SEVENTEEN | SICKFICS - HURTFICS

Dk | Insomnia

DK lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, the shadows cast by the moonlight dancing across the walls. It had been a week since he'd experienced a full night's sleep, and with each passing day, his eyelids felt heavier, but sleep remained just out of reach.

The usual sounds of the dorm were muted at this hour. His members were likely deep in slumber, exhausted from a long day of practice. He envied them. Each time he closed his eyes, his mind raced with thoughts that flitted just beyond his grasp. Memories from their last concert replayed vividly-his laughter with the members, the energy of the crowd-but it was always interrupted by a nagging worry, a restless ache in his chest.

He turned onto his side, hoping to find a comfortable position, but it was futile. He picked up his phone and glanced at the time: 2:34 AM. He cursed under his breath, wishing he could just fall asleep like everyone else. He scrolled through his messages, seeing the usual group chats buzzing with late-night banter, but it felt distant, like a world he couldn't quite enter.

Finally, DK threw the covers off and padded into the living room, the cool floor against his feet jolting him into a semblance of wakefulness. He flicked on the kitchen light, squinting as it flooded the room. He rummaged through the fridge, his stomach growling slightly. Maybe a snack would help clear his mind.

As he chewed on a piece of fruit, he heard a noise from the other room. It was Seungkwan, who seemed to have a sixth sense for when DK was restless. Seungkwan shuffled in, hair tousled and eyes still half-closed.

"Hey, are you okay?" he mumbled, leaning against the doorframe. "You're up late."

"Yeah, just can't sleep," DK replied, a hint of frustration in his voice.

Seungkwan studied him for a moment, concern etched on his face. "Want to talk about it? Or do you need a distraction?"

DK chuckled softly, grateful for Seungkwan's presence. "Maybe a distraction. I don't want to keep you up."

"Nah, I was already awake. Let's watch something," Seungkwan suggested, making his way to the couch.

They settled in, the glow of the TV illuminating the room as they flicked through options. DK tried to focus on the show, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the weight pressing on him. He could feel Seungkwan glancing at him occasionally, sensing the restlessness beneath his laughter.

"Seriously, what's bothering you?" Seungkwan asked finally, pausing the show. "You know you can talk to me."

DK sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know. It's just... everything feels overwhelming lately. The schedules, the performances... and I can't shake this feeling that I'm not good enough."

Seungkwan's expression softened. "You're one of the most talented people I know. Don't let those thoughts get to you. Everyone has moments like this."

"I know," DK said, staring at the floor. "But it's like... no matter how much I try to reassure myself, my brain won't stop. And now it's affecting my performance."

"Let's focus on something else, then," Seungkwan said, trying to lighten the mood. "What's the craziest thing you'd want to do if you could just escape everything for a day?"

DK chuckled, the corners of his mouth lifting for the first time that night. "I'd probably go somewhere with a lot of nature. Maybe go hiking and just... breathe."

"Let's do that," Seungkwan suggested, eyes brightening. "Once we get a day off, let's plan a trip. Just you, me, and some fresh air."

For a moment, the weight on DK's chest felt a little lighter. He smiled, grateful for Seungkwan's unwavering support. They resumed their show, laughter punctuating the silence of the night, but in the back of DK's mind, he still felt the restlessness swirling around him. Would tomorrow bring the same struggle, or could he find a way to quiet the noise within?