Jungwoo's POV

I was exhausted after our performance, finding it hard to keep my eyes open as we went back into the dressing room. Everyone else seemed to be happy and buzzing but I was absolutely drained for some reason.

"Woo," a gentle voice said. I turned around and blinked slowly to see Taeyong giving me a small smile.

"Hey Hyung," I said, trying to look energized.

"You don't need to do that Jungwoo, I can tell you're exhausted. You haven't been sleeping too well lately aegi, so why don't you relax a little," he said gently. He gently took off my jacket before leading me backwards and over to the couch. I tried to get up but he held me down and I was to tired to protest.

"Get some rest for an hour or two Jungwoo, you don't need to sit through the rest of the show," he said softly as I laid down and he played with my hair gently. I desperately tried to stay awake but it's unusually hard when you've got you leader comforting you, even with everyone else being very loud. I felt my eyes unwilling slipping closed as I drifted off...

~~~~~

I slowly slipped my eyes open and blinked in confusion as I looked around the room. I don't know how long I had been asleep for but something felt off. I was in the dressing room at the show, except everything was gone. All of our clothes and equipment, not to mention the boys weren't here either. There was an unusual feeling in my chest and my heart began to race. I was confused. Nothing had happened and yet it felt like I was beginning to panic. I slowly stood up and looked around the room, trying to find any sign that some of the boys were here but there was nothing. Had they left me here? Had they forgotten about me and left me alone? I pulled out my phone and checked to see if maybe someone had left me a message or tried to call me but there was nothing. I was started to get really nervous. We're at an award show 2 hours away from the dorm, they wouldn't seriously leave me alone here? Please tell me they didn't leave me alone here. My hands started to shake as I quickly dialled the number of the leader. It was starting to get really hot and stuff, my clothes were feeling tight for some reason. The phone rang for a little while before going to voicemail so I called again but the same thing happened. I decided to instead call Johnny but once again, no answer. Yuta no answer, Haechan no answer, no one answered. By now I could tell I was starting to panic. I can handle being by myself but not like this, not in a foreign place with absolutely no idea where everyone were. I whimpered as I curled my arms around myself and looked around once again. The room was still bare and empty, reminding me that I was all alone. I quickly left my dressing room and begun briskly walking down the halls, whimpering as tears fell down my face. There was no one, absolutely no one in the halls. How long had I been asleep for? Is everyone just gone? What if I was locked in this place all alone with no one to help me. Oh, god. I started running quicker as my hard pounded and my breathing caught in my throat. I rounded a corner and was knocked to the floor.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry." I sniffled and looked up, coming face to face with the younger group ATEEZ.

"Hey, are you ok," San asked slowly. I let out a sob, glad to finally have someone around be it wasn't enough, I didn't have the people I needed. I quickly shuffled back so I was braced against the wall, curling in on myself so my knees were brought to my chest as I shook slightly.

"Step back and give him some space," one of them said but I don't know who. There was some shuffling before 2 people knelt down in front of me. I recognized one as Hongjoong, the leader and the other was the eldest Seonghwa, the one my age. They were close enough that they could lean forwards and touch me but further back enough that I wasn't more scared or uncomfortable.

"Hi, Jungwoo right," Seonghwa asked gently. I slowly nodded my head and sniffled, trying to take a deep breath but I couldn't. It was like my tie was trying to choke me and I became increasingly aware of it. I lifted my hands and tried to tug it off, sobbing when I couldn't, causing my to yank it harder. My breath hitched when a few seconds later, soft hands were on mine, causing me to pause. I looked up and let my hands be pulled away slowly as Seonghwa sent me a soft smile. He gently untied my tie and removed it before leaning back. He was calm and for some reason it was helping me calm down. He just gave of the aura of someone safe, calm and protective and I felt drawn to it. I quickly moved forwards and crawled onto his lap, not caring how embarrassing it was to be doing this in front of this hoobae group. All I knew is that Seonghwa reminded me of Taeyong and Taeyong is safe. That means I'm not alone. I sniffled and snuggled into his gentle hold as he wrapped his arms around my waist. I nuzzled my nose into his neck, relaxing even more.

"That's it Jungwoo, you're safe, you're ok," he whispered. I let out a breath, a proper breath as my breathing began to calm down and my heart wasn't feeling like it was going to beat out of my chest. I was still crying and my hands were still shaking but I quickly gripped onto the back of his shirt and sniffled slightly. He held me tightly for a minute or two before pulling back a little so he could look at me, not releasing his hold.

"Are you alright," he asked gently. I mean that is the question isn't it. I'm not as panicked but does that really mean I'm alright?

Seonghwa's POV

"Hyung, that was so boring," Wooyoung whined to me as he was practically hanging off Yeosang.

"You complain too much and why are you hanging off me, go hang off Sannie," Yeosang groaned but there was no malice behind it. We all knew that he loved when Wooyoung gave him hugs, he just didn't do well admitting it. Wooyoung just chuckled and tightened his grip, making Yeosang smile softly.

"Woo is right though, why did we have to sit through that. I almost fell asleep," Mingi said.

"Because it's our job you idiot," Yunho replied, rolling his eyes. I was about to reply when someone suddenly ran around the corner and smashed straight into San. I managed to catch San before he fell but the other ended up on the floor.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry," San said quickly as he righted himself. Classic San, apologizing for something that wasn't his fault. There was a small sniff and the culprit lifted his head slowly. I was shocked to see that his eyes were red and there were tears rolling down his face. I recognize him, he's a fellow 98' liner from NCT, Jungwoo.

"Hey, are you ok," San asked slowly as everyone stopped talking and look over at him. He sobbed as he moved back and huddled up against the wall. He's probably a little overwhelmed at the moment and we don't want to crowd him.

"Step back and give him some space," I told the boys. They immediately moved back and I looked to Hongjoong. He nodded before we both knelt down in front of the crying boy, not getting to close to him in case it made him panic.

"Hi, Jungwoo right," I asked softly. He nodded before his eyebrows furrowed and he begun to fiddle with his tie, as if trying to get rid of it. The minute he started yanking it hard enough to bruise, I quickly moved forwards and placed my hands on his. I don't know if that will make him panic more but I can't let him hurt himself. He stopped what he was doing and looked up at me, as I let out a breath of relief. Good, that's good. I gently moved his hands away and gave him a small smile to try and calm him. He seemed alright with me being there so I quickly but gently undid his tie and took it off him before leaning back to give him space again. He blinked and looked at me with a blank look, blinking slowly. I was frozen in surprise as he quickly crawled over right into my lap and clung to me tightly. I didn't expect it but I didn't mind, if this helps him then it's ok. he gave a small sniff and relaxed slightly as I hugged him back softly. Hongjoong sent me a small smile as Jungwoo pushed his nose into my neck and relaxed even more, making me roll my eyes. Joong is never gonna let me live this down. He has this joke that I'm one of the mothers of KPOP and am like a ball of comfort for everyone.

"That's it Jungwoo, you're safe, you're ok," I said quietly, focusing back on the boy in my arms. He was calming down but still upset as he gripped my shirt tightly. I just sat like that, holding him gently for a few minutes as the others stayed respectful and silent until he seemed to have calmed down almost completely. I leant back so I could see his face but kept my arms around him just in case.

"Are you alright," I asked him gently. He opened his mouth to say something before pausing and looking down as he furrowed his eyebrows. I just waited patiently for him to reply.

"I don't, I don't think so, but I'm better," he said slowly.

"Why aren't you ok," Hongjoong asked softly as he sat down next to us.

"I-I don't think I like being alone," he said, as if just realising this for the first time. That's good, that's a start.

"Or at least being left alone when I don't have any idea what's going on," he added.

"Where's the rest of you group," I asked in confusion. I was surprised to see his eyes well up as he begun to struggle in my grip slightly.

"T-They left me. I woke up and they were g-gone," he whimpered.

"Hey, hey, it's ok. You're safe alright. Do you want Hongjoong to call Taeyong and see where they are," I asked quickly. He calmed down as I rubbed his back before slowly nodding.

"P-Please," he said timidly.

"Of course, just give me a sec," Hongjoong said as he got up and pulled out his phone.

"Jungwoo look at me," I said softly but firmly. He lowered raised his tear filled eyes to meet mine.

"I know you don't know us very well but you're safe, nothings going to happen to you. We'll look after you until the other's get here, I promise," I said firmly. He nodded before tucking his head under my chin and resting it there. I watched as San slowly came over before kneeling down and rubbing Jungwoo's back softly. All we can do now is wait...

Taeyong's POV

"He's calling me," I announced quickly, making them all turn to me. We were all sitting in our bus and giggling as we played a prank on Jungwoo. Our staff had suggested it after the show finished and Jungwoo was still out like a light on a couch. We had all quickly and quietly grabbed everything, leaving the room empty and went out to our bus to make him think that we had left. When he comes to check the parking lot, he'll see the bus and we'll all laugh, getting some good reactions of him from the camera's. I chuckled as he called me a few times but I let it go to voicemail.

"He's calling me now," Johnny chuckled. After Johnny it was Yuta, then Haechan.

"Hyung, I don't like this," Haechan said as he looked at his phone.

"Don't answer it Channie, you'll ruin the prank," Mark said as he took his phone.

"But what if we really upset him," Haechan asked nervously.

"He'll be fine Haechan, he's not a child," Jaehyun said. We all went back to talking and going over stuff that happened during the show when my phone started ringing again. I thought it was Jungwoo again but I was surprised to find that it was actually Hongjoong from ATEEZ. He's never called me before?

"Oi, be quiet, a junior is calling" I called out making everyone go silent. I quickly answered the call.

"Hello."

"Taeyong Sunbaenim, where are you," Hongjoong asked quickly. I was surprised by his haste and disregard in terms of normal respect for elders but he sounded really rushed and it worried me.

"I'm in the parking lot. Is everything ok? Are you hurt? Do you need help," I asked quickly, my protective instinct over younger ones kicking in.

"Yes, I'm fine. It's Jungwoo," he said, making me freeze.

"J-Jungwoo? What's wrong with Jungwoo," I asked, making everyone turn their heads quickly to look at me.

"We found him crying in the halls, he had a panic attack but Seonghwa calmed him down and he's with us right now. He said something about being scared of being alone when he doesn't know what's happening. I don't know what exactly happened but he started crying and said something about waking up and you guys were gone," Hongjoong told me. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath as my heart clenched. My dongsaeng just had a panic attack alone because we tried to play a prank on him. Who's the worst leader in the industry?

"Thank you, I'll be right there. Where are you guys," I asked as I unbuckled and stood up.

"We're done the fifth hall to the left," he replied.

"Thanks, I appreciate it. We'll be there soon," I said with a sigh before hanging up.

"Channie, Taeil I need you to come with me. Jungwoo had a panic attack and he's with ATEEZ," I said with a sigh.

"What do you mean he had a panic attack," Xiaojun asked quickly.

"Look he's ok, he's being looked after but he needs a couple of us. We can't all go back so the rest of you will just have to wait here and be patient. When we get back, just stay quiet. Everyone in 127 be ready to look after him tonight though," I told them. I could tell that many of them wanted to protest but they stayed quiet. Haechan, Taeil and I quickly left the bus and they followed me down the halls. It didn't take us long to find the small group in the hall. Most of ATEEZ were just standing together quietly but my heart shattered when I spotted Jungwoo. He was on the ground cuddled up completely in the Seonghwa's arms, just like he always does when he get's scared. I've often found him in my arms during horror movies because apparently I give off a safe motherly vibe. I was thankful to see that Seonghwa didn't seemed to fazed or annoyed about the clinginess of an unknown person, in fact he was hugging him and gently rocking him back and forth to keep him calm. I owe a massive thanks to this hoobae group. Next to them was someone I recognize as San who was rubbing Jungwoo's back softly.

"Sunbaenim, over here," Hongjoong called out when he spotted us. The minute he said that, Jungwoo's head shot up and his teary eyes met mine. I thought my heart already shattered? He leapt up and ran towards us, Haechan meeting him halfway and hugging him tightly as he begun to cry. Taeil and I also rushed over and embraced him tightly.

"I'm sorry Hyungie, I'm so sorry," Haechan said sadly.

"Why'd you guys leave me," Jungwoo sobbed.

"It was supposed to be a stupid prank, I'm so sorry Woo. I didn't realise it would upset you so much otherwise we never would have done it," I said as I ran my fingers through his hair.

"It's ok, just please don't leave my again," he said in a small voice.

"Never. I promise we won't do it again," Taeil said firmly. That seemed to console Jungwoo as he quietened down and just relaxed in Haechan's arms. I quickly left those two to look after Jungwoo, walking over to the group of youngsters who were just standing and waiting.

"Thank you, so much. For looking after him and calling me," I said quietly as I looked down. I was embarrassed, I neglected my own member and left him to be looked over a junior group. I blinked in surprise and looked up when I felt arms wrap around me. I looked down to see bright pink hair, San's hair. He looked up at me and gave me a cute dimpled smile.

"You looked like he need a hug," he said as he pulled away. Truthfully, that hug was actually much needed and it brought a small smile to my face.

"Thanks," I said gratefully.

"Don't beat yourself up over this Sunbaenim, there's no way you could have known," Hongjoong said gently.

"Thanks but I should've realised. You and I both know it's the leaders job to make sure all the members are safe and happy," I said with a sigh.

"You couldn't have known because he didn't even know himself," Seonghwa said, making me frown in confusion.

"What do you mean," I asked.

"I think today was when he realised he was scared of being left alone without having any details. When he told us he sounded surprise himself," Yunho said. That made me feel a little bit better knowing it wasn't 100% my fault.

"Once again, thank you. We should probably get going and so should you guys," I told them.

"Of course Sunbaen-."

"Hyung. You've earnt it," I butt in quickly.

"Thank you Hyung," Seonghwa said with a small smile. I nodded to them before walking back over to my other three members.

"Let's go," I said gently. Jungwoo quickly slipped his hand into mine and I held it the whole way to the van. When we got there, everyone did as I asked and stayed quiet, just having conversations in their little groups. Johnny had moved from his spot next to me to make room for Jungwoo.

~~~~~

That night there were lots and lots of cuddles and apologies throughout the 127 dorms, everyone doting on Jungwoo and making sure he felt better. Pretty soon it was bedtime and I was laying in bed with a warm body cuddled up to my side.

"Hyung?"

"Yes Woo," I said gently.

"Seonghwa reminds me of you," he whispered.

"In what way," I asked as I played with his hair gently.

"He has the same motherly feeling that you do. Like when you're in his arms nothing can happen to you, he'll protect you from everything. Like it's the safest place you can be," he said quietly. My eyes welled up slightly at his words for some reason and I found myself holding him tighter.

"You think in my arms is the safest place you can be," I asked quietly.

"Of course Hyung. Yours are the softest and warmest hugs ever. You keep me safe and would never let anyone hurt me," he said as he snuggled closer. This boy is going to be the death of me one day.

A/N

This was requested by @awesome_sauce0414 and I hope you liked it!

Stay happy and healthy everyone!!