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If Soobin was honest, he was tired. Too many expectations are pushed aganist him just because he’s the leader. Don’t they know that he has his own struggles aswell?
Yeonjun was the first to notice, he saw how Soobin’s shoulders were always now slumped. “Hey, Binnie. You okay?” He asked.
Soobin shrugged him off with a laugh, “Yeah, hyung. I’m all good.”
But Yeonjun wasn’t dumb, he went to the rest of the TXT members, “Hey guys, could I talk to you all for a sec?”
The rest of the group gathered around, curiosity piqued. Beomgyu looked up from his book, Hueningkai from his phone, Taehyun from his laptop and they all faced Yeonjun. “What’s up?” Taehyun asked, his eyes scanning Soobin who was busy trying to act nonchalant in the corner.
Yeonjun leaned in, his voice low, “I think Soobin’s really stressed. Have you guys noticed how he’s been lately?”
They all nodded in agreement. Beomgyu closed his book, his eyes filled with concern, “Yeah, he’s not been the same. Less jokes, less smiles. Something’s definitely up.”
Hueningkai’s expression grew solemn, “He’s been pushing himself too hard, trying to keep up with the pace of everything. Maybe we need to step in and show him we’re here for him.”
The group decided to take it upon themselves to help Soobin. They didn’t have a grand plan, just a collective need to support their leader. They decided to spend more quality time with him, each member taking turns to hang out with Soobin. Whether it was playing games, cooking, or just talking, they knew it was important to be there.
The first to act was Taehyun. He suggested a night out at the arcade, a place Soobin loved to unwind. Soobin’s eyes lit up briefly at the idea but he tried to hide it. “Guys, you don’t have to do this for me,” he said, his voice a mix of protest and gratitude.
But the others just shrugged it off. They didn’t need a reason to hang out. They were a family, a team, a band of brothers. They did things for each other because they cared, not because it was expected. They laughed and played, their voices echoing through the neon-lit arcade, drowning out the beeps and bells of the games. For a few hours, Soobin forgot about the weight on his shoulders, and just enjoyed the company of his bandmates.
Later, when they were back at the dorm and the laughter had died down, Beomgyu approached Soobin with a gentle smile. He suggested a quiet night in, watching movies and eating popcorn. Soobin looked surprised but also relieved that they hadn’t forgotten about him. He nodded, and Beomgyu picked out a few of Soobin’s favorite flicks. As they settled into the plush couch, Soobin couldn’t help but feel a warmth spread through his chest.
During the movie, Soobin leaned his head on Beomgyu’s shoulder, something he hadn’t done in a long time. Beomgyu didn’t flinch or say anything, just patted his head gently, the gesture saying more than words ever could. Soobin’s eyes grew misty, and he blinked rapidly to hold back the tears. The simple act of kindness was all he needed to feel less alone.
The next day, Hueningkai took the lead. He knew Soobin loved to draw, so he set up a little art corner in the living room, complete with fresh paper and a new set of pencils. “Let’s just create something together, no pressure,” Hueningkai said, his voice filled with care.
Soobin picked up a pencil tentatively, the urge to sketch something slowly returning. As they drew side by side, Hueningkai shared stories from his childhood, making Soobin laugh with his silly anecdotes. Soobin’s hand grew more relaxed with each stroke, the stress lines on his forehead smoothing out. They didn’t talk about the pressure or the work; they just enjoyed each other’s company and the freedom of creating without judgment.
One afternoon, Yeonjun took Soobin out for a run. Soobin knew it was his way of saying, "Let’s talk." They jogged in silence for a while, the rhythm of their footsteps in sync with their breaths. When they stopped at a quiet park bench to catch their breath, Yeonjun turned to him.
“You know you can lean on us, right?” Yeonjun asked, his gaze sincere. Soobin looked away, trying to hide the pain in his eyes. “We’re all in this together. What’s yours to carry, is ours too.”
Soobin felt his throat tighten, and he nodded, unable to speak. He knew they meant it, but the burden of leading felt so heavy. He was afraid to admit how much he needed them, afraid to show his vulnerability. But their unwavering support was breaking down those walls.
Taehyun was the last one, “Hey Soobin Hyung, you wanna go get icecream with me?” He asked with a soft smile.
“But what about the others?” Soobin asked, raising en eyebrow.
Taehyun smirked, “They don’t need to know.” He said with a wink.
Soobin shook his head while laughing, “Alright, lead the way.”
The two of them left the dorm, the warm summer air a welcome change from the stuffy room. Taehyun took Soobin to a small ice cream shop they hadn’t been to before. The bell jingled as they entered, and the sweet smell of fresh waffle cones filled the air.
After when they finished with their ice cream and went back to their home. Soobin finally spoke up, “Why are you guys doing all this for me?” His voice was a mix of confusion and gratitude.
Taehyun looked at him, his eyes warm, “Because we care about you, hyung. You’re not just our leader, you’re our friend. And friends help each other out when they’re down, right?”
Soobin felt a lump form in his throat. He had been trying so hard to be strong for everyone, but it was clear that his members had seen right through his façade. They knew him better than anyone else. They knew when he was smiling just for the cameras and when his laughter was genuine. Their care and concern were like a warm blanket, wrapping around him, making him feel seen and understood.
“Soobin-ah, your not alone. You don’t need to pretend that your not stressed.” Yeonjun said concerningly.
Soobin looked up at him, his expression a blend of confusion and appreciation. He had never been one to openly express his feelings, especially not the negative ones. But here they were, his bandmates, noticing and caring enough to do something about it.
The next week was a whirlwind of small gestures and heartfelt moments. Each member had their own way of connecting with Soobin, and it was like a balm to his soul. They didn’t ask for anything in return, just wanted to see him smile again.