Work Text:
The room was filled with an array of vibrant beads and strings, ready for a fun and interactive bracelet-making session between fan and idol. Yeosang and San sat at the table, eager to share a creative and heartfelt moment with ATINY.
Yeosang sported a shy smile for the entirety of the session thus far, he was particularly excited about this live stream. He loved the idea of making something special with their fans, a tangible token of their appreciation was taking time out of their day to do this.
Yeosang and San sit at the table, the assortment of colorful beads and strings spread out before them. With an excited smile, the smaller reached for the livestream camera, "Let's show ATINY our bracelets up close," he said, getting approval from the staff.
He carefully picks up the camera, positioning it above the table to give fans a detailed view of the bracelets they’ve been making. They weren't nearly finished, but Yeosang was just so excited! "Ta-da~" he announces cheerfully, focusing the camera on the little designs.
As Yeosang holds the camera, his hand trembles slightly. He begins to read the comments scrolling across the screen.
"Your bracelets are so pretty!"
"Wow, I love the colors!"
But then:
"Yeosang, your hands are shaking a lot."
"Is it an earthquake?"
"Lol, it's so shaky, I'm getting dizzy!"
Yeosang’s smile falters, the comments about his hand tremor stinging more than he'd thought. He tries to steady the camera, but the shaking continues, making the close-up view a bit unsteady.
Yeosang, his voice much quieter now, speaks up. "Ah, Sannie, they want you to hold the camera," he says softly, trying to mask his feelings.
San, who had too been observing Yeosang’s excitement rather than the comments, can't help but smile warmly. "But you seem to be having so much fun, Sangie~" he comments, his tone light and affectionate.
Yeosang's smile falters for a moment, and his voice becomes even quieter, tinged with a hint of sadness he tries to hide. "They want you to," he says softly, looking down for a brief moment. The comments about his hand tremor making him feel self-conscious.
San notices the change in Yeosang's demeanor. He reaches out, gently taking the camera from Yeosang's hands. "Alright, I'll hold it," he says, his voice gentle and reassuring. "You keep working so well okay? Let's show ATINY our creations."
San steadies the camera, giving the fans a clear view of their creations. "Look at these beautiful bracelets we're making, Sangie's is especially cute" he says, his tone cheerful and upbeat. The comments quickly shift back to being positive and encouraging.
Yeosang, meanwhile, sits back down and resumes threading beads onto a string. Despite his best efforts to stay focused, the teasing comments linger in his mind.
San carefully holds the camera steady, displaying their colorful creations to the fans. The comment section lights up with positive feedback. San notices the shift in the comments but also notices some of which continue to tease the smaller about his hand tremor. Despite the positive feedback on their creations, San is keenly aware of Yeosang's sensitivity to criticism.
"Look at this one," San says cheerfully, showing off a bracelet close-up. "Yeosang's making some intricate patterns here. Hah, wow… Isn't it amazing?" San tries to shift the attention back to their creativity, hoping to drown out the negative comments.
Yeosang smiles weakly, appreciating San's effort to deflect the negativity. He continues stringing beads, his hands now steadier as he focuses on his task. However, the lingering unease from the comments dampens his enthusiasm.
The teasing comments persist intermittently, but San remains attentive to the camera and their audience, showcasing each bracelet with enthusiasm. "We're making these with so much love for all of you," San says sincerely, glancing over at Yeosang momentarily.
Yeosang nods silently and after a few moments, San places the camera back on its stand. He looks over at Yeosang, who has quietly returned to his bracelet making, glancing at the extra phone for comments on the table every now and then.
Yeosang covers his mouth and lets out a self-deprecating laugh. "Ah, it says 'earthquake?" he reads aloud from another comment, his voice low and a bit shaky, he covers his mouth in a laugh once more. Then his eyes fall to another comment, joking about how he made them motion sick
He takes a deep breath and forces a smile, though it doesn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm sorry if I made anyone motion sick," he says in a light-hearted but apologetic manner, his voice still tinged with self-consciousness. "I didn't mean to."
San shakes his head gently. "No need to apologize, Sangie," he replies warmly. "It's all part of the fun, and ATINY loves seeing us being ourselves."
Yeosang nods again, trying to push past his insecurities. He picks up another bead, threading it onto the string with a bit more focus. "You're right, Sannie," he murmurs, trying to regain his cheerful demeanor, "Let's keep going."
As Yeosang tries to focus on the bracelet-making, San leans closer to the camera, scanning through the comments with a smile. "Hey, look at this one," he says, his eyes lighting up. "It says, 'Yeosangie-oppa's 'Ta-da~' is so cute! It's like his little trademark.'"
Yeosang's cheeks flush with a mix of embarrassment and amusement as he glances up from his work. "Oh, really?" he responds, a shy smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
San nods enthusiastically. "Yeah, it's become your thing, Sangie," he says affectionately, his gaze softening as he looks at Yeosang. "And I love it."
Yeosang's smile widens, feeling a warmth spreading through him at the taller’s words. "Thanks, Sannie," he says, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'm glad you and the fans like it."
San reaches out, giving Yeosang's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Of course, I do," he says sincerely. "It's those little things that make you who you are, and that's what ATINY loves about you."
As they continue threading beads onto their bracelets, Yeosang finds himself struggling to maintain his focus. The comments about his hand tremor weigh heavily on his mind, making each movement more challenging than it should be. He steals glances at San, who is deftly finishing up his bracelet with a concentrated expression, his movements fluid and precise.
Yeosang's hands tremble slightly as he tries to thread another bead onto his string. It seems as though it's an impossible feat as the slight tremor in his hands causes the bead to twitch at just the wrong moment . He lets out a frustrated sigh, feeling a pang of disappointment in himself. "Sorry, I'm taking so long," he mutters, his voice tinged with frustration.
San looks over at Yeosang, noticing the struggle he's facing. His heart sinks at the sight of Yeosang's ever-growing frustration with himself. "Hey, Sangie," he says gently, setting down his own bracelet and reaching out to place a comforting hand on Yeosang's forearm. "It's okay. Take your time."
Yeosang meets San's gaze, his eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and guilt, "I just... I want to keep up," he admits quietly, his voice wavering with emotion. "But my hands..." His voice shifts slightly to his off-camera voice as speaks.
San's expression softens with understanding as he listens to Yeosang's words. He squeezes Yeosang's arm gently, offering reassurance. "Yeosang, it's okay to take your time," he says, his voice filled with sincerity.
For a moment Yeosang could see that familiar warm gaze in San’s eyes, the one that he often had off-camera. But as soon as it appeared it had dissipated as San remembered they were on live.
Though San's next words are optimistic, there's a look in his eyes that says the two would be discussing Yeosang's frustrations off camera. San's not going to pretend he didn't see the comments that seem to be affecting Yeosang.
"We're not in a rush, it gives us more time with our ATINY."
Yeosang's shoulders relax a little at San's words, but the frustration still lingers in his eyes.
San notices the lingering frustration, but he decides to gently steer the conversation in a lighter direction. He picks up on a comment that asks who they're making the bracelets for.
"They want to know who we're making these bracelets for. Well, I'm making mine for Yeosangie~" He flashes Yeosang a playful grin, his eyes sparkling with affection.
Yeosang chuckles softly at San's playful tone, feeling a warmth spreading through him. "And I'm making mine for... hmm, let me think," he says, pretending to ponder for a moment. Then, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he turns to the camera and says, "Of course, it’s for ATINY!"
San laughs, shaking his head fondly at the smaller’s cheeky response. It's a little game they love to play for the camera, with San openly expressing his affection while Yeosang pretends to be non-reciprocative.
As San chuckles at Yeosang's playful response, he can't help but feel a surge of affection for his boyfriend. Despite the earlier frustrations, seeing Yeosang's mischievous grin brings a sense of lightness to the moment.
"You're always thinking about our fans, huh, Sangie?" San says, his smile widening as he reaches over to give Yeosang's hand a gentle squeeze.
Yeosang nods, his eyes shining with genuine warmth. "Of course," he says, his voice filled with sincerity. "They're the reason we're here."
As Yeosang continues to thread the beads onto his bracelet, a bead slips from his grasp, rolling across the table. He reaches out to grab it, but his shaky hands betray him, causing him to lose his grip on the bracelet he had been working on. It falls to the table, the beads scattering in all directions.
Yeosang's heart sinks as he watches his creation fall apart before his eyes. He lets out a frustrated sigh, feeling a wave of disappointment wash over him. "I-I'm sorry," he stammers, his voice tinged with embarrassment. "I didn't mean to..."
San's eyes widen in concern as he sees Yeosang's distress. Without hesitation, he reaches out, gently taking Yeosang's hand in his own. "Hey, it's okay," he says soothingly, his voice filled with reassurance. "Accidents happen, Sangie. Don't be so hard on yourself."
Yeosang looks up at San, his eyes filled with disappointment, "But I wanted to make something special," he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper.
San gives Yeosang's hand a reassuring squeeze, his gaze filled with unwavering support. "I know, Sangie," he replies softly, his voice gentle. "And you did. You always do."
Yeosang only lets out a breath and stares at the bracelet supplies strewn about the table.
San watches Yeosang with a mixture of concern and affection, understanding the disappointment he feels. After a moment of silence, he gently suggests, "Do you want to try making a new one, Yeosangie?"
San’s head turns to the staff as he says, “We have time?” One of the staff shrugs and another points at his watch, but San just gives a reassuring nod to Yeosang, “Yeah we have time Sangie.”
Yeosang looks down at the scattered beads on the table, contemplating San's offer. He hesitates for a moment before shaking his head slightly. "I think... I think I'd rather watch you make one," he admits quietly, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "It brings me joy just to see you create something beautiful."
San's heart twinges with as he listens to Yeosang's words. He nods understandingly, reaching over to pick up the beads and start anew on his own bracelet. "Alright," he says softly, his focus now on the task at hand. "I'm making this just for you Sangie."
As San deftly begins threading the beads onto the string, Yeosang's gaze shifts to the extra phone on the table, playing the livestream.
Yeosang tries to focus on the livestream comments, hoping for positivity to counterbalance his recent mishap. However, as he scrolls through, his heart sinks as he reads remarks about his clumsiness, shaky hands, and the accident that ruined their bracelet-making moment. He swallows hard, feeling a lump form in his throat, but he tries to maintain a composed demeanor for the sake of the livestream.
San, working quietly beside him, notices the shift in Yeosang's mood. He glances over Yeosang's shoulder at the comments and feels a pang of anger and protectiveness. He knows they can't directly address the negativity—they are idols, after all, bound by professionalism and the need to maintain a positive image—but seeing Yeosang affected hurts him deeply.
"I-I'm sorry," Yeosang says softly with a smile, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness, yet still attempting to convey cheerfulness. "I didn't mean to... I didn't mean for that to happen."
Despite his efforts to sound upbeat, there's a noticeable tremor in Yeosang's voice, betraying the emotional turmoil he's experiencing. He tries to steady his breathing, attempting to regain his composure as he speaks.
"I... I'll do better next time," Yeosang adds, his gaze flickering briefly towards San, seeking reassurance. "I promise."
San's heart aches as he watches Yeosang struggle to maintain his composure in the face of the hurtful comments. He reaches out, gently squeezing Yeosang's hand in a silent gesture of love.
"You're already doing great, Yeosangie," San says softly, his voice filled with warmth and encouragement.
As the live stream progresses, Yeosang's silence becomes palpable. He sits quietly, hands resting on the table, occasionally glancing at the scattered beads from his failed attempt at making a bracelet. His usual cheerful demeanor is replaced by a subdued presence, his gaze averted from the comments scrolling by.
Meanwhile, San takes on the role of a protective shield, deflecting the negativity and amplifying the positivity surrounding Yeosang. With unwavering dedication, he spends the remainder of the live stream reading aloud the flood of supportive comments pouring in from ATINY.
Each compliment, each expression of love and admiration directed towards Yeosang is like a gentle caress, soothing the wounds inflicted by the earlier negativity. At least San hoped the elder saw it that way.
"Look at this one, Sangie," San says, his voice brightening as he reads aloud. "Someone said your smile brightens their day. And here's another praising your dance skills from our last performance."
San's eyes flicker towards Yeosang, hoping each compliment he reads aloud brings a glimmer of cheer back into his boyfriend's eyes. "ATINY loves you so much," San adds, his tone sincere and full of admiration.
Yeosang nods silently, offering a small, grateful smile in response to San's efforts. He appreciates San's support more than words can express, even though he still struggles to shake off the lingering impact of the negative comments.
As the live stream nears its end, San wraps up their bracelet-making session with a multitude of messages of grattitude for the fans. "We love you, ATINY," he says warmly, his gaze briefly meeting Yeosang's.
San carefully placed the camera back on its stand after showing the bracelets one last time, offering a final wave to the viewers with a heartfelt smile. The studio lights dimmed slightly, signaling the end of their bracelet-making session.
"Thank you all for joining us today," San reiterated, his voice carrying genuine warmth. He glanced over at Yeosang, who was quietly packing up their beads and tools, his expression still subdued despite San's efforts to lift his spirits throughout the stream.
San turned to the staff, expressing his gratitude for their assistance in setting up and running the live stream smoothly. "Thank you, everyone," he said warmly, his eyes flickering towards Yeosang once more, silently communicating his concern.
Yeosang finished organizing the last of their materials into their respective containers, but his movements lacked their usual enthusiasm. He avoided meeting San's gaze directly, his thoughts seemingly preoccupied with the earlier comments that had affected him deeply.
"Sangie," San said softly, stepping closer to Yeosang and placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Are you okay?"
The elder glanced up briefly, offering a small, forced smile. "Yeah, I'm okay," he replied quietly, though his tone hinted otherwise.
San furrowed his brow slightly, sensing Yeosang's reluctance to discuss the matter further. He respected Yeosang's boundaries, knowing that pushing too hard could make him withdraw even more.
"All right," San said softly, his voice gentle as he withdrew his hand from Yeosang's shoulder. "Let's head back to the dorm then."
⬦⬥⬦
After a quiet walk back to their dormitory, San and Yeosang entered their shared living space, a cozy apartment where they often found solace and comfort after long days of work. The atmosphere was warm and familiar, filled with soft lighting and the faint hum of the television.
There, sprawled out on the couch like a lazy cat basking in the sun, was Wooyoung, their other boyfriend. His tousled hair fell effortlessly over his forehead, and a playful grin danced upon his lips as he looked up to greet them.
"Hey, you two," Wooyoung chimed, his voice dripping with charm as he propped himself up on one elbow. "You looked good on live as always."
San chuckled warmly at Wooyoung's flirtatious way of making the remark, walking over to the couch and leaning down to press a gentle kiss to Wooyoung's cheek.
"Thanks, Youngie," San murmured, his voice filled with affection as he settled onto the couch beside Wooyoung. He draped an arm over the younger’s shoulders, reveling in the familiar comfort of their closeness.
Meanwhile, Yeosang remained quiet, his gaze briefly meeting Wooyoung's before he averted his eyes, his expression unreadable. Without a word, he retreated to his room, the weight of the day's events still heavy on his shoulders.
Wooyoung's brow furrowed in concern as he watched Yeosang's departure. Sensing something amiss, he turned his attention back to San, his voice laced with genuine worry. "Is Yeosang okay?" he asked softly, his eyes searching San's for answers.
San sighed softly, his arm still draped around Wooyoung's shoulders as he considered how to broach the subject delicately. The smaller was by far the easiest to anger about this kind of thing.
"I think he's still upset about some comments during the live about his hands," he admitted quietly, his gaze shifting to meet Wooyoung's concerned eyes.
Wooyoung's expression hardened. He knew all too well the impact that negative comments could have, especially on someone like his Yeosangie. "About his hands?" Wooyoung asked with a furrowed brow.
"Yeah," San nodded, "Some viewers made jokes about his hand tremor. They were jokes but I think it really got to him."
A flicker of frustration crossed Wooyoung's features. "What idiots," he muttered under his breath, his tone laced with indignation. He sat up slightly and mumbled, "Maybe I should go talk to him"
San placed a reassuring hand on Wooyoung's arm, shaking his head slightly. "I don't think that's necessary," he replied softly, his gaze filled with gratitude for Wooyoung's concern. "Yeosang seemed like he wanted to drop it for now."
Wooyoung hesitated for a moment, torn between wanting to confront the issue head-on and respecting Yeosang's apparent desire to handle it privately. He glanced toward the hall that led to Yeosang's closed door, concern etched into his features.
"I hate when fans act like friends, they don't know enough to joke so casually," Wooyoung admitted quietly, his voice tinged with frustration.
San nodded in agreement, squeezing Wooyoung's arm gently in reassurance. "I know, love," he said softly, his tone empathetic.
Wooyoung sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair in a gesture of exasperation. "I just wish people wouldn't be so damn insensitive," he muttered, his frustration evident.
San nodded again, understanding Wooyoung's protective instincts and shared frustration. "Believe me, I feel the same way," he replied earnestly, his gaze flickering towards the hall. "But Yeosang's an adult, he knows we're here for him. He'll come to us when and if he needs to."
⬦⬥⬦
As the afternoon settled into the evening in a comfortable lull, Yeosang, Yunho, and Mingi found themselves lounging in the cozy confines of Yunho's room. Mingi lay sprawled on the floor, one hand gently combing through Yeosang's hair as Yeosang rested his head on Mingi's stomach, his other hand absentmindedly scrolling through his phone.
"I'm bored," Mingi declared suddenly, breaking the peaceful silence that had settled over them. His fingers continued to toy with Yeosang's hair as he glanced over at Yunho, who was seated cross-legged on the bed with a book in hand.
Yunho raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "You're supposed to be bored, it's a day off" he spoke lightly, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Mingi shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah, but that doesn't mean I have to accept it," he replied, grinning mischievously. "We should do something fun. Like... Jenga!"
Yunho chuckled at Mingi's abrupt suggestion, shaking his head in amusement. "Jenga? Seriously?" he echoed, disbelief evident in his tone. But upon seeing the enthusiasm in Mingi's eyes he gave in, "Alright, alright... I'm in."
Yeosang looked up from his phone, a small smile playing on his lips as he observed Mingi and Yunho. Despite the lingering unease from earlier, being surrounded by his boyfriends eased his mind somewhat.
"Okay, okay, I'm in too" Yeosang chimed in, sitting up slowly. "Let's do it. But just so you know, Yunho, I'm going to beat you."
Yunho raised an eyebrow teasingly. "We'll see about that, Yeosangie," he replied with a grin, setting aside his book as they gathered around the small desk where they'd hold their Jenga game.
They set up the game quickly, the wooden blocks forming a precarious tower in the center of the table. After agreeing the punishment for losing the game would be doing the pile of dishes that was building in the sink, they began. Mingi took the first turn, his movements careful and deliberate as he extracted a block without disturbing the structure. Yunho followed suit, his competitive streak emerging as he eyed the tower with determination.
Yeosang took his turn next, his hand hovering over the blocks momentarily before he made his move. He carefully extracted a piece, his fingers trembling ever so slightly. He quickly steadied his hand, hoping neither Yunho nor Mingi had noticed.
As the game progressed, the tower grew taller and more unstable. Mingi let out a low whistle as Yunho made a daring move, successfully pulling out a block from the middle without causing a collapse.
"Nice one, Baby!" Mingi exclaimed, pressing a quick kiss to Yunho's cheek as Yunho stared wide-eyed, shocked that his movement didn't make the tower fall. He turned to Yeosang, a playful glint in his eyes. "Your turn"
Yeosang chuckled nervously, his gaze flickering between the blocks and his partners. He hoped that maybe if he took a quick breath it might somehow steady his slightly trembling hand. He reached out and carefully selected a block, sliding it out slowly and placing it on top of the tower. The structure wobbled slightly, causing all three of them to hold their breaths, but it remained standing.
Mingi let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding and laughed. "Nice job, Sangie," he said, giving Yeosang a reassuring smile. Yunho nodded in agreement. He then reached out and ran a hand along Yeosang's back in a soothing, affectionate gesture. His touch was light and filled with adoration as the two watched Mingi take his turn.
As the game progressed, the tension in the room grew heavier. Each move became more crucial as the tower swayed with each delicate touch. Yeosang's turn approached again, and he couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension gnawing at him.
Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Yeosang reached for a block, his fingers trembling slightly more than before. He cursed his shaky hands inwardly, desperately trying to maintain his composure. With painstaking care, he extracted the block, but a slight tremor caused the tower to wobble dangerously.
A collective gasp escaped from all three of them as they watched in suspense. But before anyone could react, the tower collapsed with a resounding crash, blocks scattering across the table.
Yeosang let out a noise of defeat, his heart sinking as he realized he was the one to cause the collapse. Yunho and Mingi burst out laughing at the sudden turn of events, their amusement filling the room.
However, amidst the laughter, Mingi noticed a fleeting expression of sadness in Yeosang's eyes. His laughter faltered, and he exchanged a concerned glance with Yunho.
"Ah, but Yunho, we had an unfair advantage," Mingi said quietly, his tone serious as he addressed Yunho. "It's not fair."
Yunho paused, considering Mingi's words. Then, his eyebrows lifted in understanding as the implications sank in. Both of their gazes landed on Yeosang's trembling hands. As Yeosang processed Mingi's words he knew it wasn't that they had an advantage, it was that Yeosang had a disadvantage, his stupid, shaking hands.
Yeosang, feeling a pang of insecurity as their gazes bore into his hands, clasped them together tightly, trying to conceal his trembling. "No, no! It's okay," he reassured them quickly, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability.
Yeosang forced a small smile as his boyfriends leaned in to give him a grateful kiss on the cheek.
With a heavy heart, Yeosang excused himself from the room, muttering something about needing to take care of the dishes. As he made his way to the kitchen, he could feel the burn behind his eyes, a telltale sign that tears were threatening to spill over. He felt stupid for crying, for letting something as trivial as a game of Jenga affect him so deeply.
In reality, it wasn't about the dishes or losing the game. It was mainly about how today was going. He was at a war with himself, he didn't know why suddenly he was so aware of his tremor. It had never affected him before, so why now? He bit his lower lip as he loathed his trembling hands that seemed to betray him at the most inconvenient times. It didn't help that his tremors were so bad today.
Yeosang took a deep breath, trying to steady his trembling hands as he filled the sink with soapy water. He focused on the task at hand, scrubbing the dishes with more force than necessary, hoping to drown out the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside him.
As he worked through the pile of dishes, the sound of laughter and chatter drifted in from the other rooms, Wooyoung was giggling about something San said in the living room, and Yunho's deep voice boomed from down the hall as he talked to Mingi about something Yeosang couldn't quite decipher.
Meanwhile, Yeosang stood silently as he felt a lump form in his throat, the weight of his emotions threatening to overwhelm him.
As Yeosang immersed himself in the rhythmic motions of washing the dishes, the sound of the dorm door opening caught his attention. He glanced over his shoulder to see Hongjoong and Seonghwa entering, their voices animated as they discussed the latest song Hongjoong was producing.
Hongjoong's excitement filled the room as he recounted the details of his work, but it was Seonghwa's casual affection that brought a small smile to Yeosang's lips. As Seonghwa passed by, he pressed a soft kiss to the back of Yeosang's neck, his voice warm as he greeted him.
"Hey handsome," Seonghwa murmured, his touch fleeting but filled with genuine affection. Without missing a beat, he followed Hongjoong down the hallway, seamlessly continuing their conversation.
Time passed, and the pile of dishes slowly dwindled, each plate and utensil serving as a tangible distraction from the day’s events. The conversation between Seonghwa and Hongjoong gradually died down, replaced by the sound of running water as Seonghwa headed for a shower.
With a sigh of relief, Yeosang finally finished the last dish, setting it aside to dry as he turned off the faucet. Doing the dishes actually helped him take his mind off things, at some point his teary eyes had cleared up and he stopped focusing on the way his hands shook.
He dried his hands on a nearby towel, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly as he allowed himself a moment of respite. Before he could turn around, he felt Hongjoong's arms encircle him, pressing him gently against the countertop.
"How was your day, Yeosang?" Hongjoong's voice was soft, carrying a tender concern that melted away the last remnants of Yeosang's stress. His warm breath tickled the back of Yeosang's neck, sending shivers down his spine.
Yeosang leaned back slightly into Hongjoong's embrace, relishing the comforting sensation of being held by someone who cared deeply for him. He closed his eyes and sighed softly, feeling the tension of the day easing further in Hongjoong's presence. "It had its moments," he admitted quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "But it's better now."
Hongjoong smiled warmly, his fingers tracing gentle circles on Yeosang's waist. He leaned in closer, pressing a tender kiss to the side of Yeosang's neck, his lips lingering for a moment before pulling back slightly.
Yeosang closed his eyes briefly, savoring the sensation of Hongjoong's touch, the comfort it brought amidst his inner turmoil. He turned around to face Hongjoong fully, his hands finding their way to Hongjoong's shoulders, holding him close.
"I missed you today," Yeosang admitted softly, his voice filled with sincerity. Hongjoong's arms enveloped him in a reassuring embrace, pulling him closer until there was no space between them.
"I missed you too," Hongjoong replied, his voice a gentle murmur against Yeosang's ear. He pressed another kiss to Yeosang's forehead before suggesting softly, "Why don't we go to the bedroom? I can show you how much I missed you…"
Yeosang nodded, a small smile playing on his lips as he knew what his boyfriend was really aiming at. "That sounds perfect," he agreed with one last lingering embrace. They separated, their hands intertwined as they made their way to the bedroom.
Wooyoung and San exchanged knowing glances in each other's arms on the couch, their lips curling into cheeky smiles as they watched the two retreat to the leader’s bedroom.
San laughed, shaking his head in amusement, "No need to worry anymore, Hongjoong knows exactly how to make him forget all about those pesky comments," he mused, his tone affectionate as he thought of their boyfriends' bond.
Wooyoung and San settled comfortably into each other's embraces once more, the soft glow of the television casting a warm ambiance over the room. They were engrossed in a cheesy drama, occasionally exchanging amused glances or sharing a whispered comment about the characters' antics.
Minutes passed in the cozy silence until suddenly, a muffled exclamation cut through the air: "Yeosang!"
Both Wooyoung and San turned their heads toward the hallway in surprise. They exchanged puzzled looks as they heard the distinct sound of Hongjoong's door being pushed open with urgency. In a flash, Yeosang sped down the hallway, his usually neat hair tousled and his clothing slightly disheveled.
Before they could even react, Hongjoong emerged from the room in a whirlwind, his shirt partially unbuttoned and his hair tussled into a mop.
"Yeosang, wait-" Hongjoong's voice rang out desperately as he hurried after Yeosang, his concern palpable in every stride. But before he could reach his boyfriend, the door to Yeosang's room slammed shut with finality, cutting off any chance of reconciliation.
Reacting quickly, they both stood up from the couch, their concern evident in their expressions.
"What's wrong, Hongjoong?" San asked, his voice laced with concern as he approached his boyfriend. Wooyoung stood beside him, his brows furrowed with worry.
Hongjoong turned towards them, his usually confident demeanor now tinged with confusion and anxiety. He ran a hand through his tousled hair, trying to gather his thoughts amidst the whirlwind of emotions. "I... I don't know," he admitted, his voice tinged with frustration. "We were kissing, and everything seemed fine. But then... Yeosang suddenly pulled back."
He paused, searching for the right words to explain the sudden shift in their intimate moment. "I... I commented on his hands," Hongjoong continued softly, his gaze dropping to the floor momentarily. "I noticed they were shaking a little, and I thought it was cute because maybe he was nervous."
San's expression softened with understanding as he listened to the elder’s explanation. He gently placed a hand on Joong's shoulder, offering him a reassuring squeeze.
"That's what it is..." San said gently, his voice carrying a note of sympathy. "During our live today, there were some comments about Yeosang's hand tremor. They were mostly teasing, but I could tell it bothered him a bit."
Hongjoong's face fell as San's words sank in. The realization that his unintentional comment had added to Yeosang's distress weighed heavily on him. He felt a pang of guilt gnawing at his chest, knowing that he had contributed to hurting someone he cared deeply about.
Wooyoung, sensing the leader’s turmoil, immediately wrapped his arms around him in a tight embrace. "It's okay, Joongie," he murmured soothingly, using Hongjoong's nickname. "Yeosang knows you didn't mean any harm. He's just having a rough day."
San nodded in agreement with Wooyoung's words. He gently patted Hongjoong's back before turning to face Wooyoung with a reassuring smile.
"I'll go talk to Yeosang," San declared softly, his voice filled with determination, "I think he should have someone to talk to right now."
San walked down the hallway, his steps purposeful but gentle. As he approached Yeosang's door, he could hear the faint sound of crying from inside. His heart clenched at the sound, and he paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before gently knocking on the door.
"Baby, it's Sannie," he called softly, "Can I come in?"
The crying inside quieted slightly, and there was a brief moment of silence before Yeosang's muffled voice responded, "Come in."
San slowly opened the door and stepped inside, closing it softly behind him. Yeosang was sitting on his bed, his knees drawn up to his chest, his face lifted up from his crossed arms. San could see the telltale signs of tears staining his cheeks, and his heart ached for his boyfriend.
Without a word, San crossed the room and sat down beside the smaller. He didn't say anything at first, simply wrapping an arm around his shoulders and pulling him into a comforting embrace. Yeosang leaned into San's touch, his body relaxing naturally against the taller.
“It’s okay, baby. I'm here, whatever's going on, I'll listen,” San whispered, his voice soothing and filled with empathy.
Yeosang took a shaky breath, his voice trembling as he began to speak. “It’s just… everything today,” he said softly, his words punctuated by the shaky pitch of his voice. “During the live, I dropped the bracelet because of my stupid hands. And everyone saw it. The comments… they got to me.”
San listened attentively, nodding along with a sympathetic pout.
“Then, later, we were playing Jenga,” Yeosang continued, his voice thick with emotion. Thickening more by the word, “I lost because my hands were shaking so much. I tried to laugh it off, but it just… it stuck with me.”
San tightened his hold on Yeosang, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of his head as he let the elder continue.
Yeosang whimpered, a fresh wave of tears spilling over. “And then, with Hongjoong… we were having a nice moment, and he noticed my hands shaking. I-I think he thought it was cute, but… it just reminded me of everything from today. And-"
Tears welled up in Yeosang's eyes again, and he buried his face against San's shoulder with a cry, seeking solace in his comforting presence. San rubbed his back soothingly, his own heart aching at Yeosang's distress.
He took a shaky breath before speaking again. "I just... I don't know why it's bothering me now," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "My hands have always been this way. I've learned to live with it... but today, it feels like it's all too much."
"It's okay to feel overwhelmed, Yeosang," San said softly, his voice a gentle murmur against Yeosang's ear. "You're allowed to have rough days, to feel vulnerable. But remember, you're not alone in this. You have to talk to us. You can’t bottle it all up till you get to this point Baby, it’s not healthy for you."
Yeosang lifted his head slightly, his eyes red-rimmed and glistening with unshed tears. He nodded along to San’s words, sniffling softly.
San reached out, gently wiping away the tears that streaked down Yeosang's cheeks. "You're so strong, Yeosang," he murmured, his voice filled with admiration, "But even the strongest of us need someone to lean on sometimes. And that's okay."
Yeosang's lips quivered slightly as he struggled to contain his emotions. He leaned into San's touch, seeking comfort in the reassuring presence of his boyfriend. But then his eyes drifted back to his hands, trembling viciously on his lap, each finger tremoring without any sign of stopping.
Gently, San lifted the elder’s hands to his lips, pressing a tender kiss to each finger, his touch gentle and full of affection. Yeosang watched silently, his lower lip caught between his teeth in frustration, tears still lingering in his eyes.
"These hands," San murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper, "they hold so much beauty and grace. They’ve created art and they’ve touched lives."
Yeosang's breath caught in his throat as he listened to his boyfriend’s words, feeling the warmth of his kisses and the sincerity in his touch.
"They've held mine through the darkest nights," San continued, his gaze unwavering as he met Yeosang's eyes. "They've wiped away tears, they've embraced me with love. Yeosang, your hands are a reflection of your heart—strong, compassionate, and infinitely precious to me."
A tear escaped Yeosang's eye, rolling down his cheek unchecked. San gently brushed it away with his thumb, his own eyes shimmering with unspoken emotions.
Yeosang's voice trembled slightly as he spoke, his words weighed down by the frustration he felt. "I hate that they tremble," he confessed softly, his gaze still fixed on his hands. "I hate that I can't control them, that they betray me when I need them the most."
San's heart ached at Yeosang's self-reproach. He brought Yeosang's hands close to his chest, cradling them gently as he met the smaller’s gaze with unwavering sincerity. "It's okay if they tremble," he murmured, his voice filled with reassurance. "I'll always be here to hold them steady, to hold you steady."
Yeosang's eyes brimmed with tears anew, overwhelmed by the sweetness of his partner’s words. "You promise?" he whispered, his voice barely audible but filled with hope.
San leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to the back of Yeosang's hand before intertwining their fingers together. "I promise," he vowed, his voice a soft echo of devotion.
"I'll never let go, Yeosang. I'll always hold your hand, no matter what."