Not Just a Voice (Xiaojun)

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Xiaojun woke up feeling a heaviness in his chest that he couldn't quite place. The morning sunlight streamed through his curtains, illuminating his room with a warm glow. He stretched, trying to shake off the drowsiness lingering in his bones, and checked his phone. Today was a big day; he would be MCing M Countdown alongside Yeosang from ATEEZ and Hyeongseop from Tempest. He couldn't afford to be anything less than perfect.

As he prepared for the day, he dismissed the slight ache in his throat and the way his head felt a little foggy. It was just nerves, he told himself. He took a deep breath and reminded himself that he was a performer. He couldn't let anyone down.

When Xiaojun arrived at the studio, the buzz of excitement washed over him like a wave. The staff greeted him warmly, and he plastered on his usual bright smile. Yeosang was already there, chatting animatedly with Hyeongseop about the opening performance. Xiaojun joined them, and they quickly fell into the familiar rhythm of going over the lines for their interviews.

However, as the day wore on, Xiaojun found it increasingly difficult to keep up the facade. The energy of the studio was infectious, but he felt strangely detached from it all. He noticed the way Yeosang's laughter echoed in his ears, but it felt muffled, like he was listening from underwater.

"Are you okay, Xiaojun?" Yeosang asked during a break, concern creeping into his tone.

"Yeah, I'm fine!" Xiaojun replied too quickly, forcing a smile. "Just a bit tired from the rehearsals, I guess."

Yeosang furrowed his brow, but Xiaojun quickly changed the subject. They had a show to run, and he was determined not to let anyone down.

As they moved on to the live segments, Xiaojun pushed through, but the ache in his throat had morphed into a dull throb. He swallowed hard, trying to clear his voice, but it felt heavy and uncooperative. He caught Yeosang glancing at him again, but Xiaojun waved him off, hiding behind his professional demeanor.

"You're doing great, man," Hyeongseop said, but Xiaojun noticed the way Hyeongseop was preoccupied with his own segments, unaware of Xiaojun's struggle.

Before an upcoming interview with Stray Kids, Xiaojun's vision suddenly blurred. He blinked rapidly, trying to shake off the feeling of dizziness that threatened to overtake him. He reached for the nearby table, his fingers brushing against the cool surface. Yeosang stood nearby, preparing for their segment.

"Xiaojun, are you alright?" Yeosang's voice broke through the haze, a hint of alarm lacing his words.

"Just a little dizzy," Xiaojun managed to say, but the words felt heavy on his tongue.

Before he could say more, darkness crept in, and he collapsed, hitting the floor with a thud.

Panic erupted in the studio. The camera crew scrambled to cut to a commercial break while Yeosang and Hyeongseop rushed to Xiaojun's side, their hearts racing.

"Xiaojun!" Yeosang shouted, kneeling beside him. He felt for a pulse, his fingers trembling. Hyeongseop knelt on Xiaojun's other side, his face pale.

"Call for help!" Yeosang barked at a nearby staff member.

The chaos didn't stop there. Members of Stray Kids—who had been preparing for their interview—immediately rushed over, drawn by the commotion. Bang Chan and Seungmin were the first to reach Xiaojun. Chan knelt beside him, concern etched deep in his features.

"Xiaojun! Can you hear me?" Bang Chan's voice was steady, but there was an edge of fear in it.

Xiaojun lay still, the world spinning in and out of focus.

"Where are the medics?" Seungmin shouted, looking around desperately.

The staff worked quickly to manage the chaos, but Yeosang and Hyeongseop felt a mix of guilt and fear gnawing at them.

"I should have noticed sooner," Yeosang murmured, his heart pounding in his chest.

"He'll be okay," Hyeongseop reassured him, though he didn't quite believe it himself.

Finally, the medics arrived, bringing urgency into the chaotic atmosphere. They quickly assessed Xiaojun, checking his vitals and administering care. Yeosang watched helplessly as they worked, his heart aching at the sight of his friend so vulnerable.

"Xiaojun, just hold on," Chan whispered, his eyes darting between Xiaojun and the medics, worry clouding his face.

Xiaojun's eyelids fluttered, and he felt himself being lifted onto a stretcher. As the medics rushed him out of the studio, the world around him faded into darkness.

The hospital room was sterile and bright, the harsh lights a stark contrast to the warm, comforting glow of the studio. Xiaojun blinked against the brightness, trying to piece together the fragmented memories of the day.

He turned his head slightly and saw familiar faces: Yeosang, Hyeongseop, and his WayV members.

"Xiaojun!" Yeosang exclaimed, relief washing over him. "You scared us!"

Xiaojun attempted to sit up, but a wave of dizziness hit him. He fell back against the pillow, a heavy sigh escaping his lips.

"Easy there," Hyeongseop cautioned, gently pushing him back down. "You collapsed, remember?"

"Yeah, I just... thought I could handle it," Xiaojun murmured, shame creeping in.

"It's not your fault," Kun spoke softly, stepping closer. "We're all here for you. You need to take care of yourself, Xiaojun."

Hendery added, "You don't have to push yourself so hard. We know you want to do well, but your health comes first."

Xiaojun looked at them, gratitude swelling in his heart. "I'm sorry for worrying you guys."

"You don't need to apologize," Yeosang said firmly. "Just promise us you'll rest and let us help you next time."

The hospital was quiet, save for the rhythmic beeping of the monitors and the soft murmurs of concern from his friends. As they settled into the chairs around him, Xiaojun felt a warmth spreading through him, a sense of belonging that eased the weight on his chest.

Hours passed, and eventually, the doctor came in to check on Xiaojun. After a thorough examination, the doctor smiled reassuringly. "You're going to be okay, Xiaojun. Just a case of exhaustion and dehydration. A little rest, and you'll be back on your feet in no time."

Relief flooded Xiaojun's system. He nodded, letting the words sink in.

"See? You just need to take it easy," Hyeongseop said, a smile breaking through the tension in the room.

"I will," Xiaojun promised. "I'll make sure to take care of myself from now on."

The conversation flowed naturally as they reminisced about their favorite moments together, filling the room with laughter and camaraderie. Xiaojun felt lighter with each shared story, his heart swelling with appreciation for his friends.

After a while, Yeosang leaned closer, his expression serious. "Xiaojun, we care about you. Don't ever feel like you have to push through for us. We're friends, and we're here for each other."

Xiaojun nodded, his heart swelling with warmth. "I know, and I really appreciate it. I'll remember that next time."

Later that evening, the atmosphere in the hospital room felt almost festive as his friends took turns cracking jokes and sharing stories. Xiaojun laughed until it hurt, grateful for their presence.

As the night wore on, the fatigue began to settle in, and Xiaojun felt his eyelids grow heavy. Before he drifted off to sleep, he caught Yeosang's eye. "Thank you for looking out for me. I'll do better, I promise."

Yeosang smiled back, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "We'll hold you to that."

And as Xiaojun surrendered to sleep, he felt a sense of peace wash over him. He was not just a voice on stage; he was part of a family that would always support him, no matter what. And that was more than enough.

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