Little: Jeongin

Caregivers: 3racha
(1099 Words)

Changbin POV

Everyone was busy today.

Vocal lessons for Felix and Minho.

Dance practices for Hyunjin and Seungmin.

And the rest of us, we were hanging out in Chan's studio. Of course 3racha works together everytime we have a chance. Today, Jeongin was with us.

"Hyung can I see?", Jeongin asked.

"Stay back there Jeongin.", Chan replied.

"Why are you calling me that?"

Chan turned around.

"Calling you Jeongin?"

"Yeah. You guys always call me I.N, or Innie. And Felix called me baby bread the other day."

Chan smiled.

"Well sorry Innie. I'll think about that next time."

I noticed Jeongin pouting while he sat back on the couch.

I feel bad that we can't include him on the process. Not because we don't want to, but because our company says to only share finished lyrics or projects with members. That is unless they are actively participating in it being made.

No one was paying attention to Jeongin behind us. It wasn't until I heard a door close that I turned around.

"Did he leave?", I asked, seeing the empty couch.

"He's probably upset.", Jisung said.

"Next time we can include him. Okay?", Chan said.

"Okay.", we both replied.

The other two members turned back around. I took an extended glance at the door before looking back at the screen as well.

Jeongin POV

Am I angry? Yes.

Why? Because.

Every time I want to join them, they tell me I can't. What if I want to learn? What if I just want to help? It's frustrating and they know it.

Today has just been a bad day for me.

I had vocal lessons before Felix and Minho.

The instructor was so harsh on me for no reason. I did a good job but he insisted I do better. Then 3racha expects me to sit in silence and watch them work for hours?

If I could go home, I would.

Right now there is only one place I want to go. The wardrobe room.

When the other members are busy, sometimes I sneak out and come here. It's a safe space for me. Especially because I'm a little.

I realized I was around two years ago. I didn't tell the members because I wanted to keep it private. They already treated me like a baby. But now, I wouldn't really mind if someone found out. Does that mean I won't try to hide it? No.

3rd Person POV

Jeongin walked into the wardrobe room. Vanity sets and hangers full of stage outfits lined the room. In the far corner was a large box.

He knew this box all too well. It held some of his most well kept secrets. It's always locked, and no one bothers to ask what's inside.

The maknae went over to the box and took his key out. Opening it revealed a variety of children's books, toys, pacifiers and clips, and snacks.

"Finally...it's been a while."

He took out two books and put them on the floor next to the box. He took out a stuffed duck and put it down as well. He grabbed a blue pacifier with its clip, and a bag of freeze-dried strawberry chips.

He clipped the pacifier to himself and sat on the floor.

He opened one of the books and started to read. It didn't take long before he let himself slip.

Little Innie was always happy to "read" his books. Even though he was only one. Most of his "reading" consisted of looking at the pictures and laughing.

He know laid on the floor, pacifier in mouth, chicken plushie sitting next to him, "reading" a book on farm animals.

Time always seemed to go by quickly when Little Innie was out. But he enjoyed the time he did have.

"Hehe~hehe~piggy!", he laughed, pointing at the mud-covered pig in the book.

Back down the hallway, Chan had decided to go look for Jeongin. He felt bad for potentially making the boy leave out of boredom.

As he got closer to the room, the sound of childish laughter grew.

"What is that?", he asked.

Chan stood in front of the door to the wardrobe room. He put his ear on the door and listened.

The laughter continued.

"Does someone have a kid in here?", he whispered.

Slowly he turned the knob and opened the door.

The laughter stopped as Chan looked around the room. His eyes landed on the far corner of the room, where Little Innie was staring at him with wide eyes.

"Innie?"

The little struggled to sit up with his chicken plushies.

Chan walked over to him. He noticed the books, the chicken, and mostly, the pacifier.

"Innie, what are you doing?", he asked.

Little Innie, not quite understanding, just reached his arms up.

"Up! Up!", he said.

Then everything clicked for Chan.

"Wait until Jisung and Changbin see this."

He reached down and picked up the little, putting him on his hip.

"Aren't you the cutest boy ever?", Chan said.

Little Innie just laughed, patting Chan on the head.

Chan picked up the boys snack and left the room. He walked down the hall to the open door of the studio.

Jisung and Changbin turned their heads and looked at Chan with confused expressions when they saw him carrying the maknae.

"Uh...what is happening?", Jisung asked.

"Guys, we have a little in our group.", Chan replied.

Changbin and Jisung gasped loudly. They noticed Jeongin's pacifier and stuffed animal.

"Really? Like, a real little?!", Changbin said.

"Yep."

Chan put Jeongin down on the couch and sat next to him.

"You want some of your snacks sweetie?", Chan asked.

The little nodded and made grabby hands for his snack bag. Chan took one out and handed it to Innie. The little dropped his pacifier from his mouth and ate the chip.

Jisung was loving every moment of this.
Changbin was already planning his time as caregiver. After all, baby Innie is actually "baby" Innie now! He has to savor these moments.

"I guess we're done for the day.", Chan said, "Turn off the computers, let's take this angel home."

Changbin saved their work and turned off the computers. 

The little started to reach for Chan again. Of course, the leader happily picked him up.

He started to make funny faces at Innie, making that childish laughter return.

"I hope I'm allowed to hear this laughter forever.", Changbin said.

"Well as his Caregivers, you will.", Chan replied.

"Caregivers? The three of us?", Jisung asked.

"Yeah."

"Oh this poor kid."