Chapter Text
Sanghyuk, although older and filled out now, still had an inexplicable need for comfort from his hyungs. It wasn’t something he shied away from, and in fact encouraged it whenever his hyungs would place a hand on the back of his neck and massage it, or when they pulled him in for a cuddle when they were sitting together. Small touches to the arm, or their hands resting on the lower area of his back always brought a shiver of delight.
Hakyeon was the most affectionate of them all. Their leader was confident and comfortable in his own skin that he didn’t care that he was a tactile person. Hakyeon showed his love by hugging and cuddling his members. Its how he showed how much he cared for them, and Hakyeon loved them all deeply. Sanghyuk would never admit it, but having his leader hyung not fighting his need to cuddle and hug was a relief. He could pretty much get away with anything when it came to being touchy-feely with Hakyeon.
Taekwoon was a bit different. He had to warm up his hyung before he could hang off of him like a koala. Sanghyuk knew the second eldest was a softie at heart, but Taekwoon needed his members affection to be on his terms. He would work his magic, subtle cute gestures and pleading doe eyes before his hyung would sigh, exasperated with him, and allow him to sit in his lap and curl into his chest. Once Sanghyuk had secured his place, Taekwoon would glare at anyone passing, especially the members, who threatened to take the youngest away from him.
Jaehwan was a lot like Hakyeon. They were both tactile beings, and he often found it easy to worm his way into his hyungs lap and snuggle him, while also stealing kisses. Jaehwan always teased him for being the cute maknae off camera, but he knew they wouldn’t change it. He knew his hyungs loved reserving this side of him just for themselves. Jaehwan was the one hug who gave his kisses out freely, and Sanghyuk treasured each one. Jaehwan was so open with his love that he often found the most comfort and security being next to him.
Wonshik was gentle and warm. Wonshik had a comforting presence. Sanghyuk found himself going to the rapper when he needed quiet. Wonshik would stop whatever he was working on and move to the couch to allow Sanghyuk to sit in his lap and curl into him. No words needed to be said as his hyung would rub his back, drawing figure eights, and zig-zags. He soaked up the warmth and gentle comfort his surprisingly quiet hyung off-screen offered. He would fall asleep to the gentle ministrations and soft humming of his hyung.
Hongbin was reserved with his affection. Sanghyuk didn’t really have to play it safe like he did with Taekwoon, but Hongbin’s affection came with its own challenges. Hongbin was busy a lot of the time, and when he was home he was either practicing, recording, or resting. Sanghyuk never wanted to impose his hyungs sacred time to decompress, which often mean a gentle rebuking when Hongbin found out that Sanghyuk needed his reassurance. Hongbin was gracious in chiding, allowing the youngest to curl up beside him on his bed and press soft kisses to his face.
Sanghyuk knew he had attentive hyungs, and was incredibly thankful for that, especially during times where his senses were over stimulated and he couldn’t vocalize his needs.
Taekwoon was incredibly well-versed in decoding Sanghyuk’s body language and mannerisms. He would alert Hakyeon of the change in their maknae, and plans would be made to care for their youngest when they were back home.
Wonshik and Jaehwan would keep the atmosphere light-hearted, while also comforting the youngest with gentle pats, silent looks of encouragement.
Hongbin steadied him, helped ground him when the thoughts became too loud and the lights too bright. His skin itched against the uncomfortable wardrobe. A heavy, but warm hand would settle on his thigh, and helped to ground him in the moment and to not focus on the other irritants.
When they returned him, his hyungs leapt into action. Hakyeon and Taekwoon were off to the bathroom starting a warm bath for him. Hongbin taking Sanghyuk into the room and undressing him, gently but efficiently to not draw out the process. Jaehwan had grabbed a water bottle and a bowl of cubed up watermelon. Wonshik had found the speakers and was in the bathroom setting up the playlist of gentle classical music to play.
Hongbin had wrapped Sanghyuk in his fluffy robe, and met the other hyungs in the bathroom. Hakyeon had already stripped down and was in the water. “Come here baby,” he murmured softly. Taekwoon and Hongbin helped him out of the robe, and into the tub to sit in front of their leader. Sanghyuk couldn’t be trusted to stay awake and above water during these moments, so one of them (usually Hakyeon) would go in with him.
Jaehwan bent down and smiled at the dazed maknae, “Hey baby, drink some water for hyung,” he said softly, tipping the water bottle to his lips and gently lifting it. They all watched the youngest drink the cool water. Jaehwan pressed a bite-sized cube of watermelon to the maknae’s lips to watch the youngest seemed to eagerly take. They all chuckled.
Hakyeon was busy cleansing Sanghyuk’s body while Jaehwan continued to feed him the sweet fruit, while the other hyungs watched on protectively.
Once Sanghyuk was washed, and seemed to be settled down and more relaxed, did Taekwoon help him up and out of the tub. He wrapped him in his bathrobe and easily lifted him to carry him into Hakyeon’s room. The room with the largest bed, of course. Wonshik had already dimmed the lights and pulled the comforter down. Taekwoon made quick work of drying Sanghyuk’s hair and changing him into shorts and a loose fitted t-shirt.
“Thank you hyung,” Sanghyuk murmured, finally feeling as though his senses weren’t dialed up.
Taekwoon smiled sweetly at him, “Of course, are you feeling better? How’s your sensitivity?” He asked, his voice deliciously soft and quiet to Sanghyuk’s ears.
“Better...where are the others?” He asked.
“Cleaning up. Did you need something?” Taekwoon asked.
“Want Hongbin and Wonshik hyung,” he mumbled.
“Okay, let me get them.” The second eldest left the room and back to the shared bathroom. Wonshik was helping dry Hakyeon’s hair, while Hongbin was rinsing out the tub.
“Binnie, Wonshikkie, Sanghyukkie wants you to go sleep with him,” Taekwoon said.
The two youngest, apart from Sanghyuk, left, and the hyung line looked at one another.
“He’s been getting like this a lot recently,” Hakyeon said, getting straight to the point.
“We’ve been under a lot of pressure, this shouldn’t be surprising. Don’t you remember how he was during our debut?” Jaehwan asked.
“We just need to manage his senses, but what’s most important is we have this conversation with Sanghyuk when he can participate in it. He needs to tell us what he needs,” Hakyeon said. “For now, let’s just take care of him.”
Six men managed to fit on a queen sized bed, limbs splayed over one another, but all content. The five eldest slept easily knowing that their maknae was resting after a trying day.