EVERYBODY LOVES SUNOO! 🦊

Sunoo the hero

The stage lights flickered as ENHYPEN wrapped up their final rehearsal for the night. It had been a long day, exhaustion clinging to their bodies like an invisible weight, but they pushed through, perfecting every move for the upcoming performance. The crew was adjusting last-minute set pieces, some staff moving hurriedly around the stage while others shouted directions over the hum of activity.

Sunoo stood near the edge, adjusting his in-ear monitor while keeping an eye on Ni-ki, who was laughing about something with Jungwon. The younger members were always full of energy, even after hours of practice, and Sunoo couldn't help but smile at their antics.

Then, it happened.

A sharp creak cut through the noise-loud enough to draw attention but not enough to spark immediate panic. Sunoo's gaze snapped upward, and his stomach dropped.

One of the overhead stage props, a heavy metal lighting rig, was coming loose. And it was right above Jungwon.

Time slowed. His body moved before his mind could catch up.

"Jungwon!" Sunoo shouted, his voice raw with urgency.

Without hesitation, he lunged forward, shoving Jungwon out of the way with all his strength. The younger barely had time to react before Sunoo felt something strike his ankle. Pain shot up his leg as he collapsed onto the cold stage floor.

Chaos erupted.

"Sunoo!" Heeseung was the first to reach him, dropping to his knees beside him. "Are you okay?"

Jungwon was pale, his hands hovering above Sunoo's trembling form, guilt and panic flashing in his eyes. "Oh my God-Sunoo, your ankle!" His voice cracked slightly, but he quickly pulled himself together.

Staff members rushed forward, shouting for the medic team. Jay was gripping Sunoo's hand tightly, his jaw clenched, trying to ground himself as much as to reassure him. "You're gonna be okay. Just breathe."

Sunghoon and Jake stood frozen, their eyes darting between each other and the fallen prop, the horrifying realization sinking in. Ni-ki, usually the one to keep things light, looked the most shaken, his fists clenched as he stared at his injured friend.

Sunoo sucked in a shaky breath, pain pulsing through his ankle with every movement. "Is... is everyone okay?" he croaked out, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You should be asking about yourself!" Heeseung scolded, though his tone wavered. He gently brushed Sunoo's hair out of his face, his touch careful as if afraid Sunoo would shatter under it.

Jungwon let out a breath, shaking his head. "You always do the most," he muttered, though his voice was softer than usual. "Don't move too much. It's already swelling."

Sunoo managed a weak smile despite the pain lacing his expression. "Couldn't let you get squashed before a comeback," he whispered with a slight wince. He tried to laugh, but it came out as a pained exhale.

The medic team arrived, carefully assessing Sunoo's ankle. "Looks like a bad sprain," one of them announced, wrapping it up with a temporary brace. "He'll need to rest it for a while."

The members visibly relaxed at the news, though concern still lingered in their eyes. Sunoo was helped up carefully, leaning on Jay and Sunghoon as they guided him to their waiting room.

Backstage, the caretaking started immediately. Jake brought an ice pack, Ni-ki handed him a bottle of water, and Jungwon hovered nearby, still guilt-ridden. "You always have to be the hero, huh?"

Sunoo nudged him lightly with his good foot. "Somebody's gotta do it."

Jungwon rolled his eyes but still adjusted the pillow behind Sunoo's back. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't make it a habit."

The atmosphere lightened as the members continued fussing over Sunoo, making sure he was comfortable, teasing him but also making it clear how much they cared. And as the pain in his ankle throbbed, Sunoo couldn't help but feel warm inside, surrounded by the people he loved most.