The winter air was crisp and biting as TXT wrapped up their tour, the excitement palpable in the multiple buildings and arenas they had performed in over the past few weeks. Beomgyu could feel himself buzzing with adrenaline, but at the same time, a heavy exhaustion was settling into his bones. It was a familiar feeling by now, one he had shared with his members on countless occasions, but tonight, it felt different—like a prelude to something inevitable.
As they returned to the dorm, laughter filled the hallway, with Soobin trying to imitate their choreographer's dance moves while Yeonjun and Taehyun cheered him on. Beomgyu watched from a distance, a soft smile on his lips, but he couldn't shake off the sensation of heaviness that had settled in his chest. "Hey!" Huening Kai called out, running up to Beomgyu, his cheeks flushed with exhilaration. "Are you okay? You look a bit pale.""I'm fine," Beomgyu replied, forcing the smile to stay on his face. But somewhere in his gut, he felt as though he had swallowed a stone, too heavy for him to bear. After they settled down for the night, the members piled into their rooms, still buzzing from the energy of their last performance. But Beomgyu lingered in the common area, the exhaustion settling deeper within him. Preparing himself for bed felt like an insurmountable chore, so he plopped down on the couch, hoping that sleep would come to him naturally.As the minutes turned into hours, exhaustion finally claimed him, and he drifted into an unfathomable void of sleep.---The next morning, a soft knock on Beomgyu's door broke the silence. He stirred awake, the familiar feeling of dread washing over him once more, this time accompanied by a dull ache in his head. He got up, attempting to ignore the discomfort, and opened the door to a very much cheery Huening Kai."Good morning, Beomgyu! Ready for rehearsals today?" Kai chirped.Beomgyu forced another smile, but his throat felt scratchy, and he nodded weakly. "Yeah, let's go."As they entered the practice room, Beomgyu could see the members warming up, their movements fluid and dynamic. He couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy for the energy radiating from each of them, something he felt he lacked this morning. The practice began, and despite his initial efforts, Beomgyu found himself struggling to keep up. His limbs felt heavy, his thoughts sluggish. Every jump, every spin became an ordeal, and hidden within his movements was the growing fear that something was off. As their choreographer called for a break, Beomgyu leaned against the mirrored wall, his heart pounding in a way that had nothing to do with excitement."Hey, Beomgyu," Soobin approached him, concern etched across his features. "Are you sure you're okay? You look a bit... out of it.""Just tired," Beomgyu lied, rubbing the back of his neck. "Maybe I didn't sleep enough last night.""Take it easy. We can adjust the choreography if you need," Soobin offered. Beomgyu smiled at his leader's kindness but waved it off. "I'm fine. Let's just get back to it."The second half of practice was a blur; his limbs felt heavier with each passing minute, and he could hardly keep his focus on the routine. Beomgyu's vision had started to swim, and he felt a sense of detachment from his body. It was as if someone had pushed him to the edge of a cliff, and he couldn't summon the will to pull back.Just as they finished the final run-through of their set, Beomgyu felt a sudden wave of dizziness wash over him. His legs buckled, and before his brain registered what was happening, he was on the ground."Beomgyu!" The chorus of concerned voices rang out, drowning in the chaos of alarm. He blinked, struggling to orient himself. The world around him felt distant, and he caught snippets of conversations—a chorus of his names, their worried faces steadily coming into focus."Get him some water!" Soobin shouted, his voice cutting through the fog.Taehyun was crouched beside him, his hand resting on Beomgyu's shoulder. "Stay with us, Beomgyu. Can you hear me?"Beomgyu felt the cold sweat trickling down his back, and he nodded weakly. "I'm okay... just a little dizzy." A few moments later, Kai was back with a bottle of water, and he helped Beomgyu sit up against the wall. "Drink this. You don't look okay at all."Beomgyu accepted the water gratefully, taking small sips. "I really just need a second..."But the seconds turned into minutes, and as his members hovered over him with worry etched across their faces, he realized he couldn't shake off the mounting exhaustion. A strange sense of vulnerability embraced him, unlike anything he had felt before."Maybe we should take him to the hospital," Yeonjun suggested, his voice lower now, caution threaded within the words."What? No," Beomgyu protested, though fatigue punctured his assurance. "I'll be fine. Just a little rest, I swear."Soobin exchanged a glance with the others before he spoke. "It's best to be sure. We can't risk anything, especially with the concert in a few days."Obliging reluctantly to their nudging concern, Beomgyu allowed them to help him to the car. As they drove to the hospital, Beomgyu leaned back in the seat, the world outside flashing by in a haze. The rhythmic beating of his heart drummed against the silence that had enveloped him, somehow both frantic yet woefully calm.---At the hospital, the sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air, mingling with a palpable atmosphere of anxiety. Beomgyu could feel the tension in the room as the doctor conducted his preliminary examinations. He could hear the soft murmurs of his members as they exchanged worried glances. "Just a little tired," Beomgyu insisted, forcing a light chuckle. "You guys are overreacting."The doctor pushed his glasses up on his nose, studying Beomgyu carefully. "You mentioned dizziness, fatigue, and possible fever?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.Beomgyu nodded slowly, the weight of his admission hanging in the air. After a few tests and some waiting, Beomgyu sat on the edge of the examination table, heart racing with both fear and anticipation. When the doctor finally returned, he had a look on his face that made Beomgyu's stomach drop."Well, Beomgyu," he began, "it looks like you have a mild case of the flu. You'll need to take some time off to recover fully."A collective sigh of relief swept through the members, yet Beomgyu felt his chest tighten. "But we have to perform! I can't let the fans down..."The doctor shook his head, an empathetic smile on his face. "You need to focus on your health first. The last thing you want is to push yourself and end up with a more severe illness. We'll prescribe some medication that should help, but rest is crucial."Beomgyu took a deep breath, trying to process the weight of the doctor's words. The concert was just days away, an utterly important milestone for them. A flurry of conflicting emotions washed over him—fear for disappointing fans, worry for his health, and guilt for making his members anxious."I'll be fine," he insisted again, though it felt more like a plea than a confirmation.The doctor simply nodded, handing him a prescription. "Get plenty of rest. You'll be back on stage before you know it."---Back at the dorm, Beomgyu sank slowly into his bed, the familiar comfort of his room now tinged with the reality of his illness. He tried to push the thoughts aside, to focus on what the doctor had said—rest, recovery, time. But the gnawing anxiety from the perspective of being unable to perform persisted, like a distant echo. The next day swirled together into a haze of medicine, warm blankets, and the muffled sounds of his members outside. It was a feeling of isolation he wasn't used to, not amid the closeness they usually shared. The sound of laughter echoed through the walls, and each noise was a reminder of the energy he was missing. Soobin came in to check on him, balancing a tray of soup in his hands. "How are you feeling?" he asked, setting it down on Beomgyu's nightstand."Still tired," Beomgyu sighed, staring at the untouched meal. "I can't believe I'm missing practice."Soobin took a seat at the edge of his bed. "We can manage without you for a few days. You need to prioritize getting better, okay? You'll still perform, I promise.""What if I can't?" Beomgyu whispered, vulnerability spilling out slowly, unfiltered. "Then we'll find a way to work around it. But we won't even be in that position if you don't take care of yourself first," Soobin said, his eyes firm yet gentle.The comfort in Soobin's presence worked like a balm to Beomgyu's racing thoughts; it was a moment of solidarity, a reminder that he wasn't alone in this.---As the days passed, Beomgyu found himself being doted on by his members, each bringing small gestures of care—a warm drink, extra blankets, even soft melodies sung to lift his spirits. But the illness hung over him like a dark cloud, and no matter how much support he received, there was still that gnawing fear festering in his gut.On the night before the concert, Beomgyu lay awake, the shadows of doubt weighing heavily against his fragile hopes. He could hear the members rehearsing in another room, their chants of familiar lyrics filling the air. It was a poignant reminder of where he should be—center stage, basking in the energy of their fans, shining brightly in their collective dreams.But right now, he felt broken, the pieces of his spirit scattered like leaves in the wind."Can't sleep?" Taehyun's voice broke through the stillness, and Beomgyu turned to see him leaning against the doorframe, a frown etched across his face. "Not really," Beomgyu admitted, his voice hoarse. "I hate being stuck here.""What do you want to do?" Taehyun asked, stepping in and closing the door behind him. "I just... feel like I'm letting everyone down," Beomgyu confessed, tears pricking at the corner of his eyes. "There's so much pressure to perform, and I can't be there. What if it all falls apart without me?"Taehyun walked over, sitting on the edge of Beomgyu's bed, a comforting presence. "Listen, we're all part of this together. We've got your back. We wouldn't let you down. You need to trust us. You have to focus on getting better, okay?"Beomgyu wiped his eyes, trying to muster the strength to truly believe those words. "Do you really think the fans will understand?""They love you for you," Taehyun said, reaching out to squeeze Beomgyu's hand. "They would want you to be healthy more than anything else. You're not just a performer; you're part of every song we create together. They'll understand."In the warmth of Taehyun's conviction, Beomgyu felt the storm of anxiety inside him begin to stave off. Sure, the road to recovery would not be an easy one, nor would the forthcoming concert, but perhaps there was strength in the collective.---On the day of the concert, Beomgyu's heart raced with bittersweet emotions. They had worked tirelessly, pouring all their energy into their performance, yet he felt like a ghost, watching from the sidelines as his members painted the stage with their vibrant presence. He sat in the backstage room, his heart a mixture of pride and pain, emanating in waves. The beating of the music throbbed through the walls, a pulse of life that was vibrant and real. As he observed through the curtain, he saw their silhouettes dancing—Soobin leading, Yeonjun thrumming with infectious energy, Taehyun and Kai exuding charm, and the audience roaring with applause. His eyes turned glassy as he strained to absorb every moment. Even from the shadows, he could feel their determination, a testament to the unbreakable bond they shared. "Beomgyu!" A voice startled him, drawing him back from the reverie. Kai rushed over, out of breath but still radiating excitement. "You have to come out! The fans are chanting your name!""What?" Beomgyu's heart quickened. "They want to see you! Just for a moment!" Kai looked hopeful. Beomgyu's heart raced in response—was he truly ready for this? Before he could process his response, Kai had already pulled him toward the curtain. The light flooded in, blinding but welcoming, as the sound of their chanting surged towards him. He stood frozen for a moment, the weight of the world leaning against him, fears lurking just beneath the surface."Go on!" Kai urged, nudging him forward. Gathering what little strength he had left, Beomgyu stepped onto the stage, the brightness illuminating him in a wash of kaleidoscopic colors. The audience erupted into a roar, chanting his name like sacred poetry, their energy wrapping around him like a protective embrace.Beomgyu stood at the edge, looking at the sea of fans, and in that moment, he realized he wouldn't have ever given anything to be there. It wasn't about perfection but connection, and even as he stood frail and vulnerable, he felt their love resonate through him. It flickered like the brightest flame, igniting something deep within his soul.He waved, a smile breaking through the façade, feeling his chest swell with warmth. Encouraged by their affection, he yelled, "Thank you for your support! I'm working hard to be back up there soon!"The audience erupted once more, and for just a moment, as he faced his fears, the weight of illness floated away from him—a testament to the strength of longing and the beauty of shared dreams.As he stepped back, he watched his members embrace the stage again—strong and united. They shared glances of acknowledgment, and Beomgyu could see the understanding in their eyes: he wasn't just a part of the performances, but of a family that wouldn't let him break.---The concert came to an end with soaring highs and bittersweet lows, yet in the aftermath, as everyone headed back to the dorm, Beomgyu felt a rekindling spark of hope.A few weeks passed, and slowly but surely, Beomgyu began to recover. The members continued to look after him, ensuring he took his medicine, rest, and rejoined them when he felt up to it. The harmonies they created filled the dorm, music flowing as a reminder of the resilience they all shared. One evening, they nestled together in their practice room, a chorus of voices creating a tapestry of sound, Beomgyu felt once more the stirrings of excitement in his heart. There was warmth in their efforts, so familiar yet vibrant and new."Ready to try the dance again?" Taehyun asked, a playful lilt in his voice.Beomgyu chuckled, energy surging beneath the surface. "Let's do this! I've missed it."The music began, and as they swayed through the motions, Beomgyu realized he was whole once more—shattered pieces of worries fell away, reclaimed in the embrace of friendship. It was more than just recovery; it was the reminder that all the pieces would fall back into place, that the harmony they'd forged would ring true through it all.And in that shared cadence, the laughter and the music intertwined, each note resonated with the promise of togetherness; as long as they remained together, they would never really break.