Zerobaseone Sickfics [REQUESTS CLOSED]

《Zhang Hao: Overheated》

Written on: 20.07.2025

Words: 1149
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The midsummer sun blazed down on the open field where Zerobaseone was filming their latest variety show segment. The producers had chosen a countryside location for its rustic charm and picturesque setting, but no one had anticipated just how oppressive the humidity would be that day.

Hao was usually one of the more composed and energetic members, often leading the younger ones with ease and a soft-spoken smile. But today, something was off. They had been filming for over two hours under the sun, engaging in team games and silly challenges."Hao hyung! You're so slow today!" Yujin called out playfully as Hao trailed behind during a relay race.

"Did turning twenty-four suddenly made you feel old, hyung?" Ricky teased with a grin, bumping Hao's shoulder lightly as they walked back to the starting line."You need me to carry you, hao hyung?" Hanbin joked, looping an arm around Hao's shoulder.

Hao chuckled faintly but didn't respond. Normally he'd fire back with a witty remark or flash his usual teasing smile. But now, his replies were short, and his eyes seemed unfocused. The members noticed but didn't dwell on it, assuming he was simply being dramatic for the camera.
"He's probably trying to get out of running again. Classic Hao hyung strategy." Gunwook laughed, offering Hao a water bottle.

Hao accepted the bottle with trembling fingers, managing a weak smile. He took a small sip and nodded in thanks, but he didn't say a word.
As they moved into the next game—a scavenger hunt across the field—Hao slowed down even more. Sweat drenched his shirt, and his face had gone paler despite the heat.

"Hao-hyung, you good?" Matthew asked, jogging up beside him. "Yeah... just... hot." Hao murmured. His voice was quiet, barely audible over the cicadas in the distance. Suddenly, mid-step, Hao stopped walking. A hand went to his head as he wobbled slightly, then, without a word, he sat down right in the middle of the grassy field.

At first, the others laughed.

"No way hyung, you're giving up already!" Taerae called from the other end. But when Hao didn't respond, not even with an eye roll, the tone changed."Hao?Hey, you okay?" Jiwoong's voice was suddenly sharp with concern. He jogged over, crouching beside him. Hao blinked slowly, sweat dripping down his temple."Just... dizzy,jiwoong hyung." He whispered. Yujin's smile vanished as he approached, kneeling beside him with wide eyes. "Hao Hyung, are you—? You don't look good..."

Zhang Hao's skin was flushed, his breathing shallow, and now that they were really looking at him, they realized just how soaked his clothes were with sweat. His lips looked dry, and his usually bright eyes were dull and glassy."He's burning up. Guys, i think he's got a fever." Ricky said after gently pressing the back of his hand to Hao's cheek.

Panic set in.

The production team quickly called for a break. Someone brought a cooler with bottled water and wet towels.

Jiwoong sat on the grass, lifted Hao's head carefully onto his lap while Taerae and Gunwook worked quickly to soak towels with cold water.
"We're idiots. He's been quiet this whole morning, and we just teased him." Gunwook muttered, cursing himself under his breath.

"We didn't mean to, gunwook hyung. We thought he was just playing around.... like always." Yujin said, guilt creeping into his voice as he fanned Hao with a cardboard sign. "He didn't even complain. He just pushed through. Why didn't we notice." Matthew whispered.

Hanbin gently dabbed Hao's face with a cool towel."Hao hyung, can you drink some water for me?" He said softly, trying to keep the panic from his voice. Hao blinked slowly again and gave a faint nod. Yujin carefully held the bottle to his lips, helping him sip little by little."That's it, hyung." Yujin encouraged. Hao's voice came out hoarse. "Sorry... ruined the shoot..."

"Don't be ridiculous, hyung. You're not ruining anything. You need rest." Hanbin said firmly.

"We should've seen it earlier. We shouldn't have teased you like that..." Gyuvin added, biting his lip. Hao weakly shook his head. "It's okay... I didn't say anything..."

"Yeah, but we know you, hao hyung. You'd never admit it even if you felt bad."  Yujin said, his voice quiet.

They sat around him protectively, shielding him from the sun with their bodies, their usual banter now replaced with a heavy silence. The once energetic atmosphere was gone, replaced by a quiet hum of fans, the soft sound of someone refilling a water bottle, and the occasional quiet sniff from a member trying not to cry.

After a few minutes and some cool compresses, Hao seemed to regain some color. The production team brought a portable fan and a sunshade, and someone from the staff offered a small electrolyte drink. "Hao Hyung, take this too. I looked it up-its supposed to help with hydration." Gunwook said, offering it with both hands.
Hao took it, managing a tiny smile this time. "Thanks, Gunwook-ah."

"You scared the hell out of us, hyung." Ricky muttered, still crouched beside him."Sorry." Hao repeated, but this time it was met with a wave of protests.

"Stop apologizing. We're the ones who need to say sorry. We were all too caught up in the moment to notice something was wrong." Jiwoong said, firm but gentle. "We'll be better. We promise." Yujin added, eyes still worried.

"You're not allowed to suffer in silence anymore, hao hyung. Even if it's just a little fever, tell us next time." Matthew said, pointing a finger at him with mock sternness. Hao chuckled softly. "Okay. I will."

After another half hour of rest, the crew decided to postpone the shoot. The members escorted Hao back to the van, insisting on carrying everything for him. He was given the best seat, closest to the AC, and a pillow appeared from nowhere—courtesy of Ricky. As the van pulled away, the members continued to hover around him, each trying in their own way to make up for earlier.
"Do you want fruit, hao hyung? I kept these grapes cold" Taerae asked.

"How about this, hao hyung? It's the watermelon which you like. I saved it from lunch." Gunwook offered. "You're all spoiling me now." Hao murmured, eyes fluttering shut."We owe you. And we love you. So deal with it" Hanbin said simply.

By the time they reached the dorms, Hao was already half-asleep, leaning on Yujin's shoulder. Despite the stress of the day, the youngest sat still, letting his hyung rest peacefully.
The guilt would fade, eventually, but the lesson stayed: even someone as calm and self-reliant as Zhang Hao needed care sometimes—and it was their job, as brothers, to notice.

And this time, they wouldn't miss the signs.