The Maknae Has to Be an Idol

“You’re sick?” Do-Seung’s eyes became big as saucers after I told him I was sick.

‘What should I do?’ While I did feel moved that I was getting babied somewhat as a maknae, I also felt anxious that I might have caused an unnecessary commotion.

“I’m not saying that I’m physically sick. I’m just saying I’m tired psychologically because there are a lot of things on my mind,” I quickly added as Do-Seung’s reaction just now seemed like he was ready to lift me up and rush me to the hospital.

“Are you sure you’re not sick?” Do-Seung moved one step closer and asked again. He sounded so concerned that I felt pressured to say yes even if I was not actually sick.

“What’s the matter?”

“What are you guys doing?”

The members who had left the waiting room came back. I tried to mediate the situation quickly, but Do-Seung was faster. “I think Tae-Yoon is sick. What should we do?”

It was then I knew I was in deep trouble. Immediately after Do-Seung told them I was sick—

“What?”

“Tae-Yoon, you’re sick?”

“Hey! You should have told us earlier! Seriously, where are you sick? Are you okay?”

Yeon-Hoon, Woon, and Dong-Jun were all shocked and bombarded me with questions.

“I’m not physically sick, and I’m just feeling a bit of psychological pressure,” I repeated what I said to Do-Seung earlier, but even...