Kpop Sickfics and Hurtfics Part 2

No Matter What (Jungwon and Niki)

Rial-e

The rain had started as a soft drizzle, pattering gently against the windshield of the van. The team had been traveling through the winding mountain roads for hours, on their way to a secluded filming location for a variety show. Everyone was tired but in relatively good spirits, joking and laughing despite the monotony of the journey.

"Do you think they'll make us do something embarrassing again?" Niki asked, grinning as he leaned forward from his seat to poke Heeseung.

"It's a variety show, of course, they will," Jay muttered, stretching his arms over his head.

"Just as long as it's not another horror-themed challenge," Jake chimed in, glancing toward Sunghoon, who was dozing against the window. "I don't think I can handle another jump scare."

Jungwon, sitting in the front seat, chuckled. He was grateful for the lighthearted banter—it made the hours pass faster. Still, he couldn't ignore the exhaustion that weighed heavily on his shoulders. Being the leader of ENHYPEN was an honor, but it came with its challenges. Lately, the packed schedule had left him with little time to rest, and though he did his best to hide it, the tired lines under his eyes hadn't gone unnoticed by the others.

The van jolted suddenly, pulling Jungwon from his thoughts. The engine sputtered, and the vehicle came to an abrupt halt.

"What happened?" Sunoo asked, sitting up straighter.

The manager, who had been driving, sighed. "The van's stalled. Let me check it out."

Rain was now pouring heavily, hammering against the roof. The group watched as the manager stepped out into the downpour, pulling his hood up as he disappeared toward the front of the vehicle.

Jungwon unbuckled his seatbelt. "I'll go help."

"You don't have to," Heeseung said, frowning. "It's pouring out there."

"It'll be quicker if two of us check," Jungwon replied, already sliding the door open. "You guys stay here and keep warm."

As he stepped outside, the cold rain immediately soaked through his clothes. He shivered but didn't hesitate, making his way to the front of the van where the manager was fiddling with the hood.

Inside the van, Niki watched Jungwon from the window. The sight of his hyung standing out in the storm made his chest tighten. Jungwon was always the first to step up, always shouldering the weight of responsibility without a second thought. Niki admired that about him, but he also worried. Jungwon had been running on fumes lately, and Niki hated seeing him push himself to the limit.

Without saying a word, Niki grabbed a jacket and slid the van door open.

"Where are you going?" Jay asked, raising an eyebrow.

"To help," Niki replied simply, stepping out into the storm before anyone could stop him.

"Go back inside, Niki."

Jungwon's voice was firm, though the rain nearly drowned it out. Niki shook his head, pulling the jacket tighter around his shoulders.

"No way," he said, walking up beside Jungwon. "You're soaked, hyung. Let me help."

Jungwon sighed, glancing at the younger boy. Despite the rain streaming down his face, Niki's expression was resolute.

"Niki—"

"I said I'd protect you, remember?" Niki interrupted, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "I'm just keeping my promise."

Jungwon hesitated. He wanted to tell Niki to go back inside where it was safe and dry, but he knew it would be pointless. Niki was as stubborn as they came.