NCT Imagines (Requests Open!)

Happy Birthday (Taeyong)

A/N: Yes, I know I'm very late, but I want to wish NCT's Taeyong a very happy birthday!  Enjoy reading ~

Flip.

Plop.

Flip.

Plop.

With each page Taeyong turned, tears snaked down his face.  It was old school of him to own a photo album with all his members' memories, but he enjoyed capturing his group in the moment.

As he studied a picture of him Johnny had taken, another tear fell onto the back of his hand.  In the photo, he was a sweaty mess, but still there was a smile painted on his exhausted face.  As hard as the trainee life was, he missed those days where things seemed so simple.  

Everything felt complicated now.  Taeyong learned that leading a group was anything but easy.  He had to stay strong for his members and support them through their long nights.  He had to lead them through the dark and be brave even when he wanted to hide.  

As Taeyong closed the book, he heard a knock at his door.  The members barged in with a beautiful strawberry cake adorned with sparklers.  

"Make a wish!" Jungwoo clapped his hands together.  

Taeyong squeezed his eyes shut.  

"What did you wish for?" Haechan poked the leader's shoulder.  "Because if you wished for a new phone, then Johnny-"

"Wow, way to spoil my present," Johnny interjected.  "But is everything alright?  You look like you've been crying."

Taeyong shook his head.  "It must be the lighting in the room.  I'm fine."

But all the members knew Taeyong had been going through some rough patches.  And no matter how many times they asked, he always replied with the same lie- I'm fine.  I'm okay.  I've never been better.

Jaehyun stepped forward and handed Taeyong an envelope.  "I want you to open this."

Taeyong slowly accepted the gift, gasping as he peeled the envelope open.  Inside were plane tickets for the group.  

"The catch is no electronics allowed.  No phones, no laptops, no headphones.  All you can bring is clothes, sunscreen, and the essentials," Jaehyun grinned.  "It's been a while since we've relaxed."

Taeyong beamed.  It really had been such a long time since he had disconnected from everything.  "When's the flight?" 

Jaehyun studied the tickets again and went pale.  "We might need to eat the cake on the ride to the airport.  We've got an hour till departure."

Frantically, the members flung clothes into suitcases for the week's stay at the Seychelle Islands.  But after a hectic run through the airport, they were able to catch their flight.  The feeling was strange- no phone, no connection with the rest of the world.  All Taeyong could do was rely on was his members.  

The ride to the hotel was breathtaking.  Each member reached for their cameras to document the natural beauty but quickly realized they had left everything behind.  In a way, it was refreshing.  They were forced to live in the moment.  

Instead of splitting up like they usually did on trips, the group stuck together like glue.  If one member wanted to go hiking, they all went hiking.  When Taeil suggested surfing, they all earned their fair share of bruises and water-logged ears together.  

Taeyong was thankful for the spontaneous getaway.  On their last night on the island, he sat under the stars, back pressed into the cool sand.  The night sky glittered, and the sound of waves crashing on the shore was enough to lull him into a trance.  He was glad that his members could read his mind without saying a word.  Even though being a leader was hard, it was the most rewarding experience he would never regret.

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A/N: Thank you mekenimeshi for requesting this Taeyong birthday imagine.  I know this is a shorter story, but I have more imagines planned coming soon.  I've also been working on a full fanfic, so stay tuned :). On another note, I want to reach out and make sure everyone is doing okay.  Please feel free to message me if you need someone to talk to!  I will do my best to make you smile <3

Question of the imagine: If you could do anything for your birthday, what would you do?  I would want to go on a spontaneous trip/picnic with my family and eat all my favorite foods.  I'd want to spend the day with no plans instead of sticking to a schedule.  What about you guys?