secrets (little taeyong)

Chapter 28

Author's POV

The winter chill had settled into the dorms, seeping through the windows and creeping along the floors. Taeyong sat curled up on the couch, wrapped in a thin blanket that did little to keep the cold at bay. He shivered slightly, hands tucked into the blanket in a futile attempt to warm his fingers.

The other members cast worried glances in his direction as they went about their evening routines. Taeyong had been growing more frail, and it seemed the bitter cold only made his condition worse. He spent most days bundled up indoors, but even the shelter of the dorm couldn't completely protect him from the icy grip of winter.

Jaehyun watched Taeyong with a contemplative eye. He knew they had to do something more to keep their little one warm. As he tidied up the room, an idea began to form. Making his way to the hall closet, he rummaged around until his fingers met soft fleece.

Gently, he extracted the fluffy onesie from the closet depths. It was a recent purchase - a whimsical winter onesie covered in rainbows and stars. He'd bought it on a whim, imagining how delighted their little one would be to be wrapped up in something so soft and cozy.

Now, he hoped it might bring some much-needed warmth and comfort.

Jaehyun approached the couch, onesie in hand. "Hey, little one," he murmured. "Let's get you into something warmer, okay?"

Taeyong glanced up, eyes lighting up at the sight of the fluffy outfit. He nodded eagerly, already unwinding himself from the thin blanket.

Jaehyun helped him to his feet, steadying him gently as a bout of dizziness momentarily overtook him. Concern washed over Jaehyun at this newest sign of Taeyong's deteriorating health. But he kept his expression neutral, not wanting to alarm the little one.

Piece by piece, he helped Taeyong into the onesie, adjusting it carefully and making sure no sliver of skin was left exposed to the cold air. As he zipped it up and flipped the hood over Taeyong's hair, Jaehyun couldn't help but notice how baggy it was on Taeyong's thinning frame. The sight made his heart ache, even as he smiled and declared, "There! Nice and cozy."

Taeyong snuggled happily into the onesie, clearly delighting in its soft fleece interior. He padded over to the full-length mirror by the door, admiring his reflection. The onesie dwarfed him, the fabric engulfing his delicate limbs, but the joy was evident on his face.

Jaehyun watched fondly, wishing he could freeze this moment of simple contentment. But the worry still gnawed at him, the onesie only underscoring just how much weight Taeyong had lost.

Doyoung appeared in the doorway, taking in the scene. His eyes met Jaehyun's, a silent exchange passing between them. Doyoung's mouth pressed into a grim line as his gaze drifted to Taeyong. It seemed the onesie had brought a small measure of delight, but had also laid bare the true extent of their little one's deterioration.

Winter's chill was sinking deeper into Taeyong's bones, and they needed to find ways to nourish him back to health.

Doyoung retreated to the kitchen, mind turning over ideas. As evening descended, the scent of simmering broth and sizzling meat began to waft through the dorms. Taeyong's eyes lit up at the familiar smells - Doyoung was making his favorite meal, a recipe from their childhood.

Soon, Doyoung's voice rang out, warm and enticing, "Taeyongie, dinner is ready!"

Drawn by the mouthwatering aromas, Taeyong padded to the kitchen in his fluffy onesie. The members were already gathered around the table, steam rising temptingly from their bowls. Taeyong slid into his usual seat, gazing at the spread with interest.

Doyoung heaped a generous portion into his bowl, hoping the nostalgic flavors might spark his appetite. Taeyong picked up his spoon, taking a small, hesitant bite. The members watched him closely, barely breathing, hoping, praying he would continue.

After a thoughtful pause, Taeyong took another bite, then another. A collective breath of relief whispered around the table. But they knew the hardest part was yet to come.

As the meal progressed, it became clear Taeyong was having trouble feeding himself properly. The oversized onesie sleeves kept slipping over his hands, making it difficult to grasp his utensils.

Without a word, Doyoung shifted closer, gently prying the spoon and chopsticks from Taeyong's hands. "Here, let me help you," he murmured. Taeyong relinquished them easily, trusting Doyoung to care for him.

The members kept up light, cheerful chatter, not wanting Taeyong to feel self-conscious. But their eyes tracked each bite as Doyoung patiently fed their little one. Too much had already been lost; they could not afford to lose any more.

Taeyong, cradled in the soft fleece of the onesie, let Doyoung guide each steaming mouthful. The familiar flavors seemed to kindle something in him, and he willingly accepted bite after bite.

After the last morsels had been cleaned from the plates, a quiet sense of accomplishment filled the kitchen. The first battle had been hard fought, but won. Taeyong was nourished, at least for tonight.

They still had a long road ahead. But wrapped in the fluffy onesie, surrounded by his caring caregivers, a small flame of resilience had been rekindled in Taeyong.

The winter chill was harsh, but they would weather it together.