Kpop Sickfics and Hurtfics Part 2

The Breath Between Us (EJ)

MalakMimi541

EJ felt a familiar ache in his chest as he stepped off the stage. It had been a long day, filled with rehearsals and interviews, but he wasn't one to show signs of fatigue. He wasn't about to let his members see how tired he was. After all, as the leader, it was his responsibility to keep up with everyone else, to be the one who had the most energy and drive. That's how he had always been.

But today, there was something off.

The small cough started when they were finishing the choreography for the new song, a dry, almost scratchy sound that made his throat burn. He brushed it off, thinking it was nothing more than the dust and the exhaustion building up. It wasn't a big deal. He was used to pushing through discomfort, used to the late nights and early mornings.

His members noticed it, though.

"EJ, are you okay?" Fuma asked, concern in his voice as he paused mid-movement, his eyes narrowing in on the way EJ rubbed his throat.

"I'm fine," EJ said quickly, offering his usual charming smile. "Just a little dry throat, that's all. I'll be good."

But Fuma didn't look convinced. Neither did K, who shot EJ a glance from the other side of the studio. EJ could tell they were both worried, but he waved them off. The last thing he wanted was for them to think something was wrong, especially when he could still push through.

Still, something felt off.

The cough came more often after that. A small, persistent irritation in his chest that refused to go away. By the time they were back at the dorms that night, EJ felt feverish, his body sore and achy in a way he couldn't explain. His muscles ached, and his skin felt unnaturally hot, but he tried to ignore it. He changed into his pajamas, gave a quick, reassuring smile to his reflection in the mirror, and collapsed into bed, determined to sleep it off.

But sleep didn't come easily.

He tossed and turned, the faint sound of his labored breathing growing louder in the quiet room. Every time he closed his eyes, his chest seemed to tighten a little more, as though the air was thinner, harder to come by. He shifted again, adjusting the covers, but that only made things worse. The slight cough from earlier had become more frequent, deep and raspy, almost as though something was caught in his throat.

It's just a cold, he told himself, nothing to worry about.

The next morning, he woke up feeling even worse. His throat felt raw, his nose stuffed up, and there was a heaviness in his chest that made it hard to take deep breaths. But, as usual, EJ brushed it off, forcing a smile as he joined the others for breakfast.

"You look a little pale," Nicholas remarked, pushing a plate of food toward him.

"I'm fine," EJ said, his voice hoarse but steady. He took a bite, trying to ignore the way his stomach churned at the thought of food. His appetite had waned since the night before, but he didn't want to worry anyone.

The others exchanged a look, but they didn't press further. They were used to EJ being the upbeat, energetic one, the one who always kept things lighthearted. So when he said he was fine, they let it slide.

But as the day wore on, his symptoms only got worse. His cough deepened, turning into a constant, painful rasp that made his throat burn every time he exhaled. His body felt heavy, weighed down by something he couldn't shake off. He kept it together through rehearsals, but the moment they were done, he slipped into his shared room, barely able to keep his eyes open.

He tried to rest, but every time he closed his eyes, he felt like he was suffocating, as though the air itself had become too thick to breathe. He pressed his hand to his chest, trying to calm his breath, but it didn't help.