Kpop Sickfics and Hurtfics Part 2

The Mask Cracks (Woonhak)

Woonhak had always been the bright light in the group—a beacon of energy that kept the mood high during grueling schedules and long hours of practice. His jokes brought laughter to the members and staff alike, and his smiles seemed unending, even when exhaustion weighed down on them all. Fans adored him for it, dubbing him "the sunshine of the group," a title he carried with pride. But over time, that pride began to feel like a burden.

The day had started like any other—early wake-up call, interviews, rehearsals, and a late-night performance. Woonhak had kept his trademark smile in place throughout, laughing at every joke and delivering every line with enthusiasm. But as the cameras turned off, the heaviness in his chest grew.

By the time they returned to the dorm that night, Woonhak's cheerful facade was paper-thin.

"Good work today, everyone," Jaehyun said, his voice tinged with fatigue. He dropped onto the couch and stretched his arms.

"Anyone want ramen?" Sungho asked, heading toward the kitchen.

"I'm good," Taesan mumbled, already scrolling through his phone as he sat cross-legged on the floor.

Woonhak lingered near the doorway, his smile faltering for a split second before he plastered it back on. "I'm going to shower first," he said quickly, avoiding their gazes.

"Don't use up all the hot water!" Leehan called out playfully, earning a half-hearted laugh from Woonhak as he disappeared into the hallway.

The bathroom was the only place Woonhak felt he could drop the act, even if just for a moment. As the water poured over him, hot and comforting, tears mixed with the streams cascading down his face. He bit his lip to stifle a sob, his chest tightening with a mixture of guilt and frustration. Why can't I just keep it together? Everyone's counting on me to be happy.

By the time he emerged, his eyes were red and swollen, but the smile was back in place. He hoped no one would notice.

Hours later, as the dorm quieted down, Woonhak sat alone in the dark living room. The weight of the day—and the weeks before—pressed heavily on his chest. He felt like he was suffocating under the expectations, the constant need to be "on."

His shoulders shook as quiet sobs escaped him, his hands gripping the edge of the couch. He didn't hear the soft footsteps behind him until a gentle voice broke through the silence.

"Woonhak?"

He froze. It was Riwoo, his voice laced with concern.

Turning slightly, Woonhak quickly wiped at his face, though it was too late. The dim light from the hallway illuminated the tears still streaking his cheeks.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Riwoo stepped closer, his usual playful demeanor replaced by genuine worry.

"It's nothing," Woonhak said, his voice hoarse. He turned away, trying to compose himself.

But Riwoo wasn't convinced. "It doesn't look like nothing."

Before Woonhak could respond, more footsteps approached. One by one, the other members appeared, their faces a mix of confusion and alarm.

"What's going on?" Sungho asked, his eyes narrowing as he took in Woonhak's hunched figure.

Jaehyun, ever the leader, crouched in front of him. "Woonhak, talk to us. What's wrong?"

Woonhak shook his head, his hands trembling. "I'm fine. I just... I just needed a moment."

Leehan sat beside him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to lie to us. We can see you're not okay."

The kindness in their voices broke something in Woonhak. The dam he had carefully built over months of suppressing his feelings finally gave way.

"I can't do it anymore!" he burst out, tears streaming down his face. His voice cracked under the weight of his emotions. "I can't keep pretending to be happy all the time!"

The room fell silent, the weight of his confession settling heavily over them.

"I just..." Woonhak struggled to find the words, his sobs making it hard to breathe. "Everyone expects me to be the funny one, the happy one. But I'm so tired. I don't know how to stop pretending."

Jaehyun's heart ached at the sight of the youngest member breaking down. "Woonhak, you don't have to pretend with us. We're your family."

"But what if—" Woonhak's voice faltered. "What if I let everyone down? The fans, you guys... Everyone loves me because I'm happy. What if they don't like me if I'm not?"

Sungho knelt beside him, his usual teasing smirk replaced by a rare seriousness. "That's not true. We love you for who you are, not just the version of you that's always smiling."

"You've been carrying this alone for so long, haven't you?" Taesan's voice was soft, his usual calm demeanor tinged with guilt. "We should have noticed sooner."

"It's not your fault," Woonhak said quickly, his hands twisting together. "I didn't want anyone to know. I didn't want to burden you."

Leehan pulled him into a side hug, his warmth steadying Woonhak's shaking frame. "You're not a burden. You're our Woonhak. And it's okay to feel like this."

As the minutes passed, Woonhak's sobs gradually subsided, replaced by the quiet comfort of his members' presence. They didn't push him to speak further, allowing him the space to let his emotions flow.

"We've all had moments like this," Jaehyun said after a while. "It's hard being in the spotlight. But that's why we have each other. You don't have to carry this alone."

Riwoo, ever the light-hearted one, nudged Woonhak gently. "You know, we're all a mess sometimes. You should see Sungho when he's trying to cook."

"Hey!" Sungho protested, though the small laugh it earned from Woonhak made it worth it.

"We're serious, though," Taesan said, his tone sincere. "You don't always have to be happy. We want the real you, not the perfect mask."

Leehan nodded. "And if you ever feel like this again, promise you'll talk to us. We're here for you, no matter what."

Woonhak looked at them, his eyes still glassy but filled with gratitude. "Thank you," he whispered. "I'm sorry for—"

"No 'sorry,'" Jaehyun interrupted gently. "There's nothing to apologize for."

The group stayed together in the living room, their bond growing stronger as they shared quiet reassurances and light-hearted banter. Woonhak still felt the weight of his struggles, but for the first time, it didn't feel unbearable.

He wasn't alone anymore.

And that was enough.