secrets (little taeyong)

Chapter 30

Author's POV

The first rays of dawn streamed through the window, bathing the dorm in a soft, ethereal glow. As the world outside stirred to life, the members began to rouse, ready to face the new day. An air of purpose hung over the group, their resolve evident—caring for their beloved Taeyong had become a collective duty. 

In his room, Doyoung finished dressing and steeled himself for the task ahead. Over the past few days, Taeyong had retreated further into his littlespace, seeking comfort within its confines. Doyoung's heart ached at the memory of Taeyong's vacant eyes, once shining with an effervescent light, now dulled by bone-deep exhaustion.

With care, Doyoung knocked at Taeyong's door, keeping his voice gentle. "Taeyong, it's morning. Time to get up, little one."

Inside, Taeyong shifted under his blankets, squinting against the sunlight filtering through his curtains. Doyoung's smile soothed his bleary gaze. Lately, getting Taeyong out of bed had become an exercise in devotion—requiring an infinite well of patience and dedication.

"Come on now, let's start the day," Doyoung encouraged, offering his hand. 

Taeyong hesitated, leaden limbs weighed down as if he were underwater. The members exchanged worried looks, disheartened, but unsurprised—lately, a pervasive fragility had enveloped their beloved leader. With a shared sense of duty, they surrounded Taeyong's bed. Getting him vertical would be the first win in a longer battle to restore his spark.

Moving as one, they lifted Taeyong from the mattress, holding him steady as he found his footing. Cradled in their arms, some of the strain melted from Taeyong's face. Being carried evoked a primal sense of comfort within his littlespace.

They moved to the dresser, ready for the next step—clothing their little one. In the sanctity of the bedroom, their synergy was a tether binding them together on this odyssey. With care, they bundled Taeyong into his favorite fluffy hooded onesie, the one that had become his armor and security blanket. 

But still, the once cozy fleece hung loose on Taeyong's thinner frame. An uneasy silence filled the space, no jokes or laughter, just the shared awareness of the monumental task ahead—restoring their beloved's light.

Throughout the day, the members worked in united purposes to encourage Taeyong's health. In the kitchen, Doyoung kept his voice gentle but firm for the benefit of their little one. "Taeyong, let's try some yummy fruits and veggies today, okay?" 

Getting Taeyong to embrace healthier habits proved challenging. Though they offered an array of nutritious bites, Taeyong showed little interest, instead seeking comfort from his pacifier. The members exchanged wistful smiles, wishing their bright-eyed boy would enjoy the bounty before him. But they remained stoic for Taeyong, focused on providing stability through this storm.

As afternoon faded to dusk, Taeyong grew increasingly weary, craving the sweet relief of sleep yet unable to succumb to its embrace. The members kept a silent vigil, attuned to his needs, knowing this malaise would not lift overnight. But their devotion never wavered.

Come evening, Taeyong could hardly keep his eyes open, fatigue seeping into his bones. Surrounding him on the couch, the members communicated without words, souls knitted by a shared commitment to their little one. Getting Taeyong to sleep would be the ultimate act of care tonight. 

In the dim bedroom, the members tucked Taeyong under his covers, their hands gently soothing away the last stubborn traces of wakefulness. Caught between realms, Taeyong finally drifted off, features relaxing into sleep. The members released a collective breath, weary but resolved. 

As night deepened, each member reflected on the privilege of caring for someone so uniquely precious. A sacred covenant connected them—no matter how long the road, they would walk it with Taeyong.

Watching over his sleeping form, the members made a silent promise. Through infinite patience and compassion, they would nurture their beloved's fragile spirit until he emerged from this cocoon transformed, wings strengthened to soar.