SEVENTEEN | SICKFICS - HURTFICS I

Woozi | Pressure

As the group's main producer, Woozi had earned a reputation as a musical genius. His compositions had shaped Seventeen's sound, turning them into a powerhouse in the industry. But with that acclaim came an immense pressure. The company's expectations had skyrocketed, and the burden of living up to the title of "best producer" felt heavier than ever.

During a late-night practice session, Woozi found himself staring at the blank screen of his monitor, the cursor blinking mockingly. The other members were in high spirits, rehearsing their choreography for the title track, but Woozi felt detached, lost in a storm of self-doubt.

"Hey, Woozi!" Joshua called out, breaking through his thoughts. "You okay? You've been quiet tonight."

"Yeah hyung , I'm fine," Woozi replied, forcing a smile. But as he looked around at the bright faces of his members, he felt a pang of guilt. They relied on him, and he wanted to deliver the best for them, yet he felt paralyzed.

As the days went by, Woozi found solace in the smallest things-a late-night snack with Jeonghan, the warmth of the members' laughter, and moments spent in the studio. But the pressure was relentless. The company had scheduled multiple meetings to discuss their comeback strategy, and with each passing conversation, Woozi felt the weight of expectations crushing him.

One afternoon, while the members were taking a break, Woozi slipped out to the rooftop for some fresh air. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the city. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to shake off the anxiety that had become all too familiar.

"Hey hyung, you're not hiding up here, are you?" a voice called out. It was DK, his playful smile shining brightly.

"Just needed a moment," Woozi admitted, looking down at his feet.

DK joined him, leaning against the railing. "You know hyung, we all look up to you. But you don't have to do this alone. We are always here. "

Woozi sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, but it's hard. I want to make something that you all love, something that makes the fans proud. What if I can't?"

"Then we figure it out together," DK said, his voice steady. "We trust you. Just remember that it's not all on your shoulders."

Those words struck a chord with Woozi. He realized he had been trying to carry the weight of the world by himself. But Woozi felt trapped in his own mind. He was the one who had to deliver; the pressure felt too immense to share. He nodded, forcing a smile again, but inside he felt the chasm widen.

As the comeback approached, Woozi poured his heart into the music, but the fear of failure loomed large. The final days before their album release were a blur of rehearsals, late nights, and forced smiles. He felt like a ghost among his members, always present but never truly engaged.

When the day finally came, the energy was electric. The stage was set, the fans were screaming, and Woozi stood backstage, feeling completely disconnected. As the performance began, he watched the members shine, their joy evident. But in that moment, he couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy.

After their electrifying performance, as the cheers echoed through the arena, Woozi stood back, heart racing. The members rushed to him, excitement radiating from them, but all he felt was a heavy silence inside. He smiled for their sake, but the moment felt bittersweet.

Back at the dorm that night, Woozi lay awake, staring at the ceiling, the adrenaline from the stage wearing off. He felt alone in his struggle, a hidden pain that no one knew about. The fear of disappointing the members and fans hung over him like a dark cloud.

Days passed, and as the album gained momentum, Woozi began to see the love pouring in from fans. Each message and tweet reminded him of the bond they had built, yet he still felt detached, trapped in his own silence.