The relationship between Seungcheol Jeonghan and Joshua had started with warmth and excitement. Initially, it had been Seungcheol and Jeonghan, their bond strong and full of trust. They had been together for a while before realizing that Joshua, with his gentle and thoughtful nature, was someone they wanted to share their love with. The day they proposed to Joshua was one filled with hope and promises of a love that would only grow.
Joshua had felt overwhelmed with joy. He had admired the connection between Seungcheol and Jeonghan, and when they asked him to join their relationship, it felt like a dream come true. They had been happy for the most part, but as time went on, Joshua began to notice the cracks
small, subtle things that slowly gnawed at his heart.
In the public eye, Seungcheol and Jeonghan were often seen as the perfect couple. Their chemistry was undeniable, and fans adored them together. Every time they stood close during interviews or shared inside jokes during concerts, the crowd would cheer for the "JeongCheol" pairing. Meanwhile, Joshua found himself fading into the background, labeled as the "third wheel." Comments about how he seemed out of place with him trickled in from social media, and even though Joshua tried to brush them off, they stung deeply. His bandmates, though supportive, also seemed to sense that Seungcheol and Jeonghan were more focused on each other than on Joshua.
What hurt the most was that Seungcheol seemed to prioritize Jeonghan in everything. It was small things at first Seungcheol always making sure Jeonghan was comfortable, asking for his opinion first, choosing to sit beside him during meals. Even during rehearsals, when Joshua was struggling with a difficult move, Seungcheol would gravitate towards Jeonghan to help him instead. Joshua didn't say anything, keeping his feelings to himself, because he didn't want to come across as jealous or needy. But the growing distance between him and the other two was becoming harder to ignore.
One night, after a grueling day of practice, the three of them returned home exhausted. Joshua was sore all over, every muscle in his body screaming for rest. He had barely managed to hold it together through the day. Seungcheol, however, seemed full of energy as he wrapped an arm around Jeonghan, suggesting they spend the evening together, just the two of them. But Jeonghan, tired from practice, gently declined, saying he needed to rest. With a playful grin, Seungcheol turned to Joshua, suggesting they spend some time together instead.
Joshua, though physically drained, nodded hesitantly. When he quietly admitted he was tired, Seungcheol didn't seem to listen. His touches became insistent, coaxing Joshua to give in despite his fatigue. Joshua didn't have the energy to resist, and the night that followed was rough and one-sided. Seungcheol seemed to enjoy it, but Joshua only felt used, his exhaustion overpowering any sense of connection or intimacy. He lay awake long after Seungcheol had fallen asleep, staring at the ceiling, feeling emptier than ever.
The next day, they returned to the practice room. Joshua's body was still sore, and his movements were stiff and sluggish. The other members noticed almost immediately. As they rehearsed, Joshua couldn't keep up with the choreography, his legs aching with every step. He stumbled more than once, unable to keep his balance. It wasn't long before the scoldings started.
"Joshua, what's wrong with you today? Can't you keep your legs steady?"
"We have a comeback soon! You need to be more focused!"
"You're slowing everyone down!"
Joshua felt the heat of embarrassment rise to his cheeks. His head hung low as he tried to push through the pain, but the words kept coming. Someone even joked that Joshua must have seduced Seungcheol and didn't realize how important their practice was.
It hurt. But what hurt more was the silence from Seungcheol and Jeonghan. They stood nearby, watching as the other members chastised Joshua, but neither of them spoke up in his defense. Seungcheol didn't explain that Joshua's condition was partly his fault, that Joshua was limping because of their night together. He said nothing, simply watching as Joshua was torn down by their bandmates.
