❛ 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐡𝐲𝐮𝐧. 𝗇𝖼𝗍 𝖺𝖽𝖽𝖾𝖽 𝗆𝖾𝗆𝖻𝖾𝗋

❖ A bit of reassurance ❖

"Are you feeling okay though? You've been quiet for these last few days."

Mark and Chaehyun had a special relationship. Mark had always seen Chaehyun as an older brother who annoys the hell out of him but he would take a bullet for if needed.

So, when Chaehyun started acting strange two days ago, he was first one to catch on and the most concerned out of everyone aside from Lucas who almost had a panic attack when he found out that Chaehyun wasn't doing so good.

Chaehyun had completely shut off his phone, stopped being annoying and had rarely spoke to anyone unless he had to. At first, Mark passed it off as just a bad day but then it carried on and now he's not so sure.

"I'm fine, Mark."

"You don't seem fine. I don't wanna push you because I know like you're like kinda awkward about your emotions but like I just want you to know I'm here for you if you need it."

Chaehyun managed a small smile in the direction of the younger boy before pulling up his hood. Mark sighed and got into his own bed to get comfortable whilst Chaehyun focused on the tv.

It was about 8:30 at night and the group had a relatively busy day and as tired as Mark was, he was far too concerned about Chaehyun to sleep and his worry only grew when he heard sniffling.

Sitting up, Mark turned towards his member and frowned when he saw him cuddling Eleven with tears running down his face. That was the last straw for Mark Lee. He threw the covers off of his body and slid out of the bed.

Chaehyun said nothing whilst Mark forced himself beside him and tugged him into a somewhat awkward hug.

"Gosh, Mark are you ever gonna learn to hug me without being stiff as a fucking scarecrow?" Chaehyun asked through his tears, a small smile creeping onto his face.

Mark's cheeks flushed. "Yeah uh yeah here." He finally relaxed as Chaehyun returned the hug, Eleven leaning up to lick Mark's face causing them both to chuckle. "Will you please tell me what's wrong?"

Chaehyun was silent for several seconds almost like he was contemplating on whether it was even worth saying out loud. Mark was patient which Chaehyun appreciated.

"Lucas deserves better than me."

It was a mumble, almost inaudible but Mark managed to pick up on it. He had no idea how he understood, but he did and he didn't like what he had heard.

The relationship between Lucas and Chaehyun wasn't that surprising to NCT. They had always suspected something between the two and to be honest, they all were pleased when the pair realized it. So, to hear Chaehyun doubting himself wasn't the nicest.

"Why don't you deserve him?"

"Have you seen him? He's...I don't know I guess he's perfect and I just feel like I don't give him enough. He's Wong Yukhei, the handsome and tall and amazing yet incredibly goofy guy and I'm just Lachlan Kim, the controversial, problematic weird kid that has a fucked up background."

It finally clicked in Mark's head. Chaehyun had been reading the tweets and the comments. The words many claim that are just 'opinions' without realizing what they're actually doing is bullying.

There's a thin line between having an opinion and being straight up hateful and most people don't know where that line is.

Chaehyun is a victim of online bullying. Every idol is. Chaehyun usually can handle it, but everyone has a breaking point. Just because they think he won't see it doesn't mean he won't. He sees all of the comments and 'opinions' they have on him.

They don't hurt him as much as they used to, but sometimes he hits that breaking point.

"Chae, you haven't had it easy and sure you might have been the centre of a few— okay fine, a lot of scandals but that doesn't make you any less deserving of happiness. I haven't seen you this happy in like a long time and I haven't seen Lucas this happy in a long time. He loves you and like those comments are just a few jealous anti fans behind a screen."

Chaehyun needed to hear that. He might have thick skin, he might not give a shit but we all need a little bit of reassurance sometimes. He sighed and squeezed Mark, hiding his face in his shoulder.

"When did you get so wise Marky Boy?"

"Would you stop calling me that? I hate it," Mark groaned.

Chaehyun smiled and pulled away. "Hmmm no. I quite like it, Marky Boy."

Eleven then barked causing the two to chuckle.

"I think she likes it too."

___________________

a little bit sad because i haven't done a sad chapter in a while ;)

thank you so much for reading, this wasn't proofread but i hope you enjoyed anyway.

you're greatly appreciated 💚

- Blue x