SEVENTEEN | SICKFICS - HURTFICS I

Vernon | Migraine

Seventeen's rehearsal room was a hive of activity, the buzz of energy palpable as the K-Pop group fine-tuned their upcoming performance. The space was filled with the sounds of their synchronized dancing and the occasional burst of laughter from the members. The walls, lined with mirrors, reflected the concentrated expressions of the performers, each one fully immersed in their craft.

In the midst of this orchestrated chaos stood Vernon, whose quiet demeanor often contrasted sharply with the high-octane atmosphere of their practice sessions. Today, however, something was off. As he followed the dance routine, his usual focus was interrupted by a sharp pang of pain that radiated from his temple. It was subtle at first, like a distant drumbeat, but quickly it progressed into a pounding, relentless drumroll that consumed his entire head.

He faltered in his steps, his hands instinctively reaching up to his temples, trying to soothe the increasing pressure. His movements became staggered, and a thin sheen of sweat began to bead on his forehead. Seungkwan, who was dancing beside him, noticed the change almost immediately.

"Vernon, are you okay?" Seungkwan's voice cut through the music, concern etched in every syllable.

Vernon gave a tight-lipped smile, trying to mask the intensity of his discomfort. "Yeah, just a headache. I'll be fine."

Seungkwan wasn't convinced. He reached out and grabbed Vernon's arm, guiding him to the side of the room where they could be out of the way of the other members. "Let's get you some water and take a breather."

Before Vernon could protest, the music stopped, and the room fell into a hushed silence. The other members, sensing something was wrong, gathered around, their faces etched with concern.

"Vernon, you don't look so good," Joshua said, his eyes narrowing with worry.

"Maybe you should sit down," Woozi suggested, his voice gentle but firm. "It's probably nothing, but it's better to be safe."

Vernon nodded, more from the throbbing pain than from any real desire to sit. He sank into a nearby chair, rubbing his temples and squeezing his eyes shut. The room seemed to spin in tandem with the relentless beat of his headache.

As the minutes ticked by, the pain only intensified. Vernon's breaths grew ragged, and he began to feel nauseous. His hands trembled as he tried to hold onto the edge of his chair. Seungkwan, ever vigilant, fetched a bottle of water and handed it to him. Vernon took a small sip, but even the cool liquid did little to ease the pounding in his head.

"Maybe we should call the doctor," DK suggested. "This doesn't look like just a regular headache."

Before anyone could respond, the pain reached a crescendo, and Vernon's vision began to blur. He gasped, clutching his head as if to physically restrain the agony. The room, once a place of camaraderie and practice, now felt like a spinning vortex of noise and light. The members' voices became distant echoes, their worried faces blurring in and out of focus.

"Vernon!" Hoshi's voice was sharp and urgent, cutting through the haze. "Hang in there!"

Vernon's head was throbbing so intensely that he could barely register the words. His breathing became shallow, and he slumped forward, his strength draining away. His friends, now visibly alarmed, huddled around him, their concern palpable.

"Someone call the doctor!" Woozi's command was clear, and soon, a couple of the members were on their phones, arranging for medical help.

As the minutes dragged on, the pain did not relent. Vernon's consciousness wavered, the edges of his vision darkening. He could feel himself slipping away from reality, the pain becoming a tidal wave that threatened to engulf him entirely.