Our Little Leader (ATEEZ littlespace)

The day

When you hear the name Kim Hongjoong, what do you think? What type of person do you see? A strong-willed person and a leader through and through?

That's exactly the person Kim Hongjoong, the petite leader of ATEEZ, presents himself to be. If that's what you see, then he must be doing a good job. However, behind all of the reassuring smiles and strength is a lonely young boy that has been pushed aside all his life. Only wanting someone to notice him, hold him, and tell him everything will be okay. Someone that will take over for a while.

Due to him being a leader, his wants and needs have been pushed aside so he can focus on the others. Whilst this isn't their fault, he is the one that insists he's okay, it still hurts him to see no messages asking him to come home anymore or whether he has eaten.

But this week just takes the cake.

Yes, Hongjoong is a closeted little. No, he doesn't have any wishes to out himself. Although, not slipping in a couple of months starts to take a toll on one's body.

Due to the boys having a comeback after a 6-month break, tensions are running high in the dorms. The members are getting stressed whilst learning the new dances and still having vocal lessons. On top of that, their leader has seemed to hide away in his little cramped studio. Which really isn't helping. As he's usually the one sorting out the arguments and scolding the member.

"No San, stop," Seonghwa gently reminds one of the hyperactive children as he begins to get riled up and start the second argument of the day.

"No hyung, he can't just do that! It's not fair. Why are we sent home whilst Hongjoongie hyung gets to stay back? I want to practice as well!" San shouts. The others letting out sounds of agreement. They all wanted to be on their best game for ATINY.

"San-ah, you're not getting it. Joong isn't staying back to practice. He's in his studio,"

"Hyung, even you can't deny it. He's always in there. What is hyung possibly doing now of all times? We have our songs ready and recorded. Heck, they were completed months ago! What is he even doing?"

The boys were getting frustrated and it was clear to see. Although Seonghwa didn't want to think about it, he had to agree with what they were saying. What could Hongjoong possibly be doing there every night? He doesn't seem to come out with many songs. Or at least that he is aware of. The next comment completely took the eldest off guard.

"To be honest hyung, it's like we don't even know him. He's never here anymore,"

Seonghwa froze as he looked at the young face that said it. Jongho, their youngest, and he had to agree. Whilst Hongjoong was his deongsang, he had no idea of who he really was. And for goodness sake, he was the one that was closest to the boy. Yet he hardly knew him.

"I know. But let's not worry too much. He'll be back soon. I'm sure of it. Now, bed, all of you," He said whilst mock glaring at them like a mother would her children. There were groans of protest, but, one by one, they all made their way to their rooms.

It was just Seonghwa left in the small lounge area of their dorm. He sighed as he looked at the ceiling.

"Joong-ah, please be okay. Come home," He begged to nothing. And with that, he wandered to bed as well. Checking in for the night. Tomorrow was a big day, he could only hope Hongjoong was getting rest.

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Over at the studio, Hongjoong was busy creating some tunes with beats flowing here and there. He was so absorbed he didn't even realise the door had opened.