Chapter Text
He opened his eyes, ready for a long day of practice. They had just recently finished recording their new album 'The sin: Vanished' and were starting to do the finishing touches for it. Everyone was really proud of this album especially Ni-ki, and Jake even wrote a song for it. They were doing their last few practices before they released it to the engenes it needed to be perfect for them.
He stretched his arms upwards, standing up, walking over to the bathroom. Walking up to the mirror. Picking up his toothbrush and squeezing the toothpaste on it. He yawned. He took his time to brush his teeth. He did his usual face routine, starting off with splashing his face with water. Waking him up.
He paused. What? His hair was... Blonde. He hasn't had blonde hair like this since 2021. Five years ago now. What on earth had he done last night.
He looked at himself closer, younger. He looked even younger. And had less muscles. Goodness was he still dreaming or was he having hallucinations. Or was it all the medication and vitamins he was taking? He doesn't remember hallucinations being a side effect. That was hopefully it though.
Opening his medicine bag. Where were all his vitamins? And why was his old prescription medication there? Is Ni-ki and Jungwon pranking him again, that must be the reason.
He finished his makeup routine. His closet... He didn't even know what to say now. How big of a prank was this? They seriously put in the effort to change his whole cupboard and his hair colour. He put on the closet clothes suited for their new album concept. Which is black.
He was going to open the door with Jungwon and Ni-ki sniggering. With Jungwon saying something like '2021 wants your bedroom back.' He would complain to them. They would laugh at his reaction. And Jay would help guide him to the clothes they stored elsewhere. And of course to the rest of his stuff.
They probably also changed the date on his phone. He picked it up, yeah they changed to date. Haha, very funny. It says March 2021. A year after the debut. When things were happier and simpler. When they were innocent to the world. How his wishes he could hug the other members at that age. Tell them it was going to be okay. That they would lean on him. That it was okay to act their age. And he would block out the crazy fans. Sneak ice-cream into his room and sit and eat and cry with them because emotions are okay. It was also...
Before he fell out with everyone. Before they treated him differently. Before they made up again, but it was never like before. They always apologise. When they misinterpreted him, they assumed before they asked. They were so young, he could never blame them.
He loves them, but now it was time to complain about the prank. He twisted the door open, walking into the kitchen. It was dark, there was only one small light on, in their living area. Heeseung was sat there, he couldn't discern what he was doing.
Walking over Heeseung was actually still asleep while wearing his training uniform. The ace looked so fragile asleep. He picked him up carefully as if he was a baby, carrying him to his room. Heeseung hyung groaned quietly. He must have overworked himself again. He places the blanket carefully on him. And walked out of the room, shutting the door quietly.
And he sat down. Maybe this was a lie in a day, which is rare. They had barely been getting any sleep recently. It was 5:00 am and he was already ready so there was no point going to sleep now. He picked up one of the books and started to read.
Time went by fast when reading, it was super relaxing. He never has time to read normally. He didn't know how much time had gone past, he had even made himself some coffee.
Then he could hear the multiple doors clicking. That must be Jungwon, he always woke up first normally. This was due to his leadership status he needed to set a good example to the other members. Jay is always afterwards with him being a light sleeper. So the sounds of the other doors must be him.
He continued to read with the extra noise. The steps were now heading towards him.
"Aah. You're already up, I was about to wake you up for practice." Jungwon looked down at him from the back of the chair.
He smiled Jungwon seemed happier than usual. He then frowned remembering what he probably had done. The prank.
"Jungwon-ah, did you prank me again."
"Sunoo-hyung, what are you going on about. I did not prank you why would I do that?" Jungwon was perplexed. He always pranks him when he gets the opportunity to do it. The members love his reactions
"Stop teasing me like I don't know. Was it just Ni-ki- ya this time, then?" He was tapping his feet in annoyance now.
"What? I don't know hyung. I have no idea what you are talking about." Jungwon now looked completely shocked.
"Okay nevermind then. Can you at least tell me where my medicine and my vitamins are." He rolled his eyes. If Jungwon was playing ignorant then that is fine, he will play ignorant as well.
"In your medicine bag? Where you always put it. And since when did you start taking Vitamins?"
"It's been years Jungwon-ah. And why would I ask you where the medicine was if it was in my bag." He hummed.
Jay then walked in, yawning. "What are you two arguing about, I just had to wake up the others by myself. And why has no one turned the lights on, it's dark in here."
Jay then walked over turning the lights.
"The main lights really, Jay-hyung. Are you trying to flash bang us." He turned to Jay and Jungwon.
This was the first time he could see both of them properly. They looked different. Younger, the mirror was not lying. Jungwon was shorter. And he looked so much more cute, if that was the right word to describe it. And less tired and worn out. His leadership presence felt smaller like he was not settled into the role. Jay's face was less mature, he still has some of his baby fat left. He Looks so happy.
Now he wasn't sure what was real or not, he really is dreaming. He felt his emotions flooding over him. He walked over. His arm felt heavy, he lifted them up and cupped Jungwon's face. Ah it was so soft.
"Hyung-"
He then walked over to Jay and did the same thing. Tears were now streaming down his face.
"So cute..." He paused, "I am sorry. So sorry. Sorry. I wasn't..."
He was gasping to breathe. There is no way that this is real. He pulled them both into a hug. The others gasped.
"Sunoo?" The rest of the members spoke.
Jungwon and Jay were in a state of disbelief. They didn't even respond. Both their mouths were wide open. He didn't even notice this, it was like he was in a trance. His body moved for him, it was instinct
He walked over to the other members and did the same thing. Jake. Sunghoon. Heeseung. Ni-ki.
Ni-ki murmured, "I am not cute."
"You are and that is fine, little flower." Ni-ki's face blushed. He was laughing while crying now, this can't be real.
The tears turned into sobs. The members just wanted to know what was wrong.
"Sunoo what is wrong?" they repeated. "We want-"
"What year is it everyone?" He took the courage to speak what was on his mind. He could guess but he needed to confirm
Heeseung responded first, he was always reliable "2021 of course? Why?"
"2021, ha. Ha. Ha." He was full on laughing like a madman now. He was losing it.
He suddenly felt dizzy. Swaying side to side. Thud! He fell straight to the floor.
"Sunoo!" He could hear the others scream.