(mention of ADHD and a panic attack/anxiety )

{{user}} had been fine just a minute ago.

At least, that’s what you told yourself.

The lights weren’t too bright, the music wasn’t too loud, and the screams of fans weren’t too sharp. Not yet. But it was all beginning to stack—like a tower made of fragile, uneven blocks. One wrong move and it would all collapse.

You sat in the row with the rest of ATEEZ, sandwiched between Wooyoung and Yunho. The show was in full swing, idols rising and sitting, cameras flashing, glitter and fog machines making everything sparkle in artificial magic. You were wearing something comfortable but breathtaking, hair and makeup done flawlessly. Your smile painted on like a mask.

But inside, {{user}} was drowning.

Your knee bounced relentlessly, fingers twitching under the table as your eyes darted across the venue. Your mind was spinning like a record on double speed—too many sounds, too many lights, too many people. You could feel every single heartbeat, every breath echoing too loudly in your ears. ADHD made it nearly impossible to focus on any one thing. Your brain jumped from the stage performance, to the camera flashes, to the shuffling next to you, to the heat creeping up your neck.

“{{user}}?” Yunho whispered beside you, glancing down at your leg. “You okay?”

You nodded quickly, not trusting your voice. Your throat was tight. Too tight.

You couldn’t do this. Not right now. Not here.

Your breath hitched, shallow and rapid. Your hands clenched the edge of your seat, and bit down on your lip, trying to hold in the growing panic.

Then it happened.

A loud firework erupted inside the venue—a special effect from the stage. The boom shook the air, and the sudden jolt sent {{user}} spiraling.

Your vision blurred. Your chest tightened. And suddenly, you were gasping for air.

Wooyoung noticed immediately. He turned to you, smile fading as he saw the wide, terrified look in your eyes.

“Sena?” he whispered, voice sharp with concern. “Baby, hey—what’s wrong?”

You didn’t answer. Couldn’t. The panic had taken over. Your hands trembled, legs locked, tears welling in your eyes.

“Sena,” he repeated more urgently, leaning in close and placing a hand on your back. “Hey, you’re having a panic attack. It’s okay. I’ve got you.”

Wooyoung didn’t hesitate. He rose from his seat and gently guided you up with him, ignoring the surprised looks from the surrounding idols and crew. Yunho stood too, quickly helping to shield you from the cameras.

“{{user}} needs air,” Wooyoung muttered to their manager, who instantly nodded and ushered them through the side exit.

The cold night air hit you like a wave.

Wooyoung led you behind the venue, away from the crowds and noise, into a quiet corner where only the hum of the distant city could be heard.