𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐲 ━ SKZ Male Member

♣ . . . first impressions

Anurak tended to keep to himself for most of his training, choosing not to connect with any of the other trainees for reasons he liked to keep to himself. He was told more than once that his standoffish behaviour wouldn't do well if he were ever to move on to being an idol but he didn't care enough to make a change.

That was until Bang Chan decided to approach him with just a simple greeting.

Anurak was minding his own business, filling up his water bottle as he took a break from his dance practice. He didn't even notice the person nearing him until they tapped him on the shoulder.

Quickly turning on his heel, Anurak found himself face to face with a smiling boy around his age. 

"Hi, Hyung, I'm Chan." He held out his hand and Anurak just stared at it.

Seeing as the older didn't look comfortable with the thought of a handshake, Chan tucked his hand away into his pocket and brightened his smile slightly as if to say it was okay.

"Hyung?" Anurak questioned with a frown.

"Yeah. I've seen you around a few times and JYP-nim has even tried to introduce me to you but I thought it best if I did it instead." He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.

Anurak slowly nodded, wondering if he was supposed to say something in response. He cleared his throat and stepped to the side. "Well, I should get back."

"Uh, wait," Chan called out though it was clear he didn't know what to say next as he stared with lips parted and wide eyes. "We should hang out. You seem cool."

Cool? Anurak doesn't hear that word when referring to him often - unless his siblings are trying to tease him. He must be exaggerating to get what he wanted although what he wanted wasn't all that obvious.

Anurak shrugged, just wanting to get back to his practice. "Sure, whatever. See you around."

Over time the two surprisingly got closer, Chan seeking out the older to spend time together and apparently, he just wanted to be friends, something which Anurak found trouble accepting. But he went along with it and found that he liked the younger's company more than he thought he would.  

It was when Anurak could finally consider Chan his good friend that the boy decided to introduce him to his other friends. 

Chan dragged Anurak along with him, not at all put off by the older boy's grumbling. His hand was tight on Anurak's wrist but not painful because, of course, he still held respect and a little intimidation. 

Walking into one of the studios, the pair found a group of boys messing around and laughing amongst one another. 

Anurak was the fourth friend Chan had made in JYP Entertainment as a trainee, he had just been kept separate from the group. Anurak admittedly had put off meeting any of them and it was Chan who was persistent though never pushy. The day had finally come and Anurak was still a little apprehensive, especially with the boisterous display in front of him.

Chan cleared his throat somewhat loudly and all attention suddenly turned on them. 

Anurak swore internally.

"Guys, this is Anurak." Chan turned to the older with a look that said 'Be nice'. "Say hello."

"Hello." He greeted emotionlessly.

The group glanced at one another rather awkwardly, probably not expecting such a lacklustre response.

"Hello." Some of them smiled and waved.

"He's your new Hyung and friend."

"I didn't sign up for more friends, Chan," Anurak grumbled.

"Shh, you'll like them." He grinned despite his hyung's annoyance and his dongsaengs'  uncertainty. Chan clapped once to gain their attention. "Okay, so let's all get to know each other, yeah?"

"So, he's joining the group?" One of them asked, eyeing the irritated expression on the eldest.

"That's right," Chan exclaimed, giving Anurak a light pat on the back.

"But..." Another began, seeming unsure, "He doesn't look like he agrees to that."

Chan only shrugged and stood on his toes to wrap an arm around Anurak's shoulders. "Well, he doesn't have a choice. I'm his only friend and that gives me the power to act like I know what's best for him."

"You have no idea what's good for me." Anurak sneered.

"I know I'm good for you so shut up, would you?"

The younger seven all whispered to one another about how unusual their leader was acting and how odd Anurak was. How the two got along so well with such different personalities was beyond them but they promised they would give the elder a chance.

Well, it was slow going, with plenty of cold shoulders from Anurak but they were eventually able to bond which was a relief considering how much time they would be spending together.

"I have a new favourite Hyung!" Felix yelled, sitting on Anurak's back with his arms around the man's neck and legs swinging at his sides. Anurak stood their blankly, slight annoyance shining through. 

Chan, Minho, Changbin, Hyunjin and JIsung all gaped at the boy.

"WHAT?!"