Soonyoung

The cheering of the crowds always pumps Soonyoung up. Going from small performances and few fans to what feels like millions is unreal to him. More so when he looks out at the crowd, lifts his mic in the air and hears their screams. It's a surreal moment that he will never get tired of.

Soonyoung considers himself introverted, but the louder part of him shows in response to his fans or on going seventeen. He shows himself in ways he never thought possible, where the members squeal and screech in disbelief. On and off stage. He shows them parts of him he didn't know he had. He's good at it, being this other version of himself outside of home.

But it exhausts him.

Wanting nothing more than to spend the day in the hotel room is not granted. They're called for another practice at the stadium. Today, they're going to do a full run through of the set. One of the directors tells them there's no need to stress about overdoing things. They can put all their effort into the actual show. As long as they can ensure there will be no problems during the stages.

Soonyoung doesn't know the definition of not stressing. Not when it comes to performances. It's where his abilities shine and where he wants the world to see his capabilities. He knows he doesn't have to go hard, but even so, his body tells him that there's no other choice.

He doesn't care if he regrets it if he's doing something he loves.

At the end of one of the songs, they take a break. The sound staff are trying to fix something that doesn't seem right and the stage director is trying to figure out if there's anything they took note of that needs to be changed.

Hoshi lies on the floor of the stage, unapologetic and at peace. His chest is heaving as he takes deep breaths, his eyes closed. While he lays there, all his mind can think about is the performance set and how he would manage around it. His brain reels through his parts, quietly noting down where he can ease in the dances so he can catch a breath. He knows for sure he'll get a chance when they get to interact with the fans. Not everyone is expected to be dancing, mostly talking to the crowd.

He likes it because he can interact with the people who saw something in their group, that genuinely care for their group. From the dust to something this big, it's something he is forever thankful for.

"Someone's been dancing harder than they need to."

The voice announces itself in its ever present teasing like tone. A presence passes by, stopping right beside Soonyoung and settling down. His voice is a warm melody that reminds Soonyoung of the sun. He's always smiling which makes people underestimate him. As he opens an eye, he finds Seokmin looking down at him.

There's no smile on his face, only concern. Soonyoung doesn't need to ask to know it's directed at him. He turns over onto his side, opening both eyes and reaching out for Seokmin's hand. The latter squeezes, hinting that he's more than just concerned. He's genuinely worried.

"You know," Soonyoung says softly, "I can't half ass my way through a dance. But I can manage myself."

"Are you?" Seokmin fires back, eyebrows furrowing.

It's moments like these that Soonyoung is reminded of what he goes through. Of the fact that Seokmin is always shining, but only he and the members see when his glow is a little dimmer. Soonyoung once wished he were the only person who knew Seokmin like the back of his hand, but he soon realized what a selfish thought that was.

While they are dating, Seventeen has always come first. No matter how long they're dating, the members know each other from the inside out and nothing will change that.

"Minnie, thank you for being worried." Soonyoung shoots him a small smile. "But I am managing myself. I promise, okay?"

"Pinky promise?"

They hook their pinkies, shake, and press their thumbs together. Their way of promising.

*

They're on stage, the crowd is cheering. Everyone is yelling someone's name. Soonyoung kneels down, high fiving one of the girls in the front. He smiles and does the same to a few other girls before someone places a hand on his shoulder.

Turning over, he sees Seokmin gesturing for him to follow. Soonyoung waves to the girls before skipping over to the center of the stage where Chan is standing, Seungcheol on his back.

"We're all going to do it!" Seungcheol yells, giggling. He looks half embarrassed, but for the most part he's smiling. They run off to go and tell the other members. Soonyoung turns to Seokmin who is smiling brightly as ever. They play rock, paper, scissors and Seokmin hops on his back.

They start singing Nice when Soonyoung finds a fan and asks them to take their picture. The fan is doing their best to remain calm, but their hands shake as they take his phone to snap the picture. When it's handed back to him, Soonyoung asks for their phone and snaps a selfie with Seokmin before returning it.

They're closing in on the final song when Soonyoung sets his boyfriend down and turns to face him, grinning. "I told you, I can manage."

Seokmin laughs. It takes over his whole face and Soonyoung wishes he could capture a moment because it's the most beautiful thing to bear witness to and listen to. "Yeah," Seokmin says, walking. "Manage all you want, but it won't make me worry less."

Soonyoung throws an arm around Seokmin's shoulder and pulls him close. He makes the action of whispering in his ear, but instead, places a light kiss on the very tip.

"Worry about me as much as you like, love. And I'll do the same."