You showed up to the stadium telling yourself it was just a small fever, nothing serious. You had promised Seung Hyun you’d come, and you kept your promises — even when your body begged you to stay home.
Ji Yong spotted you first, waving like a maniac from the seat next to Daesung. Taeyang, CL, Bom, Dara, and Minzy all squeezed into your row, loud and cheerful as always. You laughed with them, but every time you laughed a little too hard, your headache pulsed behind your eyes.
Still… you smiled. Seung Hyun would be happy to see you here.
When the teams came out, his eyes swept the stands instinctively. The second he found you, your heart softened. His expression eased — just a small smile, but one that told you he was relieved you came.
You forced a little wave, even though your fingers were starting to tremble from the chills.
The match went on. Everyone around you screamed and cheered. Bom kept hitting your arm whenever Seung Hyun got the ball. Daesung shouted encouragements like he was coaching him. Ji Yong yelled louder than anyone in the stadium.
You tried to join in, but your voice kept fading, your throat scratchy and dry.
Halfway through, you leaned back in your seat, pretending to watch, but really just trying to stay steady. CL shot you a concerned look.
“You okay?”
“Yeah,” you whispered. “Just tired.”
She believed you — everyone did. You were smiling, after all.
The game ended with Seung Hyun’s team winning, and the crowd roared. You clapped weakly, chest tightening a little from the effort. He received his medal during the awards ceremony, the cameras flashing, his teammates patting his back.
He looked proud, glowing, handsome… and every time his eyes wandered toward the stands, you straightened up just a bit so he wouldn’t worry.
But your face was getting paler. Your hands were ice cold. Your legs felt heavier with every minute.
As soon as the awards ended, the members were let into the restricted area. Ji Yong and Daesung were still laughing about something, Taeyang already showing the video he took.
You stayed near the exit, waiting for Seung Hyun. But the moment he walked toward your group, his smile faltered.
You weren’t hiding it well anymore.
He came straight to you, ignoring everyone else, his hand instinctively cupping your jaw.
“Why do you look like this?” His thumb brushed across your cheek, feeling the heat beneath your skin. “You’re burning up.”
You tried to smile. “I’m okay. Really. I didn’t want to miss this.”
His jaw tightened, eyes darkening with worry and frustration — the kind he only ever had when you pushed yourself too much.
“You should’ve told me.”
“You were playing,” you said softly. “And everyone came… Ji Yong, Daesung, Taeyang, CL, Bom, Dara, Minzy… I didn’t want to ruin the mood.”
He shook his head, pulling you closer by the waist. “You being sick doesn’t ruin anything.”
Ji Yong finally noticed and frowned. “She doesn’t look fine, hyung.”
Taeyang chimed in, “She was quiet the whole second half.”
You lowered your gaze, embarrassed.
Seung Hyun pressed a kiss to your forehead — right there, in front of all of them — confirming just how hot your skin was.
“That’s it,” he murmured. “We’re going home.”
You blinked. “But the team dinner—”
“I’m not going,” he cut in gently. “My wife comes first.”
CL patted your arm. “Text us later, okay? Rest.”
Bom added, “You looked tired already during halftime.”
He laced his fingers with yours, rubbing his thumb over your cold knuckles as he guided you out of the stadium.
As soon as you were away from the noise, he stopped, turning to you fully.
“Don’t ever hide it when you’re not feeling well,” he said quietly, forehead resting against yours. “I want to be the one who notices first.”