CHEOLSOO (SEVENTEEN) The Cost of Curiosity

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The next morning, Scoups and Joshua slowly woke up in each other’s arms, soft morning light streaming through the window. Joshua blinked, feeling Scoups' arm wrapped tightly around him, and he smiled, pressing a sleepy kiss to Scoups’ cheek.

Joshua

(whispered, nestling closer)Good morning

S coups

(chuckles husky voice) Morning, babe

After a few moments, Joshua remembered the events of the previous night and chuckled softly.

Joshua

(Asked, remembering their late-night intimacy) Did you end up scaring the kids away?

Joshua

I think we heard them scrambling out there.

S coups

(Smirked) Oh, I might’ve given them a little show. They wanted to spy, so I let them see just enough to regret it

Joshua

(Laughed, shaking his head) You’re terrible

Joshua

Now they’re probably out there plotting their escape from whatever punishment you’ve planned.

S coups

Maybe

S coups

(Grinned, kissing the top of his head) but they deserve it, don’t you think?

After a lazy few moments together, they finally got out of bed, freshened up, and made their way to the living room, where the rest of the members were already gathered, talking quietly over brunch. As soon as they saw Scoups and Joshua, an awkward silence fell over the room—every eye trained on them, waiting to see if they were still in trouble as joshua and scoups come and set on the couch

Scoups cleared his throat, catching everyone’s attention.

S coups

Joshua and I have something to announce.

S coups

(glanced at Joshua, who nodded with a gentle smile.)

S coups

We’re officially together

Instantly, the tension broke as the members cheered, clapping and crowding around the two. They began peppering them with questions, their curiosity unstoppable.

Jeonghan

Finally! you both decide to tell us

Seungkwan

(Practically bouncing in his seat) Oh my God, I knew it!

Seungkwan

(Eyes wide with excitement) so how long are you both together

Joshua

(chuckles) three and half month now

Hoshi

(excited) So who confessed?

Joshua

(chuckles shaking his head) Neither of us really did. We were both avoiding our feelings for a while. But eventually… well, we couldn’t ignore it anymore.

The questions kept coming, everyone eager for more details. Joshua, smiling shyly, shared one of his favorite memories

Joshua

One night, coups took me on a late-night drive up this mountain. He brought blankets and snacks, and we just sat there, watching the stars and waiting for the sunrise. We managed to make it back just before anyone woke up.

A collective sigh filled the room as the members swooned, visibly touched by the romance.

Vernon

(amused) Why do you always find the best spots for late-night dates?

S coups

(chuckles) It’s all about knowing the right places at the right time.

Jeonghan

(teasing) maybe it’s that cheesy side of you we don’t see enough.

S coups

What can I say? I have my moments.

Mingyu couldn’t hold back his curiosity any longer.

Mingyu

Alright, but when did you realize we were spying on you?

S coups

(Mischievous, his eyes glinting) You mean at the park? I knew you were all there that night.

The members froze, exchanging wide-eyed glances, caught completely off guard.

Dino

(horrified) You knew?

Woozi

We… we tried to be quiet!

S coups

Right

S coups

(Teased, crossing his arms) Nothing says stealth like a dozen heads peeking out from behind a tree, giggling every few minutes.

Joshua

(Leaned into Scoups’s shoulder, giggling) I told you they’d get caught eventually

The members blushed, both embarrassed and amused

Jeonghan

(shook his head) Well, lesson learned. Next time, we’ll go full spy mode. Dark clothes, silent approach…

After the laughter died down, Scoups’s face turned serious, though the glint of humor never left his eyes.

S coups

Alright, now that you’ve had your fill of romance stories, let’s talk about last night… and the punishment I owe each of you for spying.

Everyone froze, exchanging nervous glances as Scoups turned to each member with a stern but playful smile.

S coups

(Smirk) Let’s start with you, Jeonghan

Jeonghan

(groan)

S coups

You’re on deep-cleaning duty in the kitchen,

S coups

And that means the whole kitchen, top to bottom, for a full week.

Jeonghan

(face dropped)The whole kitchen? A week?

S coups

Every. Single. Day. I want that kitchen spotless

Jeonghan

(rolled his eyes dramatically) Fine

Jeonghan

(muttered) but don’t be surprised if I accidentally ‘forget’ a few things.

Scoups turned his gaze to Jun, whose playful grin faded fast.

S coups

(Smirk) And Jun, you’ll be polishing every single window, inside and out

Jun

(Pretending to count) Do you know how many windows there are in this place?

Jun

This is going to take forever!

S coups

(Playful glint)Better get started, then

Next up, Scoups looked at The8, whose eyes narrowed suspiciously

S coups

Minghao, since you’re the artist, you’re going to repaint the outside wall. And while you’re at it, add a mural that says, ‘Privacy Matters.’ And yes, you’ll be repainting and retouching it every day. No shortcuts.

THE8

(The8’s initial look of horror turned into a smirk) Oh, don’t worry, I’ll make it memorable

When it was DK’s turn, Scoups patted him on the back with a little too much sympathy

S coups

Seokmin, you’re on laundry duty for the week.

(Jaw dropped) Laundry? For 13 people? Do you have any idea how many socks that is?

S coups

(Firm nod) And no excuses. I expect everything folded perfectly.

Next, Scoups turned to Hoshi, who was already pouting

S coups

Hoshi, you’re organizing the storage closet. Every single box, every item in its place. And yes, every day, I expect you to keep it tidy and organized

Hoshi

(Slumped, throwing his head back) Why do I feel like you’re punishing my energy? That closet is a mess, and I’ll be in there forever!

S coups

(Raised an eyebrow) Good. Think of it as a way to channel all that sneaky energy you used for spying

S coups

(turned to Woozi next) And you, Jihoon

S coups

(Wicked smile) are on breakfast duty for the full week.

Woozi

(Eyes went wide) Me? Breakfast? You know I only go into the kitchen if I absolutely have to!

S coups

Which is exactly why you’re doing it. Full breakfasts, every day. And if you miss even one meal, the punishment extends another week

Vernon sighed as Scoups looked his way.

Vernon

Let me guess—trash duty?

S coups

You’re on bathroom cleaning duty. Every bathroom, every day. And I don’t want to see a single speck of dust or stray hair.

Vernon

(groaned, putting his face in his hands)Bathrooms? For a whole week? This is cruel and unusual punishment, Scoups

Seungkwan was next, and he was already looking around nervously. Scoups grinned.

S coups

Seungkwan, you’re everyone’s errand boy for seven days. Whatever anyone needs, you’re on it. No complaints.

Seungkwan

(Jaw dropped) Everyone’s errand boy? Does that mean I have to run around doing whatever ridiculous thing they ask?

S coups

(grinning) Exactly. It’s payback for being so enthusiastic about the spying idea

Dino, the youngest, looked both terrified and hopeful as Scoups finally turned to him.

S coups

Maknae privileges aren’t going to save you, Dino. You’re on shoe-cleaning duty. Every pair, every day. And I want them spotless.

Dino

(Sighed deeply) Why am I being punished for just following along? I wasn’t the mastermind!

S coups

You still went along with it this punishment will remind you not to follow your this idiot hyungs blindly

Scoups turned to Wonwoo, who was quietly watching

S coups

Wonwoo, you’re on living room and bookshelf duty. Dust every book and keep the living room spotless. All week.

Wonwoo

(Shrugged calmly) Sounds peaceful

Finally, Scoups turned to Mingyu, who was still holding onto some hope

S coups

(smirking) Mingyu, you’re on meal prep duty. Every meal, every day. And I don’t want to see instant ramen even once.

Mingyu

(Face fell) Meal prep? For 13 people?

S coups

Consider it a way to put all that enthusiasm to good use

S coups

(telling everyone) And I expect all of you to stick to your punishments. I want this dorm spotless by the end of the week.

S coups

so I suggest you all get to work now

S coups

(going back to his room)

The members all groaned, casting dramatic looks at each other. It might have seemed like dorm chores to anyone else, but after a day of training and practice, they all knew how grueling these tasks would be. But as they grumbled and whined, each one knew they’d deserved it for sneaking around

Today, they had a day off they spent the day tackling their assigned chores. It was hard work, but the real challenge would begin tomorrow, when their packed schedule of practice and rehearsals resumed.

As the members began their punishments, they looked at each other, hinting they might have a plan. Would they be able to finish their chores, or would they find a way to escape them?

let's see in the next part what members are planning to escape from the punishment 🤔