nyctophilia
[ nĭk′tə-fĭl′ē-ə ]
n.
a preference for the night or darkness
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"Oh we're definitely killing them then, I need to pad my stats anyway."
"You sound like a serial killer."
"I know, I still wonder why...
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A few weeks passed, and summer had fully settled in. It was the second week of July to be exact.
The sun was just setting, casting warm orange and pink hues across the living room. As I walked in, I noticed Wooyoung, Seonghwa, Mingi, and Jongho sitting on the couches. Their usual lively demeanor was replaced with something somber, particularly Wooyoung and Seonghwa, who both looked slightly sad and confused.
I tilted my head to the side, offering a small wave, "Hey guys, why do you look a little gloomy?"
Seonghwa turned to face me, his expression soft but concerned, "It's Sannie's birthday." he said simply.
It is?
I furrowed my brows, unsure why that would make them look so down, "That's why you're gloomy?" I asked, my confusion evident.
"No, Yuri," Seonghwa sighed, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees, "Sannie is always a bit heavy-hearted on his birthday. And we can't really do anything about it. He just won't listen to us and refuses to leave his room."
"But the day's almost over?" I said, glancing toward the hallway that led to the bedrooms, my brows knitting further.
Wooyoung nodded in agreement, his usual cheer dimmed, "We tried everything-talking to him, giving him cake and gifts-but he just doesn't want to celebrate properly." he said, his voice tinged with frustration and sadness.
I hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of their concern, "Do you know why?" I asked carefully.
Seonghwa and Wooyoung exchanged a brief glance, something unspoken passing between them, before they both turned back to me and gave a slow, reluctant nod.
"I'm going to his room," I announced with resolve, spinning on my heel, "let's just hope he doesn't kill me." I added with a small chuckle, hoping to lift their spirits even a little.
Seonghwa's lips curved into a faint, almost reluctant smile, "Good luck, I guess." he said with a quiet nod.
"Thanks," I replied with a smirk. "I'll be needing it." I waved over my shoulder and headed down the hallway, determination building with every step.
I slowly walked to Choi's room, my footsteps echoing faintly in the quiet hallway. My mind raced with questions. Why doesn't he want to celebrate his special day? What could have happened to make him feel this way? But the biggest question of all was whyIwas so determined to change his mind and make today better for him.
