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1.
It was a typical afternoon in the Seventeen dorm—except it wasn’t. It was a rare day off, and everyone had gathered in the living room, lounging around, with a sense of contentment and warmth in the air.
Dino, the youngest of the group, was sitting cross-legged on the floor, laughing at something Hoshi had just said. His eyes sparkled with the kind of energy that could only come from someone who was truly full of joy.
"Hyung, you're so funny!" Dino chuckled, leaning back onto the couch, his legs sprawled out beneath him.
Hoshi grinned proudly, enjoying the attention. "I know, right? You should’ve seen your face when I said that!"
From across the room, Joshua, who was casually strumming on his guitar, looked over at Dino with a soft smile. “You look really happy today, Chan. It’s nice to see you so relaxed.”
Dino’s face lit up at the compliment. “Thanks, hyung. It’s just... I don’t know. I feel like everything is just perfect right now.”
“Because we’re all here, right?” Woozi chimed in, not even looking up from his phone. But his words held sincerity, and it made Dino’s heart swell.
“Exactly!” Dino grinned widely. “It’s so nice to just spend time with all of you, without worrying about schedules or practice.”
“I think we’re all happy, though,” said Seungkwan, who had been curled up on the armrest of the couch next to Dino. “Especially you, Chan. You’ve been working so hard, but today you’re like... glowing or something.”
Dino blushed, rubbing the back of his neck shyly. “Really? I didn’t even do anything.”
“Trust me, you do a lot,” said Jeonghan, walking over and ruffling his hair affectionately. “You just don’t notice, but we all do.”
“Exactly,” added DK, appearing from the kitchen with a snack in hand. “You bring so much energy into this dorm, Dino. I mean, who else can keep up with Hoshi hyung’s ridiculousness? You’re the perfect match for him.”
Dino’s cheeks reddened even more at the praise, but he couldn’t help the small, sheepish smile that crept onto his face. He didn’t usually get this kind of attention, but when it was all directed toward him, it made him feel loved in a way that was beyond words.
And it wasn’t just the members complimenting him; it was the little things they did every day. The way Wonwoo would give him the last bite of his snack without hesitation, or how Mingyu would always pull him into one of his spontaneous hugs whenever they crossed paths. Even when they were working hard, the members found ways to include him and make him feel valued.
“I don’t know what I did to deserve all of you,” Dino said quietly, his voice soft but full of emotion.
"You didn’t have to do anything," replied Vernon, who had been playing a game on his phone but now put it down to join the conversation. "You’re just you, and that’s enough. We love you just the way you are, Chan."
Dino blinked, surprised by the sincerity in Vernon’s voice, before a wide grin broke out across his face. “Thanks, Vernon. You’re the best.”
“You’re the best!” Woozi interjected playfully, mimicking Dino’s bright smile. “We all love you, Chan. More than you know.”
The room fell into a comfortable silence, everyone just taking in the moment of pure warmth and affection. Dino felt like he could burst with happiness. He had always known his members cared for him, but moments like this made him realize just how deep their bond was.
He leaned back against the couch, his arms stretched out, and let out a content sigh. “I love you guys too. Seriously. You make everything feel so special.”
At that, the members all crowded around him, showering him with little touches—shoulder pats, head rubs, and a chorus of “We love you too, Chan!” that made his heart swell.
As the afternoon drifted on, everyone remained in that little bubble of joy. And Dino? Well, Dino was just happy to be surrounded by his family. His heart, full of love and gratitude, couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
2.
The practice room was filled with the soft hum of background music, and the bright, fluorescent lights cast long shadows across the floor. The Seventeen members were gathered around, stretching and chatting lightly before the next rehearsal started. However, today was a little different. Today, Chan was preparing for something special—a solo performance that he had been working on for a while.
It wasn’t unusual for Dino to shine in the group’s performances, but this time, it was his moment to really showcase his talents as an individual. The hyungs had seen him practicing in the studio for days—perfecting every move, every note, every beat. But now it was time for them to watch him perform live.
The younger member stood in the center of the room, dressed in his practice clothes, his posture straight and confident, though his eyes still held that shy glimmer. His hands adjusted the mic stand, and the members moved to the side to give him space, their eyes full of anticipation.
“Alright, Chan,” Hoshi said with a wide grin, his eyes sparkling. “We’ve been waiting for this! Show us what you’ve got!”
“I’ll try my best,” Dino replied with a playful wink, though he looked a bit nervous. He took a deep breath, reminding himself to focus. The hyungs knew how much this meant to him, and they were ready to give him all the love and support they could muster.
Jeonghan, who had been casually leaning against the wall, raised his hand in a dramatic, mock salute. “Go, Chan! You’ve got this. Show us why you’re the future of Seventeen!”
Dino chuckled at Jeonghan’s over-the-top gesture, and it immediately put him at ease. The group had always known how to lift his spirits, especially when he was nervous.
The music began to play, and Dino's body instinctively started to move with it. The hyungs watched in awe as he transitioned effortlessly through the dance, his movements sharp, yet fluid. His voice was clear and confident as he sang the lyrics, each note ringing with sincerity and emotion.
“Look at him go,” Woozi murmured, his eyes following every movement. “He’s grown so much. This is amazing.”
“He’s always been talented, but seeing him do this—this is something else,” DK added, his voice full of pride.
On the side of the room, Mingyu couldn't stop grinning. “He’s killing it. I’m so proud of him.”
“Seriously,” Joshua said, crossing his arms with a smile. “He’s not a little kid anymore. He’s a real performer. It’s crazy.”
As the performance continued, Dino seemed to lose himself in the music. His expression was focused, but there was an undeniable joy in his eyes. He wasn’t just dancing and singing for the sake of performing—he was doing it because he loved it, because he wanted to share that love with the hyungs. And they could see it in every step, every note.
Seungkwan, who had been silently watching from the side, finally let out a cheer. “That’s my boy!” he shouted with a huge grin on his face. “Chan, you’re a star!”
The hyungs burst into applause, laughing at Seungkwan’s exuberance. Dino’s eyes softened at the sight, and he couldn’t help but smile. But he quickly focused again, bringing the performance to its climax. The choreography was intense, and the energy in the room had shifted completely—what had started as a quiet practice session had turned into a full-blown performance.
As the music hit the final notes, Dino stood tall, his chest rising and falling with each breath. His heart was racing, but there was a satisfied smile on his face. He took a moment to catch his breath before looking over at the hyungs, who were absolutely beaming at him.
“Chan!” Hoshi was the first to rush forward, clapping his hands in excitement. “You were incredible! That was amazing! We all knew you had it in you, but wow! I’m so proud!”
Jeonghan was next, pulling him into a big hug. “You nailed that, Chan. Honestly, you’ve come so far. I remember when you were just a little kid, and now... Look at you. You’ve grown into such a star.”
Dino’s cheeks flushed at the praise, but the warmth in his heart was overwhelming. “Thanks, hyung. I still get nervous, you know? But... I really wanted to show you all that I could do it.”
Vernon, who had been watching with a proud smile, slapped Dino’s back lightly. “Of course you could do it. You’ve been working so hard, Chan. And it’s showing. You’re a natural.”
“Couldn’t be prouder if I tried,” Woozi added, walking over and giving Dino a thumbs-up. “You’ve got the passion and the skill. You really pulled it off.”
The other members quickly joined in, surrounding Dino with smiles and applause.
“You were amazing, Chan,” Seungkwan said with a grin, giving him a playful push. “Now I have to go back to the practice room and make sure I’m not getting outdone by the baby of the group!”
“Hey, I’m still the baby!” Dino replied with a playful pout, but he was still smiling brightly.
“You may be the youngest, but you’re not the little one anymore,” Joshua said, ruffling his hair affectionately. “I mean, did you see that performance? You had the whole room captivated.”
“I just wanted to show you guys how much I appreciate all of you,” Dino said quietly, his voice soft but sincere. “You’ve all been there for me, helping me grow, cheering me on. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
“Don’t be silly,” Hoshi said, patting him on the shoulder. “We’re always going to cheer you on, Chan. Always.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” DK added, his voice filled with warmth. “You’re a part of us, and seeing you shine is the best feeling. Keep doing what you love.”
Mingyu, who had been quietly observing the group, grinned. “I think we just found our next solo star. Move over, everyone.”
Dino laughed, his heart swelling with gratitude. There was nothing better than knowing he had a group of people who loved and supported him, no matter what.
“I’ll keep working hard to make you all proud,” he said, his voice full of determination.
“We’re already proud of you, Chan,” Seungkwan said, grinning from ear to ear. “Now, that was a performance.”
“Now, let’s get something to eat to celebrate,” Jeonghan said with a sly smile. “I think our youngest deserves a big treat after that!”
The room erupted into laughter, and Dino’s heart swelled with affection for his members.
His solo performance wasn’t just about showing his talent—it was about how much he had grown, how much he had learned, and how much he was loved by the people around him. And as the hyungs surrounded him with their cheers, laughter, and support, Dino knew one thing for sure: he was exactly where he was meant to be.
3.
It was one of those rare, quiet days in the Seventeen dorm. The hustle of rehearsals and schedules had paused for a moment, and the group had the whole afternoon to themselves. The members scattered around the living room, some on their phones, others doing a little tidying up, while Dino (Chan) sat in the middle of it all—grinning like a kid in a candy store.
He was stretched out on the carpet, one hand resting under his chin as he hummed along to a song playing on the speakers. His smile was as bright as ever, his energy infectious.
“Chan, are you seriously still smiling?” Joshua asked, looking over from his spot on the couch. The older member chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "You’ve been like this all day."
Dino, with a playful grin, shrugged his shoulders. “What can I say? I’m just really happy today!”
Seungkwan, who had been sitting next to Joshua, rolled his eyes but smiled. "You’re always happy, Chan. But today, you’re extra bright. Are you hiding something?"
Before Dino could answer, Hoshi, who was in the kitchen fiddling with some snacks, popped his head out from around the corner. “He’s glowing, right? I think it’s because we’re all together.”
“Oh, absolutely,” Seungkwan agreed, nodding exaggeratedly. “Chan’s heart is just too full of love for us.”
“I think that’s it,” Joshua said with a soft, fond smile. “You're like... a little sunshine that makes everything brighter.”
Dino’s eyes widened slightly, a surprised but pleased expression crossing his face. “You guys are seriously making me blush…”
From across the room, Woozi, who had been quietly working on some music in the corner, finally looked up and smiled at the youngest member. “You’ve been working so hard lately, Chan. It’s nice to see you so happy and relaxed.”
“Yeah,” Vernon added from where he was leaning against the doorframe, “you deserve this chill time. You’re always the one bringing energy to the group.”
Hearing that made Dino’s heart flutter. He glanced around at the members, feeling the warmth of their affection and support surrounding him.
“I just really like being with all of you,” Dino said softly, his voice betraying just how touched he was. “You make me so happy.”
Just then, Mingyu came over with a bowl of chips, sitting next to Dino on the floor. “It’s impossible not to love you, Chan. You’re like a little ball of sunshine who can make any day better just by being around.”
“Stop it, you’re going to make me cry,” Dino joked, but his voice was filled with genuine emotion.
Jeonghan, who had been lounging on the couch, suddenly leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands. “It’s not even a joke. You brighten everything up. You’ve got this energy that makes people want to be better, to do better, to just... have fun. Honestly, the dorm wouldn’t be the same without you.”
Dino blinked at the older member, touched by the sincerity in his words. “I’m... I’m glad I can be that for you guys.”
“You’ve always been that for us,” DK chimed in from his spot on the couch. “We all know how much you care about us. You’re always thinking about others, and it’s one of the many things we love about you.”
The words from his members melted Dino’s heart. He suddenly felt like the luckiest person in the world—surrounded by these people who cherished him so much. His hands fiddled with the hem of his shirt, his smile growing wider. “I don’t know what I did to deserve all of you, but... I’m so glad I have you.”
A comfortable silence filled the room, everyone just taking in the moment. The sound of Dino’s laughter, the soft chatter, and the gentle rustling of snacks being passed around made the space feel so... perfect.
Then, without warning, Seungkwan launched himself at Dino, knocking him gently to the floor as he squished him into a tight hug. “You’re so cute, Chan! Seriously, you’re like a little baby bear! I just want to keep you forever!”
Dino laughed loudly, trying to push Seungkwan off, but the older member wasn’t letting go. "Seungkwan, hyung! You’re squishing me!"
“Good,” Seungkwan grinned mischievously. “I’ll just keep hugging you until you know how loved you are!”
Dino, unable to stop himself, wrapped his arms around Seungkwan. “You’re crazy,” he said through his laughter, but the warmth in his voice was unmistakable.
Hoshi came over then, ruffling Dino’s hair with exaggerated affection. “It’s true though. We all love you, Chan. We’re just a bunch of softies when it comes to you.”
“Yeah, we’re obsessed with you, Chan,” Woozi added dryly from across the room, but even his eyes were soft, a subtle smile tugging at his lips.
“You guys really know how to make a guy feel special,” Dino said with a dramatic sigh, but his heart was full to the brim. “I swear, sometimes I think I don’t deserve all this love.”
“Oh, you deserve it more than anyone,” Jeonghan said, his voice gentle. “You give us so much, Chan. You’re always there when we need you, even if you don’t always realize it. You keep us grounded.”
“Exactly,” DK agreed, reaching out to give Dino a quick hug. “You make our days brighter, no matter how tough things get.”
Dino’s heart swelled, his eyes starting to water just a little. He didn’t know what he had done to be so lucky, but he was thankful. More than thankful. He was overwhelmed with love.
“I love you guys too,” he whispered, his voice a little shaky with emotion. “You’re my family. I don’t ever want to take any of you for granted.”
The moment was perfect, filled with warmth, laughter, and that indescribable bond they shared. Dino, the youngest, but also the brightest, was the heart of Seventeen—his light shining as brightly as ever in the space he had helped fill with love.
4.
It was the perfect evening for a group movie night. The Seventeen dorm was quiet, save for the soft hum of the TV and the occasional chuckle from one of the members. The living room was dimly lit with fairy lights hanging across the walls, and the scent of popcorn wafted through the air. Everyone had gathered on the large couch and scattered around the floor, piling on blankets and pillows, ready to unwind after a long week of practice.
“Alright,” Hoshi declared, sitting cross-legged in front of the TV, holding the remote. “I’m picking the movie tonight, and you all have to watch it without complaining. Got it?”
“Wait, what are you picking?” Jeonghan asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. “It’s not one of your weird horror comedies, is it?”
“I would never!” Hoshi said, holding up his hands in mock defense. “But I am picking something... a little bit of a throwback.”
“That’s code for weird, I bet,” Seungkwan muttered from the couch, adjusting his position to get more comfortable.
“It’s not weird!” Hoshi pouted, clicking the play button. “It’s a classic.”
The opening credits rolled, and the group settled in, snacks and drinks in hand. Mingyu and DK were already fighting over who got the biggest bowl of popcorn, while Woozi and Vernon were whispering to each other about some inside joke. Dino, the youngest member, was sitting comfortably in the middle, leaning back against the couch, legs stretched out in front of him.
“I’m so ready for this,” Dino said, smiling widely at the screen. “I don’t even care what movie it is. Movie nights with you guys are the best.”
The members smiled fondly at him, all knowing that his excitement and energy were always a highlight of their group hangouts. It didn’t matter what they were doing; Chan was always full of life, his bright eyes and ever-present enthusiasm making everything feel ten times more fun.
But as the movie started and the soothing sound of the background music filled the room, something shifted. Dino’s eyelids started to droop. He tried to stay awake, determined to enjoy the movie, but the comfort of being surrounded by his members and the soft, relaxing atmosphere was starting to take its toll.
“Chan…” Seungkwan said softly, watching the younger member from the corner of his eye. “Are you about to fall asleep?”
“W-what? No!” Dino replied quickly, his voice a little drowsy. He straightened up, rubbing his eyes. “I’m just... just resting my eyes for a second.”
But it was too late. A few minutes later, Dino’s head was gently leaning against Hoshi’s shoulder, his body relaxed and completely still.
“Aw, look at him,” Joshua said with a fond smile, glancing over at the sleeping youngest member. “Chan’s out cold already.”
Hoshi, who had been leaning over slightly, turned to look at Dino’s sleeping face. “He looks so peaceful,” Hoshi said quietly, his voice soft. “He’s been so busy lately. I’m glad he’s finally getting some rest.”
“I think he deserves it,” Woozi agreed, his eyes never leaving the screen, but his words carrying a deeper affection for their youngest member. “He gives so much energy during rehearsals, it’s nice that he can let himself relax sometimes.”
The members all nodded in agreement. Dino had always been full of energy, constantly bringing joy to their practice and daily lives. Even though he was the youngest, his presence was undeniably essential to the group's bond.
“I’ll make sure he doesn’t fall off the couch,” Mingyu said, leaning over and gently adjusting Dino’s position so he wouldn’t roll off in his sleep. “Can’t have our baby Chan sleeping on the floor.”
The older members chuckled, but there was a soft tenderness in their actions. It wasn’t just about taking care of him; it was about how much they all cherished Dino, and how naturally he had become the heart of their group.
“He’s like a little puppy,” DK said with a smile, reaching over to adjust the blanket over Dino’s legs. “Always so energetic and playful, but when he falls asleep, you just want to take care of him.”
Seungkwan looked down at Dino and grinned. “He’s gonna be so embarrassed when he wakes up, though. He always hates it when he falls asleep during movie night.”
“I’ll just tell him we watched a really boring movie,” Joshua teased. “Then he’ll never know he fell asleep halfway through.”
Hoshi couldn’t help but laugh quietly, looking at Dino’s peaceful face. “He looks so cute like this. I don’t want to wake him up, honestly.”
“Let him sleep,” Jeonghan said softly, his voice almost a whisper. “He deserves it. We can always finish the movie another time. We’re all here to just relax together.”
The members continued to enjoy the movie, though they occasionally glanced over at their youngest, who was now softly snoring, his head still resting against Hoshi’s shoulder. His relaxed expression made everyone’s hearts swell with fondness. Despite all the playful teasing, there was no mistaking the deep love and care they all had for Dino.
At one point, as the movie neared its end, Dino stirred slightly, letting out a small yawn. His eyes fluttered open, a little groggy at first, but when he saw that everyone was still quietly watching the movie, he blinked and then smiled sheepishly.
“Did I fall asleep?” he asked, voice thick with sleep.
“Yup,” Seungkwan replied with a grin, “You were out like a light.”
“I’m sorry…” Dino mumbled, trying to sit up and stretch, but he was quickly met with soft protests from the members.
“No, no, stay,” Mingyu said, gently pushing him back down. “You looked like you needed it. Just rest for a bit longer.”
Dino hesitated, but seeing the warm, understanding smiles of his members, he relaxed again, sinking into the cushions. Hoshi, who had been trying to make sure Dino stayed comfortable, gave him a gentle pat on the head.
“Get some more sleep, Chan. We’re just happy you’re here with us,” he said with a smile.
Dino’s heart swelled at the affection, and without saying another word, he let his eyes drift shut again, comfortable and content in the presence of his members.
The movie played on, but the real warmth in the room was in the quiet moments—the ones where Dino’s members all looked after him, making sure he felt loved, safe, and cherished. And Dino, surrounded by his family, knew that even in his sleep, he was exactly where he was meant to be.
5.
It had been a long day of practice. The Seventeen members had worked through hours of choreography, vocal runs, and team drills, but it was clear from the beginning that Chan wasn’t his usual energetic self. He had been quieter, moving through the routines a little slower, and his normally bright eyes seemed dulled. By the time they wrapped up practice, the youngest member’s shoulders were slumped, and he looked utterly exhausted.
“Chan, are you okay?” Seungkwan had asked, his brow furrowed in concern as he noticed Dino rubbing his nose and sneezing several times.
“I’m fine, hyung,” Dino had reassured him weakly, though his voice sounded hoarse, and his body was visibly tense. “Just a little tired, I think.”
But Seungkwan wasn’t buying it. “You look pale. And your nose is practically red. Come on, you’re going to get sick if you’re not careful.”
Dino had tried to laugh it off, but the worried expression on Seungkwan’s face didn’t ease the unease settling in his stomach. By the time they reached the dorm, his headache was getting worse, and his body felt heavier than it should.
As he walked into the living room, Chan made it only a few steps before he finally faltered. His head spun, and his body felt like it was dragging him down, so he made a beeline for the couch.
“I’ll just rest for a bit…” he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. His exhaustion took over quickly, and before he knew it, he was curled up on the couch, already feeling the onset of a fever.
The hyungs didn’t take long to notice.
“Chan? You okay?” Joshua asked, walking over with a concerned look on his face. “You’re looking a little pale, and you’re not moving much.”
“I… I think I’m getting sick, hyung,” Dino murmured, hugging a cushion to his chest as his face flushed with warmth. “I’ll be fine… Just need a nap…”
Joshua’s expression softened with affection, his eyes glimmering with quiet concern. He crouched down beside Dino, gently placing a hand on his forehead. “You’re burning up. You should have told us sooner. You can’t just push through it.”
Dino sighed, his body limp from both exhaustion and the fever creeping in. “Sorry… I didn’t want to worry you guys.”
“Chan, you’re our responsibility, remember?” Joshua said softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from Dino’s forehead. “You never have to apologize for taking care of yourself. You’ve done enough for all of us. Now it’s our turn.”
Before Dino could respond, Hoshi and DK were already walking into the room, having overheard the conversation.
“Chan’s sick?” DK asked, his eyes wide. “What happened? Why didn’t you say something?”
“I didn’t want to bother anyone,” Dino mumbled, feeling embarrassed. “I didn’t think it was that bad.”
“Stop it,” Hoshi said, his tone soft but firm as he knelt down beside Dino. “You’re never a bother to us. You’ve been working so hard lately. We’ve got your back, okay?”
Dino blinked up at him, his heart swelling with gratitude. The exhaustion and fever clouding his thoughts couldn’t dull the warmth that filled his chest.
“We’ve got to get you comfortable,” DK said, his voice full of determination. “Stay right there.”
Within minutes, the older members were all bustling around, making sure that Dino was settled in. Hoshi disappeared into the kitchen to make tea, and DK hurried to get a blanket. Joshua gently guided Dino to lie back against the cushions, ensuring he was as comfortable as possible.
“I’ll make you some tea to help with the fever,” Hoshi called from the kitchen, his voice cheery despite the concern in his eyes. “You need to hydrate, and the warmth will help calm you down.”
“Thanks, hyung,” Dino muttered quietly, already feeling a little better just from the care he was receiving. “I’m sorry I’m such a bother…”
“You’re not a bother, Chan,” DK replied, ruffling his hair gently. “Seriously. You’re one of the most hardworking people I know. You deserve all the rest.”
As the tea began to steep, Joshua turned his attention to Dino’s symptoms. “We’ll make sure you’re okay,” he said, smiling warmly. “I’m going to grab the medicine cabinet and make sure we’ve got everything you need. Just relax.”
Dino tried to protest, but the hyungs were already one step ahead. Jeonghan entered the room next, his eyes instantly softening when he saw Dino lying on the couch with his eyes half-closed.
“Chan, are you okay?” Jeonghan asked, sitting down next to him. “You really should’ve told us sooner.”
“I didn’t want to bother anyone,” Dino repeated, his voice weak.
Jeonghan chuckled softly, brushing his fingers through Dino’s hair. “What did I tell you about that? You’re never a bother. You’re our baby, Chan. Let us take care of you for once, okay?”
Mingyu, who had just walked in from the hallway, crossed his arms and grinned. “The baby of the group, huh? Maybe you should act like it and let your hyungs pamper you for once.”
Dino let out a small laugh, though it was cut short by a cough. His face flushed slightly, both from the fever and the gentle teasing from his members.
“I think I need some soup,” he murmured. “I haven’t eaten all day…”
“I’ll get it ready!” DK said immediately, already turning toward the kitchen. “I’ll make sure it’s super light and warm. You need something easy to digest.”
“You know what else you need?” Woozi’s voice came from the doorway, and Dino turned his head to find the smallest member entering, his expression serious but his eyes warm with concern. “You need to rest, Chan. No more excuses. You’ve been pushing yourself too hard lately. Just sleep and let us take care of everything.”
Dino smiled softly, feeling a wave of affection wash over him. It wasn’t often that he let himself be vulnerable like this, but with his hyungs around, he felt safe.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered again, his voice thick with emotion. “I didn’t mean to make things harder.”
“Stop it,” Hoshi said, walking over with the cup of tea in his hands. He gently placed it in front of Dino. “You’ve always taken care of us. Now it’s time for us to take care of you.”
Dino blinked, his eyes starting to grow heavy again. The warmth from the tea, the sound of his hyungs’ voices, and the overwhelming sense of love that filled the room made him feel more at ease than he had all day. He didn’t need to be strong right now—he just needed to rest.
As he closed his eyes, he felt the gentle touch of Jeonghan smoothing his hair and the sound of the hyungs’ voices talking softly in the background. “Sleep, Chan,” Joshua whispered. “We’ll keep watch over you.”
“I’m really lucky to have you all,” Dino mumbled, his voice soft as he drifted into a peaceful, feverish sleep.
And as the hyungs continued to prepare medicine, food, and tea, they all shared one thought in their minds: Dino would always have them, no matter what.
+1
It was a late night at the practice room, and the members of Seventeen were feeling the strain of hours of rehearsal. Their bodies ached, their voices were starting to grow hoarse, and there was a collective heaviness in the air as they pushed through the last round of choreography for their upcoming performance.
The fluorescent lights above flickered slightly, but no one noticed—everyone was too focused on the moves, the tight synchronization, and the lingering fatigue that seemed to be weighing them down.
The room was filled with the sound of synchronized footsteps, the clicking of shoes against the floor, and the occasional exhale of frustration. The energy was dropping.
But not for long.
“Alright! Alright!” Dino’s voice rang out, loud and clear, cutting through the exhaustion like a burst of sunlight. “Let’s take a short break!”
The members looked up in surprise. There was a sense of relief, as if Dino’s enthusiasm had lightened the entire room.
“Chan, we’re not done yet,” Woozi muttered, wiping sweat from his forehead. He sounded tired but not annoyed. In fact, there was a hint of fondness in his voice as he glanced at their youngest member, who was already bouncing around energetically.
“Exactly!” Dino’s face lit up as he bounced on his heels, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “But you guys are all amazing! We’ve been killing it! Just one more run-through and we’ll be perfect.”
Seungkwan, who had been leaning against the wall to catch his breath, looked up at Dino in awe. “How do you still have this much energy, Chan? We’ve been practicing for hours!”
Dino grinned widely, his cheeks flushed from both the movement and his enthusiasm. “I don’t know! Maybe I’ve had too much sugar today.” He gave a little wink, making everyone laugh despite their exhaustion.
“You’re like a never-ending battery,” Joshua said with a fond chuckle. “We all need some of that energy.”
“I think he’s been secretly eating candy behind our backs,” Hoshi teased, walking over and playfully nudging Dino in the side.
Dino just laughed, eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’m just happy to be here with all of you,” he said, voice full of sincerity. “I know it’s tough, but we’re so close. We’ve worked this hard—let’s push through and finish strong. I believe in all of you!”
The rest of the members exchanged smiles at his words, the warmth in his voice spreading through the room. Even though they were tired, they couldn’t help but feel their spirits lift. Dino had a way of making everything feel lighter, no matter how heavy the workload was.
“Alright, alright, you win,” Seungkwan said with a playful sigh, standing up straight. “Let’s do one more round, just for Chan.”
The others nodded in agreement, and suddenly, there was a renewed sense of energy in the room.
“We’re with you, Chan!” DK called out, clapping his hands together as a cheer.
“Let’s do it!” Hoshi added, pumping his fist in the air.
Dino bounced on his feet again, his face lighting up. “Yes! You guys are the best! Let’s show them what Seventeen’s made of!”
And with that, the music began again.
The choreography was intense, but Dino’s energy was infectious. As they moved through the routines, he was right there with them—his smile wide, his movements sharp, and his spirit completely contagious. He kept calling out words of encouragement, always focusing on the positive, always lifting everyone’s spirits.
“Great job, Woozi hyung! You nailed that part!” Dino shouted, his voice full of excitement.
“Seungkwan, your high note was fire!” he cheered again, making the older member laugh even though he was tired.
“Let’s go, DK! You’re looking strong out there!” Dino grinned at DK, who grinned back, feeling the warmth of his words even as his legs burned from the constant movement.
With each phrase, each clap, each word of encouragement, Dino’s energy seemed to fuel everyone around him. The tiredness didn’t completely fade away, but it felt lighter, like a weight was being lifted, and there was a newfound focus in the room.
Even Woozi, usually the most serious and focused, found himself smiling more, his usual reserved expression softening as he moved with the music. “He’s relentless,” Woozi muttered under his breath, but there was a spark in his eyes. “But it’s impossible not to catch his energy.”
As the practice session stretched on, Dino continued to lead by example. Whenever the members started to slow down, he was there, jumping around, keeping the rhythm, making silly comments that made everyone laugh and forget how tired they were.
Finally, after what felt like hours, the music ended with a final, triumphant note. Everyone stood still for a moment, breathing heavily, sweat dripping from their brows.
“That… was… amazing,” DK said between breaths, still panting but smiling.
Dino, whose face was flushed but glowing with satisfaction, spun around to face the group, panting just as heavily. “See? I told you guys! We’re unstoppable.”
“Unstoppable?” Seungkwan laughed, shaking his head. “You’re like a walking burst of caffeine, Chan.”
“Yeah, I think I need a nap just from watching you,” Joshua teased, patting Dino on the back.
“Same,” Mingyu said, laughing as he wiped his forehead. “I don’t know how you do it, but you just push us to the finish line every time.”
“I’m just happy we’re all in this together,” Dino replied, his voice softening with sincerity. “I know we’ve been working hard, but we’ve come this far together. We’re family. And we’ve got each other’s backs.”
The room was filled with a warm silence for a moment. The members could feel it—the deep bond that connected them all. Dino, with his bright energy and unwavering belief in their potential, had brought them all together once again.
“Thank you, Chan,” Woozi said quietly, stepping forward with a soft smile. “We really needed you tonight.”
Dino’s eyes widened, and a huge smile broke out across his face. “I’m glad I could help! You guys are the best.”
“We couldn’t do it without you,” Seungkwan added, putting his arm around Dino’s shoulders. “You keep us going.”
The rest of the members nodded in agreement, their smiles showing just how much they appreciated him. Dino’s smile grew even wider, his heart swelling with gratitude for his family.
“Alright,” Hoshi said, giving Dino a playful nudge. “We’ll let you have the last word, since you did get us through this practice. What’s next?”
Dino thought for a moment, then grinned. “Next? We eat. A lot.”
The members laughed, knowing that after a tough practice, Dino’s energy would always find its way back to food.
But before they all headed out, Dino paused and looked at each of them, his voice full of warmth and affection.
“Seriously, though. I couldn’t ask for a better team. I’m so lucky to be here with you guys.”
And just like that, the tiredness of the night seemed to melt away completely, replaced by a sense of deep gratitude and love. Dino wasn’t just the youngest member of Seventeen—he was the one who brought the group together, time and time again.