Welcome to my Dream World || (deukae)

Chapter 13: Whispering Shadows

Yoohyeon's heart hammered in her chest as she stumbled into the dark room, the door slamming shut behind her with a resounding thud. She was locked inside a door, the air thick and suffocating, filled with an unnameable fear that clung to her skin like a suffocating shroud. She hugged herself tightly, but it offered no comfort against the overwhelming loneliness that seemed to radiate from every corner of the room.

But she couldn't let herself be consumed by the darkness. With gritted teeth, she whispered words of encouragement to herself, willing strength into her trembling limbs. Memories flooded her mind, each one a reminder of past battles fought alone in this dream world. Yet this time, the dread that crept up her spine felt more dangerous, more sinister.

Yoohyeon's heart was racing as she tiptoed through the dark room, her hands outstretched in front of her to feel for any obstacles. But all she found was empty air, a void that seemed to mock her with its endless expanse. She couldn't give up now; she had to find a way out.

Taking a deep breath, Yoohyeon summoned every ounce of courage she had and started walking forward. With each step, the darkness seemed to grow thicker and heavier, threatening to smother her completely. But she refused to let it defeat her.

As she walked, the room made her remember all her fearful memories, times when she was alone to make her feel even more helpless. It all started when she woke up in this strange dream world, completely alone and confused. There was nothing but a field, a field of lost dreams as it was called, that seemed to stretch on forever.

At first, she thought it was just a strange dream that would pass eventually. But she woke up and there was still no escape in sight, she began to realize that this was no ordinary dream. It was more like a nightmare that had trapped her in its clutches. The Nightmare had trapped her, and her sister wasn't with her anymore. She was all alone, and she could only communicate through dreams.

But somehow, she managed to survive each day in this desolate place. She would find different ways to keep herself occupied - exploring every corner of the new dream world, assisting in her sister's journey to save her, and even going behind the Nightmare's back to steal weapons and information.

And then, just when all hope seemed lost, just as she was drowning in her memories, Yoohyeon's hand brushed against something unexpected - a hidden door, concealed by the oppressive darkness. With a surge of determination, she pushed through and stumbled out into freedom's welcoming light, the first to pass the trial. She sat there, calming herself down as she waited for her fellow members to come join her, hoping they would successfully make it out.

***
Meanwhile, Gahyeon's reality twisted and warped, the ground vanishing beneath her feet as she plummeted into the unknown. She knew it was all an illusion, but her mind made her refuse to think so. Her lungs constricted with each gasping breath, suffocating under the weight of an invisible force. Every step was a battle against gravity, as though she were dragging her leaden body through quicksand. A primal scream ripped from her throat, echoing into the endless void around her.

"Minji? Handong? Is anyone here?"

But there was no rescue or reprieve, only the empty expanse swallowing her cries. She could sense the presence of her friends just beyond reach, their absence a constant reminder of the nightmare she was trapped in. "I am stronger than this," Gahyeon repeated to herself, clinging to the small flicker of hope that burned within her.

With sheer willpower, she forced her heavy limbs forward, one agonizing step at a time. Each movement felt like fighting against an invisible enemy, draining every last ounce of strength she had left. But she refused to give up, clawing her way towards the door ahead. With trembling hands, she grasped the cold metal knob and turned it with all her might.