the airport was packed with cameras and people rushing around to capture footage of NCT 127 at the departure. good thing that they didn't bring Daeun along, as the continuous camera flashes might have scared her. the boys navigated through the bustling crowd, offering polite smiles to the reporters.
once on the plane, they settled into their seats for the few hours flight to Osaka. few minutes into the journey, Mark found himself staring out the window, his thoughts drifting back to Daeun. despite knowing she's in good hands, he couldn't help but worry. Doyoung noticed his distracted gaze and leaned over from his seat.
"she'll be okay, Mark. they've been taking care of her since day one—they're experts at this point," the older reassured him, his voice calm and confident.
the younger sighed, running a hand through his hair. "i know, but..i can't help it. it's the first time we've been away from her for this long."
Doyoung nodded in understanding. "it's natural to worry. but think about how happy she'll be when we come back with gifts for her? she'll be like "appa appa this one" "dodi open this one". and she would be really happy. "
Mark smiled at the thought. "yeah, that's right too. think i should look forward to coming home then."
-
back at the dorm, the Dreamies had settled into a routine with Daeun, doing their best to make her feel loved in Mark and Haechan's absence. on the second night without them, she's slowly adjusting, her teary calls for her appas gradually fading. though she wasn't her usual energetic self, her mood had improved from the first day.
Jisung noticed her quietly watching one of Haechan's fancams on TV, a familiar sight lately. whenever someone tried to change the channel, she'd get upset, so they let her watch as much as she wanted.
Renjun, who's always at the dorm, knew how much she missed her two appas. each night, she'd clutch Mark's black shirt while watching Dino ABC on YouTube, calling out, "appa, appa," as if hoping they'd walk through the door any moment.
over the next few days, everyone pulled together to keep her entertained. Jeno went all out, showing her different toys and playing various games. Jaemin read her bedtime stories with silly voices that never failed to make her giggle. Chenle even brought Daegal over, the little fluffy dog helping to lift her spirits with playful antics.
that afternoon, they decided to take Daeun to the park, hoping the fresh air and a change of scenery would brighten her mood. Jisung pushed her gently on the swings while Renjun and Jaemin played tag, their laughter filling the air as they ran around with her.
when they returned to the dorm, it was time for dinner. Jaemin whipped up a simple yet delicious meal, and they gathered around the table. Daeun, looking more relaxed than she had since Mark and Haechan left, seemed happy and content.
as bedtime approached, they followed the routine that had become familiar: Jaemin tucked her in, and read her a bedtime story. this time, she fell asleep more easily, her little hand clutching her blanket as she drifted off, reassured by the presence of her other appas.
"she did well today," Jeno said, a proud smile on his face as they all quietly left her room.
"yeah, she's getting used to it," Jaemin added with a look of relief.
-
as they finished their schedule for the day, Mark opened the group chat to find a flood of pictures and videos from the members. he smiled as he saw Daeun making cookies, playing at the park, and—most heartwarming of all—a video of her watching fancams.
"she looks happy," Mark said, showing the updates in their group chat to Haechan.
as they settled into their hotel room, Mark found a moment to video call the dorm. when Daeun's face appeared on the screen, her eyes lit up, and her tiny hands reached out as if she could touch them through the phone.
"appa!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.
Mark grinned at the sight of her. "hey, pretty one. are you being good for the appas?" his heart swelled as she nodded enthusiastically.
"we made cookies!" she chirped, beaming with pride.
Haechan leaned over to join the call, waving at the screen. "Daeun-ssi, did you save any cookies for us?"
Daeun giggled, shaking her head with a cheeky smile. "we ate them all!"
"that's okay. we'll make more when we get back," Haechan said, his eyes softening as he looked at her.
"she made a 'Welcome Home' banner for you guys," Jisung said when the phone was passed over. "it's really really cute."
Mark smiled, his heart swelling with love. "i can't wait to see it. give her a hug from me, Jisung-ah"
"we will," Jaemin promised. "and don't worry, she's doing great. we're keeping her busy and happy."
after ending the call, Mark and Haechan felt a mix of relief and longing. knowing that Daeun was happy and well-cared for was a comfort, but they missed her presence terribly.
