Yeosang stood at the top of the slope, staring down in horror at the challenge ahead of him.

“You got this, hyung!” Jongho shuffled next to him, patting him gently on the back. Yeosang couldn’t be so sure. 

Skiing wasn’t his forte. In all honesty, he was afraid to do it. Not only was the journey down one of the most terrifying things he’d ever witnessed, but the lack of control made the experience even less appealing. His mind couldn’t wrap around how people willingly put their trust in poles and two narrow skis to get them down the side of a mountain in one piece.

Yeosang didn’t know how he let Jongho and San convince him that today was the day he needed to face his fears. If he had it his way, he would be over on the other side of the resort, making snow angels and having snowball fights with the rest of his members. But instead, he was up there with San and Jongho staring death in the eyes. 

San finally waddled up beside them, eyes crinkling on a smile as he spoke. “You will do great, Sangie. I promise we will be with you every step of the way.”

Yeosang still couldn’t shake off the feeling. His knees shook below him, nearly locking up each time a stranger made their way down. Their screams of joy, doing more harm than good, sending waves of terror through his body.

It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Jongho and San to guide him safely. He trusted them with everything he had and knew they would both put themselves in harm's way before he could ever get hurt. Trusting them and trusting himself were two different things, though. He was clumsy, and one wrong move could land him in the hospital, all bruised up or worse with a broken bone.

“Let’s all just breathe together,” San suggested, reaching out for Yeosang’s hand.

Yeosang grabbed his hand and reached his other hand out for Jongho, who quickly latched on to his. They both gave him a reassuring squeeze as they breathed. His shaky breaths slowly even out with every exhale.

“You ready?” Jongho questioned once they let go, pulling his goggles down over his eyes.

Though he felt hesitant, Yeosang nodded, ready to get it over with. There was only one way down after all.

He shakily secured his goggles, looking over to San, who followed suit.

“Remember, Sangie. Bend your knees as if you are squatting. No matter what, lean forward…” San demonstrated the motions once again, which Yeosang was thankful for. In his panic, he nearly forgot a few of the movements, too caught up in his own head.

 “Okay!” Yeosang shouted once San finished, “I can do it!” His voice cracked at the end, but Jongho and San’s affirmation helped ease the tension stacked in his chest. Let’s just do it.

When they set off, it was…different from what Yeosang had expected. Instead of shooting down the mountain at an insane rate of speed like he’d seen others do. The journey was a lot…slower. Their pace was more controlled despite having their bodies and the poles to steer them.

“See, not so bad right?” Jongho chuckled. Yeosang would’ve responded if he wasn’t nervous, maybe even shoved Jongho for laughing. But he wasn’t in the clear yet, and one inch of movement could throw his entire balance off.

Yeosang steered down the mountain, both San and Jongho close at his side, checking ever so often to make sure he was okay. He felt content, actually taking in the scenery around him now that his fears were long gone. It really wasn’t so bad.

Once they reached the bottom, Yeosang felt himself actually wanting to go again. It was fun, and it wasn’t as scary as it had seemed before. He was proud of himself for conquering his fear and giving skiing a chance. And it was all thanks to San and Jongho.

“How was it?” Both Jongho and San asked, removing their goggles.

“I liked it! I liked it a lot, actually!” he exclaimed. “I want to go faster next time and learn tricks now!” Yeosang raved feeling overly enthusiastic.

“Whoa, hold on there,” Jongho interjected, quickly shutting him down. “Maybe let’s take baby steps, hyung. That was only the kiddie slope.” He laughed, seeing the realization hit Yeosang’s face.

“Surely you didn’t think we’d start you off where the pros like to ski, right?” San nudged Yeosang playfully, laughing when Yeosang only chuckled nervously, clearly realizing he was in over his head.

“On second thought…” Yeosang began, “I think I'll go find Seonghwa hyung and the rest of the members.” He walked away, leaving San and Jongho behind, who were doubled over in laughter.

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