Always Seven // Xdinary Heroes 7th Member

ׂ╰┈➤ part 32.

I.

After yet another endless day of practice at the company, the boys and Minhee began packing their bags, the exhaustion of their grueling schedule evident in their slow, deliberate movements. The practice room, which had been buzzing with energy and music just moments before, now felt subdued, the only sounds the rustle of bags and the occasional soft conversation. 

Minhee watched her bandmates with a sense of determination welling up inside her. Unlike the rest, she had other plans in mind for the evening. As she secured her bass and adjusted her bag, she couldn't shake the feeling that she needed to put in more work, to hone her bass lines and riffs that her teacher had specifically told her to practice. 

Jiseok, ever observant, noticed her lingering by her equipment, her fingers absentmindedly running over the frets of her bass. His concern was palpable as he approached her, his steps slow and hesitant. "Minhee, are you planning to stay back?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry and skepticism. 

Minhee looked up from her bass, her eyes meeting his with a reassuring smile. "Yeah, I need to work on these bass lines and riffs. My teacher said I need more practice," she explained, trying to keep her tone light and confident to ease his concerns. 

However, Jiseok had always been protective of her, and his skepticism was not easily assuaged. Jiseok's brows furrowed, his worry deepening as he searched her face for any signs of exhaustion or strain. "Are you sure you're okay? You've been pushing yourself really hard today," he said, his voice laced with genuine concern. 

Minhee couldn't help but feel touched by his worry. She laughed softly, shaking her head. "I'm really okay, Jiseok-Oppa. I promise. I just need some alone time to focus. Plus, it helps me relax," she reassured him, her smile growing wider at the sight of his skeptical expression. 

Despite his reservations, Jiseok let out a sigh and decided to let it go. He knew that Minhee valued her practice time and sometimes needed space to work through her thoughts and music alone. "Alright, but don't overdo it, okay? We need you well-rested too," he said, giving her a small smile as he reluctantly accepted her decision. 

One by one, the other members began to bid Minhee goodbye, their tired faces softening into affectionate smiles as they approached her. Each of them offered her words of caution and encouragement, their concern for her well-being evident in their gestures and expressions. 

II.

Jungsu was the first to step forward, wrapping her in a quick hug. "Don't stay here too late, Minhee. We all need our rest," he said, his voice gentle but firm. Jooyeon followed, planting a light kiss on her cheek. "Be home before 1 AM, you have school," he reminded her, his tone playful yet serious.

Gunil and Seungmin added their own remarks, each one laced with care and a touch of humor. "Good night, Minhee. Go straight to bed when you get home," Gunil said, his eyes crinkling with a smile. Minhee couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt mixed with warmth at their concern. 

It meant the world to her that they cared so much, even if it sometimes felt overwhelming. Seungmin was the last to approach, his steps slow and reluctant. He enveloped her in the tightest hug yet, his arms wrapping around her as if he could shield her from the world. "I won't go to sleep until you come home," he murmured into her hair, his voice thick with protectiveness. 

Minhee sighed, pulling back slightly to look up at him. "No, Oppa, I swear, just go to sleep. I'm fine," she insisted, trying to sound more convincing than she felt. Seungmin's frown deepened, his reluctance clear in his eyes.