¸·¯ ✩ 𝟪 𝗆𝖺𝗄𝖾𝗌 𝟣 𝗍𝖾𝖺𝗆

@prkhwanakin

Seonghwa had been sitting in the living room working on his latest lego set when he heard the knock at the door. He hadn't been expecting anyone so he wasn't sure who could be at the door but when he heard Wooyoung's voice, he opened it easily without thinking. "Wooyo, what are you doing here?" he asked raising a brow. He hadn't been shy about expressing his displeasure with the other's actions as of late and he wasn't sure whether Wooyoung had forgotten that or what was going on here but he was never unwilling to spend time with the younger. Even when he was upset.

@dobermang @prkhwanakin

yeosang : when and where?

lia’s decision to come to the states hadn’t been an easy one to make. she was much more comfortable at home, where she spent her days within the pages of books or in the company of her family (they just recently began fostering a dog that she had fallen absolutely in love with). seoul was familiar, and it felt safe. however, her members were going to be in attendance, as was the boy of her dreams, and for as much as she loved those girls, the promise of spending some time with seonghwa had been far more compelling. he looked so pretty in the glowing candlelight, her heart beating loud enough in her chest that she were certain he could hear it even from his place across the table. “i wouldn’t miss this for the world,” lia answered with a soft smile, nerves easily quelled by his gentle caress. life at the villa had been hectic, to say the least. the bickering rarely seemed to cease, and she was grateful for the opportunity to escape with someone who was so dear to her. seungkwan’s words echoed in her mind then — you deserve to be loved. rejection was scary indeed, but she wasn’t damaged goods, and she most definitely deserved this. “a surprise?” her nose scrunches curiously in the way that he so openly adored, her head tilted curiously to the side. suddenly, she felt a tinge of guilt that she hadn't prepared anything for him herself, “i thought this was the surprise?”

he'd been inspired by their team rings to get her a promise ring. he'd customized it himself. a pretty silver thing, two rods of sterling wrapped around each other holding a small, yellow stone because when he thought of her, he thought of something bright and beautiful and because yellow also represented stars. a color that fit the both of them well. "i wanted you to have this," he said holding the box out above the table and opening the box to show her the ring. "i think- well, i know...things must be hard for you right now and i wanted you to have something to always remember that you're not alone. consider it a promise ring of sorts. when you look at it, you should know i'm only a phone call away. always. you'll never lose that," he confirmed for her.

"Wooyo, he only chose her because he didn't know you were an option," Seonghwa said matter of a factly. He didn't know how else to put it besides blatantly. He knew that when it came to caring about the members and the harmony of their little group, Wooyoung cared just as much as he did but in this case, it was only holding him back from something that Seonghwa felt he had a right to have. "I think you should tell him, anyway," Seonghwa said. He had noticed things that maybe Wooyoung hadn't and for him, San knowing the truth would be better than having to watch them both suffer to a certain extent independently. "How do you know that Yuna isn't just a distraction for him?" Seonghwa insisted. He could tell he might be pushing too far when the tear rolled down Wooyoung's cheek. He wiped it quickly with his thumb and sighed softly. "No, but- Wooyoung, he should know. He's your best friend, too, right? What if there's a chance? Do you want to miss out on that?"

「 . ✧ . * . ˚ 」 ………………..→ In Seonghwa's eyes, Wonyoung was too young for the amount of stress he'd seen her afforded on this trip alone. Yes, she had her way of egging on some issues when they occurred but he knew she wasn't solely responsible for them. If he put it in space terms for himself, it was like rocket fuel and a spaceship. She was only doing what she was motivated to. Still, he admired that she did take some responsibility for the occurrences that had happened since they'd arrived in California. As she leaned in closer to continue her lament, his eyes scanned her face almost looking for her true feelings on the situation. He didn't like the fact that she had issues with any of his members but he could also acknowledge that the issues weren't one-sided. "I understand," He nodded at her confession as he thought quietly to himself if there was a way to put the issues between the two at rest. It wasn't his responsibility but he cared for Yunho deeply and since Mingi cared for Wonyoung, he thought it only appropriate. As she answered his question, he stared at her, his large round eyes empty of anything but curiosity while she spoke. He knew that nothing was official between them again yet had seen how close they'd been on this trip and he couldn't help but wonder. "Ah- You do love him." Seonghwa nodded and hummed quietly leaning back against the chair. His eyes closed as the sun seemed to have perfect aim from lightyears away striking his irises. He mumbled softly, "At the end of the day, I want you two to make each other happy. Mingi is...Well- Obviously, he's like my family. I can't in good conscience look for reasons to dislike you when I see how eager he is to be around you, Won." He paused then let out a sigh. "I do wish he'd stop fighting but that's him. He gets riled up so easily in defense of those he loves," Seonghwa shook his head and opened one eye peeking over at her. "I assume you'd do the same if someone had a bad word to say about him?" At least, the older man hoped so.

「 . ✧ . * . ˚ 」 ………………..→ Seonghwa could tell the other was drained just by looking at him and there was an air of concern on his face as he looked at the younger man. "Where would you like to eat?" he asked without hesitation. He wasn't picky and he would've preferred the other have a meal that would ease his worried and bring him joy while they had a difficult conversation than anything else. "I'm not worried, trust me. Well- Not about that. You, I'm worried about," He joked patting the other's back as he closed the door behind him and began walking to the front door so they could leave.

❛ everyone is responsible for doing their part. ❜ while yeosang couldn't exactly understand since he was younger in both ateez and his own family, he knew that this was something seonghwa cared about. much like his own older brother, the vocalist felt strongly about taking care of the others. although admirable in the younger idol's eyes, it seemed that the other was putting a lot of pressure on himself to maintain everything and have things be perfect. this felt unrealistic. yeosang always hoped for the peace and happiness of those around him, but emotions and mental states could fluctuate. having a little leeway and understanding was important to not push themselves too much. ❛ i'm glad you can recognize you shouldn't. and you know we are always here to support you, it's not just the other way around, i promise. ❜ with a soft smile, yeosang turned his gaze from the scenic view to linger on his hyung. it was nice to see him smiling and laughing instead of somber or pensive. his own smile grew. ❛ i hope you feel comfortable to lean on us as much as we lean on you. ❜

「 . ✧ . * . ˚ 」 ………………..→ seonghwa smiled softly at the other's words. sometimes he felt they got so caught up with work and everything else that they didn't take a moment to stop and check on each other. it wasn't anyone's fault just a consequence of their fast moving life but he knew that at the end of the day they'd always come back to their senses and care for each other. right now, things were just so tense that he was beginning to worry but listening to yeosang's words, he was slightly comforted by them. "i do...i just feel like sometimes- well, yeoie, we're all wrapped up in our own things. for example," he cleared his throat as he looked away, his cheeks red. "i'm considering asking out a very pretty girl but i'm scared she'll say no so i'm quite nervous about that, too."

Seonghwa knew he wouldn't be half the man he was without his members. Their love and support gave him not only confidence and ability to love himself but also the courage to be as supportive as he was to them. All of the love he received, he reflected right back. That was why there was such a look of disappointment on his face when Wooyoung counted himself out like that. Wooyoung was one of the most loving and affectionate people that Hwa knew and he deserved to be love the same in return. "Woo...I love Yuna. I think she's a sweet girl. She's funny and she's pretty and she's very talented. Truly talented! But she's not right for Sannie and I think he knows that. I think they both do, but also-" Hwa hesitated wondering for a moment what Lia would think if she knew he was about to not-so-accidentally sabotage her member's relationship. "Woo, I see the way that Sannie looks at you, too. It's not platonic, at all. I don't think that if you told him how you felt, it would be an easy let down. It would make things complicated, yes, because of our team and because of the fact that he's with Yuna but...I don't think these feelings are only on your side. I, also, think if you plan on telling him how you feel, you need to stop messing around with Yeonjun, too. It's not healthy to use your friend as a distraction from who you really love and I can tell that's all it is for you. I know you too well,"

"So far- Even with all the arguments, it's fun to be back here. In California, I mean. Plus, the villa is nice and I'm finding myself spending time with people that I didn't get to before! Like you!" A grin spread across his lips as he relaxed, his shoulders drooping a little. It was nice to feel a little less pressure and turn himself off so to speak. She didn't strike him as the type who would judge him for that. His brows furrowed as he looked over at her when she spoke again. "Do better?" He said, his voice clearly filled with confusion before he shook his head. "Won, I don't blame you for those, at all. I know that Yunho isn't very fond of you and I know that my Mingi-pingi seems to like you a lot. That's only bound to cause conflict but I hope you're not blaming yourself for all of it." His voice was filled with true concern as he looked over at her. He blinked a few times trying not to stare honestly but he couldn't help but notice how pretty she was. Maybe that was one of the few reasons, besides her apparent humility, that Mingi seemed so willing to throw hands for her so easily. "Are you and him...happy? Would you say that you are?"

「 . ✧ . * . ˚ 」 ....................→ Seonghwa smiled at the small touches the other gave him. Physical affection came so easily between the two of them that it just strengthened their friendship. Even if Hwa pretended like he didn't like it most of the time, they both knew that wasn't true. "I'm really proud of you, you know? I wanted to tell you that the whole time but I couldn't find a right moment," He said chuckling. He brushed his thumb across Woo's cheek, a soft pout resting on his own lips to mimic the other's. "Woo..." He let out a quiet sigh at the other's words. "Maybe getting over him isn't the right thing to do, anyway." Hwa said quietly. "I-" He hesitated humming quietly and then closing his eyes as he pulled his hand away from Woo's cheek holding their hands together instead. "Why haven't you told him these things? Instead of messing around with Yeonjun, who I know you love dearly as your friend, why don't you ever tell Sannie how you feel?" His voice and face held a genuine air of curiosity as he looked at the younger trying to understand his feelings more than anything.

with emotions leading instead of reason, yunho may feel like ateez was against him, which was the furthest thing from the truth. while he made it abundantly clear that he wasn't wonyoung's biggest fan, they all loved mingi and wanted him to be happy. yeosang hadn't spent much time with wonyoung one on one, but when he saw her and mingi together in the villa, the pair seemed happy. he was rooting for things to work out well between them, hoping there was a happy ending on the horizon. ❛ in the moment, it can be hard to feel at ease or see reason. ❜ while he himself was someone who usually took a step back when he was feeling overwhelmed, he knew that wasn't how everyone on their team processed. and lately, it seemed difficult for others to see beyond their own hurt. hopefully, with time and gentle guidance, there could be progress. while yeosang was not really one for physical affection, he hoped the soft squeeze he offered his hyung's arm was enough to show he was listening. the eldest worked so hard at comforting others, to even yeosang it was clear this weighed on him. ❛ you're doing really well, hyung. i hope you know that. don't put too much pressure on yourself to fix everything in this moment. ❜

「 . ✧ . * . ˚ 」 ....................→ hwa nodded in agreement with yeo's words. he'd even let himself get angry for a bit which was so unlike him. he got angry over games or small tricks but never legitimate anger. not towards those he loved. a pained smile crossed his face at yeo's advice. "it's hard sometimes, being the oldest. at least, it feels like i should fix things, even if it's supposed to be joong's job, too, to help solve problems, i feel a responsibility." he said furrowing his brows. the squeeze to his arm that the younger offered, though, did calm him. he knew how much physical affection wasn't yeo's taste so he appreciated it whenever it was given to him. he let out a deep sigh and shook his head. "even if i try to tell myself not to take out all of the responsibility on my shoulders...sometimes, i do. maybe that's why when i get the chance i act like the youngest again." he mused chuckling at the way the younger members would bring out the silliest tendencies from him.

@prkhwanakin

When Seonghwa heard the knock at the door accompanied by the familiar voice, he took a deep breath. He had to calm himself again as he shook off the thoughts of how upset he'd gotten at the other earlier that day. If there was one thing that Hwa hated, it was arguing with his members. They were the people he cared for the most so when they fought, he felt a part of him was fractured. He opened the door, running a hand through his hair as he did so. "Hey, Yuyu. Give me a second to grab my wallet," He said leaving the door open and grabbing his things. He tugged on his jacket, too, finally leaving his room and gesturing down the hall. "Let's go?" He said leading the way.

while yeosang hadn't been present for the drama that unfolded, a few of the members had confided in him afterwards. while from the sounds of it the entire ordeal seemed to be blown far out of proportion, he could understand seonghwa's worries. especially considering he seemed to be in a mediating situation while the others were either directly or tangentially involved. since the younger idol was also on the periphery of the drama but wanted everyone to be happy and at peace, he could empathize with his hyung's position. ❛ ahh.. yes, i did. ❜ he mused quietly, the only noise around them being the quiet hum of nature that unfolded as they walked. ❛ i don't think he meant it... i think that was coming from a place of hurt. from what i heard, he was really upset with just about everyone yesterday. ❜ while it didn't make the situation easier or better, yeosang truly didn't believe that no one else cared. if anything, everyone seemed to care a lot, which is why emotions could be running high. ❛ did joong go to talk to him? maybe he would listen to him as a voice of reason? ❜

「 . ✧ . * . ˚ 」 ....................→ seonghwa nodded at the younger's words. he agreed, to an extent, but he also found himself wondering if he wasn't doing enough as the eldest to quell the unrest. he wondered this more often than not lately. if he was failing as hyung then what did that mean? ateez was, of course, the only place in his life where he was the oldest. with his idol friends, he was usually younger and at home, he was the youngest, so it felt odd sometimes to have the responsibility on his back but he did his best with it. his best lately, though, didn't seem to be good enough. "i think he did, yeah, but it doesn't seem to have eased his spirit. i want to talk to him myself but he seems so..." hwa's voice trailed off as he searched for the right words. "he seems resistant."

debating whether a cup of coffee would be the move or not while waiting, the kang was stirred from his sleepy thoughts when the other arrived. eyes crinkled with amusement, giving an affirming nod. ❛ i didn't want to sleep too late and miss the good weather ❜ he offered softly, allowing their arms to be linked before leading the way. the villa was in a quiet area adorned with several walking paths that the singer had researched before climbing out of bed. raising a brow, he offered a curious look to his elder. ❛ really? has there been a lot of excitement? ❜

「 . ✧ . * . ˚ 」 ....................→ "smart," seonghwa said nodding, as they walked along. he took a deep breath of the fresh air before answering yeosang's question. "mhm. i'm a bit worried about yunho and mingi. there seems to be some...trouble," he said unsure of how to expand on his thoughts there. "i mean- yunho thinks no one else is concerned but in all honesty, the contention has been keeping me up at night." he shook his head as he thought about the members hating the way they seemed to be so fragmented lately. "haven't you noticed?" he knew the younger could be quite clueless at times but he thought yunho and mingi had been a bit obvious with their troubles. still, it wouldn't have shocked him if yeosang was in his own world.

park seonghwa (ft. choi san) in osos #11