Soongyu - For All To See

:: Objection ::

   Soonyoung's posture tensed, as did Mingyu's, "No, I'll be going with Soonyoung. I'm not going to let you drag him into another room and fill his head with all this negativity." Mingyu debated, but Jihoon just raised up a hand to silence Mingyu's complaining.

   "Mingyu. Now isn't the time to act like the overly protective boyfriend. I don't doubt your feelings, but right now this is more than just you two and it affects all of us. We are still SEVENTEEN and there's a way in which we handle problems, so we shall continue to do so the way we always have. Now, Soonyoung... Hyung... Come with me?" Although it was more of a demand than a question.

   Seungcheol didn't argue the point with Jihoon which surprised a couple of the members who had expected the anger in Seungcheol to continue. But it wasn't so unpredictable considering the closeness of Jihoon and their leader. The pair of them were like brothers and both of them had the perfect mentality of leaders; something which even Soonyoung usually had.
   Although here he was now, broken.

   Slowly, Soonyoung turned from Mingyu's embrace, keeping his puffy eyes low as his fingers slowly released Mingyu's t-shirt - the digits aching in pain from how long they'd been tightly hanging on.
   Finally he found some courage to be able to raise his head and look towards his two fellow leaders. Both of them were stood by the doorway which lead out to the front door making it apparent that they intended to have their discussion elsewhere; more than likely at their studio - away from the ears of the other members.

   Soonyoung swallowed shakily, giving a slight nod of his head before risking a glance back at Mingyu. The tanned male looked at a loss, his expression pained as he looked at the older male; as if fearing he was about to lose his whole world. No doubt believing Seungcheol and Jihoon would convince Soonyoung to break things off for the sake of the group.
   Which is what he should do, right?

   Reaching out to give Mingyu's hand a light squeeze, Soonyoung then finally walked towards the other leaders, wiping his eyes with the sleeves of his red sweater. As he approached, Seungcheol and Jihoon turned and began to leave with Soonyoung trailing behind.
   A pained "Hyung..." calling out from behind him just as the front door closed.

---

   How much time had passed since Soonyoung left? Mingyu had lost track. He was currently sat on the sofa holding his head in his hands as he rested his elbows on his knees. Minghao sat to his right hand side, trying to stroke his back reassuringly, whilst Wonwoo sat to his left muttering under his breath how he thought things would be different, how he was sorry for telling Soonyoung that they should come clean to everyone.

   The remaining members; Chan, Seokmin, Hansol, Seungkwan, Jun, Joshua and Jeonghan all stayed within the space of the living room. The tension from the arguing had faded but left nothing but sadness and uncertainty in its wake. None of the members truly meant any harm when they initially objected to the relationship; it was mostly fear of the unknown that had caused them to react in such a way. But now that the three leaders weren't here and they were left with Mingyu's distraught aura, they couldn't help but feel bad and humiliated with themselves for acting inconsiderately.
   Not all of them had objected of course, but regardless they all now felt the same.

   "I think you guys are ready to be told..." Jeonghan practically whispered, by the room was silent enough for everyone to hear.

   Mingyu didn't raise his head, but the other members all looked towards their hyung, faces showing their confusion.
   "What do you mean, hyung? Be told what?" Chan questioned, perhaps being one of the select few who still felt like he could use his voice. Seokmin who was besides him nodded his head as Chan spoke.

   Jeonghan let out a sigh and crossed his arms, hands rubbing at his arms trying to soothe himself. Joshua noticed the gesture and went to stand besides Jeonghan, giving his shoulders a slight massage before settling his hands over Jeonghan's before speaking softly, "Don't worry, you can tell us."

   Jeonghan gave a slight nod before straightening up his back and glancing over the faces of his fellow members before his gaze fell upon the dejected Mingyu, causing him to frown softly, "It's about Seungcheol."

   Mingyu seemed to tense at this, raising his head from his hands to watch Jeonghan closely, wondering what they were about to be told just as much as the other members around him. "What about him?" Mingyu couldn't help the venom in his tone, though his volume wasn't too loud at least.

   Jeonghan's frown deepened at this nevertheless, "I told you he had his reasons; please don't misunderstand his response Mingyu. He's doing what he believes is best to protect everyone; but more specifically to protect you and Soonyoung."

   Mingyu grit his teeth at this, "Are you having a laugh?! How is the way he reacted supposed to be interpreted as anything other than hostile and uncaring? He didn't care about our feelings, he didn't care that he made my Soonyoung cry. How did you get being protective out of that?!" Mingyu felt his anger threatening to resurface but Minghao and Wonwoo both gripped his shoulders as if to keep him firmly seated; keeping him grounded both physically and mentally.

   Jeonghan shook his head, "No, no... There's more to this than that. He'd never intend to hurt anyone and you all know that. Trust me when I say he's hurting just as much as you are right now."

   Mingyu couldn't help but bitterly laugh at such a claim, running a hand through his hair as he rolled his tongue in his cheek, his annoyance levels growing.
   "From where we were all sitting, hyung, we just can't see it that way... We've never seen him so angry before..." Jun's voice trailed off as several other members nodded.

   Jeonghan looked noticeably tense again, "This wasn't supposed to be something you guys ever knew. But I feel like it's unavoidable now... There's something I need to tell you about Seungcheol and even myself."

   All eyes peered at the oldest male in the room with a mixture of emotions but confusion taking center stage no matter which face Jeonghan settled on. Trailing the tip of his tongue over his lower lip, Jeonghan finally clarified.
   "I'm about to tell you the real reason that Seungcheol never debuted with NU'EST..."