K-pop sickfics/hurtfics

Chenle/Johnny Nct - hyper/hyposensitivity

I just noticed I had no request for today (sometimes I forget a day or double book 😅) so you guys have a chapter that's been waiting to be posted since October I think
1100 words.

The practice room was alive with sound. Music blared from the speakers as NCT's members moved in sync, rehearsing tirelessly for their comeback. The beat pulsed through the room, intense and unrelenting, reflecting the energy they'd need on stage.

Johnny stood in the back row, his movements large and bold as he matched the powerful beat. His senses were dulled compared to most people's, so the volume and energy were just what he needed to feel fully present. The intense vibrations from the speakers helped him stay focused, giving him the sensory feedback he craved. In moments like these, he could lose himself in the rhythm, the loudness of the room finally matching the intensity he needed.

For Chenle, though, it was another story. Standing nearer to the mirrors, he moved with precision, his face serious as he concentrated. He loved performing, but rehearsing in a room this loud was exhausting. Each beat felt like it struck his chest, every movement of the members around him an additional wave of energy that seemed almost tangible. The bass was so strong he could feel it reverberate, and the bright, overhead lights felt like they were pressing down on him.

As they finished the first full run-through, everyone broke apart to grab water and catch their breath. Chenle tried to hide his discomfort, but the tension in his shoulders was hard to miss.

Johnny noticed Chenle's posture and walked over. "You doing okay?" he asked, reaching for his own water bottle.

Chenle gave a small smile, but he was clearly drained. "Yeah... It's just... everything's really loud. Sometimes it feels like it's... I don't know, surrounding me?"

Johnny nodded, understanding the struggle from the opposite side. "I get it. It's like the room is amplifying everything for you. For me, it's the opposite — without the volume, I feel like I can't quite get into it, you know?"

"Must be nice," Chenle muttered with a grin, though he knew Johnny's hyposensitivity had its own challenges. "Sometimes, I wish I could turn down how much I feel all of this stuff."

They both glanced back at the speakers, which were already pumping out the first few beats of the song as Taeyong signaled everyone back to positions. Johnny could see the reluctance in Chenle's eyes, and an idea formed in his mind.

"Here, let's trade spots," Johnny suggested, moving Chenle to a spot in the back, a bit farther from the speakers.

"Thanks," Chenle said, a mix of relief and gratitude in his voice. Johnny gave him an encouraging nod, knowing even a little distance might help make things more manageable.

The music began again, and as they moved through the choreography, Johnny felt more energized than ever. Being close to the speakers amplified every beat, and he found himself lost in the rhythm, his body responding instinctively. The world felt sharper, clearer, like the loudness was helping his mind focus. He didn't notice the ache in his muscles as much, didn't feel the fatigue that came with long hours of rehearsal — he was in his element.

But for Chenle, the break in volume made a big difference. Standing farther from the speakers, he could hear the music without it feeling overwhelming. He focused on his moves with more clarity, grateful for the little bit of distance that dulled the intense edge of the sound. Each step felt smoother, each beat less jarring.

As they continued practicing, the energy of the room continued to rise, with everyone giving everything they had. Taeyong pushed them through another set of full run-throughs, and by the third one, Chenle could feel the strain again, his senses beginning to feel overloaded from the constant movement and loudness. His breathing grew faster, and he clenched his fists, trying to ground himself.

In the middle of a particularly intense section, Johnny caught a glance of Chenle's tense posture and recognized the signs. As soon as they hit a transition break, he called over to Taeyong. "Hey, can we do one run-through without music? Just so we can lock in the timing?"

Taeyong, noticing everyone's exhaustion, nodded, agreeing to try a "silent run" where they would practice to the beat in their heads. Johnny gave Chenle a reassuring smile, hoping it would give him a break from the intensity of the sound.

Without the music blasting, the room felt quieter, almost peaceful, and Chenle relaxed, his movements fluid now that he didn't have to fight against the overpowering sound. He felt more in control, able to move without that constant pressure weighing him down.

Johnny, on the other hand, found himself struggling a bit more without the beat blasting through the room. He missed the heavy vibrations that usually helped him keep time, and his movements felt less grounded, less powerful without the music to guide him. He had to concentrate harder to maintain his timing, reminding himself that this was a compromise they all needed.

After a couple of silent run-throughs, they went back to practicing with music. The other members seemed to have noticed how much Chenle relaxed without the loud sound, and they were more mindful, keeping their voices and movements quieter between each take. Even with the music playing, the atmosphere felt a bit softer, more manageable for Chenle.

As practice ended, Johnny walked over, offering Chenle a fist bump. "You did great today," he said, smiling. "Thanks for toughing it out with all the noise."

Chenle laughed, bumping Johnny's fist. "Thanks for helping me out. I know it's not easy for you, either."

Johnny shrugged. "We've all got our things, right? Figured we could make it work for both of us."

They gathered their things, and as they headed out, Chenle glanced over at Johnny. "You know, maybe next time I'll try and stay closer to the speakers. Just for a bit. I think... maybe I could get used to it."

Johnny grinned, clapping him on the back. "And maybe I'll try a run-through with earplugs or something. Who knows? Maybe I could learn to do with a little less volume."

They both laughed, grateful for each other's understanding. They might experience the world differently, but with a little compromise, they could find a balance, creating a rhythm that worked for both of them.

Thanks for reading.