SEVENTEEN | SICKFICS - HURTFICS

Joshua | Hyperthermia Part II

Not long after, the rest of the group approached, led by Hoshi and Mingyu. "Josh, we were worried!" Hoshi exclaimed, scanning his face.

"I'm fine, really," Joshua insisted, though his voice was weak.

"Clearly, you're not," Mingyu said, concern replacing the usual playful tone. "You look like you just saw a ghost hyung."

"I just... need water," Joshua replied, trying to keep his composure.

"Let's get you back to the hut," Jeonghan suggested, moving closer. "We'll get you some ice and a drink."

As they helped him to his feet, Joshua felt a little steadier but still lightheaded. "I'm sorry, guys," he said quietly, feeling ashamed. "I didn't mean to worry you."

"You don't need to apologize," Seungcheol said. "Just take it easy. We're all here for you."

As they walked together toward the hut, Joshua couldn't help but feel grateful for their support, even amid the discomfort he felt.

They reached the beach hut, and the group quickly settled Joshua on a wooden bench in the shade. His skin looked red and flushed, and beads of sweat glistened on his forehead.

"Joshua, drink this," Jeonghan urged, handing him a bottle of cold water. "You need to stay hydrated."

"Thanks," Joshua murmured, struggling to lift the bottle. His hands felt shaky, and as he took a sip, he realized his breathing was rapid.

"Are you feeling any better?" Hoshi asked, kneeling beside him, concern deepening in his eyes.

"Just... dizzy," Joshua replied, his speech slightly slurred. "And my head... it's pounding."

"Let's get you some ice," DK said, already heading toward the counter. "Maybe that'll help cool you down."

Mingyu leaned closer, observing Joshua's flushed face. "You're really hot. Like, way too hot. This isn't good."

"I'll be fine," Joshua insisted, but his words came out more like a soft mumble. "Just need... a moment."

"Hyung, you're not fine," Seungkwan interjected. "You look delirious. Can you even focus?"

Joshua blinked slowly, trying to refocus his vision. "I'm... here. Just tired," he replied, but the pounding in his head was relentless.

"Hang on, I'll get some damp towels," Vernon said, rushing off to find something to cool him down.

"Joshua, look at me," Jeonghan said, his tone serious. "Can you tell me how many fingers I'm holding up?"

Joshua squinted, trying to see through the haze. "Um... three?" he guessed, his mind racing to keep up.

"Close enough," Jeonghan said, glancing at the others with a worried expression. "We need to keep a closer eye on you."

"Maybe we should call someone," Hoshi suggested, biting his lip. "He doesn't look good at all."

"Let's wait and see," Minghao interjected, looking at Joshua with a steady gaze. "He might just need to rest for a bit."

"Rest?" Joshua chuckled weakly, but the sound came out more like a cough. "I'm fine... really."

"Liar," Seungkwan said, crossing his arms. "You're clearly not fine. You're sweating bullets and looking like you just ran a marathon."

Just then, DK returned with some ice wrapped in a towel. "Here, place this on the back of your neck," he said gently, helping Joshua with the makeshift cold pack.

As the ice made contact, Joshua felt a momentary relief, but it was fleeting. His heart raced, and he could hear it pounding in his ears. "Guys, I... don't know what's happening," he admitted, feeling vulnerable.