Kpop Sickfics & Hurtfics

Beneath the Surface (Hyunjin)

The relentless pace of Stray Kids' schedule had always been intense, but Hyunjin had managed to keep up with it for years. The demands of performances, rehearsals, interviews, and fan meetings had become his norm. Yet, beneath the surface, he had started to feel the strain-a simmering exhaustion that he kept pushing aside, hoping it would pass.

It was during a particularly grueling week of promotions that Hyunjin's body finally reached its breaking point. The days were packed with early mornings and late nights, and the pressure to maintain a perfect image weighed heavily on him. What began as mild fatigue quickly spiraled into something much more severe. Hyunjin found himself plagued by persistent chills, a persistent cough, and an unrelenting fever that left him bedridden.

It started one evening after an especially rigorous dance practice. Hyunjin had felt unusually dizzy and out of breath, but he brushed it off as a result of overexertion. He pushed through, determined not to let his teammates down. But by the time he reached the dorm, he was struggling to stay upright.

"Hyunjin, are you okay?" Chan asked, noticing his labored breathing as they all gathered in the living room for a brief rest.

"Just tired," Hyunjin replied, forcing a weak smile. "It's nothing."

The others exchanged worried glances but didn't press further, assuming it was just the fatigue of their busy schedule.

But as the days went by, Hyunjin's condition worsened. His fever spiked, and he began to experience sharp pains in his chest. Breathing became increasingly difficult, and he found himself struggling to get out of bed. Despite his worsening symptoms, he continued to mask his discomfort, unwilling to admit how bad it had become.

It wasn't until Hyunjin collapsed during a practice session that the severity of his illness became undeniable. His teammates rushed to his side, panic evident on their faces. Chan was the first to reach him, his expression a mix of alarm and concern.

"Hyunjin! What's wrong?" Chan asked urgently, cradling Hyunjin's head as he lay on the floor.

"I... I'm just tired," Hyunjin mumbled, but his voice was barely audible. His face was pale, and his breathing was ragged.

"No, this isn't just tired," Chan insisted. "We need to get you to a doctor."

Lee Know, Changbin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and Jeongin quickly gathered around, their worry palpable. They helped Hyunjin into a nearby chair and began making arrangements for him to get medical attention.

The doctor's diagnosis was grave. Hyunjin was suffering from a severe respiratory infection, exacerbated by the stress and exhaustion he had been under. His immune system was severely compromised, and he needed immediate treatment. The doctor advised rest and hospitalization to manage the infection and prevent further complications.

As Hyunjin was admitted to the hospital, his members stayed close, their concern evident in every action they took. Chan, who had been the most vocal about their hectic schedule, took on the role of coordinating their visits and ensuring that Hyunjin received the best possible care.

In the hospital room, Hyunjin lay in bed, his body hooked up to an IV drip and a pulse oximeter. The room felt sterile and cold, a stark contrast to the warmth of his members' presence. His fever had subsided somewhat, but he still felt weak and disoriented.

Chan sat beside him, holding his hand gently. "Hyunjin, you're going to be okay. We're here for you."

Hyunjin's eyes were glassy, a mixture of fear and frustration in his gaze. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to cause this much trouble..."

Chan shook his head. "It's not your fault. We should have noticed sooner. We're all in this together, okay? Just focus on getting better."

The emotional toll of his illness weighed heavily on Hyunjin. He had always prided himself on being strong and dependable, but now he found himself vulnerable and dependent on others. The experience forced him to confront his own limits and accept that it was okay to need help.

Lee Know, Changbin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and Jeongin each took turns visiting Hyunjin, their concern evident in their actions. Lee Know brought Hyunjin's favorite snacks and books to keep him entertained, while Changbin and Han made sure he was comfortable and had everything he needed.

Felix, with his natural empathy, spent time talking to Hyunjin, offering words of encouragement and sharing funny stories to lighten his mood. Seungmin and Jeongin took on the task of managing the group's schedule, ensuring that they could visit Hyunjin without adding to the burden of their workload.

Despite their efforts, Hyunjin struggled with his own feelings of inadequacy. He was used to being the one who supported others, and the role reversal was difficult for him to accept. He felt guilty for not being able to contribute and for placing so much responsibility on his members.

As the days passed, Hyunjin's condition gradually improved. The antibiotics and rest were starting to take effect, and he began to regain some strength. The emotional support from his members was crucial in his recovery. Their constant presence and encouragement helped lift his spirits and reminded him that he was not alone.

One afternoon, as Hyunjin lay in bed, Chan entered the room with a small bouquet of flowers. "These are for you," Chan said with a soft smile. "We wanted to remind you how much you mean to us."

Hyunjin's eyes welled up with tears as he accepted the flowers. "Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you guys."

Chan sat beside him, his expression one of warmth and understanding. "You don't have to do anything alone. We're a team, and we'll always be here for each other."

The conversation was a turning point for Hyunjin. It was a moment of acceptance, both of his own vulnerability and the support he received from his members. He realized that being strong didn't mean doing everything on his own. It meant allowing others to help and being open to the support that came his way.

The day Hyunjin was finally discharged from the hospital was met with a mixture of relief and joy. His recovery was not complete, but he was well enough to return to the dorm and continue his healing process at home. His members gathered around him, their faces a blend of happiness and exhaustion.

"Welcome back," Lee Know said, giving Hyunjin a gentle hug. "We've missed you."

"Thanks," Hyunjin replied, his voice stronger than it had been in days. "I'm grateful for everything you've done for me."

As they settled back into their routine, Hyunjin took the time to reflect on the experience. The ordeal had been a test of his limits and his understanding of what it meant to be part of a team. He had learned that accepting help and leaning on others was not a sign of weakness but a testament to the strength of their bond.

The journey had been arduous, but it had also brought them closer together. The shared experience had deepened their connection and reaffirmed their commitment to each other. Hyunjin knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, as a team.

As he looked around at his members-his friends, his family-he felt a renewed sense of hope and gratitude. The experience had tested them, but it had also strengthened their resolve and reminded them of the power of unity and support.