Soonyoung glared at the fan as she was taken away by two guys they'd recognised as people from Pledis.

All of the members were standing as they watched the girl being taken away. None of them were pleased as to what had just occurred. Some of them could hardly believe it even though they just witnessed it.

All eyes focused on Jihoon who seemed motionless.

Before S.Coups could say something to the fans, they were being ushered out of the front doors.

But everyone was focused on Jihoon who just sat and stared wordlessly.

"Jihoon, are you okay?" Jeonghan asked, but kept his distance as he did not know what the younger would do and it was truly better to be safe than sorry.

"Jihoon hyung?" Minghao called out hesitantly, but was only met with silence.

He frowned and looked down as Jun put a hand on his shoulder as a method of comfort.

And before S.Coups could yell at him, Jihoon looked up at the group, his cheek red from the smack, and gave a small, reassuring smile as he replied, "I'm okay guys. We can continue the fan sign."

"No, we couldn't. We could not risk that happening again, Woozi hyung," Dino said, frowning as the boy asked.

Jihoon nodded this time, not revealing how he felt that what the fan had said may be true and that he truly deserved to be smacked. Unlike the other members, he felt that what the fan did and said was right and accurate.

"Jihoon-"

"Let's go and eat somewhere. I'm kind of hungry," DK said to which Jihoon nodded in agreement before looking at the others who all, one by one, nodded.

"Where to?" S.Coups asked as he typed away at his phone, informing the manager about what they wanted to do.

"That restaurant place not too far from the dorm has the best fries. Let's go there!" Dino exclaimed, jumping up and down. Vernon placed his hands on the boy's shoulders and held him to the spot.

"It's rare to see Dino excited," Seungkwan said as they all began walking to the entrance of the place they were in.

As Jihoon stood, he noticed Soonyoung waiting at the end of the table.

His facial expression appeared happy as he smiled, but his eyes were the exact opposite.

"Let's go, Hoshi."

And so they did. It didn't take long for Jihoon to notice that Soonyoung had been quiet since the incident.

Glancing at Soonyoung, Jihoon couldn't help but feel like a burden to the blonde haired boy who walked beside him. Like him, Soonyoung had a big responsibility in the group; one of the most important people.

If the dance wasn't good enough or terrible, it would end up being his fault.

Thoughts like this settled in his mind as they entered the restaurant minutes later after getting out of the car and when they'd arrived, everyone else was already there. Soonyoung sat down first before he helped Jihoon into the booth and once they were settled, the conversations began again.

* * *

When Soonyoung went to Jihoon's studio in hopes of finding the boy there considering he wasn't in the dorm or practice room and this was his go to place, he entered to find the ash-blonde haired boy in his seat.

However, the boy didn't turn to Soonyoung who knew how he had entered loud enough to alert the tense looking boy.

"Jihoonie?" Soonyoung called and he was surprised when he noticed the boy relax, if only slightly.

But still, the boy said nothing as Soonyoung took the liberty of going up to Jihoon and placing a hand on his shoulder, gently turning the boy to face him. And he froze in place at the sight of Lee Jihoon crying.

Without another word, Soonyoung pulled Jihoon out of his seat and hugged him to his chest.

"You can cry. It's okay. I understand," Soonyoung whispered into his ear softly.

It took a few minutes before Jihoon let out a sob, slowly hugging Soonyoung in return.

They stood like that for a few minutes, both of them thinking about the other and worrying; each for different reasons until Jihoon groaned in pain, unable to stand for much longer.

Soonyoung helped Jihoon into his seat before he took a seat beside him.

"Jihoon-"

"Thank you."

Soonyoung looked at the other with wide eyes before he smiled, replying, "You're welcome, Jihoon."

"Why can't you call me Woozi like everyone else?" Jihoon muttered.

"I like your name. You should too and so, you should hear it more," Soonyoung replied, still smiling as he always did.

"Hoshi-"

"You know what the fan said isn't true, right? We know you care for your fans; you're not selfish and lazy nor are you useless. You're one of the hardest working members. You over worked yourself so many times for us and for them. Don't listen to people who cannot appreciate that."

"What about you-"

"I already know. You remind me every day. You pretend not to care, but you do," he interrupted the smaller boy who ended up a blushing mess.

"Jihoonie-"

"Soonyoung?" Jihoon mumbled, standing with his crutches so he was face to face with the boy as he finally came to his senses.

"Yeah?"

Jihoon couldn't help but think about how long it had taken him, as he said the words, to come to his senses. And straight after, the boy walked out, leaving Soonyoung shocked as the words seemed to echo in the air.

"I like you, Kwon Soonyoung."