Because of you

19.

Jinyoung

It was getting late before his parents decided to leave, reassured when I told them that I would be staying with Jackson.

Our manager had the security team send them back while he stayed behind to talk to all of us.

"Kids. All of you should sit down" our manager said, waiting till we settled before speaking up.

"I know that Jackson and Jinyoung are back together..." he started before getting interrupted by JB.

"Hyung. Just let them be. They've been through enough. For all of us. Please" JB said, the other members nodding while he spoke.

"I know that now. They both need each other. They both suffered the last time I told Jinyoung to break up with Jackson. And I still stand by my decision then..."

"Hyung. Please!" the members shouted, talking over each other.

"Kids" our manager said, raising his voice. The members settled, glancing at Jackson and I. Jackson had tugged me to sit next to him on the bed, he rested his head on my shoulder, our hands still interlaced on my thigh.

"This whole thing started because of us starting to keep secrets. I want you all to promise me something from now on... no more secrets" he urged, looking at each of us.

"No matter what. Even if I don't approve. Don't hide it from me. If we had worked together none of this would have happened. Jackson wouldn't be in the hospital again. We could have avoided this" he explained, staring at each of us, waiting for us to respond.

We all nodded slowly in agreement, Jackson sighing. He slipped his hand out of mine, shifting me to sit on him as he wrapped his arms around my waist while burying his face into the crook of my neck.

Everyone turned to us, watching us as Jackson did so and I wrapped my arms around his arms, feeling a little self conscious. It felt like our little private moment that they were peeking into.

"I'm sorry you all" he muttered, his voice all muffled, his breath fanning against the back of my neck. Everyone was looking at us, more like me as he refused to lift his head.

He tightened his arms around me before continuing "I really didn't want any of you to get hurt. I rather it be me than any of you. I do realise that it's kind of selfish now. Thank you... thank you all. For caring".

My heart ached, hearing him and the members did too, all of them echoing in protests.

"Why wouldn't we care?"

"Yah Jack. How can you..."

"It hurts us to see you hurt"

"Don't ever do that again really"

"Don't you think that's how we feel too?"

I kept quiet, reaching up to run my hand through his hair. I felt him breath out a sigh, pressing himself closer to me, comforted by my actions.

I wrapped my other arm tighter around his, leaning into his chest, choosing to comfort him instead. He's got enough people nagging at him already. My idiot boy.

~

The members decided to stop nagging at Jackson after awhile, turning their attention to me, nagging at me to get enough rest before leaving.

Our manager left the same time the members did, ensuring the security team was posted outside the room.

"Grandmas" I muttered under my breath, feeling slightly relieved that they all left.