Behind the Mask - Hyunjin x reader

After practice, the guys collectively decided to grab lunch, so here we sat around a huge table at the Korean barbecue a few blocks down. 

The end of today's morning practice had been... interesting. After a few minutes, Seungmin walked back into the room, followed by a visibly pissed off Hyunjin, who didn't even bother to say a word or even apologize. He simply walked to his starting position and stood there, while the rest of the group just watched him with a mix of annoyance and... something that looked like sadness?

Weirdly. 

I sat besides Felix at the restaurant, obviously, who seemed to be in a much better mood now that practice was over. He glanced at me occasionally, clearly trying to gauge how I was doing after what went down earlier in the dance room. 

- You okay? He asked discreetly, while the others were busy debating on random subjects.

I nodded, offering him a reassuring smile. 

Lix' always knew exactly how I felt, and while I was grateful for him, a part of me couldn't help but feel the weight of the tension still hanging in the air. Hyunjin, who sat across from us, remained silent for the duration of the meal, only eventually looking up from his plate to grill some food or reach for something on the table. 

And while the rest of the guys seemed to be doing their very best to keep the conversation cheerful, the underlying awkwardness remained. 

- So, y/n, how are you settling in, the one named Seungmin asked me. 

I had noticed that he was more on the quieter side, barely speaking during practice today. Though, he seemed so sweet, and his features reminded me of a little puppy. 

- I just arrived, haven't even been to campus yet, actually. 

Han's eyes widened. 

- You haven't? When did you get here?

- Yesterday afternoon...

Changbin then shot what looked like a... disapproving look at Felix. 

- Dude, she barely unpacked her stuff and you already brought her to dance practice? That's intense. 

I chuckled awkwardly, glancing over at Felix, who immediately looked sheepish under Changbin's scary glare. 

- I mean, we had to practice, and I just thought she'd want to get started right away, Felix said, scratching the back of his neck. Plus, she seemed excited about it! Right, y/n?

I smiled reassuringly at Felix, though I could see the amusement on everyone's faces.

- Yeah, I was, I admitted. I didn't want to just sit around, and I've been wanting to see what you guys have been working on for ages. Felix sent me so many videos, he always talks about you guys. 

- Aw, does he now, Chan raised an eyebrow, before pulling the blonde in a tight hug. 

Felix squirmed in Chan's grasp, protesting as the older ruffled his hair.

- Hyung, stop! Felix whined, you're embarrassing me in front of y/n!

Everyone around the table laughed. I mean, almost everyone. 

But I didn't even care at this point. The tension was finally starting to drop, so this black haired, short tempered... ferret face -because yes, he weirdly reminded me of a ferret- could be doing whatever on his phone, not paying attention to the rest of the table, I really didn't care at that moment. 

Chan finally released Felix, who straightened his shirt with an exaggerated huff, before grinning in my direction.

- Anyways, I'm just glad you're here now. It'll be fun, I promise. Just ignore all the chaos...

- Chaos? I snorted, raising an eyebrow. I don't know, seems pretty tame so far.

Han, overhearing, smirked mischievously.

- Oh, just you wait. Give it a few days, and you'll see what this group's really like.

- I'm sure I can handle it, I shot back with a grin. 

- Oh, we'll see about that, Changbin added, leaning back in his seat with a knowing smile. Wait until you meet the real nature of Han Jisung. 

The man gasped dramatically. 

- Why is it always me? You make it sound like I'm the only one causing trouble, he pouted. 

- Because you are, Minho chimed in casually, taking a sip of his drink.

And the table erupted in another round of laughter. We talked more, getting to know each other and enjoying the food, before Hyunjin stood up suddenly, grabbing his bag. 

He looked down at the table, before speaking: 

- I've got some stuff to do. I'll see you guys later.

The laughter died down as everyone turned to look at him. Felix frowned, glancing over at me for a brief second, while I just shrugged slightly. 

- You good, man? Chan asked, leaning forward slightly.

- Yeah, just busy, Hyunjin responded, his voice flat.

Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked out of the restaurant, the door swinging shut behind him with a quiet thud. The awkward silence that followed was palpable. Everyone exchanged glances, unsure of what to say. Felix sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

- Seriously, what's his deal lately? he muttered, clearly fed up at this point.

- Did bro just leave without paying? Jisung frowned, his mouth full with toppoki. 

Minho just shook his head, not offering an explanation, but it seemed like the group wasn't entirely unfamiliar with Hyunjin's behavior. 

Eventually, Chan cleared his throat. 

- I'll pay for Hyujin, it's fine guys. Let's not dwell on this, he's probably just stressed with uni or... something. 

I poked at the remaining food on my plate, finding it hard to shake off the nagging feeling that Hyunjin's behavior was somehow my fault. I mean, I hadn't even been around for a day, yet it felt like I was disrupting the group's dynamic.

- Anyway, y/n, don't worry about him, Han said, patting me on the shoulder. He's always been a bit... intense, but he'll warm up eventually. Just takes time. 

I chuckled. At least not everyone seemed to be holding a grudge against me for just being here.

- Honestly, it's fine. I'm not here to make things difficult for anyone, I said quietly. 

Felix leaned forward, giving me a reassuring smile.

- You're not making things difficult, y/n. I promise. He's just... well, Hyunjin. Let's not overthink it.

I managed a small smile. Then, determined to not have this ruin the mood again, I put on my best poker face and grinned, changing the subject: 

- Welp, I don't know about y'all, but if you're not gonna eat those rice cakes, then I'm not gonna let them get cold!

The group seemed to relax again, and we picked up where we left off, chatting and joking around. But, despite the renewed light mood, a part of me couldn't shake off Hyunjin's cold behavior towards me. 

And I found myself wondering if it was something I'd have to get used to.