𝕃𝕚𝕞𝕓𝕠 [LEE KNOW]

15

Overwhelmed

When Minho risked everything as he left Bighit and entered JYP, he did not have many expectations. He always wanted to be a singer, that was something he was sure of for himself, and he would do whatever it takes to be one.

He became a backup dancer for a popular boy group for a good few years before deciding to be an idol himself. He auditioned for JYP entertainment and passed, much to his surprise and astonishment.

Despite being older than some of the trainees, he was their junior when it comes to training periods. However, even though he was their junior, the other trainees treated him with respect. His knowledge of dancing was enough to impress him.

He was a popular trainee, to say the least. His looks got the first impression, but his dancing made his reputation. He did not aim to become a famous trainee. It just happened that he caught their attention.

When he passed the iconic JYP dance within the span of two weeks, his name can be heard amongst the other trainees for the following weeks to come. Those weeks turned to months and soon they became years. He couldn't blame them. He broke Hirai Momo's records of three months into two weeks. That was something impressive.

"Did you know? I heard Chris was looking for trainees to include in his boy group."

"Really? He deserved the privilege. He's been training for a long time?"

When Minho heard the rumors, he could not almost believe his ears. Of course, he knew who Chris is. His team would win most of the time during monthly evaluations and there were several rumors about him being JYP's son. Not to add the fact that those rumors say he is extremely scary and intimidating.

Minho shrugged those rumors off, not even hoping or dreaming of being chosen by Chris. He's been a trainee for way shorter time than the others and he doubt he is as talented as the others.

However, he was soon proven wrong when the man himself approached him. "What do you say?" Chris asked.

"I've only been training for a short time. You sure you want me to join?" He asked again. He did not want to become a burden or a nuisance to the others.

Chris nodded. "I've seen the way you dance, Minho. I'm not saying that Felix and Hyunjin are bad dancers. It's just- the two of them dance to impress and prove themselves. When I saw you lead and teach the others, you dance more about techniques, and I can see your knowledge about dancing."

Minho raised a brow at him, urging the man to continue speaking.

"Even though the seven others really trust me to be their leader, I think we would really need a dance leader. And that is you, Minho."

Silence filled for a few seconds before Minho finally nodded. "Okay, Chris." He answered.

Chris smiled at him. "Chan hyung, Minho. Call me hyung. After all, I'll be your only hyung in this group."

Just like that, Minho became the last stray kid.

Minho always tried hard to catch up with the others. Most of them have already trained for years and in his case, he was only training for weeks before he entered the survival show. He knew he had a lot lacking and he worked hard to improve them.

When he got eliminated, he trained harder than ever. He began to take lessons outside of the company, especially for his vocals. When he was told about his 'weak' vocals, it took a huge toll on his self-esteem and decided to take matters into his own hands.

He did not want to ask for help. He was the second oldest and he shouldn't be bothering the young ones. He also did not want to bother his Chan hyung knowing that the older is probably as busy as it is.

When they finally debuted as eight, Minho couldn't be happier. He was surrounded by members he adores and was finally a step closer to his dream. It still did not remove the feeling that he was lacking among the others, but it was enough for him.

"Hyung, why do you always wear that ring?" Jeongin asked during their dinner.

Ever since the group has split into two dorms, it seems as if their dinners have become less chaotic and could talk about normal things. Minho wouldn't mind the chaos if it meant his members were complete.

Minho lifted his hand and stared at the ring. For the past few years, there are times he tends to forget the fact that he was wearing the ring for years. It seemed so natural and so comfortable in his fingers. It felt like home, and he did not want to ever lose it.

"I think I've seen hyung wear that since we were trainees." Felix added.

"That's because he's been wearing that since we were trainees." Seungmin confirmed.

Minho decided to tease them to avoid getting flustered. "You pay attention to me, Seungminnie?" He asked the younger one, his eyes being filled with a mischievous glint.

Seungmin just rolled his eyes and chuckled. "Go eat, hyung."

"Hyung when will you release the song you made? Hyunjin hyung kept bothering me for updates." Felix asked. "Hannie also said he really likes it."

"The song hyung recently made?" Jeongin asked.

Minho's brows furrowed. "What do you mean recent? I made it like six? five? years ago."

They let out dramatic gasps. "So why were you hiding it, hyung? I really like it and the lyrics sound painful." Seungmin spoke.

Minho just smiled before cleaning up and going to his room.

Once he was in the privacy of his room, he let out a shaky breath. Earlier that day, he kept seeing comments regarding his talents as an idol. He kept seeing comparison videos.

Minho knew he was insecure.

He wasn't as good as Chan, he can't rap like Changbin, he doesn't have the same stage presence as Hyunjin, he isn't as talented as Han, he doesn't have the unique voice Felix has, his voice isn't as sweet as Seungmin's and his skills aren't as good as Jeongin's.

"Take some time to visit, Blue. The space is still a safe space for dancers. After all, you're a dancer, aren't you?"

Taemin's voice rung inside his ear as he waited for the others to sleep before leaving their apartment.

a/n: it still baffles me that Minho only trained for weeks before filming the survival show. The poor boy was 'competing' against trainees who have been training for literal years:((