secrets (little taeyong)

Chapter 26

Author's POV

The morning had dawned like any other for the members, with the familiar rhythms of dance practice propelling them forward. But fate had other plans in store. When the power abruptly went out, disrupting their routine, they found themselves trudging back to the dorm earlier than expected, uncertainty lingering in the air.

Little did they know, the unexpected twist would unveil deeper issues surrounding their leader, Taeyong. As they entered the dorm, the atmosphere felt heavier than usual, the very air tinged with unspoken concern. Aware of Taeyong's tendency to slip into his childlike headspace during stress, the members wordlessly agreed to transform the moment into one of relaxation and comfort for him.

Sensing the shift in mood, Taeyong's demeanor changed, reflecting the sweet innocence that had become so precious to them all. He emerged from his room clad in a cozy onesie, eliciting fond smiles from the members. But under the surface, worry brewed. The oversized outfit, once a source of amusement, now seemed to subtly underscore Taeyong's recent weight loss.

As he settled on the couch for a nap, the members gathered around, speaking in hushed tones. Laughter no longer echoed through the dorm. Instead, somberness cloaked the group as they discussed the issue weighing on all their minds—Taeyong's declining health.

"Have you noticed how loose the onesie looks on him now?" Doyoung gave voice to the concern that had lingered unspoken, his eyes clouded with worry.

Johnny nodded, brow furrowed. "Yeah, it's like he's dropping weight quickly. It's really starting to show." His gaze drifted to Taeyong's sleeping form, peaceful yet almost childlike in its fragility.

Treading cautiously, the members danced around the unspoken truth—the deep impact of the choreographer's harsh criticism on Taeyong's self-esteem and health. Approaching the issue required a delicate balance.

As the room grew darker with evening shadows, Mark leaned against the wall, hesitantly voicing what they were all thinking. "Do you think... maybe what the choreographer said is affecting him more than we realized?" 

A somber acknowledgment rippled through the group. Faced with the vulnerability Taeyong displayed in his childlike headspace, the members shared a wordless understanding, a connection transcending speech.

Their conversation shifted to ways they could uplift Taeyong's spirits and encourage him to regain the weight that had so rapidly slipped away. The goal was clear. But striking the right balance between care and consideration for Taeyong's fragile emotional state posed a challenge.

"Let's make sure he feels loved and supported. Extra snacks, home-cooked meals..." Yuta suggested, genuine concern etched on his face.

As Taeyong napped, the members dispersed, each taking on a role in creating an atmosphere of nurture and comfort. The kitchen filled with snacks and dishes associated with joyful memories, though an unspoken plea lingered—for Taeyong to partake in these moments of shared nourishment.

Returning to observe Taeyong, Doyoung felt both worry and determination. "We need to help him feel better, emotionally and physically," he affirmed. The members' unified commitment to their leader's well-being was clear.

But just as they discussed ways to care for Taeyong, a sudden cry pierced the dorm, shattering the calm. Taeyong's tranquil nap had ended abruptly, giving way to heart-wrenching sobs.

"Dada, dada!" The plaintive cries called out, conveying Taeyong's need for their comforting presence. Startled, the members rushed to his side, concern escalating.

Surrounding Taeyong, his sobs now edged with panic, and the members exchanged uneasy glances. The vulnerability accompanying his childlike regression seemed amplified, setting them on edge. "What's wrong, little one?" Doyoung soothed, cradling Taeyong's trembling form.

Eyes brimming with tears, Taeyong looked around in distress. The lack of immediate comfort only heightened his fear, cries intensifying. The dorm, once a sanctuary, now echoed with the palpable tension of his inner turmoil.

Unsure how to ease Taeyong’s distress, the members could only exchange helplessness through concerned glances. The fragile nature of his regressed state made providing comfort a delicate balancing act requiring deep understanding of his unspoken emotions. 

As they worked to calm Taeyong, the dorm filled with gentle whispers and soothing coos. Holding him close, Doyoung murmured comforting words, his voice a lullaby above the storm. Encircling their leader, the members created a cocoon of care, hoping to dispel the shadows troubling him. 

In the hours that followed, the group relied on resilience and teamwork. Taking turns cradling Taeyong, they provided comfort without probing the underlying causes of his anguish. The gloom that had descended slowly lifted, replaced by shared moments of warmth and their unwavering commitment to Taeyong's wellness.

As night deepened, Taeyong finally surrendered to sleep in their arms. A sense of resolve now cloaked the dorm. With the promise of a new day came hope—that the shadows would fade, giving way to compassion and understanding to guide them in restoring the innocence Taeyong exhibited in his childlike headspace.