sparkling in awe. 

Cheol hyung never had sparkling eyes for Hoshi before --- and he has beautiful eyes. Hoshi cooed.

"Come, Cheol hyung!" Hoshi scooped up the six-year-old away from Jun and walked away to the direction of his room. "I will show you my Tiger plushies!"

"I WANT ONE --- no, TWO!!!"

"NO!" Hoshi paused and looked at Seungcheol in his arms. "Not my collection. BUT, I WILL BUY YOU EVEN THREE!"

Seungcheol-hyung's dark brown eyes widened in amazement --- it's so cute, Hoshi wanted to melt. 

"Really?? TIGER-HYUNG IS SO COOL!!!!" Seungcheol suddenly screamed as he hugged him.

Their leader always call him cool. 

But he has never been called TIGER-HYUNG by his leader. 

Hoshi was absolutely endeared. That was when Hoshi realizes: one day, he wants a son. 

Hurriedly, he ran towards his room with little Seungcheol in his arms.

"GUYS, SEUNGCHEOLLIE IS MINE TODAY. WE WILL PLAY ALL DAY!" Hoshi announced selfishly as he tried to close the door of his room, only to be stopped by their maknae. 

"Hoshi-hyung, come back to the living room! Did you forget we are in a meeting??" Dino reprimanded. 

On an interview, Dino remembers that their Seungcheol hyung was asked: "who is the hardest member to control?"

Dino also remembers the answer. 

"Hoshi-ah."

Dino was reminded of that, as Woozi and Wonwoo kidnapped Seungcheol away from Hoshi's arms and back into Dino's care.

"Soonyoung what the hell." Woozi said. 

"I'm sorry, I got distracted by Cheol hyung."

"We were distracting him so we could talk, it's not the other way around, Hosh." Wonwoo said. 

"Come, Seungcheol-hyung." Dino held the confused little boy. "Do you wanna watch a movie?"

"No, I want tiger plushies--- from Tiger hyung!" Seungcheol hyung said indignantly. 

"Yes, yes... later, after we talk, okay hyunggie? Do you want a cookie while you wait?" Dino offered. 

Immediately, Tiger was gone from Cheol-hyung's mind as he screamed: "YES PLEASE!!!!"

And so, after a brief break for the nth time--- complete with Dino giving their kid leader a cookie and a cup of milk to dip the cookie --- their leader was finally preoccupied enough to continue their interrupted discussion again. 

Why is it hard to control a child... especially a toddler? Well at least, he's eating a lot today. The paleness in his skin is gone. 

Dino sighed as he sat down on the living room's carpet, with his other members. "Now, where were we?"

"The question is: Are we going to continue to hide him?" Myungho hyung dived right back down to the topic at hand.

"The answer is obvious isn't it? We can't let the public know that this mysterious reversing of age happened to hyung." Seungkwan said. 

"The possibility of him being experimented to isn't a joke anymore." Vernon muttered. 

Jun agreed. "True." 

"So we hide him?"

"Obviously."

"Until when?" Asked Woozi hyung. 

Stumped, but Dino shook his head. "Obviously, we don't know until when."

"That's the problem." Dokyeom said. 

"But inversely, we don't know when he will come back anyway either. It could be tomorrow. It could be earlier than expected." Dino said, trying his best to hold on to one and only positive thought he could think of regarding this situation. 

Almost everyone looked unconvinced, until Mingyu, the most positive member, stepped in and sided with Dino. 

"Maknae's right. Let's think about it later. For now, we hide him. Who knows, maybe he will revert back again. I saw it happen myself, hyung going back to his old mind. It could happen again."

Mingyu-hyung's little speech seem to have convinced the members.

"Then, we hide him. For now." Hoshi-hyung wrapped up, sealing the decision with nobody's objection. 

"So... We take care of him during work?" Was Dokyeom hyung's confused question...

Everyone looked at DK with a shocked expression.

...and suddenly, Dino felt dizzy. They forgot. 

They forgot that starting tomorrow, they need to go back to work --- with their FULL, BUSY, IDOL schedules. 

"Wait wait wait ---- you guys don't seriously think taking care of a child is easy peasy, do you?" Seungkwan asked, half amused and half concerned."

"Especially this age."

"He looks like he's 6 years old."

"Honestly, I think he's even younger. Four or five?"

"Can four-year-olds talk like this already?" 

"Anyway, who will take care of him?"

"Should we leave him some food, we return at night anyway---"

"You can't just leave a child alone inside our apartment. He needs constant supervision!"

"What about our incoming schedules? The holiday is over after all."

"We need to do a rotation, make sure someone is always with Cheol-hyung." 

"We need to think of valid reasons to cancel our schedules and plans---"

"Cheol hyung wouldn't like that --- us being unprofessional."

"I wouldn't like to leave him alone here either --- us being uncaring to him."

"We should only cancel the least important schedules, not all!"

"Do you think that will work?"

"There is ten of us, plus Jeonghan and Joshua hyung is coming back tomorrow."

"Alright.. we can try, I guess."

"Yes. For now, Seungcheol hyung is the priority."

"Ummm, I have a question." a little kid voice suddenly interrupted their heated conversation again. 

Dino sighed as he saw Seungcheol run in the middle of all of them. 

"What is it, Cheol-hyung?"

"Are you talking about me?" The kid asked. 

"Y-yes, hyung." Woozi said. 

"In that case, I have a suggestion." The small Seungcheol said confidently, despite the cookie crumbs all over his lips and chin with sticky fingers holding the half-empty glass of milk. 

Dino held his breathe, half expecting their leader's witty yet confident solutions that he suggests to any problems they face...

Their leader, who always see the outside of the box. 

Their leader who is a problem solver...

Their leader whom Dino always depends on... 

"What is it, hyung?" Dino asked eagerly, giving the kid his undivided attention now.  

"I suggest ... that you... stop calling me hyung." Seungcheol said confidently.

huh.

"I am younger and the name gets long. And I am younger. Also, Granny said foreigners can get it wrong, but not koreans."

"Oh...." Dino gaped, the adrenaline of thinking his hyung's mind is back dwindled down like a falling broken kite.

"Also, Channie-hyung, can I have more cookie?"

Chapter Text

"ALRIGHT, IT'S A WRAP!"

Called out the photoshoot director, and immediately, Dino broke character from his concept and bowed at the staff. 

"Thank you." Dino nodded to everyone. 

The manager in charge of him today, gave him his jacket, and a bottle of water.

"We finished earlier than expected." His manager cheerfully noted. "You can monitor the shots for longer period, Dino-ah---"

"I'm sorry, hyung." Dino smiled tentatively; starting to grab his bags and stuff. "But I think I need to go now."

"Huh?" The manager blinked. "You don't have a schedule until this evening though, why are you in a hurry?"

Dino paused. "Err... I have some errand to do--"

"Okay. I will drive you there----"

"NO!" Dino rejected... then stepped back. Maybe he rejected too harshly? "I mean, no... it's something private?"

Truthfully, he can just ask his manager to drive him back to their apartment; but if he do that, then their manager will surely enter their dorms... and it will be weirder too if he tells his manager not to enter.

He will see Cheol hyung...

...in all his 6 year old glory.

...absolutely not an option...

His manager gave him an odd look. "It's so unlike you to not monitor your shots... are you feeling okay?"

"Yes." Dino tried to smile comfortably. "Something urgent just came, that's all."

"Well, if you say so..."

"Thanks, hyung." Dino bid goodbye as his cellphone app for taxi dinged.

And with that, he hurriedly wore his hooded jacket and ran to the exit of the building and rode the waiting taxi.

Relief flooded into Dino knowing he will be back home soon to check on his Seungcheol-hyung... because more texts are coming from Mingyu hyung and Wonwoo hyung.

Are you coming back?

We need help with Seungcheol hyung.

Only Mingyu and Wonwoo were left in charge for Cheollie today, because they thankfully didn't have a schedule today. 

What happened?

He heard from Mingyu and Wonwoo that Seungcheol hyung cried in the morning, when he woke up with no Dino around. He calmed down shortly after, but they said he didn't finish his food at lunch, seemingly no appetite. 

Dino couldn't help but worry. He kept on worrying since this morning, until noon, until now in the afternoon.

I am becoming a worry-wart. Ugh.

Now, Mingyu and Wonwoo were texting him, for reasons unknown.

Dino made a quick reply.

Photoshoot ended early than scheduled. 

I'm coming back.

What happened?

Mingyu hyung's reply was ominous.

Maknae-ah, we can't stop hyung.

Maybe he will listen to you?

I'm sorry in advance for the state of the house

What? 

That didn't answer Dino's question but... nevermind, he's on his way. 

Dino leaned against the car seat and sighed deeply. Admittedly, he's tired... the last few days full of situations... But as soon as his taxi arrived, Dino didn't know where he got the energy to run. He rushed towards their shared apartment floor... Opened their door.. 

...and then, eventhough Mingyu-hyung did warn him, Dino was shocked with the chaos.

The apartment's living room... was a mess.

The surroundings look hazy, as if there was a thin white powder in the air. Followed by Wonwoo-hyung rushing to open their windows to let the fresh air in. 

"Maknae ah!" Mingyu suddenly called, noticing his arrival.

"Where is hyung? Is he okay??"

"Yes, absolutely. But ... Well, he's in the kitchen."

Dino followed a small white footprint in the brown carpet... and it led him to the kitchen area.

The kitchen area was even more of a mess. It was as if a storm ravaged the kitchen.

Amidst the eye of the storm was the young kid Cheollie sitting on the floor, busy moving his rolling pin across a questionable soggy mixture of flour and water... which were also on the floor. 

White flour were all over the table and the kitchen floor; as well as smeared all over young Seungcheol's nose and cheeks and all over his oversized clothes.

Dino pinched the bridge of his nose and let out another audible tired sigh. 

"Cheollie."

"...."

"Cheollie!" He tried adding a reprimanding tone. 

His kid hyung's eyes suddenly widened upon finally recognizing who was calling him. He suddenly stood up. "CHANNIE-HYUNG! YOU'RE BACK! wait... I concentrate."

"Yes. I'm back." Dino crossed his arms. "What happened here?"

Their kid leader's happiness that Dino came back home suddenly went lukewarm, as the kid suddenly plopped back down the floor, looking very busy.

"Wait hyung, I have to focus." He mumbled.

"Cheollie."

"Hmm..." Was the dismissive tone the kid let out, busy doing his childish shenanigans. 

"Cheollie!" Dino called out again. 

"wait hyung---"

So Dino pressed the trigger button. "Cheol-hyung!"

"I'm not hyung." The six year old suddenly stopped, raised his eyes to Dino and corrected. "I am dongsaeng. Are you not Korean, Channie-hyung?"

"I am." Dino muttered. "Anyway, now that you're looking at me--- can you tell me what happened here?"

The kid was about to ignore him again so Dino let out another reprimanding:

"Cheollie. You didn't answer me."

Instead of looking guilty, Cheollie paused his 'project' and stood up.

"I am helping Gyu-hyung! See?" He showcased his "work"--- a clay-like dough --- smiling proudly.

"ah..." said the stressed out Mingyu-hyung on the other corner of the kitchen, sitting beside the oven as if he's given up. "...i thought a baking mini-class was a good idea 'cause he looked like he was gonna cry again...."

"He did brighten up though; But he's too... 'passionate'", Wonwoo chuckled, watching something at his camera. "...for lack of better word. Hahaha."

"What is pashoneit?" Asked Cheol curiously as he resumed doing his rolling pin technique on the questionable clay-like dough... with his left foot. 

He's baking.

Baking with foot.

On the floor. 

Like literally, he's patting the dough on the dirty floor through jumping his small jumps.

Dino crouched down beside the kid and sighed. "That's going to be a bread, Cheollie."

"I know!" He said excitedly, eyes glued on the project by his feet. "It's gonna be yum yum."

"But you're doing lots of things wrong, our kiddo." Dino remarked. "See.. you shouldn't use your foot."

"But my arms are tired, hyung." the kid defended with a small angy pout.

"Also," Dino added, pointing like a preschool teacher to a student. "it shouldn't be on the floor."

"But the table is too high, hyuuung." Seungcheol whined. "The table is rude, Channie-hyung!"

Goodness, gracious...

Dino prayed once again to give him patience, before reaching out to get the rolling pin from Cheol's foot.

"Aight, that's enough, Cheollie. Come and clean up----"

"HYUUUUNG, NO!!!" Cheol whined louder, his eyes suddenly rebellious. 

"But it's dirty now, Cheollie" Dino said. "You can't make that into a bread."

"But whhy?" Asked Seungcheol innocently. "Gyu hyung said it will be bread!!!"

"Because. You don't bake dirty food."

"Why?"

"Because it will hurt the tummy." 

"WhY?"

"Because it is dirty! It has... uh... Germs!"

"WHY?!"

"BECAUSE it is MESSY!" Dino argued.

"Dino-ah."

Wonwoo hyung's voice suddenly remarked behind him.

Wonwoo's voice wasn't a reprimanding tone, very chill... But Dino knew it was a warning and reminder call. Because his temper made his voice raised at Seungcheol hyung. 

Dino was thankful for the little nudge from Wonwoo, because only now he noticed how little kid Cheol hyung looked taken a back for a moment. 

Dino cleared his throat and adjusted his tone. "Ahem, I'm sorry. Anyway, look at the kitchen, Cheol. Did you do all these mess?"

"Ah, he played with the bags of flour, called it fairy dust, soo... "

Mingyu muttered defeatedly. 

"It resembles one though." Wonwoo said with a light chuckle, amused. 

Dino gave Wonwoo a slightly judging look, wondering what kind of dad would this introvert hyung be. 

Now Dino was suspicious. Did they even try to stop Cheol-hyung?

"BUt I'm hElping MiNgyu-hyuuuung."  Cheollie reasoned out in a whining up and down tone. 

"See, you're not helping Mingyu-hyung. Why didn't you listen to Mingyu hyung and Wonu Hyung to stop?"

"But they said let's have fun." Cheol explained, eyes round and defensive. "So I did."

Well...

Well, that's perfect logic alright... 

Mingyu and Wonwoo snorted a laugh; and admittedly, Dino almost choke a chuckle too...

...but Dino swallowed his chuckle and cleared his throat. 

Unlike the hyungs, Dino likes to think he's strict.

I'm a disciplinarian. 

I won't laugh.

I can do this. 

"Not following hyungs is fun?" Dino reprimanded, crossing his arms. "I don't think so."

Little kid Cheol  looked down suddenly like a small guilty puppy...

...but when he looked up at Dino, he suddenly evolved into a wild lion cub. Dino could only gape wide at the quick transition.

"Silly, silly Channie hyung!!" Seungcheol stood up and talked back fiercely, his dark brown eyes turning round, his lips turning into a very cute indignant pout. "Look at the raining fairy dust. It IS fun."

He grabbed another handful of the white flour and threw it upwards to demonstrate; the powder now flying further to their hairs... and Dino, Wonwoo and Mingyu could now only sigh.

Great, more mess. 

Dino patted away the flour on his hair and shook his head.

"But the kitchen shouldn't be dirty, because you do food here, Cheollie. Also look at Mingyu hyung, he's stressed by the mess!"

Cheol paused and looked at Mingyu in doubt and Mingyu only smiled back, the way an adult would smile oh-so-patiently at a kid. 

"Look, but he's smiling." Cheol said, obviously still not wanting to lose the argument.

Seems like whatever his age is, he never likes losing any argument. 

"Yah!" Dino yelled. 

"I'm helping him! He's happy." the kid said.

"Cheol-hyuung---" Dino groaned. "Will you please just listen to me??"

"But I'm not hyung. Are you not Korean? But you look Korean---"

"----CHEOLLIE." Dino corrected, struggling not to call Cheol his hyung, and struggling not to raise his voice too loud too. "Okay fine, Cheollie. YOU DID, FUN, that's great. We tidy up now, okay?"

"Give me back my rolling pin first." Seungcheol tried to negotiate with a pout.

"No." Dino rejected firmly.

Seungcheol dropped him a hard bargain, crossing his small arms. "Then no tidy up."

He looked like the small version of his leader mode, bargaining with the company executives. 

"ahhh stop using your negotiating skills on this stupid stuff..."

"What is nego...negoseight----?"

"I will tell you what it means when you tidy up."

"Ah,,,...... No, I don't want to know what it means anymore---"

"But it's a mess, hyung! PLEASE."

"NO ROLLING PIN FOR MY YUMMY BREAD, NO TIDY UP."

His small lips pouting --- so smart and so firm and argumentative and so pushy with what he wants... ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ for a f*cking rolling pin!

Dino wants to hit his head against the wall. Why are toddlers so difficult????

"Okay, enough. FINE! I'll give back the rolling pin later!" Dino agreed, flabbergasted; and immediately, the boy started setting his items aside, true to the agreement.

Dino crouched down to remove a thick smear of wet flour on the boy's nose. Cheol whined further at the action. 

"Channie Hyung, are you sure with tidy up? But the bread, not cooked yet." Another whine from his leader kid, trying to re set the agreement.

"Yes, I'm sure." Dino said. "Hoshi and Woozi-hyung will come back soon and we will go out to buy stuff you need. You have to get ready."

"Hoshi hyung? Who---?"

"He's Tiger hyung, remember?"

"Ahh."

Dino scooped up Seungcheol from the floor to his arms, and the precious boy instinctively hugged him by his neck --- but he's still whining. "Channie hyung." 

"Let's go, we need to clean you up."

"I'm not yet done, hyung..."

"It's a mess, Cheollie."

"Why?"

"Look at the kitchen. It's all over the place."

"But that's just fairy dust!"

"No, hyu--- Cheollie." Dino caught himself. "It's flour. It's food, we shouldn't waste food."

"Why?"

"Because we need it to live."

"Why?"

"It gives us energy."

Seungcheol blinked at Dino's words, and stared at his stomach for awhile... His long eyelashes fluttering as he looked down. And then... with endlessly curious curiousity of a young child, Seungcheol tugged at Dino's shoulder.

"Channie Hyung, why does it give energy? How?"

Dino sighed at the another round of endless why's incoming... Children are really like this, right?

How was he supposed to explain digestive system in kinder level? Not to mention, he's still very tired from the schedules and recordings earlier. Like yes, Dino had a younger brother... but their age gap isn't far away. He never had to take care of his younger brother like this. 

Now he feels like he's just become a father. 

"Cheollie, just because." He muttered and didn't explain further, then went to distraction route as he started walking to the bathroom with kid leader on his arms.

"Look at your clothes, it is so messy. It's gonna be a problem."

"Why?" 

Ah... more whys.

"because ..." Dino sighed. "right now, you don't have clothes."

His Hyung was wearing a pitiful old t-shirt of Dino when he was 10 years old... Cut by Myungho on the sleeves to match 6 year old arms. It reached his legs, and wearing his oversized pajamas is dangerous since he's clumsy and walks around a lot in the apartment...so he wasn't wearing any shorts or pants. 

Dino secretly delayed buying clothes, wishing his hyung would wake up and turn normal soon...

...but it has been 2 days now and he still hasn't changed back. Worse, he still didn't wake up as Cheol hyung. 

He keeps acting the 6 year old age. 

Out of nowhere, the young leader suddenly patted his hair. "channie hyung?"

"Yes?"

"don't be sad." Cheol said, eyes staring at him innocently... and then worriedly."you're just a bit of bad boy, okay? You're not like realllyyyy bad."

"Why am I a bad boy a bit?" Dino frowned.

"Because you stopped my yummy bread." The kid said dramatically.

Dino chuckled a bit... rubbing the back of the kid on his arms as he walked towards the bathroom...thinking...

Chuseok has ended... And their leader and hyung was still a young kid --- both physically and mentally. 

Dino felt confused. This never happened before. He would usually revert back to his old mind whenever few hours passed.

Not like this. 

How long would their hyung be like this --- no. No, no, no. Dino didn't want to think about it. 

Focus on hyung.

Stop worrying too much.

'But I miss my hyung.'

Dino thought as he suddenly hugged kid Cheol on his arms... the kid squeaked a little, but returned the hug by sneaking his little arms on Dino's neck.

"Is hyung tired?" the kid's voice suddenly paused Dino's flow of thoughts. and he smiled at the innocent question...

Seungcheol hyung must have had this attitude since a kid, to be sensitive to the emotions of people around him...

...but Dino also didn't like the tell tale signs of worry coming into his hyung's innocent image as such an early age. 

"Yes hyung..." Dino dared to admit with watery eyes. "I am tired."

...

...

...

"I'm really sorry, maknae-ah."

Cheol suddenly whispered back, small arms tightening around his neck in a tighter hug. 

Dino froze and broke the hug, immediately staring at the kid Cheol at his arms in desperation.

"HYUNG?!" He called out.

Cheol just stared back at him mysteriously...

...so unlike a 6 year old... 

...but the look in the little boy's eyes was gone as soon as he blinked. 

Dino confusedly blinked. Did he imagine it?

For a moment, Dino thought his hyung was back, until he said: "I am a bad boy, aren't I?"

The young kid's now innocent eyes suddenly watered.

"What?" Dino blinked. "No. No, you're not a bad boy."

"But Channie hyung... I made hyung tired of me." his kid leader muttered.

Dino adjusted the young boy on his hold so he could free his right hand to caress the boy's flour-encrusted hair. 

"Shhhh... I'm fine, Cheollie." Dino smiled despite the shit he was feeling. 

...

"Don't worry," Dino assured. "I'm never going to be tired of you. It's not because of you. Never because of you."

Right. 

This was the moment he decided... Dino wouldn't cry in front of this kid ever again. 

Dino will not give him any reason to feel anxious or unwanted. 

Dino promises he will never let him worry.

Dino will protect him from those unnecessary negative feelings.

He will assure Seungcheol this time. 

He promise he wouldn't show weakness from now on.  

He's the hyung this time. 

"WHY WON'T YOU CHEOL-HYUNG SHARE YOUR BURDENS WITH US? With ME?" Dino would angrily rant sometimes. "DO YOU NOT TRUST ME??"

"That's not it, Maknae-ah." Seungcheol would smile softly. "It's just, I can take care of it. Don't worry about it anymore, okay?"

Dino smiled softly at the kid Cheol. "Don't worry about it anymore, okay? In my eyes, you're a good boy, no matter what anyone say."

"Really?." Kid Seungcheol's small squeak.

"Reaaaaaaallllyyyy." Dino grinned and tickled the kid. "Really, REAALLLY."

Cheollie leaned his head on his shoulder and chuckled at Dino's tickles... then he squirmed at his arms as Dino opened the bathroom and placed his kid hyung on the bathtub. 

"Alright~" Dino made his voice cheerful as they arrived to the bathroom. "We're here. Time to clean our naughty Cheollie~"

"I WANT BATH BOMBS!" 

The seriousness of the kid faded. His kid hyung was suddenly filled with excitement, grabbing the bath ball containers. 

Kids... are just simple beings, aren't they?

"Hyung, channie hyung!" Kid Cheol said excitedly. "I want red bath ball!!" 

"Ah." Dino remarked. "We only have blue ones."

"bUT wHy???" oh good, he's back to whining. But when Dino was annoyed earlier, now he could only chuckle in relief. 

"Don't worry, we will buy." Dino assured as he ruffled kid Cheol's hair, flour dust slightly separating from the strands.

"Promise?" Peeked Cheol from his messy hair.

"Promise."

"With...with rubby ducks?" 

"Yes. And red rubber boats." Dino smiled. He knows he loved those from YouTube Kids.

"And more bubble soaps?"

"Yes."

The kids eyes sparkled.

"Channie Hyung is the best." The kid gave him a satisfied happy big thumbs up, and Dino just chuckled. 

So cute. 

"Alright, let's clean you up---"

He was about to turn on the faucet to adjust the hot water, when Cheol suddenly jumped at the faucet. 

"Me, me! I'll do it!!" He said excitedly. 

Dino felt like a speed car zoomed past him, but no, it was just Cheollie hyung.

Unable to stop the clumsy yet fast kid on time --- small hands directly under the faucet and water splashed all over the bathroom;  leaving towels, mirrors, floor and Dino all soaking wet. 

The bathroom... is a mess. 

"Hyuuuuuuung." Dino whined, soaked and all. He's still wearing the sponsored luxury brand shirt too...

Dino has an idea now how Mingyu and Wonwoo was unable to handle him in the kitchen. He see it now, what they meant by... Too passionate. He's too excited at doing things on his own, like your regular active kinder. 

But the unaware child Seungcheol just enjoyed the mildly hot water now splashing on his hands and feet, and when he turned around to look at Dino, the kid had the gall to look shocked. 

"Why are you wet, Channie hyung?"

Dino only facepalmed.

"I have some news." 

Producer Oh looked up at his fellow producer while they were having a friendly drink.

"What is it?" The Producer asked, to feign interest... But the next words piqued his attention real quick.

"D'you know? My project with SVT leader S.COUPS was cancelled?"

"Hoh~?"

"Apparently, they're going to announce a sick hiatus tomorrow... but some birds in the industry tell me he's gone missing."

Producer Oh suddenly remembered his previous meeting with SEVENTEEN staff, eager to see the idol, only to see the maknaes of the group. 

He leaned further in the table. "How's he gone missing?"

"Some managers were asking other group's managers if the artist was with their artists last Chuseok."

"Maybe he's just sick and resting??" He tested.

"If he was, why would the management panic, looking like they're combing the Earth looking for him?" His fellow producer said, laughing. "Well you don't have to take my word for it, it's just a circulating rumor y'know."

"Hah, true!"

"For all we know, maybe he got a fight with the management. I heard he has a tendency to be feisty."

Feisty? 

He is, he is, no doubt.

It was so attractive for a change, how the young boy leader and his younger member tried their best to resist him. Playing a game of resistance, Producer Oh enjoyed it for awhile, a dramatic change from the usual newbie boys trying to throw themselves into him.

Well, it was fun until he realizes he wasn't winning.

"Won't you have some problems since they suddenly pulled out?" Asked Producer Oh. 

"I'm disappointed yes, but oh well... there are penalties and I think they will pay me for breach of contract. Can't be helped I guess. Good thing we're still not all out with the production preparation costs yet."

"Hmmm..."

Producer Oh pondered this unconfirmed information for awhile...

...thinking of the group... 

...his favorites...

...his tastes...

...the once young feisty Scoups...

...and the once young afraid Mingyu... 

But they've gotten so mature now that he's no longer attracted much. Mingyu even stood his ground in front of him undeterred recently, taking his back then meal away from him.

They were his untouched meals for the longest time though... He wonders... sometimes wines are good when it's aged right?

...and recently, ah yes, Dino and his adorable clueless kid-like view of the industry...

...naïve responses...

...those perky ass...

...ah....

Finally, he couldn't contain his unexplainable excitement and adrenaline and decided to call his staff.

"Send another partnership proposal to Pledis. Yes, tomorrow."

Chapter Text

After long talks about the group concerns, the CEO went straight to the point. 

"Still no news about Choi Seungcheol's whereabouts?" Asked the CEO to Hoshi and Woozi... 

...on which Woozi immediately replied a cold "No sir."

Their CEO made a sigh. "Fine. We'll listen just this once to his stubborn ass. If he wants unprofessionalism, then I'll give him that--- he wants hiatus? Why don't I give him a permanent one---"

"Sir." Hoshi muttered, alarmed.

"Don't be ridiculous.  You know Cheol-hyung, he normally doesn't run away from responsibilities." Woozi argued.  "Something... something just probably happened... You know that."

There was a hint of anger at his partner's voice.

"The penalties I have to face for contract breach is not funny, Jihoon."

"Take it from portion of his incoming royalty pay then." Woozi said.

"Without his written consent, you know I can't do that."

"Then take a portion from mine." Woozi said with nonchalance. "I'll send an acknowledgement email later that I agree."

'ah, my rich producer best friend.' Hoshi thought.

The CEO pursed his mouth. "...."

"Problem solved?" Woozi asked.

"No." The CEO leaned on his chair tiredly. "But yes, one portion of the problem is solved."

"You mean the comeback, right?" Hoshi asked. 

"Yes." 

"...we'll... talk about it when Jeonghan and Joshua hyung returns from overseas recording..." Hoshi said, making an uncomfortable look.  

"Okay." The CEO said. "Well, if you have news about SCOUPS's whereabouts, please tell us as soon as possible. Because half of my problems will be solved once we find him."

Hoshi swallowed with a tight nod --- a nonverbal lie. The members all know where their Seungcheol hyung is after all: he's probably busy playing with Mingyu or Dino right now.

When they walked out of the executive office, they were met by one of their managers.

"Ah Hoshi-nim, Woozi-nim." 

"Hyung, good afternoon." Hoshi and Woozi bowed. 

"G'afternoon. No news about Scoups-nim yet?"

"N-none yet." Hoshi lied again. 

"Sigh." The manager reached out to his tablet and showed a screen of incoming schedules. 

Then with a worried voice: "I need to talk to you, about these incoming events...."

Now, those schedules are labeled SVT indeed, but Woozi and Hoshi both looked at each other in confusion. 

Hoshi knows their group schedule -- the comeback dates, upcoming tours, choreo practice and recording schedules...

...but the schedule that was shown to the two of them were completely stranger to him. 

It looked packed, because it included all the solo, duo, unit and group schedules of the 13 members in an overwhelming arrangement...

...as well as schedules for events that their Cheol hyung usually just sends to their group chats as minor, gentle updates --- product and album design, marketing team, wardrobe meeting, SNS team, company shareholders annual reporting, SVT staff feedback meeting and even a meet up with a producer and their marketing Director... 

Immediately, Hoshi knew this is a schedule for the General Leader. Not for the two ship captains of SEVENTEEN --- but for the master shipwright. 

They know it was never easy... their hyung sometimes broke down before them too...

...but most of the time, their leader made it look easy.

Coups hyung was too hard on them before; but now, he resembled a chill starfish most of the time ---- tolerating their chaos with his dimpled bread smile in the practice room,  drinking his favorite bottled tea drink while he scrolled with his phone on SNS and talk light-heartedly with the staff here and there...

...looking relaxed like that...

...unbothered...

...with a crazy schedule like this.

It's hella crazy.

Not to mention, the constant monitoring of literally everything.....

Hoshi wouldn't admit it out loud but he disliked Coups' role a lot. It's a very tiring role... mentally. A role to literally worry about everything and everyone --- That's probably why their hyung gets sick, no?

"What were the asterisks for?" Woozi asked as he scrolled at their General Leader's digital calendar, and only then did Hoshi noticed it.

"Ah yes, the asterisks..." The manager scratched his head. "Well... I don't know. I was hoping you'd know."

"No, I dont have a clue." Hoshi replied. 

"Me neither." Woozi said.

"I think... SCoups-nim put that personally as his reminders for us that he wants those schedules open?" The manager said. "Usually, he needs to talk to a member when there are those asterisks. It matches with the member's free schedule when you look at their calendar..."

Hoshi tapped the asterisk and two members name showed up for this current week --- Dino and Mingyu. 

Dino... 'cause they fought last week yes? But it said "Dino - All Members meeting." Tonight. Why though?

(see chapter 2 :>)

And also... Mingyu too? Why? There were no details. 

Next week, there were Jun, Vernon and DK. But what is the agenda? Again, no details.

If it was something personal, it would be awkward to ask the members too. 

Hah...what the hell.

Hoshi also saw Woozi physically wince when he stared at the dizzying schedule in the screen too. They couldn't help it. To be honest, now that Seungcheol hyung has become like a six year old, they have unclear directions how to proceed.

The maknaes said their Cheol hyung wanted a transition meeting when he hasn't mentally de-aged yet... And yes, a transition meeting with him would have been extremely helpful but... 

...they were home late. 

Damn it all. 

"I can't attend the meetings, hyung." Woozi immediately admitted to their manager, looking even more stressed. "It clashes with my scheduled meet ups with music producers next week. I can't cancel those."

"I have scheduled BSS recordings too." Hoshi admitted. His own personal schedules are packed. He's gonna have a hard time covering for the schedules Seungcheol left.

He also enrolled on a dance studio practice, should he have those cancelled? 

Yes, he needs to cancel it.

He needs to help taking care of hyung too, after all. 

"We're worried... About who will fill these pending schedules?" The manager asked. "Scoups-nim already missed a meeting with senior manager-nim already, about Coups' concern for the rotation of the cars for the members this month."

"The... rotation of the cars?" Hoshi muttered, followed by Woozi's small unsure "Ah..."

Hoshi and Woozi just resumes staring at the crazy schedule in silence, unable to answer. 

Who... will fill the pending schedules.....

Who?

The question is : How?

"Let's leave the executive meetings for now? We... definitely can't attend it." Hoshi unsurely suggested, wanting to escape the decision making for later. 

The manager's eyes showed worry and disapproval... But he nodded nonetheless. "Okay... But... Coups-nim never dared to---"

"Missing one or two meeting can't be that bad, right?" Woozi asked unsurely. "Besides, surely there must be minutes of the meeting we can read after?"

"Y-yes." Their manager nodded. "Yes, there is."

"Then, can you send it to us instead?" Hoshi brightly asked, happy that there was a solution to the predicament. 

"Of course!"

"Can you email us Cheol-hyung's sched in case there are members available as well...?" Woozi asked too. "Cheol-hyung confides a lot with Jeonghan hyung and Joshua hyung... they might know these asterisks too."

Their manager's expression brightened a bit. "Of course! I'll send it right now."

"Thank you, hyung." Woozi said.

"Any clues about his whereabouts?"

"None, unfortunately." Woozi lied, as he rode the company van. Their manager was about to go to the driver's seat too with his keys on his hands...

...when Hoshi suddenly took the keys from him. 

"Hyung, just rest for today. Thank you very much." Hoshi smiled. 

"What?" Their manager ask, confused; while Hoshi hurriedly rode on the driver's seat. "W-WAIT---"

"Hoshi will drive for us today." Woozi said from the passenger seat. "Enjoy your early time out, hyung."

"But---" 

"Bye, hyung. See ya tomorrow." Hoshi bid as he revved the car on and drove out, leaving their manager speechless. 

Woozi and Hoshi shrugged at their manager's shocked expression reflected in the side mirror; but they didn't expect the meeting with the President to get that long; nor did they expect the manager to follow them to the carpark after. 

"Do you think he will report to the management?" Hoshi asked.

"Definitely will." Woozi said. "But management won't bother with the minor report. It's not like we're going to do anything scandalous.

"We're just going to buy. If we do it online, it will be too much packages for all the things we need --- the managers will get suspicious if they come all at once.

"And we can't wait for the shipping, we need it NOW. It's child negligence already if we let Cheol hyung stay on those clothes for one more day.

"Also, we will no longer have time to buy hyung's stuff in the coming days. We have to do it today."

Woozi's long explanation gave Hoshi a brief idea that he's nervous at what they're going to do. 

They're going out... with no security, and with a child whose face they need to cover well. 

But it's today or never.

"Right." Hoshi agreed. "Time for Tiger-hyung duties."

"Whatever. Hurry up, we're late." Woozi snapped as he leaned back on his seat and pulled the seat belt to his chest. 

"So, what are we going to buy?"

"Dino said toys?" Woozi said. "I say we buy more children clothes than toys. Cheollie-hyung seem to enjoy playing with other people more after all. I think he likes games more than toys."

"But we will have schedules, we'll be even more busy in the coming days." Hoshi said. "He needs something to keep himself entertained alone."

"Okay... we buy some toys, and add activity books." Woozi muttered. "If we're going to bring him to Universe Factory during recordings, we need activity books too to keep him entertained. I don't like him being too addicted with his YouTube Kids."

"Yes. And clothes, socks, underwear, and pajamas. He loves pajamas--- those that ACTUALLY fit." Hoshi added. "And of course, I, his favorite hyung, is going to buy him 3 tiger plushies."

"You're really ridiculous, Kwon Soonyoung." Woozi chuckled. 

"What??" Hoshi asked, amused.

"You're grabbing the opportunity to over promote to hyung your ridiculous tiger agenda."

"He's so cute believing me! What can I do?" Hoshi laughingly argued. "Do you see his eyes sparkle like that --- I'd never forget it even when he goes back..." 

Hoshi paused a bit, staring at the road ahead of him; and Woozi felt his sudden change in mood. 

"What'are you thinking?"

"I'm just... wondering..." Hoshi murmured. "Is he even going back to normal?"

"Ah..."

Silence as the two pondered while they drove; and then Woozi sighed. 

"I told Dino not to think about it yet." Woozi muttered. "I know it's worrying but, for now, we have to probably just wait it out and see." 

"...because that's the only thing we can do right now." Hoshi nodded. 

"Yes." Woozi leaned on the car window. "Unfortunately."

Soon they reached their meeting place at the park near their apartment, where Dino was standing --- face covered by face mask and a black hat; beside Dino was none other than their toddler hyung. 

Hoshi didn't like how the little kid was clothed in a poorly fitted jeans and big jacket and cap, and a house slippers because he has no shoes yet.  But he couldn't help but smile a bit at the image of their leader --- round, innocent, beautiful eyes that seem to have no worries in the world; rounded mochi cheeks and... the pouty lips when he's thinking hard.

"This little midget." Woozi muttered , but there was a fond smile that mirrors Hoshi's. 

"How dare he forget his leader schedules." Hoshi joked a bit as he waved enthusiastically to Cheollie across the car window. The toddler waved back animatedly. 

"Let's enjoy his cuteness for now." Woozi said. 

Soon, a very exhausted Dino opened the car door in the back and nudged the little toddler to go inside the car... but the their boy seemed focused, on the middle of what seem to be an intense conversation. 

"----but, but, but why are traffic light green, red and yellow, Channie-hyung?"

"Because." Dino sighed, carrying Cheollie to the car seat. "Green is for GO, red is for STOP and Yellow is for WAIT."

Little Cheollie squirmed as he stared at the traffic light outside, eyes full of curiosity; as Dino struggled a bit to make the little one wear his seat belt. 

"What if there is no Traffic Lights?" Cheollie asked urgenly. "Do cars die?"

"Ummm there might be an accident when they collide, so yes, some cars might die." their maknae explained so patiently. 

Hoshi huffed as he restarted the car and drove; amused at how even though its tiring him out, their maknae Dino was trying his hardest to answer their little hyung's questions. 

The small little hands of their hyung nudged aggresively at Dino then, in an immediate call for urgent attention.

"---BUT HYUNG,what if... what if a driver not know the right color?

Who decides the color?

What if the driver wants a different color instead, like BLUE?

What if they want BLUE For STOP?"

"Help..." Dino murmured, bombarded by questions.

Woozi and Hoshi laughed out loud. Is this why Dino was already chatting SOS in the GC?

"Cheol-hyung, oh my god." Woozi muttered, laughing. "I've never thought... yes, why not blue? Who decided that?"

"You don't know who decided it?" Asked Cheollie innocently.

"Yes, I'm sorry Cheol hyung. We don't know." Woozi replied. 

"So then... Why do you follow it?" Cheollie asked again, eyes wide and argumentative.

Woozi smiled fondly. "Ah yes, why indeed. Should we raise this concern to the management, Cheol hyung? Shall we wreck havoc?"

Cheollie held his seat belt and stared at Woozi indignantly. "I'm not a hyung."

"Stop teasing him." Dino sighed, and both Woozi and Hoshi chuckled. 

"CHEOLLIE, LOOK! I'm a driver right now." Hoshi called out, "but don't worry, Tiger-hyung will not let the car die. I know the colors."

The little leader seemed to think about it for awhile... then he nodded in approval at Hoshi, popping his little thumbs from his jacket paws. "Tiger Hyung is very good."

And then he pouted, leaning on Dino's arms. He then looked at Woozi through the gap of Dino's arm and body, as if hiding.

"Woozi Hyung... not good." 

"PFFT---HAHAHAHHA!" Woozi laughed again. Hoshi heard Dino chuckle too.

"So little Cheollie..." Hoshi said. "You do know we're buying my promised three tiger plushies today, right?"

"REALLY????" Seungcheol's eyes sparkled again and Hoshi wanted to melt at the cuteness, right then and there.

"Yup." Dino smiled. "And we're going to buy red bath balls, remember? What else was on your list?"

The kid fumbled on his pocket and took a crumpled paper suspiciously stained with smears of flour, with his rough drawings.

"We buy.... TOY CARS." Cheollie muttered in all seriousness. "RED."

"Okay." Dino, Hoshi and Woozi nodded. 

"And rubber duckies...

...red bath balls...

...and BREAD!" 

"That's it?" Hoshi asked, raising his eyebrow to the boy through the car mirror. Their little leader looked flustered. 

"Did I forget something else?" he pouted worriedly.

"And shoes." Dino said. 

"And plushies." Hoshi added. "And more toys."

"And crayons." Woozi said. "Art set for Cheollie!"

"and the most important thing... I kept telling it to you earlier." Dino jokingly scold their hyung. "You forgot?"

"w-what?" Cheollie asked worriedly, looking up and down his little crumpled paper.

"WHY YOU FORGET TO LIST DOWN NEW CLOTHES! GRAHHH!" Dino dove and tickled the little boy behind them, poking at his badly fitted shirt.

The car was filled with a child's laughter and happy screams. It felt so good, Hoshi thought. Woozi closed his eyes in contentment too, as if he's listening to a music.

They drove to the nearest exclusive membership store that could hopefully provide the privacy they need.

Hopefully, they could hide their identities while they buy stuff there.

A discrete picture clicked from a distance. 

"Did you see that?" 

"Wasn't that SEVENTEEN's DINO?"

"He's with a child?"

...

"It's a good scoop, isn't it?"

NOTICE: S.COUPS INDEFINITE HIATUS due to Health Concern

Hello, This is Pledis Entertainment.

-------

Jeonghan's eyes couldn't believe what he was reading at his cellphone screen. 

A... A Hiatus announcement? From the management??

Seungcheol's poor health condition?

He hadn't heard from his best friend since the vacation started; but he assumed he was just wanting to deflate --- to decompress from social media and people. He did say he was tired after all... and Jeonghan completely understands. That's why he didn't pester him to answer. 

BUT SUDDENLY THIS?

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?

He looked at his phone call history, the amount of missed calls he made to his best friend that did not pass through because it was unattended. 

He didn't answer any of it. 

He didn't say anything about his health. 

"IS HE EVEN OKAY???" Jeonghan muttered angrily as he smashed his finger angrily at the announcement notification. 

The sooner they reach the other members, the sooner they will know. He chatted to the GC. 

"We're back.

On the way to the apartment. 

Explain why Seungcheol has a hiatus announcement!"

He waited for awhile but nobody replied. But then again, he saw the time, it was 3AM.

They're probably all asleep, or on schedule...

Agh.

Joshua sighed as their security guided them out of the airport and towards the secured carpark, where a manager is waiting. 

"Jeonghan-ssi, Joshua-ssi, welcome back---"

"WHAT HAPPENED TO SCOUPS?" Was Jeonghan's immediate question, dismissing the usual greetings. 

"How sick was he?" Joshua asked. 

Their manager gaped at the two's question... "You really don't know where he is?"

"What kind of question is that?" Joshua asked, frowning. 

"No... we... we have some suspicion that you members were hiding him or something ---" 

"What do you mean?" Jeonghan questioned. "Our members never told us anything about S.COUPS --- "

Jeonghan suddenly paused, a random memory passing through his head; a message he and Joshua read days ago, during a very busy schedule.

Mingyu's update at the group chats.

Hyung. 

Don't be surprised.

But Seungcheol-hyung.

Dino is very worried... He needs help. 

To which Jeonghan replied. 

Why? What happened?

If it's about him and Dino, let's leave them alone for now.

Give them space. 

Joshua seconded Jeonghan's reply.

It's never good to rush these kinds of things, you know. 

Mingyu's reply was

No, hyungs.

Seungcheol-hyung has become a child.

We don't understand it, we don't know what to do. 

Jeonghan laughed out loud then, followed by Joshua's chuckle. 

"What did Cheol do now?" Joshua giggled. 

In 95-liners eyes, Seungcheol has always been a child --- the leader of the group yes, but when the three of them are together, he shamelessly shows the maknae that was produced by the doting Choi of Daegu household. 

But to show that side to the dongsaengs, that is new to Jeonghan and Joshua's ears. 

But Jeonghan's chest warmed up. 

He knew he had been not okay these past few days... a vacation was just perfectly timed so he could rest. But if he's acting like this now to the dongsaengs, he's probably okay now.

They probably already settled their argument with Dino too; otherwise he would be so uptight. 

"He's probably teasing the kids, hahahaha." Jeonghan chuckled. 

"I can't imagine how he's pestering Mingyu and Dino now." Joshua seconded. 

"Wait, I'll reply to Mingyu."

LOL

Tell the child to stop pranking his dongsaengs. 

Mingyu responded.

NO, HYUNG

He really became a child

LIKE LITERALLY

You will understand when you get here!!

And also, he wants to talk to you two. 

Dino is stressed already. We all are.

Jeonghan frowned. 

Are Dino and Coups still fighting?

"No, hyung.

They're very much okay now."

Thank goodness. 

Suddenly, a staff went inside their resting tent. 

"Jeonghan-ssi, Joshua-ssi, please stand by outside. We're starting the 4th concept now."

Jeonghan and Joshua quickly stood up, since time was tight and they have to finish this; followed by another schedule after. 

But before he went out, Jeonghan made a last reply to Mingyu.

I have to go now, staff is calling.

Don't worry about Coups, he likes to mess around like that. 

That just means he's in a good mood. 

Chat you later.

He didn't chat him later. 

Mingyu's next messages were inquiries about when they would return and can they cancel their appointments, to which, Jeonghan failed to see on time. 

It didn't help that he's with Joshua, the guy who never seem to check his phone messages.

Jeonghan paused in front of the manager in the airport carpark. "....they, did tell us something. But it was just about... something funny."

"Wait." Joshua confusedly looked at Jeonghan, then at the manager. "Is... Is Seungcheol really sick?"

"No." The manager said, shaking his head. "That's just the safest reason to tell the public."

Joshua's face morphed into further worry. "THEN WHERE IS HE?"

"That's the question." The manager replied. "He disappeared. We couldn't find him."

"WHAT?!" Both Jeonghan and Joshua exclaimed. 

"Hop in the car, I will update you while I drive you to your apartment."

And inside the car, the manager managed to tell them all the problems they encountered --- Seungcheol's disappearance, not answering calls, not coming home to Daegu, not showing up for his personal schedule's initial meeting.

None of the members saw where he is, he didn't contact even his own family...

And then... out of nowhere, he sent an email to the management requesting for an indefinite hiatus, coupled with thousand apologies, but no clear reason stated why. 

And then... he disappeared again.

Joshua was wide eyed while he listened to the manager's update; but Jeonghan... Jeonghan's gears were turning.

He snapped his phone open and quickly returned back to their conversation in the GC few days ago.

Mingyu's words, if you remove the amusement context...

He needs help. 

we don't know what to do. 

You will understand when you get here!!

Dino is stressed already. We all are.

Can you cancel your schedule and come back to the apartment asap, hyung?

We can't discuss this to a manager yet.

'oh shit.' Jeonghan gaped, eyes widening.

Something must have happened.

Joshua felt his reaction; stopped talking at the manager and mirrored his reaction, mouthing "What is it??"

"Apartment." Jeonghan muttered to Joshua.

"Y-yes, i'm driving you there." The manager said. "Oh, I also forgot to give this paper bag with Seungkwan-nims vitamins, he forgot at the set. I'm bringing this to him too---"

"I'll take it to him for you." Jeonghan smiled nervously. 

"It's okay, I need to check something at the apartment's fridge too---"

"I'll take a photo of the fridge for you." Jeonghan offered. 

"Oh... that would be great, thank you, Jeonghan-nim."

Joshua frowned, and took his phone out. Soon Jeonghan received a private message from Joshua. 

"Why do you not want manager-nim to the apartment?"

Jeonghan only replied. 

"I have a bad feeling that we shouldn't.

Also, I think Dino and Mingyu know where Seungcheol is."

Joshua sent another reply.

"You think they're hiding him??

What for???"

Jeonghan frustratedly reply back.

"I don't know."

Joshua:

"Fine. I just hope he's okay."

"So am I."

The car stopped inside the valet of their apartment building and Jeonghan almost hopped out when he saw their manager go outside the car as well. 

"Wait," Joshua, as if sensing Jeonghan's silent panic, moved and told the manager. "It's okay hyung, we will get our luggage to the apartment."

"But this is my job---"

"We know you're tired." Joshua chided. "Plus, we use the elevator anyway."

"Dont worry about us, hyung." Jeonghan added. 

The manager smiled, finally. "Ah thank you so much."

As soon as the manager's car was out of sight, Joshua and Jeonghan dragged their luggage to the elevator and ran to their apartment. Joshua opened the door with their keys...

...and when they opened...

Well, it wasn't a surprise that they were greeted by a silent and dim-lighted apartment. It seemed like everyone were already in their respective bedrooms...it's 3AM after all.

What caught Jeonghan and Joshua's attention though was the unusual mess lying around the living room. Jeonghan is used to the messy state of their always so busy apartment. But...

...

what is that non slip alphabet jigsaw mat on the floor that replaced their carpet?

What are those car toys and coloring books doing in the floor?

There were some empty toy boxes by the carpet too. A toy robot sitting with tiger plushies on the sofa...

There were glowing stickers in the TV and the wall, as if a child slapped it there too.

And what are those big squiggly lines of red crayon doing on their wallpaper?

Not to mention, the ridiculous child-proof door locks in the shoe cabinet, child-proof table edges... child proof lock by the door knob,... attached on furnitures... the legs of the chairs....

It looked like, in just 1 week, the apartment has turned into a day care center.

"What happened here?" Joshua asked in confusion; but Jeonghan's breath quickened, mind racing.

Mingyu's chats:

Seungcheol-hyung has become a child.

We don't understand it, we don't know what to do. 

....

'There's no way.'

'That's impossible.'

As if on cue, they heard a small noise inside the laundry area, and noticed that the light has opened there. 

Jeonghan and Joshua left their luggages beside the door and silently walked towards the direction of the small rustling noise... wondering who among the members is awake to interrogate.

Nothing readied Jeonghan when a small boy in red cherry pajamas entered his line of sight.

A handsome small boy... big dark brown eyes, long dark lashes, and red pout... seemed to be panicking in the laundry room.

He's... very small, with his cute round cheeks and determined small hands --- as he dragged a chair beside a washing machine and began pulling and dragging a seemingly a blanket and a fully covered bed duvet that seemed too big for him. 

Joshua covered his hands to his mouth. Jeonghan could simply slack his mouth open. 

Because... no matter where you look at it, the boy in front of him awfully looks like Choi Seungcheol's baby pictures when he was maybe around kinder age. 

'but that's impossible...'

The boy hadn't noticed Jeonghan and Joshua yet and continued to determinedly dragged the duvet to the washing machine and kept pushing the cloth inside, attempting to close the lid.

His small voice whined when the washing machine cover burst out open, resisting the kid's push because of the clumsy way he put the duvet inside. 

"S-Seungcheol-ah...?"Jeonghan finally spoke, wanting answers.

His voice made the adorable boy's shoulders stiffen. He stopped pushing and the blanket and duvet was vomited by the washing machine dramatically. 

Young Seungcheol slowly faced the two, with wide, panicked eyes. His cute face turned his pale white skin very red up to his ears, and he showed a sliver of kid's panic, as if he was caught stealing some chocolates. 

And then, looking down as if in shame.. he put his little tiny finger to his lips....

"P-please don't tell Channie-hyung I peed on my bed."

Jeonghan tilted his head in confusion. "What?"

"I-I promise I won't drink juice before bed again. PLEASE!"

Jeonghan heard the request but he wasn't able to process with comprehension. 

How..

What?

Am I dreaming???

This boy in front of him is Seungcheol... And he's calling Dino... "Channie hyung."

Closing his jaw from the mixture of surprise, confusion and wonder --- Jeonghan turned around to the door. 

For now, he didn't care anymore if the members were still sleeping.

He needed explanations.

Answers.

NOW.

ASAP!

Jeonghan walked out of the laundry room and shouted at the dead of the night.

"LEE JUNG CHAN, WHERE ARE YOU!!!"

Chapter Text

'LEE JUNG CHAN!'

Dino heard a shouting voice outside his room... but sighed as he only moved to change his position on his bed. 

'LEE CHAN!!!! WHERE ARE YOU?!'

He barely registered it was his Jeonghan-hyung's voice... But he only groaned on his light sleep. 

hmm.. let me sleep. 

He's tired. 

The day before has been so crazy, taking care of a hyperactive, stubborn toddler throughout the whole afternoon. There was even no time to clean up, all his attention and time were with his Seungcheol - hyung, who seemed to be always so curious that one wrong move and he'd ran away and they'd lose him. 

Add the mental pressure that him, Woozi and Hoshi had to have their faces covered so people don't recognize them too. 

And Cheollie too. He kept on removing his hat... not knowing his baby pictures are well known by fans... 

It was so hard. 

'LEE CHAN---'

Suddenly, a kid's wail burst out outside. 

"STOOOOOP!!!

DONT TELL CHANNIE HYUNG!!!!"

Followed by an all too familiar crying screams. 

Sleep suddenly didn't matter. Dino's eyes quickly opened and he bolted out of his bedroom in hurry, shouting, "CHEOLLIE?!"

"CHAN----"

"STOOP IT, I SAID!!!!" Cheollie's frustrated voice screamed again and Dino's heartbeats quickened in panic as he ran towards the direction of the laundry area. 

He definitely left his toddler hyung in his bedroom, completely asleep.

It's 3am, why is he awake so early?

What's happening now???

"BAD MAN! STOP ITTT! DONT CALL HYUNG---"

"Coups, c-calm down---" Joshua's voice.

"No, Seungcheol, I wasn't gonna tell him---" Jeonghan's confused voice. 

"Jeonghan-hyung? Shua-hyung?" Dino asked as he finally saw the three, with Jeonghan's legs being wrestled by their kid leader in seemingly a useless attempt to stop him from walking. 

"Dino-ah." Joshua said behind the two, his expression frozen in surprised horror, pointing at their toddler. "W-what is happening? Why is Cheol---"

As much as Dino wanted to answer, they were suddenly interrupted by young kid Seungcheol's sudden even louder cries of panic. 

"NOOOO." Cheollie punched Jeonghan's thigh and let go; then the kid scrambled in panic in front of Dino. 

The poor boy looked small and absolutely terrified.

"CHANNIE HYUNG." Cheollie sniffled.

"why are you crying??" Dino asked.

Hjs small hand was literally shaking as tears flowed down his pale mochi cheeks, crying his heart out --- it almost broke Dino's heart.

"W-what's wrong, Cheollie?" Dino crouched down in worry. "Tell me. A-are you okay? D-does something hurt----"

"I... I..." Cheollie covered his eyes with his small hands and wiped his pajama sleeves across his tears. "I-I am bad---"

"Cheollie!" Dino shook his head. "I told you---"

"I'm sorry Channie hyung I didn't mean to Channie hyung I....I... tried to hide it too I'm a bad kid Channie hyung I'm sorry----" his little hyung flustered to explain in a rush, almost not breathing. "I... I didn't know I did it, I woke up it was too late Channie-hyung ----"

"Calm down please and breathe first." Dino reached out to scoop him up like he always do; but the young kid resisted away from his hands. It left Dino shocked because ever since Cheollie warmed up to them, it was the first time Cheollie outwardly rejected him again.  

"Cheollie, what's wrong love?" Dino worriedly asked. "I told you, you're not a bad kid----"

"But BUT I did something bad Grandma gets mad, Channie hyung will be mad---I PROMISE NOT TO DO IT AGAIN, I'm so so sorry----"

"Alright..." Dino asked gently.. patiently. "What did you do?"

However, Dino belatedly realized no matter how gentle he said it, it was the wrong question. It only triggered little Cheollie to cry even more, full of guilt and shame.

He cried so hard, too hard -- Dino worried he would leave himself spent again. 

"S-stop crying, Cheollie." Dino pleaded, trying to touch him again to comfort him. "Calm down. Please."

But Cheollie rejected his hand again. He stepped back further, gave Jeonghan's thigh one more powerless yet angry punch and shouted: "I HATE YOU!!!"

...and then he ran away...

The reaction was all too familiar to Dino that he shouted to Joshua: "OH NO SHUA HYUNG, CATCH HIM----"

"Ah!" Joshua grunted and was left shocked as Cheollie pushed his leg away too and then Dino watch him try to hide again in between the washing machines but he didn't fit ---- thank God Mingyu Hyung covered it now. 

But the stubborn little kid moved and opened one of the cupboards with the soaps, brooms and and cleaning materials instead, and slammed it close --- hiding himself inside there. 

Hiding again.

Dino gaped at the kid; before suddenly whipping his head angrily at his Jeonghan hyung and Joshua hyung--- unexplainable angry protectiveness surging out. 

He himself didn't recognize his own deep angry growl:

"What did you do?!"

Jeonghan wildly stared at the chaos that ensued as soon as the little Seungcheol hid. 

"What did you do?!" his maknae whipped at him and Joshua, with anger so intense he felt tongue tied. 

Before Jeonghan could recover to answer, a sleepy Mingyu walked into their area: "what's the noise, what's happening --- oh hyungs!"

"Cheollie hyung hid in one of the cupboards! Who forgot to put child lock on it?!" Dino quickly bombarded Mingyu angrily. 

Mingyu's eyes suddenly went awake. "WHAT? Hyunggie is hiding again!?"

"He's crying too!" 

"What hiding? Crying" Woozi asked next as he entered, sleepy yet surprised. "Why would Cheollie tantrum--"

"Who forgot to put a child lock in laundry area? Hyunggie is in one of the cupboards right now!" Mingyu demanded Hoshi, Seungkwan and DK who just arrived. 

The panic rippled out more. 

"WHAT? Someone forgot??" Hoshi remarked.

"Oh NO, NO!" Seungkwan tried to open the cupboard where Cheol was hiding but it was quickly closed again by the kid inside. 

Followed by a child's frustrated scream. "NOOO!" 

"HYUNGGIE!" DK called out worriedly. 

"What's happening? Why is hyung hiding again?" Myungho's said as he entered. 

"Oh no! What if he gets too tired again?!" Wonwoo asked. "We can't let him stay there for hours like last time."

"Maknae, wasn't he okay after your toys shopping? What made him upset???" It was Jun this time. 

Dino's finger immediately flashed by Jeonghan's face:

"JEONGHAN HYUNG MADE HIM UPSET."

Immediately, his dongsaengs eyes gathered towards Jeonghan and Jeonghan felt the pressure of half a dozen crazy overprotective men judging him. 

"Yah, w-wait---" Jeonghan tried to rebutt the incoming trial, but Mingyu started. "HYUNG HOW COULD YOU!" 

"This is why Bokkeu hate your guts nowadays, Jeonghan hyung! Did you tease Cheollie too much?!" Seungkwan demanded. 

"Oh hyungs, you're back." Vernon's chirped happily, who just arrived.

"Do you know what happened last time he hid between the washing machines? He passed out from crying too much!" Jun argued.

"Guys..." Woozi tried to placate.

"He got weak he didn't even eat for an entire day. He just kept sleeping.." Myungho added frustratedly.

"We barely managed to make him drink his milk!" DK remarked.

"Isn't that because we didn't have milk bottle?" Asked Wonwoo. 

"Yeah. We bought now." Hoshi said.

"And it's very hard to keep him calm when he's on that crying fit!" Dino added.

"YAH, LET ME TALK, WILL YOU?" Jeonghan yelled as he stomped his feet against the tiled floor. "It wasn't my fault! He cried because we saw him cleaning his own p----"

Suddenly, hands from behind slapped Jeonghan's mouth, followed by a calm voice of Joshua. 

"Don't announce that or Cheollie will hate you more." Joshua whispered disapprovingly.

And then, Joshua smiled at their dongsaengs, putting his index finger on his lips and then silently pointing at the messy blankets by the washing machine. 

Dino confusedly looked at the sheets beside the washer and pulled it up, until they all saw a big wet spot in the middle of it. 

"Oh..." Dino and the members blinked in silent understanding. 

"We didn't do anything." Joshua suddenly said loudly. 

"R-right." Jeonghan followed. "We were just... surprised that a... an industrious little boy was cleaning his bed."

"YES, EXACTLY!" Joshua said. "But he's a precious baby...he shouldn't be cleaning on his own in the middle of the night. Right?"

"Yes, he's a good boy." Jeonghan nodded, "but I was angry his Channie hyung left the good boy alone."

"Did Chan let Cheollie sleep on a dirty bed?" Joshua accused. 

"Maybe that's why Cheollie woke up. Because it was dirty." Jeonghan nodded. "Poor Cheollie."

"Right. So Jeonghan called Channie hyung to scold him!" Joshua smiled in conclusion. 

"R-Right." Jeonghan said, now adding a reprimanding tone. "LEE CHAN, HOW COULD YOU LEAVE LITTLE CHEOLLIE ALONE!"

"Ah...?" Dino looked half flustered and half amused with a 'seriously??? me???' look. 

"I see, so it was Dino's fault! Aigoo, Dino-ah!!!!" Hoshi jumped on the unplanned skit. 

"Dino-ah, Cheollie is a baby. You can't let him clean on his own! Tsk tsk!" Added Mingyu.

"Ah next time, check the bed first, Dino-ah. Seriously." Even Woozi played along.

"Should we punish Dino-ah?" Jeonghan asked, crossing his arms. "Aishhh, Channie."

"Yes, punish Channie." They collectively 'agreed'.

"Why are you punishing me??!" Dino asked his hyungs, breaking out of character. 

Suddenly, the cupboard opened...

...and their little leader hyung shyly peeked out of the cupboards. Jeonghan and everyone paused as he looked at his adorable teary eyes. 

"Hyunggie..." Seungkwan softly called out. "Don't worry, we will tell your Channie hyung for what he did wrong---"

Cheollie suddenly scrambled to go out on his own... looking down his feet as he silently cried, hurriedly standing next to Dino.

A soft spot in Jeonghan's chest hurt for seeing his best friend turned toddler look broken hearted like that....

...but part of him wants to smack the boy too for being so ridiculous and overreacting like that. 

Even so, no matter how ridiculous his reason for crying is, it seemed so serious for the kid... So thank God, none of the members dared to laugh or chuckle. Everyone just looked... worried.

"There's our good boy." Mingyu cooed. 

"Don't worry, we are going to give Channie hyung a biiiiig scolding!" Hoshi said. 

Dino crouched down to kid Cheol's eyesight level and finally decided to play along.

"Oh Cheollie, I'm sorry I left you to clean. Should I help now?"

...but the boy shook his head as he shyly held Dino's right hand and sniffled again. Dino hugged him in response, and looked relieved when the boy didn't reject him this time. 

"C-channie hyung---" Seungcheol buried himself on Dino's chest when Dino rushed to hug him. 

Jeonghan numbly watched as he looked at the leader and the maknae. Literally so different from the leader and maknae who he saw were fighting last week.

"d-don't scold Channie hyung."

Gone were the screaming, the kid was sobbing softly now, with his little voice so low it was almost like he doesn't want to be heard.

"it's my fault, Channie hyung."

'Oh.' Jeonghan was surprised at kid Cheol's confession, even though he and Joshua covered for him.

'please don't hate me, hyung. I-... I accidentally... p-peed on the bed..." Cheollie confessed, softly sobbing,  hugging Dino tightly. 

He shamefully held his pajama pants, a wet spot on his bum-bum. It is probably the reason why he didn't want Dino to touch him earlier. 

"You said I should stop drinking juice but I still kept drinking the apple juice. I didnt follow you before I slept... I didn't listen. It was my fault, hyung." 

'the bad guys saw me. I will take the punishment of the bad guys, Channie hyung...'

'dont scold Channie hyung.'

Aww... Can you scold this kid?

"Cheollie..." Dino started. 

"Channie hyung please please dont hate me---"

"Oh hyunggie... ssshhh calm down now." Dino was chuckling a bit now, running his thumbs gently over the tear tracks on their kid leader's pale mochi cheeks.

Jeonghan stared at Dino... At their maknae.

Now that their Dino's anger on them was gone, all that was left for Jeonghan to stare at was...

...Dino's exhaustion.

It wasn't physical, no... But Jeonghan is all too familiar with the look. He sees that look from Seungcheol a lot, when there are a lot of...situations.  

Despite the tiredness in his eyes, he smiled at the young kid fondly though. 

Jeonghan silently closed his fists. He hates how his maknae looked like this.

"...but Channie hyung---"

"I don't feel mad, Cheollie." Dino said with a soft smile. "In fact I felt relieved that you cried only because of that. Hyung was so, so, soooo scared that you were hurt, you know?"

Kid Cheollie's head popped out of Dino's arms adorably. "BUT I wasn't hurt, hyung."

"Are you sure? You cried like you were hurt." Dino said. "You made me feel sooo scared. I ran like crazy when you screamed."

"Nooo. I was just..." He hugged Dino again.

"If you're really sorry to me, can Cheollie promise me something then? As an apology?" Dino asked gently...Oh so gently. It felt like this is the first time Jeonghan saw Dino look so gentle like that. 

"A promise?"

"Yes." Dino nodded. "Promise me you won't hide like that from us again when you don't feel okay."

oh. 

"Promise me Cheollie, you will tell us hyungs directly if you're mad or scared or hurt." Dino said. "Don't hide when you don't feel okay."

'Yes... even as an adult, Seungcheol's bad habit of hiding away...' Jeonghan thought.

Young Seungcheol slowly looked around the 12 older boys around him unsurely...

Jeonghan thinks his 6-year-old eyes even glared at him. What the---

"But hyung..." Cheol said anxiously, "I don't know some of them. And he's a bad man too." He pointed at none other than Yoon Jeonghan. 

ouch... Jeonghan gaped, half hurt and half amused. For some reason though, that statement really hurt. 

Dino chuckled. "He's not a bad man, hyung. Because he's my hyung too. His name is Jeonghan."

"Jonhang."

"Jeonghan." Dino repeated. "Hannie. Hannie-hyung."

Seungcheol didn't repeat it. He just gave Jeonghan another tired yet small suspicious teary-eyed glare... 

oh no...

"It's okay. You will get to know my friends." Dino said. "Or maybe you'll remember soon, hyung."

"But... b-but I'm not a hyu---"

"Also Channie hyung is clumsy sometimes so sometimes I forget and calls you hyung." Dino added. "Please promise you don't get mad when I do it wrong."

Cheol looked down. "That's two promises."

"Yes." Dino nodded. "It's for your apology for one, wetting the bed; and two, making me worried and scared. It's fair, yes?"

Cheollie nodded profusely as he went back to Dino's arms. "Channie hyung, I was just scared you will be mad and mad for a long long time at me"

"Again, I'm not mad. I wasn't mad at all." Dino said, ruffling the boy's bed hair. "Was never mad at all at you because of this. Not even little."

The little kid looked a bit shocked at Dino's reaction. "Y-you weren't mad at all?"

"Yes."

"Not even itsy-bitsy?"

"yup."

"But.. Grandma scolds me all the time."

"I'm not Grandma though." Dino replied. "I'm Channie hyung."

"Really, really? Not mad at all?"

"Absolutely not."

The kid paused a good 10 seconds at Dino.. then he tilted his head and blinked his tired, tears-struck eyes.

".........but... but why?"

Dino sighed.

"why again." Hoshi chuckled.

"Ah clean up first, whys later." he picked Seungcheol up. "Come and let's get you cleaned up. So you can go back to the bed --- my bed. We're going to sleeeeep together, so it's aaaaaalllll good, right?"

"...r-right, Channie hyung...."

Jeonghan watched as Seungcheol's small frame slowly melted on their maknae's chest as he leaned his small head on Dino's jacket, allowing himself to be taken by Dino's strong arms this time. 

His cute face pouted...which was followed by a big yawn... as if he was tired from crying and was now very sleepy. 

he looked so cute.

Like a regular toddler...

His head then limped on Dino's shoulder as he started to blink his eyes. 

"alright." Dino cooed and cupped the boys head on his free hand gingerly, calmly inspected the boy's mood.

Then he looked at the other members. "i will be needing a warm milk."

Jeonghan was surprised at how his other dongsaengs responded, as if they were on high alert and was suddenly given orders. 

"I will have that ready." said Seungkwan who watched them by the door started to go to the kitchen. "Did you buy a milk bottle this time? So he can drink while laying down?"

"We did." Hoshi moved. "wait we left it in the grocery bags in the living room."

"I will bring some fresh pajama pants from his bedroom too." Myungho said. 

"monitor him, will you?" Woozi asked Dino  "Last time he went like this, he's like...'dead' for hours didn't he?"

"Yes... But that was a two hour tantrum." Dino said unsurely. "This was just a 15 minute one so I hope he won't. I will observe him though. Coz he's so sleepy and looking weak again like this..."

"I will get his pillows and plushies from his room." Mingyu volunteered. 

"Thanks, hyungs." Dino walked out, holding the sleepy kid on his arms gingerly as if he would die protecting the child. 

Jeonghan felt like he's dreaming. 

Their leader... Is a child. 

His best friend... is a child. 

Processing... 

Their dongsaengs... react at it as if it was normal. As if they were used to it already. 

Jeonghan looked beside him, at Joshua, who looked just as confused as he was... 

No. No matter how he make his gears turn, it... just doesn't make sense at all. 

Before all the members disperse around him, Jeonghan said out loud: "Err... in case you forgot, Joshua and I just came back..."

The members looked back at them in surprise, as if suddenly remembering their presence. 

"...and we need answers." Jeonghan finished. 

"Oh hyung. You're back...." Some of the members belatedly noticed. 

And then there was awkward silence. 

"Shall we all calm down first and talk properly in the living room? Asked Myungho, looking at Woozi.

"Right." Woozi immediately nodded. "We have something to urgently discuss with you two too, hyungs."

"I hope that's about why Cheollie looks like this?" Joshua said. 

"No hyung... we dont have an answer for that either." Woozi replied. "But the current situation... we have to discuss."

"Errr.. let's talk after we take care of hyung, okay?" DK said. 

"Of course." Woozi immediately nodded. "Tell everyone to come to the living room once hyunggie is comfy and asleep. I doubt you'd take long, he's already sleepy."

Woozi was right.

It only took a few more moments for the members to work together to quickly wash and change their Cheollie's briefs and pajamas... the dirty blankets on the washing machine... 

There was a little childish whining when they insistently nudged the little toddler to drink some warm milk before he sleep...

Jeonghan sighed as he overheard. 

"I donwanna, I might pee--"

"C'mon Cheollie, you cried a lot, I don't want you tired and hungry in the middle of sleep."

"But...but... hmm..."

"It's okay... Look you're so sleepy already."

"But---"

"You don't trust Channie hyung?"

"...."

"wake up. Finish your milk!"

"Hmmm.."

Dino finally went out of his room, indicating Seungcheol has finally fallen asleep. 

He then settled to stand on the hallway near his bedroom door where he could oversee both his bedroom from afar but still listening in on the meeting at the living room calmly. 

Jeonghan sighed at their maknae's image. There's like... no fire burning in the youngest right now --- eyes full of worry as he kept looking at the bedroom area, unable to focus. 

Joshua gave Jeonghan a space in the middle of the living room couch. Seungcheol's usual space. 

It's a group meeting... and Jeonghan couldn't place but think how weird Seungcheol isn't with them, because he's asleep. 

As he sat down, he looked at the members. 

The usual anxious eyes of Cheol all reflected equally in the members' eyes this time. Yes, even in Woozi's eyes. 

Jeonghan bit his lip. He should have paid better attention to their messages and should have tried to go back earlier. 

"Okay." he muttered. "Let's make this quick, since it's the middle of the night and everyone should be sleeping by now..

"Yes hyung." They collectively said.

"The first question is obvious." Jeonghan muttered. "What... happened to Coups-ah?"

Dino from the hallway started the story. Detailed. How panicked Cheol was. How they tried to hide it.

Seungkwan and Mingyu recounted the slow mental de-aging of Cheol... How he suddenly forgot them... And then returning back to their hyung. And vice versa...

...Until the hyung mind of their Cheollie stops coming out three days ago, detailed by Wonwoo and Jun. 

Finally, it was followed by Hoshi and Woozi's summary of the current situation they are facing. The CEO, the managers... the team's schedules... As well as Cheol's responsibilities and projects that were left behind.

"Here is Cheol-hyung's schedule, Jeonghan-hyung." Woozi passed a phone to Jeonghan, with the all the too familiar digital calendar he often see Cheol scrolls everyday. 

"Two executive meetings have already been missed." Joshua said worriedly from behind his shoulder. "And his solo photoshoot schedules."

"The minutes of the meetings, the manager sent it to us too, hyung." Hoshi said. "I'll forward to you."

Yes, that will need to be reviewed too. Jeonghan numbly thought. 

Jeonghan then looked by his phone, and starts scrolling the familiar asterisks in the calendar. 

Five pending. 

"Dino and all the members" should be today.. which should have been good because all the members are available and present right now. Unfortunately, they are doing a different meeting. 

Mingyu next, this weekend.

Jun, DK, and Vernon for next week. 

Jeonghan raised his eyes to his anxious looking dongsaengs. They looked at him as if... he has all the answers and the solutions right now, when he himself is full of questions too...

"Maknae-ah, do you have a scheduled meeting with Cheol this week?" he started his second question, trying to make the schedule in front of him make sense.m

Dino nodded a small nod. "Hyung and I talked about our fight... And we reconciled. He said... after the Chuseok... he will gather us all so we can discuss how can I further...." Dino paused. 

And then he hesitated. 

"...further h-help the team or something like that..." he looked down, as if ashamed. 

Jeonghan wanted to ask more, but Dino seemed like he didn't want to push further. So he just nodded.

Then he looked at Mingyu. "And you, Mingoo?"

His tallest dongsaeng's body gesture immediately went on defensive as he laughed awkwardly.

"I... dunno? C-Cheol-hyung said he wants to share drinks with me? H-he reserved a table in a bar, maybe he wanted to relax."

'Liar.' Jeonghan thought... 'Cheol won't put you on his scheduler if it was just a boys night out.'

...this is still probably connected with that Producer Oh issue. But it was Dino's issue. How is Mingyu connected?

"Okay." Jeonghan nodded. And then he looked at Jun, DK and Vernon's direction. "How about you three? You're in Seungcheol's calendar."

Jun and DK were already not looking at Jeonghan, suddenly interested on the childish mat on the floor...

...but Vernon seems so casual as he just shrugged. "Cheol-hyung always scolds me me that if I see discrepancies in my accounting of payments, i should tell him. So this time, i told him before Chuseok."

"And what did he say?"

"He said next week, i need to come with him when he talks to one of the execs. He's angry, he thinks the management is underpaying me in my credits---"

"WHAT THE FU---" Woozi stood up angrily, but was pulled back down to his seat by Hoshi. 

"Okay, okay stop." Jeonghan raised both his hands at Vernon and Woozi.

"Ah." Vernon snapped his fingers in late realization. "Cheol hyung did tell me not to tell Woozi hyung yet until it was settled, because he didn't want you to get too angry. It would be better to settle it peacefully and privately, he says. Sorry Woozi hyung."

"Deep breaths, Jihoon-ah." Hoshi mumbled. 

Jeonghan looked at Woozi, who looks red as tomato already, as if he's gonna barge with the execs as soon as the sun rises.

Wrong move asking in a group meeting. 

sorry Cheol.

"I didn't realize these asterisks... are personal topics." Jeonghan muttered, rubbing his forehead in stress... before peeking at Jun and DK, who were still not giving him eye contact. 

They seemed nervous to talk about it in a group setting too. DK's ears looked even red. 

"Alright..." Jeonghan sighed in defeat. "Let's just discuss these privately later then."

"Didn't Cheol hyung confide to the two of you?" Woozi asked worriedly... and Jeonghan understands where the worry is coming from. 

Woozi wanted to know if they're completely blind now that Cheol is missing in action.

Unfortunately... yes? 

"You see, Seungcheol does open up to us," Joshua said. "...but the concerns he tell us are more towards himself."

"so apologies in advance if I have to ask again if any of the members are having some troubles." Jeonghan replied. I hope you're not too uncomfortable..."

Jun and DK nodded a bit more eagerly than the rest of the members; while Mingyu looked uncomfortable already.. like he wanted to speak, but he couldn't...

Jeonghan remembered his discussion with Cheol last week. 

"Anyway." Jeonghan walked back towards the doorframe of Dino's bedroom. "Mingyu... He seems upset for some reason... Wonwoo told me."

"Of course he is." Seungcheol said, stressed. "With Dino talking to that producer, he'll be close to the group again. It'll no doubt make Mingyu anxious."

"Why?" Jeonghan asked. 

And he was just answered by their leader's stare and silence.

A confidential story. 

One that even an outgoing, positive and happy Mingyu is unable to share easily. 

Jeonghan felt like a pressure is building behind his head already, so he decided to turn off the phone screen and sigh.

"Alright, we can talk about this later. Go to sleep now guys, some of you have schedules early tomorrow."

Slowly... everyone stood up and dispersed. Joshua gave Jeonghan a pat on the shoulder too as he dragged their luggage back to it's respective rooms...

He stayed a bit more alone on the sofa as he checked Cheol's schedule and compared it on his own. Some meetings would collide with his ads and pop up events too... 

Thinking of a solution, Jeonghan was about to return to his room too when he saw the shadows move under the door of his maknae's bedroom. 

Against his better judgment to rest, Jeonghan knocked on Dino's door once, then opened it.

Inside was his toddler best friend, hair messily tousled, lying on his side as he hugged an orange tiger plushie bigger than him... asleep and dead to the world. His long eyelashes and little fingers twitched when Dino fixed his blankets that was tangled on his small legs.

"Mmm..." their precious little leader whined sleepily.

"ssshhh..." Dino hushed reassuringly, caressing the young kid's hair to keep him stay asleep. 

Honestly, Jeonghan couldn't really process it all yet. The kid leader... His shock... The members' stories. But he needed to react already even though he has not even processed what just happened...

...because they have no General Leader right now. 

Slowly, Jeonghan knocked gently and stepped inside the room. 

"Jeonghan-hyung?" Dino asked, surprised when he saw him enter. 

"Hi." Jeonghan smiled. "How is he?"

Dino just ran his hand on his hair and shrugged. "Sleeping." 

"Ah yes..."

"...."

"It's good that he's fast to sleep, no?" Jeonghan said, trying to add some casual amusement. "The old Seungcheol could never close his eyes that fast... He'd whine that he can't sleep… maybe drag me to drink a can of beer..." 

Jeonghan paused when Dino's expression twisted a bit. 

"this..this 6 year old version of him doesn't seem to have an insomnia.. my problem is when he gets too sleepy, something happens." Dino replied seriously.

"Oh..."

"He... he doesn't even seem to have panic attacks at this age too." Dino continued. "But he's a little worrier and a bit of over thinker already."

"I see."

"He's negative too, always thinking he's a bad kid... He once thought his grandma and parents hated him that's why he's here." Dino sighed. "He seemed not confident of himself."

Jeonghan sighed too. "Oh.."

"He's always curious though." Dino smiled a bit, staring at the kid. "He has never-ending 'whys'... It's cute but some questions are too hard to answer."

"That's a sign of a smart kid." Jeonghan chuckled. 

"Hmmm.. yeah." Dino chuckled back, removing a stray of hair from the kid's eye. "Hyung was... is.. a smart and handsome kid."

Jeonghan nodded, unsurely stepping closer. 

"Are you not going to sleep?" Jeonghan asked.

Dino sighed and then shook his head.

"But you have an early schedule tomorrow." Jeonghan reminded.

"I'm... too worried, hyung. The last time he cried like that, he went unresponsive and deep in sleep for hours. Like he's paralyzed. Or in a coma. I bet children don't sleep like that."

"But you did say that was a 2 hr tantrum, this was only 15 minutes .." Jeonghan tried to assure. "He seemed like he's gonna be okay---"

"Even so, we don't know that." Dino said in a low voice, still staring at the deeply asleep kid.

Jeonghan sighed. "Dino-ah... Sleep. Why are you so worried?"

Dino gave him a broken laugh. 

"You know, hyung... Sometimes... sometimes I'm worried Cheol-hyung would get younger again when I wake up...

...what do I do if he gets younger again...

...what if he forgets us completely?

...what if he becomes like a baby?? 

...a-and what comes after being a baby???

...what if... what if he never wakes up again????"

Dino's eyes were trembling as he stared at the kid now, lips chapped as he kept biting it in worry. 

"What if Cheol hyung doesn't get normal again?!" Dino muttered helplessly. 

And Jeonghan understands. It's scary... and he feels just as worried as Dino but...

...but Dino... he's... unstable.

Jeonghan didn't like this.

He didn't like what their maknae look like at all. 

"Maknae-ah." Jeonghan gently sighed, sitting on the bed beside Dino. "Are you okay?"

Dino's eyes widened a fraction and froze on his spot... and then slowly, he looked down as tears gathered on his eyes. 

"No." He admitted.

Jeonghan raised his arms and engulfed Dino in a tight, grounding hug. "Tell me more."

Dino, their group's precious youngest, shook in his touch; but later on, maknae hugged him back. Words then rushed out from him as if he's like a dam finally allowed to burst out.

"I m-miss Seungcheol-hyung."

"It's my fault."

"Remember our fight last week?"

"I think it's my fault, hyung. I did this to him."

"I-I dunno how but there's no other explanation"

"In my heart, that night I was so mad I wanted him to suffer"

"I wanted to see him suffer so bad so I could get my stupid point across!"

"I wanted him to be the youngest!"

"See for himself, I said."

"And he did. he fucking did! He cried a lot."

"h-he said he was scared, Hannie hyung."

"he had panic attacks. several times in o-one week alone."

"he didn't even have attacks anymore for more than a year already!"

"he said he felt useless."

"He cried to me before he becomes completely like this! And hyung doesn't even cry in front of me before---"

"he never cries in front of me and he s-s-sobbed like that."

"he said he felt like he's l-losing himself."

"he was completely frightened!"

"people at the company are angry at him."

"They're calling him unprofessional."

"he… he couldn't even talk to his older brother because of me! Because of his voice.."

"He doesn't deserve this, he doesn't deserve all of these.."

"He's the best leader and hyung and people are calling him immature and irresponsible because of me."

"and now he doesn't remember us."

"hell, he doesn't even remember himself!"

"I made him like this I did this to him…"

i-i-I'm so sorry seungcheol hyung----" 

"your Maknae is stupid"

"I am so naïve!"

"ITs aLL my FUCKING FAULT!"

"ALL OF IT!"

Jeonghan did not dare interrupt his maknae's angry words. Stopping it felt wrong to do… so he just listened, hugging his crying maknae, as Dino curses at himself. As Dino let's out his sorrow. 

And Dino cried and cried in Jeonghan's chest. 

“...I wish you experience how a maknae with 12 hyungs feels!

and see for yourself how suffocating these all are for me!"

Indeed those were his words... words carelessly uttered in the heat of the argument. 

But Jeonghan knows he never meant it this way. 

Jeonghan's heart hurt too... Seeing the image of his usually passionate and straightforward jolly maknae crumble like this in front of him. 

He's a crying mess right now; and it's eerie because it was only Cheol who cried like this in front of him before. 

'...all Seungcheol's work to make sure their maknae is never burdened, all down the drain...' Jeonghan bitterly thought.

And then, Jeonghan was reminded that Seungcheol actually did curse back at Dino too:

“Then I hope you feel the burden I feel! 

Find out how immensely worried your impulsiveness makes me feel!”

Cold shivers ran down Jeonghan's skin as he hugged his sobbing maknae, his eyes looking around Dino's bedroom. 

At the walls, at the side table, at the floor, on the bed...

What was he looking for, Jeonghan isn't sure either.

A genie lamp? Or something like that?

How ridiculous of a thought, he mocked himself...  but... his eyes went towards his deeply asleep kiddy leader who was hugging his plushie comfortably--- 28 year old mature charismatic man who impossibly turned to a 6 year old emotional toddler...

is it really a ridiculous thought?

HUH?

More shivers ran down Jeonghan's spine when he suddenly saw...

… in the dim light of the room, the supposedly asleep kid Seungcheol's eyes were actually open...

... brown eyes stared at the two of them silently... unmoving. 

… his stare was unlike the immature 6 year old glare he met earlier...

… but his expression was flat --- blank and dreamy. 

Jeonghan and Seungcheol's eyes met. 

'Cheol?' 

Suddenly, the kid's head went limp against the tiger plushie. His eyes slowly shut close... and he made a silent defeated sigh... as if he was dragged back to sleep.

Jeonghan gaped in silent shock.

Did he imagine it? Or is he perhaps... too tired too?

He rubbed Dino's back as his precious maknae's slowly stop cursing himself… his sobs slowly lessened into a silent tired sigh... and then a gentle snore. 

Jeonghan hugged Dino tightly who fell asleep on his right arm; and then his left hand reached out to the asleep Seungcheol's little hand, and gave it a supportive squeeze.

"S-Seungcheol?" he called out unsurely. Jeonghan didn't know why he did it...

...but he definitely received a weak squeeze back in response, and then that too went limp.

Jeonghan bit his lip. 

'he was here, Dino-ah.'

Chapter Text

"hmmm.." Dino groaned on his sleep.

Someone is poking his eyes. 

A part of Dino knew he's waking up. He probably fell asleep when he was opening up to their second oldest Jeonghan hyung and...

...it felt great.

Even though usually he felt embarrassed for acting like that at this age, he actually felt great. For some reason, that's Jeonghan-hyung's magic. He's like a tree in a deserted island, and you can rest under him without feeling ashamed. 

Well, nothing was resolved, yes...

All he did was cry after all. 

It was a bit shameful to cry out like that...

But... Dino's chest felt lighter, enough for him to believe a bit more positively that maybe everything might be all right today. 

Dino tried to stretch on his bed, but a heavy weight across his torso stopped him from moving. 

His half asleep mind wondered at the heavy weight... and then he winced a bit when he felt a finger resumed poking at his eyelids.

'mmmm,' Dino groaned in protest. 

It stopped. He heard rustling of paper, and the heavy weight on his torso moved a little...

...and then a finger poked his eyelid again. 

"Ouch." Dino finally opened his eyes, but his vision was blocked by small patches of paper he later realized were bandaids. He was about to get angry when he saw the face of his cute precious Cheollie staring right at his face.

Dino held the little one's mochi cheeks with his hands, quickly inspecting his little Cheollie-hyung; and felt instant relief that he didn't look pale nor weak nor sleepy despite that crazy crying he did this dawn.

In fact, the child looked lively. 

'He's fine. Ah.. thank god he's fine.' He thought, sleepily touching the boy's crazy bed hair.

"Don't move, Channie hyung!" The toddler suddenly scolded him at his touch, his small body lying across Dino's chest. 

So that's why he felt heavy. 

Instead of removing the kid out of the way, Dino sleepily hugged the little body above him instead.

"hmm what in the naughtiness of all naughty are you doing, my little kiddo?" He asked sleepily.

Cheollie held his small pack of bandaids with the Spider man designs and showed it to Dino. 

"Channie hyung, I'm treating you, okay?"

Dino chuckled. "Oh really?"

"Because I saw your eyes are swollen, see? See?" Cheol tapped his eyelid as if Dino can actually see his own eye without a mirror in front of him. "Your eyes are hurt."

Little Cheollie declared that with so much worry, as if Dino's going to die. 

"I'm okay, Cheollie..." Dino sighed with an amused smile. 

"Even so, hyung." Cheollie insisted. 

Dino felt his eyes. It indeed felt a bit heavy and hard to open.

Maybe it's puffy… probably because he cried so much in front of their second oldest before sleeping too....

And now, whether old or young, Choi Seungcheol is fussing over him. 

"mmmm," Dino hummed nonchalantly, yawning. "so? what do we do?"

"So." Cheol nodded. "I put band-aids on your swollen eyes." 

"Mmmkay." Dino replied. "And it will put the boo-boo away?"

"Yes." Cheol said seriously; and then, he kissed Dino's eyes one by one. "Grandma said it will put the boo-boo away."

The little kisses he received made Dino surprised. Cheol-hyung would surely never do this to him... but this is his little precious Cheollie. He chuckled sleepily. 

The gesture is so cute, so Dino kissed little Cheollie's forehead back as he chuckled, before lying down spread-eagled on his pillow again.

"Okay, Doctor Cheollie. I'm all yours. Put more."

"Okay." Cheollie said, determined.

Dino thinks he fell back asleep for a few more minutes after then, snoozing... ignoring his alarm.

He just listened to the little rustling of little Cheol opening his packs of bandaids...

...listened to the little cute whines as he peeled the bandaids with difficulty...

...felt the little pokes on his eyelids here and there...

...enjoyed the little boo boo away kisses...

Dino wouldn't mind Cheollie play at his face while he slept all day. 

His complete awareness only returned back when he heard a hurried knock from his bedroom door. 

"Dino-ssi?" 

"Mmm..." He groaned. 

"Dino-ssi!" 

Dino's eyes suddenly flew open --- well not exactly, his left eye was shut by Spiderman bandaids! --- and he bolted upright , making Cheollie on top of him fall sideways. 

"Dino-ssi!" The familiar voice outside called. "You're going to be late to the recording!"

'oh my god. I overslept!'

"M-manager-hyung!" Dino called out. "I'm getting ready. Give me 5 minutes."

The door suddenly opened and in his panic, Dino pulled the duvet and covered the little confused toddler beside him. 

"channie-hyung---- AH!" Was his small protesting voice that Dino immediately covered by faking a cough. 

The manager looked at him from the door with angry eyes at first... and then it shifted to a look of pity and worry.

"Your eyes..." The manager asked. "Are you feeling sick?"

Dino blinked, removing the Spiderman bandaids on his eyes. He thinks some of his eyelashes were pulled out too, 'cause 'ouch..'

Did he look sick? 

"No." He muttered, and quickly regretted it. 

If he did say he's sick, he could have time to look after Cheollie. But... today is a recording of his solo OST song that he was really excited about 2 weeks ago. 

Dino looked down at the little movements of the toddler squirming at the duvet in silent protest. 

Should he... choose Cheollie or...? 

Cheol hyung the leader will be angry at him if he doesn't pursue this, for sure. 

Right?

"Can you handle it or do you want me to cancel? I'm sure they'll understand if you're too sick."

"I'm not sick." Dino said in determination. "I'll be ready in 5 minutes."

The manager nodded, then said "I'll be waiting at the carpark downstairs. I bought you your breakfast, you can eat it at the car. Hurry up, okay?"

"Yes hyung." Dino said. 

As soon as the door closed, Dino pulled up the duvet and Cheollie's head popped out with a cute angy brown glare. "YOU'RE A MEANIE!"

"I'm sorry, Cheollie hyung." Dino apologized.

Quickly, he stood up and ran to the bathroom to brush his teeth and clean his face. His hair was a mess but it will be done by a stylist anyway, so he ran to his closet, rummaged to his drawer, removed his broken toy otter fan gift out of the way to get the beanie underneath and wear it. 

Hurriedly, he ran on the other side of the bed to get and change his flimsy sleeping shorts to pants. Grabbed a jacket on the hangers that match the color of the pants. Took his bag from the couch beside the bed, checked his phone and wallet and grabbed some mint if ever there will be a long waiting time...

Shoes too. He ran again to the other side of his room to wear his socks and shoes! And then he sprinted towards the door. 

He was about the close the door when... he suddenly remembered something very important. 

Small Cheollie was on his bed, holding packets of his bandaids, looking lost at what to do as he looked at Dino in confusion.

"A-are you leaving me, Channie-hyung?" Cheollie's small voice asked, looking anxious. 

shit.

We forgot to discuss yesterday who will look after him today!!!

Dino's hands flew to his beanie in frustration. Then he looked at his watch. He's going to be late! 

"I-I... need to go to work, Cheollie." He said.

"What is your work?" Asked the kid. "Why?"

Dino looked around the apartment, and it seemed no one was around. Did all the members go to work? 

Who will look after Cheollie???

How could I have forgotten to ask the members yesterday? 

"nooo, channie-ah..." He mumbled at himself, feeling a thousand times more stressed than yesterday already. 

Cheollie..  he cannot leave his hyung. Not when it was his fault in the first place. 

cancel... I have to cancel.... 

"wait, Cheollie...," Dino put his bag down and grabbed his phone to call his manager, to say that he's sick after all. 

And then...

...a part of him deflates at the thought. 

He wanted this project.

He wanted this project so so bad. What if they don't reschedule it anymore?

Dino was about to helplessly press the call button when...

"Why are you still here?!" was Jeonghan's sudden voice by the hallway, holding Cheol-hyung's calendar on his smartphone.

Dino almost cried at Jeonghan's presence. "HYUNG?"

He felt relieved and quickly cancelled the depressing call he was about to make.

Jeonghan's expression softened when he saw Dino's puffy swollen eyelids. "Are you okay?"

"Y-yes."

"How's your voice condition?"

Dino gulped. "I... will see. i will warm up in the car."

"okay..." Jeonghan nodded... and then repeating again. "how do you really feel right now, maknae ah?"

"I'm okay, hyung. I feel better." Dino gratefully mumbled. "I'm sorry and t-thank you, hyung."

"For what?" Jeonghan laughed. "I was just beside you... i didnt do anything---"

"You listened..." Dino mumbled and Jeonghan softened up. 

"I didn't do anything." Jeonghan smiled his gentle understanding smile. "It was all you. But... may I clarify something about what you said yesterday?"

"Yeah?"

Jeonghan pointed at their small leader who was walking towards Dino in his pajamas hurriedly. "You don't have to carry all the burdens caused by that thing, maknae-ah."

"thing?" Dino blinked, confused. "You mean Cheollie-hyung?"

"Did I stutter?" His eyes were suddenly dead serious. The switch on his expression made Dino uneasy.

He gaped at Jeonghan. How could he... talk like that to his best friend?

Before he could speak back, Jeonghan suddenly scolded him.

"Anyway, you're supposed to go 30 minutes ago! What are you still doing here?! You'll be late in your recording!"

"But Jeonghan-hyung!! Who's gonna look after Cheol hyung? You don't have a sched today?"

"It's Joshua and I's day off." Jeonghan yawned with his cup of coffee as he walked towards the kitchen counter. "We'll look after Seungcheol. Now go. GO. "

Dino nodded, before suddenly being stopped by the small toddler, holding his pants. 

"Don't go.." his small voice pleaded. 

oh.. 

Oh no.

He's going to cry. 

Dino crouched down, patting the boy's nape --- the same way his Cheol hyung does to him. "I'll be back soon, okay?' 

"H-How soon?" Cheollie asked anxiously, hands holding unto Dino's pants tighter.

"Before... B-before it gets night again." Dino said, pointing at the window. "Okay?"

"But that's so long!" Cheollie whined, seemingly almost about to cry again. 

"But Channie hyung has to work, Cheollie." Dino explained. 

"NO." Cheollie insisted. "Please don't go!"

He's becoming too attached, Dino worried.

"Oh please, Choi Seungcheol." Jeonghan suddenly snapped at the kid from the kitchen counter. "You were even excited that he will have this project. Why are you acting like that now? your maknae-ah will be late, have you no shame?"

The kid froze and stared at Jeonghan. 

"He'll be back, okay? Choi Seungcheol? Come and eat your breakfast." Jeonghan said nonchalantly, opening the fridge and throwing a raw chicken breast on a plate. "Or do you want beer?"

Dino slightly frowned at the way Jeonghan talks to the kid.

"Err... Jeonghan-hyung?"

"Hmm?" His second oldest looked up with a toast bread on his mouth. 

Dino hesitated... and then he laughed awkwardly as the little kid sent dagger stares at Jeonghan. 

"Channie hyung, he's a bad man." The toddler whispered vehemently. "I swear I'm gonna throw Liutenant Rawr in his face---"

"Don't be violent!" Dino whispered back, surprised. He suddenly remembered how the kid also did kick him before and Seungkwan when he first became a 6 year old. 

"He needs a lesson, Channie-hyung." He glared. 

"Be good, don't do that." Dino urged. "No hurting! Never do that, Cheollie, okay?"

"But what if he's bad?"

"Then report it to me. But I swear to you, he's not." Dino whispered back with a small chuckle. "He's just a bit insane. Don't mind him and behave, okay?"

"I can't handle him!" 

"You can!" Dino said. Actually, you're the only one who can handle Hannie hyung!

"Stay here okay? You're safe here." Dino gently nudged at the kid. "And don't hit anyone."

Cheollie hesitated, fumbling at his pajamas for a while... then to Dino's relief, he finally nodded halfheartedly. 

Dino kissed the crown of his head. "There's my good boy. I'm going back soon okay? What do you want me to bring back?"

"Ummm..."

"You want ice cream?"

Seungcheol's toddler eyes sparkled. "Chocolate? With sprinkles? And cherry toppings?" 

Dino grinned at the sudden details. "You got it. I'll bring it home later, okie dokie?" He offered his fist playfully. 

"Okie dokie..." His cute toddler hyung nodded back, doing the fist bump. "Come home soon, please..."

He felt his phone vibrate --- manager must have been calling him already. So Dino gave Cheollie one last pat on the head, and then went out of the apartment...

...hoping that Jeonghan hyung is sane enough to take care of a child. 

Well, in worst case scenario, Joshua hyung is there with them...

...right?

Joshua yawned awake at a weird confrontation happening in their revamped kiddy decorated living room ---

28 year old Yoon Jeonghan versus a 6 year old Choi Seungcheol. 

Until now, Joshua couldn't believe what he's seeing. He couldn't even believe the stories his members said either.

How could he? 

It's just scientifically impossible. 

He's probably dreaming... or worst, he's probably disassociating. Either way, his motto as the best answer is to always be calm... and adjust to the situation. 

And the current situation is:

"what, are you going to cry?" Jeonghan asked, tilting his head mockingly.

"no i'm not!" hugging a tiger plushie hard on his chest. "Give back the remote!"

"Choi Seungcheol is going to cry?" 

"I'M NOT!!"

Still a bit sleepy, Joshua watched the scene wordlessly with passive interest.

While the maknae handles Cheollie so maturely, acting like responsible caregiver ---here comes the current eldest Yoon Jeonghan making the kid cry, posing like a kindergarten's enemy in a playground.

And while the dongsaengs call their now kid leader a very cute --- "Hyunggie" or "Cheollie", here comes his insane best friend Yoon Jeonghan calling the kid in his complete full government name. 

"Choi Seungcheol."

"Hey Choi Seungcheol~"

"Gyeongju Choi Seungcheol, ya."

"Hey, hey, MR. CHOI SEUNGCHEOL!"

Even their 28 year old friend and leader hates being called by his name in full, so why is Jeonghannie doing this? 

Joshua shrugged sleepily as he yawned, scratching his bed hair. 

Who knows. 

Cheollie's beautiful baby brown eyes glared daggers at Jeonghan's mean smirk --- eyes teary eyed but not wanting to lose, he's keeping it in check.

"You're a bad guy, really."

"Ohh I am?" Jeonghan raised his eyebrow. "So what if I am?"

"Realllly, really!!!" Cheollie's getting red, eyes wide and lips pouted in his kiddy anger. "I'm gonna tell Channie hyung! That you're bad, really! REALLY!!"

Jeonghan stood up over the sofa and dangled the remote. "Don't care. Just take it if you can, Choi Seungcheol."

"Give me back the remote!" Cheollie whined, trying to jump and climb up the sofa. "Come on!"

"But I don't hear the magic word?" Jeonghan mocked. "And you think you're a good boy?"

Cheollie froze... And then he mumbled. "P-please..."

"Please what?"

"M-may I have the remote back, please? Please?"

Jeonghan raised the remote higher. "No, you may not."

Jeonghan smirked, and the shock on the kid's face for being manipulated and fooled was evident. 

"AHHHHHHHHH!!!!" Cheollie screamed, shaking the tiger plushie on his chest angrily. "YOU'RE A BAD MAN!!!"

"What are you going to even watch? YouTube kids?" Jeonghan asked. "I will only give the remote if you're gonna watch that boring golf channel---"

"I'M GONNA WATCH SPIDER MAN!" The little boy exclaimed. 

"Doubt it. You're a liar." Jeonghan said. "You like a different channel."

The boy seemed shocked. "I'm not a liar!"

"Liar, liar pants on fire~."

"WHA---- I'M NOT BAD. YOU ARE BAD! I'M A GOOD BOY---"

"You're not even a boy. You're a man, Choi Seungcheol." Jeonghan muttered a bit too seriously. 

"I'M A BOY!"

"You're gonna lose the bet on that golf competition you wanted to waaatch~" Jeonghan teased, but Joshua doesn't see the mirth in his eyes. "How much did you bet against your dad?"

"WHAT IS GOLF?!" Frustrated little Cheollie replied.

Jeonghan's expression turned sour and Joshua knew whatever Jeonghan's doing to Cheol just fired right back at him and his temper.

"Choi Seungcheol, you're a freaAKING IDIO ----"

"Jeonghannie."Joshua just muttered, cutting him off, making Jeonghan pause.

...

...

"Calm down." Joshua said, looking at his Hannie's eyes. 

...

...

"Too much?" Hannie finally asked innocently after silently gathering himself, tone defeated. 

Joshua nodded. "Yes, too much."  

Joshua understands his same year bestfriends more than anyone, and so he knows Jeonghan's teasing isn't for fun at all.

He's frustrated. He is probably taking this situation badly more than he shows...

Calmly, he walked across the living room, in between the two, and took the remote from Jeonghan's hand.

Then Joshua put the remote back to the confused-and-almost-about-to-cry Cheollie's hand and smiled softly

"Good morning, Cheollie." he greeted gently. "I'm Joshua. You can call me Shua-hyung." 

Cheollie's confused frustration changed into surprise for awhile, before he suddenly seem to remember his manners and he clumsily stood up and attempted a bow. "I'm Choi Seungcheol."

Joshua smiled. I know. 

"But can I call you Cheollie too?"

Seungcheol's teary eyes looked at the remote at his hand... Then a timid peek to Joshua... another glare sent to Jeonghan on the sofa... and then, after thinking a while, he shyly nodded. 

"Thank you, Cheollie. Did you eat breakfast yet?"

Cheollie shook his head. 

It was Joshua's turn to sent a questioning look at Jeonghan, raising his eyebrow... "You didn't give him breakfast? It's almost lunchtime."

"I gave him his chicken breast from the fridge. He can cook it in the air fryer, right, Choi Seungcheol?" Jeonghan said nonchalantly.

"That's ridiculous..." Joshua breathed patiently, and then he gently patted their kid Cheollie's messy hair. Cheollie closed one of his eye at his touch with a brief discomfort...

But he didn't remove Joshua's patting hand, to Joshua's relief. 

"Shua hyung... I'm hungry..." Cheollie sulked, slowly melting behind his pajamas as he secretly glared again at Hannie. 

Joshua patted the kid's messy bed hair again.

"Dont worry. do you want milk porridge with banana?" He asked. "Or chocolate milk flakes with almonds?

Joshua almost melted when the young Seungcheol's eyes suddenly sparkled at the choices. 

"but the other hyungs only give me toasts..." Seungcheol said excitedly, hugging a small version of tiger plushie across his chest. 

And Joshua was mesmerized. 

Seungcheol has always been cute and charismatic, yes... But as a child, his cuteness just went a thousand fold.

"Oh Cheollie." He pinched the cheek of the kid lightly with adoration. Cuteness aggression at peak. His cheeks were so soft and he could see the little dimple there too.

so cute. So infinitely, adorably, cute...

Joshua smiled widely. "Alright, now tell me what you want for breakfast."

"Ummm..." Cheollie looked like he's having a hard time deciding.. and then asked so cutely "Can I have both, Shua hyung?"

Joshua chuckled. "Of course not. You're gonna hurt your tummy if you eat too much."

"Can I have the other one tomorrow then? 🥺"

"Yes of course."

"Ummm I want the chocolate flakes with almonds today, hyung." Cheollie said shyly. "And... And and tomorrow, the milk porridge."

"Perfect choice." Joshua pinched the soft mochi cheeks of the kid again, and the little Cheol giggled. 

Seungcheol giggled like that, wah Joshua is in love of the kid. Adult Cheol's deep mature voice wouldn't make it sound this cute like this little Cheollie. 

so cute. So infinitely, adorably, cute...

"Now I know you're a good boy. Go and sit on the table and wait for me while I prepare will you?" He instructed gently. 

"Can I wait with my red toy truck?"

"Of course." 

"YEY!!!" Cheollie ran excitedly to make his tiger plushie small version sit on the chair by the dining table, then he sprinted towards his room to get the toy he apparently wanted to play with while waiting. 

Joshua's proceeded to do Cheol and his own breakfast at the kitchen counter, but he paused to briefly observe Jeonghan's stare at their young leader with extreme hyper focus. 

Joshua can definitely see his friend's gears turning... but he can't figure out what in the world could he be thinking. 

Cheollie soon came back with the toy truck, sat down on the chair and pretended to drive the truck across his tiger plushie.

Apparently, it's name is Lieutenant Rawr. 

He nudged the little Cheol when he was done. "Let's eat breakfast together then watch spiderman together? Do you want some popcorn for the movie?" 

The little boy looked at him gratefully and excitedly "YES!!"

"Choi Seungcheol." Jeonghan suddenly muttered from the sofa again.

Joshua raised his eyebrow at Jeonghan, but Jeonghan only gestured at him to dismiss him... to let him be. 

Joshua sighed. 

"I need help with Mingyu, Choi Seungcheol." Jeonghan said. "He will not open up to me, and you know it."

Joshua saw how the little kid froze at Jeonghan's words, almost letting go of the spoon holding his choco flakes...

...his eyes suddenly sharp and... aware. 

Joshua held his breathe, remembering the younger members' stories of Cheol still acting like a grownup despite his physical appearance. 

He almost thought he would answer like an adult Seungcheol...

...when he only knitted his eyebrows in confusion. Cheollie raised up his spoon and pointed at Jeonghannie (milk spilling a bit as he did so) and remarked childishly:

"just talk to gyu hyung!"

With wide eyes like how their leader gets when getting angry, Cheollie ranted at Joshua in whispers: 

"He's crazy and weird. And bad.

And he's a bully.

I hate him."

"So that's not how it works either..." He heard Jeonghan mutter, crossing his legs on the sofa as he pulled out a small notebook and seemed to cross out a list. 

And then, Jeonghan stood up and waved at Joshua: "I'm going out."

"Where to?" Joshua asked. 

"I need to talk to the managers, and attend a meeting for Mr. Choi Seungcheol."

Jeonghan and Joshua paused, looking at the kid, as if they're waiting for some sort of reaction.

However, unlike earlier, the kid didn't react at all...just happy and contented at his choco flakes, legs swaying up and down the chair. 

Cheollie tilted his head curiously when he noticed Joshua looking at him. "It's yum yum, Shua hyung~ Can I have more choco?"

"Okay... but not too much." Joshua replied, trying to smile.

Jeonghan's expression softened a bit at Cheollie too, before suddenly snapping. "See you later, Shua-yah."

And he left without waiting for anyone's reaction this time. 

Joshua just shook his head at Jeonghan's shenanigans with a patient sigh, resting his chin on his right palm as he focuses on his little companion.

The kid was inhaling his breakfast happily, not a care in the world. 

But the awareness that flashed for an instant earlier... 

Was Hannie-ah perhaps trying to fix him up? 

Jeonghan is getting dizzy.

He held his hand over his forehead as he laid down their parked car's reclining seat. 

He just finished attending a meeting with the Management. He actually just intended to sit down there and not say or do anything; but he was fried by the executives about Seungcheol's whereabouts instead; demanding he's the same-age friend of Cheol and one of his closest friend too.. 

Aware how close they are, they say it is impossible for Cheol not to tell him his whereabouts. 

How does he tell them Cheol doesn't remember him anymore? 

"Jeonghan-ah, let's drink. Have a can!"

"Jeonghan-ah, look! I caught a fish."

"Jeonghan-ah, let's eat outside. C'mon!" 

Cheol used to call him all the time for even the smallest things… but now...

...well…

...he doesn't want to admit he's sad.

His manager entered the car and handed him a bottle of water. "Are you okay? You look tired."

"Ugh... Just jet lagged, I think." He murmured. 

Today was supposed to be his day off, but he couldn't rest. Not just because of Cheol's leader responsibilities that he's trying to cover, no --- he would gladly take more work and attend more meeting if he could lessen the burden from their stubborn best friend who never asks for help. 

What was giving him the fatigue was his mind constantly thinking --- about Dino, about Cheol, about how he saw Cheol reacted when Dino was crying at him...

Jeonghan wasn't even able to fully sleep. The creepy brown eyes open in the dimly- litted room kept replaying in his head. 

He's in there. 

His best friend. 

Not the cursed child who's making his best friend inside suffer... 

But how could he pull him out?

Jeonghan's instincts keep on telling him there is an answer somewhere near them. 

He tried listing down all possible things that could trigger the kid Cheol's adult awareness back again... but nothing was working. 

Even using the Mingyu card earlier didn't work.

What the heck. 

"I talked to one of the bosses yesterday." Their manager said to him from the car seat, interrupting his thoughts. "And I got worried."

"Why? What did he say?" Jeonghan asked. 

"He told me since Coups-ssi was gone for more than a week, they have already started a system of discussions and approvals without him."

'ugh, Cheol will be mad if he hears that.' Jeonghan sighed. 

"Not like I do not understand, I know operations shouldn't be stopped just because one person suddenly went missing..." Jeonghan complained. "...but hyung, there's literally 12 of us left, can't they even discuss things to at least one of us?"

"Boss said it's not like Coups-ssi tells you boys the confidential things, especially since they are confidential."

"Excuses." Jeonghan scoffed. 

Their manager just sighed.

"i checked the team's calendar and upcoming projects, nothing seemed amiss anyway." The manager said as he sent Jeonghan's phone some minutes of the meetings he missed thus far. 

"So it's fine. And you're here now so... In case Coups don't come back---"

"He'll come back." Jeonghan corrected harshly. Too harshly. "Cheol will come back."

Their manager sighed again. "I know. But... but when? You know how fast paced the industry is."

"Soon." Jeonghan mumbled. "He'll come back soon."

"Do you have any contact to him?"

Unable to control his initial expression, the manager looked briefly shocked. 

He quickly schooled his face. "No. He's... not texting me."

"I see."

"But he'll come back. Soon."

The manager only nodded... but he didn't look convinced.

Tension was in the car as their manager started to drive. 

"By the way, I have a question." The manager said, as if attempting to change the topic. 

Jeonghan appreciated it. 

"What is it?"

"Why is your apartment suddenly littered with child stuff?" The manager chuckled. "Other managers were joking that you guys suddenly seemed to have adopted a son or something after the holidays."

Jeonghan gulped. Ah, yes.. of course they can hide Cheollie, but they cannot hide the apartment. 'Cheollie needs to go.' said the logical side of his brain whispered, but he tried to ignore it.

"Pffthahahha.." Jeonghan leaned lazily and chuckled at the manager. "It's cute right? Don't you know it's an interior decorating trend nowadays, hyung?"

"Really?" The manager was awed as he drove. 

"Yeah," Jeonghan swiftly lied. "We saw a magazine, it says that style encourages fun and good to foster your inner child."

"Hahahhaa~" the manager chuckled. "It's GenZ trend again, I bet."

And they shared a laugh. 

The drive back to the apartment was silent one soon after. Jeonghan stares at the car windows, watching the starless night sky and car lights of the traffic. 

When he arrived to the apartment, there were no other members in the apartment yet, except for Joshua. The rest must be in their respective schedules...

Across the living room were tiger plushies and a broken otter doll lined up across the kiddie mat, followed by trucks and cars that are seemingly "parked" on a makeshift cardboard mini parking station. 

Looks like they played a lot.

Shua-ah was sitting sleepily on the couch as he watched a Netflix movie in low volume.. with a small boy on his arms --- his little best friend.

"Hi," Joshua tiredly smiled, pausing the movie with a remote. 

"Hey." Jeonghan smiled back tiredly. He peered at their kid leader's asleep head on Joshua's chest. It looked like his eyelashes were wet.

"He cried?"

"Yes." Joshua sighed. "He was in a really good mood the rest of the day, but when the sun started setting down, he kept on looking for 'Channie-hyung.'"

"Ah... Yes, Dino did say he'll come back before sundown." Jeonghan said, finger slightly hovering on the wet eyelashes of the kid. 

He's still processing it. 

This kid. 

Is his best friend. 

....

"But... Dino's recording was extended due to a technical problem."

"Yeah.. Dino panickedly called me." Joshua muttered. "Can you look after Seungcheol-ah for awhile? I have to go take a quick shower."

Jeonghan nodded, putting his bag on the center table littered with crayons. "Sure, go."

"And don't wake him up, okay?" Joshua reminded eagerly.

"What?"

"I don't know what exactly are you doing to him this morning, Hannie. But it will be best if you get his trust first before you do whatever experiment you are doing."

Jeonghan blinked. "Was I that obvious?"

"I just know you." Joshua scoffed, gently setting down their 6 year old friend.

The kid briefly whined when Joshua let him go on the couch's pillow.. and Shua was quick to replace his arm with one of the plushies. 

Asleep little Cheollie quickly hugged the plushie and continued to cutely snore. 

"Sit here and look after him, please. And no funny movements, don't wake him up." Was Joshua's last reminder as he walked towards his room. 

Leaving Jeonghan and the kid in silence. 

Slowly, Jeonghan sat at the spot Joshua said... on the kiddie mat.

He fell silent... and he felt it again.

Sadness. 

They can't keep this child, Jeonghan bitterly thought. 

More and more schedules are coming soon... so Seungcheol... we can't take care of you soon.

Not unless he returns back. 

"Choi Seungcheol." Jeonghan muttered as he poked his cheekies, clearly no intention to follow Joshua.

The baby fat... it's so soft.

Cheol would hate this if he's aware. He's going to be obsessed with his weight again even though he looks good regardless. 

"Hey Choi Seungcheol." Jeonghan poked again. 

…and another poke...

…then a fourth poke 'cause he knows he's annoying. 

No reaction. Not even a childish whine.

Leaning his head on the sofa, Jeonghan caressed the boy's hair and then held his little hands...

So little...

so much smaller compared to the big hands that often swing at him to get whiny brotherly tackles. 

"Jeonghan-ah, what do you think of the kids?"

"Jeonghan-ah, I like this tonkatsu, try it!"

"Look, Jeonghan-ah. This game is cool, I've been playing with Wonwoo, wanna try it?"

"Choi Seungcheol." With a desperate voice, Jeonghan muttered again.

"Cheol, it's me. Jeonghan."

A small twitch, just like last night. 

And then the kid silently opened his eyes with that same brown eerie, blank stare. 

Their eyes met. 

His eyes were looking at him, but there's a far away look --- as if he's not seeing him. 

Jeonghan held his breathe… but this time, Jeonghan spoke at the dead eyes.

"You need to come back, Cheol..."

After a heartbeat, the kid's lips parted, as if he was about to reply...

But he only muttered one word.

"Maknae-ah?"

Jeonghan froze at the breathy word that the dreamy, dazed Seungcheol whispered to the wind; whispered so low that Jeonghan barely caught it.

Jeonghan rushed forward beside the kid. No, beside Seungcheol. 

He's still looking for Dino.

Just like the little Cheollie looking for Channie hyung. If not for the word maknae-ah, Jeonghan could have been fooled and mistake he's still Cheollie. 

"He's not here." Jeonghan said. 

"But he's crying."

He whispered sleepily, and Jeonghan was shocked.

He replied. 

He... fucking replied. 

"Cheol?" He rushed to hold the kid up and shake his shoulder awake. The little Seungcheol raised his hand and weakly gripped at Jeonghan's wrist... eyes struggling to stay open. 

He could see it... 

Cheol tried to wake up. 

"Cheol. Tell me what you need." Jeonghan said desperately. "How can I help you?"

Seungcheol's eyes were slowly gaining awareness... and he tiredly blinked at Jeonghan, as if he's seeing him for the first time. 

"Jeonghan?"

"Yes! It's me!"

Cheol's brows knitted, eyes struggling to stay open. He opened his mouth as if to talk again...

...but he only let out a sleepy defeated sigh. 

His eyes shut back down in deep sleep as he fell sideways off the sofa. Jeonghan caught him before he could hit anything. 

"Cheol?"

No more response. He's dead asleep. 

The entire thing broke Jeonghan's heart in pieces again. It's as if Seungcheol is trapped there inside the kid, and he's struggling to get out... But he couldn't.

As if he's trapped in a dream world. 

What did Cheol do to deserve this??

"Cheol-ah." He rushed forward and hugged the asleep little boy in his arms tightly.

This time, he heard a childish sleepy whine…

Seungcheol was gone again and Cheollie was waking up...

...and Jeonghan felt like he's about to go crazy. 

Chapter Text

"Ohnono---" Dino thought as he hurriedly entered their company car after his unexpectedly long recording schedule. 

"Dino-ssi, hi." His manager greeted. "Good work toda---"

"Hyung, can you bring me to convenience store?!" Dino quickly requested. "I need to buy an ice cream."

"We have one in the set though---"

"I need a specific ice cream. Chocolate. With Cherry. And sprinkles." He said worriedly, looking at the time. 

"That's...not how you usually want your ice cream though?" The manager asked, and then worry laced in his voice next. "It's not good for you right now, especially in your condition. Aren't you coughing earlier?"

"It's not for me."

"It's for someone?"

"Yes." Dino said

The manager laughed. "Who would want sprinkles on their ice cream? A kid?"

Dino froze. "W-well... a kid at heart." He lied. "Please hurry."

Joshua hyung told him in the phone call that Cheollie-hyung kept on crying, looking for him. It is his fault for promising to be back by sundown!

He looked down at his wrist watch, it's almost 10:30pm. He's very late. 

Oh no… Then how long has he been crying??

It didn't help that the convenience stores they stopped by didn't have the ice cream he was looking for. And so he bought a chocolate ice cream tub in the convenience store, a box of cherries from the grocery and a box of  sprinkles from a closing bakery shop. 

His sorry gift to Cheollie should be perfect at least, because he got very late! 

Rushing with his very confused manager, Dino finally arrived to their apartment's valet and literally ran towards their room. 

He was greeted by Cheollie-hyung's familiar crying.

"channie hyung. Channie hyung---"

"He's coming home soon. I swear, Cheollie."

Joshua was calming him by patting his back while Cheollie cried and cried on his chest. 

Joshua scolded Jeonghan "I told you not to wake him up!"

"I was just... checking something." Jeonghan said nonchalantly, unbothered by the crying. 

Dino dropped his bag on the messy floor with toys and entered the living room. "Shua-hyung, I'm here."

"Oh look, Cheollie!" Joshua patted their kid hyung. "Look who's back----"

"CHANNIE HYUUUUUUNG!!!!!!" The little one cried as he suddenly squirmed out of Joshua's hold and ran towards Dino's open arms. "HYUUUUNG I THOUGHTYOULEFTMEALONE-----"

"No, Cheollie, my work just..." Dino sighed. How does he explain that his work is not a usual 9-5? He hugged the kid. "I'm sorry. Look I have your ice cream."

But Seungcheollie didn't calm down. He just kept on sobbing. 

"You don't want your ice cream?"

Cheol shook his head against Dino's jacket. "I want channie hyung .." 

Dino chuckled. "alright, I will put it to the fridge and you can eat it tomorrow instead. 

"I WANT TO EAT IT TOMORROW WITH YOU!!!" Cheollie demanded, eyes trembling. 

Oh...

"We all have a recording of GoSe tomorrow." Jeonghan-hyung's voice said. "And no one is available tomorrow..."

"No one?" Joshua asked worriedly. "Then, who will look after Cheollie?"

But Dino has an answer already. There is a reason why he continued to pretend sick all day with his manager earlier. 

Gathering his child hyung on his arms, he cooed at the toddler.

"Alright, don't cry anymore. Channie hyung will eat ice cream with you tomorrow."

"WHAT?!" Jeonghan asked in surprise. 

Dino only smiled to Jeonghan as he felt Cheol's small arms hug him tighter, and chuckled at the sudden childish confession.

"I LOVE YOU HYUNG."

"I love you too." Dino said, and he mean every word of it. "Now, let's go to sleep yeah? Why didn't you change pajamas?"

"I want you to."

"But Shua hyung is here to help." Dino argued. "You should have let Shua hyung. You didn't brush your teeth either?"

"No, I want brush it t-together with Channie hyung…" the little kid buried his face on Dino's jacket, finally looking relaxed. But Dino could hear him breathing hard -- shallow gulps of air. He's exhausted from crying too much again. 

"Okay, okay, let's go." Dino sighed patiently… 

"LEE CHAN." Jeonghan hyung's voice sounded a bit angry. Dino slowly looked behind him. 

"Y-yes hyung?"

"Let's give him back." Jeonghan said. "Give him back to his family."

Dino looked down at the kid... Did he hear that? Cheollie didn't react… looks like he didn't. thank god. 

Dino remembered his hyung's anxious request about letting his family know, back when he still has awareness…

…and so, Dino's stand in that matter is obvious.

"NO." Dino disagreed firmly… earning a look of frustration and worry in Jeonghan's face. 

"SCOUPs, your leader, would never want you to give up your career for him." Jeonghan reminded quite harshly.

Dino bit his lip.

He knows that.

But the same Seungcheol is here, on his arms, looking exhausted from crying for being too attached to him. What if this baby develops an anxiety disorder too like his hyung?? It will be utter negligence! Dino would never forgive himself. 

"Of course I know that, hyung." Dino snapped. "But Dino, his maknae, would never want SCOUPs-hyung hurt --- not when he's on a state where he needs my help the most!"

And Dino walked towards their bedroom with his precious toddler, without waiting for Jeonghan to answer back. 

"What a scene." 

Seungkwan amusedly commented as he intentionally sit beside a very busy Dino.

"What?" Dino asked, confused.

"That." Seungkwan pointed. Their kid hyunggie, Cheollie, was hissing like a cat at their Jeonghannie-hyung.

Dino scoffed, amused. "Well, that's Jeonghan-hyung's fault."

Seungkwan waited for Dino to say more, but Dino continued busily sharpening the coloured pencils littered on the floor. He then put it on Cheollie's bag, that they bought, and then looks around for another pencil to sharpen. 

He's silent again. 

Seungkwan sighed, leaning against Dino's side as Jeonghannie hyung tried to make peace at the kid, after what seemed to be incessant bullying and teasing for the past 2 days. 

"Cheollie, look! This show seemed good." Jeonghan said. 

Cheol grabbed his sketchpad and colored pencils and went to the sofa instead. 

Jeonghan-hyung followed. "Seungcheollie, Earth to Seungcheollie, yoohoo~"

"Go away!"

"Dont wanna~"

"GO AWAY!" Cheollie pouted angy when he saw Jeonghan touched his red colored pencil. "It's my red! Don't touch it!"

"Can I touch the blue then?"

"NO. IT'S MINE! BAD HYUNG!" Cheollie gathered his colored pencils and ran towards the dining area next, where he hid behind Joshua, who was busily hand sewing Dino's broken otter toy on the table.

Cheollie immediately grabbed the ripped otter toy Joshua was sewing and threw it at Jeonghan's face. 

"Ouch!" Jeonghan exaggeratedly yelled, kicking the otter toy on the floor aside. "Say sorry Cheollie!"

"GO AWAY! BAD CRAZY HYUNG!" Cheollie hisses at Hannie.

Jeonghan just laughed at the sofa, while Joshua, Dino and Seungkwan awkwardly chuckled at the scene.

"I can't believe a day will come wherein Cheol-hyung would ever reject Hannie-hyung." Seungkwan chuckled, putting his head on Dino's shoulder. 

Normally, Dino should be whining at him now. Complaining that he's heavy, or sighing that he's bothering him… but none of that usual reaction came. Instead, Dino muttered: "I dunno what Hannie hyung was thinking, but it is his fault."

"How is it his fault?" Seungkwan asked.

"They already started in bad terms,, with the bedsheet incident." Dino shrugged. "Then he kept bullying hyunggie... And now, trying to make peace, teasing him isn't exactly better."

"Hmmm…" Seungkwan leaned more. 

Dino's still not complaining. 

He's too silent. 

"Maknae-ah…" Seungkwan said. "Did you have a fight with Jeonghan hyung?"

Dino snapped. "No." 

"Then why do you ignore him?" Seungkwan asked. 

Dino sighed, and from this close distance, Seungkwan silently notice the dark circles that are starting to appear underneath his eyes. "I just don't like the way he talks to Cheollie… I hate it."

 "Ohhh…" Seungkwan nodded. "Why did you pretend to be sick to the managers yesterday? The Going Staff were looking for you."

"'Cause no one will look after Cheollie."

"But today, I was day off." Seungkwan said. "And Shua hyung and Jeonghan hyung came home early from schedule. Why didn't you attend your photoshoot sched?"

"I'm supposed to be sick anyway," Dino muttered as he aggressively sharpened another pencil. "I'm worried Cheollie will cry. He's not that warmed up to you yet, can you play with him more?"

Seungkwan stopped leaning at Dino and sighed. "Come out tonight. Vernon and I are going to eat at this new restaurant in Gangnam." 

"I can't." Dino rejected swiftly. "I'm busy. I plan to play in the park with Cheollie---"

"Come." Seungkwan leaned his head to the side and jokingly swayed Dino. "Pleaaaase, maknae ah. Shua and Hannie hyung will look after him, and we won't take 2 hours, I promise." 

Just come please. Seungkwan thought. Come and unwind for a bit. 

Dino shook his head… "I'm busy, Seungkwan-hyung."

Seungkwan sighed. He's already heartbroken at what is happening to their oldest hyung, but this is more disheartening now that their youngest is not acting like himself as well. 

The hyungs are talking … about how he's not eating well. He's always spaced out, always thinking about Cheol-hyung. 

It's as if… he's acting like taking care of Cheol-hyung is his highest responsibility. It doesn't help that his attitude is making the kid Cheol-hyung too attached to him as well. 

It's not healthy. 

It's borderline obsession. 

But… if Seungkwan rants at him right now, he doubts Dino will listen. 

Vernon advised to try helping him indirectly, like inviting him for dinner --- but it's clearly not working either. 

They're losing both their leader, and now their maknae. Fast.

"Dino-ah, we miss you." Seungkwan gently said. 

That made Dino look flustered. He looked at Seungkwan and laughed awkwardly. "Is this emotional blackmail?" 

"it's me getting jealous of Cheollie-hyung." Seungkwan nudged. "Yah, you foolish maknae, did you forget you have 11 other hyungs?"

"YAH." Dino mused, slapping Seungkwan jokingly. "Don't add like you have a chance against a 6 year old toddler!"

"Okay, okayyy fiiiine." Seungkwan raised both his hands. "I will pay for your meal --- just come pleasssse!" 

"What, is the world ending?" Dino is starting to joke, letting go of the pencils he had been obsessed with for the past 2 hours. "Why is Boo Seungkwan The Great paying for my meal?"

"Ahh, you think I'm not capable of spoiling you??" Seungkwan exaggeratedly acted hurt. "I'm sorry I'm not like Mr. Scoups hyung The Rich."

Dino laughed, jokingly pushing Seungkwan. "I'm going to order tons of meat."

"So you're coming with us!" Seungkwan stood up. 

"I didn't say that---"

"NO YOU DID." Seungkwan said excitedly, pulling out his phone. "I'm reserving for three already, if you don't come you're going to pay for your seat plus our meals, okay?"

"HEYYYYYY" Dino laughed out loud. "THAT'S RIDICULOUS CHEATING, BOO SEUNGKWAN I NEVER SAID---" 

"AHHHHHHHH!" 

Cheol-hyung suddenly screamed and Seungkwan saw Dino's laugh fade out --- suddenly changed to fear and worry so intense, as he whipped his head to the other side of the room where Cheollie and the older hyungs are.

His extreme reactions recently --- anger, fear, worry --- it's not healthy. Seungkwan gaped at their maknae in worry. 

"CHEOLLIE?" Dino stood up. "What's wrong, are you hurt---"

"he's fine." Joshua immediately said, followed by Jeonghan's "he's just panicking, he lost something." 

"What is it, Cheollie?" Dino asked immediately. 

Their kid hyung immediately hugged Dino-ah… "CHANNIE-HYUNG, IT'S MISSING!"

Jeonghan-hyung and Joshua-hyung looked at Seungkwan with a silent question from afar.

Seungkwan sadly shook his head. 'No, hyungs. I haven't convinced him yet to unwind.' is what it meant. 

Jeonghan and Joshua sighed silently… and then Joshua tried to separate Cheol from Dino. 

"Cheollie, what's the matter? What did you lose?" Joshua gently nudged the toddler, slowly pulling him from Dino into his arms. "Tell Shua-hyung."

Cheol suddenly raised his left hand. "I have a pretty ring. I put it on my thumbie. But it's gone!"

That's… his SVT Leader's ring. Seungkwan's eyes widened at their hyunggie's words. He stepped closer to them. "Does our hyunggie know what that is?"

"No." Cheollie shook his head animatedly, then looked at Joshua and the kiddy mat around. "But I love it. I need it. I was holding my pencils and it fell, and I pick it up and it came out and it rolled---it's gone. I need it!!" 

Seungkwan deflated. For a moment there, he thought their leader remembers them. 

Dino smiled that tired smile at Cheollie. "Let's go find it yes? I will help----"

"Let's play a game." Jeonghan suddenly announced, and they looked up at the second oldest. 

"What game, Bad Man-hyung?" Cheollie asked. 

Seungkwan swallowed his laugh at what Cheol named Jeonghan. 

"That's rude, don't you know that I'm an angel."

"No, you're Bad Man-hyung." Cheol said, firm. 

"It's Hannie." Dino corrected. "Hannie-hyung."

"It's Bad Man-hyung." Cheol replied with finality. 

"Uh, whatever, Choi Seungcheol." Jeonghan dismissed, and received an instant glare from the kid, which he replied with a smirk.

"The game is easy. All the adults are going to look for Choi Seungcheol's missing pretty ring." 

"Okay..?" Joshua nodded, acting interested. "Is it a competition?"

"it IS a competition." Jeonghan said animatedly. This time, he looked like he's talking properly to a kid. "it's a race though. Whoever finds the pretty ring will be rewarded by Cheollie with a kiss on the cheek!"

"Woahhh!" Seungkwan acted a clap. He doesn't know why they're doing a skit right now, but with these two hyungs, for sure it has a reason. "YEAAA I WANT CHEOLLIE'S KISS!"

"whoever wins also gets Cheollie for the night." Jeonghan added. "Cheollie will play with the winner, brush teeth and change pajamas and sleep with the winner. And Cheollie will not cry!!"

"But why?" Cheollie asked curiously.

"Because," Joshua said. "It's a race, and you're the judge and rewards giver."

"Why? I want Channie-hyung." Cheollie tried to argue. 

"so you don't want to find your ring? okay then." Jeonghan said. "We will buy a different one then."

"NOOOOOO!" Cheollie whined, his eyes suddenly tearing up. "I NEED THE PRETTY RING. IT IS PRECIOUS TO ME! IT IS MY MOST IMPORTANT RING IN THE WORLD!"

For some reason, the words made Seungkwan smile, his chest feeling warm. Cheol-hyung… may not remember them, but they're still precious to him. Jeonghan-hyung and Joshua-hyung paused a bit too --- looking overwhelmingly touched. 

Dino chuckled, as if he's already used to these accidentally innocent cute confessions. 

"Okay then," Jeonghan said after he recovered. "You have to start the race. Do you agree with the rewards, Mr. Race Judge?"

"YES!" Cheollie agreed. 

"and the no crying?"

"YES." Cheollie said. "CHANNIE HYUNG WILL FIND IT!"

"ALRIGHT, LET THE RACE BEGIN!!!" and they scrambled around the living room carpet and kiddie mat to look for the ring. 

not more than 5 minutes later, Jeonghan screamed. "YAH I FOUND IT WAHHHHH!"

'You're a cheater, hyung.'  Seungkwan thought as he faked "WAHHHH, HANNIE-HYUNG GOT IT!"

For all they know, Jeonghan must have stolen the ring since earlier, 'cause he's wearing that naughty grin. 

"WOW. THAT'S SO FAST!" Joshua clapped exaggeratedly.

Meanwhile, Cheollie looked flabbergasted. 

Dino laughed out loud, as if finally understanding what just happened. "Then it looks like Cheollie will sleep with Jeonghannie-hyung hahaha"

"nooooo, I don't like Bad Man-hyung." Cheol tried to whine, but Dino shook his head. 

"A game is a game, hyunggie." Dino nudged. "Good boys follow the rules."

Jeonghan played the ring on his finger and sat playfully on the sofa. "Now, where is my kiss?" 

Cheollie gave Jeonghan-hyung another kiddy glare --- with a pout that is so cute in Seungkwan's opinion --- and hid behind Dino. 

"But he's crazy." Cheollie whispered, but all people in the room with ears can hear. 

Jeonghan closed his eyes, "I'm waaaiiitinggg."

"Just do it quickly." Dino laughed, encouraging the kid. "Just think he has a boo-boo. Look, he closed his eyes."

The kid hesitated a bit... And then...

Cheollie ran past Joshua and Seungkwan and climbed up the sofa beside Jeonghan… and quickly gave their Hannie-hyung a quick loud kiss. He was about to jump back to Dino when Jeonghan squealed and caught Cheol in his arms and tickled him. 

"n-no you're a bully----" Cheol tried to resist at first, but soon laughed out loud as Jeonghan-hyung hugged and littered his hair with kisses. 

"alriiiight." Jeonghan stopped soon, laughing as the kid continues to giggle. "Here's your ring, Cheol, ta-dahh." 

"thank you hyuuung…." Cheol happily took it back and tried to put it back on his thumb, his little pinky way too small for the ring.

"Nuh-uh." Jeonghan shook his head, stopping Cheol from wearing it. Jeonghan removed the silver necklace he was wearing, removed its pendant, and replaced the pendant with Seungcheol-hyung's ring. "Here you go." Jeonghan put the necklace on Cheol's neck.

"Oh.."

"So you never lose us." Jeonghan says gently, with the softest smile. 

The little toddler looked up at Jeonghan and mumbled. "umm…thank youuu…" 

Seungkwan sat at the sofa beside Cheol and Jeonghan. "Cheollie-hyunggie, I'll tell you a secret." 

"what is it?"

"that ring, it's special." 

"I knoooow." Cheol hyunggie said. "it's my precious ring."

"well aside from that, do you know? It also tells you who your friends are." 

"really?"

Dino showed his pinky finger… "Really. Look we have the same." 

"Me too." seungkwan showed his ring.

"And me also." Joshua said.

"And me." Jeonghan teased. "hehehehe."

Cheollie looked surprised as he looked at his own ring and the rings on their fingers. "It looks the same... Why?"

"Because we're a team." Dino said, holding his ring that is now a pendant. "but it has different engraving under the band. Look."

Cheollie blinked at it. "Why does mine have that?"

"Because you're the General Leader." Jeonghan softly muttered. 

"What does that mean?" 

"It means..." Seungkwan shuffling his precious toddler-hyung's messy hair. "it means you're very important to us. so so so much. "

".................but why?"

the unending whys. 

"Because." Dino replied with finality, flicking the kid's nose gently. And he never continued. 

That's it. Just because. 

No words are enough to explain why C-Cheol-hyung is important to them. 

"So don't cry anymore when you're any guy with this ring." Jeonghan said. "They're your friend."

"so you're a friend, even though you're a big, big bully?" Cheollie asked.

"YAH!" Jeonghan protested and tickled Cheollie again. "don't fight me, we're sleeping together tonight!"

"YAH!" Cheollie tried to copy Jeonghan's tone, teasing. "You're still Bad Man Hyung!"

Seungkwan saw Dino step back… looking immensely relieved. Seungkwan followed him. "Maknae-ah ---"

"The new restaurant…" Dino said, smiling at Seungkwan in gentle mirth. "Your treat right? Let's go."

Seungkwan smiled bigger in relief. 

"YES! LET'S GO!" 

As his prize for winning the competition he himself orchestrated to win, Jeonghan got both Cheollie's trust and time tonight. 

Why did he do that? 

He needed his maknae to be free tonight. 

And.. he wanted to talk... Or at least try to talk to their oldest --- not to Cheollie, but to Seungcheol-ah.

The child Cheollie had been so naughty with him earlier.

Feisty. Noisy. Childish... and well, crazy. 

Jeonghan was starting to fall in love with the little kid too, even though inside the small body, he knows his real best friend is inside. 

Is he inside, struggling to wake up --- asking for help to be saved?

Or is he simply asleep inside the kid and only get aware from time to time?

Jeonghan hopes it's the latter. The latter would mean his real best friend is not suffering...

After an hour of playful WWE matches on Jeonghan's bed --- smashing "Bad Man Hyung" with a pillow with such childish murderous intent, the kid finally got tired and fell asleep. 

Now, Jeonghan silently sat on the couch beside his bed, crossing his arms, staring at the kid.  

Calling Choi Seungcheol's name multiple times. 

Feeling like he's literally insane for doing so. 

....urging...

...Waiting for Seungcheol, his best friend, to open his eyes with that eerie blank dreamy stare that makes Jeonghan's skin crawl. 

Jeonghan debated... should he tell this phenomenon to other members? 

No.

It will just creep them out more... Especially not Dino-ah.

All 11 hyungs of SEVENTEEN (minus Coups) had a meeting to plan and try and separate him from Cheollie already. Having this knowledge will only make him more anxious and monitor Cheol 24/7 again. 

They didn't notice it when Cheol started to get sick. They wouldn't make the same mistake for their precious youngest Lee Chan. 

He trusts Seungkwan and Vernon are doing their best right now to cheer maknae up. Joshua followed them too. Some members are also on their way to join them there after schedule. 

Chan-ah should unwind. 

His cellphone suddenly beeped and Jeonghan saw Myungho sent a photo to the group chat --- Dino singing and rapping out loud like what he always do whenever he's drinking to have a good time. 

The members in the background were laughing and praising him.

Jeonghan smiled a bit.

It's a shame he couldn't go,  but he has a mission to uphold. 

Jeonghan raised his eyes back up to the asleep child, waiting for the lifeless blank stare of his cute-turned-creepy kid Leader.

But... he's not waking up. 

He's not even opening his eyes...

"Seungcheol. Please tell me what to do."

"..."

"Don't just give up in that state." Jeonghan said. "Tell me how to help you."

"..."

"Or do you want me to tear you out of that cocoon, instead?" Jeonghan snapped. He didn't know how actually, he's just bluffing.. looking for any reaction. 

anything. Please. 

"..."

No response.

He's just... sleeping. Little kiddie snores without a care from the world. 

What are the conditions to wake up his adult awareness?

How did it even happen --- it felt like it happened randomly. 

Jeonghan was trying to do what he did before, but the asleep kid was not responding. 

Did Seungcheol their leader really just tried to wake up because he saw Dino crying profusely?

Jeonghan sighed... calling his name endlessly. Trying to say out loud the problems and issues he heard from the management today. 

Trying anything and everything to know the trigger. 

But none. 

This feels like... talking to a wall.

Maybe... Maybe he's all wrong in this. 

Maybe this is just a normal toddler phase of sleep walking or something. 

...

The clock ticked to midnight ... And Seungcheol never appeared. 

Jeonghan crumbled down in frustration, obsessively listing down all the useless clues he saw so far--- all that point to nowhere. 

Chapter Text

"Hello... I'm sure you know me."

Mingyu looked around the familiar waiting room. He's sitting in the sofa, but there was no room or window.

Suddenly, someone joined him.

"You must be Kim Mingyu. Hmmm, I like how your name rolls in my tongue."

Mingyu gasped, holding the hem of his shirt.

"Ah, it's your real name? Not a stage name? Interesting."

The old man was approaching him.  

"You have potential. And you know what, I like you."

"Cheol-hyung..." He tried to call, because the old man is walking towards him.

"Do you want to transact with me? It's easy."

"Cheol-hyung, help."

"It's very easy. I don't often give offers to rookies like you. But... if you give yourself to me, I will give the promotions to your team. 

...

You look delicious.

Just... let me have a taste."

He's coming. 

He's... 

"CHEOL-HYUNG!" Mingyu gasped as he fell down his bed, hungry for air. 

His heart was beating so fast... As if he ran the fastest speed in the thread mill.

Soaked in sweat, Mingyu pulled his duvet from the bed above and curled with it on the floor, waiting for the shaking due to the night terror to subside. 

Why is he dreaming about this again? 

As if something is warning him. 

Or is it because of what Cheol-hyung said to the team last week?

“Thank you for saving me.

Moving forward, please fully discuss how dangerous Producer Oh is to the members. That was a bad decision from me, resulting in this mess of misunderstandings. I even scolded Dino without explaining the dangers clearly...” 

He... hasn't complied yet. 

He don't know how to comply to their leader's last instruction to him... before he disappeared, replaced by a young boy who cries a lot. 

Suddenly, the door to his bedroom opened...and that small boy's voice echoed.

"Gyu-hyung?" He asked curiously, turning on the lights of his room.

Before Mingyu could respond, he paused as Cheollie's eyes looked at his garbage bin by his door frame in excitement.

The kid then stuffed a half-repaired otter toy he was dragging, down deep into Mingyu's small garbage bin beside his room's door. 

The little kid then huffed with satisfaction as he closed the bin shut as if he hated the toy to his very core. 

Mingyu amusedly watch. "Cheollie? What are you doing here? What's did you throw in my trash bin?"

"A bad toy." Cheollie innocently walked towards him. "Did you call me, Gyu-hyung?"

Tired from his nightmare, Mingyu looked up at the boy... and then he chuckled. "Cheollie, I got a bad dream."

"Maybe because you don't sleep on the bed." Cheollie remarked. "Why you sleeping on the floor, Gyu-hyung?"

"I fell."

"Oh."

"Yeah..."

"From the bed?"

Mingyu nodded cutely. 

"It hurts?" Cheollie asked, tilting his head. 

Mingyu tilted his head too. "Ummmm...  a bit?" 

Suddenly, Cheollie was running out of the room in a flash. Mingyu chuckled tiredly as he slowly sat up on the floor, picking up his blanket and leaning on the side of the bed. 

He's still shaking a bit... so carefully, he took the bottle of water by his nightstand and breathed himself to calmness. 

Small footsteps soon followed... 

...and then, Cheollie is back with his pack of bandaids, dragging a confused Wonwoo with him. 

"I'm ready. Where does it hurt, Gyu-hyung?" Cheollie asked with a straight face. 

Mingyu laughed out loud. "Why, are you a doctor?"

"Channie hyung called me a doctor." 

"Really~?"

"So. Where does it hurt." 

"Ummm.. here." Mingyu pretended, pointing at his right arm. 

Immediately, the boy ran beside him and start opening his small packs. "I'm out of Spiderman. You're going to have Superman dosages."

"Is it lower dosage than Spiderman?"

"Yes." 

"Why?"

"'Because Spiderman is red." Cheollie said as if that makes absolute sense.

"Then I want Spiderman dosage too." 

"No, it's only for Channie hyung."

The favouritism is intense huh. 

Cheollie patted the band aids criss cross on Mingyu's arms. When he finished putting the 10th bandaid, Cheollie started putting bandaids on his right cheek. 

"Why on my face too?"

"Just in case." Cheollie muttered. But for Mingyu, it's seems like he's just looking for more excuse to continue slapping bandaids. 

Wonwoo slowly walked towards them, giving Mingyu an inspecting look and asking  "Nightmare? 

Mingyu nodded. "...a nasty one."

His Wonwoo-hyung's knowing look as he handed him a towel to wipe his sweat off had Mingyu sighing.

Wonwoo crossed his arms. "I still think you should let it out---"

"Gyu-hyung, Gyu-hyung, I have a question." Cheollie suddenly asked Mingyu, softly patting his face urgently to get his attention. 

Mingyu blinked at the soft hands, Wonwoo forgotten. "What is it, hyunggie?" 

"why... Why is Gyu hyung and Wonu hyung's face copied in books?"

"Books?" 

Cheol pointed at the magazines by the night stand. Sure enough, Mingyu and Wonwoo were there in the cover pages. A staff gave it to him a night before, to monitor how it looked like. 

Normally, Mingyu brings a copy to Cheol hyung to teasingly brag at the clothes he wore. 'Cause Cheol hyung is a sucker for designer brands, especially the new one released. 

Mingyu smiled at Cheollie, thinking he can still tease. "Don't you know? That's our work."

Cheollie tilted his head. "What? 

"We make songs and we sing it and dance to it. And sometimes we model for magazines, like this." Mingyu took the magazine and flipped it open, showing more photos to Cheol. "See?"

"Ooohhh." Cheollie took the magazine and slumped down on the floor, flipping it himself as if it's an art activity book, bandaids forgotten.

"Woahhhh... handsome Gyu-hyung." 

Cheollie stared in awe at one of Mingyu's daring pose a bit too long... and Mingyu had to shyly flip the magazine page to the next photo. 

"Woahhh, Wonu hyung too." Cheollie said in awe, head moving side by side in excitement. "So cool."

Wonwoo laughed, going to one of Mingyu's cabinets. "nah I know someone better who is just really, realllllly so cool."

"Really?" Cheollie's eyes sparkled again, the same way it did when they did their disaster mini-baking class. 

"Really." Wonwoo chuckled, taking out the magazine with S.COUPS-hyung's éditorial photo in the cover mag. 

Mingyu chuckled, holding the kid by his arms closer and taking the mag from Wonwoo. 

He opened it on the boy's lap. "Look, Cheollie. Isn't he handsome?"

Cheollie stared at the magazine photos. SCOUPS-hyung's photos. 

He's a smart kid but will be notice it's him? Given the more than 20 years body-age gap.. the boy in front of them looks like a tea cup white maltese whereas the styling of their Coups hyung in the photo makes him look like an alpha wolf. 

Mingyu stared at their boy right now. Yes, there's their mature leader's beautiful eye shape and ears... but their leader's mature features were completely wiped out.

Coups-hyung's sharp jawline was replaced by Cheollie-hyunggie's adorably soft mochi cheeks. And his eyelashes now looked more emphasized because of his smaller face, highlighting his kiddy cuteness. 

Their leader hyung's body lines in the magazine, as he posed in the photos, were so defined too... His confidence showing as he had his chin raised, rocking the outfit given to him.

Coups hyung he did so well in this photoshoot...But what does little Cheollie say?

"Well?" Mingyu asked, flipping the pages to see other concept photos. 

To his surprise, Cheol shook his head.

"I don't like this guy." He said critically. 

"Huh? But why? He's so cool to me."

"He looks like he's pretending to be cool." Cheollie, the critic, slammed Scoups hyung.

'..but that's you.' He hates himself because he's pretending to be cool? 

He remembered how his Cheol hyung would pester him, practicing his expressions in the mirror. He's the one of the last members to accept solo photoshoot gigs too, because he took awhile to be confident going alone --- the team projects probably too ingrained in his head. 

"I want Gyu hyung and Wonu hyung better." Cheollie finalized patting his lap. "You looked like real cool."

Mingyu felt the tension from his night terror earlier completely fade away, as he made another hearty chuckle. 

"But Cheollie..." Mingyu laughed. "We're just pretending to be cool too."

This kid is so funny.

Or maybe, this is one of the joys of having an innocent child in the house. 

It just felt light, having him here --- so innocent and unfiltered. 

Or maybe he's just too positive again... Cheol hyung will scold him if he hears what he's thinking. 

Suddenly a camera flash made them pause and when Mingyu looked up, he saw Wonwoo-hyung putting down his camera with an apologetic smile. 

"I forgot to turn off the flash." Wonwoo muttered. "You two looked too cute together, I just had to."

He's been taking Cheollie-hyung's photos ever since their mini baking class disaster. Wonwoo-hyung actually didn't help him control Cheollie at that time, he just kept on laughing and taking pics. 

Mingyu grinned, holding Cheollie on his lap properly, making a peace sign. "Cheollie, smile again. Let's take photos."

"Photos?"

"C'mon smile!"

Cheol smiled awkwardly as Mingyu tackled him, both raising a peace sign. Wonwoo took a quick one and showed the digital photo to Cheol. 

"WOAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!" The scream the kid let out shook Mingyu.

His poor eardrums...

"THAT'S SO COOL" Cheol crawled away from Mingyu and latched onto Wonwoo's side. He's suddenly like a cat dying of curiosity how the little device worked. 

"This is a camera." Wonwoo bragged, chuckling. "I have a lot of these in my room---"

"I WANT ONE TOO." Cheollie pleaded. 

Wonwoo laughed. "I can give you mine, but you also have one when you tried photography with me, Hyunggie."

"When---?"

"Uh." Wonwoo shook his head. "Never mind. Look, let's get your camera. D'you know you can record videos too? With your digital camera."

"I wanna record Channie hyung!" Cheollie jumped up and down at Wonwoo's leg. 

"Okay, okay." Wonwoo chuckled as he crouched to carry the boy from his leg to his arms. "Let's go set up bird feeder in your window and we take photos. Sounds cool?"

"YES!!!!!"

Mingyu stood up slowly. "Wonwoo-hyung, aren't you supposed to go later for a solo schedule? It's my turn to look after him this morning, right?

Wonwoo looked back and smiled knowingly... "Ah, Jeonghan Hyung helped me reschedule."

Mingyu blinked. "Why?"

As if on cue, their second oldest appeared on his door as if he just arrived too. He knocked on his door even though it's open, getting his attention. 

Mingyu felt the unexplainable tension in his chest again as he stared at Jeonghan. "H-hi, hyung."

"Hi, Mingoo." Jeonghan smiled as Wonwoo went out of the room with Cheollie. "May I talk to you?"

Mingyu felt a lot of emotions, and he has no doubt Jeonghan hyung has seen it. 

He only told his experience to Cheol-hyung and maybe a bit to Wonu-hyung... but never to others. Talking about it felt like he's carving another scab of shame inside his soul. 

But his leader has an order for him:

Moving forward, please fully discuss how dangerous Producer Oh is to the members.

FULLY DISCUSS. 

Discuss with absolute detail... specific. With no detail left. 

And Mingyu is ashamed that has not complied to the order yet...

But Jeonghan-hyung is here. 

He never doubted he can trust him, he just wasn't ready before.

'but if you wait to be ready, when would you be? When it's already too late?' his wise inner voice told him. 

'its gonna be okay.' he thought positively, breathing himself to calmness again.

And then, with determination despite the nervous beating of his heart, Mingyu nodded at Jeonghan. 

"Yes, Hyung. I have something to tell you too." 

"ughh, aaaahhh"

moaned a young man shy of 21 year old below him. 

He always wished for someone younger, far more younger. 

But this will do. The industry doesn't have enough young kid's to play with after all. 

Producer Oh satisfied his thirst as he slammed his old yet still powerful body on the young man's precious spot and he almost rolled his eyes when the young man tightened around him. 

It feels good. 

Exhilarating, even. 

Yes. 

It's good to be alive.

He chuckled with satisfaction as he pulled himself out, and the young man whimpered on the bed below him...

... crying.

What a beautiful sound. 

His phone suddenly made a humming tone. Now, normally he put it on silent mode... but he's just excited for just one update he instructed his staff to give him tonight. 

"Oh-nim, good news!

We got the project, the contract is signed!"

Producer Oh's eyes couldn't believe it, his excitement reaching new heights. 

"SEVENTEEN is working with us on the new project!"

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!" The Producer bellowed, as he set his phone aside. 

It's so funny. 

It must be true that the damn brat Scoups is missing 'cause there's just no way...

...but then...

Now, he has a way. 

The young man on his bed was catching his breath, but the Producer dragged him by his ankle, on a different position. 

"...hyung..." The young man gasped weakly. "your promise."

"That position in the XX production company." Producer Oh nodded, before inserting himself to the already tired and spent body of the young man. 

The young man gasped in pain and pleasure... his tied hands trying to escape, but Producer Oh slammed mercilessly once again.

He then lowered his face down the young man's lips, gave a chaste forbidden kiss, and whispered.

"It's yours tomorrow."

"R-really...?"

"But don't forget to repay me. Just meet me once every month."

"Y-yes.. hyung."

The young man cried a broken moan as he took the payment to his full desire. 

It's an easy transaction, isn't it?

Producer Oh pictured him to be someone else as he unraveled. 

His imagination. His desires. 

Imagine the young man looks like that group's oldest. A feisty brown eyed young man, whose eyelashes probably flutters... Not easily dominated, he'd struggle against his restraints, his generous backside shakes, as he eventually unravels helplessly...

…or he could be the tallest's dark and handsome young man... Scared yet beautiful... Muscled limbs pulled taut as he came... 

...or could be the the youngest's moans.. helpless with his broken cries as his lithe body arches...

…or maybe...

...he'll meet other members too and see if there's others he'd like. 

Beautiful young men, majority  of the members were scouted in the streets before their debut--- That group feels like a buffet. 

It's not a healthy obsession. He knows.

And he doesn't care. Because either way, this hide and seek game is over. 

"you lost, Scoups-ssi." 

Jeonghan couldn't believe what Mingyu has told him.

Seungcheol had shared the ugly  jokes that producer had thrown at him.

...but the attempt to the young Mingyu. How he tried to trap Mingyu in a waiting room to... to...

...and the attempt to manipulate young Mingyu to say yes to something blatantly disgusting...

...and the incessant blackmailing attempts to Seungcheol to... 

Jeonghan shook his head. 

As soon as their talk was over, Jeonghan quickly dove to the rest of the meeting reports and schedules that were already approved...

He needed to strengthen the fence that Seungcheol held, especially since there was an incident with Dino!

But another hideous crawl in his skin crumbled Jeonghan. 

Truly minutes of the meetings are fine, reading what was discussed and what transpired. But that is in the past tense.

Because, if you aren't in the meeting at all, you could never stop what was discussed... before it is already too late. 

Jeonghan quickly made a call to their marketing director noona for help, asking for a confirmation.

The call he received back, with their Marketing Director's own panicking voice, had him panicking too. 

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN???" Jeonghan suddenly shouted at his phone. 

He paused, looking pale, and barely aware that the members who just arrived looked at him curiously. 

"No, no, NO WE NEVER AGREED TO ANYTHING LIKE THAT!" Jeonghan argued. "CANCEL IT!"

His eyes widened. "I DON'T CARE--- CANCEL IT! CANT YOU DO IT??? NOONA, PLEASE."

"THE CONTRACT PENALTY IS HOW MUCH?!!!!!!"

Jeonghan was breathing heavier now, eyes wide as if the world was going to crash.

"But... Seungcheol would never ----"

....

"Yes... Yes, noona." Jeonghan replied meekly now. "Please help me. I... I don't know how it got approved but I would never, and Seungcheol would never, agree to that even with that much revenue and exposure. You know that!"

...

"Okay. Thank you."

He turned off his phone, feeling his energy depleted. 

Joshua stood up. "Jeonghan, what's wrong?"

For the first time, all the members saw Jeonghan so... panicked. He held up his hands to his head in extreme stress.

"I messed up." Jeonghan muttered.

"What do you mean?"

"I messed up." Jeonghan looked at their kid hyung, who was busy playing with his toy cars and trucks.

"I-I messed up. I-im trying to have it cancelled... We can't go... But..."

He knows it is useless, but Jeonghan helplessly looked at their little hyung, playing with one of Wonwoo's digital camera alone in the corner, taking a photo of his toy trucks...

Wake up. 

Come back!

Fucking wake up, Cheol!

"Cheol, help, I messed up big time!" He yelled at the unbothered kid desperately.

No reaction... And Jeonghan wanted to hit himself. 

Joshua stepped towards Jeonghan and held his wrist. "Calm down, Hannie. What happened? Tell us first!"

"The management..."Jeonghan said, his breathing getting faster... "they signed a new project representing us and they said they realized it late that it was a collaboration with Producer Oh!"

"PRODUCER OH?!" Dino remarked. 

"Producer Oh?" Vernon gaped. "The guy who Cheol-hyung didn't like?"

A loud sound of glass suddenly shattered from the kitchen counter and everyone looked to see Mingyu's eyes wide in shock, as he seemed to have accidentally dropped his glass. 

"S-sorry..." Mingyu crouched down to clean up his mess but Jeonghan could see the storm in his eyes.

No.. no, my Mingoo... 

This should not be happening!

Not after Mingyu just finally opened up to him about what happened with that producer! 

Jeonghan was about to walk towards Mingyu to apologize and comfort him when a loud noise suddenly banged at the opposite corner of the room where Cheollie was playing...

Followed by a sudden slam of his toys...

And then Jeonghan saw it, eyes not dreamy and dazed, but angry.

Their leader finally struggling his best to surface out of the kid.

Choi Seungcheol's small body stood up. His small voice ordered urgently:

"JEONGHAN-AH, REVIEW THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD AND THE CONTRACT SIGNED!"

All the members present gaped at the angry kid, brown eyes shining in pure wrath. 

It's not Cheollie. 

IT'S CHOI SEUNGCHEOL. 

"Y-yes I have it---" Jeonghan stammered at the papers he was holding. 

The little kid then left his toys from the other side of the room and rushed in a panicked run towards Jeonghan. 

"THEN LOOK FOR ANY LOOPHOLES IN THE DISCUSSION! TRY TO DELAY RECORDING WHILE YOU'RE AT IT. COORDINATE WITH EXECS, SAY WE NEVER AGREED TO----"

Suddenly, Seungcheol's 6 year old body swayed dangerously amid run to a sudden halt, as if like a puppet whose wires were suddenly cut...

...his angry eyes and urgent expression suddenly went blank...

There was a defeated sigh again...

...and his head rushed forward to the floor---

----NO, He was too far away to be caught by anyone!!!

"COUPS!!!!" Jeonghan shrieked as Seungcheol's small unconscious body hit the floor hard with the loudest thud. 

Chapter Text

"JEONGHAN-AH, REVIEW THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD AND THE CONTRACT SIGNED!"

His kiddie voice was laced with pure grown up wrath... and Dino could only gape, eyes wide, as he looked at his little hyung. 

It's not his baby Cheollie. 

"Hyung?" Dino breathed, frozen from his seat... eyes widening with blossoming, desperate hope that at least his hyung's mind is finally back. 

"Y-yes I have it---" Jeonghan hyung stammered at the papers he was holding. 

"THEN LOOK FOR ANY LOOPHOLES IN THE DISCUSSION!

TRY TO DELAY RECORDING WHILE YOU'RE AT IT.

COORDINATE WITH EXECS, SAY WE NEVER AGREED TO----"

A tiny gasp suddenly cut off his words, and Dino realized that was the first hint that something just went very wrong. 

As if suddenly switched off, his little hyung's 6 year old body swayed dangerously amid run to a sudden halt...

...like a puppet whose strings were suddenly cut...

...his angry eyes and urgent expression suddenly went blank...

And then, he's falling...

He's falling!

HYUNG, NO!!

Dino rushed in panic --- tried his real best to stand up from where he was sitting --- and run to reach the falling little boy across the room... But his hopes were crushed as fast as it blossomed, as he failed to reach him on time...

...he failed to catch his hyung as his little head rush forward to the floor!!

"COUPS!!!!" Jeonghan-hyung's shriek sounded like it's so far away. Dino watched in horror as his unconscious baby hyung hit the floor hard with the loudest thud. 

...the loud sound his head did against the hard floor has Dino's heart pounding.

He dropped to his knees to the floor beside his baby hyung, hands shaking as he gingerly held the now unconscious Cheol.

"H-hyunggie?"

No reaction.

Hyung was unconscious on his arms... Dino nervously inspected his little head as the members present scrambled in the room... 

"what happened??"

"What's happening??!"

"Is Hyung alright--?"

"Get the first aid kid!"

"---no, get some ice for his head."

...and then, Dino slowly felt the little head came out wet. His hand carefully rubbed out Cheollie's hair... and then he looked at his palm. 

Red. 

Blood. 

Dino gaped at the tiny stream of blood that started to flow down. 

"He's hurt." Dino declared wide eyed at the members... Feeling helpless. "He's bleeding... H-h-hyungs... W-what do I do?"

He expected Jeonghan hyung to bark out the instructions... but the second oldest just stood there frozen, just as wide eyed as Dino and the rest of the members.

And suddenly, Dino felt like a maknae again.

A helpless maknae as he asked for advise what to do to the little child he swore to protect... now that he's hurt in his presence. 

Seungcheol hyung used to bark the orders. 

Seungcheol hyung used to give instructions, no matter how minor or major. 

Seungcheol hyung used to help him keep panic at bay, even when he himself is being gnawed by the same panic.

..."it's my fault.." Jeonghan hyung only breathed. "...w-we have to stop the bleeding."

Mingyu hyung scrambled to give him some ice for the head. 

Seungkwan hyung tried to give him some towel for the blood... 

...and Shua-hyung... 

...he... Joshua-hyung grabbed his jacket and the car keys and angrily shouted at Jeonghan and everyone:

"WHAT ARE YOU ALL DOING, WE ARE DRIVING HIM TO THE HOSPITAL!"

"...but people will see him--" someone tried to say.

"IT DOESN'T MATTER RIGHT NOW!" Joshua hyung barked.

"I don't understand you."

Choi Seungcheol blinked slowly at the small otter doll in front of him, as he slowly opened his eyes. 

"What?" He frowned.

"You wish to rest. Don't you?"

Seungcheol sleepily rubbed his eyes as he unsurely agreed to the voice. "Umm.. yes?"

'i mean.. who wouldn't want some rest?'

"Then why do you resist rest?"

"what do you mean?"

"this is getting complicated." There was a small unmistakable huff of whine in the mysterious voice, as if he couldn't believe Seungcheol. 

"Any context would be..." Seungcheol yawned deeply, "...appreciated...."

"that boy too. He wants to you to be like this."

"What?"

"but why is he unhappy?"

"....."

"why can't I make your wishes come true? My creator wants me to make your wishes come true."

"I..." Seungcheol huffed. Why... is he so so sleepy... "I don't remember ever asking you anything..."

"...?"

"What did I ask you?"

"It doesn't matter if you don't remember it. As long as it is in your heart's deep desire---"

CHEOL!!!

Seungcheol sleepily got curious of Jeonghan's voice, slowly removing the attention to the cute little voice beside him.

 CHEOL!!!

He felt like... his body is doing something.

Doing something fun. 

He's playing? 

A photo... his forgotten digital camera...

A car toy... 

Trucks?

Red cars...

He liked those when he was a kid, yes.

Like , it's so relaxing... Not to think of anything.

He seemed to be humming too, a happy kindergarten hymn.

Fun.

Hmm..

His consciousness feels like sea waves, ebbing and flowing. 

Here and gone.

He's aware... And yet he's not.

But all of a sudden, the peace he was enjoying was smashed by his best friend's urgent, panicked voice. 

"Cheol, help, I messed up big time!"

"The management..."  

"...signed a new project---"

" a collaboration..."

"with Producer Oh!"

The lull of sleep was shattered like someone threw a boiling glass of water unto him. 

Choi Seungcheol immediately opened his eyes and bolted upright from the illusion of rest he was a prisoner of.

Producer Oh?!

No.. NO. 

MY MEMBERS!

MY BOYS!

"...wait, where are you going??" asked the tiny mysterious voice with him, but Seungcheol forcefully removed himself from it's influence...

He doesn't know how he did. 

He doesn't understand what is happening.

He wondered where he is either. 

All of a sudden, the familiar layout of their dormitory was in front of his eyes, and he felt... 

...he felt tired.

Nonetheless, not understanding anything... Not knowing where to begin even... He shouted the first order that came to his mind. 

"JEONGHAN-AH, REVIEW THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD AND THE CONTRACT SIGNED!"

He needs context... 

Need the details of how this happened.

Needs to understand what's going on... 

He's tired........

Truth be told, he hates dealing with this.

He hates dealing with all these problems.

He just wants to play...

But his members...

What's next again?

Ah yes, counter attack Producers Oh. 

THEN, LOOK FOR ANY LOOPHOLES IN THE DISCUSSION!

Buy some time.

TRY TO DELAY RECORDING WHILE YOU'RE AT IT.

Be the leader: firm with the group's non-negotiable position.

COORDINATE WITH EXECS, SAY WE NEVER AGREED TO----"

The tiny mysterious power suddenly hugged Seungcheol from behind, and the view of the dormitory faded away from view. 

As if all that fuss about Producer Oh was just... a very bad dream.

"Come back here." Said the little otter doll, full of worry. He could tell that the little thing is made of love.

"But..." Seungcheol sleepily and confusedly tried to resist.

"your wish isn't granted yet.

don't force yourself.

Do you want to get sick again?

Come back here."

....

Soon, the tiny mysterious présence that hugged him felt like the comforting hug of his maknae again...

He knows what is happening around him, and yet he doesn't. 

Chan has always been taking care of him as he felt more free than ever to laugh...

...free to feel scared...

...and free to unashamedly cry.

Why was he crying though?

Why is he sobbing right now?

They're inside a car.

There is a bit of pain... But sleepy Seungcheol doesn't know why either.

He scoffed a bit, amused at remembering how he always fuss about his beloved grandma when he's in pain.

He was his grandma's grandson after all.

Someone comforted him.

It feels good to be comforted.

'Maknae-ah.'