SEVENTEEN | SICKFICS - HURTFICS I

Dk | Trauma Part II

As the cab turned the corner toward their dorm, DK felt the pain intensify, but he tried to shake it off. He didn't want to worry his friends, especially when they were already dealing with Seungcheol's anger.

"Just be ready for his lecture," Mingyu said, turning serious. "He cares about us, even if he comes off as strict."

"Yeah, I get it," DK said softly, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "We'll handle it together."

The cab pulled up to the dorm, and they all stepped out, ready to face whatever awaited them inside.

As they stepped into the dorm, the tension in the air was palpable. There, standing with arms crossed and a furious expression, was Seungcheol. The sight made DK's stomach twist, a mix of guilt and anxiety flooding him.

"Sit down. Now," Seungcheol ordered, pointing firmly to the couch.

Mingyu and Minghao exchanged nervous glances but quickly complied, sinking into the cushions. DK hesitated for a moment, feeling his heart race. The sound of Seungcheol's voice had an unnerving effect on him, memories of childhood rushing back unbidden. He sat down slowly, his body stiffening involuntarily.

"Do you have any idea how worried I was?" Seungcheol began, his voice rising. "You three just disappear in the middle of the night! You think this is some kind of game?"

"Hyung, we-" Mingyu started, but Seungcheol cut him off.

"No! I'm talking now!" Seungcheol shouted, his anger echoing in the small living room.

DK felt a knot tighten in his stomach, the shouting triggering old fears. He stared down at his hands, willing himself to stay calm.

"Do you even realize what could have happened?" Seungcheol continued, pacing in front of them. "You could have been hurt, or worse! And for what? A night out?"

Minghao tried to interject. "We just wanted a little break, hyung-"

"Enough!" Seungcheol's voice boomed again. "You're not children anymore. You need to act responsibly!"

At that moment, DK felt the familiar tightening in his chest. He clenched his fists, trying to steady his breathing, but he could feel his body beginning to shake slightly.

"DK, what do you have to say for yourself?" Seungcheol asked, turning his attention to him.

"Uh... I..." DK stuttered, struggling to find his words. The pressure of Seungcheol's gaze felt overwhelming. "I-I didn't mean to..."

"Speak up!" Seungcheol snapped, frustration clear in his voice.

"I'm... I'm sorry," DK managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't want to-"

"Then what was the point of sneaking out?" Seungcheol pressed, his voice sharp.

"I just thought... we could have some fun..." DK's words faltered, and he felt the heat rising in his cheeks. "I didn't think it would be a problem..."

Seungcheol sighed, his expression softening slightly, but the anger was still there. "It is a problem, DK. You're not alone anymore; you have to think about the group."

"I know hyung," DK said, his voice shaking. "I'll... I'll do better."

"Better isn't good enough right now," Seungcheol replied, the edge still in his tone. "You need to learn from this."

DK nodded, trying to suppress the rising panic inside him. "I will h-hyung. I promise."

Mingyu and Minghao watched, concern etched on their faces, as they waited for Seungcheol to continue. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and DK felt the weight of his past pressing down on him.