Kpop Sickfics & Hurtfics

Between Dreams and Reality (Gaon)

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the city as Gaon sat on the edge of his bed, fingers strumming absently on his guitar. The rhythm filled his small room, a familiar comfort that blended seamlessly with the soft whispers of the night. He had rehearsed all day with his band, Xdinary Heroes, but tonight felt different. A strange energy pulsed in the air, stirring something deep within him.

As he closed his eyes, Gaon was enveloped in darkness, and he found himself transported to a surreal landscape. Vibrant colors danced around him, swirling in patterns that defied logic. The sky shimmered with hues of purple and teal, and notes floated like fireflies, illuminating the world with their glow. He stood in a vast expanse of ethereal beauty, guitar in hand, feeling the familiar pull of music urging him to play.

He began to strum, the sound echoing in this dreamscape, creating ripples in the air that sent waves of color cascading around him. With each chord, he felt a connection to something greater, a surge of inspiration that made his heart race. Here, he could be anything, create anything. The music enveloped him, a symphony of colors and sounds unlike anything he had ever known.

But as the music reached its crescendo, a dark shadow loomed in the distance. It whispered secrets of doubt and fear, creeping into his mind. He tried to push it away, but the shadows grew stronger, intertwining with the music, warping the once beautiful notes into dissonance. Just as he thought he could escape, the dream shifted, the colors fading into darkness.

Gaon jolted awake, drenched in sweat, heart racing. He sat up, glancing at the clock on his bedside table. 3:42 AM. Just a few hours until dawn. He rubbed his eyes, feeling the remnants of the dream cling to him like fog, a lingering haze that left him disoriented. He picked up his guitar, fingers trembling slightly as he played a few chords, seeking solace in the familiar melody. But the connection felt distant, as if he were grasping at smoke.

The next morning, Gaon dragged himself through rehearsal, each note feeling heavier than the last. His mind was clouded, still haunted by the vivid dream. He tried to shake it off, forcing himself to focus on the music, but the colors danced at the edges of his consciousness, blurring the lines between reality and the dream world.

Gunil, the leader of Xdinary Heroes, noticed Gaon's distant demeanor. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked, concern etching his features. "You seem... off."

"I'm fine," Gaon replied too quickly, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Just tired, I guess."

But the truth was far more complicated. As the days went by, the dreams returned each night, more vivid and chaotic. He found himself playing in increasingly surreal landscapes, where the music took on a life of its own. Sometimes he was in a field of flowers that sang in harmony with his strumming; other times, he floated in a galaxy of swirling stars, each one pulsing to the rhythm of his guitar.

With each dream, he felt more and more exhausted, as if the music drained his energy, leaving him disconnected from his bandmates. In rehearsals, he struggled to keep his focus, the images of his dreams invading his thoughts, causing him to miss cues and stumble over lyrics. The vibrant colors he had once found inspiring now felt overwhelming, a chaotic cacophony that blurred the lines of his reality.

"Gaon-hyung!" O.de called out during a break, his voice laced with concern. "You need to pull it together. We can't keep rehearsing like this if you're not fully here."

"I said I'm fine!" Gaon snapped, frustration boiling over. But as the words left his mouth, he regretted them. O.de looked taken aback, and Gaon instantly felt guilty. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry. I'm just... tired."

The tension hung in the air, and Jungsu, the kind-hearted keyboardist, stepped in. "Maybe you should take a break. Get some rest. You've been pushing yourself hard lately."