Left Out Friend

Control?

"Sunooyah~ come on, let's play one more game!"

Eunwoo whined, gripping the younger's wrist and tugging him toward the massive Zombie Apocalypse War Machine screen. His eyes sparkled with amusement, watching Sunoo's visible reluctance. Even with their masks on, he could clearly see the way Sunoo's brows furrowed in protest.

"Hyung, no!" Sunoo whined, his voice bordering on desperate as he yanked his hand back. "I'm not playing that again!" His lips jutted into a pout, and he took a step away as if that would stop Eunwoo from dragging him back.

Eunwoo chuckled. He found Sunoo's reactions entertaining-it reminded him so much of his younger brother back home. "Oh, come on, it wasn't that bad," he teased, crossing his arms.

Sunoo shot him a glare. "Not that bad?" His voice rose slightly, scandalized. "You saw me, hyung! I almost threw my phone when that zombie jumped out of nowhere!" His whole body shivered at the memory. He absolutely hated jump scares, and the game's enormous screen made it ten times worse. He could still feel the way his heart had nearly leaped out of his chest each time a zombie lunged at them.

Eunwoo smirked, placing a hand on his hip. "So you're scared of zombies but not horror movies?" he mused, clearly enjoying Sunoo's distress.

"Movies don't attack me in real life," Sunoo deadpanned. Then, before Eunwoo could tease him further, he clutched onto the elder's sleeve, swaying it slightly as he switched tactics. "Hyuuung~" he dragged out in the sweetest voice he could muster, batting his lashes for extra effect. "Let's go play the claw machine, pleaaase~"

Eunwoo narrowed his eyes, already seeing where this was going.

Sunoo tightened his hold, tilting his head for dramatic effect. "Please win me that foxy stuffed toy~"

The older let out an exaggerated sigh, shaking his head in defeat. "You're dangerous," he muttered under his breath, finally giving in. "Fine, let's go."

Sunoo literally bounced in excitement, his eyes shining as he eagerly pulled Eunwoo towards the claw machine section. He had been trying to get Eunwoo to play this since they arrived, but the elder kept conveniently choosing other games.

"I swear, if I waste all my money trying to get that toy for you, you better treat me to dinner," Eunwoo muttered, already fishing for coins.

"I will! I'll even post it on my Twitter if you win it for me!" Sunoo promised, flashing his best grin.

-Time skip-

Seven failed attempts later, Eunwoo finally managed to grab the foxy plushie, and Sunoo exploded with joy.

"AHHH! You got it! You actually got it!" Sunoo practically tackled the older in excitement, hugging the plushie to his chest like it was the most precious thing in the world. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" His voice was muffled against the plush, but his happiness was infectious.

Eunwoo simply smiled at his antics, shaking his head fondly. "You're like a little kid, I swear."

Sunoo ignored him, already pulling out his phone.

@sunshinee_🌞💛 [posted a photo]
Thank you, hyung!! Another fox in the family is added! [Photo]

Sunoo grinned at the post. "Done! So cute!"

***

Later that evening, after an hour of playing, they finally decided to grab dinner. Of course, being idols, they opted for a VIP section, away from prying eyes. Sunoo happily chatted about their games, but deep down, a growing sense of unease gnawed at him.

A message from his group chat had arrived earlier.

[Enhypen]
9:20 PM

Heeseung:
Sunoo. Come back to the dorm.
Now.

Jungwon:
Where are you?

Sunoo bit his lip, feeling his chest tighten. The tone of their messages was different-colder, harsher. It wasn't the usual playful banter or concern. They were mad. But why?

He had asked for permission from their manager before going out, so what was the issue?

Eunwoo, ever observant, noticed the younger's change in demeanor. "Hey," he called out gently, setting down his drink. "You okay?"

Sunoo forced a small smile. "Yeah," he lied. "Just... tired."

Eunwoo gave him a knowing look. "It's about the group chat, isn't it?"

Sunoo hesitated but eventually nodded. "They seem mad at me, but I don't know why."

Eunwoo leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "You asked your manager for permission, right?"

"Yeah."

"Then you have nothing to worry about," Eunwoo assured. "You're allowed to have a life outside of practice, Sunoo." His voice was gentle yet firm. "They shouldn't control your every move."

Sunoo exhaled shakily, nodding, but deep down, he still felt nervous.

***

Back at the Dorm, when Sunoo stepped inside, the air felt heavy.

The living room lights were dim, and only three members-Heeseung, Jay, and Jungwon-were waiting for him. The others were nowhere to be seen.

Heeseung was the first to speak. "Where have you been?" His voice was eerily calm, but Sunoo could sense the tension beneath it.

He shifted uncomfortably. "I... I was at the mall," he answered cautiously. "I asked our manager for permission before leaving."

Jungwon took a step closer. "With who?"

Sunoo blinked at the strange question. "With Eunwoo hyung," he admitted. "He invited me to hang around." His brows knitted together. "Why are you guys acting like this?"

Jay let out a sharp chuckle, crossing his arms. His next words came out in English-his tone biting. "Aren't you supposed to be in the practice room?"

Sunoo tensed. He understood every word.

"What...?" His voice wavered.

Jungwon's expression darkened. "Three days of break should've been enough for you to rest. Are you even taking your job seriously?"

Sunoo's stomach twisted.

Jay scoffed. "You seem too relaxed for someone who's constantly being called 'lazy' by haters."

Each word felt like a slap.

Sunoo took a shaky breath, his vision blurring. Their words struck deep because he believed them. Were they right? Had he been too careless?

A tear slipped down his cheek. He quickly wiped it away. "I'm sorry..." His voice was barely above a whisper.

Heeseung, who had been quiet, finally let out a sigh before walking out of the room. Jungwon hesitated for a moment before stepping closer, wrapping his arms around Sunoo in an attempt to comfort him.

"I'm sorry," he murmured.

But the damage was already done.

Jay, however, merely shook his head in disappointment and left without another word.

***

@sunshinee_🌞💛 [posted a photo]

Thank you, hyung!! Another fox in the family is added! [Photo]

347,928 likes
47,928 comments

@sulli_meh omg!! So cute!!
@ksksj_123 wait... who's hyung?
@heyooo doesn't matter! But which friend??
@kamsh_bush ew such a childish 🙄
@foxy_sunshine replied: what are you doing here? Trash should be in the garbage.
@usrr1282 😆 Maybe it's Jay because he loves spoiling him. 🤣🤣
@jennywife replied to @usrr1282 No, it's Sunghoon since he always mentions that he loves his foxy eyes!
@davekent👀 replied to @jennywife It's Jake. Don't ask me why.
@mamamiyah How can I be Sunoo?

Sunoo stared at the comments. A bittersweet smile formed on his lips.

Even online, people had opinions.

But this time... he didn't feel like defending himself.

To be continued...