Taehyun’s POV:

I had let Yeonjun hyung take care of Beomgyu, thinking it might bring them closer. At the time, it seemed like a good idea. But now that I reflect on it... I can’t help but feel like I’m setting them up for something I can’t quite put into words.

After the song rehearsals, we all came back home. As I passed Chaeyon’s room, I noticed her quietly reading a book. Meanwhile, I assumed Yeonjun hyung would still be in Beomgyu’s room, checking on him.

But when Soobin hyung, Kai, and I went into Beomgyu’s room to see how he was doing, Yeonjun wasn’t there. Beomgyu was fast asleep, his face peaceful. I saw Soobin hyung sigh in relief before retreating to his own room, followed by Kai.

Curious, I decided to ask Chaeyon. I knocked lightly on her doorframe.
“Hey, Chaeyon,” I greeted, stepping in.

She smiled warmly, putting her book aside. “What’s up?”

I returned the smile. “Did Yeonjun hyung look after Beomgyu while we were gone?” I asked softly, trying not to make it sound too pressing.

Her smile faltered for a moment, and she hesitated. “He was there for a while... but about thirty minutes after you all left, he started acting... differently. I haven’t seen him leave his room for the last three hours.”

I blinked, surprised by her response but quickly masked it with a nod. “I see. Thanks. I’ll check on him.”

Chaeyon smiled briefly before returning to her book.

I made my way to Yeonjun’s room, knocking softly on the door. When I didn’t hear a response, I hesitated for a moment before stepping inside. He was sitting on his bed, scrolling through his phone with an expression I couldn’t quite place.

“Yeonjun hyung, can we talk?” I asked gently.

He looked up, his face blank for a moment before he sat up straighter. “You’re all back?”

I nodded, stepping further into the room and closing the door behind me. Taking a seat on the edge of his bed, I met his gaze.
“I thought you said you were going to look after Beomgyu,” I said carefully.

The mention of Beomgyu seemed to shift something in him. His face darkened, and his shoulders tensed.
“Taehyun, I don’t want to talk about it,” he said quietly, his tone laced with something that felt... sad.

I sighed softly. “You seemed fine this morning. What happened?”

When he didn’t answer, I felt a pang of disappointment. I stood, ready to leave.
“Yeonjun hyung, you might think I don’t notice what’s going on, but I do. If I’m wrong about what I’m assuming, then please... just talk to me.”

As I turned toward the door, I heard his voice, quiet and hesitant.

I paused, turning back to face him. “What?”

He looked down, fiddling with his hands before finally speaking.
“I need your advice.”

Surprised, I walked back to the bed and sat down beside him. He adjusted his position, sitting properly as if preparing himself.
“Look, this is something I’ve been struggling to talk about, but... I trust you. I’m opening up to you, and I don’t want anyone else knowing about this yet,” he admitted, his voice low.

I gave him a small, reassuring smile. “I understand. You can share anything with me, hyung.”

He nodded slowly, drawing in a deep breath. Whatever was weighing on him, it was heavy, and I was ready to listen.

Yeonjun’s POV:

After what Taehyun said, I realized there was no point in hiding it anymore. Deep down, I knew how obvious I’d been about my feelings for Beomgyu. It was almost shocking that the other members hadn’t caught on yet. But Taehyun... he knew. I could see it in his eyes, and his words confirmed it.

Taking a deep breath, I finally admitted it.
“I like... Beomgyu.”

The weight of those words left my chest, but Taehyun didn’t look surprised. Not even a little. Instead, he smiled softly.
“I didn’t think you’d ever say it out loud, but... yeah, I knew. That’s great, Yeonjun hyung.”

His calm reaction should’ve been reassuring, but it only made my heart sink further. I nodded stiffly, not sure how to respond.

“But then... what’s the problem? Why are you avoiding Beomgyu, especially when he’s not feeling well?” Taehyun asked, his confusion evident.

I sighed heavily, feeling the ache in my chest intensify.
“Taehyun, I just... I know he doesn’t feel the same way. I shouldn’t like him. He’s not interested in guys.”

The words felt like poison leaving my mouth. Admitting it aloud only made the pain sharper, but I swallowed it down, refusing to let it overwhelm me. I turned my gaze away, trying to keep my emotions in check.

Taehyun’s voice was soft but firm. “How can you be so sure? What if you’re wrong? What if he is interested?”

I glanced back at him, shaking my head. “No, Taehyun. You don’t get it. He’s always so good with girls... and he seems so happy around them.” My voice wavered, and I rubbed my temples, trying to push back the tears threatening to spill.

Taehyun placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch grounding me.
“Hey, calm down, hyung. You just realized your feelings. Give yourself some time. And... maybe try to get closer to Beomgyu. See where things go,” he said gently, his tone full of understanding.

I shook my head, feeling overwhelmed. “I don’t know, Taehyun. Just... leave me alone for now. Don’t let anyone else in my room, okay?”

He hesitated but nodded, concern flickering in his eyes. “Alright. But, Yeonjun hyung... just don’t give up on yourself, okay?”

With that, he left the room, closing the door softly behind him.

The moment I was alone, my composure crumbled. My vision blurred as tears finally escaped, streaking down my face.

“I can’t do this,” I whispered to myself, burying my face in my hands.

Beomgyu seemed so happy around girls, so confident, so free. I couldn’t compete with that. I couldn’t give him what he deserved. And yet, my heart ached to be the one to make him smile like that.

But I knew better. I wanted the best for him... even if that meant letting him go.