Kpop Sickfics and Hurtfics Part 2

Beyond the Spotlight (Taeyoung)

Carateume47

Taeyoung woke up to a sense of heaviness pressing down on him. His head throbbed faintly, his limbs ached, and his stomach churned in protest as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. He rubbed at his temples, chalking it up to exhaustion from their gruelling schedule. One more day of filming, then I'll rest, he told himself, trying to inject some positivity into his sluggish thoughts.

Cravity was shooting the Now or Never music video today, and Taeyoung had been excited for it. The concept was vibrant, full of youthful energy, and perfectly suited to the group's dynamic. But now, the excitement felt like a distant memory, overshadowed by the effort it took just to stand up.

The studio was buzzing with activity when the members arrived. Staff members bustled about, adjusting lights, cameras, and props, while the members exchanged light banter to shake off the early morning grogginess. Taeyoung managed a smile as Jungmo teased him about his perpetually messy hair, but it felt like his face was operating on autopilot.

"Are you okay, Taeyoung?" Seongmin asked, his sharp eyes catching the faint sheen of sweat on Taeyoung's forehead.

Taeyoung waved him off. "Just tired. You know how it is."

Seongmin didn't look convinced but nodded, turning back to his script.

Taeyoung spent the morning forcing himself to keep up. They filmed group shots first, running sequences that involved sprinting across the expansive set. Normally, this was something Taeyoung excelled at—his energy was boundless, and he thrived in fast-paced scenes.

But today, every step felt like a monumental effort. His legs burned, his chest heaved, and his vision wavered as he pushed himself to keep going. Twice, he had to step aside discreetly to retch into a trash can, praying no one would notice.

By the time they broke for lunch, Taeyoung's appetite was nonexistent. The smell of food alone made his stomach lurch, so he nibbled on plain crackers and sipped water, hoping it would settle his nerves. Wonjin plopped down beside him, balancing a plate of rice and grilled chicken on his lap.

"You're barely eating," Wonjin noted, his tone casual but his eyes observant. "That's not like you."

"Not that hungry," Taeyoung mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

Wonjin didn't press further, but his gaze lingered for a moment longer before he turned back to his meal.

The afternoon brought more individual and duo shots. Taeyoung had been dreading the duo scene with Wonjin, not because of the choreography or the dynamic but because it required focus and stamina—two things he was quickly running out of.

The director wanted the scene to showcase their playful chemistry, with them laughing and teasing each other before ending in a heartfelt hug. Simple in theory, but in practice, the takes were piling up.

"Again," the director called, frustration creeping into his voice. "I need more energy, Taeyoung."

Taeyoung swallowed the lump in his throat, nodding mechanically. His head felt like it was filled with cotton, and the lights on set were blindingly bright.

"Taeyoung," Wonjin whispered as they reset for the next take. "Are you okay? You're sweating like crazy."

"I'm fine," Taeyoung snapped, his voice tight.

Wonjin frowned but didn't argue, stepping into position as the cameras rolled.

By the fifth take, Wonjin's patience was wearing thin. He could see the tremble in Taeyoung's hands, the way his shoulders sagged between takes, and the glassy look in his eyes. When the director called for another retake, Wonjin decided enough was enough.

"Taeyoung, are you sure—"

"I said I'm fine!" Taeyoung barked, his voice cracking.

Wonjin's eyes widened in surprise, but he stayed silent, biting back his worry.

On the final take, the director instructed them to hold their hug longer for a close-up. Taeyoung leaned into Wonjin, his head resting against the older's shoulder. Wonjin tightened his grip instinctively, feeling the younger trembling against him.

"Hold that position," the director instructed, his voice echoing across the set.

Wonjin used the moment to whisper, "You're not okay, are you?"

Taeyoung's eyes fluttered shut, and he gave a tiny shake of his head. Tears welled up unbidden as he tried to speak, but his voice failed him.

Wonjin felt a surge of panic as Taeyoung's body gave a violent shudder before going completely limp in his arms.

"Taeyoung!" Wonjin shouted, lowering him carefully to the ground.

The set erupted into chaos. Jungmo, Allen and Serim rushed over, followed closely by Minhee and Seongmin. Staff members scrambled to clear the area, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of alarm.

"Call a medic!" Serim ordered, his voice steady despite the panic in his eyes.

Wonjin cradled Taeyoung's head, his hands trembling. "He was shaking so much... I don't know what happened."

Minhee knelt beside them, pressing a hand to Taeyoung's forehead. "He's burning up. We need to cool him down."

A staff member handed over a cold towel, which Minhee draped over Taeyoung's forehead. The younger stirred faintly, his eyelids fluttering open.

"Wonjin-hyung..." he croaked, his voice barely audible.

"I'm here," Wonjin said, his voice thick with emotion. "Why didn't you tell anyone you were feeling this bad?"

Taeyoung's lips trembled as he tried to answer, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "I didn't... want to ruin the shoot."

"You could've gotten seriously hurt!" Wonjin scolded gently, his worry bleeding through. "Taeyoung, you can't keep everything to yourself. We're a team."

The medic arrived and checked Taeyoung's vitals, confirming severe dehydration and a fever. He was loaded into a van and rushed to the nearest hospital, with Wonjin insisting on accompanying him.

The ride was tense and quiet, save for the hum of the engine. Taeyoung leaned weakly against Wonjin, his head resting on the older's shoulder.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Don't apologize," Wonjin replied firmly. "Just promise me you won't hide stuff like this again."

Taeyoung gave a weak nod, too exhausted to argue.

At the hospital, the doctor confirmed that Taeyoung had been battling a virus exacerbated by stress and overexertion. He was hooked up to an IV to rehydrate and given medication to bring down his fever.

Back at the dorm that evening, the members took turns fussing over him. Jungmo made soup, even though Taeyoung could barely sip it. Seongmin fluffed his pillows, while Serim adjusted the blankets around him.

Wonjin stayed by his side the longest, sitting on the edge of the bed with a small smile.

"You scared me back there," he admitted, his tone soft. "I thought you were going to collapse during the shoot."

"I almost did," Taeyoung said, managing a faint smile.

"Not funny," Wonjin shot back, though his lips twitched upward.

Taeyoung's smile faded as he looked down at his hands. "I just... didn't want to let anyone down. We've worked so hard for this comeback, and I didn't want to be the weak link."

Wonjin sighed, reaching out to ruffle the younger's hair. "Taeyoung, you're not a weak link. We're a team. That means we take care of each other, no matter what."

Taeyoung blinked rapidly, his vision blurring with tears. "Thank you, hyung."

"Anytime," Wonjin said with a grin. "Now get some rest. You've earned it."

As Taeyoung drifted off to sleep, surrounded by the warmth and care of his members, he realized he didn't have to bear everything alone. In the spotlight or beyond it, they were a family, and that was what mattered most.