SEVENTEEN | SICKFICS - HURTFICS I

Dino | Hiding

Dino's POV

I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring obnoxiously, the bright morning light streaming through the curtains. Another day, another chance to practice and be the best version of myself. Except today, something felt off. A dull ache throbbed in my head, and my throat felt like it was coated in sandpaper. I groaned softly, pulling the covers over my head, hoping that maybe, just maybe, it would all go away.

But I couldn't let my hyungs see me like this. They relied on me to be the energetic, cheerful Dino they knew, the one who danced with unyielding passion and cracked jokes to lift everyone's spirits. So, I pushed myself out of bed, willing my body to cooperate.

I made my way to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face in hopes of shaking off the fatigue. I stared at my reflection, the faint shadows under my eyes betraying the restless night I'd had. I needed to hide it. I needed to show up like I always did. With a determined nod to myself, I brushed my teeth and headed to the kitchen.

"Good morning, Dino!" Jeonghan hyung greeted me with a bright smile as he prepared breakfast. "You're up early!"

"Yeah, couldn't sleep much hyung," I replied, forcing a smile. I took a seat at the table, trying to ignore the nagging feeling in my chest.

"Are you okay? You look a little pale," he said, concern flashing in his eyes.

"I'm fine! Just a little tired," I insisted, pouring myself a glass of water to wash down the dry lump in my throat.

As the day went on, I tried to push through. The practice studio was bustling with energy as the rest of the members arrived. Each of them greeted me with cheerful banter, and I responded in kind, masking my discomfort behind laughter and exaggerated dance moves. But every time I pushed my body to its limits, the ache in my head grew sharper, and I felt myself getting weaker.

"Let's take it from the top!" Hoshi hyung called out, and the music filled the room. I forced myself to focus, but every step felt heavier than the last.

"Dino, you need to hit that move harder!" Hoshi hyung shouted from across the room. "You're losing your energy!"

"Right, right! I got it!" I replied, throwing in an extra spin to mask my falter. I could feel the eyes of my hyungs on me, and I didn't want to give them any reason to worry. They had enough on their plates without me adding to it.

After practice, the members were buzzing about their plans for the evening, excitedly discussing a new variety show they were set to film the next day. I sat quietly in the corner, a smile plastered on my face, but inside, I was swirling in a sea of fatigue and frustration.

That night, after everyone had gone to bed, I lay in my room, feeling utterly defeated. My body ached, and I could hear the faint sounds of my hyungs laughing in the common area. I wanted to join them, to be a part of the laughter, but every time I tried to get up, a wave of dizziness would pull me back down.

"I can't let them see me like this," I whispered to myself. I could already hear their teasing remarks about how I needed to toughen up, how I should be able to handle a little cold. So, I wrapped myself tightly in my blanket and tried to sleep, hoping the morning would bring some relief.

But morning came, and nothing changed. If anything, it only got worse. I stumbled through my morning routine, still trying to convince myself that I could keep hiding it. I showed up for breakfast, and as I settled at the table, I felt a wave of nausea wash over me.

"Hey, you alright?" Joshua hyung asked, his brows furrowing with concern.

"Just a little tired hyung," I replied, feigning nonchalance. "I'll be good after breakfast!"