Fluffy SKZ Oneshots EP.2🧸

Fairytales🌡️🧸

Sickie: Chan

Caregiver: Stray Kids

No one's POV.:

Chan had known that moving to a foreign country away from his family would be tough but just how awful he'd feel being away from home during the holidays still managed to surprise him. The first year had been the worst, whether that was because he was still so young or because he wasn't used to the loneliness yet. After that, there had usually been an idol or trainee, who took pity on Chan and invited him to come along, so it was more bearable. When he finally found his group, Chan already knew he'd be spending Christmas with Felix, who was in the same position as him, so neither of them would be entirely alone, though they'd no doubt both feel homesick. Chan knew his life had changed since he got to debut but there were days, when he still felt the same. Young and alone in a foreign country, like nobody cared about him.

Running himself into the ground with their year end schedules, Chan wasn't all that surprised when he just couldn't fall asleep at night and only tossed and turned restlessly. His head was pounding when he rolled out of bed the next morning and he dizzily shuffled to the kitchen to have some water. It was only than that he noticed how dry his throat felt and he quickly downed another glass. The headache should hopefully improve soon. "Good morning, hyung", Jeongin smiled, resting his hand on Chan's back. The maknae cringed when he felt how damp Chan's shirt was under his hand. Chan only noticed the sweat when his shirt stuck to his skin where Jeongin had touched him. Turning to the younger, Chan rasped: "Good morning, Innie."

Chan's eyes widened, shocked at the way his voice had come out. Jeongin too looked surprised and frowned: "Are you sick?" - "I dunno, didn't think I was", the leader muttered, massaging his throat. He couldn't deny that it felt pretty irritated and that the water hadn't done much to soothe it. Originally, he had blamed the burning pain in his muscles on the lack of sleep but, now he wasn't so sure anymore.

Though Chan insisted he only had a little cold, he went to take his temperature and frowned at the high reading. Considering how close Christmas already was, he decided to keep his condition a secret, so his dongsaengs wouldn't have to worry about him and could enjoy the holidays. They only had one day at the studio left before they'd be off for the celebrations and Chan was confident, he could power through. Despite the sweat, he felt a little chilled and dressed warmly before bidding goodbye to Jeongin. Instead of his regular cup of coffee, Chan had filled his travel mug with hot tea and honey, hoping it'd soothe his throat.

"Oh wow, you look bad, hyung", Changbin pointed out when they met up at the studio. Jisung wasn't there yet, having slept through his alarm. Clearing his throat, Chan chuckled: "Guess I caught a cold and I didn't sleep much, so...." - "Are you well enough to be here?", the younger confirmed. Chan gave him a reassuring nod and waved at Jisung when the boy sprinted around the corner, panting: "I'm so- so sorry, h-hyungs." - "It's okay, Ji", Changbin laughed, patting the younger on the shoulder, "We haven't started yet, as you can see."

They surprised themselves with how much they got done but Chan's condition only seemed to decline the longer they were at the studio. He hadn't even taken his coat off despite the heating being turned up high and the initial irritation in his throat had turned into a burning pain. Knowing that today was there last day, after which the members would travel home to their families also didn't help Chan keep his feverish mess of emotions in check. Changbin and Jisung didn't seem to have noticed the occasional waves of sadness washing over Chan and simply assumed he was quiet because talking hurt his throat. Feeling like he wouldn't be able to hold back the tears for much longer, Chan excused himself to the restroom and got to his feet. His ears rang as soon as he was upright and he shakily held onto the back of his chair before taking a careful step. Before he could reach the studio door though, his vision faded and he felt his knees give out.