𝖙𝖊𝖒𝖕𝖔𝖗𝖆𝖗𝖞 𝖌𝖎𝖗𝖑

The dorm was unusually quiet for a Thursday evening. Usually, it was alive with laughter, arguments over who stole whose snacks, and the sound of video games echoing from the living room. But tonight, the members of Seventeen were scattered some in their rooms, some out running errands, and a few in the practice room refining choreography.

You sat curled up on the corner of the couch, wrapped tightly in a blanket, scrolling mindlessly through your phone. The screen blurred in and out of focus as your vision swam, but you ignored it. The ache in your head had been steadily building all day, and no amount of water or quick naps seemed to help. Your throat burned, and every muscle in your body felt like it weighed twice as much as it should.

Still, you bit your lip and pushed through it.

You couldn’t let them find out.

It wasn’t that you didn’t trust them—quite the opposite. They were your family, your brothers, your support system. But they already had so much to deal with—comebacks, rehearsals, performances—and the last thing you wanted was to add yourself to their list of worries.

You coughed into your sleeve and winced. Bad move.

“Y/N?”

You froze.

Joshua stood in the doorway, his usual warm smile quickly fading as his eyes scanned your slouched posture and pale complexion.

“Hey,” you croaked, immediately clearing your throat to try and sound normal. “Did you need something?”

He raised an eyebrow and stepped closer. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah! Totally fine.” You sat up straighter, hoping it made you look less like someone who was about to collapse. “Just… tired.”

Joshua didn’t look convinced, but before he could press further, Jeonghan appeared behind him.

“What’s going on?” Jeonghan asked, his sharp gaze locking onto you like a laser.

“Y/N’s acting weird,” Joshua said without hesitation.

You shot him a look. Traitor.

“I’m not acting weird,” you insisted, but your voice cracked halfway through the sentence.

Jeonghan tilted his head, stepping closer until he could crouch in front of you. His eyes softened immediately.

“You’re burning up.”

Your stomach dropped.

“I’m not—”

“Don’t even try,” he cut you off. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

Because I didn’t want you to worry. Because I thought I could handle it. Because I didn’t want to be a burden.

The words stuck in your throat.

“Jeonghan? Joshua? What’s going on?”

And just like that, the floodgates opened.

One by one, the members began trickling into the living room, drawn by the commotion. Seungkwan, who’d just returned from the convenience store, immediately dropped his bags and rushed over. Seungcheol appeared moments later, his expression morphing from confusion to concern in seconds.

“Y/N, what’s wrong?” Seungcheol demanded.

“I’m fine,” you tried to say again, but the words sounded weaker this time, less believable.

“You’re not fine,” Mingyu cut in, crossing his arms. “You look like you’re about to pass out.”

“I told you guys, it’s just—”

“Nope.” Hoshi pointed at you with all the authority of a dance leader mid-rehearsal. “Stop talking. We’re taking care of you.”

“I don’t need—”

“Don’t even finish that sentence,” Seungcheol said firmly.

Before you could protest further, Woozi and Vernon were already rearranging the couch to make it more comfortable. DK sprinted off to grab pillows and blankets, while Joshua hurried to the kitchen to make tea.

Within minutes, you were bundled up and surrounded by Seventeen in full-on caretaker mode.

Mingyu returned from the kitchen with a steaming bowl of samgyetang—traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup, known for its healing properties. The rich aroma filled the room, and despite your fatigue, your stomach grumbled softly.

“Careful, it’s hot,” Mingyu said as he set the tray down in front of you. His usual playful demeanor was replaced by focused determination, and you couldn’t help but feel touched by the effort he’d put into making the dish.

“You really didn’t have to—”

“Yes, I did,” he interrupted, pulling up a chair beside you. “You barely ate anything today, and you need something warm in your stomach.”

You opened your mouth to protest, but one look at Mingyu’s stern expression and you quickly decided against it. Instead, you let him carefully blow on a spoonful of the broth before holding it out to you.

“Try this.”

You hesitated for a second, then leaned forward and took the bite. The warm, savory flavor spread through you instantly, soothing your throat and settling in your stomach like a comforting hug.

Mingyu smiled. “Good, right?”

You nodded, suddenly realizing just how hungry you were.

“Don’t forget the ginseng,” Joshua said, sitting down nearby. “It’ll help you get your energy back.”

“Mingyu’s cooking can heal anything,” DK added with a grin. “I bet you’ll feel 100% better by tomorrow.”

“Only if you finish the whole bowl,” Seungkwan said firmly. “No excuses.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t hide the smile tugging at your lips.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of warmth and laughter.

Seungcheol took charge like the leader he was, delegating tasks and making sure you had everything you needed. Joshua and Jeonghan stayed close, constantly checking your temperature and refilling your tea.

Later, when the exhaustion became too much to fight, you fell asleep surrounded by the sound of Seventeen’s quiet conversations and laughter.

You woke up briefly to feel someone tucking another blanket around you.

“Sleep,” Seungcheol’s voice whispered.

And for the first time in days, you did.

The next morning, you woke up feeling a lot better and not just physically.

As you sat up and stretched, you noticed a note taped to the coffee table.

———————————————————————————-

**“Y/N—

We went to practice but didn’t want to wake you. Mingyu left more samgyetang in the fridge, and Joshua made extra tea. Seungcheol says to text him the moment you wake up.

P.S. Don’t even THINK about trying to do any chores today. Rest. Or else. —SVT”**

You laughed softly and leaned back against the cushions, the blanket still wrapped around your shoulders.

No matter what, they always had your back.

And honestly? You wouldn’t trade them for the world.