Echoes of Deception~(Hyunho)

wearing masks

[3rd person Pov]

Hyunjin's determination to bury his pain drove him to overwork himself,using the relentless schedule as a distraction.He threw himself into every aspect of their comeback preparations,from dance rehearsals to vocal recordings,pushing his body and mind to the limit.

The hate comments that had plagued him since his hiatus ended only fueled his desire to prove himself worthy.(A/N:You're perfect Hyunjin,you don't need to prove anything😤)Every negative word felt like another blow to his already burdened heart.But he couldn't let it show.He couldn't let his vulnerability seep through the cracks in his armor.

Everyone noticed something has changed after his hitaus and they were all worried for their flour boy who kept pushing above his own limits.But every time Chan would tell him he should rest he answered with "I'm fine." or "I'll take a rest when I need one,don't worry".Everytime Jisung or Felix would try to make him tell them what's going on he'd simply just put on a mask yet again and say stuff like "Nothing is going on" or "I just want this comeback to be perfect and impactful".The list could go on and on of lines he used to all his members trying to hide that he was suffering.

Seungmin,ever so observant and caring member that he is began to notice the signs of Hyunjin's overworking as well.He saw the exhaustion etched on his face,the way his eyes grew weary with each passing day.Concerned for his friend's well-being, Seungmin decided to approach him gently,hoping to uncover the true source of his pain.

One evening,before a particularly grueling practice session, Seungmin found a moment alone with Hyunjin."Hyunjin, can we talk?" he asked,his voice filled with genuine concern.

Hyunjin,caught off guard by Seungmin's direct approach, hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Sure, what's on your mind?" he replied,attempting to maintain his composed facade.

Seungmin studied Hyunjin's tired eyes before speaking softly,"I've noticed how hard you've been pushing yourself lately. It's clear that something is bothering you. Can you tell me what's going on?"

Hyunjin's mask wavered for a moment as he glanced away, struggling to find the right words.Tears welled up in his eyes as he finally broke down, unable to hold back his emotions any longer.Seungmin immediately wrapped his arms around Hyunjin,offering a comforting embrace.

As Hyunjin was crying his heart out and in between explaining what's going on members started to join the practice room.Chan was the first to notice the tension in the room.He hurriedly walked to the two with worry in his eyes and the rest of the members following right behind him.

"What's wrong?What happened Hyunjin?"Chan asked with concern in his voice.Seungmin felt Hyunjin tugging at his hoodie signaling him he wants to go out.(A/N:I got this idea from the fansign in 2018 were Hyunjin tried to get Seungmin's attention while he was silently crying)

"Chan-hyung can we go out for some fresh air?Hyunjin isn't feeling very well and he already practiced so much so one day without practice wouldn't hurt,would it?"Seungmin explained and Chan understood Hyunjin didn't want to talk about it but at least he relied on Seungmin so he nodded in approval.

After they left the room Minho couldn't shake off the feeling of concern and jelousy that fell on him all of the sudden.Concern because Hyunjin was clearly not doing well and knowing the real Hyunjin he was probably overthinking every word haters sent him even on bubble he kept getting threats which was supposed to be his safe place.And jelousy because even though he had been a little bit distant from his fellow member after he came back that still didn't explain why he seeked comfort from Seungmin when he also asked him multiple times if he wanted to talk about what's going on.Sure neither did he tell the others but Hyunjin used to open up to him so easily before.What changed?Did Hyunjin not trust him anymore.

Lee Know kept thinking about this whole situation the whole practice time so he decided he should do something about it.But what?

[Hyunjin's pov]

I was laying on my bed trying to stop overthinking,ignoring everything that made me so vulnerable and fall asleep.Seungmin is right I should stop overworking myself for the sake of my health and search alternatives to not overthink everything the antis told me.Something like painting probably?It's been a while since I last painted something so I realized that I couldn't sleep and would be better if I paint and let my energy on art till I feel sleepy.(A/N:I wish it could be this easy but in reality it's more complicated.For example when I'm in this state the last thing to do is paint or draw.I just can't seem to concentrate enough because of how burnout I feel🥲)

Suddenly as I was preparing my tools I heard my phone get a notification from Kakaotalk."Who could it be at this hour?It's literally 3AM." I ask myself as I get my phone and check the notification.(A/N:Dear Hyunjinnie 3AM is nothing especially for you since you literally sleep at 5 or 6 AM🙃)

Minho:
Hey,are you still awake?

Yes.Why?

McDonald's?

[3rd person pov]

Hyunjin thought a bit to himself.Why not?It's been a while since they had a late night snack together and he was also a bit hungry.So he texted Minho that he'll be down in 10.

After they arrived at McDonald's and ordered Hyunjin made his way to their usual table while Minho was paying since he yet again *forgot* his wallet.

"You little,always making me pay because you forget your wallet"Minho says in a joking annoyed tone as he sat down while Hyunjin grinned teasingly at the olders suffering.

"So.Why were you up at this hour?"the older asked."Huh?Why was I up?Hyung you know that I have trouble sleeping.Why were you up?" The taller asked."I got hungry suddenly so yuh." He answered.But immediately opened his mouth again."Ok fine,I'll tell you this straight up." He said as Hyunjin looked at him expectedly."I thought about what happened today in the practice room an-" he immediately got cut off by the younger not wanting to bring that subject in their discussion and ruin their morning."Say no more.Let's not talk about that.I was just a too much overwhelmed by the haters and I guess I just pushed myself too much onto work to ignore everything"

Minho suddenly got annoyed by the others ignorance on his own problems."No Hyunjin.Let's talk about this.This is not okey and the fact that you try to shut us all out isn't helping either.But in all honesty....that's not what bothers me the most."he sighed before continuing."Look Hyunjin.I know that we've been a bit distant after you came back and I'm sorry this is totally my fault.But that doesn't mean that you have to keep it all by yourself.You used to be so open with me.Do you not trust me anymore?"he asked while Hyunjin looked shocked at him by his confession.

"What?Not trust you?What are you on about?Of course I do but I just...I didn't wanna worry you all that's all.I wouldn't even have told Seungmin but he caught me off guard." The long haired male explained.Before Minho could say something the food arrived.

After they ate they made their way back to the dorms.They were walking in a comfortable silence but Minho still decided to brake it."Hyunjin?" The older called out and the other hummed in response."If you ever feel like that again just know that overworking yourself is never the answer and we're there for you.Don't be afraid to tell us about your struggles and let the mask off or even if you don't wanna tell us we will still be there in silence.I will be there for you" Minho said as they arrived in front of Hyunjin's dorm.While he said the last words Hyunjin felt as if a rock has been lifted off of his chest.

Even though Hyunjin felt the urge to hug the male next to him he pulled himself together and answered him calmly."I know hyung,thank you" he said before typing in the code and making his way into the dorm and closing the door after they bid their good byes.

Hyunjin made himself comfortable in his bed and immediately falling asleep with and easy mind after talking to his favorite hyung.

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I honestly think chapter is better than the previous one so YAAAY.Btw just a quick reminder that this is a work of fiction and the information that are given in the story might not make sense sometimes.

Hope y'all like it and have a great day❤️❤️❤️