The Prank that Went Too Far (Jisung)

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The NCT Dream dorm was buzzing with laughter as the members huddled around Jisung's backpack, each trying to stifle their giggles as they carefully placed a rubber cockroach inside. It was Renjun's idea, inspired by the little prank they'd played on Jisung the previous week. The youngest member had screamed and leapt halfway across the room at the sight of the harmless, plastic bug. His reaction was priceless, and they couldn't resist seeing it again.

"Are you sure this isn't too much?" Jeno asked, glancing at the others. "He was really freaked out last time."

"Oh, come on," Haechan grinned, rolling his eyes. "It's just a bit of fun. He'll laugh about it later."

Jaemin added, "And we'll make sure to tell him afterward that it was all just a joke. It's harmless." Even Mark, normally the responsible one, shrugged with a grin, convinced that it would be harmless fun.

With that, the plan was set in motion.

The first scare happened during breakfast. Jisung pulled his cereal box down from the shelf, only for a rubber cockroach to fall right onto his bowl. He gasped and jumped back, nearly spilling his milk.

Renjun's laugh broke the silence as he clutched his sides, nearly doubling over. "Gotcha, Jisung!" he teased.

"Guys!" Jisung stammered, his face flushed, heart pounding. But despite his initial shock, he tried to laugh it off. He knew they were just trying to have a little fun with him. "Very funny," he muttered, chuckling nervously.

"Better watch out, Jisung-ah," Chenle winked, "the cockroaches might be everywhere today."

After breakfast, Jisung tried to go about his usual routine, but everywhere he turned, there seemed to be another rubber cockroach lurking. One was hidden in his shoe, which he only discovered after he felt something strange inside. Another was inside his jacket pocket, and a third one somehow ended up under his pillow.

With each encounter, he felt his chest tighten a bit more. The sight of the fake insects brought back old memories of a real cockroach infestation in his childhood home that had haunted him for weeks. But he kept reminding himself that these were just pranks, that his hyungs were only playing around. He couldn't let them see how nervous he was, or they'd think he couldn't handle a simple joke.

But as the day wore on, the constant surprises started to wear him down. Every time he'd start to relax, another rubber cockroach would appear. His nerves were fraying, his breath quickening every time he saw one. He was on edge, his mind racing with paranoia, glancing around every corner and avoiding every shadow.

By the afternoon, they moved from the dorms to the SM practice rooms. Jisung, tired but determined to push through, picked up his bag to get ready for their next session. As he opened it, he was greeted by the most realistic rubber cockroach yet, sitting right on top of his water bottle. Its dark, glossy body and delicate legs looked so real that Jisung's heart leapt into his throat.

He stumbled back, his mind spinning, and the walls seemed to close in on him. His chest tightened painfully as his breaths came in quick, shallow gasps. His legs felt weak beneath him, and he could barely focus on anything around him. He knew he needed to get out, to escape, before he completely lost control.

Without another thought, Jisung ran down the hall, desperate to find a safe space to breathe. He pushed open the first door he came to, not even realizing he'd entered one of the other practice rooms, and slumped against the wall, trying to catch his breath.

The room he entered was occupied by some of the SuperM members, who were in the middle of rehearsing their latest choreography. Taemin, Kai, Taeyong, Ten, and Mark—who had joined them from Dream's prank plan—stopped mid-routine, surprised to see Jisung, usually so composed and cheerful, in such a panicked state.

"Jisung-ah?" Taemin said gently, kneeling down beside him. "Are you okay?"

Jisung looked up, his face pale, his breaths coming in short gasps. His wide eyes darted around the room, still unsure if he was safe. Mark, realizing how badly the prank had gone wrong, immediately went to Jisung's side, his face full of guilt.

"Hey, it's okay, Jisungie," Mark murmured softly. "I'm sorry... we didn't mean to scare you this much."

Taemin placed a comforting hand on Jisung's shoulder, his voice calm and steady. "Breathe with me, okay?" he said, demonstrating slow, deep breaths. Jisung tried to match Taemin's pace, focusing on the gentle rhythm, and slowly felt the tightness in his chest begin to ease.

Kai handed him a water bottle. "Here, drink a little. It'll help."

The usually playful Ten, noticing Jisung's unease, smiled kindly. "Don't worry. If there are any cockroaches, real or fake, we'll handle them for you."

The lighthearted comment broke through some of Jisung's fear, and he managed a small, shaky smile in response.

After a few minutes, Jisung's breathing steadied, though his hands still trembled slightly. He looked down, feeling embarrassed. "I... I'm sorry," he mumbled, avoiding their eyes. "I didn't mean to interrupt your practice."

Taeyong shook his head, crouching down beside him. "No need to apologize. We're here for you."

Jisung swallowed, struggling to find the words. He felt foolish for letting his fear get the best of him, for being so affected by what was supposed to be a harmless prank. "I just... I really don't like cockroaches," he admitted quietly, his cheeks flushing.

"It's okay," Ten said, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Everyone has something that scares them. Trust me, you're not alone."

Mark, still feeling the weight of guilt, leaned closer. "Jisung, I'm so sorry. We didn't realize how much it would affect you. We just thought it would be a bit of fun, but we went too far."

Jisung looked at Mark, seeing the sincere regret in his hyung's eyes, and managed a small nod. "I know... I know you guys didn't mean it. I just... I got overwhelmed, I guess."

Taemin, always empathetic, gave Jisung a reassuring pat on the back. "You're brave for admitting it. We all have things that make us feel vulnerable, no matter how old or young we are."

Kai shared a story about a prank that had gone wrong with his EXO members years back, and how he'd felt embarrassed at the time. Hearing the older idols share their own experiences helped Jisung realize he wasn't alone in his fears, and he started to feel a bit better.

After a while, Jisung's hyungs from NCT Dream poked their heads in, worried but hopeful he was okay. They approached him, offering apologies and reassurances that they'd never prank him like this again.

"From now on," Haechan said, holding his hand up solemnly, "no more cockroach pranks for Jisung. Only cuddly bunnies and plush toys."

Jisung laughed softly, his heart feeling lighter at last. "Thanks, hyungs," he said, his voice quiet but full of gratitude.

As Jisung and the Dream members prepared to leave, Taeyong called out to him. "Remember, Jisung-ah," he said with a gentle smile, "it's okay to be scared sometimes. It doesn't make you any less strong."

Jisung nodded, feeling comforted by the support of not only his members but also his older SM family. The experience had been overwhelming, but it had taught him something important: he didn't have to hide his fears to be respected by those around him. In fact, opening up had only brought them closer.

As he left the room with his hyungs, he felt a sense of relief. The pranks might have rattled him, but the lesson of vulnerability and the support he'd received would stay with him, reminding him that he didn't have to face his fears alone.

In the end, the Dream members planned a special treat for Jisung to apologize, complete with his favorite snacks and a promise to be a little more mindful in their future pranks. And the next time he saw the SuperM members in the hallway, he couldn't help but feel a bit of pride at the silent bond of understanding they now shared.

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