secrets (little taeyong)

Chapter 21

Author's POV

The dorms of NCT, once bustling with the lively chaos of young men pursuing musical passions, had taken on a new energy - one of quiet devotion and tender care.

In the early morning, when the sun's first rays filtered through the windows, Doyoung tiptoed down the hall towards Taeyong's room. The others still slept, recovering from the long nights they each spent comforting their beloved leader. Doyoung smiled softly, remembering the way Jaehyun had carried a giggling Taeyong on his back the evening before, playing airplane in an effort to lift his spirits.

Doyoung paused outside Taeyong's door, steadying his heart before gently turning the handle. The room was dim, curtains drawn to allow their little one to sleep in. Doyoung crept to the edge of the bed where Taeyong lay curled beneath a pile of plush blankets, his cheeks still round with baby fat and a tiny fist curled next to his face. Doyoung's heart swelled at the sight.

"Good morning, little one," he whispered, perching carefully on the side of the bed. Taeyong's eyes fluttered open, and a sleepy smile spread across his face. He lifted his arms in a silent request, and Doyoung obliged, scooping the little into his lap. He cradled him close, rocking slowly back and forth. This had become their morning ritual, a peaceful time before the hustle and bustle of the day set in.

Later, the dorms would be filled with lively chatter and the sounds of the others practicing their lines or warming up their vocals. But in these quiet moments, Doyoung held his littlest member close, humming softly as he ran his fingers through Taeyong's hair. Their leader had endured immense hardship, but here, wrapped safely in Doyoung's arms, the shadows couldn't touch him.

"Let's get you dressed for breakfast, shall we?" Doyoung said after a while. Taeyong clung to him as he carried him to the closet, burying his face in Doyoung's neck. "I know, I know, you just want cuddles, don't you?" Doyoung chuckled. "We'll have lots of time for that later, I promise." 

Doyoung selected an oversized hoodie and a pair of soft sweatpants for Taeyong to wear. Kneeling, he gently guided each of Taeyong's limbs into the clothes, pausing to blow raspberries on his tummy when the shirt came off. Taeyong's musical laughter filled the room.

When he finished dressing the little, Doyoung scooped him up once more and made his way to the kitchen. The others were beginning to shuffle in, hair mussed from sleep, pouring cups of coffee.

"There's our TY!" Johnny exclaimed, beaming at the little in Doyoung's arms. Taeyong shyly buried his face once more.

"Who wants some yummy breakfast?" Doyoung singsonged, settling into a chair at the table with Taeyong on his lap. The others began bustling about, preparing plates of food to tempt their little one's appetite.

Taeyong had struggled with eating ever since his return from that horrible place. He was hesitant now, shrinking back against Doyoung's chest as Jaehyun approached with a spoonful of rice porridge.

"It's okay, baby, hyung made it special for you," Jaehyun soothed, patiently holding the spoon to Taeyong's lips until he finally took a small bite. "That's it! What a good boy," Jaehyun praised, affectionately ruffling Taeyong's hair. 

The members took turns encouraging Taeyong to eat, keeping the atmosphere light and cheerful. There was no pressure, only gentle praise each time he accepted another bite. When his anxiety mounted, Doyoung would wrap him in a fierce hug, rocking and murmuring words of comfort until he calmed.

After breakfast, Yuta whisked Taeyong away for playtime. The others tidied up the kitchen, their eyes crinkling with fond amusement as they listened to Yuta's exaggerated gasps and playful growls from the other room. Laughter, such a rare and beautiful sound, rang out once more.

And so the day continued, each member finding their own way to care for their leader. Mark read Taeyong his favorite story, doing all the character's voices to perfection. Later, Jungwoo took him outside to feel the sunshine, pushing him gently on the tree swing set up near the dorms.

When Taeyong grew weary in the afternoon, Taeil carried him to the couch, covering him with a soft blanket and handing him his beloved stuffed puppy. As Taeil's soothing voice filled the air with a lullaby, Taeyong's eyes slowly drifted shut. Taeil carefully shifted him so his head rested comfortably in his lap.

Dinner brought another struggle to encourage their little one to eat. But the members were patient, taking time to make it fun by pretending the spoon was an airplane or a train chugging into the station. Taeyong slowly began to relax into the silliness, opening his mouth more readily each time.

As evening fell, the members gathered in the living room, chatting and laughing softly as Taeyong played on the floor. When yawns began to outnumber giggles, Doyoung once again gathered the little one into his arms.

"I think it's someone's bedtime," he murmured fondly, carrying Taeyong down the hall. The bedtime routine soothed them both, the lullabies and sweet words cocooning Taeyong in safety as Doyoung tucked him in.

Doyoung made sure the nightlight was on and left the door ajar before making his way back to the others. They spoke in hushed voices about the day and the signs of progress they were beginning to see. Though the road ahead was long, they were determined to walk every step of it with their leader.

Their lives had been forever changed, but the bonds between them were stronger than ever. Their love for each other and for the little one who had suffered so much shone as a beacon of hope. They would cherish every smile, every laugh, every new milestone. And when the shadows crept close, they would encircle him in light and remind him he was not alone.

The dorm settled into stillness as one by one, the members retired for the night. But in each room, hearts were filled with fierce affection for the little one asleep down the hall. Their dreams wove tales of a brighter future, of joy and laughter once more echoing through the rooms.

Tomorrow would bring new adventures, new chances to guide their Taeyong back to himself. But tonight, they rested in the knowledge that he was safe. Their bonds of brotherhood were unbreakable, and together, they would find their way.