Bangchan: Through the Night

97 1 0
                                    

•Skz: Bangchan
•Angst, Sickfic
•CW: Insomnia, fainting, feelings of self worthlessness and despair.
************************************

The bright studio lights flickered overhead as the familiar sound of beats and melodies filled the air. The room was bustling with activity, the members of K-pop group Stray Kids rehearsing for their upcoming comeback. Amidst the energetic choreography and vibrant harmonies, Bangchan stood off to the side, his body barely keeping pace with the relentless tempo.

For weeks, the pressure had mounted-long hours of practice, media interviews, and promotional events. But it was the sleepless nights that took the greatest toll. Chan had struggled with insomnia for years, his mind racing with worries and expectations long after the world fell silent. Each night, he lay awake, counting the stars outside his window, longing for just a few hours of rest.

As the rehearsal wore on, fatigue clawed at him. The moves felt heavier, the music dimmer. His bandmates, each lost in their own routines, didn't notice at first, but soon enough, Hyunjin caught sight of his leader leaning against the wall, his eyes drooping.

"Hey, Hyung!" Hyunjin called out, concern lacing his voice. "You good?"

Chan managed a weak smile, but it was clear he was not. "Yeah, just tired," he replied, though the tremor in his voice betrayed him.

They continued, but as the minutes ticked by, Chan's vision blurred. He felt his body begin to sway, a wave of dizziness crashing over him. Before he could reach out for support, the world around him spun into darkness.

The room erupted in chaos. "Chan!" Several voices shouted as his bandmates rushed to his side.

Jisung was the first to kneel beside him, checking for signs of consciousness. "Call an ambulance!" he yelled, panic rising in his chest. Minho placed a steadying hand on Jisung's shoulder. "He's still breathing, but we need to get him up."

As they carefully lifted Chan's limp form, a wave of worry washed over them. He had always been the strongest among them, the one who rallied them through the toughest rehearsals and kept their spirits high. Now, seeing him so vulnerable shattered their composure.

After what felt like an eternity, Chan's eyes fluttered open. The fluorescent lights above felt blinding, and he winced, attempting to sit up. "What happened?" he mumbled, confusion clouding his thoughts.

"Don't move too much," Minho urged, kneeling beside him. "You fainted. You've been pushing yourself too hard."

"I'm fine, really," Chan protested, but the weakness in his voice betrayed him.

"Fine?" Changbin's voice was firm, but there was a gentleness in his eyes. "You haven't slept properly in days. We're worried about you."

The gravity of their concern settled in. Chan glanced around, seeing the fear etched on their faces. He had always wanted to be the one they could depend on, but now it was clear he needed their support.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice breaking. "I didn't want to let you down."

"Chan, you're never a burden," Minho replied, his tone soothing. "We're a team. We look out for each other."

The others nodded in agreement. "Let's take a break," Changbin suggested. "You need to rest. We'll figure out a way to help you."

Chan felt the weight of their worry, but also their unwavering support. They helped him sit against the wall, offering him water and encouraging him to close his eyes, even just for a moment.

As the rehearsals continued at a gentler pace, Chan let their voices wash over him. The sounds of his bandmates' laughter and encouragement filled him with warmth, and for the first time in a long while, he felt safe enough to let go, if only for a moment.

Stray Kids Oneshots & Sickfics Where stories live. Discover now