Title: The Color of Scarlet
The day started off as a typical one for ATEEZ. The sun poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of their dorm, casting stripes of light on the hardwood floor. The members were bustling about, preparing for their dance practice later in the afternoon. Yunho, usually brimming with energy, sat alone on the couch, flipping through a book but unable to concentrate. His head was beginning to feel heavy, a sensation he brushed off as fatigue from their recent tour. The adrenaline of performing was still coursing through his veins, but the exhaustion was starting to catch up to him. He stretched his arms above his head, yet the tension in his muscles only grew."Yunho! Let's see who can do the best flip!" Seonghwa challenged, bounding over with a grin spread across his face."Okay, but you know you're just going to lose," Yunho replied, forcing a smile despite the dull ache in his temples. Seonghwa's enthusiasm was infectious, but Yunho felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, causing him to lose focus. He swiftly stood up to join Seonghwa but felt a flicker of unsteadiness.He shook his head. "Maybe later," he said, his voice lacking its usual exuberance. Seonghwa raised an eyebrow but shrugged it off, bounding towards the open space in the living room.As the members practiced, Yunho settled back on the couch, determined to push through the discomfort. He closed his eyes, hoping a moment of rest would help alleviate the weight pressing down on his sinuses. The laughter and cheers from his teammates faded into a soothing background noise.After some time, Woo Young plopped down next to him, loud and boisterous as always. "Yunho! Why are you just sitting here? You should be joining us!""I'm okay," Yunho replied, his voice softer this time. He opened his eyes and managed a faint smile."Are you sure? You look pale." Woo Young squinted as he inspected Yunho's face. The concern in his eyes made Yunho's heart swell with appreciation. "I'm just a bit tired," Yunho reassured him, but he could feel the truth slipping away from his lips, like grains of sand through his fingers. "I'll be fine in a minute. I'll join you soon, I promise."Woo Young nodded but looked unconvinced. "Alright. But if you need anything, just let us know, okay?" His heart was always in the right place, and it made Yunho feel loved, even if he didn't feel the best.As practice continued, he sat still, trying to breathe slowly and steady his racing thoughts. But after a while, he could feel a burgeoning pressure at the bridge of his nose, accompanied by a throbbing ache behind his eyes. He rubbed his temples gently, willing away the impending discomfort. Moments later, he was jolted back to reality by the sound of laughter. He glanced over just in time to see Hongjoong executing a particularly impressive spin, earning cheers from the members. For a split second, Yunho felt a twinge of jealousy mixed with pride. He was usually the one being cheered on for his acrobatics.Then, without warning, he felt a sudden warmth trickle down his upper lip. Instinctively, he raised a hand to touch the source, only to find it stained with crimson. His heart sank. "Oh no...""Yunho!" Seonghwa's sharp voice cut through the noise of practice, instantly drawing attention. The way the members turned, all at once, toward him sent a wave of embarrassment crashing over him."I-I'm fine," he stammered, trying to sound nonchalant as he wiped away the blood with his sleeve. "Does this look fine to you?" Wooyoung exclaimed, his eyes wide in shock. He rushed over, concern etched on his face. "You're bleeding! What happened?""I just..." Yunho struggled to find the words. How could he admit that he didn't feel well? "I think I just need some air."Before he could stand up, Yeosang was already at his side, worry clouding his usually bright expression. "Let's get you cleaned up, Yunho," he urged, moving to guide him toward the bathroom.It wasn't long before one by one, the rest of the members began to gather around, as if sensing that something important was happening. The atmosphere shifted from playful to serious, and Yunho felt his cheeks burn with a mix of discomfort and affection."Sit down," San instructed firmly, leading Yunho into the bathroom and helping him to a chair. "We'll take care of this." As Yunho settled down, he could hear Mingi's booming voice from the living room saying, "What's going on? Is he okay?" "I'm fine," Yunho insisted, but the shakiness of his own voice betrayed him. "Shut up and let us help you," Seonghwa commanded softly, as he grabbed a tissue and pressed it gently against Yunho's nose. The chill against his skin felt good, yet the intimacy of the moment overwhelmed him."Why didn't you tell us you weren't feeling good?" Jin Young chided gently, his brows knitted together with concern."It's not a big deal. Just a little nosebleed," Yunho mumbled, trying to brush it off. "Not a big deal?" Woo Young huffed, crossing his arms. "You were sitting there bleeding and didn't say anything!""I didn't want to worry anyone," Yunho replied, a hint of guilt creeping into his voice. "Yunho, it's okay to not be okay sometimes," San said softly, coming to kneel beside him. "We want to help. That's what family is for."Feeling his heart swell with emotion, Yunho nodded slowly, letting out a shaky breath. "Thanks. I'm sorry for worrying you all.""Don't apologize for being human, Yunho," Yeosang said, finishing with gathering fresh tissues and softly squeezing Yunho's shoulder.After a few tense moments, Yunho felt the bleeding slow down, the warmth dissipating. The members stayed by his side, providing comforting words and gentle pats on his back. Some brought cool washcloths while others held his hands. In those moments, the affection and concern of his bandmates washed over him like a wave of reassurance, settling the storm within him. Despite the physical discomfort, he couldn't help but feel comfort rise within his heart. "I'll be fine," Yunho finally said, lifting the tissue away cautiously. "See? It stopped."Yet even as he spoke, he could sense the lingering concern in their eyes. He knew they wouldn't let him just brush it off. "Can we sit in the living room for a bit?" he asked, hoping the change of scenery would help lighten the mood.The members exchanged glances but nodded, helping Yunho stand and walking him back to the living room, where they all settled down on the couch. A comforting pile of bodies formed around him, a protective wall shielding him against the world outside."Just relax for now, okay?" Hongjoong said, leaning back against the armrest with a soft smile. "We can just hang out and enjoy each other's company."As the laughter and chatter resumed, Yunho felt more at ease. They started playing games, teasing each other, and sharing stories. He felt gratefulness swelling in his chest, even if he still felt the remnants of his headache tugging at him."Alright, who's going to lose at the next game?" Wooyoung challenged, shooting finger guns at Mingi, who pretended to brush him off."I'm not losing!" Mingi retorted with feigned indignation, eliciting more laughter. Yunho watched the way their camaraderie filled the room with warmth, each member bouncing off the other's energy. It made his tiredness feel more bearable, even soothing. As the hours passed, Yunho could feel the tightening in his chest ease, wrapped in a cocoon of love and friendship. Yet he couldn't shake the fatigue entirely. His eyelids grew heavy, and he stifled a yawn."Yunho, you look like you need to sleep," Yeosang said softly, catching notice."Maybe I do," he admitted begrudgingly. "But I want to stay with you guys.""Go take a nap, Yunho. We'll be right here when you wake up," Seonghwa said gently, his voice enveloping Yunho like a warm blanket."Yeah, and I'll wake you up for dinner!" Wooyoung chimed in with a wink.As Yunho's body began to yield to the exhaustion, he nodded, allowing himself to be led to his bedroom. The comforting banter of his members remained in the background, a reminder that he was never alone.Once he settled into bed, he closed his eyes, the rhythmic sounds of their voices lulling him into a peaceful slumber. Hours passed, and when Yunho was roused by a gentle shaking, he could sense the remnants of a cold sweat on his brow. "Hey, sleepyhead," Wooyoung whispered teasingly, "Dinner time!""Already?" Yunho murmured, blinking his eyes open to find the room dim, glowing softly with the evening light."Yeah. You slept like a log," Yeosang commented, ruffling Yunho's hair affectionately. "How are you feeling?"Yunho took a moment to check in with himself. The headache had dulled to a manageable throb, and despite the lingering weariness, he felt cocooned and safe. "Better, I think. Thanks for checking on me.""Good! Now get up! I'm starving!" Mingi pouted, looking at him expectantly."Alright, alright, I'm coming," Yunho replied, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. He couldn't help but smile at the energy of the members around him. As they all moved toward the kitchen, Yunho felt a sense of relief wash over him. He knew he still had to take care of himself, but with his members by his side, it felt a little less daunting. The night unfolded comfortably, filled with laughter and memories, and Yunho felt grateful to have such an incredible family in ATEEZ.As the clock edged closer to midnight and the food was finally devoured, Yunho leaned back in his chair, feeling a sense of warmth. "Thanks for looking out for me today, guys. I'm really lucky to have you.""Always," Hongjoong affirmed, raising his glass in a toast. "To family.""To family!" the others echoed, clinking their glasses together.Yunho felt a sense of contentment wash over him. He hadn't just fought through a tough day; he had emerged from it surrounded by the warmth and support of those he loved most. It reminded him of the strength they all shared together, through the bright and dark moments alike.As the night wore on, they played games and shared tales under the warm glow of the kitchen lights. Yunho couldn't help but think about how trivial his earlier discomfort seemed in comparison to the love and friendship that enveloped him now. "Hey Yunho," Wooyoung started, a mischievous grin appearing on his face. "Let's see you do that flip now!"Yunho laughed, feeling a renewed sense of energy. "Just you wait!" He jumped to his feet, ready to join back in the fun.As he launched into a playful demonstration, the laughter and cheers erupted around him. This was home, where every scarlet drop of blood was rewritten into stories of care, laughter, and love.And with every moment spent together, Yunho found himself healed—body, mind, and heart.
I hope you enjoyed this sickfic featuring Yunho! If you'd like to see anything different or specific, let me know!
