Stray Kids Oneshots & Sickfics

Hyunjin: Resilience in Rhythm

•Skz: Hyunjin
•Hurtfic, Sickfic, Angst
•CW: Blood, injury, illness, hospital, descriptions of panic attacks and fainting.
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In the bustling heart of Seoul, where K-pop idols often appeared flawless under the spotlight, the members of the boy band Stray Kids had found a rare moment of respite. With their latest album wrapped up, they decided to unwind by cooking together in their dorm. The kitchen was filled with laughter, the sound of sizzling pans, and the delightful aroma of food. Minho, the second oldest member and self-proclaimed chef of the group, took the lead, guiding his bandmates through the preparation of a traditional Korean dish.

As they chopped vegetables and marinated meat, the atmosphere was lively. Hyunjin was tasked with slicing vegetables, but his excitement got the better of him. He was distracted by his bandmates' playful banter and, in a split second, the knife slipped. The blade cut deep into his finger, sending a sharp pain shooting through him.

“Hyunjin! Are you okay?” Minho rushed over, eyes wide with concern.

“I’m fine, just a little cut,” Hyunjin replied, trying to laugh it off as he wrapped a towel around his finger, blood seeping through. Despite their worries, they continued cooking, believing the injury was minor.

As the evening went on, Hyunjin felt increasingly lightheaded. He dismissed it, attributing it to the excitement and the slight pain in his hand. They sat down to eat, and for a moment, the cut seemed like a trivial inconvenience. However, by nightfall, Hyunjin's condition worsened. He developed a fever and chills, his cut looking red and swollen.

His bandmates exchanged worried glances. “This doesn’t seem right,” Minho said, his voice heavy with concern. They urged Hyunjin to see a doctor, but he stubbornly insisted he’d be fine. “I just need some rest,” he assured them.

But the following day, Hyunjin's fever spiked, and he struggled to get out of bed. Panic set in among his bandmates, and they finally took matters into their own hands. Minho and Chan, the group’s leader, helped Hyunjin to the hospital, where doctors quickly examined him. The news was grim: Hyunjin had developed a serious case of sepsis due to the cut.

As he lay in the hospital bed, IV drips keeping him hydrated and medicated, the reality of his situation sank in. Hyunjin was scared, but he was also surrounded by the unwavering support of his bandmates. They took turns sitting by his side, holding his hand and sharing stories to keep his spirits up.

“Remember that time we got lost on our way to a fan meeting?” Felix recounted, his voice brightening the atmosphere despite the somber circumstances. “We ended up at a pet café instead!”

Hyunjin managed a weak smile, appreciating their efforts to lift him. As days passed, he fought through the pain and fear, feeling both the weight of his vulnerability and the warmth of their friendship.

During his recovery, the bandmates organized a small concert outside the hospital, broadcasting it live for their fans. They sang Hyunjin's favorite songs, filling the air with melodies that reached his heart even from his hospital bed. Their voices intertwined, echoing hope and strength, reminding him that he wasn’t alone in this fight.

Slowly, with treatment and the encouragement of his friends, Hyunjin began to heal. He was discharged after a week, but the experience had changed him. He realized how fragile life could be and how precious his relationships were.

Back in their dorm, the group gathered for their first meal together after his return. Hyunjin was hesitant to step back into the kitchen, but this time, it felt different. The room was filled with laughter as they decided to cook together again, this time taking every precaution.