SEVENTEEN | SICKFICS - HURTFICS I

Joshua | Fever Part II

After a few hours, their manager called for a short break, giving the members time to hydrate and rest. Joshua slumped against the wall, out of sight from the others. He felt the cold sweats forming on his skin, and his muscles ached from the effort of pretending to be fine.

He closed his eyes for a brief moment, just trying to regain a bit of energy before getting back into it. But even with the brief rest, he knew it was going to be a long night. Just a little longer, he told himself. I can't let them down now.

When the break ended, they returned to rehearsal. Joshua forced himself to stand up straight, determined not to let anyone see how much he was struggling. The music played again, and the choreography continued, the members laughing and joking with each other as they worked through the setlist.

But Joshua's mind wasn't on the performance. His focus was solely on hiding his sickness for just a little while longer. He had to get through this. He had to. For the fans. For his members.

And maybe, just maybe, for himself too.

After the long and exhausting rehearsal, the members were ready to unwind, their spirits lifted by the energy they had poured into the rehearsal. Seungcheol gathered everyone and announced, "Alright, let's head out for dinner. We'll eat together with the staff-time to relax a bit before we head back."

The thought of food was a welcome one, but for Joshua, the idea of sitting down for another hour or two in a noisy restaurant felt like a monumental challenge. He just wanted to rest, to lay down in the quiet of his hotel room and escape the weight pressing on his body. But he couldn't leave now. Not when the others were already so excited.

Don't let anyone suspect anything, he reminded himself as they all walked toward the vans.

The drive to the restaurant was a blur for Joshua. He sat in silence, staring out the window, trying to ignore the gnawing feeling in his stomach and the persistent headache that seemed to worsen with every passing minute. He focused on steadying his breathing, making sure to keep his posture straight and his face neutral, even as his body screamed for rest.

When they arrived at the restaurant, everyone piled out of the vans, chatting excitedly about the meal ahead. Joshua followed the group, his steps slower than usual, but still trying to blend in with the others.

The staff had already reserved a large private room for them, and everyone quickly took their seats. Joshua chose a spot near the edge of the table, trying to remain as unobtrusive as possible. As the food started arriving, the atmosphere grew livelier, with everyone talking, laughing, and enjoying the warm dishes placed before them.

He barely touched his food, pushing the rice around his plate and taking small sips of water. He didn't feel hungry at all-his stomach was unsettled, and the thought of food only made him feel worse. But he had to maintain appearances. He had to seem like himself.

The members were so caught up in their conversations, their jokes, and their excitement that no one seemed to notice how quiet Joshua had become. He smiled occasionally, chiming in when someone asked him a question or when there was a lull in the conversation, but for the most part, he kept to himself.

He could hear Jeonghan laughing across the table, and Hoshi's energetic voice filled the room as he teased Mingyu. Joshua's gaze drifted down to his plate again. Just a little longer, he thought. I can get through this.

The staff members were also enjoying the dinner, exchanging pleasantries and congratulating the group on a solid rehearsal. Joshua appreciated the warmth of the room, but every minute felt like an eternity. He wanted to leave, to excuse himself and go back to the hotel, but he couldn't risk drawing attention. He knew the moment he excused himself, someone would notice.