fever | ateez lore story

CH 11

•yunho•

I can't stop thinking about Yeosang on the way home. The entire time, my head is just pounding with anger at the way his father treats him. I just don't understand how that becomes the case, and I don't think I ever will. It angers me more that there isn't much I can do about it. But I don't want Yeo to go through that.

"Yunho!!" My brother yells after me. Not even a foot through the door and I'm trapped in a headlock already. Not even a 'hi, hello'. Immediate threat. I have no choice but to tap out, and my brother mimics a winning pose, both fists punching the air.

"Me, 1, Yunho, none!" He announces, his terribly loud voice echoing around the neighbourhood. Out of embarrassment, I push him back inside the house, my laughter unable to contain itself.

"What's gotten into you today? You seem unrelentingly happy." I tease, ruffling his hair. I know how much he hates it, being the older brother, but when he's this childish, I relish feeling like the older one. I let out a breathy giggle as I watch him in a panic to fix his hair, his hands glueing to his sides.

"You wanna know why I'm so happy today, Yunnie?" He queries. I cringe at the nickname. Even if my parents call me that, it still cuts the wrong string in me.

"Please don't call me that." I say, hanging my coat. I wait for his explanation but I just hear sniffing, and I look over to see his closed fist held in front of his face. He mimics a sob, wiping the fake tears from his dry face.

Why is he so dramatic?

"I'm getting transferred." He suddenly spoke, his lips pressing together like he's trying to hold in a cry. I raise an eyebrow, confused.

Transferred? As in, school? But he's not a bad student.

"What do you mean 'transferred'? What did you do?" I ask, slightly troubled. I eagle-eye his face as it scrunches up in a fit of laughter, my face never shifting from how serious it is. He inhales sharply, shaking his head.

"My company is transferring me to another. I know it seems like a not-good idea because I've been training there for quite some time now, but the reason why they want me to transfer is because I'll be officially debuting under the other company! After years of waiting, this is finally my chance!" he explains, bouncing up and down like a little kid.

I'm proud of him, obviously. But his years of training just to be transferred? I'm not sure how I feel about it. I want to see where it goes, but if it doesn't work out, what then for him?

"Transferred just to debut? Please tell me you'll be training with them for a while, at least." I ask, trying to put my perturbed worries to rest. He nods, looking at me like I said something dumb.

"Of course! I won't debut just yet, training needs to be done. But this only means I'm one step closer to finally reaching our dream." He sighs, pulling me into his side. I wrap and arm around him, my worries dissipating slowly.

I trust my brother with my life, and I know he'll be an amazing idol. I just don't want him to be used. I know it's a pretty extensive thought but in this industry, as well as many others, you can never tell.

"I'm happy for you, hyung. When's your last day at your current company?" I ask him, wanting to know so I can get him a leaving gift.

"This weekend. The last few days will be finalising the transfer." He says, and I nod. I pat his back warmly.

My excitement is indescribable for him. I can't wait to see what his future will become. He has worked hard these past couple years, and he really deserves whatever success he gets.

"More good news, actually!" He says as I walk to the kitchen and grab a bottle of water from the fridge. I hum, gulping the contents down.

-"I got recognised in the city centre today. A group of women, nothing much. But they did ask for pictures. What did I say? 'Of course!'"

I spit out my drink, his loud voice catching me off guard. He's usually so humble and gentle, but this superstar ego does not suit him and I can't help but laugh at how goofy he sounds.

"You're such a loser." I say, chuckling at the pathetic look on his face.

I'm already picturing it in my head. My brother and his group, on stage with dazzling lights and a crowd so big and vast, it looks like the ocean. Everyday, I start to question my decision about becoming an idol, because the thought of having that future seems amazing. But, I really don't think I'm suited for it. Best to let my brother chase his dream than for me to chase after an idea. Whatever the case, I'll be the loudest voice in the crowd, just for him. My brother, and my idol.