Love Conquers All? (StrayTEEZ Fanfic)

MinSung

Han's POV:

I feel my heart racing as I squeeze the mic in my hand so tightly it hurts. I'm so tired. I'm so scared I'm gonna mess up on stage. This is the seventh performance this week and it's only Wednesday. I'm so overwhelmed. I haven't had a chance to just reset. I feel my hands, legs and lips tremble as the anxiety begins to overtake my motor functions. I don't think I can do this....

I bite my lower lip and clasp my mic in both hands in an attempt to regain control, but my legs just give out from under me. I anticipate the collision with the ground with my eyes closed, but it never happens. Instead, I feel a pair of arms picking me up bridal style and as their owner begins to walk, their scent invades my senses.

It's so familiar... who-?

I open my eyes to meet a cold gaze from Minho that he quickly reverts and to focus on where he's going as a staff guides him into a room that I've never been in. I feel my cheeks burn as my body continues its tremors. I take this moment to snuggle my face further into his chest in attempt to hide from the world. He's so warm. How can his gaze be so cold in comparison? I release a shaky breath as I can only hear muffled sounds while darkness begins to consume my mind. I feel myself lose consciousness with every step he takes and soon... silence and darkness win.

—————— x ——————

Minho's POV:

We're about to go on stage. I'm so jittery but I know I'll be just fine cause we've been doing the same performance all week. I sigh impatiently as I look around the room at my fellow StrayKids... my babies... except Chan, but sometimes... he's my baby too.

I smile warmly as they all smile back at me when our eyes meet. All but Han who's trembling. I see him lift his mic and squeeze it with both hands as he bites his soft lips. I lick my lips as I begin to approach him, but then I notice his legs giving out and a few oh's from the staff witnessing the moment. Before I can even think, I dash toward him just in time to catch him in arms.

I hook my one arm under his knees while my other one cradles him into my chest like he were a 3lb baby even though he isn't. He's still light enough for me to be able to do it. I begin walking toward the room a staff member is leading me to. His body stops shaking temporarily so I look down to examine his features. When our eyes meet, I know he's still alive so I look forward and keep going.

Right before I can set him down, he snuggles into me and soon after, he goes limp against me which makes me stop in my tracks. "Jisung-ah?" I gently call for him as I just stare at his features that remain unfazed by my voice. "Yah!" I shake him suddenly but there's still no response. I feel my heart race as I set him down on the makeshift bed they've setup for him to lay on.

He just lays there immobile and for a moment I freeze as my heart races like it's trying to beat Usain Bolt's record. When his chest rises and falls, the breath I didn't know I was holding onto escapes my lips in relief as I flop down next to him. "Oh my gosh."

"Is he gonna be okay?" Chan asks as the on-site paramedic begins to examine Han's body. He looks so fragile and so precious. I don't even know what to do or say.

"He can't go on-stage. You guys have to improvise," the paramedic responds as he continues to tend to Han.

I feel a pair of small hands gently hold my upper arm as they try to help me up, "Hyung, we gotta go. We only have 5 minutes before it's time to perform," I look up and meet Jeongin's sparkling brown orbs as he gives me a reassuring smile.

I nod as I attempt to stand but stumble so another pair of hands takes hold of my other upper arm and I hear Chan's voice saying, "We got you, hyung."

I look up at him and then Jeongin and nod saying all I could, "Oh, thanks."

They help me up and we shuffle toward the stage entrance. We are now all anxious because we have to improvise last-minute. "Okay, so Changbin and I will cover Han's rap parts," Chan assigns and continues to ask Hyunjin, "Can you do his singing and dance parts?"

"Yeah," he responds without hesitation.

"Okay, good. Minho, are you gonna be okay?" Chan asks me directly and they all turn to face me. I suppose I don't look as okay as I'm trying to portray. I smile gently and nod, "I'll be fine, I just need a moment to breathe."

"Okay, well have some water, and just take a moment. We have 3 minutes still."

I nod and step away to grab a bottle of water from a staff member. The only problem is... Han is the only one on my mind. I can't think straight. Is he gonna be okay? What's wrong with him? Is there anything I could've done for him to help prevent this?

I sigh exasperatedly as I place my fists against my knees bending down slightly trying to get it together. I have to do well... for him... I don't want him to feel bad for not being able to make it on stage.

I take a deep breath, stand up straight, take a good sip of water, hand the bottle back to the staff member and then approach the others as another staff member begins the countdown.

10. I fasten my mic pack and in-ear.

9. I look around at the others who are completely disoriented or anxious.

8. I approach them.

7. I place my hand between them and yell, "For HAN!!"

6. They look at me and all agree with nods and smiles

5. "FOR HAN!!"

4. They put all their hands on top of mine.

3. "1,2,3! For HAN!!!" Chan yells.

2. We raise the hands together before breaking the huddle yelling, "For HAN!!!"

1. We rush on stage when the lights go out.

It's show time!