CHEOLSOO (SEVENTEEN)
Eyes that see
The sun had long set over the city, and the dim lights of the practice room flickered softly as SEVENTEEN prepared for another intense rehearsal. The energy in the room was electric, as it always was before they dove into hours of grueling choreography. At the center of it all was Seungcheol, or as the world knew him—S.Coups.
Seungcheol commanded attention without effort. His presence alone was enough to make people pause. There was something about him—an aura that people outside the group couldn't quite put their finger on. Most found him intimidating, with his sharp eyes and quiet dominance, and even SEVENTEEN's members felt the weight of his leadership from time to time. Even though since debut he has started to show his cuteness and softer side to them .He was the kind of leader that didn’t need to raise his voice for others to listen; his actions were enough.
But there was something deeper to Seungcheol, something the others hadn’t quite figured out. They chalked his intensity up to his role as leader, assuming his possessiveness was just an extension of that. The truth, however, was far more complicated. SEVENTEEN knew Seungcheol was strong and well-off, but even they didn’t fully understand why. They accepted his secretive nature, knowing he would never let anything harm them. Yet, there were moments—fleeting moments—when Seungcheol’s intimidating mask would slip, and Joshua always noticed.
Joshua was the opposite of Seungcheol in many ways. Where Seungcheol was intense and silent, Joshua was warm, with a soft voice that could soothe anyone. He had a kind nature, known among the members for being understanding and perceptive. He was the quiet observer, the one who could tell when someone was upset even without words. Joshua had an uncanny ability to read the room and the people in it, picking up on the smallest shifts in energy, especially when it came to Seungcheol and Jeonghan.
But Joshua wasn’t just the sweet, motherly figure he appeared to be. Behind his gentle smile, he had a sharpness that not many people knew about. He had a way of getting what he wanted without ever being overt, a subtle manipulation that no one ever saw coming. He never showed this side of himself to the others, not even to SEVENTEEN. They only saw the comforting, attentive Joshua, always there to listen and help with their problems.
It was this perceptive nature of Joshua’s that first made him notice something was different about Seungcheol. He had always admired Seungcheol’s leadership, even from their trainee days, but recently, something else had started to brew within him. At first, he thought it was just concern, noticing how Seungcheol overworked himself, staying behind after everyone had left, disappearing into late-night drives, returning only when the sun began to rise. But concern gave way to something deeper—something he hadn’t expected.
Joshua found himself observing Seungcheol more often, watching as the leader handled every problem that came their way with an unwavering strength. But there was something behind Seungcheol’s eyes that only Joshua seemed to catch. It was as if he was carrying a weight that none of them could understand, a burden that went beyond leadership. And Joshua, with his sharp mind, began to wonder—what was Seungcheol hiding?
Beneath the Leadership
In the practice room of Pledis Entertainment, the sound of sneakers squeaking against the floor filled the air. It was a warm afternoon, and SEVENTEEN was deep into their pre-debut training, pushing themselves to the limit. Joshua felt his eyes drawn to S.Coups, their strong leader, who seemed to command the whole room with his presence.
Joshua
(adjusted his position as he followed the choreography, glancing over at Seungcheol , who was talking with hoshi about the new steps)
S coups
Alright, everyone! Let’s take it from the top.
Hoshi
Remember, energy is key !
As the members fell into formation, Joshua noticed the strain on Seungcheol’s face. He was pushing himself harder than anyone else, and Joshua began to see how much he neglected his own well-being for the group.
Later that day, during a break, Joshua leaned against the wall, watching the others laugh. But his gaze kept drifting back to Seungcheol, who was quietly discussing strategies with Woozi and Hoshi his brow furrowed in concentration.
Hoshi
Hyung, I really think we should revise the choreography. The transitions are too abrupt
S coups
I get what you’re saying, but we don’t have much time left. We need to finalize everything soon, or we won’t be ready for the showcase
Woozi
I understand, but pushing everyone too hard might backfire. Remember how exhausted we were last week?
S.Coups sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
Hoshi
But I just want to make sure we’re perfect.
S coups
I also don’t want anyone to think we didn’t give it our all.
Woozi
We can still aim for perfection without burning out. Just trust in your team. We’re all in this together.
S coups
Okay, let’s take a break and then revisit it. I’ll talk to the others and see how they feel.
Joshua couldn’t help but admire Seungcheol’s dedication, but he also wished he could ease that weight on his shoulders.
Joshua
(thinking)Why does he always put so much pressure on himself? He’s so intense
At that moment, Joshua felt something shift inside him. He realized he admired Seungcheol more than he thought
this feeling was deeper than respect.
Days later, after a tough practice, the members were gathered in the lounge, clearly exhausted. Dino sat hunched over, staring at his phone, looking upset and scared . Joshua walked over to him.
Joshua
Hey, Dino. What’s wrong?
Dino
(Dino hesitated and scared to see joshua, but he decided to show Joshua his phone screen. There were a series of unsettling messages from a fan who had been stalking him online.)
Dino
They keep sending me these weird messages. I don’t know what to do, shua hyung I am so scared I don't know what to do (eyes filled with tears)
Joshua
(frowning) That’s really concerning. Have you told Seungcheol about it?
Dino
( Shook his head, looking down.)
Dino
I didn’t want to bother him with this. He’s got enough on his plate already.
Joshua
(gently) Dino, this is important. You shouldn’t feel like you can’t reach out for help. We’re a team. If something’s bothering you we should handle it together.
Just then, Seungcheol walked inHe noticed Dino’s distress and approached him with a serious look.
S coups
Dino is something bothering you Just tell me everything
Dino
(looked up at Scoups, his eyes wide.)
Dino
But I don’t want to cause any trouble
S coups
It’s not trouble. It’s about your safety. No one should have to deal with this alone. Just tell me what’s going on.
Joshua
(encouragingly) Dino, you can trust Scoups. He’ll make sure you’re safe. Just share what you’ve been experiencing
Dino
(took a deep breath) Okay… I’ve been getting these messages. They say things like they know where I am and that they want to meet up. It’s really creepy
Joshua felt his heart race at Dino’s words, his protective instincts kicking in.
Joshua
That’s really serious Dino. I’m glad you came to us. We’ll figure this out I promise.
S coups
And if anyone crosses the line, they’ll have to deal with us. We’ll talk to the company about getting you the support you need.
Joshua couldn’t help but admire Seungcheol’s unwavering support He thought to himself He’s always there for us. But what about him?
later that night Joshua overheard Seungcheol on the phone late at night, his voice hard, commanding.
S coups
Find out who’s behind the messages. I don’t care how you do it, just handle it. And make sure they know who they’re dealing with.
Not long after there debut
Jun was shaken after a fan signing event. shua approached him noticing the way his hands fidgeted as he spoke.
Jun
They kept pushing me for a photo and I felt really uncomfortable. I kept saying no but they wouldn’t stop
Jun
I thought it would be fine, but it just… felt too invasive. I didn’t know how to get away from them
shua was about to saw something when Scoups walked in sensing the tension in the air. He quickly approached Jun his expression serious.
S coups
Jun, what happened? I heard some commotion outside.
Jun
I just had a rough encounter with a fan. They wouldn’t take no for an answer, and it made me feel really uncomfortable.
Seungcheol’s expression hardened, his protective instincts kicking in.
S coups
No one should ever make you feel like that. I’ll talk to the company about how we can better handle these situations. You’re safe with us I promise.
Jun
Thanks, hyeong. I just didn’t want to cause any trouble…
S coups
It’s not trouble Your well-being is my priority If something like this happens again don’t hesitate to let me know right away I won’t let anyone hurt you.
Joshua
You know we’re all here for you too, Jun. You don’t have to face this alone. If you ever feel uncomfortable, just let us know.
Jun
Thanks Joshua. I appreciate it. I just didn’t expect something like this to happen…
S coups
We’re in this together. You’re not just a member of SEVENTEEN; you’re family. We protect our family
As Jun began to relax, Seungcheol’s fierce protectiveness made Joshua reflect on the responsibility their leader carried.
Joshua
(thinking ) scoups is always so strong for us. But who is looking out for him?
One late night, after a long day, Joshua wandered into the kitchen for a snack. As he poured a glass of water, he overheard raised voices outside. Curious, he looked out the window.
His heart dropped when he saw Seungcheol confronting a man who had been harassing the group for weeks. The man looked tough, but Seungcheol stood his ground.
S coups
If you come near any of my members again you’ll regret it.
The intensity in scoups voice was frightening yet admirable. Joshua held his breath, feeling a mix of fear and pride for his leader’s fierce protectiveness.
Later that night Joshua lay in bed replaying everything in his mind. He couldn’t shake the feeling that his admiration for scoups had turned into something deeper. He admired scoups strength but also felt scared about the darkness surrounding him.
Joshua
(Thinking)I need to take this slowly.I can’t just rush in and complicate things
Joshua had come to understand that his feelings for cheol went far beyond simple admiration. It wasn’t just respect for his leadership or how he protected the members it was something deeper
He could sense that scoups felt it too, but the weight of leadership always seemed to blind him to what was right in front of him.
Joshua smiled to himself deciding to take things slowly. He didn’t want to overwhelm scoups not when he was already carrying so much responsibility. But deep down, Joshua knew what he wanted and it was s coups . All he had to do now was wait for the right moment.
That’s how it started, innocently enough during their training days
Softly Drawn Together
Over time, Scoups and Joshua become close friends, sharing small but significant moments. Scoups, who is usually guarded, finds himself relaxing around Joshua, finding comfort in his quiet presence. Late-night talks become routine, with Joshua offering a listening ear and a steady shoulder.
One night, there’s a soft knock on S.Coups door. He opens it to find Mingyu standing there, visibly shaken
S coups
(opening the door) Mingyu? What’s wrong? Are you okay?
Mingyu
(stammering) I… I didn’t know who else to talk to, hyung. I… someone on staff… they made me feel uncomfortable.
S coups
(his brow furrowing) Mingyu, what happened?
Mingyu
(hesitantly) They kept bothering me, asking to see me alone. And then they wouldn’t… they wouldn’t back off, no matter what I said. I didn’t know what to do, so I came here.
S coups
(a calm but deadly edge to his voice) You did the right thing coming to me, Mingyu. Don’t worry—I’ll handle this
Scoups pulls Mingyu inside, sitting with him and talking gently until Mingyu finally drifts off to sleep, still visibly shaken. As soon as Mingyu is resting, Scoups stands up with a hardened expression. Quietly, he slips out of the room, not noticing Joshua watching him from the balcony.
Joshua watches as Scoups disappears into the night, a tense aura around him. He frowns, his mind racing.
Joshua
(thinking to himself): I know what you’re doing, Scoups . You’re going to protect him… protect all of us.
Joshua watches until Scoups is out of sight. A few minutes later, he decides to check on Mingyu himself. When he enters Scoups's room, he finds Mingyu sitting up, looking lost and scared.
Joshua
Mingyu? Hey, are you alright?
Mingyu
(shaking his head) I… I don’t know. I just feel so… vulnerable. Like I can’t do anything about it. (looks around) Where… where did hyung go?
Joshua
(sitting beside him) He went to make sure this never happens again, Mingyu. You’re not alone in this, okay? We’re all here for you.
Mingyu
(nodding slowly) He went out at this hour… (pauses, worried)
Joshua
(don't know what to answer)
Joshua talks with Mingyu gently, offering comfort until Mingyu finally drifts back to sleep. Joshua stays by his side, waiting until he hears footsteps approaching hours later.
The door opens, and Scoups steps inside. His expression softens in surprise when he sees Joshua waiting there.
S coups
(quietly) Joshua… you stayed?
Joshua’s gaze drops to Scoups ’s hand, noticing fresh bruises on his knuckles. His smile softens as he realizes just how far Scoups went for Mingyu.
Joshua
(smiling softly) Yeah. Mingyu was pretty shaken up, and I didn’t want him to be alone. I… I wanted to wait for you, too.
S coups
(sighs, sitting down heavily) Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you sometimes.
Joshua
(placing a reassuring hand on Scoups ’s shoulder) You don’t have to do this alone, Scoups. I know you feel like you have to protect everyone, but… you don’t have to shoulder it all by yourself.
S coups
(looks at him, a hint of vulnerability in his gaze) Sometimes, it feels like I have to.
Joshua’s gaze lingers on Scoups ’s bruised hand, realizing how much Scoups sacrifices to keep them all safe. He knows then that Scoups needs someone to look out for him too.
The next day, Mingyu hears the unsettling news that the staff member involved has simply vanished. He feels a wave of relief, though he can’t shake the eerie feeling left in its wake.
Mingyu
(thinking) He… really made sure. Hyung actually made sure I wouldn’t have to worry anymore.
Mingyu is both shocked and grateful, trusting Seungcheol more than ever.
As time passes, Joshua begins to wait up for S coups each night, noticing more and more of Scoups ’s quiet efforts to protect everyone: the late-night meetings, the phone calls, the subtle but firm warnings to anyone who dares to cross a line. Each time, Joshua feels himself drawn closer, falling harder for the man who would go to such lengths for them.
And he sees something else—a change. Scoups ’s shell, once so guarded and strong, begins to crack open, bit by bit, revealing glimpses of the softer, more vulnerable person beneath. Joshua finds himself delighted by these glimpses, and soon they both slip into an easy, playful rhythm of friendly teasing and flirting.
Joshua, bold and sassy, brings out a side of himself that surprises even him—confident and a little cheeky. Scoups, though often caught off guard, finds this side of Joshua irresistibly charming.
One day, after a long company meeting, Seungcheol comes home late. Tension radiates off of him, his shoulders hunched and his face drawn.
As he enters the apartment, he sees Joshua sitting on the couch, immersed in a book, a peaceful presence amidst his chaos
Joshua
(glancing up, smiling softly) Hey, late night again?
S coups
(sighs, sitting down beside him) Yeah… company stuff. (shakes his head) It’s exhausting.
Joshua sets his book down and reaches over, resting his head on scoups shoulder and resting his hand on Scoups ’s, his thumb gently brushing over his knuckles. Instantly, some of the tension eases from Scoups ’s shoulders.
Joshua
(teasing) You look like you’ve been carrying the weight of the world. But hey, I’m here now. You can take a break, y’know?
S coups
(chuckles, leaning back a little) Yeah? You gonna make all my problems disappear?
Joshua
(grinning) Who knows? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.
They share a quiet laugh, Joshua’s smile so warm that Scoups finds himself relaxing even more. He glances down at their joined hands and back at Joshua, his heart beating a little faster.
Without thinking, Scoups inches closer, his gaze lingering on Joshua’s face.
S coups
(barely above a whisper) I’ve wanted to do something for a while now… but I was scared.
Joshua
(his gaze soft, encouraging) What is it?
S coups
(voice soft) Joshua…
Joshua doesn’t pull back; he tilts his head slightly, his eyes gentle and welcoming.
Joshua
(barely a whisper) Yeah?
He leaned in, not holding back the affection he felt. The kiss they shared was slow, unhurried, filled with all the emotions Seungcheol had kept buried for so long. And in that moment, he realized he wasn’t afraid anymore.
They pull back just a fraction, eyes locked, breaths mingling in the quiet space between them.
S coups
(smirking) I could get used to this.
Joshua
(raising an eyebrow, smirking back) Oh, could you now?
Scoups lets out a quiet laugh, his thumb brushing over the back of Joshua’s hand, neither of them in a hurry to let go.
They sit there in silence, a new understanding passing between them—one they both know has been there all along, just waiting for the right moment.
S coups
"I… don’t want to lose you
Joshua
You won’t. I promise."
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