What makes a leader? There's a wide description of what a leader is. A leader is the person in charge, who convinces his members to follow. Who inspires confidence among the team and moves them to action. Who is the head guy, the one running the entire group. The responsibility is hefty, because he has to lead people through hard and uncontrollable circumstances. A heavy thing to take.
It takes a lot of guts to be a leader. 
It was winter of November, in a midst of a global outbreak - a locked up, ordinary day to say for others, but to them, it was a nerve-racking ordeal, like being put into a hot seat with wide array of emotions going up on their heads.
The seven Enhypen members are all in the sitting in a small room, with all the bosses around, for the announcement of the group's leader.
After some rigid talk and hard-line selection, it all comes down to two. It's the battle between the oldest member, Lee Heeseung and the second to the youngest member, Yang Jungwon.
"Heeseung is the oldest member and also the core of our performance." the Be-lift executive started.  "And if he becomes leader, he'll got so many roles on his shoulders, we are concerned if that's a good way or not for Heeseung to do more for a team."
Jungwon made a quick glance to Heeseung. His face was fully covered, his eyes he can only see, so intent and determined. If Heeseung will be picked as a leader, he'll be the first person to cheer for him. Lee Heeseung got it, the control and authority. He'll surely put Enhypen on top, no doubt about that.
"So we informed the two candidates and asked them about their thoughts." the executive continued, building more tension to the two contenders. "With the company and the members' opinions taken collectively, we've decided that Enhypen's leader will be Yang Jungwon." 
Jungwon stood in stunned silence. There was an explosion in his brain, a good sort, the type that carries more possibilities than he could be conscious of. He was covered with fear, a benign one, he could feel it. 
He was chosen as leader, the calling card of adventure and big, arduous paths awaiting his feet. Whatever was ahead could be a great challenge, and there could be tears, that is expected. He belongs in the maknae line, the second youngest member of the group, so to speak, and yet, they chose him. 
"Way to go, leader-nim!" Jay patted his back.
"I always knew it's you, Jungwonie!" Sunoo seconded, smile's up to his ear.
"Should I call you leader Won or leader Hyung?" Ni-Ki cuts in, chuckling.
"Leader Hyung sounds saur good! Gaur for it!" Jake rode the chaff. "You did great, Wonie. I mean, leader Won."
"Aaahh!' Sunghoon jokingly head locked him. "You little twat! I personally voted for you." he whispered to his ear. 
"Thanks, Hyung." he smiled.
"Seems like I'm forced to do this now. Okay, I promise to teach you ice skating. But that would come only if our schedule is clear, which is, no way it's going to happen." Sunghoon laughs. "Well done, leader-nim! I'm so proud of you!" he said again, tapping his shoulders in a prideful way.
"So, how does it feel to become leader?" after everyone was out, Heeseung finally approached him.
"Heeseung Hyung--"
"Congratulations. You deserved it, Won."
"You were the first choice. I know you turned it down, Hyung." he couldn't help to state.
"I wouldn't turn it down if it's not you I'm fighting against." Heeseung chuckled.
He didn't know how to react for once. Hearing it from the person who was a clear winner right from day one of their I-land days creates a shiver down his spine. Meeting Lee Heeseung for the very first time, Jungwon was knocked sideways. It's like they're just competing for the second and seventh position successively. Heeseung was put into I-land to gather his members and be the leader. He couldn't understand why things went into a reversal, favoring him. 
"I'm scared, Hyung--" 
It's a fact. The responsibility scared the hell out of him. It was like he's walking in a pitch dark way, step's unsure, one wrong move and everyone will judge him.
"I think I could offer more help if I am the role of being the eldest and a fellow member, not the leader." Heeseung replied, empathy on his voice. "We need to have one leader but if the rest of the team turn away from their responsibilities, that won't do any good, right? We should build leadership together as a team. You'll do great, Won. I'm certain about it."
Jungwon nodded but still diffident. Heeseung made it sound selfless but he's just being logical. Thinking about the upcoming responsibilities, it's starting to weigh him down.
"I hope the burdens of being leader doesn't defeat you, Won. But, I'm here. We are all here. Your Hyungs are all here, helping you in every step of the way. I promise, I'm not going to turn my back on you. I'll never leave you when the going gets tough. You can count on it, leader-nim."
How quickly he was relieved. Heeseung gave him a pat on the back but he gave more than what he offered. He hugged his hyung - tight enough to let him feel he needed a hand for he can't do it alone.
Heeseung never hesitates, he gave back the grip of assurance he surely needs. In slow time alone and in absence of words, they created an accord on how thing's should work that only them could only understand. 
After that's being said and done, being leader is an adventure to take and so Jungwon smiled. The ideas would come, probably when he least expected it, with the help of his hyungs. 
He's Yang Jungwon. The second youngest member of the group. The Enhypen's leader. His name will go down in history, that's definite. Undoubtedly, he'll wear his boots and take that step.
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