Always Seven // Xdinary Heroes 7th Member

ׂ╰┈➤ part 6.

I.

As Jiseok and Jooyeon got back to the practice room, the members sat up straighter, their eyes filled with anticipation and concern, expecting to see Minhee with them. However, when they entered the room alone, the collective sigh of disappointment and frustration was almost audible. The weight of the situation pressed down on everyone, and the realization that Minhee was still hurting and unwilling to face them added to their own sense of guilt and helplessness. 

Seungmin decided to take action. He pulled out his phone and dialed Minhee's number, his heart pounding as he waited for her to pick up. The seconds felt like hours, and just as he was about to give up, she answered, her voice soft and hoarse from crying. "Minhee, it's Seungmin," he said gently, trying to keep his voice steady despite the turmoil he felt inside. 

He could hear the faint sound of her sniffling on the other end, and it broke his heart. "Baby, are you okay?" he asked instinctively, the callsign slipping out naturally. It was a term of endearment that had been circulating among them recently as they grew closer and more comfortable with their relationships. 

There was a brief pause before Minhee responded with a quiet hum, a non-committal sound that conveyed her distress more than any words could. Seungmin sighed, the sound heavy with his own frustration and concern. He wanted to be there for her, to comfort her, but he knew she needed space. "We're all heading home," Seungmin told her softly. "Everyone's tired and we need to rest. What time do you think you'll be home?" 

There was a long silence on the other end, and Seungmin could almost picture Minhee sitting in the dimly lit producing room, struggling with her emotions. "I... don't know," she finally replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Seungmin pursed his lips, feeling a pang of worry. "Okay," he said gently. "Just text me when you know, alright? I love you." 

There was another pause, and then Minhee's voice, soft and fragile, came through the line, "I love you too." The call ended with a click, and Seungmin stood there for a moment, staring at his phone, his mind racing with thoughts and emotions. The other members watched him anxiously, waiting for any news or reassurance. 

"She's still in the producing room," Seungmin said finally, his voice heavy with worry. "She's not ready to come home yet." Hyeongjun sighed, running a hand through his hair. "This is all so messed up," he muttered, frustration evident in his tone. Jungsu nodded in agreement, his expression grim. "We just need to give her some time," he said. "She's strong, but everyone has their breaking point." 

II.

Jooyeon, who had been sitting silently, looked up, guilt etched on his face. "I really messed up, didn't I?" he said quietly. "I didn't mean to hurt her like this." Seungmin turned to him, his eyes filled with a mix of sympathy and reproach. "We know, Jooyeon," he said. "But you need to understand that words can cut deeper than anything. We have to be careful with each other, especially when we're all under so much pressure." 

Jooyeon nodded, his expression one of deep regret. "I just... I don't know what to do to make it right," he admitted. "I feel so helpless." Hyeongjun put a reassuring hand on Jooyeon's shoulder. "The first step is understanding the impact of what you said. The next step is showing her that you're truly sorry. Actions speak louder than words, remember that." 

Jiseok, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "We all need to support Minhee, not just Jooyeon. This is a team effort. We need to show her that we're here for her, no matter what." There was a collective murmur of agreement, and for the first time since the incident, a sense of unity began to reemerge. Seungmin took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering worry. "Alright," he said, trying to inject some positivity into his voice.