Soongyu - For All To See

:: Not As It Seems ::

   "B-But why hyung?? What's so wrong with how we feel? I know we're idols and we're not supposed to date but how can we just pretend what we feel isn't there? I'm human too, hyung. Why am I not allowed to feel the same love we sing about?" Soonyoung's voice trembled, his wall of defense lowering as his words kept on tumbling out, his inner turmoil laying itself out on display for the other two leaders to see.

   Jihoon's expression mimicked the way Soonyoung felt, as did Seungcheol's who quickly pulled Soonyoung forward, arms wrapping around his shoulders in order to hold Soonyoung close to his chest. Tears streamed down Soonyoung's cheeks although he couldn't tell when they had started falling, all he knew was that they were currently soaking the leader's shirt.

   "I know, Soonyoungie. Trust me, I know. But I-..." Seungcheol bit his lower lip and took a deep breath. "I do know better than anyone what the industry is like regarding idols and their relationships. It isn't fair and it never has been; but it's because I know what they'll do to you both that I need to stop this now."

   "Hyung, please don't!" Soonyoung cried out, although it was muffled by Seungcheol's chest as Soonyoung clutched a the older male's arms.

   "Tell him everything, hyung." Jihoon had moved out of his chair to sit on the sofa beside Soonyoung, arms resting over his knees as he leaned forward so his head was level with Seungcheol's shoulders.

   Soonyoung lifted his head a little his tears having stopped flowing for now as he looked at Seungcheol's face wondering what the leader seemed to be avoiding talking about. The leader turned his body to sit down, leaning back against the sofa between both Soonyoung and Jihoon, raising one knee whilst keeping the other leg straight, an arm resting across his knee as his gaze seemed to focus on the neon sign just for something to look at.

   "You know I was supposed to debut with NU'EST, right? But plans changed and it was supposed to be Tempest before SEVENTEEN was formed? The reasoning behind all of that was producers believing I wasn't quite ready, which wasn't a complete lie... However there was something more to it..." Seungcheol sounded pained as he spoke though his expression didn't betray too much as if he was trying his best to stay in check of his emotions.

   "I know, hyung. Are you saying there's another reason though?" Soonyoung's throat hurt a little from his sobbing so he kept his voice quiet, but due to the three of them sitting close together they had no problem hearing one another.

   Seungcheol nodded his head with a firmly set jawline as he grit his teeth. "The actual reason, or at least the main reason, was a punishment towards me."

   Soonyoung's eyes widened slightly and his eyebrows rose up in surprise. Lifting a hand to wipe his cheek to try remove the cold feeling the wet streak of tears had left in their wake, Soonyoung kept his attention set on Seungcheol.

   "I was in love with Jeonghan..."

   Silence settled between all three members as the news settled in, Jihoon seemingly had heard it all before so didn't bat an eyelid, but Soonyoung had completely tensed up before bolting upright into a straighter posture albeit still sat down.
   "What?!" Soonyoung's eyes darted back and forth as he eyed Seungcheol's side profile but the elder didn't turn to face him. "But Jeonghan joined the agency four years after you, right?"

   Seungcheol gave a slow nod. "It's true he didn't officially join until much later, however he and I knew each other before he became a recruit. We'd often see each other at the park and over time we begun talking; he knew I was a recruit and he even applied himself. I helped him as best as I could and they seemed interested in him for a while. As time went on, we developed feelings for each other and decided we wanted to become something more - although he were still basically just naive teenagers at the time. The kind who got flustered holding hands, you know?" Seungcheol stopped briefly to scoff at the memory.