Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The rhythmic thud of sneakers against the polished floor echoed through the practice room as BTS rehearsed tirelessly.

With six final concerts ahead of them, there was no room for mistakes. Every move had to be precise, every beat executed flawlessly. Sweat dripped from their faces, soaking into their clothes, but they pushed forward, their bodies conditioned to endure the strain.

Hoseok led the group with his usual energy, his sharp eyes catching even the slightest missteps. He moved with effortless precision, his presence both commanding and reassuring. But beneath the controlled exterior, a dull ache pulsed at the base of his neck, persistent and unwelcome.

"Taehyung, your arm needs to extend a bit more here," Hoseok called out, demonstrating the movement despite the tension creeping up his spine.

Taehyung adjusted his posture and flashed him a grin. "Got it, hyung."

Hoseok returned the smile, willing himself to ignore the discomfort. It had started subtly a few days ago, just a twinge easily dismissed as fatigue. Now, it lingered, stubborn and growing. He rolled his shoulders subtly, as if that alone could shake it off.

"Alright, take five!" Namjoon announced, swiping a towel across his forehead.

Hoseok stepped back, exhaling quietly as he reached for his water bottle. His fingers instinctively pressed into the sore spot just below his skull, trying to ease the stiffness. He barely noticed Jin approaching until a firm hand clamped onto his shoulder.

"You good?" Jin asked, his voice casual, but his gaze sharp with concern.

Hoseok straightened immediately, flashing his signature sunshine smile. "Of course, hyung! Just a little stiff, that's all."

Jin didn't look convinced, but he let it slide. "Don't overdo it."

"I never do," Hoseok quipped, tossing in a wink before striding away. Across the room, Yoongi was sitting on the floor, stretching his legs as he watched Hoseok carefully.

"You keep rolling your neck," Yoongi said, voice low. "Something wrong?"

Hoseok hesitated for a fraction of a second before shaking his head. "Nah. Just tight. You know how it is."

Yoongi held his gaze a moment longer before nodding.

The break ended, and they fell back into formation. The music kicked in again, reverberating through the studio. Hoseok locked in, his body moving on instinct, his mind trained to ignore pain. He had pushed through worse.

By the time rehearsals ended, the ache had deepened, crawling down his spine. Still, he kept up appearances, laughing along with the others as they made their way home. Hoseok went straight to his room to shower. After that, he just sat on his bed.

Jimin wandered in, rubbing his shoulder absently. "You're quiet. That's rare."

Hoseok chuckled, but even that small movement sent a dull throb through his neck. He rolled his shoulders again, trying to shake it off. Jimin frowned, immediately noticing.

"You look uncomfortable," Jimin said, stepping closer. "Something wrong?"

"Just a little stiff. Probably slept weird," Hoseok replied, waving him off.

Jimin hummed, unconvinced. "Sit. I get it—I've had my fair share of neck issues. Let me help."

Hoseok hesitated before nodding. Jimin stood behind him, pressing his fingers into the knots in his neck. The initial pressure made Hoseok wince, but as Jimin worked through the tension, he sighed, some of the discomfort melting away.

"It's just some strain," Jimin murmured. "Nothing serious."

"Yeah," Hoseok mumbled, his eyes fluttering shut. "Just strain."

Jimin chuckled. "You always act like everything's fine even when it's not. You're too used to pushing through things."

Hoseok huffed a small laugh. "Says the guy who once danced on a twisted ankle."

Jimin snorted. "Okay, fair. But at least I let you guys help me. You? You hide stuff until you can't anymore."

Hoseok opened one eye and smirked. "Dongsaeng instincts?"

Jimin rolled his eyes. "More like best friend instincts. I've seen you exhausted, sick, even running on two hours of sleep—but you still take care of everyone else first."

Hoseok sighed, relaxing under Jimin's touch. "It's just habit, I guess. Someone has to keep the energy up."

"And who takes care of you?" Jimin asked softly.

Hoseok didn't answer right away. But after a beat, he smiled. "You, apparently."

Jimin grinned. "Damn right."

A comfortable silence stretched between them as Jimin continued massaging Hoseok's neck. Eventually, Hoseok let out a small laugh. "You're really good at this, you know? Maybe you missed your calling."

Jimin grinned. "Too late now. Guess you're stuck with me."

That evening, the members gathered in the kitchen for dinner, chatting about their upcoming concerts in Europe, now just a month away. The exhaustion of rehearsal still lingered, but the excitement of performing kept them animated.

Jin clapped his hands together, eyes shining. "I'm trying all the food. Every single dish I can get my hands on."

Namjoon nodded thoughtfully. "I want to check out some museums. There are a few exhibits I've been meaning to see."

"I'll come with you," Hoseok chimed in, glancing at Jimin, who nodded in agreement. "Sounds fun."

Yoongi leaned back in his chair, stretching lazily. "I plan to sleep. Nothing else."

Jungkook, resting his chin on his hand, sighed. "I dunno. Nothing sounds that exciting."

Taehyung smirked, turning to Jungkook. "Then come with me! I want to take beautiful pictures. You can be my model."

Jungkook groaned. "Hyung, no."

"Come on, Jungkookie," Taehyung teased, nudging him repeatedly. "You'll look great in the city lights. Just one day. Please?"

Jungkook sighed, already knowing resistance was futile. "Fine. One day."

Taehyung cheered, throwing an arm around Jungkook's shoulders triumphantly. The others chuckled at the exchange, the atmosphere light despite their exhaustion.

After dinner, Hoseok excused himself. He had already showered after rehearsal, but the tension in his neck refused to ease. A warm bath might help. He peeled off his clothe, turned on the tap, and watched as steam filled the air. Sinking into the water, he exhaled slowly, letting the heat work its magic. For a moment, the pain dulled, replaced by a fleeting sense of relief.

Back in the living room, the others continued chatting, but Yoongi's gaze kept drifting toward the hallway. He had noticed it—the way Hoseok kept rubbing his neck, the small grimaces he tried to hide. He didn't say anything, but he saw everything.

Later that night, as the members settled into their rooms, Namjoon passed by Hoseok's door and hesitated. He knocked lightly before pushing it open. Hoseok was sitting on his bed, massaging his neck with one hand while scrolling through his phone with the other.

"Still hurting?" Namjoon asked.

Hoseok quickly dropped his hand. "It's nothing. Just a little tight."

Namjoon stepped inside, leaning against the doorframe. "You should tell the staff if it gets worse."

Hoseok smiled, trying to brush off the concern. "I will. Don't worry, Joon."

Namjoon sighed but let it go. "Just don't be stubborn. We need you at your best."

As Namjoon left, Hoseok let out a slow breath.

☼☼☼☼☼

The dorm buzzed with quiet activity as they prepared to leave for work. Hoseok moved slower than usual, careful with his movements. He stretched his neck subtly, but the stiffness had only worsened overnight. His usual energy was noticeably absent, and as the members shuffled around gathering their things, Jin caught the slight hesitation in Hoseok's steps.

Jin didn't say anything, but his eyes flickered with concern. Namjoon, too, noticed how Hoseok winced when reaching for his bag. But neither of them pushed him yet.

In the car, Hoseok settled into his seat, pulling out his phone as a distraction. The short flight should have been easy, but every small shift in position sent another dull ache through his neck. He bit back a sigh, keeping his discomfort hidden, but Jimin wasn't so easily fooled.

"Hyung, here," Jimin said, offering a small, soft pillow. "Might help."

Hoseok took it, adjusting it under his head, but the relief was minimal. He shifted uncomfortably, frowning. "I don't get it. This should feel better, but it doesn't."

Jimin frowned. "It should be fine by now, right? It's been a few days."

Hoseok forced a chuckle. "Maybe the pillow's too hard."

Yoongi, seated nearby, glanced over. "If it's the pillow, I'll buy you a good one."

Hoseok laughed softly, appreciating the sentiment. "Deal."

Jimin, reached over and gently massaged the side of Hoseok's neck, his fingers pressing into the tense muscles.

"Better?" Jimin asked quietly.

Hoseok sighed, his body relaxing slightly under Jimin's touch. "Yeah. Thanks, Jiminie."

Jimin huffed. "You better not be pretending just to shut me up."

Hoseok smirked but didn't respond, leaning into the pillow, trying to get some rest.

The dull ache in his neck had intensified throughout the day, creeping down his spine like an unwelcome guest. As they started rehearsal, he braced himself, willing his body to cooperate. He could push through—he always did. Hoseok bit the inside of his cheek to keep himself grounded, swallowing down the discomfort. This wasn't just strain. Something was wrong. Really wrong.

During rehearsal, Hoseok's demeanor shifted. He became quieter, his usual bright energy dulled, and his movements less fluid. The other members noticed, concern flickering in their expressions as they exchanged glances.

Jungkook, always the observant one, nudged Jimin and gestured toward Hoseok subtly. "He's been moving stiffly all day," Jungkook muttered.

Jimin frowned. "I know. I gave him a massage earlier, but it's like it didn't help at all."

Taehyung, stretching nearby, chimed in. "Should we say something?"

"Not now," Namjoon interjected, his gaze on Hoseok. "Let's just keep an eye on him."

Hoseok pushed through, but every sharp movement made his muscles scream in protest. A particular routine required a sudden neck snap, and as he executed it, pain shot down his spine like an electric jolt. He flinched—just for a second—but it was enough for Yoongi to notice.

When rehearsals finally ended, the group gathered their things, preparing to head back to the hotel. As they walked out of the stadium, Yoongi fell into step beside Hoseok. "You sure you're okay? You looked off today," Yoongi asked, his voice quiet but firm.

"Just tired," Hoseok replied immediately, forcing a smile. "Long day."

Yoongi studied him for a long moment, clearly unconvinced. "You'd tell me if it was something else, right?"

Hoseok let out a small chuckle. "Of course, hyung. Don't worry so much."

☼☼☼☼☼

Hoseok lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Every slight movement sent a dull, pulsing ache radiating through his body. He considered getting up and knocking on someone's door, but the thought of waking them felt ridiculous. If the pain was still there tomorrow, he'd go see Dr. Lee—their physician. But for now, he just had to make it through.

Hoseok knew the moment he woke up that something was seriously wrong. The pain had escalated overnight, turning into a searing stiffness that made even the smallest movement unbearable. He barely managed to shift in bed without wincing, his breath shaky as he tried to push past it. But when he attempted to sit up, a sharp, blinding pain shot down his spine, and a strangled gasp escaped his lips.

Panic settled deep in his chest. He couldn't even get out of bed. What was he supposed to do? His first instinct was to brush it off, pretend it wasn't as bad as it felt. But this wasn't something he could push through anymore. He looked at Jimin's bed—it was empty. His hands trembled slightly as he reached for his phone, hesitating for a second before finally calling Namjoon. His heart pounded as the phone rang, and when Namjoon picked up, Hoseok could barely keep his voice steady.

"Joon... can you come here?" His voice was small, strained.

Namjoon immediately picked up on the distress. "Hobi? What's wrong? I'm coming."

Within minutes, Namjoon was at his side, his expression shifting from concern to full-blown worry when he saw Hoseok still lying down, his face pale, his forehead damp with sweat.

"What happened?" Namjoon asked, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Talk to me."

Hoseok swallowed hard, his eyes stinging with unshed tears. "Joon... I can't—" His voice broke as another wave of pain hit. "I can't even sit up. My neck, my back—everything hurts so much."

Namjoon's jaw tightened. He reached out, placing a careful hand on Hoseok's shoulder, feeling how tense and rigid his muscles were. "Hobi, this isn't normal. We're calling Dr. Lee."

"No!" Hoseok said quickly, shaking his head, immediately regretting it as pain flared through him. "Hyung, we have rehearsals today. I can't—I can't miss it. Please, don't make a big deal out of this. Just get me some painkillers."

Namjoon's brows furrowed, his worry only deepening. "Are you seriously telling me that rehearsals are more important than your health right now? Hobi, you can't even sit up. How are you supposed to dance like this?"

Hoseok squeezed his eyes shut. "I just—I don't want to let everyone down."

Namjoon sighed, rubbing a hand down his face before looking at him firmly. "Listen to me. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is more important than your health. You have to take care of yourself first, or else you won't be able to perform at all. If you push through this and make it worse, it's not just one rehearsal you'll miss—it could be all of them. Do you understand that?"

Hoseok bit his lip, guilt and frustration warring inside him. He knew Namjoon was right, but accepting it was harder than he wanted to admit. He felt tears threaten to spill over, a mix of exhaustion, stress, and the sheer overwhelming pain he was in.

Namjoon softened, reaching out to squeeze Hoseok's hand. "We're calling the doctor, and we'll figure this out. But you have to trust me, okay? We'll handle the rehearsals, we'll handle everything. Right now, the only thing that matters is making sure you're okay."

Hoseok exhaled shakily, finally nodding. "Okay... call him."

Namjoon wasted no time, pulling out his phone while keeping a reassuring grip on Hoseok's hand.

Hoseok sits stiffly on the examination table, his usual energy dulled by exhaustion. His right shoulder aches, the pain radiating down his arm, making even the simple act of adjusting his posture uncomfortable. He flexes his fingers absently, as if trying to shake off the tingling sensation.

Doctor Lee, a sports medicine specialist, flips through the initial reports before looking up. "Tell me exactly what you've been feeling."

Hoseok exhales, rubbing the back of his neck. "It started as stiffness, but now... there's this burning pain. It shoots down my arm, especially after rehearsals. Sometimes my fingers go numb."

Doctor Lee nods thoughtfully. "Any weakness? Trouble gripping things?"

Hoseok hesitates before answering. He doesn't want to admit it, but... "A little. I dropped my phone the other day without realizing it."

Doctor Lee stands in front of Hoseok, arms crossed as he observes. "Alright, let's check your neck mobility. Slowly tilt your head to the right."

Hoseok complies, moving his ear toward his shoulder. At first, it feels like a stretch—tight but manageable. But as he reaches the limit of his range, a sudden, sharp pain flares along the right side of his neck, shooting down into his shoulder and upper arm. He winces, his muscles instinctively tensing.

Lee notices immediately. "Pain?"

Hoseok nods, exhaling through his nose. "Yeah... right here." He gestures to the base of his neck where the discomfort lingers like a dull, throbbing ache.

"Try the other side."

Hoseok tilts his head left. The motion is smoother, easier—there's some tightness, but no pain.

"Now look down," Lee instructs.

Hoseok drops his chin to his chest. A deep pull stretches the back of his neck, but it's bearable.

"And up?"

As he tilts his head back, the pain returns, this time radiating down his right arm. His fingers tingle, a strange prickling sensation creeping into his skin. His hand flexes involuntarily.

Lee doesn't miss it. "Tingling?"

"Yeah," Hoseok admits. "And a bit of numbness."

"Stay relaxed," Lee instructs. He moves behind Hoseok, placing both hands gently on the top of his head. "I'm going to apply a little pressure while tilting your head to the right. Let me know what you feel."

Hoseok nods, bracing himself.

Lee slowly tilts Hoseok's head to the affected side, then presses downward.

Instantly, a sharp, stabbing pain erupts from Hoseok's neck, radiating through his right shoulder and cascading down his arm like an electric shock. His muscles seize, and he inhales sharply through clenched teeth.

"Ah—!" His right hand curls into a fist, his bicep trembling.

Lee eases off immediately. "Where did you feel it most?"

"Neck... shoulder... all the way down to my fingers," Hoseok mutters, rubbing his arm as the pain lingers. His heart pounds, the intensity of the sensation leaving him shaken.

Lee nods knowingly. "That confirms nerve involvement. "

"Push against my hands—outward first."

Hoseok presses outward with both arms. His left side resists evenly, muscles engaging as expected. But his right arm? The moment he applies force, a dull ache flares, and his arm feels weak, as if a power switch has been turned off. He pushes harder, but it's noticeably less controlled.

Lee frowns. "Noticing weakness?"

Hoseok exhales in frustration. "Yeah... it's not responding like my left side."

"Okay, now pull inward."

Hoseok tries again, gripping onto Lee's hands and pulling. His right arm trembles with the effort, lacking the strength he's used to. He grits his teeth, frustration mounting.

Lee then moves to test his grip, offering two fingers. "Squeeze as hard as you can."

Hoseok grips tightly with his left hand—solid, firm. But when he does the same with his right, the difference is obvious. His fingers feel sluggish, his grip noticeably weaker.

Lee sighs. "Alright, last one. Lift your arm up and resist when I push down."

Hoseok raises his right arm to shoulder height. Lee presses down lightly, testing his control. The left arm holds steady. But when pressure is applied to the right, his muscles falter almost immediately.

Hoseok swallows hard. "It's... weaker than I thought."

Doctor Lee retrieves a small brush and a pinprick tool from a tray. "Close your eyes," he instructs.

Hoseok does.

"We're testing sensitivity now. Tell me when you feel something."

Lee starts with the soft brush, running it lightly along Hoseok's left arm first. "Feel that?"

"Yeah," Hoseok responds easily.

Lee repeats the motion on the right arm, moving down toward his fingers. "How about now?"

There's a pause. Hoseok frowns. He can feel it... but it's faint, distant—like there's a thin layer between his skin and the sensation.

"It's... not as strong as my left side," he admits.

Lee then switches to the pinprick, tapping lightly on different areas. Again, the left arm reacts normally. But when he reaches Hoseok's index finger and thumb on the right hand, Hoseok's response is delayed. The sensation is duller, slower to register.

"That's... weird," Hoseok murmurs, flexing his fingers. "I feel it, but it's not sharp like before."

Lee straightens up, expression serious. "That confirms what I suspected. The nerve compression is affecting sensation and motor function."

Hoseok lets out a slow breath, his mind racing.

Doctor Lee stands over Hoseok, his face serious, holding the clipboard with his notes. "I need to order some imaging—an MRI and possibly an X-ray. But based on what I'm seeing, I suspect cervical radiculopathy. A pinched nerve in your neck is causing the pain and weakness in your arm."

Hoseok's eyes widen slightly, blinking in disbelief. "A pinched nerve? But I didn't... injure my neck." His voice is small, as if trying to convince himself. His mind races, processing the new information. It doesn't make sense. He didn't fall, he didn't twist something wrong... it wasn't that kind of injury.

Doctor Lee sighs and places a hand on Hoseok's shoulder. "It doesn't always come from one big injury, Hoseok. Repetitive strain, bad posture, overuse from the intense rehearsals and performances—these things take a toll on the body over time. With the amount of stress you put on yourself, it's not surprising that something like this could happen."

Hoseok nods, though He never thought something like this could come from just pushing himself. He thought his body was invincible. But now, reality hits hard.

Namjoon, who had been waiting outside the examination room, stands up when he sees the door open. He's been pacing, unable to shake off his worry, and as soon as he spots Hoseok, he notices how pale he looks.

Hoseok's shoulders are slumped, and he moves slower than usual, almost as if the weight of the world is pressing down on him. Namjoon notices how quiet it is, the air heavy with the unspoken. He approaches, offering a gentle smile, though his worry is apparent.

"Hey, how'd it go?" Namjoon asks, voice soft but carrying a weight of concern.

Hoseok forces a smile, but it's weak. "They're getting ready for the MRI and X-ray... just checking things out." He shrugs, trying to downplay it, but Namjoon can see through him.

Namjoon's brow furrows, eyes searching Hoseok's face. "What's going on, Hobi? you look like you're carrying the world right now."

Hoseok looks down at the floor, his fingers fidgeting nervously. "I just... didn't think it would be like this. They think I have A pinched nerve in my neck" His voice trails off, the exhaustion from both the pain and the mental toll of it all evident in his tone.

Namjoon's heart clenches as he takes a step closer, trying to put his hand on Hoseok's shoulder in comfort, though he knows his words are the only thing he can offer for now.

Hoseok lets out a breath, trying to mask the frustration and vulnerability he's feeling. "I just... I don't want to be a burden. We've got so much ahead, and everyone's counting on us."

Namjoon watches his friend closely, noticing how deeply this is affecting him. He knows Hoseok always wants to give 100%, "No one's going to see you as a burden, Hobi. You're part of a team—one that looks out for each other. And right now, we all need you to take care of yourself."

Hoseok looks up at him then, their eyes locking.

"Thanks, Joon," he murmurs quietly, the weight on his shoulders lessening just a little. "I'll try."

Namjoon gives him a small smile, his tone lightening. "Good. Now, let's get you through this MRI and X-ray, yeah? I'll be right here waiting for you."

The MRI room is cold and clinical, the sterile, metallic scent filling the air. Hoseok in hospital gown lies down on the MRI bed, his body tense, though he tries to force himself to relax. The technician comes in, speaking in calm, measured tones. "Alright, Hoseok-ssi, I'm going to ask you to lie still for a while. This may feel a bit uncomfortable, but try to stay as still as you can."

Hoseok nods, swallowing down the rising anxiety in his throat. He closes his eyes and tries to breathe steadily, but the noise of the MRI machine—loud, mechanical, and disorienting—makes his heart race. The whirring and clicking of the machine fill the air, and the pressure in his chest only intensifies. He grips the edges of the bed tightly, his fingers tingling with a mix of nerves and discomfort from the pain.

After the MRI, Hoseok is guided to the X-ray room. The technician is polite but efficient, asking him to stand in a certain position and ensuring everything is aligned properly. The room is quiet, the bright light of the machine contrasting with the dimness of the walls. Hoseok stands as still as he can, though the discomfort in his neck makes it difficult to hold the position for too long.

The X-ray machine clicks, and he's quickly done with the procedure. He moves to the side, rubbing his neck lightly as he exits the room.

When Hoseok steps back into the hallway this time in clothes he got here with, Namjoon is waiting for him, his face lighting up with a warm smile. "How'd it go?"

Hoseok gives him a tired but relieved look. "It wasn't so bad. Just a little... uncomfortable. But it's over now."

Namjoon steps beside him, his hand resting on Hoseok's back in a quiet gesture of support. "You're doing great, Hobi. We'll get through this.."

Hoseok leans into the support, feeling the smallest bit of comfort from Namjoon's presence. "Thanks, Joon."

Hoseok and Namjoon step inside Doctor Lee's office. He is sitting at his desk, staring at the scans on his computer screen. He looks up as they enter, his face calm but serious.

"Come in, gentlemen," Doctor Lee says, motioning for them to sit across from him. Namjoon settles into the chair beside Hoseok, the silence between them heavy.

The doctor flips through the images on his screen, his brow furrowing slightly as he examines the scans more closely. "I've reviewed your MRI and X-ray results, Hoseok. The diagnosis is confirmed: cervical radiculopathy."

Hoseok exhales deeply, running a hand through his hair as the words sink in. He had hoped for a different outcome, but now that it's real, it feels like a punch in the gut.

Namjoon glances at Hoseok, his hand instinctively resting on his friend's shoulder. "What does that mean exactly, doctor?" he asks, his voice steady, though the concern in his eyes is unmistakable.

Doctor Lee looks between them both before speaking again, his tone measured but firm. "Cervical radiculopathy is a condition where a nerve in the neck becomes compressed, usually by a herniated disc or degenerative changes in the spine. In your case, Hoseok, the nerve in your neck is being pinched, which is causing the pain, weakness, and numbness you've been experiencing in your arm. It's also likely contributing to the increased discomfort during physical activities, especially the intense rehearsals you've been pushing through."

Hoseok nods slowly, his mind replaying the past weeks of rehearsals, the pain he'd tried to ignore, the numbness he'd thought would just go away.

"So, what happens now?" Hoseok asks, his voice quieter than before.

Doctor Lee sits back in his chair, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk as he considers his next words carefully. "The next step is to begin a treatment plan that will help alleviate the pain and manage the symptoms. The main goal is to avoid further damage and help you regain strength and mobility in your arm."

Hoseok shifts in his seat, "And what does that treatment plan look like?"

"Initially," Doctor Lee begins, "we'll start with physical therapy. This will help improve your neck's mobility and strengthen the muscles around the affected area. It's important that you follow the therapy sessions closely. In addition to that, we'll also focus on pain management, including medications or injections if necessary, to reduce inflammation and control the pain."

Hoseok's gaze falls to the floor, his mind racing with the implications. Physical therapy means slowing down, stepping away from the rehearsals and training he loves, and that's something he isn't ready to face. He opens his mouth to speak, but Namjoon beats him to it.

"Is there any chance this could get worse if he doesn't follow through with the treatment?" Namjoon asks, his voice low but urgent, his eyes flicking to Hoseok for a moment before looking back at the doctor.

Doctor Lee gives a serious nod. "Yes. If left untreated, cervical radiculopathy can lead to permanent nerve damage, which could cause chronic pain, weakness, and in some cases, even affect your ability to use your arm properly. So, we need to act now."

Hoseok clenches his fists in his lap, the frustration clear on his face. He's always pushed through pain, always believed he could overcome anything with enough effort, but this... this is different. He swallows hard, trying to hold back the frustration. "I can't just... stop, though. We have our comeback, our rehearsals. How can I just sit out of all of that?"

Namjoon looks at him, his expression softening. "Hobi, you have to take care of yourself first. The comeback will happen, but your health comes first. We can work around this."

Doctor Lee looks directly at Hoseok. "I know it's hard, but continuing to push yourself will only make things worse. The treatment plan will help you recover faster in the long run, and with proper care, you'll be able to get back to full strength. But it will take time, and you'll need to be patient with the process."

Hoseok looks at NamjoonHe takes a deep breath, trying to push down the anxiety that's building in his chest. "I don't want to let anyone down, Joon... I just feel like if I stop now, I'll be failing everyone."

Namjoon gives him a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. "You're not failing anyone, Hobi. You're doing what's best for all of us by taking care of yourself. If you don't take this time to heal, it'll only affect you and the group in the long run."

Doctor Lee stands up, moving to a nearby shelf and picking up a few brochures on physical therapy and pain management options. "I'll give you a detailed treatment plan to start with. We can also refer you to a specialist if necessary, but we'll start with conservative measures first. I'll also monitor your progress regularly."

Hoseok takes the brochures from the doctor, looking down at them in his hands,

"I'd strongly advise stepping back from intense rehearsals." says Doctor Lee

Namjoon's face darkens. He turns to Hoseok. "We'll figure this out, okay?"

Hoseok forces a smile. "Yeah... sure."

But deep down, he already knows he's not ready to stop.