GOING BOARDING HOUSE | SEVENTEEN group chat. (Editing)

Conversations 2

Seungcheol let out a heavy sigh, the weight of the group's unresolved issues bearing down on him. He rubbed his forehead, his fingers massaging the tense muscles that had built up over the past few days. He had been confident that the trip would solve the problems within the group, but now he found himself uncertain about what those problems even were.

His eyes peered ahead, focusing on the boy stomping away in front of him.

"What's with the attitude?" Seungcheol's voice remained calm, as it usually did in such situations. He reached out and gently grabbed Jihoon, stopping the boy from leaving.

"I just don't like any of them," Jihoon mumbled back, his voice tinged with frustration.

"You don't like me too?" Seungcheol raised his eyebrows, the corners of his mouth tugging upwards in a soft smile. He let the small male go, closing the door behind him to ensure their conversation remained private.

"I might as well." Jihoon's lips curled in a faint sneer as he turned around, leaning back against the wall. He crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes flickering to meet Seungcheol's.

Seungcheol's eyes followed the action, noting the tension in Jihoon's posture. He leaned against the wall opposite Jihoon, his body facing the younger boy.

"Come on, what's up?" Seungcheol asked, his voice gentle and coaxing.

Jihoon sighed heavily, his fingers drumming along the surface of his arm in a nervous rhythm. "I don't think any of this is a good idea," he muttered, his eyes focused on the ground.

Seungcheol tilted his head, trying to understand Jihoon's perspective. "The trip? I thought we were past that."

Jihoon shifted uncomfortably, his arms falling to his sides. "So why are you here?"

"This is my room," Seungcheol replied simply.

Jihoon huffed, his brows furrowing in annoyance. "Don't piss me off".

Seungcheol chuckled softly, finding Jihoon's expression amusing despite the attitude. He leaned closer, his hand reaching out to take Jihoon's, the boy's warmth radiating against his skin. "What's wrong?" he asked again, his voice softer.

"Everything," Jihoon replied, his tone full with exasperation.

Seungcheol raised an eyebrow, he brought Jihoon's hand closer, his finger tracing the back of the boy's palm in a soothing motion. "Like?" he prompted.

"This stupid trip. Us. Everything," Jihoon listed, his frustration evident.

Seungcheol nodded thoughtfully, his grip on Jihoon's hand tightening slightly in a gesture of reassurance.

"You're being weird," Jihoon scoffed, his voice quieter now. "Stop doing that."

"Doing what?" Seungcheol teased, his thumb pressing lightly into the boy's skin, trying to elicit a reaction.

"That!" Jihoon exclaimed, his irritation clear.

"You mean this?" Seungcheol repeated the motion, a playful smile forming on his lips.

Jihoon yanked his hand away, his eyes narrowing. "I hate you," he declared, though the words lacked real venom.

"That's not true," Seungcheol laughed, the boy's expression never ceasing to amuse him.

"Seriously, stop it," Jihoon insisted.

Seungcheol finally stopped, his hand resting at his side. He made his way around the spacious room, opening a closet and ruffling through the hangers. He grabbed a white sweater and tossed it towards Jihoon, who caught it in his hands.

"That's yours," Seungcheol said, motioning towards his bed. "You forgot it last night."

Jihoon eyed the sweater in his hand, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "Oh."

Seungcheol turned back to the closet, his hand holding a bunch of hangers. He dropped the items onto his bed before taking a seat beside them. Jihoon watched the scene unfold, his arms still crossed.

"Are you really not going?" Seungcheol asked, breaking the silence.

Jihoon, not bothering to answer, took a step forward. "When did you and Han get so close?" he demanded.

"Hmm?" Seungcheol hummed, his eyes flickering between his closet and the boy.

"You heard me," Jihoon mumbled, fidgeting with the fabric in his hands, his insecurity becoming more apparent.

Seungcheol glanced up, his attention focused on the small boy. He watched him silently, his mind replaying their conversation. He took a deep breath, the weight of the question dawning on him. He was aware that Jihoon was a jealous person—he had always been—but Seungcheol but Seungcheol couldn't help but wonder if the boy's insecurity had something to do with their relationship.

"Jeonghan and I barely know each other," he started slowly, his eyes studying Jihoon's reaction. "Is there something you want to know?"

"You tell me," Jihoon shrugged, his lips pressed into a thin line.

"I don't have anything to say," Seungcheol said, his tone soft and earnest.

"Of course you don't," Jihoon scoffed, his gaze dropping. He shook his head, his feet dragging him out of the bedroom.

"I'm not gonna stop you," Seungcheol called after him, his eyes still fixed on the door. "If he's the reason your mood is sour, you don't have to go."

"I'm not a kid," Jihoon said, his hand grabbing the knob. He turned it open, stepping outside.

Seungcheol walked over to him, his hand gripping the younger's wrist. He leaned closer, his hot breath hitting the side of Jihoon's face. "That's not what I meant," he whispered, his tone low and earnest.

"Then what did you mean?" Jihoon asked, turning slightly to face Seungcheol.

"If you're not comfortable with the idea of him being there, you don't have to go. It's not obligatory, I—" Seungcheol muttered, his thumb stroking the skin beneath it. "I just thought—"

"Stop. I don't need you to baby me," Jihoon interrupted, his tone sharp.

Seungcheol stepped back, his expression blank. He watched Jihoon, his gaze lingering on his figure.

"Jihoon—"

"And stop making it sound like I'm jealous," Jihoon snapped, the anger in his voice unmistakable. "Because I'm not." With that, the door closed shut, leaving a confused Seungcheol alone in his room.

"Hahh... Jihoon," Seungcheol sighed, his hand running down his neck. He didn't bother to hide his disappointment. He was sure he could get through to him, but the boy didn't let him. Once again.