SEVENTEEN | SICKFICS - HURTFICS

Vernon | Fear of Needles

Seungcheol woke up early, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. He stretched and glanced at the clock-it was just past six. Today was the day of the vaccination appointment, and he wanted to make sure everyone was well-fed before they headed out.

He slipped into the kitchen, the faint sound of the others still snoring in the background. He pulled out eggs, bread, and some fresh fruits from the fridge, determined to whip up a hearty breakfast.

As he cracked the eggs into a pan, he heard a soft shuffle behind him. "Seungcheol? Is that you?" It was Jeonghan, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"Yeah, it's me! I thought I'd make us breakfast before the appointment," Seungcheol replied, flipping the eggs. "You want to help?"

"Sure," Jeonghan said, yawning. He walked over, leaning against the counter. "What can I do?"

"Can you slice the fruit? I've got the eggs and toast covered," Seungcheol suggested.

"Got it!" Jeonghan grabbed a knife and started cutting the strawberries and bananas. "You know, I'm really not looking forward to the shot."

"Same here," Seungcheol admitted, watching the eggs sizzle. "But it'll be quick. Just think about how much better we'll feel after."

"True, but it still makes me nervous," Jeonghan confessed, glancing at the pan. "What if they're out of stickers this time?"

"Then we'll just have to convince them to give us some extra," Seungcheol chuckled. "I hear that's a proven tactic."

Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway. "What's this? Breakfast already?" It was Joshua, looking pleasantly surprised.

"Yep! Seungcheol's being all domestic this morning," Jeonghan teased, nudging him.

"Hey, someone has to keep you all in line," Seungcheol shot back with a grin. "You want some eggs, Josh?"

"Absolutely," Joshua said, rubbing his hands together. "Anything to avoid thinking about that shot."

As the three of them settled into a rhythm in the kitchen, more members began to stir. The delicious smell of breakfast wafted through the apartment, pulling in Wonwoo, who appeared with tousled hair.

"Is that food I smell?" Wonwoo asked, yawning widely.

"Yep! You're just in time," Seungcheol said. "Grab a plate."

"I hope you made enough for everyone," Wonwoo teased, eyeing the pan.

"Of course! I'm not that selfish," Seungcheol laughed. "I've got a whole stack of toast too."

"I'll take toast with extra butter, please!" Mingyu called from the living room, already dressed and looking eager.

"Coming right up!" Seungcheol replied, feeling a warmth spread through him at the sight of his members waking up and gathering around.

As breakfast came together, the conversation flowed easily, laughter and teasing mixing with the aroma of eggs and fruit. It was a morning routine they all cherished, even on a day that brought the anxiety of a shot.

As the breakfast buzz continued, Vernon quietly entered the kitchen, rubbing his eyes. He was trying to blend into the background, hoping no one would notice his slightly pale complexion.

"Hey, Vernon! You made it!" Jeonghan called, motioning for him to join the table.

"Morning," Vernon mumbled, grabbing a piece of toast but avoiding eye contact. He could hear the lighthearted banter around him, but his stomach twisted at the thought of the vaccination.