Kpop Sickfics and Hurtfics Part 2

Exhaustion on the Canvas (Hyunjin)

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Hyunjin had always been passionate about art. While others might turn to music, movies, or games to unwind, Hyunjin found his peace in the strokes of a paintbrush. Art had been his refuge long before Stray Kids became a global sensation, and even now, it remained a private escape in a world that demanded so much from him.

So when the group was invited to contribute to a special exhibit celebrating their journey, Hyunjin volunteered to create a painting. He was confident that his art could capture their story in a way that words and performances couldn’t.

But as the exhibit date approached, that confidence turned into pressure. Every brushstroke felt like it wasn’t good enough, every shade seemed off. Hyunjin wanted this painting to represent their struggles, their triumphs, and the unbreakable bond they shared—not just as members of Stray Kids but as brothers. It wasn’t just a painting. It was his love letter to his members and their fans.

The first few days went well enough. Hyunjin would spend a few hours in his art room after rehearsals, working with calm determination. But soon, his perfectionism began to take over.

His sessions stretched into the early hours of the morning. He skipped meals, telling himself he’d eat once he finished “just one more detail.” When the other members knocked on his door to check on him, he’d wave them off with excuses:

“I’m almost done. I’ll join you in a bit.”

“I’m not hungry right now.”

“Don’t worry about me.”

At first, the members didn’t push too hard. Hyunjin had always been passionate, and they understood how important this painting was to him. But as the days turned into a week, it became harder to ignore the changes in him.

Hyunjin’s usually bright energy was dimming. His movements during rehearsals were slower, his usually flawless execution of choreography marred by small mistakes. He was quieter, retreating into himself.

“Hyunjin, are you okay?” Felix asked one day during a break. He placed a hand on Hyunjin’s shoulder, his concern evident.

“I’m fine,” Hyunjin replied with a weak smile, brushing off Felix’s hand. “Just tired.”

Changbin, sitting nearby, frowned. “You’ve been ‘just tired’ for days. Are you sure you’re not overworking yourself?”

Hyunjin waved him off. “It’s nothing. I’ll be fine once the painting’s done.”

The members exchanged uneasy glances, but they didn’t press further. They knew how stubborn Hyunjin could be.

Jeongin, however, couldn’t shake his unease. As the youngest, he had a unique relationship with each member, but he was particularly close to Hyunjin. He admired Hyunjin’s artistic passion but worried about how much of himself he was pouring into this project.

One evening, Jeongin knocked on Hyunjin’s door, a plate of snacks in hand.

“Hyunjin-hyung, can I come in?”

There was a pause before Hyunjin’s muffled voice called back, “Yeah, sure.”

Jeongin stepped inside, his eyes immediately drawn to the half-finished painting on the easel. It was stunning, even in its incomplete state. The vibrant colors and intricate details told a story of struggle and triumph, of love and perseverance.

But Jeongin’s admiration was overshadowed by concern when he looked at Hyunjin. His hyung was pale, with dark circles under his eyes and paint smudged on his cheeks and hands.