Our Little Leader (ATEEZ littlespace)

Where it all began

It was a typical day for the ATEEZ members; wake up, have breakfast, go dance practice, etc. Everyone was okay. Going through their daily routine as normal. However, one member, in particular, was starting to slowly distance himself from the rest. 

The reason? Because he was a little. 

Being in a K-pop group meant the members had little to no privacy as everything is broadcasted to their fans and the general public. Although, this is a secret that he has managed to keep from everyone. Even the rest of the members.

Kim Hongjoong, the leader of ATEEZ, was a little. 

It all started way before the debuted. Near the beginning of his trainee days. He was the only one at the company at the time and he became rather lonely. Slipping into an almost depressive-like state. That's when Hongjoong decided to try and find some friends on the internet where he can chat and temporarily forget his, then, current lonely predicament. 

Going through the internet meant he met and spoke with all different types of people. Which is how he stumbled onto the littlespace community. At first, he was rather reluctant to try it out. But it soon became a constant in his life that he had to do. If not, it would dramatically affect him mentally. This had been the case one time. Although that will all be explained later. 

At first, Hongjoong was reluctant as, hey, he's on his own in life now and an adult. However, the idea was just too tempting. And yes, being on his own was a huge benefit for him at the time. As he could comfortably slip into his safe headspace without judgement from others. 

It did get hard, being on his own. Especially in such a young headspace. With all the hazards around him that couldn't be avoided. So, he decided to not slip so young and have everything prepared beforehand. Like a nice warm bottle of milk with blankets and cute teddies lined up. This was all he allowed himself. No toys, pacifiers, or anything that could give away his living situation. Only the bare necessities to keep him occupied. 

He lived comfortably this way, only slipping when his busy trainee schedule allowed him to. That was until his company in which he was training at, KQ Entertainment, started to take in more trainees. This lead to a responsibility being weighed down on big Hongjoongs' shoulders. Leaving no time for little Hongjoong to come out and play. 

The second to arrive was Jeong Yunho. He was a tall boy, rather playful, like a puppy almost, and made Hongjoong feel so safe. Although he didn't realise it, he had begun to slowly let his little side merge into his big side as well. Messing around and beginning rather clingy towards Yunho. Although, the boy didn't mind one bit. He was glad that there was someone like Hongjoong at the company he could lean on and relax around. 

The two got along so well. But Hongjoong knew that closeness wouldn't last when more trainees came tumbling through the small door that was KQ Entertainment. 

This was proven when another naïve young boy came. Song Mingi. Turns out, he and Yunho were friends beforehand. The two pillars, reunited once again, became inseparable. Whilst this was happening, Hongjoong was made to adopt an older brother role in the small group of friends. They relied on Hongjoong to help them. Which wasn't a problem. Not at all. It just meant that little Hongjoong was completely discarded. He had no more time to slip into the safety the headspace gave him. Especially with juggling long, tiring producing lessons with his teacher and senior, Eden as well as school and classes in dance, acting, and rapping/singing. He simply had no time. 

When the third newcomer arrived, it was as if his little side had never existed. Yet again, it was another boy younger than him. And, oh, how innocent and cute he was. Choi San was his name. He was innocent to all the bad things in the world and always seemed to carry a dimpled smile to anyone who passed him. Causing Hongjoong to gain yet another younger brother. One that he was tasked with guiding and protecting.