Tiny captain

1

It was currently 10PM and Hongjoong was, as always, locked up in his studio composing. That was his safety, making music and creating new lyrics, and the leader wouldn't want it any other way. His lyrics were heavily inspired by his life, whether it was days where he was happy or periods of time when he couldn't get himself to smile. His music was everything to him, an escape, a friend, a saviour. And he loved it.

*knock knock*

Hongjoong's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden knock on the studio's door. Quickly the boy got up and checked who was there before letting the person in and closing the door right after

"Hwa, why aren't you asleep?" frowned the younger, seeing the oldest member of his group with a plastic bag hanging on his arm and a lunchbox in his hands.

"I wanted to see you and bring you dinner. I bet you skipped at least two meals today" scolded softly Seonghwa.

A soft growl could be heard from Hongjoong's stomach, making him blush in embarrassment.

Seonghwa fondly chuckled and guided the leader to the small couch in the corner of the room.

"Come on, let hyung feed you" smiled the oldest, opening the lunchbox revealing some steaming ramen with and egg and vegetables around it. It was Hongjoong's favourite, and he was so glad the older brought it for him because he just realized how much he was craving it. However, he wasn't excited for his food like an adult would be.

The tone, the caring, the fact that Seonghwa referred to himself as hyung... were making Hongjoong feeling smaller and smaller.

"Here, you can sit next to me if you want" offered Seonghwa. Hongjoong however had other plans. He had never slipped voluntarily until now, yet he decided that he should just let his little side take over, and blame it on his tiredness the morning after. So that's exactly what he did, sitting on his hyung's laps instead of taking a place next to him. Seonghwa was taken aback by the younger's actions, however once the leader cuddled against his chest he relaxed, wrapping an arm around his friend's frame and feeding him his food that he accepted gladly.

"I also brought you dessert" remembered Seonghwa once Hongjoong was done with his meal. The younger perked up and watched the older ran to the plastic bag he left at the entrance, revealing a pack of Pepero and a carton of chocolate milk. Hongjoong loved chocolate milk so as soon as he saw it he ran to Seonghwa and hugged him tightly to thank him. The oldest chuckled, guiding his friend back to the couch and poking the straw in for him, making Hongjoong feel even smaller, if possible.

"Thank you hyung" smiled politely the boy once the older passed him the drink.

"Careful to not spill any, hm?" reminded Seonghwa, still with that motherly tone that made Hongjoong feel smaller than ever.

Nodding, the younger focused on his drink, letting out a happy hum at the taste. It had been ages since he last had chocolate milk and he almost forgot how good it tasted.

For a few minutes, the two just minded their own business sitting next to each other on the couch. While Hongjoong was enjoying his milk, Seonghwa was dealing with the teasing from the members in the groupchat when he told them he had brought dinner to their leader. It wasn't anything unusual, but those boys just loved to think of the two eldest as mother and father. Which sometimes they had to be, especially when someone was hurt or hyperactive more than usual.

Just as the older had put down his phone, Hongjoong looked at him with tired but sparkly eyes.

"Done" whispered the boy handing him the empty carton.

"Well done. Now let's get going, the others are waiting for us" Hongjoong beamed at the praise while Seonghwa helped him wear his coat, linking their hands together right after. Walking together down the streets of Seoul, the two admired the city view.

"It's so pretty" whispered Hongjoong, mesmerized by the lights.

"They are. Now let's go, we're almost at the dorm" encouraged Seonghwa. Hongjoong however just pouted.

"What do you need Joong?" asked Seonghwa sweetly, though a bit concerned seeing his friend's behaviour.

Hongjoong shook his head and took Seonghwa's hand, starting to walk with him towards their dorm. He didn't want to worry the oldest, so he just kept quiet. Soon enough, they arrived at their destination. Just as Seonghwa was about to knock on the door, Hongjoong stopped him by tugging softly at his jacket.

"What's wrong Joong?" asked Seonghwa, definitely concerned at this point. The younger had barely spoken all evening, which was quite unusual.

"Tired. Up" Hongjoong tried his best to form sentences but he couldn't, so instead he focused on his voice tone, trying to sound like his adult self, which worked surprisingly well. When Seonghwa didn't seem to understand what he wanted, he huffed and made grabby hands towards him.

Seonghwa was speechless. What was happening to his best friend? Hearing a whine he snapped back to reality. Hongjoong was still begging to be picked up, his eyes almost had tears in it. He didn't understand why the younger was acting like he was, but he knew what could make him feel better. Do as he asked. So Seonghwa hesitantly picked his friend up and made sure he was comfortable on his hip, before knocking at the door of the dorm. Luckily, it was Jongho who opened the door.

"Hyung, what's happening?" asked the youngest, surprised to find the leader in the oldest's arms.

"I don't know either Jong. But could you take him to bed? He's exhausted, he clearly isn't thinking right" sighed Seonghwa.

Hongjoong whined when he was passed to Jongho, surprising the youngest. The leader hated acting cute, so why was he doing it all of a sudden? Too much work must've messed up his thinking, thought the maknae, quickly walking towards the halls towards the two eldest's bedroom.

"What's wrong hyung?" asked Jongho hearing another whine. Hongjoong didn't answer, instead grabbing one of Jongho's hands to play with his fingers. The youngest didn't have the courage to stop him, instead watching as the leader played with his rings as if it was the most fascinating game in the world.

At some point Hongjoong yawned, making Jongho chuckle.

"I think it's time for bed" announced the maknae. Hongjoong pouted but allowed Jongho to help him take off his clothes, replacing them with a soft pyjama. When he was all ready for bed, Jongho tucked him in after the older asked him to. Still puzzled, the maknae reached the other members, who were on the couch watching a movie. Seonghwa too had joined them after kicking off his shoes. After Jongho joined, all the seven of them watched a movie while Hongjoong was snuggling in the other room with his favourite plushie. What a day.

1172 words

Author's note

I still haven't designed a cover for this book yet, and I doubt I will soon, but motivation lack lol :/ anyways please let me know what you think of it so far :) it's my first time writing about Ateez and I don't know the group well so if the personalities are a bit inaccurate please let me know!

~Nabi