Taehyun TXT - Wisdom teeth

52 1 1
                                    

@kotlc_hp_tlos Thanks for your requests, hope you like it.
800 words

The morning sun streamed through the dorm's curtains, but for Taehyun, it was just another reminder of the grueling day ahead. Sitting up in bed, he winced as a dull ache pulsed through his jaw. Three days had passed since his wisdom teeth had been removed, and the pain hadn't relented. Despite being told to rest for a week, the company insisted he couldn't skip their scheduled Weverse Con performance.

He had barely eaten anything solid since the surgery. Even swallowing soup felt like a chore, and the lack of nutrition and rest left him drained. As Taehyun shuffled into the living room, his fellow members - Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, and Huening Kai - immediately noticed his pale complexion.

"Taehyun, have you eaten yet?" Soobin asked gently, concern lacing his voice.

Taehyun shook his head, cringing slightly at the motion. "Tried. Couldn't."

Yeonjun exchanged a worried glance with Beomgyu. "You can't go on stage like this. We'll talk to the company again," he said firmly.

"They won't listen," Taehyun mumbled, his voice muffled. "We've tried already. I'll be fine." His words lacked conviction, but he didn't want to let the team or their fans down.

By the time rehearsals began, Taehyun was already feeling worse. His jaw throbbed relentlessly, and even his usual sharp focus was dulled. As they ran through their setlist, he stumbled slightly during the choreography - a rare sight for the typically precise performer.

Huening Kai rushed to his side, steadying him. "Hyung, you're not okay."

Taehyun gave a weak smile. "Just need to get through today."

But the other members weren't buying it. During a break, Soobin cornered the manager, his tone uncharacteristically stern. "He's not in any condition to perform. You've seen him. This isn't just about him; if he collapses on stage, it'll be worse for everyone."

The manager hesitated but ultimately shook his head. "The schedule is set. We can't change it now."

Frustrated, Soobin stormed back to the others. "They won't budge."

Yeonjun clenched his fists. "Fine. Then we'll make sure he doesn't have to lift a finger more than necessary."

Before the concert, Taehyun took a hefty dose of pain medication. The world around him blurred slightly as the meds dulled not only the pain but also his focus. As makeup artists worked on him, the other members hovered close, fetching him water and helping him sit up when he looked too tired to move.

"Hyung, lean on us if you need to," Beomgyu said softly as they walked to the stage.

"I'm fine," Taehyun muttered, though his voice wavered.

Yeonjun shot him a knowing look but didn't press further. Instead, as they took their places on stage, he positioned himself closer to Taehyun, ready to step in if needed.

The lights dimmed, and the opening notes of their first song filled the venue. The crowd erupted into cheers, their energy palpable. Taehyun pushed himself forward, relying on muscle memory and sheer willpower to perform.

But the world around him felt like a haze. The painkillers made his movements sluggish, and his voice wavered during his parts. His usually vibrant stage presence was muted, his focus entirely on staying upright and getting through each song.

The other members noticed. Soobin subtly adjusted the formation during the choreography to give Taehyun less physically demanding positions. During transitions, Yeonjun and Beomgyu frequently checked on him, their hands hovering near his back as if ready to catch him if he faltered.

Huening Kai quietly whispered encouragement between songs. "You're doing great, Hyung. Almost there."

By the midpoint of the concert, Taehyun was visibly struggling. His hand clutched his mic tightly, his knuckles white. His breaths came in shallow pants, and he swayed slightly during the encore preparations.

As soon as the final song ended, the members practically carried Taehyun backstage. He collapsed onto the nearest chair, his face pale and his body trembling from exhaustion.

"You shouldn't have gone out there," Soobin said, his voice a mix of anger and worry. "This isn't worth your health."

"I couldn't let you all down," Taehyun replied weakly.

"You didn't," Yeonjun said, crouching in front of him. "You didn't let anyone down. But you can't keep pushing yourself like this. Promise us you'll rest now."

The staff brought a doctor to check on Taehyun, who confirmed what they already knew: he was dehydrated, malnourished, and overexerted. The members took turns helping him back to the dorm that night, ensuring he was comfortable and well-hydrated before letting him rest.

The next day, the company finally relented, giving Taehyun the time off he desperately needed. The members made sure he was never alone, rotating shifts to keep him company and preparing soft foods he could manage to eat.

As Taehyun slowly recovered, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. "Thanks for looking out for me," he said one evening, his voice still hoarse.

"That's what we're here for," Beomgyu replied with a grin. "But next time, don't try to tough it out alone, okay?"

Taehyun nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. He knew he still had a ways to go, but with his members by his side, he felt like he could face anything.

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

K-pop sickfics/hurtficsWhere stories live. Discover now