Unexpected: Before Ateez

Chapter 2: the journey begins

TW//: vulgar language, mentions of abuse, teen pregnancy, transphobic language.

•
•
•

The members had decided to go to the KQ building together to speak to the CEO; Hongjoong had wanted to stay home but they needed proof of the slap, a red hand print still prominent on the small boys face. The vehicle remained silent the whole time Yunho drove; no one knew what to say, no one knew what to do, all they knew was that their leader needed them now more than ever.

"You know..we don't debut for 10 months. That's plenty of time to have your baby and sort things out." It was Jongho that surprisingly broke the silence. Seonghwa smiled warmly, his arm around his boyfriend who'd dozed off. "We know, I just...I feel bad because it's my fault he's pregnant. I shouldn't have listened to him when he insisted that the testosterone would make it hard for him to get pregnant. We knew the chance was there." , "that's not either of your faults. Hongjoong just happened to fall in that percentage of trans men that can get pregnant." San placed a hand on his Hyung's shoulder to offer comfort. "He's right, you two are going to be parents, and if the company doesn't like that and kicks you both out then we're leaving too." Wooyoung sounded confident, it made everyone feel more at ease as they agreed.

"Thanks guys, let's wait to see what the ceo says first. He was very supportive of Hongjoong's transition. But this is a human life we're talking about." The members nodded in agreement, staying silent the rest of the way. Arriving at the building it seemed their manager had beat them to it; the ceo standing in front of the building listening to whatever the man was yelling about, rolling down the window Yunho listened carefully.

"If you wouldn't have let that fucking tranny join the team you wouldn't be dealing with a pregnant idol under your belt!" The man spat, the CEO shook his head in disgust. "Hongjoong's a good kid, and there's nothing wrong with him being transgender. As for the pregnancy, that's up to him if he wants to terminate or carry to term. It's his body, and Seonghwa has just as much of a say in the matter. I'm assuming he's the father, and I'd rather speak to the group themselves about this." The members watched closely, not noticing their leader had woken up with a start. "Does anyone have a bag? I'm gonna puke." His hand clamped over his mouth. "No, we-" Hongjoong didn't care to hear the rest, throwing the door open to get out and run over to a public dumpster. Seonghwa getting out behind him and rushing over.

"Let's go, before someone sees him." The rest of the members got out of the car, all huddling around the sick boy to hide him from anyone that might be lurking around. Seonghwa gently rubbed his boyfriend's back as he finished up, the smaller male standing up properly to wipe his mouth. "Thanks guys. I appreciate it." The sound of footsteps caught their attention; quickly turning around they came face to face with their CEO, "hello boys. I was just wanting to see you. Hongjoong and Seonghwa especially." The young couple swallowed, hand in hand now. "Look we're sorry...we know we shouldn't have fooled around without protection and-" , "I'm not upset. In fact I'm willing to pay for all of the prenatal care your baby needs. That is if you are planning on having your baby Hongjoong."

Wooyoung moved to speak; but Hongjoong beat him to it, "I may be nineteen but I know for sure I want to have my baby." Seonghwa nodded in agreement. "We know teen pregnancy isn't ideal, and we know as idols that our baby will need proper care. But we're willing to do whatever it takes." The other members nodded in agreement. "You're right about all of that, Hongjoong. Seonghwa. May I suggest once the pregnancy hits seven months you both go on an extended break until after the baby is born. Then come back before debut?" Hongjoong wouldn't be healed by then. There was no way they could debut in September so..."let's push our debut back to October!" Wooyoung blurted out, "he won't be ready by then! October he'll be more healed and ready." Hongjoong's eyes were wide, Wooyoung had more of a brain than he did in that moment.