The Heroes

Sure, But Don't You Mean Tonight?

Ni-ki traced his finger along the edges of the bandage on his hand, lost in thought. The memory of the recent incident played in his mind like a broken record, and he couldn't shake off the lingering feeling of emptiness. It wasn't just the physical wound on his hand that bothered him; it was the absence of someone he had grown accustomed to having around.

He let out a heavy sigh, his gaze distant as he stared at the countertop. His mother's voice broke through his reverie. "Ni-ki, dinner's almost ready," she called from the kitchen.

He blinked, bringing himself back to the present. Slowly, he slid off the counter and made his way to the dining table, the bandaged hand still feeling foreign and unwieldy. As he sat down, his mother placed a plate of food in front of him.

"Thanks, Mom," he mumbled, mustering a small smile.

She studied him for a moment, her expression a mixture of concern and understanding. "Is everything okay, Ni-ki?" she asked gently.

He hesitated, the words caught in his throat. He wanted to express how he felt, but it was hard to find the right words. "It's just... strange, you know?" he finally managed. "Jay was always around, and now..."

His mother reached across the table, placing her hand on his. "Change can be difficult," she said softly. "Especially when you've grown used to having someone there."

Ni-ki nodded, appreciating her understanding. "Yeah, it's like a part of me is missing."

His mother's smile was warm and reassuring. "It's okay to feel that way," she said. "And remember, your friends are there for you. You can always talk to them about how you're feeling."

He managed a small smile in return, comforted by her words. The dinner continued in a more relaxed atmosphere, and as he ate the new dinner his mother whipped up, Ni-ki couldn't help but think about the moments he had shared with Jay. The laughter, the music, the camaraderie—they were all things he missed dearly.

After dinner, as he returned to his room, he looked around at the familiar surroundings. His ukulele sat in the corner, untouched. He made a decision, setting his wrapped hand on the strings. A soft strum resonated through the room, and he closed his eyes, allowing the music to soothe his restless thoughts.

In that moment, he felt a glimmer of hope. While Jay's absence was still deeply felt, he realized that the music they had created together was a constant reminder of their bond. And perhaps, through the notes and melodies, he could find a way to fill the void that Jay had left behind.

🪗

Jake lounged on his bed, observing as Heesung stripped off his shirt. A mischievous grin tugged at Heesung's lips as he tugged on his jeans, but Jake averted his gaze, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and arousal. Heesung's laughter filled the room. "Nothing you haven't seen before," he teased.

Jake took a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing as the tension gradually dissipated. Heesung  tossed his shirt aside before sauntering over to the window. Jake's eyes followed the fluid movement, captivated by the way Heesung's lithe body moved. Heesung's fingers deftly manipulated the blinds, casting the room into a dim, inviting light.

With each step Heesung took, the air between them seemed to grow charged with anticipation. Jake's heart quickened as Heesung closed the distance, the energy between them palpable.

Heesung's fingers brushed against Jake's cheek, gently guiding his gaze back to him. "You don't have to look away, you know," Heesung whispered, his voice a soft caress that sent shivers down Jake's spine. He leaned in, his warm breath ghosting over Jake's lips.