Stray Kids Oneshots & Sickfics

Changbin: Rise Again

•Skz: Changbin
•Hurtfic, Angst
•CW: Injury, collapse, despair.
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It was a rare day off for the members of the K-pop group Stray Kids, and the city was buzzing with life outside their dorm. While his bandmates chose to relax, either sleeping in or going out for coffee, Changbin felt the familiar itch of restlessness. He had always been dedicated to his fitness, using the gym as a way to channel his energy and maintain his physique for performances. So, he decided to spend his day at the gym, pushing himself through a rigorous workout.

As he moved through his routine, the adrenaline surged through him, urging him to lift heavier weights and challenge his limits. But in his eagerness, Changbin misjudged a movement during an intense set of squats. A sharp pain shot through his knee as he felt a wrenching twist, and he staggered, barely catching himself on the rack. The ache settled in, dull yet persistent, but embarrassment washed over him. He couldn't bear to admit to anyone that he had hurt himself, especially not his bandmates who relied on him.

So, Changbin wrapped his knee tightly, convinced that with a little rest, it would heal on its own. He returned to the dorm, hiding his discomfort behind a forced smile. "Just tired," he told them when they noticed his reluctance to join their activities. He brushed off their concern, even as the pain lingered beneath the surface.

Rehearsals resumed the next day, and Changbin pushed through, trying to maintain his usual enthusiasm. However, every move felt like a reminder of his injury, and the pressure to perform well loomed heavily. He kept his head down, focusing on the choreography, hoping that the thrill of dancing would help him forget the pain.

As the date of their upcoming performance drew closer, the excitement in the dorm was palpable. Changbin joined in the energy, determined to not let his injury affect the group's dynamic. But the more he danced, the worse his knee felt, the pain intensifying with every jump and turn.

On the night of the performance, the stage lights illuminated the venue, and the energy of the crowd electrified the air. As they stepped out onto the stage, Changbin could hear the roar of fans, their chants rising in a wave of support. But beneath that excitement, anxiety gnawed at him. He was afraid of what would happen if he couldn't keep up.

The music began, and they launched into their first song. For the first few minutes, adrenaline masked the pain, and Changbin moved with the fluidity and power expected of him. The choreography was demanding, but he fought through it, suppressing any signs of discomfort. However, as the set progressed, the injury became increasingly difficult to ignore.

During a particularly energetic segment of the performance, Changbin felt a searing pain in his knee as he executed a jump. He landed awkwardly, and the moment he felt his knee buckle, everything around him faded. The cheers of the audience turned into a distant echo as he lost his balance, collapsing on stage.

Panic surged through the group as his bandmates quickly rushed to his side, their faces filled with concern. The music stopped abruptly, replaced by the murmur of the crowd as they realized something was wrong. Changbin struggled to catch his breath, the pain overwhelming him as Bangchan, the leader, knelt beside him.

"Changbin! Are you okay?" Chan shouted, his voice frantic.

"I... I'm fine," Changbin managed to say, but the words felt hollow, overshadowed by the throbbing in his knee. The truth was, he was anything but fine.

The staff quickly assessed the situation, but the fear in Changbin's bandmates' eyes told him everything. They had seen him push through, but they had no idea he had been hiding the injury. As he was carefully lifted onto a stretcher, he caught Jisung's gaze, filled with worry.