Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

💊❤️‍🩹🫙

It started slow. It was so slow that Hyunjin almost didn’t notice.

At first, it was just Chan complaining about a headache. Nothing unusual. Chan always had headaches, mostly caused by stress, overwork, too much screen time, and not enough sleep. He brushed it off with a tired laugh and a sip of coffee, promising he’d be fine.

Then Jisung started sounding off. It was subtle, the way his voice rasped slightly when he spoke, the way he cleared his throat more often than usual.

“You good?” Hyunjin had asked, catching the way Jisung winced mid-sentence.

“Yeah,” Jisung waved him off, popping a cough drop into his mouth before launching into another verse like nothing was wrong.

Hyunjin believed him.

For a little while, at least.

Then it was Felix who started acting strangely.

At first, it was easy to dismiss. Felix had always been the type to push through discomfort without saying anything. But during dance practice, Hyunjin noticed the way Felix had started leaning against the mirrored wall, breath coming a little too fast, his eyelids drooping like he was struggling to keep them open. He wasn’t just tired—he looked exhausted.

Hyunjin frowned. “Lix?”

Felix blinked at him, slow and unfocused. “Hm?”

That was all it took for Hyunjin to cross the room. He reached out instinctively, pressing the back of his hand to Felix’s forehead. The heat that radiated off him made Hyunjin pull away immediately.

“Felix,” Hyunjin said, his voice quieter now, more serious. “You’re burning up.”

Felix exhaled slowly, like even breathing was exhausting. “I’m fine,” he murmured, but the slight tremble in his voice betrayed him.

No, he wasn’t.

Hyunjin didn’t argue. He just grabbed Felix’s bag and slung it over his own shoulder before looping an arm around Felix’s waist to keep him steady. “Come on, let’s go.”

Felix didn’t protest. That, more than anything, told Hyunjin just how bad it was.

He got Felix home after that. But by the time he returned to practice, Changbin was looking worse for wear.

“I think I’m heading out too,” Changbin muttered under his breath, running a hand down his face. His eyes were glassy, his voice weaker than usual.

Hyunjin could only watch as Changbin packed up his things, barely getting out of the studio before his exhaustion became too obvious.

Then Minho.

Minho, who always seemed invincible, who never let anyone see him at his weakest. He had barely shown any symptoms at first, just a slight sniffle, a tired sigh here and there. Hyunjin thought maybe—just maybe—Minho would be the one to push through.

Then he found him in the kitchen at two in the morning, barely standing upright, attempting to cut vegetables with shaking hands.

Hyunjin rushed into the kitchen, his breath hitching at the sight of Minho—pale, feverish, and barely standing as he clumsily tried to chop vegetables.

“Hyung!” Hyunjin exclaimed, darting forward to steady him. “What are you doing out of bed?”

Minho swayed, his body slumping heavily against Hyunjin. His head spun, the room tilting around him, but he had just wanted to help…

“I was… just trying… to help…” he mumbled, his words slow and slurred. But he was worse off than Chan and Jisung—his fever burning hotter, his strength slipping fast. He needed care before things got worse.

Minho didn’t resist as Hyunjin guided him back to his room. That, more than anything, scared him.

One by one, they were falling.

Seungmin lasted the longest, insisting he was perfectly fine until Hyunjin caught him coughing into his sleeve during a vocal warm-up. Jeongin held out stubbornly, but Hyunjin found him curled up on the dorm couch the next morning, shivering under a pile of blankets, his forehead hot to the touch.

By the end of the week, Hyunjin was the only one left standing.

Seven sick boyfriends.

And he was the only one left to take care of them.

Hyunjin sat beside Jeongin, carefully pressing the ice pack wrapped in a soft towel against his burning forehead. The youngest let out a weak whimper, shifting slightly beneath the weight of the cold compress. His body was restless, fever making him squirm under the blankets, yet he still clung to Hyunjin’s wrist with trembling fingers, his grip tighter than expected for someone so sick.

Hyunjin sighed, adjusting his hold so the ice pack wouldn’t slip away. “Shhh, I know it’s cold,” he murmured, voice soft with reassurance. “But it’ll help.”

Jeongin’s fevered eyes fluttered open just slightly, his lashes heavy with exhaustion. He looked miserable, face pale and damp with sweat, his breathing uneven.

Hyunjin’s stomach twisted uncomfortably at the sight. He hated seeing any of them like this—helpless, weak. Jeongin was usually so full of energy, bouncing around and teasing everyone. But now, he was barely able to lift his head.

“Are you in pain?” Hyunjin asked, brushing damp strands of hair away from Jeongin’s forehead.

The younger boy swallowed thickly before giving a tiny nod. “Throat… hurts,” he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper, hoarse and raw.

Hyunjin frowned, his heart sinking. “Okay. I’ll get you some water, alright?”

Jeongin let out a small whine, his fingers tightening around Hyunjin’s wrist again. His grip was weak, but there was a desperation to it, like he didn’t want to be left alone.

“I’ll be right back, I promise,” Hyunjin reassured him, gently prying Jeongin’s fingers from his wrist. He tucked the blanket up to his chin, pressing a light hand against his burning cheek before standing up.

The dorm felt eerily quiet as Hyunjin made his way toward the kitchen. Normally, this place was filled with laughter, bickering, the occasional crash of something breaking followed by a guilty "It wasn’t me!" from Jisung. But now, there was only silence, the kind that came with sickness and exhaustion. It felt wrong.

Hyunjin hurried, grabbing a glass from the cabinet and filling it with water. He spotted a packet of honey lemon lozenges on the counter and grabbed those too, knowing they might help soothe Jeongin’s throat.

By the time he returned to Jeongin’s room, the younger had already started dozing off again, his body too weak to fight the fever’s pull. Hyunjin set the glass down and gently nudged him awake.

“Innie, just a little bit,” he coaxed, carefully slipping an arm under Jeongin’s shoulders to help him sit up. The younger groaned but let himself be guided, his head resting heavily against Hyunjin’s shoulder.

Hyunjin held the glass up to his lips. “Slow sips, okay?”

Jeongin obeyed, drinking in small, careful gulps. Even that small act seemed to drain what little energy he had left.

“Good job,” Hyunjin murmured as he laid him back down, smoothing a hand over his damp hair. “Try to sleep now.”

Jeongin hummed sleepily in response, already slipping back into unconsciousness.

Hyunjin lingered for a moment, just watching him breathe. He knew Jeongin would be okay—he just had to rest. But that didn’t make it any easier.

Sighing, Hyunjin quietly slipped out of the room.

One down, six to go.

Chan.

Hyunjin hadn’t expected to find him in bed—no, that would’ve been too easy. Instead, as soon as he stepped into the room, he was met with the sight of Chan standing near the window, eyes closed, sighing in relief at the cool breeze from the fan hitting his bare chest.

Hyunjin sighed, already exasperated. “Hyung, what are you doing?”

Chan cracked one eye open, giving him a lazy, sheepish smile. “Cooling down.”

Hyunjin crossed his arms. “You’re supposed to be resting.”

Chan shrugged. “I feel bad for not helping.”

Hyunjin scoffed. “You can barely stand, and you’re worrying about helping?”

Chan sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “You’re taking care of everyone, and I’m just lying here doing nothing.”

Hyunjin softened, stepping closer. He could see the exhaustion in Chan’s face, the way his body swayed slightly as he stood. He was trying so hard to act fine, but he wasn’t.

“Hyung,” Hyunjin said quietly, reaching out to press a hand to Chan’s forehead. The warmth beneath his palm made him frown. “You still have a fever.”

Chan exhaled through his nose, like he already knew but didn’t want to admit it.

Hyunjin let his hand fall. “You trust me, right?”

Chan blinked at the sudden question. “Of course I do.”

“Then trust me when I say you need to sleep,” Hyunjin said simply. “I can handle this. But I need you to rest.”

Chan hesitated. He was stubborn, Hyunjin knew that, but eventually, he sighed in defeat. “Fine.”

Hyunjin guided him back toward the bed, watching as he sat down heavily. He was already half-asleep by the time his head hit the pillow, muttering something about how Hyunjin was too good to them.

Hyunjin shook his head, pulling the blanket over him. “Someone has to be.”

With that, he quietly left the room, already mentally preparing himself for the next patient.

Hyunjin moved quietly through the dimly lit dorm, exhaustion tugging at his limbs, but he refused to rest—not when his members needed him. He pushed open Felix’s door, stepping inside with soft, careful footsteps. The moment he did, his heart clenched at the sight before him.

Felix was curled up under the thick blankets, trembling despite the layers surrounding him. His face was half-buried in the pillow, his golden hair damp with sweat. He looked miserable, his breathing uneven as he shifted restlessly, searching for warmth that his fever-ridden body couldn't seem to hold onto.

Hyunjin immediately felt guilty for not checking on him sooner.

He approached the bed and sat down on the edge, brushing his fingers lightly over Felix’s forehead. Burning. Just like the others.

Felix let out a small whimper at the touch, shifting slightly but making no effort to move away.

“Easy,” Hyunjin murmured, adjusting his grip. He held the pills to Felix’s lips, watching as the younger sluggishly took them in his mouth. Then, Hyunjin grabbed the bottle of water he’d brought and pressed it to Felix’s lips. “Small sips.”

Felix obeyed, swallowing the pills down with slow, shaky sips. Even that looked like it took too much energy out of him.

When he was done, he let out a small sigh and leaned into Hyunjin, his cheek resting against his shoulder.

“Thank you, Jinnie,” he mumbled, his voice deep and raspy from exhaustion.

Hyunjin stiffened for a fraction of a second, his stomach doing something weird at the sound.

God.

Felix’s voice was already deep, but it was something else when he was sick like this.

Hyunjin quickly shook the thought away. Now was not the time.

He carefully helped Felix lie back down, tucking the blankets around him securely. “Try to rest,” he murmured.

Felix shifted slightly but still looked uncomfortable. His hand weakly clutched at the fabric of his hoodie over his stomach.

Hyunjin frowned. “Still hurting?”

Felix gave a tiny nod.

Without thinking, Hyunjin reached out, his palm pressing lightly against Felix’s stomach. He started rubbing small, soothing circles over the area, his movements slow and gentle.

Felix tensed at first, then melted almost immediately, letting out a quiet sigh.

Hyunjin kept going, his fingers gliding in steady, rhythmic motions. He could feel the knots of tension under his palm, the way Felix’s muscles twitched slightly from the lingering pain.

“You’re so warm,” Felix mumbled sleepily, barely coherent.

Hyunjin smiled softly. “That’s because you’re freezing,” he murmured.

Felix hummed, already sounding like he was drifting off.

Hyunjin reached for the heating pad he’d brought earlier, warming it up before gently placing it over Felix’s stomach. The younger barely stirred, too exhausted to react.

Satisfied, Hyunjin leaned down, pressing a feather-light kiss to Felix’s forehead.

“Sleep well, angel,” he whispered.

Then, with one last glance, he turned off the lamp and slipped out of the room to check on the next person.

Hyunjin made his way to Seungmin’s room, not at all surprised to find Jisung bundled up beside him under the thick comforter. It was a common sight whenever one of them got sick—Jisung would inevitably end up right there with any member, either out of worry or sheer stubbornness. Guess today was Seungmin’s turn.

A small smile tugged at Hyunjin’s lips as he knelt beside the bed, rubbing slow, comforting circles over their backs. Jisung let out a little sigh, half-asleep but still instinctively leaning into the touch. His eyes looked dry, and Hyunjin could tell he’d been struggling with congestion all day.

“You need eye drops?” Hyunjin whispered.

Jisung gave a small, pitiful nod, barely peeking out from the covers.

Hyunjin reached for the small bottle on the nightstand, gently tilting Jisung’s chin up before administering a couple of drops in each eye. Jisung blinked rapidly, letting out a quiet whimper at the sensation, but eventually, his muscles relaxed again.

“There you go,” Hyunjin murmured, smoothing his thumb over Jisung’s cheek. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss there before whispering, “Get some rest, Sungie.”

Jisung hummed in response, already sinking back into sleep.

Now, Seungmin.

Hyunjin had been expecting some resistance, and of course, Seungmin never failed to deliver.

The moment Hyunjin tried nudging him awake to drink some water, Seungmin groaned, barely cracking one eye open before weakly swatting at the cup. If Hyunjin hadn’t been quick, it probably would’ve spilled all over the sheets.

“No,” Seungmin mumbled, his voice hoarse and groggy. “Don’t wanna.”

Hyunjin sighed, adjusting his grip on the cup. “Minnie, you have to. You’re dehydrated.”

Seungmin made an irritated noise, burying his face into the pillow.

From beside him, Jisung let out a sleepy chuckle. “Minnie, you’re being dramatic.” He snuggled closer, draping an arm over Seungmin’s waist. “Just drink a little. Okay, baby?”

Seungmin groaned but didn’t push Jisung away.

Hyunjin watched, waiting patiently, even as Seungmin’s brows furrowed in clear annoyance. Eventually, after a long pause, Seungmin mumbled something under his breath. It was too quiet for Hyunjin to hear, but the way his fingers twitched against the blanket told him enough.

Hyunjin shook his head with a soft chuckle. “You don’t need to feel guilty. You’re sick,” he murmured, running a gentle hand through Seungmin’s hair. He could feel how warm his skin was, his fever still high despite the medicine. “I’m not mad, love.”

Seungmin huffed, but his body language had softened slightly.

“Just a few sips,” Hyunjin coaxed, holding the cup up again. This time, Seungmin reluctantly pushed himself up just enough to drink. His movements were sluggish, but Hyunjin waited patiently, making sure he didn’t rush.

Once Seungmin had swallowed enough, Hyunjin took the cup back and placed it on the nightstand.

“There,” he said, tucking the blanket securely around both of them. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

Seungmin let out a small, stubborn grumble. Jisung only snickered, nuzzling into his shoulder.

Hyunjin smiled. “Get some rest, you two. I’ll check on you later.”

Neither of them responded, already half-asleep.

Hyunjin lingered for just a moment, his fingers brushing through Seungmin’s hair one last time before he slipped out of the room.

Hyunjin walked into Changbin’s room, already bracing himself for the inevitable. He knew how feverish Changbin could get, and how it always seemed to turn into something a little… more when he wasn’t feeling well.

As he entered, he found Changbin already writhing slightly under the sheets, his face contorted in pain. Hyunjin’s heart sank at the sight. He immediately moved toward him, his hands instinctively reaching out to help.

Changbin winced, hissing through his teeth as his biceps throbbed painfully. “Hyunie, it hurts,” he muttered, his voice rough from the fever. Hyunjin felt a quick pang of sympathy before he set to work.

Without hesitation, Hyunjin began massaging his arm, gently coaxing the muscle to relax. He kept his touch firm but tender, knowing Changbin had a high pain tolerance and needed something more than just a soft touch right now. Changbin sighed in relief, leaning his head back against the pillow. His lips parted slightly as the tension started to ebb away.

“Thank you, baby,” Changbin mumbled, his eyes fluttering shut as he melted into Hyunjin’s touch. The pet name came so naturally from his lips, despite the pain he was in, and Hyunjin rolled his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips.

“You’re ridiculous,” he murmured affectionately, his hand continuing to work on Changbin’s arm. He brushed a lock of hair from Changbin’s forehead, pressing the back of his hand to check his temperature. His skin was burning, the heat radiating off him like a furnace.

Changbin’s feverish gaze met Hyunjin’s, his lips curling into a teasing smirk. “I’m not ridiculous… I just need you, Hyunjin.”

Hyunjin’s heart skipped at the words, but he tried to keep his composure. “You need rest, not me,” he responded, standing up to leave. But before he could get very far, Changbin’s arm shot out, pulling him back onto the bed.

“Don’t go,” Changbin groaned, his voice hoarse but desperate. His grip was surprisingly strong for someone burning with fever. He refused to let Hyunjin leave.

“Hyungie,” Hyunjin sighed, trying to free himself. “I really need to check on the others. Let me go.”

But Changbin was stubborn, tugging him closer until Hyunjin was trapped beside him on the bed. Changbin’s body heat made everything feel a little too intense, and Hyunjin couldn’t help the way his pulse quickened.

“No,” Changbin pouted, his face flushed with fever. “Stay with me. I don’t want to be alone.”

Hyunjin hesitated, the words tugging at his heart. He should’ve known better. Changbin always got clingy when he was sick. But something in his voice—a slight vulnerability that was uncharacteristic of Changbin—pulled at him.

“I can’t just sit here while you… whine about being sick,” Hyunjin said, his voice gentle but firm. He tried to shift away again, but Changbin’s arms tightened around him, pulling him down until their bodies were flush against each other.

“Hyunjinnie,” Changbin breathed, his eyes dark and heavy with fever as they met Hyunjin’s. “Just one kiss. Please.”

Hyunjin froze. His heart raced, and his breath hitched in his chest. He hadn’t expected this. Sure, Changbin was always affectionate, but this was… different. The heat of his fever, the intensity of his gaze, the way he clung to Hyunjin—it was all too much.

For a moment, Hyunjin hesitated. He should push him away, tell him he needed to rest. But when Changbin kissed his lips, it was gentle at first, just a soft press that sent shivers down Hyunjin’s spine. The kiss lingered, and despite his better judgment, Hyunjin kissed him back.

The kiss deepened quickly, and Hyunjin found himself completely absorbed in the warmth of Changbin’s touch. His hands wandered, one sliding up to touch Changbin’s burning face, the other finding its way to his waist, pulling him even closer.

Changbin responded with a soft groan, his lips moving against Hyunjin’s with more urgency. The feverish heat between them was overwhelming, and Hyunjin could feel his heart pounding as Changbin’s hands roamed to his chest.

He pulled away briefly, both of them gasping for air. Changbin’s feverish eyes never left Hyunjin’s, filled with something raw and desperate.

“Stay with me, please?” he murmured again, his voice a low, gravelly whisper.

Hyunjin was breathless, trying to focus on the warmth of Changbin’s body, the soft rhythm of their breathing. He couldn’t help but give in. His lips found Changbin’s again, this time with more hunger, as the fever between them swirled into something undeniable.

But as their kiss deepened, Hyunjin remembered where they were. They weren’t just two lovers caught in a feverish haze—they were also surrounded by their sick members, their responsibilities, and the fact that Changbin needed rest.

Breaking the kiss reluctantly, Hyunjin pressed his forehead against Changbin’s. “You need to sleep, Changbin. You’re burning up,” he whispered.

Changbin let out a soft sigh, a faint pout forming on his lips. “I’m fine, just… stay with me a little longer.”

Hyunjin chuckled softly, brushing a thumb over Changbin’s cheek. “You’re impossible when you’re sick, you know that?”

But he stayed, curling up next to him, letting Changbin rest his head on his chest. Hyunjin’s fingers gently ran through Changbin’s hair, his hand soothing the fevered skin as they drifted off into a comfortable silence.

Changbin, in his own way, had gotten what he wanted. 

Hyunjin woke up with a sharp inhale, his body jolting as if he had just remembered something urgent. His vision was slightly blurred from sleep, and he blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of his surroundings. The room was dim, barely illuminated by the weak morning light filtering through the curtains. A slow realization crept in, making his stomach drop.

Shit.

His eyes darted to his side, where Changbin was still fast asleep, his face turned toward the pillow, dark strands of hair sticking to his slightly damp forehead. His breathing was deep and steady, a stark contrast to the fevered state he’d been in last night. Hyunjin relaxed a little, reassured that at least Changbin was resting well. But then a wave of panic crashed over him.

What about the others?

Without wasting another second, Hyunjin carefully peeled Changbin’s arm off of him and slipped out of the bed, moving like a ghost to avoid waking him. He tiptoed across the room, grabbing the discarded blanket from the floor and gently covering Changbin with it before quietly slipping out of the room.

The hallway was eerily silent, except for the faint creaks of the wooden floor beneath his feet. Hyunjin ignored the stiffness in his back as he made his way to Minho’s room, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. What if Minho’s fever had gotten worse? What if he needed something and Hyunjin had been asleep instead of taking care of him?

He pushed the door open carefully, peeking inside with bated breath.

Minho was still asleep.

Hyunjin exhaled slowly, relief washing over him like a wave. The older man was curled up under his blankets, his face half-buried into the pillow. His fever must have dropped slightly because he wasn’t sweating as much as before, and his breathing was steady. Hyunjin took a few quiet steps inside, just to be sure. He placed the back of his hand lightly on Minho’s forehead and held still. Warm, but not dangerously so.

Hyunjin allowed himself a moment to just breathe.

One less thing to worry about.

He pulled the blanket up a little higher over Minho’s shoulders, making sure he was comfortable, then silently backed out of the room.

Now that everyone was still asleep, Hyunjin could take a moment to reset. He made his way to the kitchen, running a hand through his hair, pushing the strands back from his forehead. His whole body felt heavy, exhausted from the past few days of taking care of all of them. But even as his limbs ached, his mind was already planning what needed to be done next.

His stomach let out a small, tired grumble. He ignored it.

Instead, he reached for his phone and scrolled through food delivery apps. They needed something warm, something that would help them recover faster. His fingers hovered over the options before he settled on Kimchi soup. The spiciness would help clear their sinuses, and it was packed with nutrients. Plus, it was comforting—something that would warm them up from the inside out.

He placed the order, setting his phone down on the counter with a sigh. The kitchen was quiet, the faint hum of the refrigerator the only noise accompanying him. He allowed himself a moment to lean back against the counter, rubbing his tired eyes.

He’d barely had a second to breathe in the past 24 hours. Between checking everyone’s temperatures, making sure they were hydrated, giving them medicine at the right intervals, and keeping track of who needed what, it had been nonstop. But despite the exhaustion settling deep into his bones, Hyunjin felt an odd sense of fulfillment.

They need me.

That thought alone was enough to keep him going.

After a few moments, his phone buzzed, signaling that the order had been confirmed. Hyunjin pushed himself off the counter and stretched, rolling his shoulders. He had about 20 minutes before the food arrived. Just enough time to check on everyone one more time.

So, with a small, tired smile, he headed back down the hall, ready to do it all over again.

Eventually, the stew arrived, its rich, comforting aroma filling the dorm like a warm embrace. The scent alone seemed to stir the others from their drowsy states, and one by one, they shuffled out of their rooms, drawn to the promise of a hot meal.

Hyunjin watched as they slowly gathered around the table, still groggy, their limbs heavy with exhaustion. As soon as they slumped into their chairs, they instinctively leaned against one another, heads resting on shoulders, arms draped loosely over backs. It was an unspoken display of closeness, something that made Hyunjin's chest tighten with affection. They had been so out of it, barely seeing each other while they were all sick, and now, even in their half-conscious states, they sought each other out. It was adorable.

Hyunjin moved wordlessly, grabbing the dishes from the cabinets, while Minho, who was clearly in better shape than the rest, took over pouring the steaming soup into each bowl. The quiet clinking of ceramic against the wooden table was the only sound for a moment, aside from the occasional sniffle or muffled cough.

Once all the bowls were filled, the others barely hesitated before reaching for their spoons, eager for warmth. But Hyunjin didn’t sit down. He took a step back, hands resting on the counter behind him as he observed them instead.

He wasn’t hungry. Or rather, he was, but not enough to eat before them. They needed the food more than he did. He would eat whatever was left over once they were finished.

Chan noticed immediately.

Through half-lidded eyes, he shot Hyunjin a knowing look, his spoon pausing midway to his mouth. It was subtle, but Hyunjin caught it.

Eat.

Hyunjin waved his hand dismissively before Chan could say anything, shaking his head as if to tell him, 'don’t worry about me'. Chan’s lips pressed into a thin line, clearly not happy about it, but he didn’t push—at least not yet.

Instead, he turned his attention back to his bowl, murmuring a quiet thank you before taking his first sip. Around the table, the others followed, and soon, the only sounds in the room were soft sighs of relief as the warm stew soothed their aching bodies.

Hyunjin exhaled quietly, a small, tired smile tugging at his lips. This was enough. Just watching them eat, knowing they were okay, and that was enough for now.

An hour later, the dorm was quiet once more, each of the boys tucked back into their rooms to rest. Hyunjin lingered in the kitchen with Minho, who had insisted on helping him wash the dishes despite still looking a little pale. Hyunjin allowed it for a few minutes, the two of them working in comfortable silence, but as soon as Minho wobbled slightly, Hyunjin shot him a firm look.

"Alright, enough," Hyunjin said, taking the plate from Minho's hands. "Go rest before your fever spikes again." Wow, who knew he himself could be so stern?

Minho opened his mouth to argue but ultimately sighed, recognizing the stubborn set of Hyunjin’s jaw. He ruffled Hyunjin’s hair in a lazy show of gratitude before dragging himself back to his room, leaving Hyunjin alone in the kitchen.

Hyunjin glanced at the empty pot on the stove and exhaled. There was no soup left. Not that he was surprised—they all needed it more than he did. He wasn’t upset, but his stomach still twisted with hunger.

A quick search through the fridge revealed a small container of leftover dumplings, and after checking the cabinets, he found a single ramen packet shoved into the back. Not the most luxurious meal, but it was enough.

He boiled the noodles quickly, threw the dumplings on a plate, and finally settled onto the couch with his food. The dorm was eerily quiet now, the absence of the usual chaos making the space feel larger than it actually was.

Hyunjin sighed, resting his head against the back of the couch as he absentmindedly scrolled through his phone. He clicked on a random video, letting the familiar voices and laughter fill the room. It wasn’t the same as having his members awake, bickering, or joking around, but it was better than nothing.

He ate slowly, savoring each bite, and though the meal was simple, it was warm, filling, and enough to keep him going.

He just hoped they’d all be feeling better soon.

Hyunjin finished his food with a quiet sigh, tossing the disposable ramen bowl into the trash before rinsing off his plate. His body ached with exhaustion, muscles heavy from moving around all day. With no more tasks left to distract himself, he let out a low grunt and flopped onto the couch, one arm draped over his eyes.

For a moment, the silence felt almost unnatural. After hours of running around, checking fevers, and making sure everyone was taken care of, the dorm was finally still. 'Maybe I can close my eyes for a little bit…' he thought, just for a moment.

But peace never lasted long in a house full of sick people.

Not even thirty minutes had passed before Hyunjin heard it—the unmistakable sound of someone retching from the bathroom. His heart dropped, guilt immediately washing over him. He pushed himself up in an instant, cursing under his breath as he rushed toward the sound.

The bathroom door was already open, and inside, Jeongin was hunched over the toilet, his body trembling as he gagged. Jisung was crouched beside him, murmuring something under his breath, his hand rubbing slow, soothing circles into Jeongin’s back.

When Hyunjin stepped in, Jisung shot him a sharp, exhausted glare.

"Where the hell were you?" he muttered, voice thick with fatigue.

Hyunjin froze, guilt weighing heavier in his chest. He should've been here sooner. Should've been paying more attention.

"I—" he started, but there was no point in making excuses. Instead, he crouched down next to them, placing a gentle hand on Jeongin’s shoulder. "I’ve got him," he murmured.

Jisung hesitated, his expression flickering with concern, but after a second, he nodded. With a tired pat on Jeongin’s back, he slowly stood up, stretching out his stiff legs. "Wake me if you need me," he mumbled before shuffling back toward his room.

Once Jisung was gone, Hyunjin focused all his attention on Jeongin. The youngest had gone limp, his forehead resting against the cool porcelain of the toilet, breaths uneven.

"Hey," Hyunjin whispered, brushing the damp strands of hair from Jeongin's forehead. "You okay, Innie?"

Jeongin let out a weak, miserable whimper in response. Hyunjin sighed and moved quickly, helping him sit up properly before grabbing some tissues to wipe his mouth. He reached for a cup, filling it with water before holding it to Jeongin’s lips.

"Rinse and spit," he instructed softly, steadying the younger’s shaking hands. Jeongin obeyed, though he still looked absolutely miserable.

After making sure he was done, Hyunjin grabbed a fresh pair of clothes from his room, returning to find Jeongin slumped against the wall, eyes glassy with exhaustion.

"Let’s get you back to bed, yeah?" Hyunjin said gently.

Jeongin barely had the energy to nod, so Hyunjin helped him to his feet, carefully guiding him back to his room. Once Jeongin was settled, Hyunjin tucked the blanket securely around him, making sure he was warm enough.

"I’m sorry," Jeongin mumbled, his voice small.

Hyunjin’s heart clenched. He leaned down, wrapping his arms around the younger in a firm, comforting hug. "Don’t be," he murmured against his hair. "You’re sick. This isn’t your fault."

He pulled back just enough to press a quick kiss to Jeongin’s nose before smoothing his hair back one last time. "Get some rest, okay?"

Jeongin gave him a weak, tired smile before his eyes fluttered shut.

Hyunjin lingered for a moment, watching his breathing even out. Once he was sure Jeongin was finally asleep, he stood up and slipped out of the room as quietly as possible.

Instead of heading back to the couch, Hyunjin made his way to the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of water and leaning against the counter.

He didn’t sleep at all that night.

Hyunjin sat on the edge of the couch, phone pressed to his ear as he updated Manager Kim on the others' conditions. His voice was low, careful not to wake anyone else. He ran a tired hand through his hair as he spoke, exhaustion weighing heavily on his limbs.  

"Yeah, Jeongin had a rough night, but he's finally resting. Minho’s doing better. Chan’s still out like a light. Jisung and Seungmin, too. Changbin’s... well, still being Changbin," Hyunjin muttered, shaking his head slightly. He listened to the manager’s response, nodding even though no one could see him.  

Just as he was about to wrap up the call, he felt a familiar warmth press against his back—slender arms looping around his waist, a soft face nuzzling into the crook of his neck. Then, a lazy press of lips against his skin.  

Hyunjin nearly shivered.  

He didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. The shape of the hands on his waist, the gentle way they squeezed, the softness of the lips grazing his neck—it was unmistakable.  

Felix.  

Hyunjin hummed softly, tilting his head slightly to acknowledge him. "What are you doing up so early?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.  

Felix sighed against his skin. "Woke up. Couldn’t sleep." His voice was raspy with sleep, deeper than usual.  

Hyunjin hesitated for a moment before gently untangling Felix’s arms and turning to face him. He placed the back of his hand against the younger's forehead, checking his temperature. The heat from his fever was mostly gone, but there was still a slight warmth lingering beneath his skin.  

"You’re feeling better," Hyunjin noted, though his brow remained furrowed. "But you still need rest."  

Felix pouted, brows drawing together as he clung onto Hyunjin’s wrist. "Don’t wanna sleep."  

Hyunjin sighed, knowing there was no winning against Felix when he got like this. "Fine," he relented, tugging him toward the couch. "Come here."  

Felix didn’t hesitate, curling up beside Hyunjin as if it was second nature. He fit perfectly against him, pressing close as he rested his head on Hyunjin’s shoulder, breath slow and warm against his collarbone.  

Hyunjin picked up his phone again, pulling up a random video. "We can watch something until you get tired," he murmured, keeping his voice soft.  

Felix hummed in agreement but didn’t say much else. Instead, he shifted just a little closer, arm draped lazily over Hyunjin’s stomach.  

Hyunjin didn’t mind.  

So, they stayed like that—curled up together on the couch, watching quiet videos on his phone as the world outside remained still.

Hyunjin made one last round to check on everyone, his footsteps light as he moved through the quiet dorm. When he peeked into Changbin’s room, he found Jeongin curled up against him, head resting comfortably on Changbin’s chest. The sight made Hyunjin smile—Jeongin always sought warmth, and Changbin was like a human furnace. Shaking his head fondly, he quietly closed the door and moved on.

Seungmin’s room was next. The moment Hyunjin opened the door, he nearly groaned. Seungmin was half off the bed, his upper body dangling dangerously close to the floor while his legs remained tangled in the sheets.

Hyunjin exhaled sharply, resisting the urge to smack some sense into the younger boy. Instead, he walked over and effortlessly pulled Seungmin back onto the mattress, tucking him in properly. "You’re unbelievable," he muttered, though the corners of his lips twitched in amusement. He adjusted the blanket around Seungmin before stepping out, shaking his head as he shut the door behind him.

Heading back to the living room, Hyunjin wasn’t surprised to find Felix still on his phone. The dim glow of the screen illuminated his freckled face, eyes fixated on whatever he was watching. Hyunjin snickered, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he approached.

Without warning, he snatched the phone from Felix’s hands.

"Hyung!" Felix whined, immediately reaching for it, but Hyunjin held it out of reach, a teasing smirk playing on his lips.

"Ah, ah, ah," Hyunjin tsked, wagging his finger at him like he was scolding a child. "You’ve had enough screen time for today."

Felix pouted, but Hyunjin only grinned wider, clearly enjoying himself. That was, until Felix suddenly lunged at him, knocking him back onto the couch.

Before Hyunjin could react, Felix straddled him, pinning him down as he reached for his phone. "Give it back," Felix huffed, hands grasping for the device.

Hyunjin grumbled, twisting beneath him, but Felix was relentless. They wrestled for a few seconds, laughter bubbling between them as they grappled for control. But Hyunjin had the advantage—longer arms, quicker reflexes. Just when Felix thought he had won, Hyunjin smirked and stretched his arm out, keeping the phone just beyond reach.

Felix groaned in frustration. "Hyung, stop cheating!"

Hyunjin only chuckled, squirming out from under him. "All’s fair in love and war," he quipped, holding his phone triumphantly as he settled back against the couch, victorious.

Felix huffed, crossing his arms as he flopped down beside him, mumbling something under his breath.

Hyunjin glanced at him, amused. "What was that?"

Felix narrowed his eyes. "I said, I’ll get you back for this."

Hyunjin only laughed. "I’d like to see you try."

Felix did, in fact, get him back later that night. 

His fingertips continued their lazy dance along Hyunjin’s spine, each light stroke making Hyunjin’s breath hitch ever so slightly. He tried to ignore it, to stay firm, but Felix knew exactly what he was doing.

Hyunjin’s heart raced a little faster when Felix’s voice cut through the silence again. "You really thought you could keep the upper hand, hm?" His words were teasing, but they carried a weight that made Hyunjin’s pulse quicken.

Hyunjin bit his lip, not trusting himself to speak. The quiet, vulnerable side of him wanted to respond, wanted to tell Felix that this wasn’t what he had expected, that he wasn’t the one who should be pinned like this. But Felix’s soft, warm breath against his ear made his pride falter. It was a battle he knew he was losing.

Felix shifted slightly, his body pressing even closer to Hyunjin’s, his warmth surrounding him like a cocoon. The feeling was so simple, so calm, but it made Hyunjin’s body tense with a different kind of anticipation. He hated how easily Felix had broken through his usual barriers, how easily he made him feel like this.

Felix let out a soft, almost lazy sigh, his lips brushing the edge of Hyunjin’s ear. "You can act all cool, Jinnie," he whispered, "but I know better."

Hyunjin swallowed, trying to stay composed, but his body betrayed him, betraying every ounce of control he’d tried to maintain. His chest rose and fell faster, his hand gripping the sheets beneath them as if it could steady him.

Felix chuckled softly at his reaction, clearly enjoying the control he had, the way he could reduce Hyunjin to this mess of tangled emotions and sensations.

And Hyunjin hated how much he liked it.

The next day, Hyunjin woke up to the sound of yelling, his head pounding like a drum against his skull. A groggy sigh left his lips as he blinked the sleep out of his eyes, trying to process what was happening. The bed next to him was empty—Felix wasn’t there anymore. That should’ve been his first sign that things had already spiraled into chaos.  

Dragging himself out of bed, he shuffled toward the living room, the noise growing louder with each step. The moment he stepped in, he was greeted with a scene straight out of a disaster movie.  

Jisung was hunched over the coffee table, stuffing his face with noodles as if he’d been starved for weeks. Across from him, Changbin was fuming, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles were white. “Those are my noodles, you little rat!” he bellowed, lunging forward as Minho, completely unamused, caught him by the waist and held him back with little effort.  

Jisung only cackled, mouth full, pointing his chopsticks at Changbin in mockery. “Finders keepers, bro!”  

Felix was watching the whole thing with amusement, lazily leaning against the counter. But the moment Seungmin muttered something under his breath, Felix’s face twisted in horror before he smacked him upside the head. “Shut up, perv.”  

Seungmin only snickered, rubbing the sore spot.  

In the middle of it all stood Chan, his face buried in his hands, pinching the bridge of his nose like he was seconds away from combusting.  

Hyunjin exhaled, shaking his head at the mess of a household. But despite everything, he felt a small smile tug at his lips. They were better. They were loud and annoying and chaotic, which meant they were okay again. And that was all that mattered.  

He took a step forward, but suddenly, the floor didn’t feel solid beneath him. His head spun, the sounds around him turning into muffled echoes. His vision blurred at the edges, and a strange weightlessness filled his limbs.  

Someone was screaming his name.  

Hyunjin barely had time to register the panic in their voice before everything went black.  

…Guess it was his turn now.