K-pop sickfics/hurtfics

Jay Enhypen - Social anxiety

@skyle-rae10 thanks for your request hope you like it.
1400 words.

The day had started like any other. The members of ENHYPEN had been looking forward to their rare day off, a small break from their usually hectic schedules. They decided to spend the day at the mall, a place where they could blend in with the crowd, even if it was a bit crowded. As soon as they arrived, they all excitedly scattered in different directions, enjoying the freedom of not being followed by cameras or the constant pressure of their fame.

Sunghoon wandered into a store, picking out a few new jackets, while Sunoo and Jungwon made their way to the food court, laughing as they tried to decide which snack to grab first. Sunghoon had a quick laugh as he and Sunoo made silly comments about each other's fashion choices. Heeseung and Niki found a small corner to people-watch, while Sunghoon made his way into the store to get himself a new jacket.

Jay had tucked himself into the bookstore, finding solace in a quiet aisle where the familiar smell of pages surrounded him. There was a brief moment when he let his guard down, relaxing into the rhythm of a normal day — no screaming fans, no flashing lights, just his friends and a sense of freedom. The moment felt surreal, like a dream he didn't want to wake up from.

They met up later, laughing as they shared snacks, all content and in high spirits. It was a rare, peaceful afternoon where they could forget, if only for a little while, the pressures of their busy lives. But that peaceful atmosphere didn't last long.

As the group moved to the next floor, a few fans spotted them from a distance. It started with just a few excited calls, whispers of recognition from afar. But within seconds, more and more people began to notice them, causing the atmosphere to shift. It wasn't the peaceful day they had been enjoying anymore. The sound of excited fans grew louder, more intense, and before they knew it, the group was surrounded.

At first, Jay tried to push aside the discomfort creeping in. He had always been the one to stay calm in situations like these, knowing that this was part of their reality. But today, there was something different about the energy in the air. The crowd was tighter, their voices louder, and the space around them felt more suffocating with each passing second.

Jay felt the familiar tightness in his chest, a pressure that slowly built up, squeezing the air from his lungs. The sudden crowd of fans, all their excitement and attention, made him feel like he couldn't breathe. His heartbeat quickened, and with each passing second, the world around him felt like it was closing in. He tried to smile, tried to wave, but everything felt like it was slipping through his fingers.

His mind raced, his vision blurred. The noise of the crowd drowned out everything else, becoming a suffocating roar in his ears. His body went rigid, frozen in place as he struggled to keep his composure. His hands trembled, his chest tightening as if the air itself had thickened, making it hard to take even the simplest breath.

Sunghoon, ever aware of his friend's discomfort, noticed immediately. He saw the way Jay's eyes darted around the crowd, the subtle tension in his shoulders, the way he gripped the edge of his jacket as if it was the only thing keeping him grounded. Without hesitation, Sunghoon gently placed a hand on Jay's arm, leaning in close enough that only he could hear.

"Let's get out of here," Sunghoon whispered, his voice soft but firm.

Jay nodded, relief washing over him at Sunghoon's words. The others quickly picked up on the situation and began to subtly distract the fans, leading them away from Jay and Sunghoon without drawing attention. The two of them slipped out of the crowd, making their way toward the nearest exit. As they moved through the throng of people, the air felt heavy, but the worst was behind them.

Once outside, Sunghoon didn't hesitate to lead Jay into the nearest men's restroom, locking the door behind them. Inside, Jay collapsed onto the cool, tiled floor, gasping for air. The pressure in his chest felt unbearable, like invisible hands were squeezing the life out of him. His breathing was shallow and erratic, and his hands clutched at his neck, clawing at the tightness that suffocated him. Every breath felt like it could be his last.

"Jay, look at me," Sunghoon's voice was calm and steady, though concern laced every word. He crouched beside Jay, reaching out to take his hands, stopping him from scratching at his neck. "You're safe now. We're going to get through this. Just breathe."

Sunghoon's touch was grounding, his presence like an anchor pulling Jay back from the edge of panic. He guided Jay's trembling hands to rest against his own, his voice low and reassuring.

"Focus on me, okay?" Sunghoon continued. "I need you to find five things you can see."

Jay's eyes were wide and unfocused, but he forced himself to take in his surroundings. The tiled floor, the cool sink, the mirror reflecting his own pale face, the door, and Sunghoon's steady eyes meeting his. Slowly, as he named each object, the weight in his chest lightened just a bit.

"Good. Now, four things you can touch," Sunghoon instructed, his voice like a calm river, flowing steadily. Jay touched the cool tiles beneath him, the smooth wall beside him, the denim of his jeans, and Sunghoon's warm, steady hand.

"Three things you can hear," Sunghoon continued, never breaking his calm demeanor. Jay listened closely: the distant murmur of the crowd outside, the hum of the air conditioner, and the sound of Sunghoon's soft voice.

"Two things you can smell," Sunghoon's voice was quiet now, soothing. Jay inhaled, catching the faint scent of soap and the sterile, almost clinical air of the restroom.

"And one thing you can taste," Sunghoon finished. Jay hesitated for a moment before licking his dry lips, tasting the saltiness of his own sweat.

At first, it didn't feel like the grounding technique was working. Jay's breaths remained ragged, and the tightness in his chest felt far too strong to break. But Sunghoon stayed patient, his hands still holding Jay's, guiding him through each step with unwavering support. Little by little, the storm inside Jay began to quiet. His breath steadied, his pulse slowed, and the room seemed to come back into focus.

"You did great," Sunghoon said softly, his gaze full of concern and warmth. Jay nodded weakly, the trembling in his hands starting to fade, the color slowly returning to his face.

"Thank you," Jay whispered, his voice hoarse but sincere.

After a few more minutes of silence, Jay felt steady enough to stand. Sunghoon unlocked the door, and they stepped back into the hall. The other members were waiting for them, their expressions full of concern the moment they saw Jay. His red, scratched neck and pale face spoke volumes, and the faint tremble in his hands was enough to tell them what had happened.

Without another word, the group made a silent agreement to leave. They walked together, the members forming a protective circle around Jay, ensuring that no one would crowd him again. Fans were still milling around, but this time, they kept their distance, allowing the group to pass without the usual attention.

Back at the dorm, they all collapsed onto the couches, their eyes lingering on Jay. His hands still trembled slightly, his breathing steadier but still heavy from the aftermath of his panic attack. The tension of the day had melted away, but the reality of what had just happened remained.

Jay leaned back, his head resting against the cushion, feeling the weight of his anxiety lift with each passing moment. His friends were there, surrounding him, offering silent support. In the comfort of their presence, Jay could finally breathe again. The world outside could be loud and overwhelming, but here, in the safety of the dorm, he didn't need to pretend.

They truly loved their fans, but sometimes, even love could feel like too much. But within the comfort of each other, they could simply be.

Thanks for reading. If you have any story in mind don't hesitate, I take requests.