──★ ˙who takes care of you? 🧷 ̟ !!
pairings : → james × reader (6th member!reader)
synopsis : → you take care of everyone in cortis like it’s second nature—but when it finally becomes too much, james is there to remind you that even “mom” needs someone too.
tags / warnings / genre : → angst to comfort, fluff, established relationship, 6th member!reader, idol au, emotional, comfort, soft romance
word count : → 1.1k
→ the thing about being the “mom” of the group… is that no one really notices when you start running on empty.
you’re used to it— fixing seonghyeon’s hair before stage, reminding keonho where he left his jacket, handing juhoon water before he even realizes he’s thirsty.
it’s automatic. natural. you are the one who keeps everything together.
and most days, you don’t mind.
but today feels heavier.
the schedule had been packed—interviews, rehearsals, a last-minute recording—and somehow, you were still the one making sure everyone else was okay.
“Nonna, have you seen my—”
“on the chair,” you answer without even looking up, adjusting martin’s mic pack.
“dad, tell her to stop reading my mind, it’s creepy,” keonho mutters, earning a laugh from the others.
you smile faintly, but it doesn’t quite reach your eyes.
no one notices.
except james.
he always notices.
he watches the way your shoulders are just slightly more tense, the way your voice is softer...not in a gentle way, but in a tired one.
he doesn’t say anything right away. not in front of everyone.
instead, he waits.
until you’re alone in the hallway, finally getting a second to breathe.
“hey.”
his voice is quiet, careful.
you look up, forcing a small smile. “hey.”
he doesn’t buy it. not for a second.
“you okay?”
“mhm,” you nod quickly. “just tired.”
a lie.
he steps closer anyway, his hand finding yours without hesitation. his thumb brushes over your knuckles like he’s grounding you.
“don’t do that,” he murmurs.
“do what?”
“take care of everyone else and forget about yourself.”
your chest tightens a little at that.
“i’m fine, james. really.”
he tilts his head slightly, eyes soft but unwavering. “then why do you look like you’re about to cry?”
that’s what breaks it.
not fully—not dramatically. just a quiet crack.
your eyes sting, and you look away quickly, shaking your head. “I'm not....”
his grip on your hand tightens just a little.
“hey… it’s okay.”
and somehow, hearing that makes it worse.
“i just—” you inhale shakily, trying to find the words. “i don’t know, it’s just a lot today.”
he doesn’t interrupt. doesn’t rush you.
“everyone needs something all the time and i don’t mind, i really don’t but…” you laugh softly, even though it sounds a little broken. “i’m just tired.”
james’ expression softens completely.
without a word, he pulls you into him arms wrapping around you in a way that feels steady, safe, familiar.
you melt into it almost instantly.
“you don’t have to do everything,” he murmurs against your hair.
you shake your head slightly against his chest. “but if i don’t, things fall apart.”
“no,” he says gently. “they don’t.”
you don’t respond to that.
because part of you still believes it.
his hand moves to the back of your head, holding you there. “you take care of them,” he continues softly, “but who takes care of you?”
you don’t have an answer.
so he gives you one.
“me.”
your grip tightens slightly on his shirt.
“you don’t have to be the strong one all the time,” he says. “not with me.”
for a moment, everything just… stills.
no noise. no schedules. no expectations.
just him.
you pull back slightly, looking up at him. “they’re gonna start asking where mom and dad went,” you mumble, trying to lighten the mood.
he smiles a little at that. “let them.”
you huff quietly. “keonho’s gonna say something annoying.”
“he always does.”
“and seonghyeon’s gonna make it worse.”
“definitely.”
that earns a small, real laugh from you.
james’ smile softens at the sound.
“see,” he says quietly, brushing a strand of hair away from your face, “that’s better.”
you roll your eyes a little, but your shoulders have relaxed now.
“five more minutes?” he asks.
you hesitate… then nod.
“five more minutes.”
and for once, you let yourself have it.
when you walk back in, it doesn’t take long.
“oh—there they are,” keonho grins immediately. “mom, dad, did you miss us?”
you sigh, but there’s no real bite to it. “what do you need?”
“nothing,” he shrugs. “just felt like calling you mom again.”
“don’t start,” you warn.
“dad, she’s being mean to me,” he adds, turning to james.
james doesn’t even hesitate. “listen to your mom.”
the room erupts instantly.
you stare at him, betrayed. “seriously?”
he just smiles—soft, knowing.
and this time, when you shake your head…
you’re not tired anymore.
author’s note : → mom & dad cortis agenda is STRONG 😭 keonho and seonghyeon would never let them breathe fr
