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Hyunjin himself would easily admit he can be clingy. A lot of the time this comes from his own desire to be close to the other members, but there are times when it's someone else's decision to be clingy and Hyunjin can help but let himself get smothered. But since the split of the roommates, since he's been placed in a dorm with the ever affectionate (simps) 3racha, Hyunjin thinks he may have become ever more clingy.
When you're surrounded by men who themselves are very clingy and like to cuddle, but also not surrounded by another half of your group at all times, you find yourself smothering them with affection any time you get. When it was all right of them in a single dorm, it was so easy to cuddle up to any member at any time of the day. Whereas now, his options were limited. Don't get Hyunjin wrong, he loves 3racha, but as he doesn't see the other four members as much, any time he does see them he can't help but be a little more clingy.
So what a more perfect location than in the waiting rooms as they wait their turn to perform LALALALA. All the members squished into a comfortable space, all of them at the mercy of Hyunjin's desire for affection. So, his first victim is Seungmin, who lay on the floor mat watching a drama on his phone. Since the boy was lying on his stomach, Hyunjin had decided to drape himself over the puppy's back—immediately earning an oof from the singer.
"Hyunjinnn." He whined with a tone that implemented the pout that was currently on his face. Hyunjin only giggled, getting himself comfy by lying his head in the crook of Seungmin's neck, watching the little actors on the boys phone.
"Seungminnn." Hyunjin had mimicked back once he was comfy. But Seungmin paused his show with a frown. "Really Hyunjin, I don't wanna cuddle right now. So can you please get off?"
Hyunjin felt like flinching. Seungmin had his days where he didn't want to be touchy with the members, but normally that just entailed with him putting up little effort to escape. And with that little effort, he normally gave in to whoever clung to him. Hyunjin can't recall the last time Seungmin ever vocally claimed he wanted to be left alone.
"Oh—sorry Minnie, i'll get off." And so he rolled off the boys back, taking a second to stare at the ceiling, recalling what had happened mere seconds ago. It really shouldn't be something he thought so much about, but he couldn't help the pain in his heart from the small rejection. But he was never one to disrespect someone's wishes, and surely another member would accept his cuddles.
So, inspecting the room, locating his next target, he fixated on Minsung, who were sat on the couch scrolling on their phones. With a smirk, Hyunjin padded over and draped himself over their laps.
"Hyunjin-ah."
"Aish Hyunjin."
Immediately by their reactions, Hyunjin feared an oncoming rejection. Normally Jisung doesn't hesitate to accept the physical affection, often cooing and wrapping his arms around the taller. Whereas Minho liked the affection here and there, but liked to do it on his own accord. But normally, he was accepting, if not playful, of Hyunjin's touch.
But this time, both seemed opposed to the body weighing down their legs. So Hyunjin flipped himself onto his back, now having a clear display of the facial expressions above him. Jisung seemed to bear a pained expression, so Minho would glance over at the boy, then look down at Hyunjin with disapproval.
"Hyunjin-ah you know we just recently had leg day. Sung's thighs are still a bit sore, so please get off." Hyunjin nodded with a sullen look, shifting his legs so he could stand, being quick to take the weight off of Jisungs sore thighs.
"Sorry Jisung." He quickly added, before sauntering away before he could hear anything else.
Okay, so that was three members who had told him no in the time span of 5 minutes. As much as his confidence was taking a beating, Hyunjin was sure at least one of the members would take his cuddles with open arms. But still, after getting three rejections, Hyunjin felt the need to tread lightly. So, his next target was Jeongin, who was sitting on the floor with his back to the couch.
Hyunjin smiled at the youngest, who seemed so entranced into the game on his phone, his lips tightening in absolute focus. Still, Hyunjin strode over, sitting on the left of the youngest member.
"Innie~" He'd proudly exclaimed as he gently rested his head on the boys shoulder, watching the small characters on the phone battle with one another. Jeongin was easily a sucker for Hyunjin's affection, something that made the others jealous at times. So when he heard his name being cutely called, and then felt the fluffy hair at his neck, he quickly looked over at his Hyung.
Even if this glimpse only lasted a second, it was too long for his character was shot at, diminishing the remaining health. His character he died as a You Lost title appeared on the screen. Jeongin's jaw dropped, and Hyunjin couldn't help but giggle at the suddenly appalled maknae.
"Hyung!! You made me lose!" He proclaimed with possibly the most gut wrenching pout Hyunjin thinks he's ever received. The dancer immediately lifted his head up with an apologetic expression. "Aish i'm so sorry Innie." He told the youngest, who looked back down at his phone screen in disbelief.
"It took me forever to get their Hyung! Now I have to start all over." The sad expressions worn by Jeongin just kept coming and Hyunjin felt like his heart was shattering each time the boy looked at him. So he reached out his hand, offering to take the phone, "Maybe I can try to get you back?"
The youngest shook his head, it was a game his Hyung had never played, and he could tell the boy felt bad enough. He didn't want Hyunjin feeling worse if the boy didn't play the game well. "No it's fine, I'll just try again."
Hyunjin nodded, and feeling like he'd once again been rejected, stood up and walked towards a chair in the corner of the room. He didn't think he'd be getting any cuddles now, so he'd give his members some space and try again after they preformed.
————
Sweating and ready to change into more comfortable clothes, the eight boys sauntered back into their waiting room. It had been a successful performance as the crowd seemed to thoroughly enjoy LALALALA. The boys also felt good after performing, instead of being overcome by dangerous thoughts of their own, they were happy with the work they'd done on stage.
With their performance now done, the boys could change, take off makeup, and rest for the remainder of the time. So once Hyunjin had changed into a simple pair of sweat pants and a black shirt, had fanned himself to the point that he was rather cold, and had his makeup had been removed, he was now allowing himself to be tired.
And with this exhaustion, came the desire to curl up and get comfy next to someone. So steering his eyes to the black couch, he saw Changbin who was also already changed and comfortable. This Hyung always seemed to give and want affection from Hyunjin. So, in his tired state, he figured he'd give some to the boy.
Hyunjin walked over to the couch, plopped himself next to the older, and threw his legs over Changbins. Said Hyung looked over at the boy like he'd just given him the world, his eyes sparkling as a grin grew on his face.
"My Hyunjinnie~" Changbin quietly exclaimed, and gods it made Hyunjin so happy to have his affection openly accepted. And since he'd been rejected earlier, he was taking this all in even if he lived with Changbin. So he snaked his arms around the muscular boy, and laid his head on Changbins shoulders. Changbin couldn't have been more thrilled that Hyunjin had wrapped himself around him.
Except from across the room, sat Minsung, who stared at the overly clingy Hyunjin with a shared look of frustration. They'd just preformed and were all exhausted, and not to mention, simply exhausted from the weight and stress of the comeback all in itself. They all wanted a break right? So couldn't Hyunjin just let them be?
"Yah Hyunjin! Leave him alone." Minho exclaimed as one of the makeup artist came up to him to help remove his makeup. "Yeah Hyunjin, we're all tired so let Hyung rest in peace." Jisung added.
"But-"
"You've been pestering us all day, don't be selfish." And with that Minho turned to face the makeup artist who had a makeup wipe ready in her hand. Hyunjin had picked his head up when the two first called out to him, so now his jaw was wide open, his hold on Changbin going slack.
Pestering?
Selfish?
Was that really how he was acting? Surely his members wouldn't lie to him? And he really didn't want to upset him members. So being the people pleaser he was, feeling everything but selfish, he untwined himself with Changbin, who looked like a kicked puppy. He was happy with the affection he was getting from Hyunjin, not a day goes by where he isn't trying to get affection from said boy!
But he knew the sharp words from Minho and Jisung hit hard, and Changbin feared nothing could be said to persuade Hyunjin otherwise.
"Sorry Hyung." Hyunjin then mumbled before he moved himself to the empty space on the opposite end of the couch. A space where he was free of pestering anyone, a space where he sat alone and couldn't be selfish.
He ended up sitting there on his phone. Scrolling past many clips of himself or the other members in their recent performances. Or even clips from their recent SKZ CODE episodes, some of which had him smiling to himself. But he kept quiet and to himself until all the members were ready to go. And with no other plans for the day, the members split by dorm, each filling up a car to head in that direction.
Thankfully Changbin was driving, and so Hyunjin quickly sat himself in the passenger seat to avoid sharing more space than needed with Jisung. Not that he was upset at the other, he just didn't want to be in the boys space. If anything, Hyunjin thinks he's happy that Jisung and Minho pointed out that he was being selfish. Hyunjin can take constructive criticism, and thus he'd make the change.
As they drove to the dorm, Hyunjin had been totally oblivious to the glances spared his way by the driver. Changbin was worried about how Hyunjin already seemed distant. Hyunjin hadn't done anything wrong, Minsung just let their exhaustion get the best of them. But Changbin feared that Hyunjin was dead set on believing he had done something wrong. So as he paid attention to the road, Changbin decided this might be a conversation he had with Chan.
And when no one was around, the quokka would be getting a talking to.
————
True to his word, Changbin did tell Chan about his concerns. He had yet to talk to Jisung, but he could cross that bridge later. Once they'd gotten home that night, they had decided to finish the leftover takeout in the fridge rather than order more. And dinner ended up being maintained by a conversation from 3racha—whilst Hyunjin just listened.
So once they'd cleaned up and went to their own rooms for the night, Changbin snuck his way into Chan's room. Said leader was at his desk on computer, headphones over his head but only covering one ear. Chan was very adamant that he be able to hear his surroundings even while working.
"Hyung." Changbin quietly called out once he'd entered the room. He closed the door behind him shutting out any unwanted ears. Chan perked at the mention of his name, and spun around in his chair. "What's up Bin?"
Suddenly all the leaders attention was on the younger, like nothing else ever mattered. Walking further into the room, Changbin sat himself down on the edge of Chan's bed, his face very conflicted. "You missed an argument today Hyung." He started.
Chan had unfortunately been out of the room when the bickering started. And since Minho was the oldest member in the room at that point, his say almost seemed final. Whereas the voice of reason was absent.
"Oh? Between who?" Chan was now very invested, leaning forward to prop his elbows on his knees. "Hyunjin, Minho and Jisung."
Chan hummed, "Jinnie was awfully quiet at Dinner and during the car ride home...What did they say?"
Bearing a frown, Changbin explained to his leader that Hyunjin had been in a cuddly mood. And that for some reason, Jisung and Minho decided that this cuddly mood was pestering everyone and was selfish on Hyunjin's part. By the end of the explanation, Chan sported his own frown and was clearly thinking hard.
"We will need to talk to those two tomorrow. But for tonight, do you mind accompanying Hyunjin? I'd do it myself but I want to get ahead on these tracks..." Reminding himself he had work to do and couldn't be with Hyunjin made Chan's frown deepen.
But Changbin smiled, "Of course Hyung!" And as he stood up, he gave a salute to Chan as if the boy was his commander. Chan chuckled at the youngers antics, but spun to face his computer as the boy marched out of the room.
————
"Hyunjinnie~" Changbin had peered through the bedroom door to see the boy sprawled out on his bed with a sketchbook. Hyunjin had picked his head up at the intruder, but gave Changbin a small smile. "Hey Hyung."
Changbin took the greeting as his cue to climb up on the bed. Lying on his stomach just like Hyunjin, he peered over to the sketchbook. It was a type of flower he didn't think he could identify, but it was beautiful regardless. "So what's up Hyung?" Hyunjin then questioned.
Changbin smirked, "What I can't hang out with my Hyunnie?" He watched a light shade of pink dust the younger boys cheeks. But then Changbin frowned, "You do know what those two said earlier isn't true."
Hyunjin looked up to meet Changbins gaze, noting the sincerity of his Hyung. "Especially since I always want your attention. If anyone is selfish it's me!"
He watched Hyunjin's cheek glow a darker shade of pink, and his eyes drift so that he didn't have to make eye contact with Changbin. "But you were the only one who wanted my company hyung. Doesn't that mean there is some truth to their words?"
Changbin eagerly shook his head, "The comeback is taking a toll on all the members, but that doesn't mean they can take their moodiness out on you. You didn't pester anyone, in fact you walked away each time they said no, which also proves you weren't being selfish either. You put others desires above your own."
Hyunjin listened carefully to his Hyung, and his words did truly make sense. He knows that he himself can get moody and say things he doesn't mean when he's tired. He also knows that not everyone searches for contact when they're tired. But he still feels a little bad that anyone had to tell him no in the first place. He feels like he should've known they wanted to be left alone.
Regardless he rolled closer to Changbin and embraced the older. "Oooh does my Hyunjinnie want my affection?! Are you an imposter?!" Changbin exclaimed, very excited to have the opportunity returned to him. Hyunjin himself was giggling against the older boys chest. Changbin seemed to have that charm about him, the ability to make Hyunjin smile anytime, anywhere.
"Yah Hyunjin, I love you so much okay? Don't you ever forget that!" Changbin proudly announced, which only produced more giggles.
"I won't, and I love you too Binnie Hyung."
————
The next day showed no performances in their schedule, but this only made room for practice. This by 5 pm, each dorm was piling into a car and driving their way to the company. In one car, Changbin had taken to driving again, Hyunjin once again his passenger prince (he vocally announced this as well, making Hyunjin a giggly mess).
The action between the two didn't go unnoticed by Chan, who after hearing of the mishaps from the day prior, noticed Hyunjin was putting distance between himself and Jisung. Surely after a good nights sleep, both Minho and Jisung would see the reasoning Chan would give them after practice. He was very adamant about aiding in solving this problem because even if the problem wasn't his own, he didn't like his members bickering amongst one another (This may be a fatherly quality he's gained, Chan's not to sure).
Once they were all in the practice room, Chan once again noticed that Hyunjin didn't stray too far from Changbins side. He knows that he asked Changbin to look at the younger member, but he was happy to see that Hyunjin was accepting the company instead of stubbornly pushing it away. As for Changbin, he must've been having the time of his life, getting so much attention from Hyunjin (After all it was no secret that the pabbit had his own obsession with his 'Hyunjinnie').
The group spent a good hour going over their newer tracks as well as older songs they needed to touch up on with the possibility of performing them. And when Chan wasn't focusing on his own dancing, he was watching over another member with concern.
He'd watch Jeongin try to start up a conversation with Hyunjin, only for the boy to claim he needed to use the bathroom. He'd watched Seungmin make his way over to Hyunjin, only for Hyunjin to notice the incoming puppy and casually race to Changbins side. Then he'd seen Felix excitedly pat the space next to him for Hyunjin to sit there only for the boy to take the tiny space next to Changbin.
Felix had looked puzzled, and as he looked around the room, found Chan watching over the seen from where he sat against the mirror. So the chick got up from the couch and sauntered over to his Hyung. Plopping down next to the leader and laying his head on his shoulder, "This is because of yesterday isn't it?" Felix questioned.
He had assumed Changbin informed Chan seeing as the rapper looked absolutely defeated when Hyunjin removed himself. Felix had watched Hyunjin get rejected from all the members asides from himself, Chan who was absent, and Changbin. And while Felix had been patiently waiting his turn, that was blown away when the comments were made.
Chan nodded, "Unfortunately it is. Although I know Changbin has told him nothing said was true, we know Hyunnie. He will still beat himself up over it. So clearly, he still feels like he'd be 'pestering' them just by breathing the same air!"
"Aish. Those two said something stupid and now have Hyunjin being hard on himself." Felix added with a frown as he started to watch Hyunjin just like his leader.
Said boy was sat at the end of the couch with Changbin on his left. With this placement, it was clear he was avoiding everyone on the other side of Changbin. Except there were two pairs of eyes that also noted that Hyunjin was curled up next to Changbin.
"Yah Changbin Hyung come sit over here!" Jisung exclaimed, patting an empty next to him and Minho. Changbin caught Minhos cat like eyes watching the interaction with interest and suddenly was worried as to where this would go.
"I'm pretty comfortable right here Hannie, but thanks!" Changbin thinks he felt Hyunjin move even closer to him and tighten their embraced hands. Jisung scoffed, "Hyunjin-ah don't be selfish! You can't keep Changbin all to yourself!"
And the hand that had just tighten its grip seemed to loosen immediately. Changbin whipped his head around to face the dancer, subtly shaking his head, you're okay, I want to be here was a message he'd hoped he'd made clear.
"Jisung I don't think that's the proper approach." Chan vocalized from his corner with Felix. The two were watching the argument go down with looks of disapproval.
Jisung opened his mouth as if to rebuttal, but he was quickly shut down by Changbin. "And if I said I wanted to hang out with Minho? Should I claim you're selfish too for keeping him to yourself?"
Jisung looked shocked, "What? No! That's not fa-"
"Then how is it any fairer to make the same accusation towards Hyunjin?" Changbin continued, succeeding in quickly shutting down the youngest rapper as instead of replying, his head fell, and he stayed silent.
Chan sighed, "And that's enough of that. Practice is over and I want to see all of you at our dorm in 30 minutes." No one questioned the leader or made any refutes especially when he used that tone that displayed his disappointment. So the boys started collecting their belongings and making their way out of the practice room.
The racha car was filled the exact same way it had been the last two times; Changbin as the driver with his passenger Hwang. Whilst Chan and Jisung sat in the back. Peering through the rear view mirror, Changbin noticed that even Chan had started to give Jisung a cold shoulder.
The eldest had been absent when the comments were made the first time. But now being present, he was disappointed. But Chan had played his part and quickly broke off the arguing, now it was up to Minho and Jisung. Originally he hadn't planned on the other members spending the night at his dorm. But he figured that all eight of them spending a night together like they used to may be helpful.
The rappers got to their dorm first, filing in with unsettling silence. But with the reminder they would be having the others over, they started bustling around to make their home look more presentable. Putting clothes away, emptying the sink of dirty dishes, folding blankets, the basic upkeep. Once that was done, they started pulling more blankets out and the giant futon they use for nights just like this.
Chan then stood aside to call a restaurant they normally ate from for an order of take out. It wasn't a gathering without food. Plus, a dad had to feed his seven loud, stubborn, but lovely kids.
15 Minuted later, the rest arrived. They had quickly stopped by their own dorm to drop off their practice bags and quickly pack an overnight bag. Upon walking in, the youngest immediately caught Hyunjin sprawled out on the futon, for once without Changbin. So the maknae took his opportunity, feeling like Changbin to moment he realized.
So he quickly rushed over to his hyung, laying out on top of him. "Jinnie Hyung~" He'd announced proudly. Said boy looked over his shoulder to see the smiling boy, and couldn't help but smile himself. And suddenly Hyunjin couldn't hold back his cute aggression and was rolling over to smother the youngest in cuddles. Jeongin's laugh immediately lightened the mood as no one could stay moody when their youngest was so happy.
Seungmin, also noting the Hyunjin's walls seemed to have been down for the moment, raced to join the two before he lost the chance. Plopping down on the two, Seungmin easily fit into their cuddles. Hyunjin giggled once he'd felt the third body. "Aish Minnie too? Your both mine now, all mine~"
And suddenly it was like nothing ever happened. Three members were tangled together on a futon, giggling to their hearts content, while the rest watched with adoration, even Jisung and Minho. At that moment, Changbin came back from his room, noting that his Hyunjinnie had been stolen.
"Yah!! How dare you steal my Jinnie!" And within the next couple seconds a fourth body was added to the pile as well as the loud chuckles from the new addition. Everything seemed so normal, so at peace.
Ushering the rest of the members towards the table, Chan had made his way to the door after he'd heard a couple knocks. He'd quickly opened it, greeting the delivery man, taking the boxes of pizza, and bidding the man goodbye with a thanks.
"Pizzas here!" He announced, mainly towards the giggling members on the floor in the living room—who quickly fell apart at the mention of food.
The table was soon full, each chair in use and the table-top covered in boxes of pizza and plates. And yes, Chan got a table to fit eight. Normally only four chairs are pulled out. But due to the addition of four, four fold out chairs were added to the table.
Looking at his members, Chan smiled. They were loud, there were laughs, whether small of enough to throw one's head back. It seemed like just another day with Stray kids. But Chan did notice the small sorrowful glances minsung would give Hyunjin, and thus the leader knew this wasn't the end all be all solution.
But he trusted his boys to fix it.
————
Once all eight members had eaten enough pizza to make themselves feel miserable, the kitchen was bustling with life as cleanup started. And normally Minho was never one to dip out on cleaning as he felt bad not helping, he had another problem to fix first. So he grabbed Jisungs had, leading him away from the table and towards the tallest dancer who was searching Netflix for something they could all watch.
"Hyunjinnie? Can we talk?" Minho quietly asked, not wanting to draw too much attention.
The younger had jumped at the sudden voice next to him, and he looked at the two with an expression that looked as if he felt guilty. But he nodded, and dragged the two to his bedroom. Jisung shut the door as he was the last one in, and joined Minho on the edge of the bed. Hyunjin sat at his desk, his chest leaned up against the back of the chair with his arms folded over the top.
"Well, what is it Hyung?" Hyunjin had no clue they might want to talk to him about, so he responded with a tone that couldn't be held against him; sweet and casual. It looked like Minho wanted to talk, but Jisung beat him to it.
"We're sorry. What we've said isn't right, nor true. We were just...well..." Jisung stumbled over his words, trailing off when he didn't know how to vocalize his thoughts.
"We were jealous." Minho finished for him as Jisung nodded in agreement, his cheeks turning rosy at the exclamation.
Hyunjin didn't expect this at all. Not did he expect the two to be...wait—"Jealous??" he questioned, his head tilting to the side like a confused puppy.
Minsung only nodded. "We rejected your affection, only to realize we did want it, but it had been too late. So angry at ourselves, we took that anger out on you...we're so sorry." Minho proclaimed, his expression losing the devilish bunny look and instead bearing a genuine apologetic one.
But when the words fully hit, Hyunjin broke out in a fit of giggles. He was already shocked to gain an apology, but to learn the cause of their actions was jealousy over Hyunjin's cuddles oh this was comedic! And at the same time, broke down so many walls and finished so many negative thoughts Hyunjin had built up.
The two on his bed looked at him like he was crazy. I mean he was just laughing, and hysterically at that. "Hyunjin?" Jisung questioned, his tone laced with concern.
The laughs settled out, and Hyunjin found himself out of breath, but sporting a smile. "Aish you big babies. The approach you took is never okay, and really upset me, but your reasoning makes it so hard to be mad at you both. I really just want to squish your cheeks now." Hyunjin blurted out with a small breathy chuckle.
The worry seemed to ease out of the two tense bodies sat on the edge of his bed. And they were immediately up and embracing Hyunjin in a hug. To hear them say they were sorry was one thing, but to feel their arms around him, embracing him with all the love they could give, was another.
Hyunjin hugged back, holding back a couple tears that suddenly emerged in his emotional state. He was just so happy.
"I love you Jinnie-ah"
"Oh, oh me too! Hyunjinnie my lovely soulmate~"
Giggling once again, Hyunjin dragged them both out of his room only to hear the patter of multiple pairs of feet racing to the living room. He knew exactly what that meant when the three wondered into the living room to the rest of their members sprawled out on the floor and couch, semi out of breath.
"Well?" Chan asked cheekily, each of the other members very intrigued themselves, leaning forward with eagerness.
No words need be said when, as he was in the middle of the two, Hyunjin wrapped his arm around both Jisung and Minho, pulling them close with a bright smile. That had the rest of the group smiling themselves, the worry seeping from their bones.
Despite their replenished friendship, Hyunjin let the two at his side go. The two walked over to the couch to get comfy with the two Aussies—whose arms were wide open and awaiting. Chan had immediately tossed a rather large blanket over them and pulled the boys at his side close.
Whilst Hyunjin found himself plopping on the futon with Changbin, Seungmin and Jeongin. He placed himself next to Changbin, while Jeongin and Seungmin were on his other side. The eldest quickly threw the blankets over each of them, and lifted his arm for Hyunjin to get comfortable.
He did in fact get comfortable as he found his head resting on the dense busy soft chest of his Hyung. He then felt the bodies behind him inch closer, which drew a small smile to his face. Despite the two youngests tendencies to deny physical affection, they easily bundled up and cuddled close.
The random drama currently playing on the tv screen was easily ignored as both cuddle piles indulged in the peace that was welcomed back after a day of unwelcome tension. Plus, it wasn't every day they could reminisce in sharing a dorm, all eight of them together, and things like this being a weekly occurrence. So given the chance, no one held back.
So hours later, when the tv volume had been turned down by the last awake, their leader of course, soft snores could be heard from both the futon and the couch. All eight boys sleeping with ease as they were surrounded by the warmth and comfort of one another.