I squint against my laptop screen, the brightness still too high for my liking. A dull headache pounds against my right temple, making it difficult to focus on my work.
Changbin and Jisung are working beside me just fine. Their phones or notebooks are in hand, typing and writing away. I'm usually the same, but today has been a struggle.
I woke up around two in the morning to a raging headache. I took some medicine and tried going back to sleep. From then on, I drifted in and out, not really getting the rest I needed.
By the time my alarm went off, I had stopped trying to go back to sleep. I'm used to it, so it shouldn't bother me that much. Today is really kicking my ass, though.
"Hyung, you okay?" Jisung asks, making me wince at the sudden volume.
"Yeah, just a headache. I took medicine earlier, so it'll kick in soon," I reassure, not wanting to worry either of my friends. I probably took more medicine than I should've, but not enough to really knock me out. It's done nothing, and I don't know what else I can do.
Another hour goes by, the aching pain growing behind my right eye and temple. I squeeze my eyes shut, feeling little relief from the darkness. My hand comes up, massaging my head. It helps a little bit, making the pain more bearable. But it's not like I could rub it forever. I need to get this work done or else I'll get behind.
"Chan, you should take a break. Drink some water, lay down for a few. It won't hurt," Changbin suggests, both of them noting my discomfort.
I nod, agreeing for once to take a break. I know that if I continue like this, nothing will change. Maybe water and a small nap will help.
Jisung gives me his hoodie to use as a pillow, fluffing it up for me with a quiet giggle. I smile gratefully, laying down and putting my arm over my eyes.
I can hear the faint pencil on paper sounds along with typing, but it's silent otherwise. I let my body melt into the uncomfortable yet nice, hard couch.
A few minutes go by, and I'm getting drowsier. I roll on my side, trying not to move too much or else I'll wake myself up. The headache is slowly falling away, letting sleep take over.
-
"Channie, wake up."
I sigh, waking up immediately from the shake on my shoulder. "Mm, why?"
"It's late. We need to go back to the dorm so you can get some proper rest. How's your head?"
"Dull ache, but better." I sit up, scrubbing my eyes. "How long was I out?"
"Maybe two hours. It's not that late, but we figured we could come back tomorrow morning and keep working. We're not far behind anyway. Almost done," Jisung smiles, brushing my hair back. He frowns a bit, but I don't know why.
I sit up, nodding. They seem surprised that I'm going along with it. Usually, I try to stay back so they won't have to work as hard.
Am I a bad leader for letting my guard down? I couldn't focus, what was I supposed to do? Should I stay back anyway so they don't have to come back on their off day? It's my fault we're not finished. We could've been done if I hadn't slacked off.
"Hey, I know that look. Don't you dare," Changbin warns. "I'll carry you home if I have to. No more work for tonight unless you come up with an idea without forcing it. Even then, you can write it on your phone. Let's go."
"Fine," I sigh, standing up. We gather our things, making it to the dorm with the sun just barely setting. Everyone else, besides Hyunjin, is already home. He's probably practicing for this collab that's coming up.
"Channie, you're home early," Felix grins, him and Minho standing back from the kitchen. They were preparing dinner for everyone. They must've gotten done with their work early.
Am I letting my team down? They all seem to doing just fine, yet here I am. Stuck. Slacking. Sucking. They're done. I'm the only one not. I'm holding them back. Leaders aren't supposed to do that.
"Chan? Hey, what's up?" Minho frowns, coming over and trying to feel my forehead. I dodge it quickly, not wanting a truth to be known. "Are you sick?"
"He's had a headache all day," Jisung pops in, noticing my hesitance to explain.
"Oh, no," Felix pouts. "You want some soup, mate? Dinner is almost done and we made soup for a side. I can make you a bowl."
"Yeah, sure. That sounds great. I'm going to go change," I pat his shoulder, not noticing the few looks I get from the others.
Once I get into my room, I flop onto my bed. I have no energy. I don't want to eat. I don't want to work. I just need sleep.
Sleep doesn't need me, though. I fail to get drowsy even when I'm absolutely exhausted. Laying down feels nice. I'll stay here for five minutes and then get up to eat.
"Hyung, hey, you gotta eat."
I squint open my eyes, seeing Minho sitting on my bed. He smiles at me, going to move hair out of my face but stopping.
"You have a fever, Chan."
I cannot be sick. I don't want to be sick. It was just a headache. I was just a headache.
I move my head away from his hand. "I'm not sick. I'm just tired."
He gives me a look. A look that makes my stubbornness crawl back inside. I bite my lip, hanging my head.
"I'll get your clothes and come back with soup and medicine. Don't lie to me, Chan. You're only going to make it worse for yourself," he scolds, poking my cheek.
I nod, pouting. "Sorry. Bad habit."
•How was this?•
