K-pop sickfics/hurtfics

Vernon seventeen - sleep paralysis

I also got this idea during philosophy class, inspired by my teacher's description of sleep paralysis. Vernon's experience here is based on that, so if it's not perfectly accurate, I hope you'll forgive me! Writing this chapter was a lot of fun, and I truly hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed creating it.
800 words

The room was quiet, with only the faint hum of the air conditioner filling the silence. Vernon lay in bed, trying to drift off after a long day of practice, but sleep wouldn't come easily. He tossed and turned, finally settling on his back and staring up at the ceiling. Just as his eyes started to flutter closed, an odd heaviness sank over his chest.

It was subtle at first, a gentle pressure that he might've ignored if it hadn't grown stronger. He tried to shift, to move his arms or legs, but his body was completely still, almost as if held down by invisible weights. He struggled, trying to wiggle his fingers or even blink, but nothing happened. His breathing came quicker, heart racing as he lay trapped, paralyzed.

Then, he saw it - out of the corner of his eye, a shadow standing near the foot of his bed. It was tall and dark, without any clear features, but its presence was undeniable. Vernon's panic surged, his heart pounding against the unmovable weight on his chest. The shadow wasn't just standing still; it began to inch closer, moving so slowly that it was almost agonizing. Step by step, it drew nearer, a silent menace that made Vernon feel as though his mind was caught in a nightmare, unable to wake up.

It was closer now, standing at his side. Vernon felt an icy dread settle over him, as if the shadow was watching him, waiting. His thoughts raced : what would it do? Why was he trapped like this? He wanted to scream, to call out for help, but his voice was locked inside him, suffocated by the paralysis.

The shadow leaned closer still, as if it was bending down to see him more clearly. Just when he thought he couldn't bear it any longer, the pressure lifted.

Vernon gasped, sitting up so quickly that he almost tumbled off his bed. His body shook, covered in a cold sweat, and he felt his heart still hammering in his chest. Without a second thought, he scrambled out of his room, feeling an overwhelming need to find someone — anyone.

Down the hall, he pushed open the door to Seungcheol's room, barely processing what he was doing as he whispered, "Hyung... Seungcheol-hyung..."

The leader stirred, groggy and disoriented, as Vernon stood in the doorway, looking pale and frightened. Seungcheol rubbed his eyes and sat up, noticing the fear in Vernon's face.

"Vernon? What's wrong?" he asked softly, already shifting over to make room.

Vernon didn't hesitate; he slipped into Seungcheol's bed, clinging to him tightly, barely able to explain. "I... I had this... shadow in my room," he managed to say, his voice shaking. "I couldn't move, and it just kept getting closer..."

Seungcheol didn't ask questions. He wrapped an arm around Vernon, holding him close, feeling how tense he was. "It's okay. I've got you," he murmured soothingly, his voice calm and reassuring. "You're safe here. It was just sleep paralysis. I'm right here."

Vernon nodded, gripping Seungcheol's shirt as though it were a lifeline, still feeling the remnants of the fear lingering in his mind. He tucked his head against Seungcheol's shoulder, clinging to him tightly. Even as he tried to calm down, his heart still beat fast, and he couldn't seem to relax. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the shadow coming closer.

"You're safe now, don't worry," Seungcheol whispered again, patting Vernon's back in slow, steady motions. "Sleep if you can. I'll be here all night."

After a while, the warmth and steady presence of his hyung helped calm him down. Vernon's breathing slowed, and his grip loosened just a bit. Before he knew it, he drifted off to sleep, feeling comforted by Seungcheol's embrace, as if nothing could touch him here.

In the morning, Vernon stirred awake, a bit embarrassed to realize he was still clinging to Seungcheol. He gently let go and sat up, only to see that a few other members were peeking in through the door, grinning and looking a bit surprised.

"Vernon, are you okay?" Mingyu asked, concern and curiosity clear on his face as he noticed Vernon's sheepish expression.

Vernon flushed, scratching his head. "Yeah, sorry... I just had a weird experience last night."

Seungkwan leaned in, smirking but looking curious. "Did you get scared and run to hyung for help?"

Vernon chuckled, still feeling a bit shy. "Yeah, I had sleep paralysis, and there was this... shadow. It was just... terrifying."

The others exchanged glances, all looking at him with sympathy. Even though they teased him a little, Vernon could feel the warmth and care behind their words.

Seungcheol ruffled his hair, smiling softly. "Next time, just wake me up sooner. You don't have to go through that alone."

"Or come to me!" DK added enthusiastically. "We're all here, you know."

Vernon smiled, the memory of the shadow now faded in the bright morning light. It felt silly, but he knew if it ever happened again, he had his hyungs by his side, ready to help him face even the scariest of nightmares.

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