The Heroes

Lunatics

"Band boy, band boy!" taunted a kid on a skateboard, swirling around Ni-ki in mocking circles. Trying to avoid trouble, Ni-ki attempted to walk away, minding his own business. But with each passing moment, his frustration grew. "Back off," he grumbled, his annoyance palpable.

The skateboarder continued to taunt, his words dripping with sarcasm. "Or what? You gonna sing?" he jeered. Ni-ki abruptly halted, his grip on his milk tightening until it slipped from his hand, dropping to the ground. Anger flared within him, and without second thoughts, he acted. He tripped the boy, who tumbled off his skateboard and onto the ground.

Walking away from the scene he had just caused, the boy's outraged shouts followed him. "Lunatic!" the boy screamed, his voice carrying a mix of frustration and indignation.

As the day came to an end, Ni-ki pedaled his bicycle home. The lingering annoyance still clung to him as he sat down at his desk. He glanced at the open notebook resting there, a spark of inspiration igniting within him. Seizing the chance to channel his emotions, he began to write, pouring his feelings onto the page.

His lyrics described the profound frustration and isolation experienced by individuals in a cold and cynical world. The words conveyed a sense of madness, and the longing to embrace it as a means of escape from the negativity that surrounded them. The chorus echoed the sentiment that embracing this madness could actually make the world more enjoyable, empowering the narrator to transform their environment.

In the post-chorus, the lyrics made it clear that the narrator wasn't trying to become a superhero; instead, they were embracing their own distinctive way of life, which happened to involve being a "lunatic." The bridge provided a message of resilience, implying that despite the challenges faced, the narrator would endure and overcome, navigating through a crumbling world.

Overall, the song's message was one of encouragement—to embrace one's inner madness, harness it as a wellspring of strength, and forge a unique path in life. It spoke to the power of individuality and the capacity to find positivity even in the face of adversity.

"Ni-ki, come down for dinner," his mother's voice floated up the stairs. With a sigh, Ni-ki abandoned his current thoughts and descended to the dining area. His mother had prepared pancakes for dinner, a seemingly innocent choice that struck a chord deep within Ni-ki.

"Figured it was a breakfast-for-dinner kind of night," she chuckled, unaware of the significance her words held for Ni-ki. He clenched his glass tightly, his fingers tightening around it. Suddenly, the glass shattered, shards of glass scattering across the table and floor. His father's booming voice filled the room, "Nishimura!"

His mother's gasp of concern pierced the air. "What is wrong with you?" she asked, her voice a mix of worry and confusion. Ni-ki stood up, the remnants of the shattered glass ignored. His head throbbed, but the pain was secondary to the maelstrom of emotions that had taken hold of him.

Without a word, he walked away from the table. He could feel his father's angry gaze on his back, but he paid it no mind. His steps were determined, his mind consumed by a storm of thoughts and feelings. As he retreated from the dining area, he couldn't help but smirk wryly. Maybe, just maybe, he was embracing the label of "lunatic" that had been thrown his way. It seemed fitting, as he navigated the tumultuous sea of his emotions.

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Jake's continuous scrolling through the online article prompted a series of exasperated scoffs to escape his lips. "I mean, who would believe this? These are such blatant lies!" he exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice. Heesung nestled closer, seeking solace in Jake's comforting presence.

"Who knows, babe? Just turn off your phone for a while. You've got better things waiting for you," Heesung suggested softly, his breath tickling Jake's neck.