ANOTHER SUNOO LITTLE SPACE 💞
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It was late in the evening when Heeseung noticed something different about Sunoo. They had just finished a long day of practice, and the members were lounging in the living room, decompressing after the busy schedule. Sunoo, as usual, was energetic, his smile lighting up the room. But Heeseung couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
He watched as Sunoo absentmindedly ran his fingers over the soft plushie that had been left on the couch. His usual lively demeanor seemed to soften, and his gaze wandered off as if caught in a world of his own. Heeseung, ever observant, noticed how Sunoo seemed to be more distant, almost in a trance-like state.
He quietly excused himself from the conversation and moved closer to Sunoo, not wanting to disturb him, but curious about the change. Sunoo was curled up on the couch, clutching a stuffed bunny in his arms, his eyes wide as he stared at the toy with a kind of wonder. Heeseung paused, unsure of what he was seeing. Sunoo’s normally bubbly nature had been replaced by a softness, as if he were retreating into himself.
After a few moments, Sunoo spoke softly, almost as if to himself. "It’s so cute…" he whispered, the words barely audible.
Heeseung’s heart clenched as he watched Sunoo, understanding now that something deeper was going on. He noticed the plush bunny in Sunoo’s hands, its soft fabric and innocent design. There was something almost childlike about the way Sunoo held it—something tender, something that was far removed from the stress and expectations of their daily lives.
Heeseung took a step closer, his voice gentle as he asked, "Sunoo, are you okay?"
Sunoo blinked, as if startled from a dream, and looked up at Heeseung with wide eyes. For a moment, there was hesitation in his gaze, and Heeseung saw a vulnerability he hadn’t noticed before. Slowly, Sunoo nodded, his voice quiet. "I’m fine, Heeseung. Just… just needed a moment."
Heeseung sat down next to him, his tone soft but caring. "You don’t have to explain. But, are you… okay? You’ve been acting a little different."
Sunoo’s fingers gently traced the bunny’s ears, his gaze unfocused. "Sometimes, when I get too stressed, or when things get overwhelming, I just… I go somewhere else. A place where it’s safe and everything’s simple." His voice was almost shy now, like he wasn’t sure how to express it.
Heeseung’s heart softened. He had known Sunoo for a long time, but this was something new—something intimate that Sunoo had never shared before. Heeseung gently placed a hand on Sunoo’s shoulder, reassuring him without words.
"You don’t have to explain to me if you’re not ready," Heeseung said, his voice tender. "But I want you to know that I’m here for you, no matter what."
Sunoo looked up at Heeseung, his eyes glistening slightly. He bit his lip nervously, but something about Heeseung’s calm presence made him feel safe. He took a deep breath and, for the first time, shared the truth. "I go into a little space sometimes… when I see something cute or when things are just too much. It helps me feel better. It helps me feel calm."
Heeseung smiled warmly, his heart swelling with affection for Sunoo. "I understand now. And you don’t have to worry about being judged. I’m here for you. We all are."
Sunoo seemed to relax at Heeseung’s words, his shoulders loosening as he snuggled into the couch, still clutching the bunny. "Thanks, Heeseung. I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable… it’s just something that helps me feel safe."
"You never have to worry about that with me," Heeseung assured him softly. "If it helps you, then I’m glad you have a way to take care of yourself. And I’ll support you, no matter what. Whether you're being your bubbly self or if you're in your little space."
