The A-Z of Love

ROCKY

"We're really sorry, Zoey."

ATEEZ had to leave for a last-minute schedule change that they couldn't get out of. They gathered in the living room to apologise to Zoey, who was sitting comfortably on the sofa.

"It's okay. I understand. Don't worry. I'll be fine by myself."

Hongjoong nodded appreciatively.

"Thank you for understanding. We'll try to be back as soon as we can."

After a round of quick hugs, the boys head out, leaving Zoey with a wave and promising to text her throughout the day. As they drove to their company, the conversation naturally drifted back to Zoey.

Jongho stared out of the window.

"Do you think we should have taken Zoey with us?"

Hongjoong sighed.

"I thought about that, but management asked that we didn't bring her until they organise some paperwork, like an NDA."

Seonghwa frowned.

"Is that really necessary?"

The leader shrugged.

"The company thinks so. They just want to make sure everything is official and above board."

The car fell into a comfortable silence as they reflected on how much had changed since Zoey arrived.

They had been called in to do some additional filming for a project. It wasn't meant to take long, but of course, it was usual to have delays while filming.

During a break, they decided to play a game to decide who would do the cleaning this week. The members quickly formed a circle, ready for the game. They chanted in unison.

"Rock, paper, scissors!"

San emerged as the unlucky loser, pouting dramatically as the others cheered.

Wooyoung laughed at his soulmate.

"Looks like you're on cleaning duty, San. Don't forget to scrub the toilet!"

San narrowed his eyes at his soulmate who smiled innocently before hiding behind Yeosang.

"Why are you hiding behind me?"

"Good point."

Wooyoung moved to hide behind Mingi making them all laugh.

After they were done with filming, they all quickly got in the car and made their way home.

Seonghwa leaned back in his chair with a sigh.

"I can't believe how much I missed her today. It's weird how quickly you get used to someone being around."

Jongho nodded.

"Me too. It feels strange not having her around, even if it's just for a few hours."

Hongjoong smiled, thinking about Zoey's easy acceptance and warm presence. "She has this way of making everything feel right, doesn't she?"

Jongho voiced the concern that had been on everyone's mind.

"But what's it going to be like when she goes home next week? It's going to be hard, isn't it?"

Seonghwa reached out and rested his hand on Jongho's arm.

"It will be. We'll have to rely on video calls and messages, but it won't be the same."

Hongjoong leaned forward.

"We've got to make the most of the time we have left with her. Let's make these last days special for her."

Seonghwa and Jongho nodded. The oldest looked over at Yeosang who was sitting quietly.

"Is everything okay, Yeosang?"

"Zoey... she hasn't spoken to me since the incident with Wooyoung."

Hongjoong's expression turned serious.

"You mean when Wooyoung mentioned you were disappointed about not kissing her?"

Yeosang nodded and Seonghwa frowned.

"Have you tried talking to her about it?"

"I have, but she seems distant. I don't want to push her and make things worse."

Jongho chimed in.

"Zoey is probably just processing everything. It's a lot for her to take in, being here with all of us."

Hongjoong nodded.

"We need to give her time, but also, we need to make sure she knows she can talk to us about anything. We can't let misunderstandings fester, especially since she's going home next week."

"I'll try to talk to her again, but I don't want her to feel pressured."

"We just need to be patient and supportive. She'll come around."

They all nodded in agreement, their resolve strengthened by their shared love and care for Zoey. They knew the coming week would be bittersweet, but they were determined to cherish every moment with her before she had to leave.