Learning Again

Twenty Five

"'Thank you, mom!"' I whispered and hugged her neck.

"'My door is always open to you!"' She said and I nodded, letting go and waving to Paul and Amy. As I turned to the guys, Mingi wrapped an arm around my neck and we went to get checked in for our flight home.

"Why is everyone so tired today?" Seonghwa asked, but I rolled my lips in before I busted out laughing. In not so subtle words, Mingi and I had been yelled at by San, Wooyoung, Yunho, Yeosang, and Jongho to keep it down next time. My poor boyfriend was embarrassed beyond belief, and I could see his ears turning red even now.

"Maddie and Mingi." Hongjoong said and I felt my eyes widen as I looked at him and we sat to wait for our flight.

"Wait, what?!" Seonghwa asked and looked at us.

"Oh, ew! We don't need to know that stuff!" He groaned, shaking his head.

"You were farther from their room than us! How'd you hear it?!" Yeosang asked and Hongjoong sighed.

"I was working last night, was unfortunately up." He said and looked at me.

"Ever thought of singing-"

"No, Hongjoong." I said and he smirked.

"Just saying, you have vocals-" He was cut off as we started laughing then I shook my head, laying it against Mingi's arm.

"Mm, I missed California!" I whispered and closed my eyes.

"Missed like you want to move here missed?" San asked and I looked at him then snorted.

"Fat chance of that happening! No, I love Seoul! That's the only place I've lived where I feel... at home, so I'm never moving out of Korea. Here? It's nice to visit." I said and looked up as someone called my name. I frowned as I saw Bryant running over then I slowly stood and glared.

"'What-"' I screamed as he grabbed me and forced a kiss on me, Mingi suddenly between us, but security was on the way over now as Seonghwa hugged me and Mingi shoved Bryant away.

"MINGI, STOP!" I screamed and my boyfriend stopped.

"'Bryant, what the fuck?!"' I snarled and he glared.

"'You're mine, Madison! Stop pretending with this damn Asian-"'

"'Sir, you need to leave!"' Security yelled, but I glared at Bryant and shook my head, grabbing Mingi's arm.

"'I belong to no one, Bryant! And I certainly never belonged to you!"' I said and looked up as our flight was called.

"Let's go." I told the guys and we got our things, going to the gate. As we boarded, I gripped Mingi's jacket tightly then he took my carryon, putting it above our heads for me.

"Go ahead." He said and I got into the row then sat, sighing as Mingi sat next to me and San sat next to him.

"Maddie, are you okay?" San asked, but I shook my head and closed my eyes as I felt the tears fill my eyes. I felt a hand grab mine then I clenched Mingi's hand tightly, laughing as Hongjoong began singing Why Should I Worry by Billy Joel. As the rest of them began singing, I laughed and looked at them, smiling as Yeosang kissed my head.

"Better?!" He asked and I nodded, smiling at him.

"Thank you!" I whispered and Mingi leaned over, softly kissing me.

"You are there for us, let us be there for you-"

"ATEEZ MOM!" San yelled, making most of the plane look at him, then I frowned.

"Do what?!"

"You are the Ateez mom!" He said and Hongjoong gasped.

"I am the leader, you are the mom! It makes perfect sense!" He said and I went to object, but Mingi put his hand over my mouth and I looked at him.

"We'll discuss it later. Rest, it's been a long vacation." I nodded then he moved his hand to my cheek and leaned forward, softly kissing me

"Not here!" Yunho scolded us, but I giggled and laid my head on Mingi's shoulder as we took off.

####

I groaned as I walked in behind Jongho then we set our bags down and pulled our shoes off.

"I am so tired!" Seonghwa complained and I smiled.

"Off to bed, everyone! We can unpack in the morning, I'll even make breakfast." I said and they smiled at me.

"THANK YOU, MAMA MADDIE!" I waved them off then they went to bed and I smiled as Mingi came over. He waited until all the bedroom doors shut then he grabbed my thighs, lifting me up to sit on his hips.

"Hi!" I giggled, hugging his neck, then he leaned forwards and kissed me.

"Welcome home!" He whispered and I smiled, rubbing my nose over his.

"Welcome home yourself!" I whispered and pecked his lips. As he turned and carried me to his room, I softly kissed his jaw, but we were both so exhausted, I wasn't actually expecting anything tonight. When he went to lay me down, he hissed and I immediately knew what was wrong.

"Mingi, lay down!" I ordered and moved, forcing him to lay down.

"Maddie-"

"Your back hurts! Why didn't you say something?!" I scolded him and helped him get his jacket off, pushing his shirt up to get to his back.

"We-we were having fun! I didn't want to worry people-"

"HONGJOONG!" I called, knowing he'd know where to find Mingi's back stuff. I heard a few doors open then Hongjoong came in, looking confused.

"What's wrong?"

"Mingi's back is hurting and he didn't tell us-"

"Mingi!" Hongjoong scolded, but turned and left the room as the others slowly came over.

"I'm fine-"

"Then sit up!" I tested Mingi, but he gave me a defeated look.

"Exactly!" I said and shook my head.

"You are so- Mingi, seriously, if you are in pain, you tell us! Remember what you said?! You are there for us, let us be there for you! You are always-" I stopped then looked at Hongjoong as he came over, helping me get Mingi set up so his back would stop hurting.