Fluffy SKZ Oneshots EP.2🧸

Bubble🍼

Little: Jeongin
Caregiver: Chan

No one’s POV.:
Being the youngest was certainly not the position Jeongin had seen himself in when he auditioned to be an idol. He had grown up as an older sibling and wasn’t used to be the baby among his group of friends either. Not that he’d complain about the affection he received from the members but he occasionally felt like they underestimated him and he didn’t always want to be fawned over, he’d rather be talked to on eye-level. Besides, the affection did pose some problems for Jeongin, especially in a work setting. It was always risky because it could trigger the maknae’s littlespace, which would be a death sentence for his reputation if it happened at the company or in front of fans.

Jeongin didn’t want to show his little-side in front of the members either though, afraid they would underestimate him even more than they already did. He was more than capable and did not want to show his hyungs any weakness that might make the think otherwise. Having his own bedroom made it a lot easier because he finally had a safe place to slip without anyone knowing and even had a drawer in his closet, containing his littlegear. In a way, Jeongin was also lucky to be sharing an apartment with Chan, who spent a lot of time at the studio or worked in his room with headphones on, completely oblivious to the maknae’s quirk.

Sometimes, being little on his own felt so incredibly lonely to Jeongin but he didn’t trust his friends not to belittle him if they knew, so he figured being lonely on occasion was still better than being belittled all the time. There were small things that helped ease the loneliness a bit, for example the hoodie Jeongin had snatched from Chan’s pile the last time the two of them had washed their clothes. It was oversized and fluffy, feeling almost like one of the leader’s hugs, only lacking the steady chest and broad shoulders, that always made the maknae feel so safe.

Tonight, the hoodie wasn’t enough, yet it was all Jeongin had to comfort himself. He had already slipped right after taking his nightly shower and preparing a plastic plate with crackers, cheese and apple slices, so he could eat dinner while watching a cartoon on his bed. For some reason, Jeongin was really craving some cuddles and wanted to be held while he watched his cartoon. There was no one to hold him though and no one to feed him his dinner, so he had to nibble his food by himself, which was incredibly difficult because the sudden bout of loneliness had zapped his appetite.

Jeongin forced himself to finish his apple slices, so they wouldn’t get brown, before abandoning the plate on his nightstand. He also drank some juice from his sippy cup, feeling like he was developing a dull headache. Drinking was tough too, his throat tight as tears flooded his eyes. Once the floodgates had opened, Jeongin broke down completely within a matter of minutes. Trying to muffle his sobs, the little picked up his pillow and pressed his face into it. He wouldn’t have had to try so hard though because Chan had his headphones on anyway.

Half an hour later, Jeongin’s breakdown had worn off, the little having exhausted himself. Passing his dongsaeng’s bedroom on his way back from the kitchen, Chan picked up on his weak crying and felt his heart clench. Gently rapping his fingers against the door, the Aussie asked: “Can I come in, Innie?” He didn’t get a reply as Jeongin froze in panic. “Coming in now”, Chan warned, slowly opening the door, “Oh, Innie….”

The maknae had curled up tightly in the far corner of the bed, looking up at Chan with utter fear in his eyes. He had hurriedly shoved his teddy under his pillow but didn’t have time to hide the sippy cup. The leader didn’t even glance at the items on the nightstand though, his sole focus on his dongsaeng. “It’s okay, Innie. It’s just me, you don’t have to hide”, Chan whispered, taking a seat on the other side of the bed, “You’re okay. Hyung is here now.” It took a moment for the leader to recognize the hoodie Jeongin was wearing.

Jeongin fought his instincts for a bit before caving and crawling over to Chan. He had yearned for those broad shoulders. Opening his arms, the leader waited what Jeongin would do because he knew the younger wasn’t usually eager for skinship. It seemed not even Jeongin himself knew what he would do once he had reached the older, sitting right next to him, wide, teary eyes locking with Chan’s. Overwhelmed with the sudden proximity, Jeongin soothed himself the only way his little-side knew, slipping his fingers between his lips.

Shock flashed across Chan’s face before he composed himself to not make his dongsaeng uncomfortable. Tilting his head, the leader smiled: “Do you want a hug? It’s okay, take your time, love. Hyung will wait for you, however long you need.” Jeongin gave a sad sniffle but eventually scooted closer, still gnawing on his fingers as he slumped against Chan’s chest. “There you are”, Chan cooed, wrapping his arms around the little, “I got you, you’re okay. Do you wanna tell me what’s got you so upset? Maybe we can fix it together.” Tension falling off his shoulders, Jeongin practically melted into Chan’s embrace and yawned cutely. His breakdown had left him drained. Spotting the sippy cup on the nightstand, the leader picked it up and instructed: “Have a few sips, yeah? Wouldn’t want you getting a headache from crying.”

When Jeongin seemed relatively calm in his hold, Chan whispered: “You wanna tell me what’s going on? I’m assuming you’re little? A fellow trainee once told me what that is, so you can totally correct me if I have it wrong.” – “I smaww”, the maknae confirmed timidly, “Chu ‘tay, nuh mads?” – “Innie, love, why would I be mad about that?”, Chan cooed softly, holding his dongsaeng even closer. Nuzzling his face into Jeongin’s hair, the Aussie hummed: “What were you so upset about, bubba?” – “I aww ‘wone, nuh wanna be ‘wone”, the little sniffled, hand fisted in Chan’s shirt, “Huggie pwease.” – “Of course! Biiiiiig huuuuuuug”, Chan giggled and squeezed Jeongin tightly. The younger too broke into soft giggles, a heavy weight lifted off his chest.

“Were you scared of me finding out?”, Chan asked sadly, “You know, I accept you guys with all your quirks and I don’t think there’s anything that could make me love you less.” – “Chu nuh take Innie sewious nuhmowe”, Jeongin pouted but didn’t pull away. The damage was already done, so he may as well soak up all the affection he could get. Shaking his head, Chan denied: “Who says that? You always impress me so much and I really enjoy working with you. I can love and appreciate all facets of you, don’t you think? Now, you get all the hugs you want, okay? You already ate dinner, right?” Jeongin guiltily glanced towards the plate on the nightstand and Chan noticed. “Good job, you did prepare something”, the leader praised, “Why’s it just sitting there though?” – “Suddenwy got da sads”, the little mumbled but obediently parted his lips when Chan held up a cracker.

With Jeongin settled comfortably against his chest, Chan fed him the rest of his dinner and even turned on the cartoon his dongsaeng had paused. He would’ve never guessed their fierce maknae, who so openly despised skinship, could secretly be such a cuddle bug, fitting perfectly into Chan’s arms. It was truly a privilege that Jeongin trusted him enough to allow him into his little bubble of safety and Chan would fight tooth and nail to keep the younger’s bubble safe.