𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲 | 𝐍𝐂𝐓 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦

𝐒𝐨

Sign language, Texting , Regular speech

Months turned into a year, solidifying the boys' bond in small groups and as a collective whole. Now in 2023, Doyoung felt it was time to elevate their connection by sharing their innermost struggles and goals.

As they entered the room, they found a whiteboard with instructions and their chairs arranged in a circle. With Mr. Kim absent, it was just the seven of them.

Doyoung's voice commanded attention, "Today, you will tell each other what you're trying to overcome and be 100% honest." He continued, "Once you all know, ask respectful questions and express your thoughts and feelings."

Silently, they took their seats, a mix of curiosity and anxiety palpable in the room. Jaemin took a deep breath and broke the ice, volunteering to share his story first.

"I'll go first," he said, his tone surprisingly steady. All eyes turned to him, their expressions supportive rather than judgmental.

"I have an anxiety disorder," Jaemin began, "which sometimes makes it incredibly hard for me to leave the house. This all started around the time my dad was involved in a fatal incident. Back in high school, I got bullied relentlessly because of it." He paused, his gaze fixed on a distant memory. "People found out about my dad and I became a target, almost as if I was guilty too."

He exhaled, feeling an unexpected wave of relief. Chenle, sensing the significance of the moment, offered a small smile, prompting Jaemin to continue.

Chenle, encouraged by Jaemin's vulnerability, was next to speak. "I was adopted into a wealthy family," he began. "But the wealth came with its own challenges. People approached me only for my money, and I got caught up in things I shouldn't have. I tried drugs once, and that ended in a mess. I started smoking heavily to cope. I'd even go days without eating or drinking, just smoking away my troubles."

Jisung, inspired by the honesty, spoke up next. "I have an eating disorder," he admitted, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "It started as body image issues, but then I developed a fear of choking. It's been a struggle, and I've been trying to work through it."

Renjun, his voice mediated by Haechan, shared his own battle. "I witnessed a murder," he revealed. "The trauma of that event rendered me mute. I've been living with the fear of seeing the murderer again ever since."

Jeno confessed his struggle, explaining that he developed a personality disorder after discovering his sister's knowledge of their parents' actions. The revelation drove a wedge between them, and he had run away from her, severing their connection.

Mark's turn came, and he mustered the courage to share his painful truth. "I have bipolar disorder," he admitted, his voice steadier than he felt inside. "I got expelled from college because I almost beat someone to death. The memories haunt me daily."

Haechan's confession was raw and emotional. "I have PTSD and OCD," he revealed, his tone heavy. "I was in an abusive relationship with a married man, and I ended up hospitalized after he beat me severely. I lost friends and cut ties with my family. I left without telling my mom where I was going."

The room fell silent after their revelations, the weight of their words sinking in. Haechan broke the silence, turning to Mark, "Why did you react that way?" he asked, curiosity in his eyes.

Mark explained, "The person, Lucas, exposed my dad's affair to our basketball team. It was too much to handle, and I just lost control."

"I don't see you differently," Haechan reassured him. "People make mistakes, Mark."

Addressing Jisung, Jaemin asked, "Is that why you wear baggy clothes?"

Jisung nodded, "Yeah, it helps me feel less exposed and vulnerable."

Chenle chimed in, "But you've been going out without baggy clothes."

Jisung looked surprised, "You noticed?"

"I did," Chenle confirmed. "I just wasn't sure how to approach the topic."

The revelations brought them closer, shedding light on each other's struggles and triumphs. The honesty forged a deeper connection, and as Renjun found his voice to comfort Jaemin, the room felt charged with a profound understanding.

"Jaemin, you're not your father," Renjun said softly. "You're a kind and caring person. His actions don't define you."

Tears welled up in Jaemin's eyes, the weight of years of carrying that burden finally beginning to lift.

The session concluded with a warm and tight group hug, a tangible symbol of the newfound trust and camaraderie that had emerged from their shared vulnerabilities. As they stood there, arms wrapped around each other, the room resonated with a sense of unity that was stronger than ever before.