1100 words
The practice room was buzzing with energy as ENHYPEN ran through their final rehearsal for the upcoming performance. It was an important moment for them, they were preparing for a stage that would showcase their hard work and dedication. Everyone was giving their all, the music blaring, feet moving in perfect sync.
But for Heesung, today felt like a constant battle. As the beats pumped through the speakers, he could feel the heaviness in his eyelids, a weight he couldn't shake off no matter how hard he tried. Narcolepsy - a condition where his body would suddenly force him into sleep - was something Heesung had learned to manage over the years. But today, it was especially difficult.
He had tried to push through the first few hours of practice, but by the time they got to the chorus of their most demanding routine, his energy had drained. He was moving on autopilot, struggling to focus, his legs feeling like lead. He could feel the sudden wave of drowsiness creep over him, the familiar tug pulling him into the space between wakefulness and sleep.
His body betrayed him as his eyelids fluttered and his head dipped slightly. It wasn't a full-on sleep episode, but Heesung could feel the pull. He stumbled, almost losing his balance as his body sought to rest.
"Hyung, are you okay?" Sunghoon's voice cut through the music, his sharp eyes noticing Heesung's struggle.
"I'm fine," Heesung mumbled, blinking rapidly to shake off the fog in his mind. "Just tired."
Sunghoon didn't buy it. He stepped forward, placing a hand gently on Heesung's shoulder. "You're not okay, Heesung. You've been yawning and stumbling for the last few minutes. Maybe you should sit out for a bit?"
Heesung wanted to argue. He didn't want to be a burden to the group, especially not when they were all working so hard. He wanted to be as energetic and engaged as the others. But the truth was, his body wasn't cooperating. The more he fought it, the worse it got.
"I'm sorry," he said, his voice quiet with embarrassment. "I didn't mean to hold everyone back."
Sunghoon shook his head firmly. "It's not your fault, hyung. It's your health. We're not going to push you just to make a perfect performance."
Heesung looked around the room, meeting the concerned eyes of his other members. Sunghoon's words were reassuring, but Heesung still felt guilty. He didn't want to let anyone down.
"Hyung, don't worry. You need to take care of yourself," Sunghoon added. "You've been working hard, but it's okay to rest."
The others nodded in agreement. Sunghoon gently guided Heesung to sit down in the corner, where a bottle of water and a towel awaited him. Sunghoon offered him a bottle and Heesung took it gratefully, still feeling the lingering fatigue threatening to take over.
"Do you want me to call it a day for you?" Sunghoon asked quietly. "We can tell the others you're not feeling well."
Heesung shook his head. "No, I can't just give up. I want to keep going, I..." His voice trailed off as another wave of sleepiness hit him, his eyes fluttering shut despite his best efforts to stay awake.
Sunghoon watched with concern as Heesung's head leaned against the wall, his body still awake but clearly fighting a battle to stay conscious. It was heartbreaking to see Heesung, who always pushed himself for the group, struggling this way.
"Hyung," Sunghoon said softly, kneeling down beside him, "it's okay. We're not going to leave you behind. Take a breather, and we'll pick it up when you're ready."
Heesung tried to force a smile but only managed a tired grimace. He wanted to tell Sunghoon how hard it was for him to let go, to admit he needed rest. But he couldn't put it into words, not when he felt so utterly defeated by his own body.
The rest of the members gathered around after a few minutes, noticing Heesung's exhaustion. Sunghoon had filled them in, and they all circled around him, offering quiet support.
"Hyung, do you want me to play some calming music for you?" Sunghoon asked gently.
Heesung nodded. A softer, quieter atmosphere always helped him resist the urge to sleep in the middle of practice. Sunghoon pulled out his phone, playing a mellow tune that seemed to ease the tension in Heesung's mind.
As the music played, Heesung allowed himself to close his eyes for a moment, feeling the pull of sleep again. He wasn't sure how long he drifted off, but when he woke up, he found his head on Sunghoon's shoulder, the practice room quiet and calm around him.
The others had given him space to rest, continuing their rehearsals while maintaining a steady focus. It was a small, silent reminder that Heesung wasn't a burden. He wasn't alone.
When he opened his eyes, Sunghoon was still there, giving him a reassuring smile. "Feel better, hyung?"
Heesung nodded, his energy returning slowly but surely. He stretched his arms, realizing how much he had needed that small moment of rest. The drowsiness had faded, and while his body still felt tired, he could push through for a little longer.
"Thanks," Heesung said quietly, his voice full of gratitude.
Sunghoon patted his back lightly. "Don't mention it. Just let us know if you need to take a break, okay? We're all here for you."
The other members gathered around, offering smiles and understanding looks. Jungwon, who had been silently watching, added, "We're in this together. If you need a nap, we'll make sure it's quiet. You're part of ENHYPEN, and we've got your back."
Heesung looked around at his members, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. Despite the physical struggles he faced with narcolepsy, despite the fear that he might let them down, he realized in that moment that he didn't have to go through it alone.
He smiled, a small but sincere smile. "Thanks, guys. I'll be okay."
The rest of practice went by much smoother, Heesung taking frequent breaks when necessary but never once feeling the weight of isolation or guilt. Each member was there, supporting him in their own way. Sunghoon played calming music when he saw Heesung's fatigue creeping in. Jungwon made sure the room was quiet and focused. Sunghoon and Sunghwa even stepped in for a few routines so Heesung could rest properly.
By the end of the day, Heesung was exhausted, but it was a good kind of exhaustion. He knew the road ahead wasn't always going to be easy, but he also knew his members would always be there to help him get through it. With their unwavering support, he felt ready to take on whatever challenges came next.
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K-pop sickfics/hurtfics
FanficSome K-pop sick/hurtfics/littlespace about my favorite K-pop group. I take request.