When the Leader Breaks

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It was around 11:00 in the morning. Chan was clinging to my hand, exhausted, as we sat on an old sofa in the corner of the studio. He hadn't slept for nearly three days, preparing for the concert. He hardly returned to the dorm, making the studio and staff room his temporary home for the past few days. I believed his plan for today was no different, but it was clear that he was exhausted. All he could do was pass on the responsibilities to the other older members.

"Innie..." Chan's voice was faint as he called out to me.

"Yeah, hyung?" I asked, gently stroking his head.

"Aren't you cold?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Are you cold, hyung?" I replied, placing my hand on his neck to check his temperature. "You're burning up. It feels like you have a fever."

"Hyung, please... Let's go to the dorm. Minho and Bin will handle everything here. You don't have to worry," I pleaded with him.

Just then, Minho walked in, and I quickly filled him in on Chan's condition. He knelt down and gently touched Chan's face, which was pale and covered in sweat.

"Channie... You better go and get some rest, hmm? You're even starting to shiver," Minho said softly, concern evident in his eyes.

Chan's eyes fluttered open and closed struggling to stay awake, a sign of how exhausted he truly was. Finally, he nodded in agreement, though it was clear he could barely keep his head up.

Minho knelt down and tried to help Chan up, but Chan clung to my hand like a small child, his grip surprisingly strong despite his obvious exhaustion.

"Channie, let go of Innie's hand for a bit. We can't take you to the car like this, hmm?" Minho coaxed him gently, his voice soft and reassuring.Chan looked up at Minho with half-lidded eyes, his face flushed and his hair tousled from resting against me. He blinked slowly, clearly trying to process Minho's words but too tired to fully comprehend them. His lips formed a small pout as he reluctantly loosened his grip on my hand, still looking somewhat dazed and confused.

Just then, Changbin joined us, quickly assessing the situation. Without a word, he took off his large hoodie and draped it over Chan's shoulders, carefully adjusting it to keep him warm. The oversized hoodie made Chan look smaller , the sleeves hanging well past his hands.

"Now it's not too cold, right, babe?" Changbin said softly, his tone affectionate and caring. He looked down at Chan with a gentle smile, watching as Chan's eyes fluttered open and closed, trying to stay awake.It was clear to all of us that he was too tired .

"Come here,I'll take you to car"
Changbin said, gently pulling Chan away from me and lifting him into his arms.

Under normal circumstances, Chan would never allow anyone to babysit him like this. He always insisted he didn't want to be a burden, feeling it was his duty as the leader to take care of the others. But today was different. He didn't resist as Changbin carried him, a sign of just how worn out he was.

"He must be feeling super cold. When you get home, put him in bed and cover him with a few blankets, Innie," Changbin advised, his voice soft and filled with concern. He looked down at Chan, whose face was now nuzzled into the crook of Changbin's neck, seeking warmth and safety.

Once Changbin settled Chan into the backseat, I made sure he was comfortable and held him close so he wouldn't fall.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of him," I reassured the others, who were watching anxiously as we prepared to leave. With Chan out of commission, the rest of the tasks fell on their shoulders.

"Innie, there are some medicines in my room at the dorm. Get them for Chan once you get there," Changbin instructed.

I nodded in agreement."Okay, I will."

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