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Sometimes, Sunoo wondered kung paano siya napunta sa ganitong klaseng buhay, surrounded by six boys who seemed to have made it their full-time job to love and spoil him. Hindi siya nagrereklamo, of course not. But still, minsan napapailing siya kasi…
sobra sila..
Like this morning.
He hadn’t even fully opened his eyes yet. Nakabalot pa siya sa kumot, face half-buried sa pillow, when he heard soft footsteps sa hallway.
Then a whisper.
“Shh, baka tulog pa siya,” Jungwon’s voice, hushed but excited.
“No, I heard him make a sound,” Jake countered, clearly thrilled at the idea that Sunoo was awake.
Sunoo groaned softly, covering his face with the blanket. Oh no. Here we go again.
The door creaked open.
“Baby, are you awake?” Heeseung’s voice floated in, smooth and gentle, like he was talking to something fragile.
Before Sunoo could answer, Heeseung was already inside, holding a glass of water. “Good morning, angel,” he greeted with that familiar, lazy smile.
Next was Sunghoon, carrying Sunoo’s stuffed fox like it was a treasure. “Nakalimutan mo kagabi,” he said softly, placing it beside him before sitting at the edge of the bed. His hand naturally went to Sunoo’s hair, brushing it carefully.
Jake peeked from behind the doorframe, grin spreading wide. “Did you dream of me?”
“Ang aga-aga! ewan ko sa’yo,” Jay muttered annoyed, but he, too, walked closer to adjust the blanket wrapped around Sunoo. “Let him breathe muna. Kakagising lang.”
Even as he said that, his touches were so gentle, like it was second nature to take care of him.
Ni-ki followed in, phone still in his hand but eyes glued to Sunoo. “Baby, breakfast?” His tone was casual, but the small smile gave him away.
Finally, Jungwon squeezed in, crouching near the bed. “Did you sleep well?”
Sunoo blinked slowly, eyes still heavy, cheeks flushed from sleep. “Mm… I want coffee.” His voice was tiny, almost like a pout.
And just like that, it was chaos.
“I’ll make it!” Jake bolted upright, rushing towards the kitchen.
“No, ako na,” Jay argued immediately. “He likes mine better.”
“You’re both wrong,” Heeseung cut in smoothly, already moving to the kettle. “He needs warm milk first.”
“Hay nako,” Jungwon sighed, standing up. “Ako na lang gagawa ng toast.”
Meanwhile, Sunghoon leaned closer, ignoring everyone. “Don’t mind them, baby. Just sit pretty.”
Sunoo giggled, muffling it behind the blanket. “You’re all so extra. Di pa nga ako fully gising.”
But his eyes shone with that quiet glow because deep down, he loved it. The noise, the fussing, the way they made him feel like he was the center of everything.
When in reality, he really is.
>>>>>
A few minutes later, the dorm was filled with the smell of toast and eggs, plus two different brews of coffee kasi syempre hindi nagkasundo sina Jake at Jay.
Sunoo sat on the couch, still wrapped in his blanket like royalty. Jungwon was seated on the floor near his knees, Ni-ki leaning against his legs, and Sunghoon perched behind him, letting Sunoo rest against his chest like a pillow.
Heeseung approached first, balancing a plate. “Here, baby. Soft scrambled eggs, just the way you like.”
Jay placed a mug in front of him. “Here’s your coffee. Light roast, less acidic.”
Jake came right after with another mug. “Or you can drink mine. Creamier, sweeter. Just like you.”
Sunoo blinked at the two cups before laughing softly. “So dalawang kape iinumin ko?”
“If you want, I’ll make a third,” Jake said, dead serious.
“Crazy,” Sunghoon muttered, though he was clearly smiling.
Sunoo took a sip from Jay’s mug first, then from Jake’s, humming at both. “You guys… sobra kayo.”
“Because we love you sobra,” Heeseung answered easily, pressing a kiss to the top of his head.
And in that cozy little moment, with everyone gathered around him, Sunoo couldn’t help but think,
maybe being spoiled like this wasn’t so bad.
After breakfast was served (well, “over-served” kasi sa daming nagdala ng food sa harap niya), akala ni Sunoo tapos na yung commotion. Pero mali pala siya.
“Okay, ano pa gusto mong kainin?” Jay asked, still standing by the kitchen doorway like a soldier on duty.
“I’m full,” Sunoo laughed, wiping his lips with the napkin Heeseung had handed him.
“Hindi, baby. Tell us, gusto mo ba ng fruit?” Sunghoon pressed, leaning closer, clearly not convinced.
“Or yogurt?” Jungwon offered.
“Or noodles?” Ni-ki asked hopefully.
“Grabe kayo,” Sunoo shook his head, cheeks turning pink as everyone kept suggesting food like he hadn’t just finished two sets of breakfast.
Jake, who was sprawled on the armrest beside him, smiled smugly. “Let him rest. Our baby is full, right?”
Sunoo nodded shyly. “Mm, I am.”
But instead of letting him rest, ayun na naman. They all followed him when he tried to stand up.
“Baby, where are you going?” Heeseung asked, alarmed, immediately standing too.
“Sa kitchen lang,” sagot ni Sunoo, clutching his blanket tighter. “I’ll wash my mug.”
“No way,” Jake jumped down, taking the mug before Sunoo could even lift it. “I’ll do it.”
“Same here,” Jungwon grabbed the plate. “You just sit down, hyung.”
“But I can wash it myself naman--”
“Sunoo,” Jay cut him off, voice firm but gentle, eyes narrowing just enough to show he meant business. “You don’t need to lift a finger.”
Sunghoon smirked, patting Sunoo’s hair. “You heard him. You’re too precious to touch dish soap.”
Sunoo sighed dramatically, though his smile betrayed him. “You guys are insane.”
“Insanely in love with you,” Heeseung countered smoothly, leaning down to kiss his cheek.
The kitchen quickly turned into chaos. Jake and Jungwon were playfully fighting over who gets to wash the dishes, Jay was reorganizing the mugs (they keep mixing up the order), and Heeseung was humming happily while drying plates.
Meanwhile, Ni-ki tugged Sunoo back to the couch, plopping down beside him. “Kuya, just stay here. Watch me play,” he said, opening his phone game, though his shoulder leaned subtly against Sunoo’s.
Sunoo glanced at the mess in the kitchen and laughed. “You’re all so competitive.”
“Because you’re worth competing for,” Sunghoon answered without missing a beat, making Sunoo bury his face in the blanket from embarrassment.
When the dishes were finally done (and after a near fight between Jake and Jungwon over the last spoon), the boys slowly gravitated back to the couch,
where else would they be but around Sunoo?
Before he knew it, nakalayer na silang lahat.
Sunoo in the middle, Ni-ki hugging his arm, Sunghoon with his chin on Sunoo’s shoulder, Jungwon on the floor but leaning back against his legs, Jay sitting close enough to brush their knees, Jake stretched across the other side like a lazy golden retriever, and Heeseung casually resting a hand on Sunoo’s thigh.
Sunoo looked around at all of them, laughter bubbling up in his chest. “Do you guys even realize how clingy you are?”
Jake grinned, tilting his head. “Of course. We’re your clingies.”
“Exactly,” Heeseung added. “Get used to it, baby.”
Sunoo rolled his eyes but felt warmth spreading through his chest. He could complain all day, pero in truth? This was his favorite thing, being the center of their world.
>>>>
The dorm felt too small for all the energy that morning, so of course Heeseung suggested, “Let’s take Sunoo out today.”
Instantly, everyone agreed. Wala na ring time magtanong if Sunoo even wanted to go kasi honestly, kahit anong decision, the rule was simple: as long as Sunoo’s happy, everyone’s happy.
So, within the hour, nakabihis na silang lahat, though admittedly, medyo matagal kasi lahat gustong ayusin yung outfit ni Sunoo.
“Try this jacket, baby,” Jay said, holding out a sleek cream bomber.
“No, mas bagay ‘to,” Sunghoon countered, offering a pastel cardigan. “It’ll bring out his glow.”
Jake, meanwhile, was kneeling to tie Sunoo’s shoelaces. “Whatever he wears, he’s perfect. But sneakers for comfort, okay?”
Sunoo puffed his cheeks, standing stiffly while everyone fussed. “I can dress myself, you know.”
“You could,” Jungwon replied, adjusting the collar of his shirt. “But we like doing it for you.”
Ni-ki, arms crossed, nodded. “You look like a doll we all own. We need to style you.”
Sunoo gaped. “A… doll??”
“A precious one,” Heeseung added quickly, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. “Our most expensive, priceless doll.”
Sunoo just groaned and let them continue. Deep down, he secretly enjoyed the attention lalo na when he caught their proud smiles once he was finally ready.
The van ride was noisy as usual, with Jake playing random songs, Ni-ki teasing Jungwon, and Sunghoon half-asleep on Sunoo’s shoulder. But despite the chaos, all the members seemed hyper-focused on one thing: making sure Sunoo was comfortable.
“Baby, are you cold?” Heeseung asked from the front seat, turning around to check.
“Medyo,” Sunoo admitted.
Instantly, three jackets were shoved his way..
Jay’s, Jungwon’s, and Jake’s.
“Mine’s softer,” Jake insisted.
“Mine smells better,” Jungwon argued.
“Mine is the warmest,” Jay said with finality.
Sunoo laughed so hard he had to cover his mouth. “I’ll just… layer all three?”
“You’ll look like a burrito again,” Ni-ki snorted.
“Cute burrito,” Sunghoon murmured without opening his eyes.
By the time they reached the mall, Sunoo was sandwiched between everyone, hands never free kasi laging may humahawak.
Jay and Heeseung walked on either side like bodyguards, Jake kept one hand at his lower back, Sunghoon laced their fingers together, Jungwon carried the tote bag for him, and Ni-ki scouted ahead like some kind of watchdog.
“Guys,” Sunoo whispered, embarrassed. “We look suspicious.”
“No,” Jay said simply. “We look like a unit protecting our treasure.”
Ni-ki nodded. “Nobody touches you. Ever.”
Their first stop was a café. Of course, Sunoo barely had time to open the menu before chaos ensued again.
“He wants strawberry shortcake,” Sunghoon declared confidently.
“No, I saw him look at the macarons,” Jungwon countered.
“Baby likes parfaits,” Jake added, raising his hand to call the server.
Jay frowned. “You’re all wrong. Sunoo, tell them you want the tiramisu.”
Sunoo stared at them, half-amused, half-annoyed. “Pwede ba ako na lang pumili?”
Silence. Then seven guilty eyes turned to him.
“Of course, baby,” Heeseung said quickly. “You pick anything.”
So Sunoo ordered an iced latte and a slice of strawberry shortcake. Naturally, everyone else ended up ordering extra desserts “just in case he wants to try.” The table was soon covered in plates.
Sunoo took a bite of cake, and instantly, six pairs of eyes were on him.
“…What?” he asked, cheeks heating up.
“Is it good?” Jake leaned forward.
“Too sweet? Not sweet enough?” Jungwon followed.
“Do you want water?” Ni-ki asked.
Sunoo put his fork down and covered his face. “You guys are so intense.”
But when he peeked through his fingers, their gazes were soft, overflowing with affection. They weren’t just watching him eat, they were memorizing every little expression, like it was their favorite movie.
After the café, they wandered through the mall. Sunoo spotted a plush store and stopped instinctively.
“Do you want one?” Ni-ki asked immediately.
“I was just looking,” Sunoo said quickly, shaking his head.
Too late. Minutes later, he was buried under at least four plushies shoved into his arms.
“This one’s cute, parang ikaw,” Jake said.
“This one matches your room,” Jay reasoned.
“This one’s soft, good for hugs,” Jungwon added.
“And this one’s limited edition,” Sunghoon smirked.
“Guys--!” Sunoo’s protests fell on deaf ears as Heeseung was already paying at the counter.
By the time they left the store, Sunoo was carrying nothing kasi lahat ng plushies, pinasan ng mga jowa nya para sa kanya.
On the way back to the van, Sunoo suddenly tugged at Jay’s sleeve. “You’re all spending too much on me,” he said softly.
Jay crouched slightly so they were eye level. “Baby, listen.” His voice was serious, but his eyes were warm. “You are our heart. Nothing we give will ever match what you give us just by being you.”
Sunoo blinked, overwhelmed, as Jake wrapped an arm around his waist from behind. “Exactly. Let us spoil you. Please?”
Heeseung kissed his forehead. “We’ll never stop, anyway.”
Sunghoon whispered against his ear, “Better get used to it.”
And surrounded by their warmth, Sunoo just laughed, cheeks burning but heart impossibly full.
>>>>>
By the time they got back to the dorm, halos drained na yung energy ng lahat except, of course, for Sunoo. He looked like he was glowing, cheeks pink from laughing the whole afternoon. Arms full of plushies, pockets stuffed with candy they insisted on buying him, and his bag heavier than when they left.
The others looked like exhausted bodyguards, carrying all the shopping bags.
“Hoy,” Jungwon muttered as he set the tote down on the couch, “next time, isang tao lang sasama kay Sunoo. Hindi lahat.”
Jake flopped face-first on the other couch. “No way. Walang iwanan. We’re a package deal.”
“Exactly,” Ni-ki said proudly, hugging the biggest plushie they had bought. “Besides, did you see how cute kuya was holding this bear? Worth it.”
Sunoo, who had settled cross-legged on the floor with his blanket cape, giggled. “You guys look like overworked dads.”
“Overworked? For you?” Jay raised a brow as he came over, crouching to help take Sunoo’s shoes off. “Never.” His hands were careful, deliberate, almost reverent.
“Still,” Sunoo murmured, watching him, “parang sobra naman.”
“Baby,” Heeseung interrupted, coming over with a glass of water, “when it comes to you, there’s no such thing as sobra.”
Sunoo took the glass quietly, lips curving into a shy smile. His heart swelled, again. He wasn’t sure if he’d ever get used to it.
After everyone had showered and changed into comfy clothes, the dorm slipped into a softer kind of chaos.
Jake was sprawled on the rug with Ni-ki, playing video games. Sunghoon was in the kitchen cutting fruit, insisting Sunoo needed something light before bed. Heeseung and Jay were flipping through a magazine, but both kept glancing toward the couch where Sunoo sat, wrapped in his favorite blanket.
Jungwon emerged from the laundry room carrying a freshly warmed pajama set. “Here, love,” he said, smiling proudly. “Nilagay ko sa dryer para warm and soft.”
Sunoo blinked, touched. “You didn’t have to…”
“I wanted to,” Jungwon shrugged, handing it over.
Sunghoon appeared with a small plate of strawberries. “Eat this before you change.”
“Eh, ang dami na ngang kinain--”
“No buts.” Sunghoon held the fork up to his lips. “One bite.”
Sunoo opened his mouth obediently, chewing slowly, cheeks puffed. He tried to glare but only ended up looking cuter, making Sunghoon chuckle as he patted his hair.
Meanwhile, Jake suddenly crawled over, abandoning the game. He plopped onto the couch beside Sunoo, resting his head on his lap. “Comfy,” he mumbled, eyes closing.
“Kuya Jake…” Sunoo tried to protest, but his hands had already moved to card gently through Jake’s hair.
Within seconds, Ni-ki had followed, squeezing onto the other side of the couch and leaning against Sunoo’s shoulder. “Me too.”
“Yah,” Jungwon complained from the floor. “You’re squishing him.”
“No, I like it,” Sunoo admitted softly. His voice was tender, betraying just how much he loved moments like these.
Heeseung caught that tiny smile. His chest ached, the good kind. He set his magazine down and joined them, sitting on the armrest and wrapping an arm around Sunoo’s shoulders.
In less than five minutes, Sunoo was sandwiched, pampered, drowning in affection. And yet, somehow, he looked happier than ever.
The night stretched on slowly. The members drifted between conversations, games, and quiet cuddles. At one point, they ended up all together in the living room, lights dimmed, the sound of rain outside pattering softly against the window.
Sunoo lay in the center of the big couch, blanket draped over him. Everyone else had found their place around him,
like planets orbiting the sun.
Heeseung sat by his head, stroking his hair absentmindedly. Jake and Ni-ki were curled near his legs, squabbling in whispers. Sunghoon and Jay occupied the floor right in front, looking up at him with quiet smiles. Jungwon, ever the dependable one, was tidying the empty mugs before sitting cross-legged nearby.
“Tell us about your day, baby,” Jay prompted suddenly.
Sunoo tilted his head. “What do you mean? You were all there.”
“Yeah,” Jake said, grinning. “But we want to hear your version.”
Sunoo giggled softly. He thought for a moment, then spoke. “I felt… really happy. Even though you’re all so… OA.” His eyes shone as he looked around. “Thank you.”
Silence followed. The kind of silence that felt warm, full.
Then Heeseung leaned down, voice low but clear: “We should be the ones thanking you. Because you… you make us soft. You make us us.”
Sunoo’s breath caught. His throat tightened but before tears could form, Sunghoon quickly leaned forward and kissed his cheek.
“Don’t cry,” Sunghoon whispered. “You’re too pretty when you smile.”
“Kuya’s always pretty,” Ni-ki muttered sleepily, earning a chorus of agreement.
Sunoo laughed through the lump in his throat, eyes shining. He hid his face under the blanket, mumbling, “You’re all impossible.”
When it was finally time to sleep, Sunoo thought he’d be free. Wrong.
The moment he stepped into the bedroom, he realized the others had already rearranged the bedding. Pillows stacked high in the center, blankets spread wide like a nest.
“What is this?” Sunoo asked, half-laughing.
“Our cuddle pile,” Jungwon said simply, patting the spot in the middle.
“You go in the center,” Jake explained, already crawling in.
“I--” Sunoo started, but Heeseung took his hand and gently tugged him down onto the soft nest.
Within seconds, he was buried again. Jake wrapped around his waist, Ni-ki hugging his arm, Jungwon pressed against his back. Jay tucked the blanket tighter, Sunghoon draped an arm over his middle, and Heeseung kissed his forehead before lying close.
The warmth was overwhelming.
Seven heartbeats, seven breaths syncing around him.
Sunoo lay there, eyes wide for a moment, before closing them slowly. His heart felt so full it ached.
“You’re all really crazy,” he whispered into the dark.
“Crazy in love with you,” Heeseung answered, voice muffled.
Jake hummed in agreement. “Forever.”
And as Sunoo drifted into sleep, cradled at the very center of their universe, he thought "Maybe being their heart wasn’t just his role. Maybe it was his greatest blessing."
>>>>>>
The first rays of Sunday morning slipped into their apartment, soft and golden. The rain from last night had stopped, leaving the air cool and fresh. Somewhere in the kitchen, the fridge hummed quietly.
But in the bedroom? Chaos of the softest kind.
Sunoo woke up first. Or, at least, he tried to. He realized instantly he couldn’t move, what with seven limbs tangled around him, each one clinging like he was the last life raft on Earth.
Jake’s head was tucked against his chest, arms firmly wrapped around his waist. Ni-ki’s long legs were draped over his, while Jungwon had somehow curled protectively at his back. Jay was against his shoulder, one arm stretched across like a barrier, while Sunghoon’s hand was still lazily entwined with his. Heeseung? The eldest had his face buried in Sunoo’s hair, breathing softly against his temple.
Sunoo lay there frozen, eyes wide, then let out a tiny laugh. “How am I supposed to escape this?” he whispered.
“Don’t escape,” Jake mumbled, half-asleep, tightening his hold. “Stay.”
Sunoo’s heart melted instantly. He stayed still for a while, watching their peaceful faces. It was rare seeing them so calm, no noise, no teasing, no chaos. Just love, pure and simple, wrapping him in warmth.
Finally, he shifted slightly. “Loves… gising na.”
“Mmmph.” A chorus of sleepy grumbles answered him.
“No. Five more minutes,” Sunghoon muttered.
“Ten,” Ni-ki corrected.
“Forever,” Jake groaned dramatically, nuzzling into him like a clingy puppy.
Sunoo sighed, giggling quietly. “You’re all hopeless.”
When they finally peeled themselves off (with much protest), Sunoo tried to head to the kitchen first. Bad idea.
“Sit down,” Jay ordered firmly, pointing at the dining chair.
“But I can help--”
“Nope,” Heeseung said, already at the stove. “You’re the guest of honor every day.”
“Kuya, cut this for me,” Ni-ki called, handing the fruit to Jungwon.
“Jake, don’t burn the bacon,” Sunghoon muttered.
“I’m not!” Jake protested. “It’s perfectly golden, just like Sunoo.”
Sunoo groaned into his hands, hiding his smile. They were ridiculous arguing, bumping into each other, yet somehow working in sync because every single dish was being made for him.
When breakfast was served, the table looked like a hotel buffet. Pancakes, bacon, eggs, fruit salad, yogurt, rice, even kimchi stew Jay insisted on making.
“Guys,” Sunoo whispered, touched. “This is too much.”
“Nothing’s too much for you,” Heeseung said, sliding a plate in front of him.
“Exactly,” Jungwon added, pouring him juice. “Eat comfortably, babe.”
And so he did. Every bite came with watchful eyes, every sip met with quiet smiles. He felt like a king and a baby all at once.
After breakfast, they all sprawled in the living room. Ni-ki and Jake argued over a video game, Sunghoon quietly scrolled through his phone, Jungwon studied something in a corner, while Jay read a book. Heeseung strummed his guitar softly, humming.
And in the middle? Sunoo, curled up in his blanket, the plushie they got yesterday in his lap.
Every now and then, someone would drift toward him, pat his head, kiss his cheek, or wrap him in a spontaneous hug. It was like gravity. No matter where they went, they always came back to him.
At one point, Jake collapsed beside him, arms immediately going around his waist. “Nap time.”
“Kuya, it’s noon,” Sunoo said.
“Exactly. Nap time.”
“Count me in,” Ni-ki announced, squeezing onto his other side.
“Me too,” Sunghoon murmured, stretching out his long legs and resting his head on Sunoo’s lap.
Within seconds, the lazy cuddle pile formed again, each member slotting in until Sunoo was, as always, at the very heart.
The day slipped by quietly, games, laughter, soft music, random kisses, whispered “I love yous.”
By the time the sun set, painting the room gold, Sunoo sat by the window, sipping tea. Heeseung came up behind him, wrapping arms around his waist. “Thinking about something, baby?”
Sunoo leaned back into him, smiling faintly. “Just… how lucky I am.”
Heeseung pressed a kiss to his hair. “We’re the lucky ones. You’re our heart, Sunoo. Always.”
The words echoed as the others joined them, one by one, until he was surrounded yet again with hands linked, heads resting against shoulders, warm breaths mingling.
>>>>>
Night fell, and it was time to sleep. As if rehearsed, they all piled onto the bed again, laughter spilling as they argued about positions.
“I call left arm!” Jake shouted.
“No, ako sa left arm,” Ni-ki insisted.
“Then I’ll take the right,” Sunghoon smirked, already claiming it.
“Kuya Sun belongs in the middle. Always,” Jungwon stated matter-of-factly.
“Middle, center, heart,” Jay added softly, tucking the blanket around Sunoo.
Heeseung lay down last, brushing hair away from Sunoo’s forehead before kissing it. “Goodnight, angel.”
“Goodnight, baby,” Jake echoed.
“Goodnight, kuyas,” Jungwon whispered.
“Sleep well, pretty,” Sunghoon murmured.
“Sweet dreams,” Jay added.
“Night, everyone,” Ni-ki smiled.
Sunoo’s chest ached in the best way. He gazed at all of them, eyes glassy, lips curved. “Goodnight, my loves.”
And as the lights dimmed, with Sunoo safe in the middle of seven boys who loved him more than anything, he thought,
If this is what it means to be their heart, then I’ll never want to be anywhere else.
×××
END.