BTS Sick-/Hurtfic

Overworked - Hoseok

Requested by Bangtannieluvvv, NabilaSyifa602
TW: illness, emotional, self-neglect, distress

The studio’s familiar rhythm pulsed in the air as the members rehearsed. Each move had become second nature to them by now, but even the smoothest routines needed practice. Today, though, there was something… off. The others sensed it before they even realized why.

Hoseok, usually the one bringing energy to every session, was slower than usual. His jumps lacked their usual height, his spins seemed to end a split second too soon, and he stopped for breath more often than usual. Every so often, he’d grab his water bottle and take a long sip, then put on a bright smile that seemed to insist he was fine.

Yoongi’s gaze followed Hoseok's movements with subtle but growing worry. He glanced at Namjoon, who seemed to be noticing it too. Jimin caught the look and nodded slightly in agreement, as if saying, Yeah, something’s not right.

But the practice continued. They all respected each other’s space, and if Hoseok wanted to keep pushing through, they’d let him. For now, at least.

---

After they wrapped up, everyone started gathering their things. Yoongi, always a bit quieter, made his way over to Hoseok, who was stretching his sore muscles.

“Hey, you good?” Yoongi asked, keeping his tone casual.

Hoseok turned, flashing his trademark smile. “Yeah, I’m fine! Just tired, you know? Long week.” He shrugged it off, his voice a little lighter than his expression. “Nothing to worry about.”

Yoongi raised an eyebrow but nodded. “Alright. Just… take it easy.” He clapped a hand on Hoseok’s ’s shoulder, hoping the gesture would reassure him. Hoseok nodded, but something in Yoongi’s gut told him there was more to it.

---

Back at the dorm, everyone began to settle in for the evening. The table was set, and Jin was already calling them over, announcing tonight’s dinner like he was hosting a grand event. The members shuffled to the dining area, stomachs rumbling after a long day of dancing.

“Hey, where’s Hoseok-hyung?” Jimin asked, noticing the empty seat beside him.

They all looked around, and Taehyung spotted him first. Hoseok was lying on the couch, eyes half-closed, looking completely drained.

“Hobi-hyung, aren’t you coming?” Jungkook called over, his tone light.

Hoseok opened his eyes, managing a small smile. “You guys go ahead. I’m just… not really hungry.” He closed his eyes again, as if the conversation was already over.

Jin frowned, crossing his arms. “Not hungry? That’s a first.” He walked over, poking Hobi’s arm gently. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Hoseok opened his eyes, nodding. “I promise, I’m fine. Just a bit tired.” He forced a chuckle, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He looked back up at the ceiling, clearly wanting to rest.

Namjoon glanced at the others, who all wore similar expressions of worry. He pulled them aside, voice low. “Let’s keep an eye on him. If he’s not feeling better soon, maybe we’ll step in.”

The others nodded, glancing back at Hoseok with concern.

---

The next few days, Hoseok continued to show up to practice, but his energy was clearly dipping. Every day, he looked a bit paler, his smile less bright, his moves just a little more sluggish. The guys tried to act normal, but every glance they exchanged was laced with worry.

Then, one afternoon during practice, it happened.

They were halfway through a particularly intense dance when Hoseok stumbled on a turn. It was just a split second, but his balance was off, and he nearly went down. Taehyung, who was closest, rushed over, catching him just in time.

“Hoseok-hyung!” Taehyung’s voice was tight with worry. “Are you okay?”

Hoseok caught his breath, quickly brushing himself off. “I’m fine, I’m fine,” he said, though his face was pale, and his breathing came in short gasps. “Just… tripped.”

But no one looked convinced. Namjoon stepped forward, looking Hoseok in the eyes. “Hoseok, we’re worried about you. You’ve been off lately, and it’s obvious you’re not feeling well. Maybe you should rest Hyung.”

Hoseok shook his head, a stubborn glint in his eyes. “I don’t want to make a big deal out of it. I’ll be fine. I just… need to get through this week.” His voice was barely above a whisper, but the others caught it.

---

That evening, the atmosphere in the dorm was heavy. After dinner, the members gathered around Hoseok, who had again settled onto the couch, looking too exhausted to even argue.

Yoongi, usually one to sit back and observe, spoke up first. “Hoba, we can’t ignore this anymore. You’re clearly not well, and it’s affecting everything. Please… just be honest with us.”

Hoseok tried to smile, but it faded quickly. “I don’t want you all to worry. I thought it would get better if I just kept pushing.”

Jimin walked over with a bowl of soup, gently placing it on the table beside Hoseok. “Here, hyung. Please eat something. I know you’re not hungry, but maybe this will help.”

Hoseok sighed, but he took the bowl, grateful for Jimin’s gentle insistence. “Thanks, Jimin-ah.”

Jungkook sat beside him, giving his shoulder a squeeze. “Hyung, we just want to make sure you’re okay. We all need you. And if you’re not feeling good, that affects us, too.”

Hoseok looked around, finally seeing the concern in each of their faces. Taehyung started telling him stories of past times when he’d ignored his own health. “I thought I could just push through too, and trust me, it wasn’t worth it,” Taehyung said, shaking his head.

Jin added, “Hobi, we all need to take responsibility for ourselves. But it’s not just about you. You’re responsible to all of us, too.”

Hoseok looked at each of them, feeling the sincerity in their words. He realized how much he had worried them, and a wave of guilt hit him. Finally, he nodded, his voice soft.

“Okay… I’ll rest. I didn’t want to let you guys down, but I see now that trying to hide it is doing more harm than good.”

Namjoon gave a small nod of approval. “Thank you, Hyung. We just want you to be okay.”

As the days went on, the members took care of him. Jin cooked his favorite foods, Jimin brought him little comforts, and even Yoongi, who rarely showed his softer side, would sit with him to chat, just keeping him company.

Eventually, Hoseok’s color began to return, and he started regaining his energy. Each day, he felt the weight of his friends’ support and realized that he didn’t have to carry everything alone. His health mattered to them as much as it did to him.