Work Text:
Sunoo's POV~
Being an idol depends on many factors; being a successful idol depends on even more, but the most essential one of all is being loved by Fans. Fans have all the authority when it comes to idols; they control their weight, their achievements, their privacy and most definitely their success. Music shows' trophies can't be won without fans' votes, Tours can't succeed without bought tickets, Music videos can't go viral without views and streams and so on, about almost everything else.
After a successful world tour, the best feeling is when you are on your way home, knowing that your warm bed is waiting for you there, at least it's that way for me, I don't know about everyone else but me and Sunghoon can agree on that. It was chaos on the plane, Jay, Jake and Niki are having a screaming match (A perfectly friendly game match but now it can't be called that after Jake accidently killing Ni-ki's character), Jungwon and Heeseung are in a heated discussion about which groups and idols are the trendiest lately, and Sunghoon (poor Sunghoon) who was trying to nap a few minutes ago is now sitting uptight, with his phone unlocked in his hand and a permanent glare on his face directed at the trio who were unbothered by it.
"Cheer up, hyung. You will get early wrinkles," I teased him, reaching out to poke his cheek.
"Aish, you brat. My skin is young and healthy, I don't apply all those disgustingly textured products for nothing," He said, rubbing his cheeks and patting them with a proud look.
"Yeah yeah, you are young and beautiful, hyung. No one could compare," I said, smiling widely as I leaned back in my seat.
"I am not getting any sleep, am I? " he said, sighing with a defeated look.
"Nope, sorry, hyung. Better chance back at the dorms," I said sympathetically.
"Great," he commented, taking out his headphones and connecting them to his phone. He put them on before closing his eyes and resting his head against his seat.
I giggled as I leaned back against my seat again, opening the book that I'd been reading. It was a rom-com that an Engene recommended on Weverse, so far it was so good that I didn't feel half of the flight.
"Yah! Can you please keep it down? I'm getting a headache because of you three." Sunghoon suddenly shouted, yanking his headphones off, he fully turned to the trio who were frozen with big, wide eyes.
"If you don't sit quietly like normal, grown adults in the next 30 seconds, I'm gonna cut your pretty hair in your sleep"
"You can't, hyung. The management won't agree with that decision," Ni-ki said, sticking his tongue out at him while the other two laughed.
"Come on, guys, just keep it a little quieter. Let's not bother Sunghoon hyung," Junwon said, from his seat at the side.
"On one condition" Jake said, holding his finger in a 'wait a minute' gesture.
Sunghoon only replied with a raised eyebrow.
"You take the three of us to a karaoke later, your treat" He finished with a too sweet smile.
"Fine, if it gets you to shut up for a few minutes," Sunghoon said, his face already looking like he regretted his words. This was completely the opposite of the trio's faces, which had bright, satisfied smiles printed on them.
Once the trio settled down quietly, everything else followed; Jungwon was now sleeping, resting his head against Heeseung who was scrolling on his phone, Sunghoon took out en eye cover from his back as he leaned back against his seat again with a satisfied sigh and I simply went back to my book that was about to end.
"Hyung, do you think a lot of fans will be waiting for us when we arrive ?" Ni-ki asked no one in particular after a while of silence.
"Of course, when there aren't a lot of fans?," Heeseung replied.
"I feel guilty to say this but I hope there won't be a lot of fans this time" I said, closing the book in my lap and focusing on the currently awake members.
"Same, we are already exhausted from the tour, I don't think I can handle a mobbing right now" Jay mumbled, massaging his left shoulder.
"I'm sure it will be fine", Jake said, ever the optimist.
"I hope so", I whispered into nothing.
The rest of the flight was uneventful; everyone was either sleeping or on their phones. It also wasn't so bad when the plan landed; we exited and passed the check without a hitch until it was time to get out. Our manager had already taken out big bags, so everyone was left with their handbags or backpacks.
"Man, I'm worn out. I think I can sleep for 24 hours," Jake whined, leaning heavily on Heeseung, who patted his head with affection
"Same here! Hopefully, we'll get to the dorms fast. I need a shower," Jay mumbled, pulling at his sweater's collar with a grimace.
"Alright guys, some fans are waiting for you outside, so you'll just greet them briefly, maybe take a picture or two, say a nice word and then we'll be on our way. Just make sure to smile brightly and look alive", Manager-nim said, looking pointedly at Jake, who looked asleep on his feet.
"Okay! Got it," Jake said, standing straight and slapping his face lightly to look more awake, although it didn't do much.
"Good enough. Just hold on for 10 more minutes and then you can sleep to your heart's content once in the van," Manager-nim said, gesturing something to the two bodyguards who were assigned to escort us to the van.
"Just two?" Jungwon murmured worriedly.
"It's fine, there aren't a lot of people outside besides there are barricades separating us and them so it'll be fine," I reassured him, patting his back. "Cheer up, Won-ah"
He nodded with a small, barely there smile but the worry didn't leave his face.
"Can you stay near Heeseung hyung?" He suddenly asked.
"Uhh, sure but why?" I asked back, confused
"Just.... I'm worried, just stay near Hee-hyung or Sunghoon, whoever is closer," He instructed in leader voice before walking away towards our manager, probably to tell him.
"Alright, Everyone ready?" A bodyguard called from the exit door. Our manager looked at us for confirmation. When he got it, he lined us in pairs, Jungwon, Sunghoon and Jay in the front, Ni-ki and Jake after them and finally, Me and Heesung at the very back. Before the door opened, Jungwon looked back, eyes scanning the crowd before they landed on me
'Stay close to Hee-hyung.' he mouthed, and I gave him a small nod. To keep my word to Jungwon, I held onto Heeseung's backpack, not tightly to pull him, but just enough not to get separated. The fans' voice was loud even though we weren't halfway out of the airport yet. The walk was short, only a few fans managed to enter the airport and most of them were reporters so it wasn't bad. We walked fast as we answered 1 or 2 of the reporters' questions, just giving short answers, short yet long enough to be included in a post or whatever they will use it for. When we were closer to the door, the screams suddenly turned louder once Jay made his way out, followed by Sunghoon who smiled and waved to the fans. Jungwon was next; he posed for some seconds before he stepped closer for some pictures. When we were about to exit, I let go of Heeseung's backpack, not wanting to trip or pull him accidentally. We were almost there anyway, so it was fine. When we were out of the door, i shivered at the coldness in the air. It was raining earlier, judging by the wet ground, so the air was very chill. I rubbed my hands together as I smiled and made so aegyos.
"Sunoo! Sunoo, Here, here" someone screamed from my left. When I looked, there was a short girl at the front, holding her phone with one hand and a heat pack with the other extended. I hesitated; we were advised not to take anything from fans, not because we don't trust them but because it's better to be careful just in case. Seeing my hesitation, a frown appeared on her face, i hated seeing Engens make that face so with a silent prayer, I stepped closer, reaching a hand to take the hot pack with a small bow but as soon as my hand touched the pack, another arm came from behind the girl so fast that I didn't have time to pull back as the thin but strong fingers got wrapped around my wrist tightly. I laughed nervously as I tried to pull my wrist back but the hand didn't budge. The short girl with the hot pack tried to look behind her, but before she could, she was pushed aside by another girl, who was taller with a lip ring that shone with all the flashes around.
"Oppa, Oppa, how was the tour? Did you have fun?" She screamed as she pushed her phone into my face, so close I went eye-crossed when I tried to look at it. Her voice was so loud and high-pitched that I had to hold back a wince as my ear rang for a second.
"It was great. We all had a lot of fun, and we are happy we got to see our international engines" I answered politely, smiling widely as I pulled harder, trying to free my wrist. Her fingers were tightly wrapped that I felt like it was cutting off the blood circulation. I looked behind me, trying to catch someone's eye, but I couldn't see our manager, and the members were busy taking pictures and chatting with the fans.
"What city was your favourite stop?" She asked again, but I looked apologetically at her.
"I'm sorry, I need to go now" I said, trying to step back but she refused to let go.
"Just answer this question" She insisted, tightening her grip
"Excuse me" I ignored her words as i stepped back, thinking it would force her to let go but instead she pulled me back harshly, causing my elbow hit the top of the barricade separating us making it rattle. Unlike some airports, this one didn't row them like a fence but more like pieces with small space between each of them so each barricade was separated.
"Please let go" I said as i saw Jake and Jungwon moving forward in direction of the van.
"Not before you answer, it's a simple question" She held tighter, her nails digging in my flesh.
"P-please let go, I need to leave r-right now" I stammered as I saw Jay and Sunghoon leave too. In a moment of panic, i pulled my hand stronger, using my weight to force her to keep go but instead she held onto the barricade but her weight was a lot less than mine so the barricade moved along with her forward. I tried to stabilize it with my free hand but my foot suddenly slipped, causing me to fall sideways. To avoid landing on my arm, I angled my body back so the landing would be on my back instead of my side. I groaned when my body and head made contact with the wet ground before something heavy fell on my body, making me gasp loudly. The barricade fell on top of my followed by the girl on top of it. I coughed but winced when pain shot through my chest and abdomen. I saw dark sport in my vision as everything spun.
"Sunoo!" "Sunoo-Hyung" "Sunoo" I heard screams and panicked voiced before a hand was on my face. I tried to look at the person but everything was cloudy and painful. I tried to gasp for air but I ended up choking and coughing instead, it was like bricks were crushing my chest and every breath hurt more than the one before it.
"He pulled me! He pulled me!" I heard the girl scream, finally letting go of my wrist, which fell limp beside me, no longer having any strength to keep it up.
"H-h-hurts-s" I coughed, feelings tears streaming down my face. Everything was painful, the back of my head was throbbing painfully and my side and chest were like they were on fire.
"I know, I know. Just a second, Hyung will make it better soon" The voice said, wiping my cheeks softly and caressing them. Another hand was clutched to mine, Ni-ki's judging from the size.
A few seconds later, some of the weight was lifted off my chest but the heavy metal barricade remained. I was gasping for air, feeling my chest burn with every breath and pain was flaring in my left side. I tried to move but it only made everything hurt more.
"Don't move, please. You'll only hurt yourself more." Another voice said before shouting at another direction.
"JAY, GET THIS OFF OF HIM"
"Fuck!" I winced at the loud voice, feeling my ears ring.
"Sorry,sorry but I had to" The voice said, now lower and clearer than before. Before long, the barricade got lifted, I took a deep breath but choked on it midway. I felt like something was stabbing me in my right side, breathing made it worse and when a hand pressed down gently, I flinched with wince, breathing sharply.
"Something hurts" I mumbled, finally opening my eyes as I came face to face with Heeseung. my vision was blurry but worrying was visible in his expression.
"I know. we'll go to the hospital in a minute," He said, supporting my neck and back as he pulled me up little by little. I winced when the pain in my chest/side flared with movement.
"Should we move him? what if he hurt his back or neck?" A panicked voice came from behind as Jay crouched down beside us.
"'m fine, just my side and my eyes" I wheezed, subconsciously moving my arm to cradle my side but a hand held it before it could press on the tender skin.
"Don't. It will only hurt. Let me help you up" Heeseung said, wrapping my left arm around his neck as Jay came to my other side.
"Okay, I know you are in pain but we need to go. there's an ambulance waiting but can't reach here cause of the crowd. we'll do it slowly. we'll go on 3, okay?" He said, voice soft and comforting.
I nodded slowly, breathing as shallow as possible so the pain wont be bad.
"Okay baby! slowly, 1.....2.......3"
I groaned as Heeseung gently pulled me up, the pain coming back stronger than before it instantly brought tears to my eyes. after a moment of struggle, I finally stood up, all my weight supported by Heeseung. My legs felt like jelly, all wiggly and weak but I still forced them to move. the walk to the ambulance was agonizing, every step sending sharp pain through my side, every breath resulting in a stabbing sensation.
once we reached the ambulance, our manager was already there, with 2 paramedics behind him. I was laid on the stretcher gently, I gasped as my body was fully laid, my shirt was pulled up as the paramedic examined the area. It looked red and swollen and I flinched when the paramedic pressed on it.
"Does it hurt here?" He asked, pressing more firmly. I winced as I nodded.
the other paramedic took a stethoscope, pressing the diaphragm to my chest.
"Try to take a deep breath" He instructed. I complied, wincing and exhaling when it became too painful.
"Alright, I can hear crunching so it's most likely a broken rib. we'll confirm at the hospital though to be 100% sure" He said, taking off his gloves.
"Let me check your eyes, they said you fell on your back" He added, taking out a flashlight from his pocket.
"I did, my vision is a bit blurry" I said, squinting when the light hit my eyes. it only lasted for a few seconds but when it was over, I felt a headache growing behind my eyes.
"Possible concussion. Take these, they will help with the pain" he said, handing me two pills and a water bottle.
"Thanks" I mumbled, popping them in my mouth and washing them down with water. He nodded as he left.
"Sunoo-yah. How do you feel?" the manager said as he opened the ambulance door, patting my ankle gently.
"I'm fine, it doesn't hurt that badly when I don't move" I answered, straining my neck slightly to look at him.
"I apologize for letting that happen to you, it's my fault. I'll make sure everyone responsible for this gets dealt with. Everyone wants to come with you to the hospital so I'll send Jungwon and we'll all be behind you in the van, is that okay with you? " He asked, his tone apologetic and guilty.
"It's no one's fault, Hyung-nim. Please don't feel guilty, I am fine." I said, trying my best to reassure him.
"It is my fault, i should have paid more attention to you but I didn't so it's partly my fault. "
"I don't think so but if it will make you feel better, I accept your apology" I said, He nodded sadly before leaving. a few seconds later, Jungwon appeared.
"Hey " He greeted, coming inside and sitting beside me, before taking my hand in his, "How are you, hyung?"
"I'm fine Won-ah, they gave me pain killers so the pain isn't as bad as before" i said, squeezing his hand softly.
"I'm glad, I'm sorry hyung. I had a bad feeling from the very start so I'm sorry for not keeping you safe" He said, his head bowed down.
"Hey! Wonnie, Jungwon-ah. No need for that. It's not your fault, how can it be? please don't apologize" I said, raising my hand to pat his bowed head gently. He refused to lift his head up but I kept running my fingers through his hair.
"Come on, look at me" I said, hitting his shoulder softly.
He shook his head stubbornly, shoulders raising and falling suspiciously.
"Aww, come on Wonnie, I'm in pain and you are telling me no?" I whined, playfully making pain noises.
"Jungwon-ah, your favourite hyung is in pain, won't you comfort him?" I asked, pouting at him.
"C'mon stop it, you aren't my favourite" He not so subtly wiped his eyes, finally lifting his head up .
"I knew it!! It's probably Jay hyung. Oh my heart, I'll just die here of sadness" I joked, clutching my heart dramatically.
"Don't be dramatic hyung" He said, flicking my nose with a fake irritated face. His eyes were red and the tip of his nose.
I stuck my tongue out at him, giggling but ending up groaning when it made pain flair slightly.
"Don't laugh, you will feel pain." He scolded softly.
"Okay okay, stop looking funny and I won't laugh" I winked,
He rolled his eyes as he leaned back but kept his grip on my hand. 10 minutes later we arrived at the hospital. It wasn't crowded but Jungwon still handed me a bucket hat and glasses just in case. The nurses helped me change my clothes before I was taken to the X-ray area. The process was quick, only 20 minutes. After finishing, I was taken to a VIP room where the members along with the manager were waiting. The lights were dim and the curtains were drawn closed.
"Aish~~ what's wrong with your faces? Cheer up, you will get wrinkles" I teased them, trying to clear the air a bit.
"I am glad you can still joke after that. I'd be crying if I were in your place" Jake said, adjusting the bed and pillows before helping me lay down.
"Thank you and I'm fine, nothing happened. It was an accident" I replied, breathing slowly once I was in a comfortable position.
"It wasn't an accident. That girl wouldn't let you go. I saw it and was coming to get you but I couldn't reach in time" Jungwon said, sighing deeply.
"Hey! Don't blame yourself now. Did you plan this? No. Did you want this to happen? No. Did you do this? No so don't blame yourself for something you can't control. Sunghoon hyung, knock some sense into our dumb, too selfless leader" I said just as Sunghoon smacked Jungwon's head softly.
Jungwon made an offended face as he threw a pillow at him but instead it hit Jake who there one back at him. The pillow war continues for a few minutes but stopped once there was a knock on the door and a doctor stepped in.
"Kim sunoo-ssi? My name is Doctor Yang" He said, he was old with a head full of white hair but he looked kind and cheerful, radiating calm energy.
We all bowed in union, with me bowing the best I could while lying down.
"Good news is it's a broken rib. No internal organs were damaged so you will heal just fine in 4-6 weeks. I know you are idols so no dancing, exercising, gym trips, running, and everything along these lines for the next 6 weeks until the rib is fully healed. also it seems you have a mild concussion, Are you feeling any dizziness or nausea?"
"My vision is a bit blurry and I have a headache" I said, massaging my temple gently.
"they will go away after a few days with enough rest. make sure to always have dim light around you like here for the first few days, limit your exposure to phone or T.V screens and with enough rest you will be good as new" He finished, handing the manager a paper.
"These are strong painkillers so make sure to eat before having them. You can be discharged now. I am wishing you a speedy recovery sunoo-ssi, excuse me" He bowed, exiting the room.
"Alright, that's good news. Please follow the doctor's instructions and don't sneak behind anyone's back. and no games until you heal properly. I'll go deal with the discharge papers and get the medicine while you change" The manager said before leaving with the prescription.
"You need help changing?" Jay asked, standing up with my clothes and helping me to the bathroom.
"No hyung. I'm good. I am not dizzy, my vision is just a tiny bit blurry" I said, taking my clothes from his hands as I entered the clean bathroom, closing the door behind me.
Getting dressed was a bit of a challenge. Bending down made me feel dizzy and made my side scream with pain, same with raising my arms to put on the shirt but I managed. Once fully dressed except for the jacket, I left the bathroom.
"Done? manager-nim is waiting in the van down" Sunghoon said, taking the jacket from my hand. I nodded as we all headed out, going down the stairs slowly. When we were in the van, the manager handed me a paper bag with the painkillers.
"Should we order some soup today? We don't want to upset your stomach" Heeseung suggested, opening the delivery app.
"Sure, I want Miyeok-guk (beef seaweed soup)" I said, taking the phone from him, putting my order in and handing it back to him. The rest of the members ordered their food as we stopped in front of our dorm.
"Take care of Sunoo. Don't let him trick you into anything; he needs to rest." Manager-nim said before driving away.
We took the elevator up and entered the dorm. Jake helped me take off my shoes before shooing me away to change but not without offering his help, which was met with denial and a thank you.
10 minutes later, our food arrived. We all gathered in the living room with a Chinese drama playing in the background that I wasn't allowed to see but just listen to it. I ate slowly, my stomach wasn't upset, but just in case, I don't imagine throwing up with a broken rib is something painless and I don't wanna find out. After finishing eating and cleaning up, Heeseung handed me a pill and a glass of juice.
"Thank you hyung, you didn't have to" I mumbled as I accepted the glass and pill.
"I want to, in case you forgot. Don't worry about it, sunoo-yah. Just focus on recovering" He said, ruffling my hair playfully.
"Yeah yeah, good thing we have a vacation. Lucky me" I said, laughing lightly.
"Even if we didn't have one, no one was gonna let you dance or move with that" Jay said from the floor where he was 'digesting', his words not mine.
"Alright, I get it. You love me that much. I knew I was your favourite" I said, tossing my non-existing long hair back.
"Keep telling that to yourself" Jungwon teased,
"He is my favorite Hyung!" Ni-ki exclaimed, coming closer until he was beside me on the sofa.
"See!! Ni-ki gets it. Thank you precious maknae, you are my favorite too" I said, hugging his arm.
Once everyone settled down, the living room fell quiet. Not a bad quiet but a comfortable one. Everyone was doing his thing, Jay was falling asleep on the floor, Sunghoon was doing something on his phone, Jungwon eating a chocolate bar while watching the Chinese drama and the rest were just relaxing. I closed my eyes and laid back with a sigh, the pain was gone, some discomfort was present but it wasn't persistent and my headache was almost gone. I yawned as the warmth and comfort settled over me, Ni-ki's body heat lulling me to sleep.
"Sleepy?" He whispered, pulling my body closer.
I hummed, cuddling closer to him.
"Take a nap. it's still early" He said, pulling me closer to his side.
I nodded again, breathing slowly and relaxing more. It wasn't long before I was falling into a calm quiet sleep.