my silly kpop non-idols au

Junsu's missing (❤️TVXQ and 💙SUJU)

Special Appearance: Hongki (FTISLAND)
————————

Yunho's heart thudded in his chest as he stepped into the dimly lit corridor, the scent of buttered popcorn wafting through the air. He was first, as usual, eager to claim the best seats before the theater filled. Behind him, the sound of laughter grew louder as Changmin, Jaejoong, Junsu, and Yoochun stumbled out of the lobby, still trying to decide which snacks to smuggle in.

Their hands were laden with treats: a giant tub of popcorn, nachos with a cheese that was more neon than dairy, and drinks that looked more like science experiments than refreshments. They had spent a small fortune at the concession stand, arguing over who was going to pay for the extra-large soda. As they approached the theater, the anticipation grew like a crescendo, their excitement palpable in their quickened steps.

But as they approached the row of seats they had agreed on, a sudden silence fell over the group. They had all assumed that the others were right behind them, but now, as they looked around, they realized that something was off.

"Where's Junsu?" Yoochun whispered, his voice barely audible over the pre-movie trivia playing through the speakers.

Changmin and Jaejoong exchanged puzzled glances before Yunho spoke up, "He said he'd be right back. He probably stopped to get more napkins."

But as the minutes ticked by, the house lights dimmed and the theater grew darker, their concern grew. Yunho's grip tightened on the armrest as he craned his neck, searching the rows for any sign of their missing member. The trailers had started, and still, no Junsu.

Junsu emerged from the restroom, the sound of the faucet echoing off the tiles as he dried his hands. He walked back into the main hall, blinking in the sudden darkness. The lights had gone down, and the trailers were playing. He paused for a moment, disoriented, and then picked up the pace, weaving through the aisles. His heart skipped a beat when he reached their designated row, and his friends were nowhere to be seen.

Panic set in. Had they gone in without him? He checked his phone for a message, but there was nothing. He retraced his steps, peering into the theaters as he went. Maybe they had changed their minds? But no, they wouldn't do that. He had been gone for just a few minutes.

As the trailers transitioned into the previews for upcoming films, the sounds grew louder, more intense. The bass from the speakers seemed to resonate in his chest, a stark contrast to the quiet emptiness of the corridor. He picked up his pace, the echo of his footsteps bouncing off the walls.

Suddenly, a hand gripped his shoulder. He spun around, ready to scold the prankster, only to find himself face-to-face with the theater manager, Hongki. "Looking for your friends?" Hongki asked, his expression a mix of amusement and concern.

Junsu nodded frantically. "They're in the theater already, right?"

"Theater 5," Hongki confirmed, pointing to the left. "But why don't you come with me first?"

Junsu's stomach plummeted. Something felt wrong. The manager's hand was too firm, his smile too wide. He hesitated, glancing back at the empty lobby. But the lights had dimmed completely now, the only sound the muffled boom of the movie's soundtrack. He had no choice. He followed.

They walked down a back corridor, the air growing colder. The walls were lined with framed movie posters, their faces fading in the shadows. The floor was sticky beneath his sneakers, and the faint smell of something musty tickled his nose.

Junsu felt a bead of sweat trickle down his back as they approached a nondescript door. Hongki pushed it open, revealing a staircase leading up to a brightly lit space. "This way," he said, his grip on Junsu's shoulder tightening slightly.