Kpop Sickfics and Hurtfics Part 2

The Aquarium Adventure (Taesan and Leehan)

Leehan adjusted the strap of his backpack, his excitement barely contained as the group approached the towering entrance of the city’s largest aquarium. “This is going to be amazing. I haven’t been here in years.”

Taesan trailed behind him, his expression indifferent. “I’m not really a fish person, but sure, let’s see what all the fuss is about.”

“You’re about to be converted,” Leehan said with a knowing grin. “Trust me, there’s something magical about this place. You’ll see creatures you didn’t even know existed.”

The group had arrived to film an episode of their variety show, WHAT? DOOR! The concept was a hide-and-seek challenge, with the massive aquarium’s dark corridors and elaborate exhibits serving as the perfect location.

After a quick briefing, the members split into teams. Sungho and Riwoo were designated as the seekers, while the rest scattered to hide. Leehan tugged on Taesan’s sleeve as soon as the countdown began.

“Come on! I know the perfect spot,” he urged, his enthusiasm infectious.

Taesan hesitated. “We’re not breaking any rules, right?”

“Relax,” Leehan said, already leading him past a large tank filled with shimmering jellyfish. “I used to volunteer here. I know all the secret spots.”

Leehan guided Taesan to a staircase concealed behind one of the larger exhibits. It wound upward to a narrow platform overlooking the main tank—a hidden vantage point few visitors ever discovered.

“This is pretty cool,” Taesan admitted as they settled on the platform. The expansive view of the main tank below, teeming with vibrant marine life, was breathtaking.

“I told you,” Leehan replied with a grin.

They sat quietly for a moment, taking in the scene. Schools of colorful fish moved in harmony, their synchronized movements mesmerizing.

   
Leehan broke the silence. “You know, when I was in elementary school, my parents brought home these fish called guppies. I was too young back then, so I didn’t exactly know how to keep fish. I also had a yellow cichlid that we named Banana.”

Taesan turned to him, intrigued. “Banana?”

Leehan laughed softly. “Yeah, Banana. He was my favorite. But the little guy died because I didn’t know how to properly take care of him. I was devastated and ended up burying him in my parents’ plant pot. I even made a little headstone with his name on it.”

“That’s… surprisingly sweet,” Taesan said, his tone softening.

“I grieved for about a year,” Leehan continued, his gaze distant. “But it made me realize that I had to be more responsible if I was going to care for another living being. Starting in middle school, I began reading up on how the nitrogen cycle works—the process where waste is broken down to create a livable environment for fish. That’s when I really dove into the world of keeping fish.”

Leehan’s eyes lit up as he spoke. “If you spend enough time watching fish, you’ll notice they each have unique personalities. There’s always a bully that picks on its tank mates and one that’s docile, staying in its corner and getting picked on. They’re all different, even if they’re the same species.”

Taesan listened quietly, his initial indifference fading as he became captivated by Leehan’s passion.

“Take corydoras, for example,” Leehan said. “They’re usually easygoing, so chill that they don’t even mind when other fish pick on them. Their name comes from Greek—‘kory’ means helmet, and ‘doras’ means skin. They’re literally fish with helmet-like skin. Their heads are covered in armor, which is probably why they aren’t bothered when they’re attacked. They’re resilient and cute.”