Yeosang's POV

I was sitting on my bed, waiting patiently for someone to come and get me. I told Seonghwa last night that I would be fine with meeting both Yunho and Mingi today, but I'm starting to doubt how willing I really am. I wrung my hands anxiously, tugging my new gloves up to make sure they were secure and wouldn't slip down. I was wearing a long sleeve top to cover my arms and tracksuit pants to cover my legs. That's enough to be extra cautious, just in case something happens but they hopefully won't get too close to me. There was a soft knock on my door and I took a deep breath before replying that they could come in. The door opened and San poked his head inside, grinning happily so I could see his soft dimples. He really is quite cute.

"You ready," he asked me.

"Do you want me to answer that honestly," I asked with a raised eyebrow. He chuckled and walked inside, closing the door behind himself and sitting down on my desk.

"I know you're probably nervous but it's going to be fine, I promise. Hongjoong Hyung took Wooyoung and Jongho out for a walk and some ice-cream so it'll just be me, you, Seonghwa Hyung and the other two," he said. I can't remember the last time I went out for a walk, or had ice-cream. I guess having the others out makes it a little bit easier but I'm still quite nervous.

"I'll be with you the whole time," he said softly. I let out a gentle breath before nodding.

"Great, come on now," he said, jumping up happily. I slowly stood up, following him out of the room and down the hall. I could hear some chatter in the loungeroom but it died down the minute we walked in. Seonghwa was sitting on one couch and on the other one connect with that couch was Yunho and Mingi, Yunho leaning against Mingi.

"Hi Yeosang, how're you feeling," Seonghwa asked gently, obviously noticing I had paused in the doorway. San just walked in merrily and plopped himself beside the eldest, snuggling up closely and letting out a cute hum of content. I wish I was able to do something as easy as that without hurting anyone, but I can't.

"Good," I said quietly.

"Are you sure you still want to be here right now? It's completely fine if you back out, there's plenty of time for you to meet everyone," Seonghwa said definitely.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I nodded. I didn't really know where to go and sit so I was just standing awkwardly by the doorway.

"You can come in and sit down. There's a beanbag just there if you don't want to sit on one of the couches," Yunho said softly. I looked to where he was pointing and shuffled over to the beanbag, pulling it over so I could sit down across from the other's, a few meters away.

"We haven't officially met yet but I'm Mingi, it's a pleasure to meet you," Mingi said, smiling at me gently. He had a big smile, it's a nice smile.

"Hi. I'm Yeosang," I said quietly.

"So, introductions are always really awkward. Instead of the usual introduction, why don't you just go ahead and ask us some questions," Yunho said.

"When did you all come here," I asked immediately. That one question has been stuck in my mind for a while.

"Ah, so Seonghwa Hyung. was the first person to come here, back in 2014 and then later that year Sannie came. Hongjoong Hyung came in 2015, I came in 2017, Woo came in 2017, Jongho 2019 and then Mingi came 2020. And now we've got you," Yunho said brightly. So some of them have been together for 8 years and now I'm intruding on what they've got going on.

"You aren't imposing Yeosang, we're happy to have you here," Yunho said. I looked over at him, remembering what happened yesterday and narrowing my eyes slightly.

"I don't want you in my head," I said firmly. His eyes widened slightly and he blinked a few times.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude," he said quietly. I realised how rude I sounded and I quickly backtracked.

"No it's ok, I appreciated your help last night but I'd prefer you not to just pop in whenever you want," I explained. He nodded, giving me a quick smile to show he understood.

"So Mingi, what's your ability," I asked him, realising I hadn't actually found out yet.

"Uh, I can't really do anything special, it's just something I do to other's," he said slowly.

"Oh, what is it," I asked, intrigued.

"Um, I can mute other people's abilities." I froze and my eyes went wide, my body going cold and rigid. Mute, as in stop? As in make them not work? That can't be possible. That isn't possible. If I touch him he'll be in pain, just the same as the other's. That not fair, it's just rubbing it in that I can't do stuff.

"Yeosang, calm down, it's ok," Seonghwa said. I shook my head and whimpered, my eyes welling with tears. It's not possible. How could he just say that? Get my hopes up, only so that it would be ripped away and I will shatter even more.

"Yeosang, I won't do anything yo-."

"I don't like you. I don't like any of you," I said, standing up and shaking my head.

"Yeosang, please calm down. No one's done anything wrong," Seonghwa said, standing slowly and taking a small step closer to me. No matter how small, it was still a step.

"Get away from me," I screamed, stumbling back.

"Shit. Yeosang I'm so sorry. I would never have told you if I knew you'd be so upset," Mingi said. I hate Mingi.

"I hate you, y-you're mean," I said, shaking my head as tears fell down my face.

"Why's he mean Yeosang? What's upsetting you right now," Seonghwa asked quickly.

"I hate all of you," I sobbed, sinking back down to the floor. I want so bad to be able to hug someone, to find any sort of comfort but I can't. I would never hurt someone for my own gain. So why would they be so cruel? I thought they liked me. They want me here and then they lie to me.

I was pulled out of my head slightly when I felt arms wrap around me. It being so long, the feeling was foreign and highly unwelcomed. It took me a few seconds to realise what was happening and I begun to panic even more.

"NO STOP. LET GO, PLEASE. STOP. I DON'T WANNA HURT YOU, PLEASE LET GO. JUST ST-."

"I'M NOT HURTING." I froze and went quiet at the yell close to my ear.

"I'm not screaming, I'm not wincing, I'm not hurt," Mingi whispered. What? I opened my eyes once again, still crying but looking around. Mingi's face was close to mine and his arms were wrapped around my waist tightly. How? It's not possible.

"See, I'm fine," he said gently. My clothes. He's not actually touching me but touching my clothes and any second now he may get hurt.

"No, no it's my clothes. Don't touch me," I sniffled, trying to push him away. His hand quickly went up and I felt paralysed and unable to move as I watch in horror. His hand touched my cheek and I clenched my eyes closed, preparing for the scream and not wanting to see the pain on his face. My heart was pounding and it felt like I could hear the pulsing in my ears as I waited for the panic and fear. Except it didn't come. I felt Mingi gently move his thumb, brushing it over my cheek and wiping some of the tears that were clinging to my face. This isn't real. It can't be. The minute I open my eyes, I will be forced back to reality and I will hear the screams. I choked back a sob, whimpering and squeezing my eyes closed tighter. It's a nice dream, it feels so real and I don't want it to end.

"Shh, you're ok. See, it's not hurting, I'm fine. Open your eyes Yeosang," Mingi whispered. I whimpered and shook my head. I can't give in, it's all in my head. If I open my eyes, this feeling is gone. The hand cupped my cheek softly and another ran through my hair, making me lean into it subconsciously.

"C'mon, just one little peek. I promise it will be fine," he whispered. I took a breath and slowly peeled my eyes open, my heart pounding in fear. Mingi was exactly how he was before he touched me and my I shut my eyes. There was so sign of pain in his eyes, only sadness.

"See. All good," he whispered. That's when it sunk in, I was touching someone. I was wrapped in someone's arms for the first time in 7 years and I was able to hug them. To get the comfort, to cuddle, to high-five to jokingly hit. I could do all that. I started to cry harder and before I could even think about it, I threw myself forwards and wrapped my arms tightly around Mingi, sobbing harshly into his neck. His arms tightened around my waist and he held me close. It was overwhelming and I didn't know how to handle it, so I just cried. I cried and cried until I couldn't cry anymore, clinging as tight as I could to Mingi. I actually may have been suffocating him, but he didn't complain and I probably wouldn't have let go if he told me to.

"Shh, I've got you. Just let it out," Mingi whispered, lifting a hand to run his fingers through my hair. I leaned into the touch, feeling a warm and nice feeling spread from where he touched, all over my body. All of these mixed emotions and new feelings were making me exhausted and I relaxed into his hold completely.

"I c-cant, I don't. I don't understand what's going on," I mumbled into his neck.

"That's ok, I know it's a lot," Mingi said softly.

"M'tired," I slurred slightly.

"That's perfectly fine, you go get some sleep," he said. I whined and clutched tightly to the top of his shirt. Now that I have this, I don't want it to leave.

"Don't, don't leave me," I begged.

"I won't. I promise I won't. When you wake back up, I'll be right here next to you," he said. I sniffled and moved even closer, snuggling my head into his neck and letting out a breath. It didn't take long before my eyes were beginning to slip closed.

"Please don't leave me," I whispered, feeling him hold me even tighter. The last thing I felt before I lost consciousness was his head resting against mine...

Mingi's POV

Hearing the way Yeosang pleaded for me to not leave him despite the fact that he was petrified of touching me just moments ago, broke my heart. The poor boy has been through hell and back. I wasn't originally planning on testing out my abilities on him for weeks but he was panicking so badly and got so mad at us that I couldn't just stand by and do nothing. I'm not sure hugging him was the greatest idea as he was sobbing but he was hugging me tightly. It was like he was dying and hugging me was the only thing keeping him alive. He almost cut off my oxygen but there was no way I would have let him go, not when it was possibly his first hug in years. It doesn't surprise me that he got tired, what with the emotional rollercoaster ride he just had. When he fell asleep, I just pulled him closer and let him rest in my arms, his head tucked into my neck.

"Well, shit," Seonghwa said with a sigh. There was a sniffle and I glanced up to see San tucked in Yunho's arms as he cried.

"Yun, take San to his room and look after him please," Seonghwa said. Yunho nodded and scooped him up, carrying him away quickly. Seonghwa turned back to me and opened his mouth to say something else but we were interrupted by the sound of the door to the sector opening. There were shuffled footsteps and then the three others walked into the room smiling, although they immediately stopped when they saw us.

"Oh my god, what the hell happened," Hongjoong gasped.

"Nothing Joong, calm down," Seonghwa said quickly.

"Mingi, put him down right now. If he wakes up and you're touching him, he will freak out," Hongjoong said.

"I can't do that," I said shaking my head, remembering what Yeosang begged of me earlier.

"What do you mean you can't do that," Hongjoong asked me.

"He begged me not to leave him," I said quietly.

"Youngie, Jjongie, head over to your rooms for a bit," Hongjoong said.

"Youngie check on Sannie. Poor baby got a little upset with what happened," Seonghwa said. Wooyoung's eyes went wide and then he disappeared, using his ability to get to San as quick as possible. Jongho frowned and looked over at Yeosang.

"So, are we allowed to hug him now," Jongho asked.

"Of course not. Just go to your room please aegi," Hongjoong said. Jongho frowned even further before sighing and leaving the room. Hongjoong immediately turned back to look over at me.

"Once again. What the hell happened," Hongjoong asked.

"Well he sort of freaked out when I told him about my powers. He started yelling at us, saying he hated us and then he fell to the floor and started crying. I panicked and I hugged him," I said, wincing when Hongjoong groaned.

"You did not. Mingi, how could you be so reckless," he asked.

"He needed it Joong. He really bloody needed it. Once he realised it was ok and he wasn't going to hurt Mingi, he was just sobbing him and hugging him as tightly as he could," Seonghwa said.

"He willingly hugged him," Hongjoong asked quietly.

"Well, I originally hugged him to show I wasn't lying and that he wasn't going to hurt me, but then he started to cling as close as possible to me. I couldn't just not hold him," I said quietly, glancing down at the peacefully sleeping boy in my arms.

"Ok, well this changes things I guess. But Mingi we talked about this. We weren't supposed to try anything like for at least a few weeks. This was the first time you guys properly met and you've already broken his number one rule," Hongjoong groaned. Yeosang, won't hate me for this? Will he?

"I'm sorry Hyung, but I couldn't bear to see him break down like that. He's been through so much and if there was a chance I could give him something that he hasn't been able to get in years, then I was going to give it to him," I said firmly. Hongjoong's eyes softened and he walked closer, kneeling down to run his fingers through my hair.

"There's nothing we can do now and if I was put in that position, I would've done the exact same thing. You did good," he whispered softly. I preened at the praise and cuddled to Yeosang, pulling him closer to my chest.

"You should take him up to bed, then we all need to have a talk and discuss the change in our plan," Hongjoong said. Oh hell no, I'm not leaving him, not when he begged me to do that.

"Yeah, I doubt that's going to happen," Seonghwa said slowly. Hongjoong raised an eyebrow and glanced between the two of us.

"And why is that," he asked slowly.

"Because his last words before falling asleep was 'please don't leave me,' I highly doubt Mingi will be letting go of him any time soon," Seonghwa replied.

"Fine. Mingi, go to his room and lay down. The rest of us will have a talk and inform you about the changes in the plan," Hongjoong said with a soft sigh. I nodded and quickly stood up, keeping Yeosang tucked safely in my arms as I held him bridal style.

"I'll be out later," I said quietly. They just nodded and I left the room quickly, walking down the halls and into Yeosang's bedroom. I closed the door gently with my foot and walked over to the bed, leaning down to place him down. When I put him down and removed my arms, he whined and clung tightly to me.

"Shh, it's ok. I'm not going anywhere," I said softly, rubbing his back to calm him down. I peeled his arms away gently and laid him down to rest his head on the pillow. He looked adorable and soft as he was sleeping peacefully, his hair fanned down over his face and his pretty little birthmark showing. I gently laid down next to him, hoping I wasn't pushing my limits. But in his sleep he immediately rolled over and cuddled up to my side, his head resting on my chest and his arm around my waist. I cautiously wrapped my arm around his shoulders and held him close. He let out a soft breath and relaxed in my arms, snuggling closer. It's sad, how even in his sleep he seemed touch-starved. I can't imagine going 7 years without being able to touch someone, to hug them or hold their hands. No matter who it is, you still need some sort of physical affection, it's just not right to not get it. I sighed and moved my hand to his hair, running it through gently. It was relaxing and I closed my eyes, holding the smaller boy close as I drifted off.

I'm not sure how long I was asleep for but I was awoken to small whimpers and squirming beside me. I opened my eyes quickly and looked down to see Yeosang's face scrunched up in agony, his hands clenching tightly in my shirt. He was still asleep, given that his eyes were closed so it must be a nightmare. I quickly tightened my arms around him, pulling him closer and rubbing his back softly.

"Shh, it's ok. You're ok," I whispered gently. He tensed slightly and let out another whimper so I quickly tried to console him. I sat up and pulled him into my lap, rocking him side to side softly. His hands once again clutched my shirt and his head moved to tuck into my neck. His breathing was erratic and I felt bad, wondering what it was that he was seeing in his nightmare.

"Yeosang. Yeosang wake up, it's just a nightmare," I said, shaking him quickly. Whenever San get's nightmares, Seonghwa usually tries to calm him down first, but if that doesn't work, he'll wake him quickly. He jolted in my arms and his head shot up as he looked around quickly.

"Yeosang. Yeosang calm down, it's alright. It's Mingi, you're in your room," I said quickly. His eyes were wide, and he was still breathing erratically but he turned to look at me.

"Hey there, how're you doing," I asked softly, brushing the hair out of his face gently. He blinked up at me, sniffling slightly as a few tears fell down his face. I lifted my hand to brush them away but he flinched back so I stopped immediately. I realised I was doing most of this without his consent and I felt bad.

"I'm so sorry, I shouldn't be doing this," I said worriedly. I went to remove him from my lap but he suddenly lunged forwards and wrapped his arms around me, nuzzling his head into my neck. I tensed slightly in surprise but quickly relaxed and held him gently. His shoulders began to shake, making me feel a wetness against my neck and I quickly realised that he was crying.

"Please don't cry Yeosang. I hate it when pretty people cry," I said softly.

"M'sorry," he sniffled.

"Don't be, it's fine. I just, I'm not the greatest at comforting people," I admitted. He clung to me tighter and shook his head.

"You're doing fine," he cried. He crawled even closer so he was fully in my lap, wrapping his legs around my waist. Huh, he really is the clingy type. Although I understand that he hasn't affection for ages so it's totally understandable.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't be doing this," he sobbed. My heart clenched at the pain in his voice and I rested my head against his.

"Don't be sorry Yeosang, it's all good," I said. He sniffled one last time before pulling back and wiping his eyes, still remaining in my lap though.

"Sorry for freaking out earlier, and for making you do this," he said, looking down. I could tell he was nervous and shy but I really wish he wouldn't be, hopefully we can help with that.

"It's really ok Yeosang, you have nothing to be sorry for. I kind of broke your boundaries the second we met so I'd actually be surprised if you weren't mad," I said.

"No, don't worry about that. I know I said I didn't want you guys to touch me, but I would love to be able to hug people, or even just give them a high-five. The reason I said not to was because I don't want to hurt people but, I can't hurt you. I don't really understand it to be honest," Yeosang said.

"My power is to basically mute other people's powers, make them not work anymore. It's not a very cool power but it's helped quite a few people and hopefully it can help you," I said, giving him a small smile.

"So like, whenever I want to hug someone or like perhaps cuddle, I could. I can um, go, to you," Yeosang asked slowly. I could tell from the way his eyes weren't meeting mine and his hands clenched opened and closed in my shirt that he was really nervous about asking that.

"I understand if you say no, I don't wa-."

"Of course. I know we barely know each other but you're gonna be our family now so any time you need to hug someone, you can come to me," I said, placing my hands on his waist and squeezing gently.

"Y-You mean that," he asked shakily.

"Definitely. Anytime you need, I will always be there," I said firmly. His eyes finally met mine and I noticed they were a little watery. Oh no, please don't cry again.

"Hey, it's ok," I said softly, pulling him closer and holding him gently as he rested his head on my shoulder. His arms wrapped around me and he held on tightly.

"It's been so long," he said quietly.

"I know Sangie, I know," I whispered. I realised my slip up a few seconds after I said it and I paused nervously but he just nodded into my shoulder. We were hugging for a while when my there was a click and the door slowly opened to reveal San poking his head through. His eyes were slightly red and he was nibbling on his shirt collar slightly.

"Oh, hey baby. What's wrong? You doing ok," I asked softly, maneuvering Yeosang slightly so I could look over at our little Sanshine better.

"Wanna cuddle," he said quietly. I glanced down at Yeosang still in my lap and back at San. Shit. Whenever San wants cuddles, we generally give them to him, especially when he's in a vulnerable state like he is now. But on the other hand, Yeosang really needs this right now and I don't want to just discard him to the side.

"Sannie baby, can you go find one of your Hyungs maybe? I'll be with you later but right now I need to look after Yeosang," I said, trying to be a gentle as possible, so as to not upset him.

"Wan' Yeosangie Hyung," San whimpered, his eyes welling up slightly. Crap.

"Yeosang I'm so sorry but I need to look at San. I promise I will look after you later. I am so sor-."

"San come here please," Yeosang said softly, as he moved from my lap and sat down beside me, on my right. San sniffled and walked inside, closing the door quietly behind himself. I glanced at Yeosang in confusion, not understand what he was doing. Yeosang just zipped up his jacket, fixed up his gloves and shuffled back a bit. San walked over and stopped by the bed, remembering not to come too close but I could tell in his eyes that he desperately wanted to come closer.

"If um, if you stay on that side of Mingi and don't touch me, maybe we can you know, cuddle for a bit," Yeosang said quietly. San nodded and immediately climbed onto the bed, cuddling up to me quickly. I wrapped an arm around him and placed a quick kiss to his head to let him know I was there looking after him still. He sniffled again and nuzzled his head into my shoulder, making me smile softly. I glanced back over at Yeosang, seeing him smiling gently at San. His hand moved upwards but he quickly pulled it back down and my heart broke. It's clear he wants to console the younger boy but he's too scared he will hurt him by accident. I can't imagine what it would feel like to want to do something so badly but being unable to do it without hurting people.

"Are you ok San," he asked quietly instead.

"Do you. Do you hate us, hate me," San asked in a small voice, glossy eyes watching Yeosang intently.

"No, of course not. You guys have been nothing but nice to me these past few days and I have no doubt you guys will continue to be nice," Yeosang said quickly.

"But y-you said you hate us," San said sadly. Yeosang's face fell slightly and I slipped my hand into his and squeezed it softly, tightening my grip around San as well.

"I was just confused, I didn't mean what I said," Yeosang said quietly.

"So, you don't hate us," San asked.

"Not at all," Yeosang replied firmly.

"That's good," San said quietly.

"Was that why you were so upset," Yeosang asked quietly. San pouted and cuddled closer to me.

"Wasn't upset," he said. Uh huh, not at all.

"Ok baby," I said, turning slightly to nuzzle my nose against his. He giggled and my heart skipped a beat at the sound, also feeling Yeosang squeeze my hand softly. I watched as San yawned slightly, his eyes blinking slowly.

"You tired baby," I asked him.

"A little bit," he nodded.

"You can sleep then darling," I said softly, moving my hand to run through his pink hair gently. He let out a soft breath and moved around for a few seconds before settling down and closing his eyes. Yeosang also shuffled closer to me but he didn't close his eyes, instead watching San as he drifted off. We were quiet for a few minutes until we were sure San had fallen asleep, judging by the steady rise and fall of his chest.

"I would say sorry about that but it's Sannie, there's nothing to be sorry for," I said, nibbling my bottom lip gently.

"Does that happen often," Yeosang asked quietly.

"Um, sometimes. It just depends on what happens. San had a pretty rough childhood, worse than most. And I know that yours was horrible but, in some ways, San's was worse. Sometimes he get's upset over things or he get's scared and he'll get into one of these moods. Or he'll just decide he wants lots of cuddles and will become all fluffy and cute," I explained.

"That's sweet," Yeosang said.

"Yeah, it is. But it can also be a bit worrying sometimes. We usually tend to make sure either Seonghwa or Hongjoong know about it when he gets that upset because they need to keep track on how he's going," I said.

"I feel bad for him. I'm guessing that's why Hongjoong and Seonghwa warned me he acts a bit childish," Yeosang said. I nodded in reply.

"It was a little odd for me at first but Wooyoung likes to act mischievous sometimes too so it helps even it out," I said.

"I'd like to see that," Yeosang said quietly.

"Oh, trust me, you will," I said with a grin. Yeosang chuckled and I grinned internally, glad to have brightened his mood a bit since earlier.

"Does it happen often," he questioned.

"Eh, we all enjoy some fun now and again," I shrugged.

"He's cute," Yeosang said softly.

"Trust me, I know. When you feel more comfortable and we figure out a way to help you so you can physically touch other people, you'll be able to cuddle him. He's very soft and fluffy when it's cuddle time," I said, leaning over to place a gentle kiss to San's forehead.

"I wish that will happen one day, but I highly doubt it," he sighed.

"Don't be so down on yourself Yeosang. You've only been here for a few days and you've made so much improvement already," I said softly.

"I've broken down like twice already," he said with a scoff.

"Yeah, but you're also cuddling me right now, which is a great improvement," I said, rubbing my thumb over the back of his hand softly. He smiled and turned to rest his head on my shoulder.

"Are you still tired," I asked him quietly. He nodded in reply and let out a small breath.

"Do you want to sleep some more? I'll stay here with San anyway so it's not like it's changing anything," I pointed out.

"Maybe, but, can you please make sure I don't accidentally touch San. I don't want to wake up with him screaming," Yeosang said in a small voice.

"Of course, you just get some more sleep," I said, wrapping my arm around his shoulders and holding him close to me. His eyes slipped closed and he relaxed against my side, breathing softly. Today has been an absolute rollercoaster ride so far but I'm glad that I get to relax now, holding my little baby and the new, hopefully soon to be, good friend. If this is what our life is going to turn into, it really isn't that bad.

A/N

Chapter 5 is up now and I hope you all like it

It may have been a bit of a roller coaster ride but who are we kidding, we love that (If you think you don't, then you're lying to yourself)

What do you guys think about Yeosang's reaction to Mingi? Did you expect it or did it catch you by surprise?