secrets (little taeyong)

Chapter 27

Author's POV

The air hung heavy with concern in the dorm room, a persistent undercurrent that left the members walking on eggshells. Taeyong's delicate littlespace had become fragile, like a soap bubble ready to pop with the slightest disturbance. They tread softly, exchanging knowing looks and speaking in hushed tones, all attuned to the subtle shifts in his emotional state.

Taeyong drifted through the room in his onesie, movements slow and hesitant. Doyoung watched him, brow furrowed, as he came to sit beside Johnny on the couch.

"He looks even smaller than before," Doyoung murmured, worry creeping into his voice.

Johnny nodded, lips pressed into a grim line. "I know. He's lost weight again."

A tense silence fell between them as Taeyong curled up on the couch, knees to his chest. He seemed to shrink into himself as if trying to disappear.

Doyoung met Johnny's eyes, an unspoken agreement passing between them. They had to help Taeyong get his appetite back, to nourish not just his body but his soul. This couldn't continue.

Taeyong needed them, whether he realized it or not.

***

The once casual kitchen had become mission control for Operation: Nourish Taeyong. Meal plans were drawn up, grocery lists made, and recipes searched. The fridge filled with ingredients for all of Taeyong's favorite foods. If he wouldn't eat full meals, they would find another way.

Yuta rifled through the pantry, inspecting their stock. "We have to make sure he's getting enough calories and nutrients," he said. "But we can't push too hard. We don't want to disrupt his littlespace."

Jaehyun chopped vegetables beside him, brow furrowed in thought. "There has to be a balance. We'll figure it out."

There was a determination in the set of Yuta's shoulders as he selected items from the pantry, a stubborn resolve mirrored in each member. They would nourish Taeyong, body, and soul. Failure was not an option.

***

At first, the members focused on preparing all of Taeyong's favorite foods, hoping the temptation would entice him to eat more. Tteokbokki, jjajangmyeon, samgyetang - if it was something Taeyong loved, they made it.

But the results were disappointing. Taeyong would take a few small bites, then push the rest around his plate. His eyes would drift, shoulders hunching, retreating back into himself.

The members exchanged frustrated looks across the table. This wasn't working. They needed a new strategy.

As the others cleared dishes from another barely-touched meal, Doyoung paused thoughtfully. "What if we try a baby bottle?" he suggested. "Fill it with some milk and formula - something nutritious but maybe more appealing for his littlespace?"

The members glanced between Doyoung and Taeyong, who sat playing with a stuffed bunny in his lap. It was unconventional, but they were willing to try anything at this point. What mattered was getting Taeyong to accept the nourishment he desperately needed, in whatever form worked.

There were nods all around. It was worth a shot.

***

The kitchen transformed again as the members prepared the baby bottle with care and precision. Measuring and mixing just the right combination of milk and formula, warming it gently. The mundane activity was charged with meaning, each step bringing them closer to potentially helping Taeyong.

Jungwoo held the prepared bottle up to the light, examining it critically before passing it to Jaehyun. "Make sure it's not too hot," he said softly.

Jaehyun tested it on his wrist and nodded. Just right.

They worked in focused silence, exchanging the occasional reassuring smile. This had to work. They refused to consider any alternative.

***

The moment of truth arrived. The members gathered in the living room, baby bottle in hand. Taeyong sat on the floor, playing with his bunny, looking impossibly small and fragile.

Doyoung crouched down beside him. "We have something for you to try, little one," he said gently, holding out the bottle.

Taeyong's eyes went wide, fixed on the bottle. He looked between it and Doyoung uncertainly.

"Go on, give it a taste," Doyoung coaxed. "It's yummy, I promise."

The members held a collective breath as Taeyong took the bottle in his little hands. He studied it curiously before lifting it to his mouth and taking a tentative sip.

There was a pause as Taeyong swallowed, considering. Then his eyes lit up. He took another, deeper sip, nuzzling into Doyoung's side.

The members released a shared sigh of relief, small smiles breaking out. It was working.

***

Buoyed by the success, a new energy filled the dorm. Mealtimes became a team effort, each member doing their part - preparing the baby bottle, coaxing Taeyong to drink.

The baby bottle had become a symbol of hope, a vessel not just for nourishment but for the love and care the members poured into each batch. They took turns feeding Taeyong, offering quiet encouragement and praise.

Each sip he took emboldened them. They were figuring this out, adapting in whatever ways necessary. As long as they worked together, they could overcome any challenge.

But despite the progress, worries still lingered. Holding Taeyong, the members noted how light he still felt, how prominent his bones were. It was better but not enough. Not yet.

Their work was far from done.

***

The days fell into a new routine. Members rotated duties - kitchen, cleaning, Taeyong care. Always attentive to his needs and moods, ready with baby bottle or stuffed animal, blanket or lullaby.

Taeyong grew accustomed to the regular feedings, seeking out his bottle when hungry. The members breathed a little easier with each one finished. Ounces and milliliters turned into grams gained, small victories that fueled them on. 

But there were still moments when Taeyong would go quiet, slipping back into himself. When the ever-present worry crept back in that it wasn't enough. That he was slowly slipping away from them no matter what they did.

In those times, they would gather close and breathe through the fear together. Tomorrow was a new day. They would keep trying.

***

Night fell softly in the dorm, darkness tiptoeing in. Taeyong was asleep in Johnny's arms, features peaceful, the ghost of his usual smile playing about his lips.

The members kept watch over him, orbiting like moons around a planet. Orbiting, but always together.

There was still a long road ahead, but the path seemed clearer now. Each day, each small step brought them closer to their goal - restoring the light and joy they loved in Taeyong.

The baby bottle on the coffee table was a reminder of how far they'd come. Of the bonds nurtured through care and perseverance. Of a love that only grew stronger when tested.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but they would face it as they did everything now - side by side, souls intertwined.

And they would succeed. For Taeyong.