Feveruary Day 15: "I don't think I've ever seen you ill before."
Fandom: SHINee
Sickie: Key (general illness)
Caregiver(s): Onew
Word Count: 1,407
Notes: Request from @minholly1965! Takes place two years into SHINee's career.
“What’s going on with Ki-hyung?” Taemin whispered as he slumped against Jinki’s side. He pouted up at the leader, which made him look significantly younger than his 16 years. “He’s been acting weird all day.”
“I don’t know, bud.” Jinki’s eyes wandered to Kibum, currently sitting in the back corner of the van, hood up, headphones on, eyes vacantly staring out the window. Taemin was right: Kibum had been weird today. Quieter, moodier, more dejected and down on himself than Jinki had ever seen him in the three years they’d known each other. Kibum’s dancing was half-hearted, his energy deflated… and voice practice had been nothing short of a nightmare for how many notes the younger man had missed, how some of his notes came out flat or off pitch. It was strange, to say the very least, but it wasn’t something Jinki could address in the moment. Every attempt to talk to Kibum today ended with the younger man becoming more withdrawn, no matter who tried it.
“Well, we have to do something,” Taemin insisted, pout intensifying.
“We will, Tae. I’m gonna talk to him when we get home. Let him cool down first.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
Surprisingly, Jinki didn’t even need to make good on that promise as Kibum approached the leader himself after they arrived home. While Jonghyun and Minho loudly set about preparing dinner, Taemin looming at the edges of their shenanigans, Kibum sidled next to Jinki, face drawn tight with worry.
“Hyung, something’s wrong,” he whispered, voice terribly quiet.
Eyeing the others’ position, immediately reading Kibum’s desire for secrecy, Jinki kept his reply quiet: “Tell me about it.”
“Well, you heard what happened today,” Kibum started, sighing with obvious frustration. “I just… couldn’t get my voice to work right.” His eyes trailed to the floor as he spoke, his fingers tangling nervously in the hem of his sweater.
Jinki reached for those anxious hands, settling Kibum’s fingers in his own. “Kibum-ah, it’s okay. You can’t be perfect everyday. None of us can. No one’s mad at you for…”
“No it’s…” Kibum shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut. He pulled a sharp inhale, as if preparing to drop serious news. Jinki felt his own heartbeat start to pick up, the tension in Kibum’s body spilling over into his. “Ever since vocal lessons… well, no, even before that, I’ve felt this…” Kibum tapped absently at his neck, “this pain. In my throat. And now it’s more than that it’s… it’s everywhere.”
The knot forming in Jinki’s stomach disappeared instantly. This wasn’t the start of a breakdown. This wasn’t Kibum second guessing his talent and place in the group. This wasn’t the major issue Kibum was making it out to be.
No, this was something much simpler, something Jinki could easily handle. This was just a sick dongsaeng. Sure, this would be a little more challenging given that the ill one was Kibum, who, as far as Jinki could remember, had never been sick in their time together. And that was something Kibum took a lot of pride in; as the most germ-conscious member of the group, this had to be hard for him. Hard to deal with, and even harder to admit. But nothing a little TLC couldn’t fix.
As the puzzle pieces clicked into place for Jinki, Kibum’s eyes opened, shimmery with unshed tears. “I just… I don’t feel well.”
“OH MY GOD!”
Kibum physically jolted at Taemin’s sudden shout. Jinki didn’t fare much better, whirling towards the maknae who was staring at Kibum with relief. In fact, all eyes were now focused on Taemin and Kibum.
“That’s it! That’s why you’ve been so different today, hyung!” Taemin explained. He turned his attention to the leader. “I told you Key-ah was acting weird, but it wasn’t weird. Well… it kinda was. I just don’t think I’ve ever seen you sick before, hyung.”
And with that, all pretense faded. Jonghyun and Minho and Taemin were all staring at Kibum with a mix of surprise and sympathy and a little bit of awe that their stronger soldier had fallen.
Completely overwhelmed, Kibum started sobbing.
The two eldest shared a look, a plan passing instantaneously between them.
“Okay, come on, love.” Jinki wrapped an arm around Kibum’s shoulders, leading him off into the hallway as Jonghyun did the same to Taemin, leading him the opposite way towards the living room. Jonghyun also grabbed the back of Minho’s shirt, dragging him away too. Jinki heard both of them start yelling about ‘what did I do?!’ and ‘I didn’t mean it!’ and other words of chaotic confusion. He blocked it out with the soft click of the bathroom door. The leader sat Kibum on the lip of the tub before kneeling to turn the tap on.
“This is so embarrassing,” Kibum whimpered, hiding his face in his hands.
“It’s not,” Jinki reassured him, holding his fingers under the water until it reached the right temperature.
“It is though…” Kibum sniffled tearfully. “I don’t like this, hyung. I don’t like feeling like this.”
“I know, jagi.” Jinki settled back on his heels, taking one of Kibum’s hands in his. “I mean, Taemin’s right. I don’t think you’ve ever been sick since I’ve known you.”
“Yeah, cause I fucking hate it,” Kibum said around a bitter laugh, swiping at his eyes with his free hand. His lips were set in a disgruntled pout, eyes still teary, seemingly against his will. “That’s why I’m such an ass when any of you get sick…” he mumbled.
“We know. We’ve learned to not take it personally. Well… most of us. Minho’s going to give you hell no matter what you do, though.” That earned him the smallest of smirks from Kibum. Jinki ruffled the younger man’s hair before moving towards the cabinet under the sink, digging around for the bubble soap they kept for special occasions. This felt like a good use of it: Kibum could use a little whimsy right now.
“I think I traumatized Taemin,” Kibum commented as Jinki returned to the tub and poured in a generous amount of the bubble soap.
“You didn’t. He’s a tough cookie.”
“Still….” Kibum’s entire frame deflated with a deep sigh. “This is so stupid.”
“Again, it’s not.” Jinki turned off the tap, and turned his full attention back to Kibum. “Now, you don’t have to take everything off if you don’t want to.” Kibum’s brow furrowed slightly. The leader nodded towards the bathtub. “Did you think I was just filling this for fun?”
“I mean, it’s a weird way to cheer someone up, but I wouldn’t put it past you.”
Jinki rolled his eyes at Kibum’s teasing. “I wouldn’t waste the bubbles if it was just for show.” Kibum looked at the water. “You said everything hurt. This will help.”
“Why does it matter how much I take off?”
“Because I’m not leaving you, sooooo… make your own decisions.”
Kibum eyed the water, then Jinki. After a few moments, he finally nodded.
The second his body was submerged in the water, Kibum felt all of the negative emotions he’d been harboring start to slip away. His eyes closed on impact, and he leaned back against the cold wall, the sensation of the warm water and cool tile so terribly satisfying. Maybe… things were going to be okay.
“Keep your eyes closed, okay?”
Just when Kibum thought things couldn’t get better, a rush of warm water cascaded over his head and gentle, strong fingers began to work through his hair. A noise of pure contentment, small but echoing in the tiled tub, escaped Kibum’s lips as all remaining tension melted from his body as Jinki continued to wash his hair, slow and steady. It was almost enough to make him forget the horror of the looming sore throat and oncoming fever.
“This isn’t fair,” Kibum murmured eventually, (he’d completely lost track of time at this point.)
“How so?” The younger man could hear the smile in Jinki’s voice.
“Do you do this for everyone when they’re sick?” Kibum asked.
“Not every time. But yeah, this is something I’ve done for the others a few times.”
“Well, that’s not fair, then. I shouldn’t be deprived just cause I take better care of my immune system.”
Jinki’s laugh was soft, musical, further dulling the ickiness crowding Kibum’s body. “I’m sure we can work out a special arrangement just for you, love.”
Notes: Thank you @sickonthedancefloor for this brilliant idea!!!!
Minho waltzed into the den of their rented cabin, phone in hand, interrupting the movie night in progress with the words: “So, I was thinking we take a sunrise hike tomorrow.”
Kibum audibly groaned, dropping his head back against the couch. “Can we have one day without an activity?”
Minho pouted as he flopped onto the other couch next to Taemin. “You don’t like my activities?” Kibum glared at the sparkle of challenge in Minho’s eyes.
“I do,” Taemin cut in, poking Minho’s shoulder.
“Yeah, say more about this hike,” Jinki replied, pressing pause on the movie. Kibum silently fumed that they were even entertaining this.
They’d been at the cabin for almost two days, and Minho had been peddling options for physical activities that entire time. Sure, exploring the town had been on all of their lists. But did Kibum want to hike through the freezing winter woods? No. Did he want to ice skate? No. Did he want to try cross country skiing, or horseback riding, or snowmobiling? No, no, and no. He didn’t even want to go on the runs Minho insisted on every morning. For his part, Kibum wanted to REST on their vacation. He was TIRED. Was that too much to ask?
“Okay, so.” Minho sat forward, reading off of his phone. “The trail head is about ten minutes away. It’s a two mile hike to the lookout, and we could take a longer route back if we wanted to hike more after the sunrise.”
“That’s a no from me,” Kibum declared plainly. “I’m planning on sleeping in.” Minho nodded as if he’d expected that.
“I’ll go with you,” Jinki offered.
“Me too!” Taemin chimed in. “And we’ll be quiet when we get back so we don’t wake you, Hyung,” he added towards Kibum specifically.
“Or maybe we’ll be extra loud so you can partake in the fun!” Minho teased, eyes gleaming wickedly.
“Try it, I dare you.”
Minho simply chuckled at Kibum’s threat. “Aw, Kibummie, you know I kid.”
“Yeah, yeah, now can we please stop yapping and finish the movie?”
Kibum’s request was granted, but the viewing experience was significantly disrupted by Minho’s confused questions on what he’d missed and Taemin’s running commentary on the implications of the established power system. Jinki wasn’t innocent either, as he entertained all of their babbling commentary. Kibum didn’t know why it all bothered him so much. It’s not like he really cared about this film, and he usually got a kick out of members’ antics. But tonight? These three were playing with his last nerve like a fucking jump rope.
After the movie ended, Kibum bid his members good night, ready for a full night’s rest, and encouraging them to do the same if they intended to traverse the wintery landscape in the wee hours of the morning. He had no idea, not did he care if they listened to him or not; Kibum passed out almost instantly when his head hit the pillow.
What felt like moments later, Kibum rolled awake, blinking into complete darkness. Confusion wrapping tightly around his consciousness, Kibum groaned, slapping his arm into the ether to find his phone. When he had the device, he saw that it was nearly 2am. What the…? Before the thought had even fully formed, Kibum was abruptly struck with terrible realization.
His throat was on fire.
Kibum groaned and immediately regretted it at the shock wave of pain that radiated through his throat. He writhed around until he was on his back, already feeling the tell tale signs of fever aches settling into his muscles. Now was not the time for his body to throw a bitch fit.
Switching on the bedside lamp, Kibum pushed off his blankets and stood from the bed, wincing at the way his entire body protested the movement. Walking gingerly towards the bathroom, each step more excruciating than the next, Kibum approached his toiletry bag, rifling through its contents, despite knowing the awful truth that he had little in the way of medicine besides some ibuprofen. With a sigh of defeat, Kibum threw back three of the ibuprofen and shuffled back to bed.
He shot a text off to Jinki: Do we have any meds?? Throat’s feeling funny :( Don’t need them right now, but soon.
Unsurprisingly, the leader didn’t respond before Kibum found sleep again. If he’d wanted immediate attention, he would’ve called; for as deep a sleeper as the leader was, Jinki never failed to pick up a phone call, no matter the hour. But a text? That wasn’t breaking through at 2am. Luckily, the ibuprofen was enough to lull Kibum back to sleep… for now.
When Kibum awoke again, it was to the sound of a thump against his nightstand. He jolted in surprise, peeling open his eyes, a Herculean task now as his eyelids feel incredibly heavy. In fact, everything felt heavy, and achy, and chilled, and… Kibum groaned.
“Really? That happy to see me?”
Kibum blinked to clear his vision, coming face to face with Choi Minho. “Wha the fuuuu…?” His voice petered out into a grating rasp of a cough, causing Kibum to curl in on himself from the force of it.
“Damn, that sounds painful.”
“Fuck off.” The threat was muffled against the comforter.
“Now is that anyway to talk to your knight in shining armor?” Minho, hands on his hips, smirked down at Kibum, earning him a vicious glare when the older man finally lifted his head again. “Jinki shared that you’re not feeling the best.”
“That was private information…”
“I would argue we would’ve figured it out eventually.”
Another cough shook through Kibum’s body, culminating a pained moan. “Where’s Jinki?”
“On his way to town to get medicine for you.”
Kibum groaned, dropping his face against the pillow again. “I want Jinkiiii…”
“I’m sure you do. He’s far more patient than me. But you’re stuck with me until Onew-man comes back.”
Kibum cracked one eye open, considering Minho, then looking at the nightstand. “So what did you bring?”
Minho held up the bowl from the nightstand with a triumphant grin. “Soup.”
Kibum raised an eyebrow. “It’s the morning.”
“And?”
“It’s not time for soup.”
“So? You’re sick. You’ll need to eat before you take any meds. Soup is good for sick people.”
Kibum whined again, writhing against the pillow until his head was facing the other way. “I don’t want soup.” He coughed again, painful and desperate.
“Come on, Bummie. It’ll help your throat,” Minho weedled, sitting on the edge of the bed. Kibum didn’t move. So Minho, the shit that he was, firmly grasped his shoulders and forced the older man up to a seated position, setting him against the headboard despite Kibum’s weak protests. Minho grabbed the bowl, stirring the spoon thoughtfully before lifting it. He held the spoon out to Kibum. “Open up.”
Kibum glared. “I can feed myself.”
“Say ‘ahhhh.’” Minho decisively ignored him, holding the spoon closer. With a sky high eyeball, Kibum opened his mouth just enough for Minho to fit the spoon in. In all fairness, the soup was good, and of a truly delightful warmth that soothed the aching in Kibum’s throat. His body instinctively melted at the taste, his eyes squeezing tight in pure joy. “There, now, was that so hard?”
Kibum’s eyes opened just enough to shoot daggers at his nemesis. “The minute Jinki’s home, you’re out of here.”
Minho scoffed, stirring up another spoonful. “‘Oh, thank you Minho for making me this amazing soup and caring for me in my time of need,’” he mocked as he offered another bite. Kibum accepted it petulantly. Minho shot him a cheesy grin. “It’s okay. I know you love me.”
Kibum sighed, swallowing the second sip (just as comforting as the first). “Thank you, Minho.” His tone was teasing, but Minho could see the sincerity in his shadowed eyes as he handed the bowl over to the sick man. Anything to make his best friend’s day better.
Notes: It's short. I received a request for Key having nightmares of losing his members, and this was the closest I felt comfortable getting to that. Set sometime during 2023, when Onew was actually in Austria.
Taeyeon woke up to her phone ringing. Blinking against the darkness, she reached blindly for the device, sliding it open without looking at the terribly bright screen. “Hello?”
“Unnie?!”
Taeyeon sat up, suddenly at full attention. “Kibum, what’s wrong?” The younger man rarely called her that without some sort of nickname before, and he never sounded that distressed.
“He won’t pick up.” Kibum gasped on the other end, as if crying. No, not crying. Sobbing.
Taeyeon switched on the lamp next to her bed, pulling her knees to her chest. “Who, love?”
“Jinki-hyung.”
Taeyeon nodded to herself, doing her best to keep her voice calm. “Bammie, Jinki’s in Austria, remember? He’s in a completely different timezone…”
“But it’s only 8pm there!” Kibum exclaimed, voice choking on the words. “He should answer! Something’s WRONG!”
“Sweetheart, he’s probably out somewhere,” Taeyeon replied as she pushed out of bed, hurrying to find a sweater and shoes. Thankfully, Kibum only lived a few floors away. “He’s not ignoring you on purpose, I promise.”
“No, Yeonie. You don’t… What if… what if…” Taeyeon heard the phone thud to the floor, the sound of sobbing echoing in the background. She rushed to pull on her shoes and ran out the door, thankfully grabbing her keys from the hook (so she could get back into her own apartment, but also because she had a spare key to Kibum’s place).
When Taeyeon pushed open the door, she found Kibum passed out on the living room rug, cheeks wet with tears. His face was flushed an angry red, one that couldn’t be from crying alone. Taeyeon knelt next to her best friend, pressing a hand to his cheek. Kibum’s skin was obscenely hot.
Ding ding!
Taeyeon jumped, eyes finding Kibum’s phone as it vibrated against the floor. She snatched up the device. Lee Jinki Our Leader
“Hello?”
“Kibum?!”
“No, it’s Taeyeon.”
“Taeyeon?!?!”
“Yeah, Bammie called me after he couldn’t reach you.”
“What’s wrong?”
Taeyeon smoothed back Kibum’s hair. “He’s running a fever, and I think he had a nightmare. Needed to make sure you… needed to hear your voice.” Jinki went silent on the other end of the line. “I’m sure it’s just…”
“No, this… it happens. More than… more than you’d expect.” He sounded sad, beyond sad actually. “Did he try to call Minho?”
“I’m not sure, he didn’t say.”
“How about Taem?”
“Again, I don’t know.”
Jinki hummed. “Is he sleeping now?”
“Yes. In the minute it took me to get to him he must’ve passed out,” Taeyeon answered, watching the steady rise and fall of Kibum’s chest. “How often does this…?”
“When he’s running a fever, usually,” Jinki replied, voice suddenly very, very soft. “Sometimes when he’s been drinking. Or when he’s incredibly stressed. That’s when it hits Taemin too. Minho… Minho doesn’t usually…” He sighed. “It doesn’t matter. Thank you, for being there with him.”
“Of course. I… Jinki, I’m sorry…”
“Please, don’t be. Thank you, for being there.”
A ghost of a smile spread on Taeyeon’s lips as she played with Kibum’s hair. “Always.”
Notes: This was NOT supposed to post yet, but c’est la vie!
“Heeeeyyyyy~”
Kibum glared over his shoulder as Minho’s head peeked through the doorway. “What?” he growled, the venom he was going for diminished by his croaky lack of voice.
Minho certainly wasn’t deterred by it. The rapper took Kibum’s acknowledgement as a pass to fully enter the room. He swung inside, holding a jar in his hand. “Guess what I found?”
“I’m not in the mood for games.” Kibum shifted away from the door, coughing harshly.
“I think you’ll enjoy it,” Minho coaxed. Kibum did not turn around. With a sigh, Minho stepped to the bed and rolled Kibum onto his back so he had to look. Minho proudly held out his find.
“What the fuck is that?” Kibum muttered dully.
“Vapor rub, you ass,” Minho replied.
Kibum narrowed his eyes, nose scrunching in disgust. “Ew, I hate that stuf-“ He broke off coughing again, thrusting his face into his elbow away from Minho. They may have been mortal enemies, but Kibum certainly didn’t wish this demonic bronchitis on anyone.
“Come on, don’t be a bitch,” Minho challenged. Although skeptical, Kibum was too tired to deal with his and nodded his assent. “Thank you. Now take your shirt off.”
Kibum shot up on his elbows. “Whoa, whoa, whoa!”
Minho pushed him back down by the shoulders. “Relax. I’m a man of honor,” Minho said, twisting off the vapor rub’s lid. Kibum grimaced, whining as he dropped his head back against the pillow. “WhAaAt?”
“Please don’t touch me.”
“Oh, come on.” Minho rolled his eyes. “I’m a man of honor, Kibum. This will help you.” Kibum continued to glare at him, even as he failed to suppress yet another coughing fit. “Come on. Shirt off. Let me see your chest.”
Kibum whined again. “Why do you have to make it sound so sexual?”
“Nothing sexual about it. Do you know how many times Jinki made me use this when we lived together? How many times he let me use it on him?”
“Yeah, well, you two have some weird sort of roommate symbiosis.”
“Oh, and that doesn’t sound sexual?”
“Not as much as whatever you said. Which means I’m not doing this.” Kibum crossed his arms over his chest.
Minho sighed. “You are so fucking dramatic.” They sat there, stubbornly glaring at each other, each refusing to budge. Or at least they did until Kibum broke off coughing yet again. Minho frowned, hating the painful, mucusy rattle coming from his friend’s throat. “Ki, please. I just want to help.”
Exhausted, Kibum closed his eyes. “Fine.” Eyes still closed, his fingers moved to undo the first few buttons on his pajama top. Minho gasped in surprise, pulling his legs onto the bed with him. “Just make it quick.”
“I promise.”
But as a devilish gleam flashed across his face, Minho swung one leg across Kibum’s body until he was straddled across the other man’s thighs.
“Minho, what the fuck are you doing?” Kibum exclaimed, eyes flying open as he jumped up on his elbows.
“Getting a better angle,” Minho replied simply. He placed one finger on Kibum’s chest and gently guided him backwards with a devious curve to his eyebrows. “Lay back down.”
Kibum struggled back up against Minho’s hand. There was fire in his eyes. “Choi Minho. No.”
“Kim Kibum. Yes.” A whole hand pushed Kibum back down this time, and held him there.
“Get off.”
“No, it’s sexy this way.”
“Minho, nothing about this is sexy!”
“I think the fever’s messing with your brain a little.”
“You PROMISED you wouldn’t be weird!”
“I promised I would make it quick, and you are currently stopping me from doing that.”
“Minho, I swear to god…”
“Hey, I’m here and I brought din…” Both Kibum and Minho went stock-still as their eyes flashed to the doorway, where Taemin was now frozen with one hand on the door. “…ner.” The youngest blinked once, cheeks flaring red. “What…?”
“Nothing,” both Kibum and Minho shouted at the same time.
Taemin sighed. Nodded. “Okay. I’ll be in your kitchen when you’re done doing… whatever this is.” He turned and closed the door behind him.
Horrorstruck, Kibum and Minho both stared at the empty doorway for a moment. Then their eyes slowly migrated back to each other, comically wide. Kibum snorted as Minho started shaking with laughter.
“And, on that note, let’s get this over with.” Minho scooped his fingers into the tub and rubbed a generous amount on Kibum’s chest, his touch featherlight against his friend’s skin. “How does that feel?”
“Weird, but not bad,” Kibum answered honestly. He took a deep breath through his nose. “Very refreshing, actually.”
“See? All that drama for nothing,” Minho replied, crawling off of Kibum and rolling off the bed to his feet.
“But we are not done talking about that stunt, you.” Kibum pointed threateningly at Minho.
The rapper’s eyes gleamed as he smirked. “Oh that? That was just to see if I could get you riled up. That’s how I know you’re actually on the mend.” Minho laughed as he dodged the throw pillow Kibum launched at his face.
Hi I am the anon that asked for the headcanons, honestly just go wild with your favorite headcanons I don’t mind honestly
Alright, because I get to do what I want, Imma give you SHINee first cause the likelihood I'll get asked for them is low (and there’s only 5 of them, so easier!) This is the style you can expect moving forward!!!
How They Act When Sick - SHINee
Onew/Jinki
Strongest immune system of the group. If a cold takes the average person 5-7 days to kick, Jinki's body will body that virus in 24-48 hours. BUT when he DOES actually get sick, he goes down HARD
But he will just throw on a mask and keep working until he physically can't. Usually goes under the radar too - it's not like he's hiding or denying being sick, it's just that no one asked and it hasn’t interfered with his schedules so he didn't say anything.
Usually ends up crashing, though - will hit a point where his body goes all weak and achy, constantly cold.
But does not complain. And if Jinki DOES ever complain, everyone shuts the hell up and listens.
While he's normally the deepest sleeper of the group, something about a low-grade fever makes him unable to fall asleep and it is so frustrating for him and sad for the rest of the group to watch. They have learned that if someone forcibly cuddles him, he'll pass out.
Does not like being coddled or having others do things for him - hates being a burden/center of attention. He will ask for help or cuddles on his own terms. The members have also learned how to phrase things so Jinki feels like he’s in control when he’s actually playing right into their hands.
Most prone to upper respiratory infections that settle in his chest, and he often ends up losing his voice from coughing so much.
Goes back and forth between wanting to be alone and with his members, absorbing their shenanigans from the sidelines. Usually too sleepy and out of it to participate, but it comforts him to be with them.
Jonghyun
'Weakest' immune system of the group, but that's still above average in terms of, like, the general population. It also doesn't help that he is hyper-sympathetic whenever any of his members/friends/family are sick, and will not say no to being cuddled. Too good for his own good.
Most prone to upper respiratory infections that settle in his head.
Can be counted on to have all the usual sick person supplies on him on a normal day anyway. Can go through several bags of cough drops when sick. Is not picky about flavor but may cry if given the menthol ones.
Finds it difficult to sleep, no matter the illness. His body feels wrong, and he can't get comfy. Can usually be found watching TV on the couch at all hours of the night, watching Studio Ghibili films.
Another reason he often ends up on the couch: has been known to sleep walk AND talk when feverish.
Also constantly cold. Blanket capes and sweatshirt hoods pulled tight around his head are usually the clearest indicator that he’s not feeling good.
Jonghyun is a known clothing stealer because "your hoodie's warmer!" Sweater paws for days.
Hates being alone, and just wants to be close to his members. Doesn’t need to be cuddling, per se, he just doesn’t want to be left out.
Takes the time he needs to rest and recover like a responsible adult. (He rubs that fact in the younger members’ faces frequently since they, more often than not, fight rest.)
Key/Kibum
The most germaphobic member. And the Google medical expert/hypochondriac.
Absolutely irate about getting sick every time and makes it EVERYONE'S problem. (And usually finds a way to blame Minho.)
The kind of sickie who gets the slightest sore throat one day, and has full on bronchitis when he wakes up the next. Illness hits him fast and hard.
Looks ill. No matter what he does, Kibum’s body absolutely gives him away: pallid skin, flushed cheeks, red and shadowed eyes, etc.
Professional in public if he has to work/perform, but whiny and moody when in private with those he trusts. Snarky comments abound.
Needs to be forcibly manhandled and often threatened to stay home. Also usually requires a babysitter or chaperone to make sure he actually rests (Taemin is not good at this role. Jonghyun also caves easily, but he's better than Taemin. Jinki and Minho don't stand for any of Kibum's shit, and neither does Taeyeon, who is the ULTIMATE threat in these scenarios.)
Cannot. Stop. Shivering. It is PITIFUL.
Once he’s been put to bed, Kibum’s will to fight evaporates, and he just wants to sleep and snuggle, but not really cause he doesn’t want to spread his germs. He will usually ask his members for their hoodies or blankets so he has their presence around him without risking anything.
Tries all of the DIY remedies he finds on the internet, no matter how outlandish. Kibum doesn't give a shit if it's pseudoscience or even absolutely nonsense - if there is any chance it will end this nightmare, it's worth a shot.
Minho
Either "I'm completely fine, what are you talking about?" or "I would like to dictate to you my last will and testament."
Still works out if he can, insisting that light exercise helps you fight infection (which is true. But “light” means different things to Minho)
The only one who isn’t automatically chilled when he gets sick. Runs hot on a normal day, so he tends to get higher fevers that absolutely wipe him out. And make him want his shirt off constantly - he is rarely allowed to do so, though. The others just don't understand how badly he needs to remove his skin from his body.
Absolutely no filter - the fever + cold medicine make him the silliest goose ever. Will say whatever he is thinking. It is glorious.
Can (and does) fall asleep anywhere. Snores like a jackhammer too whenever he’s congested.
Loudest sneeze known to man, and he DOES feel bad about it and has apologized several times (
Wants to be held and tended to, but not babied. There’s a fine line.
Not good at distinguishing when he's about to throw up. The others have learned his signs, though, because they are NOT cleaning that up if they don’t have to.
Constantly thanking anyone who even just asks how he's feeling. So overwhelmed with love and gratitude when shown compassion, which his members find adorable because “Minho, you know we love you, this isn’t new.” Compliments people even more freely than usual. He just wants his loved ones to know how much he appreciates them.
Taemin
Like Key, he is SO professional in public when he has to work while sick. But when he's with people he trusts, ESPECIALLY his members, he becomes so whiny and pitiful.
A sick Taemin is either the ‘be nice to me I’m sick’ annoying cutie that everyone bends to, or an absolute emotional wreck that needs to be held 24/7. Usually, the more serious the illness, the more sad he is.
Stage 5 clinger. There is a roughly 80-90% chance that Taemin will drag at least two other members down with him whenever he gets sick because he just starfishes onto whoever will let him.
Also constantly cold. AND constantly confused. He finds it hard to focus, especially when congested, so he will ask 'huh' and 'what' on a constant loop.
The most prone to migraines in the group, and a headache is usually his tell when he’s coming down with something.
Unless the medicine specifically says 'non-drowsy,' it will put him to sleep. The members have drugged him before by mixing nighttime cold meds into tea so he doesn't notice it. Works like a charm to this day. Taemin even KNOWS they do this to him, yet still trusts every time that 'well, THIS time's probably different.'
Pickiest about things. Tea, meds, cough drops, popsicles, etc. all have to be certain flavors or he will not partake. It’s annoying, but the members have learned his ways at this point.
Slightly emetophobic, so that's really fun. Cause the members never know if he’s gonna be ‘whatever, it happens’ about throwing up, or if he’s gonna have a panic attack.
If he’s alone or at solo schedules, Taemin will call and text his mom AND his members constantly when he doesn’t feel well, complaining about his day and looking for reassurance. He just hates being alone.
I shouldn't be up this early rereading your fics but here I am anyway~ Caretaker prompt idea - Key and Minho, 5 and 19, with Key running himself ragged and his favorite nemesis stepping in to stop him.
Hey, I'm always up and thinking about Shinee at all hours, so who am I to judge? 😂 Thank you for feeding my Shawol heart!
Minho: I’m coming over to grab that shirt.
Kibum had entirely missed that crucial text, and was therefore caught extremely off guard when the door to his house opened, Choi Minho strutting in as if he owned the place. Which was rather unfortunate given that Kibum had little time to tidy up the space that had become, by his standards, rather messy. And glaring obvious that he was under the weather.
“What’s up, buddy?” Minho’s smile was far too bright for this time on a Thursday.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Kibum shot back, arms held aloft in frustrated confusion.
Minho held up his phone. “I texted you. I’m here for the shirt.”
Kibum reeled, unable to comprehend that he’d missed any such communication, and began tapping on his phone. All he said was an unimpressed, “Oh,” when he finally saw the message. “Well, I obviously didn’t get that, so you should have called.”
Minho snorted, pocketing his own phone. “Sure, sure. I don’t intend to bother you too long. I can go grab the shirt myself if you…”
“No!” Kibum shot up from the couch. He swayed a bit at the sudden movement, but did a fantastic job hiding it behind a vigorous shake of his head (which didn’t help the dizziness, but was normal behavior for him, so he counted it as a win.) “I got it. Stay right here.” He couldn’t have Minho anywhere near his room - the rapper was the LAST person Kibum wanted knowing he was sick, and there were already enough clues scattered about the living space, but his room was a dead giveaway.
As Kibum walked past him, Minho laughed. “Scared I’ll mess up your perfect interior design?”
“Something like that.” Kibum’s voice caught in his throat, prompting a rough, chesty cough as he continued towards his bedroom. He cleared his throat, trying to play it off as swallowing wrong.
“How long have you had that cough?” Minho’s voice followed Kibum down the hall. Kibum ignored him, pretending he hadn’t heard as he ducked into his closet. The shirt Minho wanted was right on top (Kibum knew he’d wanted it soon, just not TODAY soon,) and it wasn’t long before he was back face to face with the rapper.
“Here ya go,” Kibum said, holding out the shirt.
“You didn’t answer me,” Minho said, eyes poignantly sharp. He did not accept the proffered item.
Kibum shrugged. “Couple days?” He thrust the shirt towards Minho a second time.
Minho still did not accept the shirt. Instead, his gaze narrowed. “Days?!”
Kibum shrugged again. “It’s just the change in weather.”
“It absolutely is not the weather,” Minho scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Minho! Please just take the shirt and go!” Kibum exclaimed, rolling his eyes skyward before another fit of coughs wracked through his body. The next thing he knew, he was sitting on the couch, Minho’s warm hands on his shoulders, steadying him.
“There’s zero chance I’m leaving you alone like this.”
Kibum groaned, falling back against the couch. “I swear to god, I’m fine. It’s just a cold…”
“Just a cold my ass. That cough sounds like you’ve been smoking for years.” Minho leaned forward, hand reaching towards Kibum’s skin. The older man evaded him, knocking his wrist out of the way. “Childish, much?”
“Minho, I don’t have time for this. I have shit to do.”
Minho shook his head. “Nope. The only work you’re doing this weekend is getting better. I’m texting Jinki right now…” Kibum lurched forward as Minho retrieved his phone from his pocket, but the sudden movement sent him coughing again. When he regained his breath, Kibum leveled a harsh glare up at the rapper.
“Oh come on, Minho. There’s no need to bother…”
“And Taeyeon.”
Kibum’s jaw dropped. “WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK!?” Raising his voice caused yet another coughing fit, but this one was worth it. Even with his eyes full of irritated tears, Kibum’s glare was lethal. Minho had the upper hand, though.
“It’s all for your own good. You’ll see,” Minho chirped, patting Kibum twice on the head before sauntering off towards his kitchen. “What kind of tea do you want?”
Kibum crossed his arms over his chest, sinking deeper into the couch. If this was how it was going to be, then he was going to be as difficult as possible.
Feveruary Day 19: "I know ice cream is good for sore throats but that’s way too much!"
Fandom: Shinee
Sickie: Key (cold)
Caregiver(s): Shinee
Word Count: 1,438
Notes: Based on the fact that Kibum was so sick during the SM Town concert in Seoul that he literally collapsed after their performance and sat out for some of the stages. Doctor's diagnosis was just a bad cold according to Key himself. But fans have speculated if he would have performed at all/allowed himself to rest if SM had gotten its act together and actually let Onew and Taemin perform with Shinee, which, according to both of their agencies, SM prevented. But I digress.
“I did tell you it was bad,” Minho whispered.
“I mean, yeah, but I didn’t think it was this bad,” Jinki whispered back, carding his fingers through Kibum’s hair. The eldest had seen the SM Town broadcast; he'd purposely cleared his schedule for the event. All bitterness at his non-attendance aside, he'd supported his members digitally, feeling too awkward to attend in person. And even through a screen, Jinki knew instantly that Kibum wasn’t well, even before the fans and the news outlets could say a word. Before the viral clip of Key physically collapsing, Minho catching him and holding him steady. One of the perks of working together for almost 20 years.
But even that hadn’t prepared Jinki for the Kibum he was currently looking at.
Kibum was out cold, curled up on his side, nearly in fetal position, shivering despite the extra blanket thrown on top of him. Even in sleep, his expression was pained, forehead creased with discomfort. His hair was unruly, sweat-dampened, as were his clothes (the pajamas Taemin had gotten him last year for Christmas that he had said were ‘too ugly to wear,’ yet here he was). His skin was dull, pale, save for the purple shadows crowding under his eyes, made all the more evident as his lashes twitched in sleep. The usually hotel-level clean nightstand was a mess, crowded with medicine bottles, tissues, and several mugs filled with varying amounts of cold tea. The floor was strewn with discarded clothes despite Kibum’s disdain for those who neglected to use a hamper.
In short, their Kibum was an absolute wreck.
“Don’t.”
Jinki blinked up at Minho as he ran his fingers through Kibum’s hair again. “Don’t what?”
Minho crossed his arms, leaning into one hip. “Blame yourself.”
Jinki turned his attention back to Kibum. “I’m not.”
“You did, though, didn’t you?” Jinki paused, pulling his fingers out of his dongsaeng’s hair. Of course he had. He always did whenever anything happened to any of them, whether he was there or not. But he wasn’t the issue right now.
“We’re not talking about me right now.”
Minho nodded, hearing the determined ‘we’ll discuss this later’ in Jinki’s tone. “Okay.” The rapper nodded, took a deep breath. “What should we do right now, then?”
Jinki pursed his lips, thinking. “I think we have to wait until he wakes up. I’d hate to disturb him now. You said he wasn’t sleeping great recently, right?”
Minho nodded again. “That’s what he told me at the concert.”
“Then we let him sleep, and start in on a project TLC when he has arisen.”
Minho snorted. “Why are you so weird?”
“Someone has to be.”
Just as Jinki and Minho returned to the living room, a shout of “We’re back!” came from the front hallway. The sound of paws scrambling against hardwood followed his statement, and moments later, Comme Des came barrelling into the room, launching himself into Minho’s lap. Taemin and Garcon appeared a moment later.
“How was the walk?” Jinki asked, scratching Comme Des’ ears as the poodle stretched across Minho’s lap to seek attention from the leader as well.
“So much fun! Right guys?” Taemin cooed, kneeling down to rub Garcon’s head. “We did some laps. We got some pets. We got to bark at some ducks!”
“Did you also partake in the pets and barking?” Minho asked. Taemin rolled his eyes with an overdramatic scoff. Minho was just glad he was joking with them.
Ever since their debut, Taemin had always been incredibly anxious whenever one of his members wasn’t well. Be it an injury or an illness, he hated seeing his older brothers out of commission, and that usually took the form of panicked, manic energy. He’d either try too hard to be helpful, become inconsolably emotional, or jump straight to avoidance. Sure, he’d been working on it, and growing up had definitely helped. But still, Taemin got antsy when it came to caring for one of his beloved hyungs. So they’d specifically sent him to take the dogs for a walk to relieve some of his nervous energy.
And it now seemed they’d only been moderately successful when Taemin’s smile fell and he asked, “How’s Ki-hyung?” with his eyes volleying between Jinki and Minho.
A barking cough from down the hall answered his question. Taemin’s entire body drooped, heartbroken. Jinki nodded to Minho as he vaulted up from the couch, rounding the corner into the hallway. They’d left Kibum’s door cracked open, just enough to hear if he needed them, and Jinki now pushed it open just enough to see inside.
Kibum was sitting up, dazed and confused. He’d pushed his blankets back, as if intending to stand up, but he hadn’t yet made any other moves towards that end. His eyes were hazy, unfocused.
Jinki pushed the door open further, standing fully in the doorway. “Hey now, what are you doing up?”
Kibum’s eyes snapped to him immediately, squinting as if in disbelief. But the second the spark of recognition hit, Kibum silently reached his arms out. Jinki was with him instantly, perched on the edge of the bed just enough to pull Kibum against his chest. A soft whine escaped Kibum’s throat as his arms scrambled for purchase around his hyung.
“Shhh, shhh, you’re alright,” Jinki hummed, tucking his chin against Kibum’s hair, rubbing the younger man’s back soothingly as he gave another pained moan. “I’ve got you, sweetheart. I’ve got you.”
A soft click in the doorway caught Jinki’s attention. He looked up to see both Minho and Taemin crowding the frame with twin frowns of sympathy and worry.
“Does he have a fever?” Minho asked, taking a few steps closer. Taemin remained in the doorway, wringing his hands.
“Hmm, maybe a little bit,” Jinki answered, keeping his voice low. He pressed his cheek to Kibum’s hair. “Yeah, I think a little warm, but nothing major.”
“This cold’s really kicking your ass, huh?” Minho chuckled, very gently ruffling Kibum’s hair. Kibum whined again, leaning forward with another throat-tearing cough. Jinki rubbed his back, and Minho lunged for the water bottle on the table, holding the straw up to Kibum’s lips when he’d regained his breath.
“Hang on,” Taemin said, seemingly to himself, as he disappeared back down the hall. Minho looked after him, exchanging a look with Jinki, debating whether or not to follow the maknae. Their silent conversation was interrupted when Kibum lifted his head just enough to meet both of their eyes. He looked so incredibly out of it, but more coherent than a moment ago.
“Too close,” Kibum croaked, his voice practically non-existent.
“Pfff, like that matters.” Minho rolled his eyes. “You were breathing in my face all during the show. If I’m fucked, I’m fucked.”
Kibum gave a slow shake of his head, tapped Jinki’s chest. “Hyung…” His fingers tangled in the fabric of Jinki’s hoodie, as if he’d gotten distracted from his original point.
“Kibum, my love, I wouldn’t be here if that was a problem,” Jinki stated plainly, grasping the younger man’s hand with his own, intertwining their fingers. “You need us right now, and we’re not leaving until you’re back on your feet.” Kibum’s lips squeezed together tightly, his brow furrowing as his eyes welled up with tears and he dropped his head onto Jinki’s sternum. His body went limp as the leader re-enveloped him in his arms.
“Hyung, this might help!”
All three looked up at Taemin as he gingerly approached the bed with a bowl, seemingly full of chocolate ice cream.
“Woah, what’s that for?” Minho asked, eyebrows furrowing.
Taemin shrugged. “Ice cream is good for sore throats.”
“I know ice cream is good for sore throats, but that’s way too much!” Minho exclaimed, working very hard to keep his voice down. “Hyung doesn’t like sweet things that much on a good day…”
“But today is a bad day,” Taemin pointed out.
“What Minho’s trying to say is that that might be just a bit too much for Kibummie to handle right now,” Jinki interrupted before Minho could spit out whatever retort was on his lips. “But I think a little ice cream sounds great. What do you think, Ki?” Kibum nodded against Jinki’s chest, slowly pulling himself away and scrubbing the tears out of his eyes. He held out his hands, and Taemin happily handed the bowl over. They watched in silent anticipation as Kibum ate a small spoonful of the ice cream. The tiniest smile spread on his lips, his eyes closing in delight. Taemin’s smile could have rivaled the sun.
can I mix prompts? if yes, then prompt 1 and 2 from the sickfic caretaker prompts with key as the sickie and the rest of shinee as caretakers (mainly minho bc I absolutely adore their friendship)!!
if not, then prompt 2 with sickie!key and caretaker!shinee <3
You know I am ALWAYS down for a Shinee prompt!!!! Minho is very involved, but he's really not doing any of the caretaking... he's really just being a pain in the ass.
1 "That's quite a cold you have." AND 2 "You never sneeze this much. Are you sure you're feeling okay?
Kibum was prepared for the looks Jinki and Jonghyun trained on him the second he walked into the kitchen. The dorm wasn’t that big, he was the last one ready, and he’d just had an anything-but-quiet sneezing fit while getting dressed. So yeah, he knew the suspicious, worried gazes he was in for. But that didn’t mean he had to be happy about it. “Take a picture, it’ll last longer,” he snapped.
“Kibum…” That was Jinki’s leader voice. “Be honest. How are you?”
“I’m fine. Absolutely excellent.”
Jinki did not look convinced. “You’re wearing your comfort hoodie.”
Kibum shrugged. “It’s cold outside and I wanted to be snuggly.”
“But it’s an inside hoodie. You never wear inside clothes to dance practice.” Damn Jinki for being so observant and using Kibum’s own logic against him. As he opened his mouth to snap back, he jerked to the side, catching a harsh, “iiit-chou,” in his sleeve.
“Ki, come on. You never sneeze this much. Are you sure you're feeling okay?” Jonghyun asked, voice so matter of fact. Damn it again, these two really had preplanned a strategy against him, huh?
Kibum shook his head. “I’m fine enough for dance practice.” Jinki and Jonghyun exchanged a glance. “Stop acting like I’m not here.”
Jinki pushed out of his chair, pressing a hand to Kibum’s cheek before he could pull away. “No fever, so I can’t stop you. But I need you to tell me if you start feeling worse, yeah?”
Kibum rolled his eyes. “Whatever, Dad.”
And if Jinki and Jonghyun thought they’d seen the worst of sick Kibum’s temper, they had no idea what was waiting for them at the company building. The trio arrived at the dance studio a little while later, where Minho and Taemin were already working on the choreography. As soon as his eyes landed on Kibum, Minho’s jaw dropped to the floor and his eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas.
“If you say one fucking word to me…” Kibum growled in a tone of voice that would have scared any sensible person into submission.
Choi Minho was not a sensible person. “You’re KIDDING!” The rapper laughed, hands smacking against his knees and just barely holding him up as he fell into hysterics. Kibum glared at him while the other three shared increasingly confused glances.
“Not one fucking word…”
“Whaaat?” Taemin asked, looking back and forth between the two of them as Kibum broke off coughing and Minho giggled.
“That's quite a cold you have, my friend,” Minho said with syrupy sweetness. Kibum’s scowl was lethal.
Kibum shook his head. “I hate you.”
“Oh, come on, Ki. You have to turn that frown upside down. Negative thoughts feed a cold.”
“Wait, really?” Taemin asked.
“No, Taem, he’s just being an ass.”
“What’re we missing here?” Jinki asked.
“This dumbass spent all day, all day yesterday during our content shoot outside nagging me about not being properly dressed for the weather, and how I was ‘opening myself up to illness’ because I wasn’t wearing a coat, and ‘your throat’s exposed cause you didn’t bring your scarf,’ and ‘you’re gonna get sick cause you’re not wearing a hat,’ and ‘I’m so superior to you in every way because I am mindful of the weather. And now! NOW! WHO’S sick now, buddy?!” Kibum just shook his head, seething as he moved to get ready for practice, choosing to ignore Minho instead of engaging further. “Guess my immune system really is just that good.”
“Minho, you’re lucky Kibum’s such a germaphobe, or you’d have to watch your back like a hawk the next few days. He could very quickly turn this around on you.” Jonghyun said, bringing a swift end to Minho’s laughter. Jinki gave the vocalist a look mixed with surprise and pride at such a clever response.
