ENHYPEN SickFics

The Forgotten Burden- Ni-ki

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Ni-ki had always been the youngest, the maknae of the group, but he never let that define him. Despite his age, he worked hard to keep up with his hyungs, always eager to prove that he could handle anything that came his way. One thing he had kept from them, though, was his asthma. When he was younger, it had been a constant worry—a condition that made every breath a challenge, every physical activity a potential risk. But for years now, it had been silent. No attacks, no issues. So, Ni-ki convinced himself that he was fine, that he didn’t need to bother his hyungs with something that was in the past.

Today, they were at the beach, ready to film the music video for their song "Tamed-Dashed." The sun was shining, the ocean waves crashing gently against the shore, and the members were in high spirits. The setting was perfect for the energetic, summer vibe they were going for. But more than anything, Ni-ki just wanted to enjoy the day with his hyungs. The idea of splashing around in the water, playing games, and making memories made his heart race with excitement.

As they finished filming the last take of the day, the members started to relax. Sunoo, always playful, suggested a swim, but the others hesitated. The water was cold, and they had been filming for hours, but Ni-ki was undeterred. He wanted to swim, to feel the ocean around him, but Heeseung quickly shook his head.

“Ni-ki, let’s just chill for now. We’ve been filming all day,” Heeseung said, his tone gentle but firm.

Ni-ki pouted but nodded, understanding that they were tired. They gathered their things and set up a small area on the beach to rest. After a while, though, they decided to play soccer, kicking the ball around on the soft sand, laughter echoing along the shoreline.

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As the game went on, everyone’s competitive spirit kicked in. Jungwon and Sunghoon were particularly intense, darting around the sand, trying to outmaneuver each other. Ni-ki joined in eagerly, his energy infectious, even as the others tried to keep up. But it was Sunghoon who, in his excitement, kicked the ball a little too hard. The soccer ball sailed through the air and landed far out in the ocean, bobbing on the waves.

“Ah, sorry!” Sunghoon called out, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.

“It’s okay, I’ll get it!” Ni-ki volunteered immediately, sprinting toward the water without hesitation.

“Ni-ki, wait!” Sunoo called after him, but the maknae was already in the water, swimming toward the ball. The others watched him go, trusting that he’d be back soon. After all, Ni-ki was a strong swimmer, and the ball wasn’t too far out. They continued to chat and laugh, unaware of the danger that was unfolding just beyond the shore.

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As Ni-ki swam farther out, the cool water enveloped him, the rhythmic movement of his arms and legs propelling him forward. He felt a familiar exhilaration, the kind he always got when he pushed himself physically. But as he neared the ball, something shifted. A tightness started to form in his chest, a sensation he hadn’t felt in years. He tried to shake it off, telling himself it was just the cold water or the exertion, but the tightness grew worse.

His breaths became shallow, his chest constricting painfully. Panic began to set in as he realized what was happening—an asthma attack. After all these years, it was back, and he was in the middle of the ocean with no inhaler, no way to get help.

Ni-ki’s strokes faltered, his arms and legs feeling heavier by the second. He tried to keep himself afloat, but every breath was a struggle, each one shorter and more labored than the last. His vision blurred as he fought to stay above water, but his strength was fading fast.