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It was a rare quiet morning in the EXO dorm, the kind that was cherished after weeks of back-to-back schedules. The stillness was almost unnatural, broken only by the occasional soft rustle of blankets and gentle lapping of water. The sun was barely peeking through the curtains, painting the walls with a faint golden light.
Minseok stirred first, as always. His internal alarm clock never failed him, no matter how late they returned from practice or how grueling the schedule had been the day before. He stretched his arms above his head, his muscles protesting faintly from yesterday's intense choreography rehearsals. His lips parted in a quiet yawn, and his legs shifted under the blanket, preparing to swing them over the edge of the bed.
But something was off. Something wet and cold touched his feet, jarring him out of his half-asleep haze. Frowning, he pulled his legs back onto the bed, blinking blearily at the floor. Was his window left open? Had it rained? But even as the thoughts formed, he realized how absurd they were. He'd shut his window right before going to sleep, and this wasn’t the faint dampness of a spill or leak—it was wet, too wet.
With a thudding heart, he leaned forward and let his feet dangle once more. The icy sensation was unmistakable. This time, he pushed himself upright and stood, only to find himself submerged up to his knees. The shock of the cold water sent a shiver racing up his spine, and his breath hitched. His eyes darted around the room, now fully awake and alert, taking in the surreal sight.
Water covered the entire floor, shimmering in the soft light filtering through the window. It wasn’t stagnant, either. It was moving, swirling faintly, and—Minseok’s stomach dropped—it was rising. Fast.
Panic gripped him as he splashed over to the other bed in the room. “Jongdae!” His voice was sharp, cutting through the oppressive silence. He reached out, shaking Jongdae’s shoulder urgently. “Jongdae, wake up! Get up, now!”
Jongdae groaned, swatting lazily at Minseok’s hand. “Five more minutes,” he mumbled, voice muffled by his pillow.
“Five more minutes and you'll be swimming!” Minseok hissed in fear. He grabbed the edge of Jongdae’s blanket and yanked it off, revealing a very disgruntled dongsaeng curled up in his pajamas. “Our room is flooding!”
Jongdae blinked groggily, frowning as he processed Minseok’s words. “What are you—” His question died on his lips as he swung his legs off the bed, only to be met with the same icy sensation that had jolted Minseok awake. “What the—?!” He shot up, nearly stumbling as the water sloshed around his knees. His wide eyes met Minseok’s, and the panic there mirrored his own.
“I don’t know what’s happening,” Minseok said hurriedly, his voice tight. “But it’s rising, Jongdae. Fast.”
Jongdae’s brain kicked into gear. Adrenaline coursed through his veins, sharpening every sense as he scanned the room. “We need to get to the others,” he said. His voice was steadier than he felt. With the water dragging at his legs, he waded towards the door and gripped the handle with difficulty. It turned, but the door didn't budge. His heart sank. “It’s stuck,” he muttered, trying again with more force. “Minseok, help me!”
Minseok was at his side in an instant, pushing against the door with all his strength. The wood creaked and groaned under their combined pressure, but it still wouldn’t open as water pressed against it from the outside. It made their task significantly harder.
“Why is this happening?” Minseok muttered, his voice strained as he shoved his shoulder against the door.
“I don’t know,” Jongdae said through gritted teeth, his hands slipping on the wet handle. “But we need to get out before this turns into a full-blown flood.”
Minseok nodded, his jaw tight. They pushed together, using all their combined strength, the water swirling midthigh now. Each second felt like an eternity, the rising water a constant reminder of their dwindling time. As they struggled, Minseok’s mind churned with thoughts of the others, probably still blissfully asleep in their rooms, unaware of the looming danger.
They had to get to them and warn them.
And better sooner than later.
Jongdae could feel the dread curling in his stomach as he threw himself against the stubborn door. Again and again, his breath coming in short gasps. The muscles in his shoulders and arms burned, but no matter how much strength he put in it, the door refused to give. The water was still creeping higher, licking at the tops of their thighs, cold and relentless.
"Hyung," Jongdae's voice cracked as he turned to face him, fear stark in his wide, dark eyes. "I can't swim." His hands were trembling, his usually steady demeanor unraveling with each second that ticked by. "If this keeps rising—"
"It won't come to that," Minseok cut him off sharply, his own voice low but resolute. There was no room for fear, not now. His mind raced, searching for a solution. Giving Jongdae a firm look, he said, "We’re getting out of here. I won’t let anything happen to you."
Without waiting for a response, Minseok positioned himself in front of the door, bracing his body for the next attempt. He squared his shoulders, drew a deep breath, and threw himself against the wood. The impact jolted through his entire body, pain radiating from his shoulder down to his arm. The door groaned under the force but remained stuck. Gritting his teeth, Minseok stepped back and prepared for another try.
Jongdae’s breathing was ragged as he watched, his fear momentarily overtaken by awe at Minseok’s resolve. "Hyung, wait—"
But Minseok didn’t stop. He slammed his shoulder into the door again, this time with every ounce of strength he could muster. The sound of cracking wood filled the room, and suddenly, with a sharp pop, the door burst open. A rush of water spilled into the hallway, nearly knocking both of them off their feet. Minseok staggered but managed to stay upright, grabbing Jongdae's arm to steady himself.
The hallway was a mess. Water surged through it like a river, and the muffled bubbling sound of objects being submerged echoed through the dorm. The sight of the rising flood was surreal—like something out of a nightmare. Minseok barely had time to process it when he heard splashing from the other end of the hallway.
"Hyung?" A voice called out, shaky but familiar. Minseok’s head snapped toward the sound, relief washing over him as he spotted Kyungsoo and Jongin wading through the water toward them. Both of them looked as alarmed as Minseok felt, their faces pale and drawn. Jongin’s dark hair was plastered to his forehead, droplets of water trickling down his cheeks, while Kyungsoo’s normally sharp gaze was filled with unease.
"Are you two okay?" Kyungsoo asked, his voice steady despite the rising panic in his eyes. He had Jongin's arm in a tight hold, as though afraid his dongsaeng might be swept away by the current.
Minseok nodded quickly, though his heart was still racing. "We’re fine, but we have to get the others before this gets worse."
Jongin glanced nervously at the water, which was now inching closer and closer to his waist. "Do you know what’s causing this? I mean, how is this even happening?"
"No idea," Jongdae replied, his voice tight.
Meanwhile Minseok was already scanning the hallway again, his mind racing. "Chanyeol and Baekhyun's room is the furthest," he started, but before he could say more Jongdae was already moving, wading through the water with determination. "I've got it!" he called over his shoulder.
It would be a lie to say that Minseok wasn't worried, his instincts were basically screaming to go after his dongsaeng, but he also knew that Baekhyun and Chanyeol were strong swimmers. If something happened they would take care of Jongdae.
Kyungsoo laid a hand on Minseok's shoulder as he passed him by, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Jongin and I will get Sehun. You focus on Junmyeon, hyung. And be careful!"
Kyungsoo didn't waste any time knocking as they reached Sehun's room. Instead he pushed the handle down and threw his entire body forward, forcing it open in a single moment. The water poured into the room with a rush, surging past them and nearly knocking Jongin off his feet. Inside, the room was only dimly lit, the curtains still drawn.
"Sehun-ah!" Kyungsoo called out, his voice urgent as he waded into the dark room. The water swirled around their legs, the current somehow stronger here than in the hallway. Jongin followed closely behind, his eyes darting nervously around the room as he steadied himself with a hand on Kyungsoo's shoulder.
Sehun was still sprawled on bed, his arm haphazardly thrown over his face, completely oblivious to the chaos inside his own home. The water had already reached the edge of the mattress, lapping against it like an unwelcome tide and yet Sehun hadn't so much as stirred.
“Yah! Oh Sehun! Wake up!” Kyungsoo shouted again, but the maknae merely let out a soft groan before rolling over on his side.
"Are you kidding me?!" Jongin exclaimed, his tone a mix of disbelief and panic. "Junmyeon-hyungs snoring had you wanting your own room but this doesn't wake you up?!"
Kyungsoo didn't waste another second before splashing through the water; reaching the bed in three long strides. Jongin, on the other hand, hesitated for a moment before following, his expression caught somewhere between exasperation and worry. He watched silently as Kyungsoo reached for one of the many soaked pillows scattered around the maknaes bed, wondering what his hyung’s plan was going to be.
It became clear when Kyungsoo lifted the pillow above his head and promptly chucked it at Sehun with surprising force. The wet smack echoed through the room as the pillow connected, and the maknae jolted upright, his eyes wide and unfocused.
"What the–?!" Sehun sputtered, blinking dazedly as he took in the waterlogged scene. His gaze darted from Kyungsoo, still standing with water up to his knees, to Jongin, who looked like he couldn't decide whether to laugh or to scream. Then his eyes focused on where his floor was supposed to be and he slowly lifted a hand, dipping his fingers in the water that was now lapping in waves over his mattress.
"Is this a dream?" Sehun's voice was groggy, his brain clearly struggling to catch up with the situation.
"No, it's not a dream," Kyungsoo snapped, his voice dripping with barely suppressed fear. With a single, sharp tug, he pulled Sehun's blanket off the bed and tossed it aside, the heavy, soaked fabric landing with a loud splat in the water. "But it's about to turn into a real nightmare if you don't. Get. Up! Now move, Sehun-ah!"
Sehun flinched at his hyungs tone, the urgency finally cutting through the fog in his mind. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, grimacing as the cold water immediately came to his thighs.
"What the hell is going on?" the maknae asked, a hint of fear audible in his tone as Jongin reached forward to pull him on his feet.
"There’s no time to explain," Kyungsoo said firmly, nudging the two younger members back to the door. "We need to get to the others. Now."
Minseok took a deep breath, steeling himself as he made his way to Junmyeon's room. Their leader's room was further down the hallway, partially submerged in darkness. The flickering lights above cast unsettling shadows on the walls, giving an eerie and unfamiliar feeling to what was supposed to be their home.
"Junmyeon-ah!" Minseok called out, his voice easily carrying over the water.
No response.
His stomach tightened and he pushed forward, trying to ignore how the water was steadily rising past his knees and up his thighs. The water pulled at his legs with increasing force and he fought to keep his balance, one hand trailing along the wall for stability. Debris floated past him—a toppled chair, books, even a teddy bear he recognized as one of Jongin's latest birthday gifts.
“Junmyeon-ah!” He repeated, his voice shaking as worry started to seep into his seemingly calm demeanor at the lack of an answer. “Are you in there?!”
“Is that you, Minseok?” came the muffled reply from inside the room. Junmyeon's voice sounded composed, but Minseok could hear the faint tremor underneath, a telltale sign that his leader was holding on by sheer willpower.
"Yeah, it's me!" he shouted back, relief momentarily flooding through his entire system. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine," Junmyeon replied, though his voice sounded strained, carrying an undertone the eldest couldn't entirely place. "What about the others? Are they okay?"
Minseok hesitated for a moment. "We're working on it. Jongdae went to get Chanyeol and Baekhyun, and Kyungsoo and Jongin are with Sehun. It's you we need to worry about right now, we need to get you out of there!"
He grabbed the door handle and pulled, but the door held fast. Even when he threw his weight in it, it didn't give. Not even a millimeter.
"It's no use, Minseok-ah." Junmyeon's voice came through the door again. He sounded defeated. Resigned. It made Minseok's heart sink. "One of my bookcases fell over when the water started coming in. It's blocking the door and it's way too heavy for me to lift alone. I've already tried…."
Minseok balled his hands into fists, the gravity of the situation pressing down on him. "What about the window?" he asked, his voice rising slightly as his panic twisted in his stomach. "Can you open or break it and get out that way?"
"I can't," Junmyeon replied after a pause that had Minseok's heart skipping a beat.
"Why not?"
"Because I'm pretty sure that I'm looking at the side of Sehun's car," the leader answered with a bitter laugh that bordered on disbelief and acceptance.
For a moment, Minseok was certain he hadn't heard correctly. "What?" he breathed, blinking rapidly as his mind tried to process the words.
"The water must have carried it all the way here," Junmyeon explained, his tone unnervingly matter-of-fact. "It’s wedged right up against the window. I can’t even see outside anymore.”
That’s when Minseok swore under his breath, the sharp crack of his voice echoing off the submerged walls. He tried to push down the full panic that was now clawing at his chest and focus on finding a solution instead, but his nerves were fried, his mind clouded with terror. Junmyeons calm, measured tone wasn't helping either; if anything, it made him even more anxious, because it felt like the leader had already given up.
"Okay, okay," he muttered, more to himself than to Junyeon. "There's got to be a way. Just hold tight, I'll get the others and we'll figure this out."
Minseok was just about to turn away, his heart racing as he desperately tried to think of a plan, when Junmyeon's voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Hyung."
It wasn't loud. It wasn't desperate.
But the weight of that single word, spoken with such uncharacteristic softness, froze Minseok in place.
Hyung
Junmyeon never called him that. Not once, not even as a joke. It didn't matter how much he pleaded or tried to win the man over, the leader never gave in. Junmyeon always seemed to carry himself with a sense of quiet authority, even around the eldest member. But now, in the midst of rising water and dejection, hearing that word from Junmyeon shook Minseok more than a blocked door or the promise of drowning ever could.
He turned back toward the door, his breath catching in his throat. "Don't," he said sharply, his voice shaking as he took a step closer. "Don't you dare-"
"Hyung," his leader said again, more firmly this time, though there was a waver in his voice that betrayed the fear he was trying to suppress. "Promise me something."
Minseok felt the helplessness thick in his throat, and for a moment, he couldn't speak. He gritted his teeth, biting down so hard on his cheek that he could taste blood.
The water swirling around him suddenly felt colder now, heavier, as though it carried the weight of Junmyeon’s words.
“Don’t do this, Junmyeon-ah,” Minseok pleaded, his voice barely above a whisper. “Don’t talk like you'll-”
“Promise me!” Junmyeon cut him off with a sharp and desperate tone. The tremor in his voice was more evident now, and it was that crack, that uncharacteristic show of vulnerability, that finally broke Minseok’s resolve.
Minseok’s legs nearly buckled beneath him as he leaned against the door, pressing his palms flat against the cold, unyielding surface. “Promise you what?” he asked, though deep down, he already knew the answer.
“That you’ll get the others out,” Junmyeon said, quieter now, almost pleading. “Get them out of here. Make sure they’re safe. You’re the eldest—they’ll listen to you. They’ll follow you.”
“Stop it,” Minseok snapped, his voice cracking under the strain of his emotions. He pressed his forehead against the door, his breath coming in ragged gasps. “I’m not leaving you here, Junmyeon. We’re getting everyone out, and that includes you!”
There was a long pause on the other side of the door, and for a moment, Minseok thought his leader wasn’t going to respond. But then, finally, his voice came through, so quiet that Minseok had to strain to hear it.
“I don’t think there’s a way out for me, hyung.”
Minseok’s heart clenched painfully at those words and he slammed his fist against the door, the sound echoing down the waterlogged hallway. “Don’t you dare say that!” he shouted, a mix of anger and despair clearly audible. “Don’t you dare give up on me, Kim Junmyeon!”
“I’m not giving up,” Junmyeon uttered softly. “I just… I need to know that they’ll be okay. That someone will look after them.”
“They’re your family too,” Minseok said fiercely, every syllable carrying the weight of his conviction. “You’re supposed to be there with them. With us. You’re not allowed to just—”
“Hyung,” Junmyeon voiced once again. “Please. Promise me.”
Minseok’s vision blurred. The tears he'd been fighting finally spilling over and mixing with the cold water around him. His throat had closed up, but he forced himself to speak anyway. “I promise,” he choked out. “But I swear to you, this isn’t over. I’m coming back for you. Do you hear me? I’m coming back!”
“Thank you,” Junmyeon said quietly, and Minseok could hear the faintest hint of a smile in his voice, "and… I'm sorry.”
Not saying anything, Minseok turned and sprinted back down the hallway, his legs burning as he fought against the water that now came up to his waist.
A thousand thoughts spiraled into his head, some more distressing than others. But there was one that screamed louder than the rest, rising above the mayhem with a lucidity that broke no room for doubt:
We'll find a way!
Jongdae didn't hesitate as he moved through the surging water. The cold was biting at his legs and the current was somehow getting stronger, tugging at his clothes and threatening to sweep him off his feet. Determined, he pressed on, keeping his eyes fixed on the door at the end of the hallway—Chanyeol and Baekhyun's room.
But before he even reached the door, a loud crash made him freeze mid-step. A split second later, the door burst open, slamming against the wall with a force that sent water splashing everywhere. Chanyeol stumbled into the hallway, barely able to keep himself upright, his towering figure outlined against the dim light spilling from the room. His eyes were wild, his hair stuck against his forehead. Baekhyun was right behind him, his usually bright face pale and stricken with fear.
"Chanyeol! Baekhyun!"
Jongdae's voice echoed loudly and Chanyeol's head snapped toward the sound. Relief flickered across his face at the sight of Jongdae wading through the water toward them.
"Jongdae! Thank god," Chanyeol gasped, his voice rough and strained. He reached out instinctively, grabbing Jongdae's arm and squeezing tightly. "We have to get out of here, have you seen the others?"
Jongdae nodded. "Yes, we split up to cover more ground. Minseok-hyung is getting Junmyeon-hyung and Kyungsoo and Jongin went to Sehun's room. Are you both okay?"
"Yeah, we're fine," Baekhyun answered with a slight tremor as he clutched onto Chanyeol's shoulder for support. His gaze darted to the waterline, now creeping perilously close to their ribs "But this water… Where is it even coming from?"
"I don't know," Jongdae said quickly, eyeing the rising water with clear distaste. "But wherever it's coming from, it doesn't seem to be stopping any time soon, so I suggest we move."
Chanyeol let go of his arm and gave a grim nod. "Let's go."
The trio turned back the way Jongdae had come, navigating the hallway as the water surged higher and higher. It was close to chest-deep now, making every step a struggle. Baekhyun kept a firm hold on Chanyeol's shoulder, his usual lightness replaced by a determined focus as he tried to keep pace. Jongdae led the way, his right hand planted on the wall to make sure he wouldn't be swept away in any sudden currents. Every few meters he glanced over his shoulder to make sure the other two were still with him.
When they rounded the corner toward Sehun's room, they nearly collided with Kyungsoo and Jongin, who were ahead of a very soaked Sehun. The maknae looked rattled, his arms wrapped tightly around his chest as he shivered against the cold water. His soaked hair was falling into his eyes and his usually stoic expression was replaced by a rare vulnerability.
"Sehunnie!" Baekhyun called out, immediately rushing to the youngest member's side.
Jongdae raised an eyebrow at the maknae's sodden look. Jongin shot him a sheepish smile despite the worry flickering in his eyes as he stared at Sehun. "Something was stuck on the floor and tripped him up. Scared the living daylights out of me when he went under."
Jongdae's eyes widened in alarm at Jongin's explanation and he stepped closer to the maknae, scanning his dongsaeng for any signs of injury. "Are you okay, Sehun-ah? Did you hit anything when you fell?"
Sehun shook his head, his teeth chattering slightly. "I'm fine, hyung. Just cold and… freaked out." His arms tightened around himself as he tried to suppress a shiver and Baekhyun wrapped his own around Sehun's soaked form.
Jongdae let out a relieved breath, placing a reassuring hand on the maknae's shoulder. "That's a relief."
Kyungsoo, who had been silent up until now, turned to Jongdae with a furrowed brow. "Minseok and Junmyeon aren't here yet?" he asked, his gaze flicking toward the hallway they had come from.
As if on cue, Minseok came splashing toward them. The flailing of his arms betrayed his urgency as he rushed forward.
"Junmyeon’s trapped!" he called out, an edge of worry sharpening his tone. "One of his bookcases fell in front of the door and it's too heavy to lift on his own!"
The weight of Minseok's words hit everyone like a shockwave, silencing the group for a moment as they exchanged anxious glances. Baekhyun was the first to speak, his voice holding out a thread of hope. "What about his window? Can he climb out?"
But Minseok's face fell and they all knew his answer before he said it. "Blocked too."
Suddenly the water in the hallway surged again, forcing them all to take a step back to preserve their balance as it climbed higher around their bodies.
They were wasting time.
Time they didn't have.
Chanyeol's expression shifted, his brows furrowing in thought as he looked toward Minseok. "What if we try to break the door down first and then move the case together?"
Minseok hesitated only for a moment, his mind rapidly assessing Chanyeol's suggestion. It's not like they had a lot of other options left and they couldn't afford any more delays. He nodded sharply, a hardened resolve clearly visible in his eyes. "Let's try it."
Kyungsoo stepped up. “We should look for tools or anything else that's sturdy enough to help us get through that door."
"There might be something in the storage closet near the common room," Baekhyun replied. "I'll go take a look."
Without wasting another second, the group dispersed. Chanyeol and Minseok waded through the flood water toward Junmyeon’s room, while the others searched for anything they could use as a tool to help.
"Junmyeon, we're here!" Minseok shouted as they came close. "We're going to try and break the door, so stay back!"
Minseok's heartbeat drummed in his ears as he and Chanyeol positioned themselves on either side of the door.
"Ready?" Minseok asked, his voice tense.
"Ready," Chanyeol replied, already bracing himself.
"On three. One… two… three!"
Both men slammed their shoulders into the door simultaneously, the force of the impact echoing through the water-filled hallway. The wood groaned under the pressure but held firm. Chanyeol let out a frustrated growl and threw himself against the door again, his broad frame making a louder crack this time.
They threw themselves into it until their entire side felt numb, but despite the repeated attempts, the door still didn't give out. Minseok was panting, his breaths coming in short gasps as water sloshed around his chest. Chanyeol let out a curse, his hands pressing against the unyielding material in frustration.
"We're wasting time," Minseok muttered, panic creeping into his voice. "We'll never get him out in time like this."
Before Chanyeol could respond back, the sound of hurried splashing reached their ears. Baekhyun appeared, clutching a fire extinguisher in his hands. His face was set in grim determination as he waded toward them.
"This is the only useful thing I could find," he said, thrusting the extinguisher in Chanyeol's hands. The other members hadn't been as lucky and returned empty handed, their eyes flickering with worry.
"Stand back," Chanyeol warned everyone before positioning himself. Hefting the unwieldy item in the air, he swung hard, the sharp edge striking the door right in the middle. The impact sent splinters flying and the door shuddered violently.
"Again!" Minseok urged, stepping back to give Chanyeol more space. The others watched with bated breath as Chanyeol swung again, his strength and desperation behind every strike.
Each hit was met with more cracking wood, and soon a small hole appeared near the doorframe. "Junmyeon-ah!" Minseok called through the gap, desperate to know whether Junmyeon was still there, still fighting alongside them. "It's working! Just hold on a little bit longer!"
"Just be careful!" Junmyeons voice came back, spurring Chanyeol back on.
He swung the extinguisher with as much strength as he could muster, each impact splintering more and more wood, but the water was relentless, inching higher and higher. It was lapping at their shoulders now and threatening to climb even further. Each swing became slower than the last and Chanyeol gritted his teeth, his face twisted in desperation as he desperately tried to get more weight behind them.
“I can’t get enough momentum!” Chanyeol panicked. The rising water made it nearly impossible to raise the makeshift battering ram above his head, let alone bring it down with the strength needed to break through. He tried again, but his arms felt heavy and his grip kept slipping as the cold water sapped his energy.
“Keep trying!” Minseok urged with a sharp and commanding voice, despite the dread clawing at his chest. “We’re not leaving him!”
But Chanyeol’s patience, already stretched thin by the surreal and terrifying circumstances, finally snapped when the extinguisher almost slipped out of his hands once again. With a guttural cry, he threw the fire extinguisher aside, the sound of it hitting the water a sharp splash in the tense air. Without hesitation, he raised his fist and slammed it against the splintered hole he had already made, his knuckles connecting with the jagged wood.
“Chanyeol, no!” Baekhyun shouted, wading forward, but it was too late.
Chanyeol’s fist struck again and again, his sheer force driven by raw emotion. The sharp edges of the broken door bit into his skin, leaving bloody streaks on the wood and sending splinters into his flesh. He didn’t seem to care, didn’t even flinch. His frustration and fear had taken over completely, each strike punctuated by a choked growl or a curse.
“Damn it!” Chanyeol roared, slamming his fist one more time. The hole widened, but it was still not enough to give them clear access to the bookcase still lying behind. “Why won’t this thing break?!”
“Yeol, stop!” Baekhyun’s voice cracked, his small hands reaching for Chanyeol’s arm. “You’re hurting yourself! Stop it!”
Chanyeol paused, his chest heaving as he turned to Baekhyun, his bloodied hand trembling in the water. His eyes were glassy, unfocused, as if he wasn’t entirely present. “I can’t… I can’t leave him in there,” he whispered hoarsely, choking on a sob.
Before anyone could say anything else, Junmyeon’s voice cut through the chaos. “Go.”
The word was quiet but clear, slicing through the tension like a knife. Everyone froze, their collective breath catching in their throats. For a moment, it felt like time itself had stopped. The sound of the rushing water and the creaking walls seemed distant, muffled by the weight of Junmyeon’s command.
“What?” Jongdae whispered, just barely audible, his hands gripping the door frame as if grounding himself. “Hyung, no. We’re not leaving you.”
“You don’t have a choice,” Junmyeon replied calmly. Un undeniable finality present in his tone. “The water is still rising. If you stay here, you’ll drown.”
“No!” Chanyeol shouted. He slammed his fist against the door again, though the force was weaker this time, his earlier adrenaline fading into despair. “We’re not leaving you! Don’t say that!”
“I’m telling you to go, not as your brother or as your friend, but as your leader,” Junmyeon said firmly, though his voice shook slightly at the edges. “Leave. That’s an order.”
The room fell silent again, save for the relentless sloshing of water. No one moved. No one could. Minseok’s fists clenched at his sides, his composure breaking as he fought against the wave of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. Jongin and Kyungsoo exchanged a helpless glance, while Baekhyun’s grip on Chanyeol’s arm tightened, his knuckles white.
It was their maknae, standing furthest from the door, who finally broke the silence
“No.”
His voice was quiet, but it carried a steely resolve that made everyone turn to him. His tall frame was rigid, fists clenched tightly at his sides beneath the water. He stared at the door with a set jaw, before looking up toward the others.
“We’re not leaving him. There has to be another way.”
The water surged again, rising dangerously close to past their shoulders. Kyungsoo stumbled momentarily but quickly focused back on the maknae. The oppressive sound of water swallowing everything in its path grew louder, more menacing, but Sehun stood his ground, his gaze fixed on the splintered door.
“Sehun…” Minseok began, his voice heavy with exhaustion and unspoken grief, but Sehun cut him off with a sharp shake of his head.
“No, hyung!” he snapped with a hitched breath. “We’ve always found a way, haven’t we? Every time things seemed impossible, we made it through because we didn’t give up on each other. So why—why would we give up now?”
Baekhyun’s lips parted, as if to argue, but no words came out. Chanyeol, still shaking with frustration and despair, turned his gaze to Sehun, a flicker of something like pride appearing in his eyes.
Jongdae was staring at the maknae like he saw him for the first time, his chest rising and falling with labored breaths. His dongsaeng's words hung in the air like a beacon in the darkness, cutting through the despair that had slowly been consuming them.
Sehun’s defiance, his unwavering determination, lit a fire inside Jongdae that he hadn’t even realized had been extinguished.
“Sehun-ah’s right,” Jongdae said resolutely, despite the turmoil still raging inside him. “We’ve never given up on each other, and we’re not starting now—we’re going to get him out of there."
“But how?” Jongin’s voice pierced through their resolve like a cold wind. He was leaning against the wall, his usually composed expression replaced by raw uncertainty. “How do we get him out? The door won’t budge, there’s nothing here we can use and the water…" He trailed off, his words faltering as he looked at the rising flood that threatened to consume them all.
The water was biting cold and now easily swirling around their shoulders, each wave pushing against them as though it had a malevolent will of its own. Every breath felt harder, labored, as they struggled to keep their heads above it. Fear mingled with desperation as each member frantically racked their minds for a solution. But the longer they searched, the more clear it became that there was nothing they could do… and the water kept rising.
“The hinges…,” someone suddenly whispered under his breath, yet the words carried to them all like it had been shouted, breaking them from their stupor.
It was Baekhyun. His eyes focused on the door frame where the upper hinge was hanging strangely crooked, likely loosened from Chanyeol’s earlier assault.
Kyungsoo followed Baekhyun’s gaze, his mind immediately putting their thoughts together. Then he dove down, his body cutting through the icy water with precision. He knew that the fire extinguisher, tossed aside in frustration earlier, might now be their only hope. His fingers groped blindly around the place where he thought it would have sunk to, eventually brushing against the cold, smooth surface of the extinguisher. Grasping it firmly, he used his legs against the floor to push back to the surface, his lungs burning as he broke through with a gasp.
“Chanyeol!” Kyungsoo shouted breathlessly, shoving the extinguisher toward the giant like it was on fire. “Quickly!”
Chanyeol’s trembling hands gripped it hesitantly, his knuckles still raw and bleeding from earlier. His bloodshot eyes flicked between the crooked hinge and Junmyeon’s door for a second, as if silently cursing them for all the time they’d wasted. Then, with every ounce of strength he had left, he raised the extinguisher above his head and brought it down on the hinge.
The metallic clang of impact reverberated through the hallway, louder than the rush of water. Everyone flinched but didn’t look away, their eyes glued to Chanyeol as he struck again. The hinge groaned in protest and then, as if they were looking at a miracle, it slightly came loose from the wall.
“You’re doing it!” Jongin shouted, hoarse but filled with hope. “Keep going, hyung!”
Minseok watched from the side, the spark of hope in his chest giving way to a full blown flame. But Chanyeol’s onslaught created waves in the water that made him have to tilt his head back and he realized with a choked breath that it was now licking at their chins.
He glanced around at the members, their faces pale and drawn, eyes wide with fear. Jongdae still clung to one side of the doorframe, his breathing shallow, while Sehun’s wobbling hands clutched at the wall for support. Jongin was trying to balance Chanyeol from behind, so the bigger member only had to think about the make-shift battering ram in his hands.
It was the knowledge that they were running out of time, visible on Kyungsoo’s face, that suddenly made him remember Junmyeon’s words.
Get them out of here. Make sure they’re safe. You’re the eldest—they’ll listen to you. They’ll follow you.
Ice flooded through his veins, freezing him from the inside out.
Violent coughing reached his ears as Chanyeol created new ripples of water, the force of one catching Jongdae square in the face and making him struggle to keep his airways clear.
It wouldn’t be long until they’d have to swim to keep their heads above the water line.
It fully hit Minseok then.
If they all stayed here, none of them were going to make it.
His promise to Junmyeon rang in his ears like a taunt, the weight of his leaders' trust heavier than the water threatening to pull him under.
His eyes fell on Chanyeol, who was now struggling to get the fire extinguisher high enough above his head without toppling over. Baekhyun’s sharp instincts had given them a chance, but the water would continue to rise and there was no way that all seven of them could work on the door at the same time.
Someone had to take the risk.
He desperately tried to push the exploding panic down, forcing himself to focus. Yet the harsh truth continued to gnaw at the edges of his resolve: there simply wasn't enough time or space for them all to make it out alive if they hesitated even a moment longer.
He had to stay behind.
“Baekhyun,” Minseok said, his voice pressing straight through his tangled thoughts. “Take the others and get to higher ground.”
Baekhyun blinked, momentarily stunned. “What? No! We’re not leaving you—”
“You have to,” Minseok cut him off sharply. His gaze swept over the group, taking in their fear, their exhaustion.
“We can’t all stay here. The water’s rising too fast, and if you don’t move now, none of us will make it.”
“No!” Jongdae’s voice was shrill, teetering on the edge of panic. He turned to Minseok, his hands gripping the older man’s arm. “Hyung, you can’t! You can’t stay behind! We’ll figure it out together—”
“Jongdae.” Minseok’s tone softened, but the authority in it was unyielding. He placed both hands on Jongdae’s shoulders, forcing him to meet his gaze. “You can’t swim.”
The words hung in the air, heavy and unspoken until now. Jongdae’s face crumpled, his grip tightening as if holding onto Minseok would somehow change the reality of the situation. “But—”
“No buts,” Minseok said firmly, though his heart ached seeing Jongdae’s distress. “If you stay here, you’ll drown and I made a promise to Junmyeon that I wouldn’t let that happen.”
Jongdae opened his mouth to argue again, but Kyungsoo stepped forward, his expression grim. “Hyung’s right,” he said quietly, his hand resting on Jongdae’s arm. “We’ll only be in each other’s way if we all try to help. We should go, Jongdae.”
Minseok turned back to Baekhyun, who still looked as if he might protest. “Baekhyun, lead them. Get to the next level and stay safe.”
Baekhyun’s lips pressed into a thin line, his reluctance clear. But he nodded, his voice barely above a whisper as he answered. “Okay.”
“I’ll stay too,” Chanyeol suddenly said, his deep voice breaking through the moment. All eyes turned to him as he waded forward, his expression resolute. “You’re going to need my help if you want to get him out.”
Minseok studied him for a moment, weighing the decision. Chanyeol was clearly exhausted, but his broad frame and strength would still be an asset, and he knew his dongsaeng wouldn’t take no for an answer. Finally, he nodded. “Alright. You and I will get Junmyeon out.”
“No!” Jongdae’s voice rose again, desperation lacing every word. He looked between Chanyeol and Minseok, shaking his head. “Please, don’t do this!”
Minseok reached out, gripping Jongdae’s arm tightly. “We’ll come as soon as we can. I promise. But you have to go, now.”
Jongdae’s face crumpled further and Kyungsoo gently pulled him back, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. “Come on,” Kyungsoo murmured, his voice stable even as his eyes betrayed his own conflicted feelings.
Baekhyun took the lead, motioning for the others to follow. Jongin hesitated, his gaze lingering on Minseok and Chanyeol, but Minseok waved him on. “Go!” he urged. “We’ll catch up!”
As the group began moving toward the direction of the staircase, their movements sluggish against the rising water, Minseok turned back to Chanyeol. His dongsaeng was already positioning himself by the door again, the fire extinguisher in his hands, jaw tight with determination.
“We don’t have much time,” Chanyeol said quietly.
“I know,” Minseok replied, his own determination hardening. “Let’s do this.”
Chanyeol nodded, and together, they turned their attention to the hinge that was still clinging to the frame, albeit barely. It was fully underwater now, but one last push might be all they needed.
Minseok braced himself, placing one hand against the wall and the other around Chanyeol's waist to keep him standing.
With the water now brushing against their chins, every second felt like an eternity as Chanyeol raised the extinguisher above his head one final time. His eyes alight with a fire that not even a flood would be able to douse.
Chanyeol took a deep breath, holding it for a single second and then he brought the extinguisher down, the force behind it fueled by the hope and trust of all the members they’d forced to leave.
The sight of the hinge fully giving away should have been a victory, but there was no time to celebrate. Minseok jumped in to take the extinguisher from his dongsaeng’s hand and wedged it between the now half opened door.
With a strength he didn’t know he still possessed, he shoved, using not only the fire extinguisher, but his entire body as a wedge. Chanyeol joined him and with concerted effort, the door finally opened.
Water rushed through the newly created opening into Junmyeon’s room, nearly sweeping them off their feet. They clung to the edges of the doorframe, bracing against the current as they peered inside through a small visible gap.
“Kim Junmyeon!” Minseok called out, strained yet resolute. “We’re almost there!”
Junmyeon’s room was in chaos. Floating debris swirled around the space—overturned furniture, sodden books, and stray clothing. But there was one thing blocking it all: the heavy wooden bookcase that Junmyeon had described. Tipped at an angle and wedged firmly in the entrance, barring their path. Water continued to rise inside the room, nearly reaching the top of the bookcase. Junmyeon’s muffled voice called out from somewhere behind it, his words narrowly drowned out by the dogged sound of swirling water.
“I told you to leave!” Junmyeon shouted hoarsely, his tone full of desperation. “It’s too dangerous! Get out of here before it’s too late!”
“Not happening!” Chanyeol yelled back, his deep voice reverberating through the confined space. His face was set, his jaw clenched with determination. “We’re getting you out, hyung!”
The water was now level with their eyes, forcing them to swim just to keep their airways above the surface. Minseok exchanged a quick glance with Chanyeol, nodding silently. There was no time to waste. Taking a deep breath, he dove beneath the surface, the cold water enveloping him as he moved toward the obstacle blocking them from reaching their leader.
Visibility was almost nonexistent. The murky water was filled with all kinds of debris, stinging his eyes and disorienting him as he reached the base of the bookcase. His hands skimmed over the rough, waterlogged wood, searching for any kind of weak spot, any place where they might be able to gain leverage. But the bookcase was solid, its massive weight made even heavier by the water pressing against it. Frustration bubbled in Minseok’s chest as his lungs burned, demanding air. He had no choice but to surface.
Gasping, he emerged, gripping the door frame for support. “It’s solid,” he said, coughing as he drew in air. “We can’t possibly push it with just the two of us and I didn’t feel any weak spots.”
Chanyeol’s brows furrowed, his lips pressed into a grim line. “Then we make one,” he said. Determination in every word. Before Minseok could stop him, Chanyeol took a deep breath and disappeared beneath the water.
Inside the room, Junmyeon continued to shout in a mix of frustration and fear. “Go! You don’t have time for this! You’re going to drown—”
“Shut up!” Chanyeol bellowed as he surfaced again, his hand slamming against the bookcase to steady himself. “We’re not leaving you, hyung! So just stop saying it, damnit!”
The force behind Chanyeol’s words silenced Junmyeon, and for a moment, the only sound was the relentless flow around them. Chanyeol turned back to the door frame, gripping it tightly right above his head. His broad shoulders strained as he braced himself, partly lifting himself out of the water. “The corner,” he wheezed out as he threw his legs forward to deliver a powerful kick against the bookcase.
The impact reverberated through the water, a dull thud that sent ripples through the surface. “We only have to bring it out of balance,” he said. He kicked again, harder this time, his muscles vibrating with effort.
Minseok didn’t hesitate. He took a deep breath and dove down again, determined to add his strength to Chanyeol’s efforts. The cold water closed over him, numbing his skin as he pushed his hands against the corner, right underneath Chanyeol's feet. His fingers found purchase on the rough edges, and he pressed with all his might, his body straining against the unyielding weight.
Above the surface, Chanyeol’s kicks came faster, each one a desperate attempt to break through. The doorframe creaked under his grip, but he didn’t stop. His teeth were clenched, his face twisted with exertion as he shouted Junmyeon’s name.
Then, something shifted.
Minseok felt it first, the subtle give of the wood beneath his hands. His eyes widened, and he pushed harder, his legs bracing against the floor for leverage. Chanyeol’s next kick sent a shudder through the bookcase, and again it moved—just an inch, but it was enough to send a surge of adrenaline through him.
Breaking the surface, Minseok gasped for air. “It’s moving! Do it again!”
Chanyeol didn’t need to be told twice. With a roar of determination, he drove his legs forward again, the force of his kick sending another shudder through the heavy wood. Minseok disappeared under water once more, ignoring the way his lungs and muscles were aching from strain. Together, they pushed and kicked, each movement fueled by the desperate need to reach Junmyeon before it was too late.
And then, with a muffled, groaning creak, the bookcase shifted entirely, falling back just as the water fully rose above Chanyeol's head, swallowing him whole.
Jongdae’s breaths came in short, ragged gasps as the water crept ever higher, brushing against the tip of his nose with each swell. His fingers were spread along the wall, white-knuckled and trembling as the icy water chilled him to the bone. He tried to focus on keeping his head above water, but his mind was a torrent of chaos, spiraling into panic.
His feet scraped against the slippery floor, desperately trying to find some solid ground to cling to, but the water was relentless. It pushed and swirled around him like a living thing, dragging at his limbs and threatening to pull him under. He couldn’t swim, and the very real fear of drowning hovered over him like a shadow.
But that wasn’t why his heart felt like it was about to burst from his chest.
No, he wasn’t panicking because he couldn’t swim. He was panicking because he had left Minseok, Chanyeol, and Junmyeon behind. Three of the most important people in his life. The very thought of abandoning them clawed at his heart like a living thing, suffocating him far more effectively than the water ever could. He could barely see through the tears burning his eyes, the thought of saving himself while they stayed behind made him feel like a coward, a traitor.
He had always been the type to put others first. He was the one to crack jokes when the tension was too thick, the one to check in on everyone after a grueling day, the one to shoulder burdens silently if it meant someone else could breathe easier. And now? Now he was being asked to save himself—knowing he was leaving the people he loved behind. It was against everything he believed in, everything he was.
Ahead of him, Sehun, Kyungsoo, and Jongin had already started climbing toward safety, their figures barely visible in the dim, murky light. They were moving as quickly as the water would allow, but Jongdae’s feet remained planted, his chest tightening with every passing second
“No,” he muttered to himself, shaking his head, his voice trembling almost as much as his body. “I can’t… I can’t leave them.”
He turned, his wide, tear-filled eyes searching the flooded hallway behind him, hoping—praying—to see Minseok, Chanyeol, or Junmyeon following. But all he saw was darkness, the shady water swallowing the path he had just come from. The sight made his stomach churn, and his breathing came faster, uneven and panicked. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms.
He had to go back.
He had to.
He took a shaky step back toward the flooded hallway, his toes barely touching the ground, but before he could go any further, Baekhyun’s voice cut through his terror.
“Jongdae!”
The sharp tone startled him, and he turned his head just in time to see his friend splashing toward him, his movements slow but deliberate against the rising flood. Baekhyun’s face was set with a seriousness Jongdae rarely saw, his eyes burning with a focus that he couldn't explain.
Without a word, Baekhyun grabbed Jongdae’s wrist, pulling him back with surprising strength.
What are you doing?” Baekhyun demanded, his grip tightening on Jongdae’s wrist. “You need to keep moving. We have to get to the others.”
“I can’t!” Jongdae choked out, his voice breaking. He tried to pull his wrist free, but Baekhyun held on, refusing to let him go. “I can’t just leave them! I have to go back! I have to—”
“Stop it!” Baekhyun cut in sharly, slicing through Jongdae’s panic like a blade. Without hesitation, Baekhyun placed both hands firmly on either side of Jongdae’s head, forcing his head to stay still.
“Look at me,” Baekhyun said, his gaze steady despite the panic swirling around them. Jongdae tried to pull away, his breathing growing more erratic, but Baekhyun’s grip didn’t waver. “Look at me, Dae!” he repeated, louder this time.
Reluctantly, Jongdae’s wide, tear-filled eyes met Baekhyun’s, and for a moment, the chaos in his mind stilled, if only slightly. The intensity in his friend's gaze held Jongdae captive. He couldn’t look away, couldn’t focus on anything but the sheer force of will that was pinning him down. His quivering breaths began to slow, though his chest still ached with the weight of guilt and fear.
“You can’t go back.”
Baekhyun took a deep breath, steadying himself, before speaking again. His voice sounded softer, but the urgency in it remained. “You can’t go back, do you hear me? If you go back, you’ll drown.”
Jongdae’s lips parted, but no words came out. He wanted to argue, to insist that he had to go back, but the lump in his throat made it impossible to speak. Instead, his eyes pleaded with Baekhyun, filled with a desperation that only made the other’s grip tighten.
“They’ll come back,” Baekhyun continued, his voice shaking slightly now, though his determination never wavered. “Minseok, Chanyeol, and Junmyeon—they’re good swimmers. They can make this work. But you? You’d drown before you could even get to them.”
Jongdae’s hands came up to grip Baekhyun’s wrists, his fingers shaking. “I can’t do this to them, Baek…” he choked out brokenly. “I can’t leave them behind.”
“You’re not leaving them behind, damnit!” Baekhyun’s voice cracked, and for a moment, the mask of strength he’d been wearing faltered. His own fear and worry flashing across his features.
“Listen to me, Jongdae,” Baekhyun said, his tone raw and unsteady now, filled with a desperate intensity that matched the grip he had on Jongdae’s temples. “I know you. You always want to save everyone and I know that you wouldn’t hesitate to go back, even if that means you’re throwing your life away. But sometimes…,” he wavered, searching Jongdae’s gaze for the courage he felt slipping away from his own. “Sometimes saving someone means trusting them to save themselves. Minseok-hyung, Junmyeon-hyung and Chanyeolie—they need you to trust them right now. They need to know you’re safe so they can fight their way back.”
The weight of Baekhyun’s words hung heavily in the air. Jongdae’s breaths slowed even more, his panicked movements stilling as the truth of it settled over him.
“Sehunnie needs you, Jongdae-ya,” Baekhyun continued, his thumbs brushing against Jongdae’s temples in a soothing gesture. “Soo and Jonginnie need you. They’re scared, just like you are, even if they might not show it. They need someone to guide them through this, to lead them out of here and tell them it will be alright. They need you!”
Jongdae shook his head weakly, his lips trembling. “But I’m not—”
“Yes, you are,” Baekhyun insisted, cutting him off. His voice softened again, carrying a pleading edge to his words. “You’re the first one to comfort us when we’re sick, the first we’ll go to whenever it feels like work is swallowing us whole. You’re always leading us out of the dark, even if you don’t realize it. And right now, those three need you to do it again.”
Jongdae swallowed hard, his heart shattering at the raw vulnerability in Baekhyun’s words. For a moment, he said nothing, his gaze flickering back to the hallway. The thought of leaving still felt like a betrayal, but Baekhyun’s hands and words anchored him, grounding him in a way he couldn’t ignore.
When their gazes met again, Baekhyun was still staring at him, his eyes glistening but steadfast. “Okay…,” Jongdae nodded shakily, his voice barely audible. “Okay, I’ll go.”
Baekhyun offered him a small, shaky smile, his emotions barely contained as he gently rested their foreheads together. “That’s it,” he breathed out, his voice nothing but a fractured murmur now. “I knew you could do it…”
Then Baekhyun released him, giving him a gentle but firm push toward the staircase. “Now go. Get them to safety. I’ll be right behind you, I promise.”
Jongdae hesitated for a fraction of a second, his heart still torn, but the look in Baekhyun's eyes somehow gave him the strength he needed. With a deep, shuddering breath, he turned and began moving toward the staircase. Each step felt like it carried the weight of the world, the icy water pulling at his legs as if it too, were trying to hold him back. But he forced himself to keep going, focusing on the faint figures of Sehun, Kyungsoo, and Jongin still ahead.
Baekhyun’s voice echoed in his ears, a mix of desperation and reassurance that kept his feet moving despite the overwhelming guilt still gnawing at his insides. His legs were burning with the effort of wading through the water and climbing the stairs at the same time, but the thought that he was almost there fueled him.
As soon as he was within reach, Kyungsoo and Sehun grabbed hold of Jongdae, pulling him up the last few steps.
Jongdae stumbled onto the higher landing, collapsing to his knees as he gasped for breath. His entire body was shaking, though whether from the cold or the lingering panic, he couldn’t tell.
“You’re okay,” Kyungsoo said, his voice low and steady, though there was a tightness to it that betrayed his own worry. His hands stayed firm on Jongdae’s shoulders, grounding him. “You made it.”
Jongin, who had been pacing anxiously at the edge of the landing, turned to them, his eyes filled with anxiety. “Where’s Baekhyun-hyung?” he asked, his voice cutting through the tense air.
Jongdae’s heart skipped a beat. He opened his mouth to reply, instinctively about to say that Baekhyun was right behind him. He turned around, fully expecting to see Baekhyun’s comforting form fighting up the steps, his eyes alight with worried perseverance.
But all he saw was water.
The flood had risen even further, swallowing the staircase below in a swirling, murky tide. The door opening they had come through was barely visible now, almost entirely submerged.
There was no sign of Baekhyun.
“Baekhyun-ah…” Jongdae voiced softly, as if he couldn't believe what his eyes were telling him. “He… he was right there. He was right behind me.”
“Hyung?” Sehun’s voice was soft, hesitant, but Jongdae barely registered it.
“No, no, no,” Jongdae muttered, shaking his head as he stumbled back toward the edge of the landing. His movements were frantic now, his breaths coming in shallow gasps. “He was there. He was with me, he-”
You’re always leading us out of the dark, even if you don’t realize it. And right now, those three need you to do it again.
The realization crashed into him like a tidal wave, the pieces falling into place with sickening clarity. His breath hitched, his chest tightening as his heart thundered against his ribs.
“Three,” he whispered, the word spilling from his lips as his arms fell slack at his sides. “He said three…”
Not four.
Baekhyun hadn’t included himself in there.
The knowledge echoed in his mind, reverberating against the walls of his skull like a haunting melody he couldn’t shut out. He stumbled down a few of the steps, cold water once again swirling around his feet.
“Jongdae?” Kyungsoo asked, taking a confused step in his direction.
But Jongdae didn’t react. All he could hear was Baekhyun’s voice, the way it had softened just enough for Jongdae to miss the meaning behind those words.
Until now.
Now go. Get them to safety. I’ll be right behind you, I promise.
He suddenly remembered the way Baekhyun had avoided his gaze when he’d said that. Even though moments before, Baekhyun’s eyes had been glued to his, searching for something Jongdae hadn’t understood at the time.
But he could see it now.
The weight in Baekhyun’s touch. The way he’d held Jongdae a little longer. Hugged him a little tighter. How his voice had broken apart right before he pushed Jongdae in the right direction.
Away from him.
I’ll be right behind you, I promise.
Baekhyun had made a promise, but it hadn’t been a promise between the two of them.
It had been a promise for Jongdae alone—to push him forward, to keep him moving. To ensure that he wouldn’t stop and look back. Baekhyun had known that Jongdae wouldn’t leave otherwise. He had known exactly what to say, exactly how to hold Jongdae together long enough to make him take that first step up the staircase.
He’d never planned to come up with them.
“He went back,” Jongdae voiced brokenly, swaying on his feet as every single bit of his energy suddenly drained out of him. “He went back for them.”
Kyungsoo rushed forward, sliding an arm around Jongdae’s middle and helping him sit down while Sehun let out a choked sound from behind him as the meaning of Jongdae’s words washed over them.
“No…” Jongin breathed out, “he wouldn’t.”
But Jongdae knew.
Baekhyun had always been like that. Brave to the point of recklessness, stubborn to the point of self-sacrifice. He was the one who always put himself last, the one who would stay behind to pick up the pieces while everyone else moved forward. Jongdae knew that about him. He had seen it a hundred times in a hundred smaller ways.
But it had never felt so devastating as it did now.
“Yes,” he whispered. “Yes he would.”
The water was everywhere—thick, dark, and pressing in on all sides as Baekhyun fought to push forward. His arms ached, his lungs burned, and the cold seemed to seep into his very bones, but he didn’t stop. He couldn’t. Every stroke brought him closer to where he knew they’d be, to the people who meant the world to him.
His vision was blurry in the murky water, lit only faintly by sunlight streaming from some of the rooms. The hallway was completely flooded now, save for a few small pockets of air clinging stubbornly to the ceiling. Baekhyun reached one of them, his head breaking the surface as he gasped for breath, his chest heaving. The air tasted stale, but it was enough to keep him going.
For now.
He knew he was breaking his promise to Jongdae and if they somehow made it out alive, his friend would likely murder him for it.
But he wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he hadn’t at least tried to get back to them.
So he dove again, kicking hard as the frigid water fought to drag him down. The weight of the flood pressed against his ears, muffling the already eerie silence. The thought of not finding them clawed at the edges of his mind, but he shoved it away. He couldn’t think like that. They had to be here. They had to be okay.
Furniture and all kinds of other debris bumped into him constantly—sharp edges nicking his skin, stray pieces tangling around his legs. But so far he’d been able to avoid most of it.
That is until something hard and unyielding suddenly slammed into his side, knocking the air from his chest in a silent gasp. He gritted his teeth and pushed himself away from it, his vision blurring as his head grew light from the lack of oxygen. Panic clawed at him as his body begged for air, his strokes becoming erratic.
He reached upward, desperately searching for another air pocket, but his fingers only skimmed the ceiling and the water pushing against it. His chest tightened and his mind screamed at him to turn back.
To do something.
To breathe.
It was by luck and pure luck only that he suddenly felt his fingers brush against air. He lunged for it, dragging in a ragged breath as soon as he didn’t feel any water on his face. His lungs filled themselves with gasps that were too shallow, too desperate. The little oxygen there was, felt heavy. Damp, and insufficient.
It wasn’t enough. It was never enough.
The thought began to creep into his mind, unbidden and terrifying:
I can’t do this. I won’t make it.
But then he was diving again, ignoring the way his chest still burned, the way his body trembled from panic and exhaustion. The cold was unbearable now, wrapping around him like icy chains and seeping into his very core. Still he kicked and pulled himself forward, his strokes weaker than before, but no less determined
He tried to peer through the seemingly endless corridor, searching desperately for a sign of movement, a silhouette, anything that wasn't the suffocating emptiness around him. But the water didn't allow him to look far ahead and the urge to breathe was almost unbearable now.
He could feel his heart pounding in his throat, a frantic drum beat that matched his rising desperation. Time was running out. His body on the brink of betraying him as his instincts fought for control.
That's when he saw it.
At first, he thought it was a trick of his oxygen-starved mind. A blur of movement, faint and unsteady, caught his eye. He blinked, trying to focus, his lungs screaming as the seconds stretched endlessly. Then it came closer, the shapes sharpening into something unmistakable.
Chanyeol.
Minseok.
And between them, Junmyeon.
Baekhyun’s heart surged with a mix of relief and terror as he saw them. Chanyeol and Minseok were swimming together, their strokes powerful despite the obvious exhaustion on their faces. Junmyeon’s body was draped between them, his head lolling slightly with the movement of the water.
Relief and fear collided in Baekhyun’s chest as he propelled himself toward them, his arms cutting through the water with newfound energy. His movements were clumsy and desperate, but he readily closed the distance between them. Chanyeol was the first to notice him, his wide eyes lighting up with recognition and something that looked dangerously close to hope.
Minseok, his movements deliberate and steady despite the obvious strain, gestured sharply with his head toward Baekhyun, urging him to help.
Baekhyun reached out, his hands finding purchase on Junmyeon’s arm. The limp weight of their leader was terrifying, and Baekhyun’s heart clenched painfully as he realized Junmyeon wasn’t moving. There was no time to think, no time to dwell. Together, the three of them adjusted their grip, redistributing Junmyeon’s weight between them.
Baekhyun gestured frantically toward the direction he had come from, motioning for them to follow. Chanyeol nodded, his lips firmly clamped shut, and they began to swim back, each stroke a battle against the current.
The water seemed to fight them at every turn, the debris swirling around them like a deadly obstacle course. Baekhyun’s arms burned with effort, but he kept kicking, kept pulling, focusing on what he knew would lie at the end.
Air.
Safety.
His family.
Jongdae felt like he was floating, not physically, but as though his mind had detached from his body and was drifting somewhere far away. Kyungsoo's arm was still wrapped around him, strong and firm, but even that felt distant, like a memory instead of something happening now. His whole body was shaking, but he didn’t notice. The cold, murky water was no longer climbing; it had stopped just below his knees. But that fact brought no comfort—because the silence was louder than anything he had ever experienced.
No one was coming out.
The water rippled faintly, lapping at Jongdae’s legs, but it was eerily still otherwise. There was no movement beneath its surface, no sign of life. Nothing. Jongdae stared at the edge of the staircase, his heart pounding in his chest, each beat an unbearable weight. He wanted to look away, wanted to close his eyes and pretend this wasn’t real, but he couldn’t. His eyes remained fixed on the water, willing it to betray him, to prove him wrong, to bring them back.
Somewhere behind him, Sehun and Jongin had begun shouting, their voices echoing in the hollow space of the now-quiet dorm.
'Hyung!' Sehun screamed, his voice breaking with desperation. 'Minseok-hyung! Chanyeol-hyung! Baekhyun-hyung!'
'Please!' Jongin’s voice cracked, his hands cupped around his mouth as though yelling louder might somehow reach them. 'Say something! Anything!'
But there was no reply. Only silence, heavy and suffocating, broken occasionally by the faint splash of water against the walls.
Jongdae’s hands were limp at his sides, his fingers numb. The hope he had clung to—the promise that Baekhyun would come back, that Minseok and Chanyeol would save Junmyeon and they’d all make it out together—was slipping through his fingers like sand. A cold, hollow feeling settled in his chest, spreading like poison through his veins.
They weren’t coming out.
Kyungsoo tightened his grip around Jongdae, his arm stiff. Jongdae could feel his dongsaeng's body beginning to shake, whether from the cold or the weight of realization, he couldn’t tell. But something told Jongdae that the truth was sinking in for him too, like a stone dropping into the depths of his stomach. Kyungsoo had been so focused on keeping Jongdae grounded, so determined to maintain his composure for the sake of the others, that he hadn’t allowed himself to think the worst.
Not until now.
Kyungsoo's arm loosened slightly around him as the truth took hold.
The water had stopped rising, yes, but it had been far too long. No one could hold their breath for that long, not Chanyeol, not Junmyeon, not even Minseok.
And Baekhyun—Baekhyun, who had gone back despite everything, who was stubborn like no other—he would have surfaced by now if he'd been able to.
"Hyung..." Sehun’s voice wavered, his wide eyes darting between Kyungsoo and Jongdae, silently begging them to say something, anything, that would make this okay. "They're okay, right? They… they’ll come out soon, right?"
But Kyungsoo, unable to answer, stumbled backward. The grip around Jongdae's back disappeared as Kyungsoo pressed himself against the cold, damp wall. his legs gave out beneath him, and he slid down to the floor, lowering his head into his hands. Shallow gasps escaped him as his chest tightened with every exhale. For the first time, the weight of the silence crashed over him like a flood, pulling him under.
Sehun’s pleading questions turned into broken sobs as he fell to his knees, his hands clutching at the edge of the staircase as though he could pull them back if he just tried hard enough.
Jongin was trembling, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. He leaned against the wall, his shoulders shaking violently as he tried to stifle his cries, but the anguish spilled out in ragged gasps. His composure, and his heart, completely shattered. "This can't be happening," he whispered, over and over, like a broken record. "This can’t be happening."
Amid the chaos, Jongdae stood up from where he'd been sitting. His eyes remained fixed on the water, unblinking, unseeing. The icy numbness that had begun in his chest was spreading now, seeping into every part of him, making his limbs feel heavy and his thoughts slow. He couldn’t feel Kyungsoo’s absence at his side. He couldn’t hear Sehun’s cries or Jongin’s desperate whispers. He was adrift in the stillness, detached from everything and everyone around him.
His mind replayed fragments of memories, images of Baekhyun’s smile, Chanyeol’s laughter, Minseok’s steady presence, and Junmyeon’s unwavering guidance. They felt like ghosts now, haunting the edges of his consciousness, slipping further and further away with each passing second.
The numbness had taken over completely now, dulling the edges of his pain but leaving behind an emptiness so vast it threatened to consume him.
He didn’t fight it.
He didn’t have the strength.
It felt like hours had passed when finally something in him stirred–a flicker of thought breaking through the void.
We should leave.
He knew it, even if he couldn't accept it. There was nothing left for them here anymore.
And yet… he couldn't look away from the stairs, couldn't urge his muscles to separate himself from the one thing that had torn his family apart.
It almost felt like the water was mocking him by mirroring the hollow void inside him.
Unmoving. Untouched. Silent.
Slowly, as if wading through a fog, Jongdae opened his mouth to speak. He was about to tell them, to say the words he knew would shatter what little hope they had left, when something caught his eye.
A ripple.
He froze, his breath hitching. It was faint, so small that he thought he must have imagined it. But then it happened again—a tiny disturbance in the water, breaking its glassy surface. His heart stuttered, the numbness retreating just enough for a flicker of something—hope?—to creep in. His eyes locked onto the spot, unblinking, as the ripple grew larger, spreading outward in gentle waves.
It wasn’t possible. It couldn’t be. But then he saw it—something moving beneath the surface. A shadow, faint and blurred, but unmistakably there.
Jongdae’s body moved before his mind could catch up. His legs, wobbling and weak, found strength from somewhere deep inside, and he surged forward, his feet splashing deeper into the icy water. Behind him, he vaguely heard the others shouting, their voices rising in confusion and alarm, but he didn’t stop. His gaze remained fixed on the spot where he’d seen the movement, his heart pounding so hard it felt like it might burst.
“Jongdae!” Kyungsoo’s voice was sharp, panicked, but he paid no heed to it.
He didn’t care. He couldn’t care. All that mattered was reaching it, reaching them. He didn’t think about the fact that he couldn’t swim, didn’t think about what might happen if he was wrong, if it was nothing. None of it mattered. All he knew was that he had to try.
The water was freezing, the cold biting into his skin as it climbed past his knees, his thighs, his waist. His breath came in sharp gasps, his body shuddering with the shock of it, but he kept moving. The surface around him rippled with each frantic step, and then, without hesitation, he dove.
The water closed over him like a vice, dark and suffocating. His lungs burned instantly, his body protesting the freezing temperatures, but he forced himself deeper. His arms flailed, his legs kicking wildly as he searched, his eyes straining against the murky darkness. The world around him was a blur of movement and shadows, and for a terrifying moment, he thought he’d lost it—that he’d imagined the whole thing.
Then he felt it.
A hand.
Fingers brushed against his, faint and fleeting, but enough to send a jolt through his entire body. His heart leapt, and he reached out, grasping blindly until his hand closed around something solid. It was cold, deathly cold, but it was there—it was real. He gripped it tightly, his fingers locking around the wrist as he pulled with everything he had.
The weight was immense, dragging him down, and for a moment he thought he wouldn’t make it. His chest burned, his lungs screaming for air, but he refused to let go. He kicked harder, his muscles screaming in protest, and slowly—agonizingly slowly—he began to rise.
The surface broke above him in an explosion of sound and light. Jongdae gasped, choking on the cold air as he dragged the limb form with him. His arms ached, his vision blurred, but he didn’t stop. He turned, kicking and thrashing as he moved toward the edge where the others were waiting.
“Jongdae!” Jongin was in the water now, wading toward him. His eyes were wide, his expression one of disbelief and desperation. “Oh my god, you—”
“Help me!” Jongdae’s voice was raw, barely more than a rasp, but Jongin heard him. He surged forward, his arms reaching out to grab the figure Jongdae was holding. Together, they hauled him toward the shallows, their movements frantic and uncoordinated but determined.
Kyungsoo and Sehun were at his side in an instant. Reaching for the other members that were desperately fighting their way to the surface. And then suddenly, as if the past few minutes had been nothing but an illusion, they were there.
Chanyeol, Baekhyun, and Minseok were gasping for air, their bodies wracked with violent, desperate coughs as their lungs worked to expel the water they had inhaled. The sound of their coughing echoed through the space, harsh and guttural, but it was the most beautiful sound Jongdae had ever heard.
He staggered to his feet, his own chest still heaving as he instinctively turned to Baekhyun, anger and relief warring within him. His best friend—his brother—had broken his promise, had gone back into that deathtrap of water without a second thought. The urge to grab Baekhyun by the shoulders and yell at him for being so reckless surged through Jongdae, but the words never left his lips.
His eyes caught something else—someone else—and everything else faded.
Junmyeon.
The leader’s limp body lay motionless on the floor, water pooling around him as the others worked frantically to pull the last remnants of the flood from their lungs. But Junmyeon wasn’t coughing. He wasn’t gasping for air or shivering from the cold.
He wasn’t moving at all.
Jongdae’s breath caught in his throat as panic seized him. Time seemed to slow as his body moved before his mind could even process it. He stumbled forward, his knees hitting the wet floor hard as he skidded to Junmyeon’s side. The leader’s face was pale, his lips tinged with blue, and his chest was horrifyingly still.
"No, no, no," Jongdae muttered, his voice trembling as he pressed a shaking hand against Junmyeon’s chest. "Not you... not now. Not after everything."
"The others were shouting around him, their voices frantic, but Jongdae couldn’t hear them. All he could hear was the deafening roar of his own heartbeat in his ears as he threw himself into action. He may not have been able to swim, but this—this—he could do.
"Someone help me!' Jongdae barked in a sharp and commanding voice as he positioned his hands over Junmyeon’s chest. Jongin immediately dropped to his knees beside him, answering his urgent call.
"What do you need, hyung?" his dongsaeng asked with a quiver, betraying the absolute fear he felt beneath.
"Count," Jongdae breathed out. "Count with me!"
Without waiting, Jongdae began compressions, his hands pressing down on Junmyeon’s chest with all the strength he could bring up. The water that clung to his clothes and skin made his movements slippery and awkward, but he didn’t care. His entire body moved with the rhythm, his muscles burning as he counted aloud through gritted teeth.
"One. Two. Three. Four."
Each compression was firm, desperate, as though Jongdae could force life back into Junmyeon’s body through sheer willpower alone. His knees dug into the wet floor, and the ache in his shoulders grew with every push, but he didn’t stop.
"Five. Six. Seven. Eight."
The others had fallen silent now, their panicked cries replaced by tense, suffocating quiet. Kyungsoo knelt nearby, his hands clasped tightly together as he stared at Junmyeon’s lifeless face. Chanyeol, still coughing faintly, tried to sit up, but his arms couldn't bear his weight and he slumped back to the ground with a defeated groan.
"Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve."
Jongdae’s voice cracked as he continued counting, every breath coming in sharp, shallow gasps. The numbness that had consumed him earlier was gone now, replaced by a singular, desperate focus. He couldn’t lose Junmyeon. Not now. Not after already having lost him once.
"Thirteen. Fourteen. Fifteen."
"Hyung!" Jongin’s voice broke through the haze, his hand hovering over Junmyeon’s face. "Should I—should I give him breaths?"
Jongdae nodded sharply, barely pausing in his compressions. "Do it. Now."
Jongin leaned in, tilting Junmyeon’s head back and pressing his lips to Junmyeon’s, exhaling deeply. He repeated the action twice and then pulled back with hesitant hands. Jongdae immediately resumed compressions, his voice rising in timbre as he started counting anew.
"One. Two. Three. Four."
Water pooled around them, cold and unyielding, but Jongdae didn’t feel it. His entire world had narrowed to the motion of his hands, the sound of his counting, and the stillness of Junmyeon’s chest beneath him.
"Five. Six. Seven. Eight."
"Come on, hyung," Jongdae whispered, his voice breaking as tears streamed down his face. "Don’t do this. Don’t you dare do this to us."
"Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve."
The seconds stretched into an eternity, the tension so thick it was suffocating. Jongdae’s arms ached, his entire body screaming for him to stop, but he refused to.
"Thirteen. Fourteen. Fif-."
And then, finally, a sound—a soft, wet gasp that shattered the silence like glass.
Junmyeon’s chest rose, his body convulsing as he choked on the liquid still in his lungs. Jongdae froze for a split second, his heart leaping in his chest before he sprang into action, turning Junmyeon onto his side to help him expel the water.
His leader coughed violently, water spilling from his mouth as his body shook with the force of a life that was brought back from the brink. The sound of his gasping breaths was like a light in the dark, and the numbing fear that had gripped the group broke like a dam.
Jongdae let out a shuddering sob, his hands trembling as they hovered uncertainly above Junmyeon’s shaking form. By the time his brain had processed what just happened, his exhausted body had already started sagging forward. But he refused to collapse fully. Instead, he gently rubbed Junmyeon’s back, whispering words of encouragement that were barely audible over the leader’s desperate breaths.
“It’s okay, hyung,” Jongdae rasped, his voice raw and broken. “You’re okay. You’re back. You’re safe.”
Junmyeon’s coughing slowed gradually, his breathing still uneven but steadying. He blinked dazedly as he turned on his back, looking up at Jongdae with unfocused eyes. Lips quivering as though he wanted to speak but couldn’t find the strength.
“Don’t try to talk,” Jongdae said, his tears falling freely now. He couldn’t stop them, didn’t want to stop them. “Just breathe. That’s all that matters.”
The others began to stir, their collective shock giving way to cautious relief. Kyungsoo moved closer, scanning Junmyeon’s face for signs of lingering danger. Chanyeol, though visibly shaken and still struggling to breathe properly, managed to crawl closer, placing a large hand on Junmyeon’s ankle as if to ground himself in the reality that their leader was alive.
Jongin collapsed onto the floor beside them, his hands covering his face as a strangled sob escaped him. Sehun leaned heavily against Kyungsoo, his expression unreadable but his shivering form betraying the storm of emotions within him.
Baekhyun was the last to move, his face pale and streaked with tears as he finally crawled toward Jongdae and Junmyeon. He reached out, his hand shaking as it hovered over Junmyeon’s arm, before finally resting it there with the gentlest of touches.
“I thought I was too late,” Baekhyun whispered. “I thought you were—” His voice broke, and he pressed his lips together tightly, as though trying to hold back tears.
Junmyeon’s lips moved, forming words that were barely more than a breath. “Not... yet.” His voice was hoarse, weak, but it was there, and that alone was enough to send a ripple of relief through them all.
Jongdae laughed, a broken, incredulous sound that bordered on hysteria. “Damn right, not yet,” he muttered. “You don’t get to leave us. Not like that. Not ever.”
Junmyeon closed his eyes in exhaustion, a faint chuckle escaping him and Jongdae realized he was wrong.
That was the most beautiful sound he'd ever heard.
"Just rest, hyung," he murmured, placing a hand on Junmyeon's chest, just to feel it rise with every breath. "We will be here when you wake up."
Jongdae's words beckoned the other members closer and one by one they reached out to each other, their bodies still aching, but their hearts a whole world lighter.
The members stayed like that for a long time, huddled together in the cold, wet aftermath of their ordeal. They didn’t speak much—there were no words that could truly encapsulate the raw, unfiltered emotions coursing through them—but then they didn't need to.
They were alive and that was all that mattered.