Chapter Text
Two years.
For some, two years go by in the blink of an eye.
For others, two years seem to drag on.
For Seungwoo, the past two years felt like they would never end.
- - -
Months of late nights at the studio have left him sleepless now that his solo promotions have ended, and he resigns himself to staring at the ceiling until sleep claims him.
As the candlelight flickers through his room, his thoughts wander to the past two years of his life.
- - -
2018
Some people think it’s hard to say no to others. Clearly they’ve never been asked to promote the song that could potentially be the end to their careers. But they didn't have much choice.
With a heavy heart, they powered through three weeks of promotions with only uncertainty awaiting them at the end of it.
2019
Ten months into their blank period, he and Byungchan decided to take the plunge and joined the infamous audition program.
He worked hard, dancing through the pain of past injuries that haunted him.
At the end of it, he found a new home - albeit temporary - and a fresh start.
2020
Seungwoo lost his new home at the start of the year. Following that, the company announced that he would be rejoining VICTON promotions.
And if he were to be completely honest, Seungwoo was afraid of going back.
Not because he didn’t want to. But he couldn’t help feeling this way, not after seeing everything he worked so hard for crumble in front of his eyes twice.
Not when the other members have been exceeding expectations without him - taking home wins for the group, holding solo concerts and even overseas fan meetings.
He felt guilty. He felt like he didn’t deserve to ride on their success when he wasn’t able to be a part of it (he definitely thinks leaving a video message is far from contributing)
So he started shying away from the camera, being visibly quieter during lives and trying to let the other members shine.
- - -
But time after time, his members have proved him wrong - that no matter what has happened, he was still their much loved eldest brother.
It was clear that they caught on to his uneasiness early on by the way they always hyped him up - even if he was just standing there. They gently encouraged him to leave a message for fans during their lives, asking him for questions and opinions. They always included him in their conversations.
There was Chan and Hanse, who look to him when they need help with lyrics, rap making and choreography.
Sejun, who has more aegyo than the entire company combined and cutely nags at him to eat his meals regularly and to drink more water.
Subin, who never fails to put a smile on his face by simply existing. (he also strongly stands by the fact that Subin is cute, not cool, which earns him a loud “hyung!!!!!” in his general direction)
Byungchan, who supports Seungwoo in his own ways - leaving comments in between drama filming, sharing his songs on Instagram, sending coffee trucks even.
And then there was Seungsik, his other half who's been with him for as long as he can remember
Seungsik, who stepped up to take over his role as leader.
Seungsik, who drops off a coffee and yogurt at the studio when he knows Seungwoo is pulling another all-nighter.
Seungsik, who pulls the kids away to get food when he senses Seungwoo getting overwhelmed by their attention.
Seungsik, who willingly took on more roles and tasks if it meant could Seungwoo take time off to work on his own music.
- - -
As a yawn takes over, he smiles inwardly.
Slowly but surely, he knows he’ll be able to be comfortable being himself again.
They were the light at the end of his tunnel.
Everything was going to be okay now.