Chapter Text
Around the new year it was time for award shows, getting awards for your hard work, almost everything you did that year leading up to this moment, and tonight was the night.
The night of the awards show was filled with anticipation from the moment SEVENTEEN arrived at the venue. The grand hall was filled with the brightest stars of the industry, the air thick with anticipation. Cameras flashed, fans screamed, and the energy was electric. But behind Vernon’s calm demeanor, there was a storm brewing.
He had woken up that morning with a pounding headache and a fever that left his body aching. His skin was burning, and every step felt heavy. But Vernon didn’t say anything. He couldn’t. It was one of the most important nights for Seventeen, and there was no way he would let his members down. They had worked so hard to get here, and he refused to be the weak link.
Vernon kept to himself during the day, hiding his flushed face and shaky hands. He downed some fever reducers and did his best to mask the dizziness that came in waves. His plan was simple: push through the performance, smile for the cameras, and get through the night. Then, he’d rest. He didn’t need anyone worrying about him right now.
But as the hours dragged on, the medicine didn’t seem to help. His fever only worsened, and by the time SEVENTEEN was called for their performance, Vernon was already running on fumes. He danced with all his might, pouring every ounce of energy he had left into the routine, but his body was betraying him. Each movement felt like a mountain he had to climb, and the bright stage lights only intensified the pounding in his head.
When it was finally time for SEVENTEEN to take the stage for their live performance, Vernon plastered on a smile, hiding the pain behind his usual calm expression. The stage lights blazed down on him, and the heat felt suffocating, but he gave it his all. Every move felt like it was draining what little energy he had left, but he danced in sync with his members, hitting every beat, every note, pushing through the waves of dizziness that threatened to overwhelm him.
By the time the performance ended, Vernon’s legs felt like jelly, but he forced himself to stay upright. His body screamed for rest, but there was still one more thing to get through. The awards ceremony.
Backstage, Vernon leaned against the wall, breathing heavily. His vision was swimming, and sweat dripped down his face, but he forced a smile as the other members laughed and celebrated their flawless performance. He stayed quiet, nodding along, but deep inside, he was just trying to keep himself together.
Then came the big moment—the announcement of the award. SEVENTEEN’s name echoed through the venue, and the room exploded in applause. The members jumped up from their seats, cheering and hugging each other, but Vernon hesitated for a moment. His legs felt weak, his head spinning dangerously, but he managed to stand with them, putting on a brave face.
The group made their way to the stage, and Vernon trailed at the back, hoping the cameras wouldn’t focus on him. He plastered a smile on his face, but as he raised his hand to wave at the fans, it trembled uncontrollably. Panic surged through him, and he quickly lowered his arm, grabbing onto Jeonghan for support. Jeonghan’s eyes widened in concern, but he didn’t let it show, casually wrapping his arm around Vernon’s waist as if it were just a friendly gesture.
Vernon tried to breathe deeply, but every inhale felt like it barely reached his lungs. His head was spinning, his legs shaking. He tightened his grip on Jeonghan’s sleeve, but it wasn’t enough. His vision darkened at the edges, and he could feel himself starting to lose consciousness.
Wonwoo, standing on the other side of Vernon, noticed immediately. He subtly moved closer, placing a steady hand on Vernon’s back. “Hold on,” he whispered under his breath, his voice low and calm, trying to keep Vernon grounded. But Vernon could barely respond, his head hanging low, his breathing shallow.
Mingyu, standing slightly in front, noticed the shift and turned just in time to see Vernon swaying. His heart leapt into his throat, and he stepped back toward him, carefully positioning himself so that if Vernon fainted, he’d be there to catch him.
S.Coups, holding the microphone and giving the acceptance speech, glanced back at his struggling member. His voice remained steady, professional, but his eyes flickered with worry. The speech needed to finish quickly, he knew, because Vernon wasn’t going to last much longer.
As the speech wrapped up and the group began to leave the stage, Vernon’s legs finally gave out. He stumbled, his body collapsing forward, but Jeonghan and Wonwoo were ready. They tightened their grips on him, making it look like a simple gesture to the audience, but in reality, they were holding Vernon upright, keeping him from crumpling to the floor.
Mingyu reached out, placing a firm hand on Vernon’s shoulder to guide him down the steps. “Just a bit more,” he whispered, his voice filled with concern. “We’re almost there.”
But as they reached their seats, Vernon’s body could no longer handle the strain. His head hung low, and his breathing became erratic. His legs gave way again, and he nearly collapsed into his chair. Jeonghan quickly slid into the seat beside him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders, while Wonwoo knelt in front of him, trying to get a better look at his pale, sweat-covered face.
“Vernon, can you hear me?” Wonwoo asked softly, his voice steady but filled with worry.
Vernon barely nodded, his eyes half-lidded as he fought to stay conscious. His hands, still trembling, clung weakly to Jeonghan’s arm. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. His body was burning up, his head pounding like a drum. He felt like he was floating in and out of awareness, the world around him fading in and out of focus.
“We need to get him out of here,” Mingyu whispered urgently, his voice low to avoid attracting attention. “He’s about to pass out.”
Jeonghan nodded in agreement, his grip on Vernon tightening. “Hang in there, Vernon,” he said softly, his voice full of concern. “We’re here, okay? Just breathe.”
Vernon’s head lolled to the side, and he could barely focus on Jeonghan’s voice. He tried to inhale deeply, but his breath came out in shallow, ragged gasps. His body felt heavy, and everything around him was starting to blur. His eyelids fluttered shut, and for a terrifying moment, it seemed like he was about to faint completely.
“Vernon,” S.Coups said urgently as he crouched beside him, his hand on Vernon’s knee. “Stay with us. Just breathe, okay?”
Seungkwan, standing behind them, quickly alerted the staff and managers nearby, his face full of panic. “We need help!” he whispered harshly, trying to keep his voice down for the sake of the cameras.
Minghao, who had stayed quiet until now, gently placed a cold water bottle against Vernon’s cheek, trying to wake him up. “Vernon, drink this,” he said softly, his usual calm voice tinged with worry. “It’ll help.”
Vernon’s hands were too shaky to hold the bottle, so Wonwoo took it and carefully brought it to his lips. Vernon sipped weakly, but even that small effort seemed to drain him. His head lolled forward again, and his body slumped.
“He’s going to pass out,” Joshua said softly, his face filled with concern as he looked at S.Coups. “We need to move him now.”
With a nod from S.Coups, the members quickly made their move. Joshua and Mingyu helped Vernon to his feet, his legs barely able to support him. As they discreetly made their way out of the hall, Jeonghan kept a steady arm around Vernon, whispering reassurances as they walked. Vernon’s head hung low, his body trembling as he leaned heavily on them.
Once they reached the backstage area, Vernon’s legs gave out again, and he nearly collapsed. But this time, Mingyu and Jeonghan were ready, catching him and easing him gently into a waiting chair. His face was pale, his breathing shallow, and his eyes were half-closed.
“Vernon, stay with us,” Mingyu said, kneeling beside him, his voice low and urgent. “We’re almost back to the van, okay? Just hang in there.”
Vernon nodded weakly, though he could barely lift his head. His body felt like it was on fire, and his vision was still dark around the edges. The exhaustion was overwhelming, and it took everything in him just to stay awake.
When they finally reached the van, the members gently helped Vernon inside, laying him down on the backseat. His eyes fluttered closed as the cool air hit his fevered skin. Jeonghan and Mingyu sat on either side of him, keeping close watch as the van sped toward the dorm.
“You should’ve told us,” Jeonghan said softly, brushing the damp hair from Vernon’s forehead. “You don’t have to push yourself this hard.”
Vernon’s eyes barely opened, but he managed to mumble, “I didn’t… want to ruin it… for you guys.”
Mingyu shook his head, his expression a mix of frustration and concern. “You didn’t ruin anything. We’re a team. You don’t have to do this alone.”
S.Coups, sitting in the front seat, turned slightly, his voice firm but gentle. “Next time, you tell us, Vernon. We’re here for you, no matter what.”
Vernon nodded weakly, his body finally relaxing as the exhaustion overtook him. His members surrounded him, making sure he was safe and cared for, knowing that no matter how tough the situation got, they would always be there for each other.
And in that moment, despite the fever and the fatigue, Vernon knew he was exactly where he needed to be—right there with his family, SEVENTEEN.