K-pop sickfics/hurtfics

Mark Nct/SuperM - overworking

I'm posting a few extra chapters today because I'll be on a school trip next week and probably won't be able to upload anything. I'll get back to posting as soon as I return. Feel free to send in any requests in the meantime!
I feel like I rushed this chapter, sorry.
800 words.

Mark had always been the kind of person who thrived under pressure. From his early days at SM Entertainment, he'd balanced his role in NCT 127, NCT Dream, and then SuperM with a determination that everyone admired. Juggling multiple groups wasn't just a job for him; it was a passion. He loved his members, loved his fans, and loved what they created together. But lately, as the schedules piled on, that passion began to feel like a weight.

After finishing the intense NCT 127 world tour, he barely had time to catch his breath before being swept into SuperM's comeback preparations. He couldn't remember the last time he'd had more than a few hours to himself, and every time he looked at his calendar, there was always something more. His managers would apologize, promising to give him some rest soon, but soon never seemed to come. And with an NCT Dream comeback scheduled just a few months away, Mark was running on fumes.

Despite his exhaustion, he didn't want to worry anyone. He kept his struggles hidden, showing up to rehearsals with a bright smile, making jokes to keep the atmosphere light, even if his body was begging for a break. His members noticed, of course. Taeyong would watch him out of the corner of his eye during practices, sometimes pulling him aside to ask if he was okay. Taemin kept trying to get Mark to eat more, shoving snacks into his hands whenever he could. But every time they tried to ask him if he was overdoing it, he'd just brush it off. "I'm fine, don't worry," he'd say with a tired smile, hiding the dark circles that grew deeper each day.

But the stress was catching up with him, no matter how hard he tried to hide it. During one of SuperM's late-night practices for their comeback choreography, his vision began to blur, and his head felt unusually heavy. He could barely keep up with the moves, his feet feeling as though they were moving through sand. It was like his body was slowly shutting down. As they ran through the routine one more time, he felt the world tilt, his legs giving out beneath him. And then, everything went black.

The next thing he knew, he was waking up in a hospital bed, faint voices floating around him. His vision focused, and he saw Taeyong, Ten, and Taemin by his side, their faces etched with worry. His throat felt dry, his body heavy as though it was made of lead.

"Mark, you're awake," Taeyong said softly, relief evident in his eyes. But there was something else there, too - a mix of frustration and sadness. "Do you have any idea how worried you made us?"

Mark tried to smile, but it came out weak. "Sorry," he managed to whisper. "Guess I just... overdid it a bit."

Taemin huffed, crossing his arms, but his face betrayed how scared he'd been. "Overdid it a bit? Mark, you've been running yourself into the ground. You didn't have to act like you were fine all the time."

The doctor entered the room, holding a clipboard and looking at Mark with a grave expression. "Mark, your body is experiencing severe exhaustion. You're not just tired, you've developed a temporary condition due to overwork. It's called adrenal fatigue. Your adrenal glands, which help your body respond to stress, have been overtaxed. You need to rest, or this will get worse."

Hearing those words, Mark felt a mixture of shame and relief. He'd been pushing himself so hard, ignoring every warning sign, convinced he had to keep going for everyone else. But now, there was no choice.

The doctor continued, "I know you have a busy schedule, but you need to take a significant break. If you don't, your body might not recover fully, and you could face more severe health issues in the future."

Taeyong looked at Mark, his voice soft but firm. "You're not going back to practice until the doctor says you're ready. I don't care if you argue with me about it. You need to focus on yourself."

As he lay there, too tired to protest, Mark felt a wave of guilt, but also gratitude. His members were there for him in a way he hadn't allowed himself to see before. In their eyes, he saw nothing but understanding and care, a reminder that he wasn't carrying this burden alone. They'd always been willing to help him, but he'd been so caught up in the idea of being perfect that he'd tried to do it all on his own.

Over the next few days, he rested in the hospital, his members taking turns staying by his side, bringing him his favorite foods, telling him funny stories to cheer him up. There were some tears, too, late at night when he and Taeyong would talk quietly about the pressures they both felt, the weight of being leaders in groups where they wanted to give their best. But those talks helped, and slowly, he started to let go of the unrealistic expectations he'd placed on himself.

When he was finally discharged, he was on strict orders to rest for several weeks, no exceptions. His managers cleared his schedule, and his members took it upon themselves to make sure he didn't sneak back into practice. Bit by bit, as he allowed himself to relax and recharge, he realized he hadn't just been burning out his body, he'd been burning out his spirit, too. But now, he had a chance to rebuild, with a stronger understanding of his limits, and the support of his friends.

And when he finally returned to the stage, it was with a newfound appreciation, not just for his work, but for the people who stood by him, making it all possible.

Thanks for reading. If you have a special story in mind don't hesitate. I take requests.