Minghao's soft spot for Vernon is a little too obvious to others.
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Minghao's soft spot for Vernon is practically an open secret among the people around them, though it's something neither of them would ever admit out loud.
To anyone paying close attention, it's hard not to notice the way Minghao's expression softens whenever Vernon enters the room, or the subtle shift in his demeanor, like he becomes just a little more present.
Even in the middle of group conversations, Minghao's eyes will often dart over to Vernon, checking on him as if he's silently reassuring himself that Vernon is still there, still okay.
His hands, usually so poised and precise, will falter just a fraction when he's handing something to Vernon, always just a little more gentle, a little more careful.
To Minghao, Vernon isn't just a friend or bandmate; he's something else entirely, though Minghao would never put it into words, not unless the moment was right.
He's protective, not out of obligation, but out of this unspoken desire to keep Vernon close, to be his silent supporter in a way that only Minghao can.
Vernon, for his part, is blissfully unaware of how his presence has such a profound effect on Minghao.
He's too easy-going, too carefree, to notice how Minghao watches him when he thinks no one is looking.
When Minghao does something for him, picks up his dropped pen, ties his shoelaces without hesitation, or even just cracks a smile at him, it's always done with a quiet affection that Vernon, in all his obliviousness, might mistake for a gesture of casual friendship.
But it's there, in the little things; the way Minghao always remembers Vernon's favorite snacks even when everyone else forgets, the way he insists on carrying Vernon's things without complaint, the way he always seems to appear at the right moment, ready to offer support, whether that's in the form of a word of encouragement or just a knowing look.
Even the other members have started to notice, though they have yet to call it out.
And then there's the way Minghao speaks to Vernon, his tone softer, quieter, like he's speaking to someone precious.
It's not as though he doesn't care about the rest of the group; Minghao has a deep affection for all of them, but there's something about Vernon that makes him a little more attentive, a little more tuned in.
Vernon's laugh, for instance, always draws the brightest smile from Minghao, even on days when he's tired or frustrated, and when Vernon clumsily stumbles through something, Minghao will always offer a reassuring word with a warmth that seems to go unnoticed.
But perhaps the most telling moment, the one that sealed Minghao's soft spot for Vernon for everyone else to see, came during a quiet evening in the practice room.
