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The members of NCT Dream were used to Jeno's introverted nature. He was always the quietest, speaking the least and often keeping to himself. While they enjoyed going out and exploring new places together, Jeno was usually content staying in his room, finding solace in his own company. It wasn't that he disliked his bandmates; it was just that new people, new places, and interactions made him anxious.
Jeno had no friends outside of NCT, and although he was okay with it, the other members couldn't help but worry. They noticed that Jeno always seemed a little bit... sad. Not depressed or anything, but there was a certain melancholy that seemed to surround him. They wanted to help him break out of his shell and experience the world beyond their dormitory walls.
One sunny day, the members decided to make a special effort to include Jeno in their plans. They sat around him, gently coaxing him to join them on their day out. Jaemin, with his infectious enthusiasm, tried to convince Jeno with a big grin on his face.
"Come on, Jeno! It'll be fun, I promise. We'll take care of you, and you don't have to talk if you don't want to. Just being there with us would mean a lot," Jaemin pleaded, his eyes filled with genuine concern.
Jeno hesitated for a moment, looking at each member's hopeful expressions. He knew they cared about him, and deep down, he wanted to make them happy. After a brief internal struggle, Jeno nodded slowly.
"Okay, I'll go... but only because you want me to." he mumbled, his voice barely audible.
The members cheered, their excitement evident. They quickly planned the day's itinerary, making sure to choose activities that wouldn't overwhelm Jeno. They knew they had to take baby steps.
As they stepped out of the dorms, Jeno could feel his heart dully pounding with nervous anticipation. The unfamiliar surroundings, the bustling streets, and the noise of the city all overwhelmed him. But he trusted his friends, and that gave him the courage to take each step forward.
They visited various places throughout the day, but Jeno stayed mostly quiet, observing his surroundings with wide eyes. The members would occasionally engage him in conversation, but they never pressured him to speak more than he was comfortable with.
Towards the end of the day, they decided to try a new restaurant. The aroma of exotic dishes filled the street as they walked towards the unfamiliar place.
Jeno's heart raced as he stood in front of the restaurant, the chatter and laughter of his friends echoing in his ears. He couldn't remember the last time he had willingly ventured out with them, but their persistent nagging had finally convinced him to give it a try. With a deep breath, he mustered up the courage to step inside, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings.
The restaurant was bustling with activity, the aroma of various cuisines permeating the air. Jeno's anxiety began to creep up on him as he took in the colourful decorations and the bright, flickering lights. He felt out of place, like a fish out of water. He clung to the familiarity of his hoodie, pulling it tighter around himself as if it could shield him from the overwhelming world outside.
The members led him to a table near the back, but even in that secluded corner, the noise was deafening. Jeno's heart pounded in his chest, and he could feel sweat forming on his forehead. He tried to focus on his breathing, reminding himself that he was safe, surrounded by friends who cared about him.
Mark, always perceptive, leaned closer to the younger. "Hey, Jeno, it's okay. We're here with you. Just take your time."
Jeno nodded, appreciating the reassurance, but his hands trembled slightly as he picked up the menu. The array of unfamiliar dishes overwhelmed him, each one an uncharted territory. He had always been a picky eater, sticking to his comfort foods, and now he had no idea what to choose. Panic started to well up within him, and he felt his throat constrict.
Haechan leaned across the table, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Come on, Jeno, be adventurous! Try something new today."
Jeno managed a weak smile, but his eyes betrayed his unease. He trusted his friends, but the fear of the unknown gripped him tightly. He scanned the menu, his gaze lingering on the safer options, but deep down, he knew he had to step out of his comfort zone. He couldn't let fear control his life forever.
Summoning his resolve, Jeno pointed to a dish and whispered his order to Mark, who then relayed it to the waiter. As the minutes ticked by, his anxiety intensified. The sounds of clinking cutlery, the murmur of conversations, and the distant hum of the city outside grew louder, more unbearable. He pressed his hands against his ears, trying to drown out the noise, but it only made him feel more isolated.
Finally, the waiter arrived with Jeno's plate, placing it in front of him with a smile. He stared at the arrangement of colours and textures, his mind swirling with a mixture of curiosity and dread. He could feel the eyes of his friends on him, their anticipation palpable. Taking a deep breath, he picked up his chopsticks, his fingers trembling.
With every bite, Jeno's expression grew more pained. The taste was foreign, the textures unfamiliar, and his taste buds revolted against the intrusion. It felt like a storm raging inside him, his senses overwhelmed and his emotions spiralling out of control. The sounds of laughter around him distorted into a chaotic symphony, the lights flickering like a kaleidoscope before his eyes.
Unable to bear it any longer, Jeno pushed his plate away, his breathing ragged. Tears welled up in his eyes, a mixture of frustration and disappointment. He felt defeated, as if he had failed both himself and his friends.
Chenle immediately noticed Jeno's distress and reached out to him. "Hey, it's alright. You don't have to force yourself. We understand."
Jeno nodded, tears streaming down his face. His voice trembled as he spoke, "I'm sorry, I tried, but it's too much."
Renjun placed a comforting hand on Jeno's shoulder, his voice gentle. "Jeno, it's okay. We're proud of you for even giving it a shot. We know how hard this is for you."
Through his sniffles, Jeno managed a small smile. "Thank you, guys. I'm lucky to have all of you in my life. I may not always be able to join you on adventures, but knowing you're there means the world to me."
Haechan grinned, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "That's what friends are for, Jeno. We'll always be here, whether you're exploring the world or hanging out at home. We'll make sure you're surrounded by love and happiness."
The members spent the rest of the day together, not in a loud and crowded restaurant, but in a quieter setting that Jeno found more comforting. They respected his need for a familiar environment and engaged in activities that allowed Jeno to feel more at ease.
As they laughed and shared stories, Jeno realised that his friends truly understood him. They didn't see his introverted nature as a flaw or a burden, but as a unique part of who he was. And in their presence, that lingering sadness he often carried with him seemed to fade, replaced by a sense of belonging and acceptance.