Starting New 《JeongCheol》

Six

Mingyu and Wonwoo chose to stay behind with Vernon and Seungkwan. So Seungcheol, accompanied by only Jeonghan, made their way to the den where the Betas resided.

Entering the den, they found Joshua, Minghao, and Dino gathered around, engaged in quiet conversation. Joshua's eyes lit up as he spotted Jeonghan.

"Jeonghan!" Joshua exclaimed, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Hi Joshua." Jeonghan smiled before turning to his other beta's. "Minghao, Dino. I have someone who I'd like you to meet." Jeonghan said.

"This is Seungcheol," Jeonghan introduced.

Seungcheol nodded in acknowledgment, his attention drawn to Dino, who seemed to shrink under his gaze. "It's nice to meet you all," Seungcheol said with a smile.

Joshua, wanting to be respectful, got up off the rug. "Likewise, Seungcheol. We've heard a lot about you." He said with a polite smile.

Minghao inclined his head respectfully, but Dino remained silent, his gaze fixed on Seungcheol with a look of uncertainty.

Seungcheol met their greetings with a warm smile, but his eyes narrowed slightly as he noticed the muzzle adorning Dino's face. He turned to Jeonghan, a silent question in his eyes.

Jeonghan's expression saddened, "Dino was forced to wear the muzzle by the elder council. They believed it's necessary because he's the youngest wolf." Jeonghan explained quietly.

"Your past leader didn't do anything about that?" Seungcheol asked as Jeonghan shook his head.

"No, he wouldn't dare go against the elders." Jeonghan admitted as Seungcheol's jaw tightened with displeasure, but he maintained his composure.

"Dino," he addressed softly, his tone gentle, "May I ask, why are you wearing that?" He asked.

Dino's eyes widened with fear, and he shifted uncomfortably under Seungcheol's gaze. "I-I'm sorry," he stammered, his voice muffled by the muzzle.

"I-I was told to wear it... I don't want any trouble..." He said.

Seungcheol's heart ached at Dino's obvious distress. He knelt down in front of him, meeting his eyes with a reassuring gaze. "You don't have to be afraid, Dino," he said gently.

"I'm not here to hurt you. And you shouldn't have to wear this if you don't want to." Seungcheol added.

Dino's eyes widened in disbelief, disbelief mingling with hope. "B-but the elders..."

"I'll speak to the elders. No one should be forced to wear something against their will." Seungcheol said clearly.

Jeonghan's eyes softened as he witnessed the scene unfolding infront of him Seungcheol's compassion.

"I won't force you to take it off," Seungcheol said. "But I want you to know that you have a choice now. You can decide when you're ready."

Dino's eyes brimmed with tears as he slowly reached up and began to unfasten the straps of the muzzle, his hands trembling.

As Dino finally removed the muzzle, his breath came in shallow gasps as a sense of hope flickered in his eyes - a belief that maybe, just maybe, things could be different now.

"Thank you." Dino said queitly as Seungcheol took the muzzle from the youngest, easily crushing the metal in his grip.

"You won't be needing this ever again, I can guarantee." Seungcheol said as he rose to his feet.

"I will be talking to the elders as soon as possible about this, and any other concerns you have." Seungcheol said to the others, who could only nod.

As they continued their conversation shortly after, Seungcheol made a silent vow to protect and defend this pack, no matter the challenges they faced.