Ineffable 𓇢𓆸 || Jakehoon

🌸 Chapter 12 🌸

We gathered around Jay's large dining table, a cozy refuge from the chaos outside. Jay pulled out a notepad and a pen, and we began brainstorming our survival plan.

"Okay, I'll check the news updates," Heeseung said, gesturing to the old TV in the corner. "I'll turn it on and see if they have any information."

"I can help with food," Eunhee volunteered. "I'll check the pantry and see what we have. We need to make sure we can ration it."

"I'll gather supplies," Sunghoon added, glancing around.

Niki, trying to look serious, piped up, "And I'll supervise the snack situation! We can't let it get out of hand!" He puffed out his chest, trying to look important.

"Right, because we need a snack supervisor," Sunoo teased, smirking. "Just make sure you don't eat everything before the rest of us get a chance."

"Hey! I'm a growing boy!" Niki protested, wide-eyed. "Without snacks, I might just wither away!"

Eunhee laughed. "Fine, Niki, just don't eat the pasta. We need that for dinner."

"Okay, okay!" he said, his expression mock-serious. "But if I don't get my chips, I might throw a tantrum!"

As we split up to tackle our tasks, I felt the weight of the situation, but Niki's antics kept the mood light. He was the perfect blend of childishness and resilience, and it helped us all cope.

Heeseung switched on the old TV, the screen flickering to life. "Let's see what the news says," he said, frowning as static crackled.

"I hope it's not just another soap opera," Niki joked, pretending to swoon. "I need my drama fix!"

"Focus, Niki!" Sunoo replied, rolling his eyes but chuckling. "We're in a crisis here."

After a few moments of adjusting the antenna, the picture cleared up. The news anchor delivered grave updates about the escalating situation, but it was hard to take it too seriously when Niki was mimicking the anchor's serious face behind Heeseung.

"Look, I'm a professional news anchor!" he said, adopting a deep voice. "And now, for our next story on snack shortages!"

Sunoo burst out laughing, and even Eunhee couldn't hold back a smile. "You're ridiculous, Niki!"

"I'm just trying to lighten the mood!" he said, grinning.

Once the broadcast ended, we turned back to our supplies. "Okay, let's see what we've got," Eunhee said, pulling open the pantry doors. "We have pasta, rice, and some canned vegetables. Oh, and look! A jar of pickles!"

"Pickles? That's like a gourmet meal in a crisis!" Niki exclaimed, eyes sparkling. "I'll fight you all for those!"

"Chill out, Niki. We'll have pickles with our dinner," Sunoo said, shaking his head. "But you're not getting them all."

"Why does everyone get mad at me when I just want to ensure my survival?" Niki pouted, crossing his arms.

"Because you act like a toddler!" Jay teased, grinning. "We'll make sure you don't starve, just don't eat everything in one go."

"Fine, I'll share... as long as I get dibs on dessert!" Niki shot back, trying to negotiate.

"Dessert? In a time like this?" I laughed. "You're really something, Niki."

As we organized the food, I felt a mix of anxiety and determination. But with laughter ringing in the room, I knew we would face whatever came next together.

"Alright, let's get to work!" I said, feeling the camaraderie among us. "We can do this!"