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"Hey, watch it!" Taehyun's voice pierced the air, a bit too late. Soobin had already sliced his finger on the kitchen knife he was using to cut fruit for their afternoon snack. The fruit salad sat forgotten on the counter, the vibrant colors of the fruit a stark contrast to the crimson line now spreading across the cutting board. The room fell silent, save for the distant sound of the TV playing in the living room.
Soobin's eyes widened in shock, his grip on the knife loosening. He stared at the blood for a moment before his hand began to shake. Beomgyu was the first to move, his reflexes faster than anyone else's. He stepped over to Soobin and firmly yet gently grabbed him by the waist. "Oh no, you don't," he said, a hint of a smile trying to form on his lips despite the concern in his eyes. "You're not going anywhere."
Soobin's legs felt like jelly as he was guided to the kitchen chair. Beomgyu sat him down with surprising care, considering the urgency of the situation. The warmth of Beomgyu's hands remained on his shoulders, grounding him as the pain began to set in. The room was spinning slightly, and Soobin could feel his heart racing in his chest. He looked down at his hand, the blood now trickling onto the floor, leaving a trail of dark red drops.
Taehyun's movements were swift and efficient as he grabbed the first aid kit from under the sink. He knelt beside Soobin, his eyes focused and determined. "Hold still," he instructed, his voice calm and steady. Yeonjun took a clean cloth from the kit and pressed it firmly against the cut. Soobin winced but didn't pull away, his eyes locked onto Taehyun's. He felt the warmth of Hueningkai's hand on his knee, a silent form of comfort.
"It's okay," Hueningkai murmured, his voice soothing. "It's just a little cut. It'll be fine." Soobin nodded, trying to believe the words. His chest felt tight, and he took in a shaky breath. The scent of antiseptic filled the air as Taehyun opened the first aid kit, and the coolness of the wipe washed over Soobin's hand as Yeonjun began to clean the wound. The pain was sharp, but he kept his eyes on Taehyun's, willing himself not to flinch.
"Look at me," Taehyun said, his voice a gentle command. Soobin's gaze drifted up to meet Taehyun's, the concern in his bandmate's eyes giving him strength. Taehyun's thumb brushed over his knuckles, a comforting gesture that sent a wave of warmth through Soobin's body. "I've got you," Taehyun assured him. Beomgyu's hand squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. Soobin nodded again, his breathing evening out as Taehyun carefully bandaged his finger. The pressure of the bandage brought a sense of relief, and Soobin felt the tension in his body start to dissipate.
"There," Taehyun said, giving Soobin's hand a final pat before letting go. "All fixed up." Soobin looked down at his bandaged finger, the white fabric standing out against his pale skin. The blood had stopped flowing, and the room had gone quiet once more. He felt a wave of gratitude for his bandmates' quick reactions and the way they had taken care of him.
"Thank you," Soobin murmured, his voice small. The three of them shared a look, a silent understanding passing between them. It was moments like these that reminded Soobin just how much they had all become a family, looking out for each other through the everyday mishaps.
The silence was broken by a snicker from the doorway. They all turned to see Yeonjun leaning against the frame, his eyes sparkling with mirth despite the seriousness of the situation. "What's so funny?" Soobin asked, his voice still trembling slightly.
"Just you being all dramatic," Yeonjun teased, a smirk playing on his lips. "You're going to have to work harder if you want to get out of practice tonight." The tension in the room dissipated with Soobin's laugh. Beomgyu rolled his eyes playfully while Taehyun couldn't help but chuckle.
"You're such a jerk," Soobin said, but the affection in his tone was evident. Hueningkai squeezed his knee again, his expression earnest. "But thanks for the help, guys." He looked around the group, feeling the warmth of their care and camaraderie.
They spent the next few moments cleaning up the mess, Beomgyu taking the bloodied cloth and knife to the sink, Taehyun placing the first aid kit back in its designated spot, and Yeonjun grabbing a towel to mop up the blood on the floor. Soobin felt a strange mix of embarrassment and gratitude as they worked together, his heart swelling with affection for his bandmates. It was in these small moments that he realized just how much he had come to rely on them, how much they had all grown together.
Once the kitchen was back to its usual state, Soobin stood up, his legs still wobbly. "I guess I'll go wash up," he mumbled, heading towards the bathroom. The rest of them followed, hovering outside the door like overprotective mothers. He could hear their muffled whispers, discussing if he was okay or if he needed more help. With a small smile, Soobin turned on the faucet, letting the cool water wash over his still shaking hands.
The mirror reflected his slightly paler than usual complexion, but he knew the shock would wear off soon. He looked at his bandaged finger, feeling a twinge of pain every time he moved it. The door creaked open, and Beomgyu poked his head in, his expression a mix of concern and amusement. "You okay in there?"
Soobin managed a nod, trying to ignore the way his hands trembled slightly. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... clumsy."
Beomgyu stepped in, closing the door behind him. He leaned against the sink, arms folded across his chest. "It happens to the best of us," he said with a shrug. "Remember that time I tripped on a cord and almost fell off the stage?"
Soobin couldn't help but chuckle, the memory of Beomgyu's flailing legs and panicked expression flashing through his mind. "That was pretty epic."
"Exactly," Beomgyu said with a grin. "We're all human. We all mess up. And when we do, we're here for each other." He reached out and ruffled Soobin's hair gently, his eyes holding a sincere warmth.
When Soobin emerged from the bathroom, the rest of the group had gathered in the living room, their earlier laughter now replaced by a soft hum of conversation. Taehyun looked up as he entered, his eyes immediately going to the bandaged finger. He nodded in approval before returning to his phone. Hueningkai patted the couch cushion next to him, inviting Soobin to sit. "You sure you're okay to practice?"
Soobin nodded, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "Yeah. It's just a finger. I can still dance."
Yeonjun snorted from his spot on the floor. "With that kind of enthusiasm, I'm surprised you're not auditioning for Cirque du Soleil."
Soobin took his place on the couch, his cheeks flushing slightly at Yeonjun's teasing. "I'll stick to singing and dancing, thank you very much," he retorted with a smile.
Taehyun put his phone down, his expression growing serious. "But seriously, Soobin, if it's too much, you should sit out."
Soobin looked at his bandmates, their faces a mix of concern and playfulness. He knew they were only joking, but the thought of letting them down was unbearable. "I'll be fine," he said, trying to sound more convincing than he felt. "It's just a small cut."
Beomgyu handed him a fresh wipe. "Here, let's get the rest of the blood off your hand," he said, his tone gentle. Soobin took it and cleaned his hand, the pain now a dull throb.
Once he was clean, they all turned their attention back to the TV, where their latest music video was playing. They were in the middle of promotions, and every moment counted. The beat of their latest hit filled the room, and Soobin felt his spirits lift slightly. He watched their choreography, his mind racing with the routine.
But as the video continued, his finger began to throb more insistently, and his palm grew slick with sweat. He clenched his fist around the wound, trying to ignore the pain that was growing more intense. Taehyun noticed his discomfort and turned the volume down. "You sure you're alright?"
Soobin nodded, gritting his teeth. "It's fine. It's just a little painful."
Hueningkai leaned over and studied Soobin's face, his eyes filled with care. "You're paler than usual. Maybe you should lie down for a bit?"
"No, really," Soobin protested, pushing himself up from the couch. "Let's just practice."
Yeonjun raised an eyebrow. "If you're sure."
They moved into the practice room, and Soobin took his place, his bandaged finger sticking out like a sore thumb. As they began to rehearse, the pain grew sharper with every move he made. He gritted his teeth, not wanting to be the reason they had to stop.
Beomgyu noticed Soobin's discomfort, his eyes flickering over to him frequently. "Take it easy, Soobin," he called out over the music, his voice laced with concern. "We can slow down if you need to."
Soobin shook his head, trying to push through the pain. The dance was complex, their moves sharp and precise, and he didn't want to mess up their synchronization. But with each beat, the throb in his finger grew louder, until it was all he could focus on.
As the practice went on, it became clear that Soobin was struggling. His movements were stiff, his usual grace replaced by a tentative approach to the choreography. Taehyun finally called for a break, his eyes never leaving Soobin's face. "You're not okay," he said, his voice firm but kind. "Let's give it a rest for now."
Soobin opened his mouth to protest, but the words caught in his throat as a wave of dizziness washed over him. The room spun, and suddenly, the pain in his finger was the least of his concerns. His legs gave out, and he stumbled backward, reaching out for the nearest object to steady himself. Beomgyu was there in an instant, catching him before he could fall.
"Whoa, whoa," Beomgyu said, his arms wrapping around Soobin's waist to keep him upright. "You're not fine."
Soobin's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. He had never been one to admit weakness, especially not in front of his bandmates. But the pain and the sudden rush of dizziness had left him with little choice. "I'm sorry," he mumbled, feeling the weight of their eyes on him.
"Don't be," Hueningkai said, his voice soft. "You're not superhuman, Soobin. You're allowed to take a break."
Yeonjun nodded in agreement, his smile gentle. "Besides, we've got this. You sit this one out, okay?"
Soobin looked at them, feeling the weight of their collective concern. He took a deep breath and nodded, allowing Beomgyu to lead him back to the couch in the living room. He sat down gingerly, his hand held up so as not to disturb the bandage. The room was spinning, and his head felt like it was about to split in two.
As his bandmates returned to their practice, Soobin couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. Here he was, the reason they had to slow down. But their laughter and encouragement from the practice room were a comforting backdrop to the symphony of pain in his hand.
He watched them through half-lidded eyes, their movements in sync as they practiced their routine. He knew the steps by heart, could perform them in his sleep. Yet, sitting on the sidelines was a stark reminder of his own vulnerability. He felt a warmth beside him and turned to see Hueningkai, a bottle of water in his hand.
"Here," Hueningkai said, unscrewing the cap and offering it to Soobin. "You should drink something. You look like you're about to pass out."
Soobin took the water, his bandaged hand shaking slightly as he brought it to his lips. The cool liquid soothed his dry throat, and he took a few deep breaths, trying to steady himself. "Thanks," he murmured, his eyes not leaving the TV screen.
As the practice continued, Soobin couldn't help but feel a growing sense of anxiety. The pain was distracting, but it was the fear of letting his bandmates down that was the real struggle. He knew they relied on each other, that their success was a collective effort. He didn't want to be the weak link.
Taehyun must have noticed his distress because he soon emerged from the practice room, his forehead creased with worry. "Why don't you go lie down?" he suggested gently. "You're not doing yourself any favors by pushing through the pain."
Soobin nodded, his pride giving way to the very real possibility of fainting. He allowed Taehyun to guide him to his room, the quiet hallway a stark contrast to the thumping bass coming from the practice room. He lay down on his bed, the softness enveloping him like a warm hug.
As the door clicked shut, Soobin's eyes grew heavy, the adrenaline of the past few minutes finally wearing off. He stared at the ceiling, listening to the distant sounds of his bandmates' laughter and the thud of their dancing feet. His chest felt tight, the weight of his own limitations pressing down on him. He had always been the reliable one, the one who pushed through pain and fatigue. But today, his body had betrayed him.
The door creaked open, and Hueningkai's head peeked in. "Hey," he said softly, his eyes filled with concern. "Do you need anything?"
Soobin shook his head, his voice barely a whisper. "No, I'm just...tired."
Hueningkai stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. He sat on the edge of the bed, his hand hovering over Soobin's shoulder before deciding to give it a comforting squeeze. "You don't have to be tough all the time," he said gently. "We're here for you."
Soobin's eyes filled with tears, and he blinked them back furiously. He didn't want to be weak, didn't want to be the one who needed to be taken care of. But as Hueningkai's hand remained on his shoulder, the weight of his bandmates' care began to soothe the ache in his heart.
After a few moments, the door opened again, and Taehyun entered, a first aid kit in hand. "Let's change that bandage," he said, his tone firm but kind. "It might make you feel better."
Soobin sat up, wincing at the pain that shot through his finger as he moved. Taehyun carefully unwrapped the old bandage, his touch surprisingly gentle. The wound was clean, but it was clear that the initial shock had worn off and the pain was setting in. Taehyun applied a fresh bandage with practiced ease, his eyes never leaving Soobin's face.
"Thanks," Soobin murmured, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. His bandmates' care was a balm to his bruised ego.
"No problem," Taehyun said, his smile reassuring. "But next time, maybe let us know before you try to be a ninja in the kitchen, yeah?"
Soobin couldn't help but chuckle at that, the tension in the room dissipating slightly. "I'll try," he said, his voice still weak.
"Good," Taehyun said, patting his shoulder. "Now, rest up. We'll handle practice for now."
As Taehyun left, Soobin felt the exhaustion settling in. He lay back down, the comforting darkness of the room pulling him into a fitful sleep filled with dreams of spinning stages and blinding lights.
When Soobin awoke, the room was bathed in a soft glow from the setting sun. His hand was still throbbing, but the pain had dulled to a manageable ache. He sat up, his bandaged finger sticking out like a beacon of vulnerability. The house was quieter now, the sounds of practice muted to a faint echo. He made his way back to the living room, his steps careful and deliberate.
The TV was off, and his bandmates were sprawled across the floor, their sweaty clothes a testament to their hard work. They looked up as he entered, their expressions a mix of relief and concern. "You okay?" Beomgyu asked, pushing himself up to a sitting position.
Soobin nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yeah. I just needed to rest."
Yeonjun looked at him skeptically. "You sure you're up for this?"
Soobin nodded, determination setting in. "I'll be fine."
They returned to the practice room, and Soobin took his place, the bandage on his finger standing out against the stark white of the bandages. The music started again, and he tried to push aside the pain, focusing instead on the rhythm and the moves. Yet, with every step, every twirl, his finger protested, the pain shooting up his arm like an unwelcome guest. He gritted his teeth and danced on, not wanting to admit defeat.
But the universe had other plans. As they moved into the chorus, Soobin's bandaged hand brushed against Beomgyu's sweat-drenched shirt, and the bandage began to unravel. The sight of the blood seeping through made Yeonjun's stomach churn. "Guys, hold up," he called out, the music cutting off abruptly.
Soobin looked down at his hand, the stark reality of his injury setting in. The blood had soaked through the bandage, and the cut looked angrier than before. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice filled with a mix of pain and embarrassment. "I thought I could push through."
Taehyun stepped forward, his eyes scanning the wound. "It's deeper than we thought," he said, his voice tight with concern. "We need to get you to a doctor."
Beomgyu nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you can't perform with that. It needs stitches."
Soobin felt the room spin again, and he sank to the floor, his legs giving out. "No," he murmured, his eyes wide with panic. "I can't miss the show tonight."
"You're not going anywhere without getting that looked at," Taehyun said firmly, his hand on Soobin's shoulder. "We can't risk you getting an infection or making it worse."
"But what if I mess everything up?" Soobin's voice was laced with fear. "What if we have to cancel?"
"We'll figure it out," Beomgyu said, his tone reassuring. "We're a team, remember? We'll find a way to make it work."
Yeonjun nodded, his expression serious. "We'll cover for you, Soobin. You just focus on getting better."
As they helped him to his feet, a sudden knock on the door echoed through the hallway. They all exchanged puzzled looks before Beomgyu went to answer it. He returned with a curious expression, holding a small envelope. "What's this?" he asked, handing it to Taehyun.
Taehyun read the label and his eyes widened. "It's from the company," he said, ripping it open. His eyes scanned the letter, and the color drained from his face. "They want us to perform a surprise acoustic set at the fan meet tonight," he announced, his voice shaking slightly.
The room fell silent. The gravity of the situation sank in, and Soobin felt his stomach drop. "But..." he began, his voice trailing off as he stared at his bandaged finger.
"We've got this," Hueningkai said, his voice firm. "You go to the hospital. We'll handle this."
Soobin's eyes searched each of their faces, looking for any sign of doubt or hesitation. But all he found was a fierce determination mirrored in their gazes. "Are you sure?"
"Positive," Beomgyu said, squeezing Soobin's uninjured hand. "You focus on getting better. We'll handle the stage."
The trip to the hospital was a blur of sterile white and the antiseptic smell that made Soobin's stomach churn. He sat in the waiting room, his mind racing with thoughts of his bandmates and the upcoming performance. He knew they could handle it, but the guilt of not being there gnawed at him.
Finally, his name was called, and he was ushered into an examination room. The doctor's eyes widened when she saw his bandaged finger. "Looks like you had quite the accident," she said with a gentle smile. Soobin nodded, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She carefully unwrapped the bandage, revealing the deep gash that had begun to scab over.
"You're going to need stitches," she said, her voice calm and professional. "But it's a clean cut, and you're in good hands. I'll have you back on stage in no time."
Soobin winced as the local anesthetic stung his skin before the pain gave way to numbness. The doctor worked quickly, her deft movements surprisingly gentle. Through it all, he couldn't help but think of his bandmates, rehearsing without him. He sent them a quick text, letting them know where he was and that he'd be okay. The response was a flurry of emojis and reassurances that they had everything under control.
As the doctor finished up, she wrapped his finger in a fresh bandage, much tighter than the one his members had applied. "Keep it clean and dry," she instructed. "And no strenuous activity for a few days."
Soobin's heart sank. "But the fan meet tonight..."
The doctor looked at him sympathetically. "I know it's important, but your health comes first. You don't want to risk making it worse, do you?"
Soobin nodded, the reality of his situation setting in. He couldn't perform with a freshly stitched finger. The doctor's words echoed in his mind as she tapped her pen against the clipboard. "You're lucky it's not your dominant hand," she said with a smile. "But you'll need to take it easy for the next few days. No dancing, no playing instruments."
The drive back to the dorm was quiet, the weight of his absence at the fan meet pressing heavily on his shoulders. As the car pulled up to the curb, Soobin took a deep breath and stepped out, his hand cradled in a sling provided by the doctor. His bandmates were waiting for him outside, their expressions a mix of relief and concern.
"What did they say?" Taehyun asked, rushing forward.
Soobin held up his bandaged hand. "I need stitches," he said, his voice flat. "And I can't perform tonight."
Yeonjun and Beomgyu exchanged a worried look. "What about the acoustic set?" Yeonjun asked.
"You guys can handle it," Soobin said, trying to sound more confident than he felt. "I trust you."
The look on their faces said they weren't so sure. Hueningkai stepped forward, his eyes filled with determination. "We'll make it work," he said, placing a hand on Soobin's shoulder. "We'll practice without you, and you can rest up."
They retreated to their dorm, the air thick with tension. Soobin sat on the couch, his hand throbbing in time with the anxiety in his chest. He watched his bandmates rehearse, their movements fluid and precise despite the sudden change in their lineup. They were so good together, so in sync, that it was hard to believe he had ever been a part of it.
The hours ticked by, and the time for the fan meet grew closer. Soobin's heart raced, his mind a jumble of what-ifs and regrets. What if they messed up? What if the fans noticed his absence? What if he let them down?
As they were about to leave, Beomgyu approached Soobin, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Hey," he said, holding out a phone. "Want to send them a message?"
Soobin looked at him questioningly. "What kind of message?"
Beomgyu shrugged. "Whatever you want. Just something to let them know you're with us in spirit."
Soobin took the phone and typed out a quick message, his heart swelling with affection for his bandmates. "To all our MOAs," he wrote, "I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines tonight. Break a leg, guys." He added a thumbs up emoji for good measure and handed the phone back to Beomgyu.
Beomgyu grinned and posted the message to their group chat. The response was instantaneous, the screen lighting up with messages of encouragement and love from their fans. Soobin couldn't help but feel a sense of pride swell in his chest. He might not be able to perform, but he was still part of their team.
The door slammed shut as his bandmates left for the fan meet, and the dorm was eerily quiet. Soobin stared at the TV, the blank screen reflecting his own feelings of inadequacy. He picked up his phone, his thumb hovering over the live stream of their performance. He didn't want to watch them without him, but he knew he had to.
The screen flickered to life, and Soobin's heart raced as he saw the sea of lights that were their fans. The crowd was a blur of excitement and anticipation, and he could almost feel the energy from where he sat. The music started, and Taehyun's smooth voice filled the room, followed by the harmonies of Yeonjun and Hueningkai. And then, there was Beomgyu, taking his place center stage with a confidence that Soobin had never seen in him before.
They performed flawlessly, their acoustic set a beautiful testament to their talent and unity. Soobin's eyes filled with tears as he watched, his heart swelling with pride. They had done it without him, and they had done it well. The fans' screams of delight echoed through the phone's speaker, a reminder of the love and support that surrounded them.
As the set ended and the applause grew to a deafening roar, Soobin sent another message. "You guys killed it," he typed, his thumbs moving quickly. "So proud of you."
Their responses were a mix of relief and excitement, their own fears of letting Soobin down forgotten in the face of their successful performance. They had done it, and they had done it together.
The night dragged on, Soobin's thoughts racing as he stared at the wall. He knew he had to face his fears and limitations, had to learn to accept that he couldn't always be the one to hold them up. But as the adrenaline from their performance faded, a new determination took its place.
He would heal, and he would come back stronger. For now, he had to trust in his bandmates, had to believe in their strength. And when the time came, he would be ready to stand by their side again, ready to face whatever the future had in store.
The door opened, and the guys filed in, their faces flushed with excitement. They saw Soobin on the couch, and their smiles grew wider. "You missed a great show," Yeonjun said, plopping down beside him.
Soobin forced a smile, his heart heavy with a mix of pride and sadness. "I saw," he said, holding up his phone. "You guys were amazing."
Beomgyu squeezed his shoulder. "We did it for you," he said, his eyes shining. "But next time, you're not getting out of practice that easily."
The room erupted in laughter, the tension of the day dissipating like a cloud of smoke. They were a team, a family, and no injury could change that. Soobin leaned back, his heart full. For now, he would rest and heal, knowing that when the time came, he would be back, ready to take on the world with them all and their MOAs by their side.