Kpop Sickfics and Hurtfics Part 2

Bugs Aren't Our Friends (Mingi)

The bright lights of the variety show studio bounced off the sleek walls as Ateez prepared for yet another exciting challenge. The production team had promised that this round would be unlike anything they had experienced before. The challenge? A terrifying test of courage—one that would see one of the members enter an ominous, bug-infested shed in the middle of a forest. The twist? They would have to endure it for three whole minutes to help their team win the round.

Mingi, usually the first to jump into any challenge, felt an unexpected tightness in his chest. The moment the staff had mentioned bugs, the unease inside him began to rise. Bugs, especially the creepy crawly kind, had always been a source of dread for him. He could handle almost anything—except that.

Despite his growing sense of dread, Mingi didn't want to back down. He had always been a team player, and he didn't want to let his members down. They were counting on him to get through this. He plastered a brave smile on his face and gave a thumbs up to the camera.

"Are you sure you're okay, Mingi?" Hongjoong asked, his usual playful tone laced with concern. "This one's a little different."

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'll handle it," Mingi replied, his voice just a little too high-pitched.

Yunho clapped him on the back. "We'll be cheering you on from outside. You've got this!"

Mingi nodded, swallowing his anxiety. The members cheered him on as he was led toward the shed in the distance, situated at the edge of the woods where the trees loomed dark and menacing. The night had already set in, and the eerie silence of the woods only added to the atmosphere of tension.

"Remember," the staff said, "stay inside for three minutes and you win."

Mingi could already feel his heart pounding in his chest as he approached the shed. His hands were clammy, and his mind was racing. His fear of bugs had never felt so real, but the thought of disappointing his teammates was worse.

As the door creaked open, a strong wave of musty, damp air hit him. He stepped inside, his heart leaping into his throat. The shed was cramped, with old wooden beams and cobwebs everywhere. It smelled stale, and his flashlight beam illuminated the first unwelcome sight: tiny, squirming insects all over the floor.

Mingi froze.

Every instinct in his body screamed for him to turn and run, but he gritted his teeth, trying to keep his composure. He wasn't going to be the one to lose this challenge for them. He could do this.

The flashlight in his hand shook as he stepped further inside, the beam lighting up more spiders, ants, and other creeping insects. He felt the panic rise in his chest as his eyes darted around, looking for any sign of escape, but the only way out was through the door he had just closed behind him.

His breath quickened. His legs felt like lead. Three minutes, he reminded himself. Just three minutes.

But the longer Mingi stood in the shed, the more his mind played tricks on him. Every movement, every creak of the wooden walls, every rustle of a bug felt like a threat. His skin crawled as if the insects were inching closer to him, their legs brushing against his.

Breathe, he told himself, but the panic grew. His vision blurred, and his chest tightened as he fought for air. The flashlight fell from his hand, hitting the ground with a clatter that seemed too loud in the stillness of the shed.

He backed up against the wall, his body shaking uncontrollably as his breathing became more erratic. The darkened corners of the room seemed to close in on him, and his heartbeat thundered in his ears.

"Mingi? You good in there?" Hongjoong's voice called out from outside.

Mingi's body tensed. He wanted to answer, to let them know he was okay, but the words wouldn't come. He couldn't speak, couldn't move, his throat constricted as the overwhelming sense of claustrophobia and dread continued to suffocate him.