Doomed Course: Jaehyun’s NCT Boat

Prompt: Doomed Course: Jaehyun’s NCT Boat

The sun hung low in the sky, spilling warm hues of orange and gold across the calm waters of the Han River. It was a beautiful day, one of those perfect days in Seoul that made everyone feel alive. Jaehyun stood at the stern of the boat, feeling the gentle rocking of the vessel beneath his feet, his heart fluttering with excitement. Today was the day he had arranged a team bonding outing for his bandmates from NCT, and he couldn’t wait to create lasting memories. “Hyung, are we almost ready?” asked Mark, his voice cut through Jaehyun’s thoughts. He was leaning over the edge, taking selfies with the shimmering water as a backdrop. The younger member was always enthusiastic about capturing moments, and this day was no different. “Just waiting on everyone to arrive,” Jaehyun replied, glancing back at the dock. He had meticulously planned this trip, thinking it would be a perfect way to relax after their busy schedules. They deserved a break from the endless rehearsals, recording sessions, and, of course, the demanding fans. Renjun and Jisung were already on board, fiddling with the Bluetooth speaker, trying to find the perfect playlist for the day. Jaehyun smiled at how easily they slipped into their roles, each contributing to the fun atmosphere that was building on the boat. It felt right having everyone together. As the rest of the members arrived—Doyoung, Jungwoo, Taeil, and even the mischievous duo of Haechan and Yuta—the excitement escalated. They helped load the remaining snacks and drinks, bantering and laughing along the way. Jaehyun felt a sense of pride swell in his chest, seeing his friends so carefree. The boat pushed off from the dock, and they cheered, their voices mingling with the sound of the motor. Jaehyun took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air mixed with the scent of the river. He felt free, alive, as if nothing could spoil this day. But as the hours slipped by, the mood began to shift. Doyoung, although usually easygoing, couldn’t shake off a feeling that gnawed at him. “Something doesn’t feel right,” he murmured, looking thoughtfully over the water. “Don’t be such a killjoy!” Haechan teased, tossing a chip in Doyoung’s direction. “We’re here to have fun, remember?” “Yeah, let’s not ruin the vibe!” Renjun chimed in, although he too struggled to suppress a flicker of unease. Despite their light-hearted conversations, the air grew heavier, and the skies darkened. Before long, clouds gathered ominously above them, casting shadows across the shimmering surface of the river. “Maybe we should head back?” Jaehyun suggested as he observed the growing storm. But before anyone could respond, the first heavy drops of rain began to splatter against the deck. In a matter of minutes, the serene afternoon transformed into chaos. Winds howled, drowning out their voices and sending waves crashing against the boat. Jaehyun gripped the railing, worry washing over him as the vessel began to sway dangerously. “Hold on!” Mark shouted, trying to keep his footing. The once joyful energy disappeared; now, fear and panic filled their eyes. “Get down! We need to stabilize the boat!” Doyoung ordered, taking charge despite the storm trying to engulf them. Jaehyun nodded, adrenaline surging as he worked with his members to keep the boat steady. The rain poured, blurring their vision and soaking them to the bone. It was a desperate scene no one could have anticipated. The music they had so eagerly selected for this day now lay silent. All that filled the air was the roar of the storm and the tension crackling between them. As they struggled against the relentless wind and rain, Jaehyun felt a wave of dread. It felt like something was pulling them backward, dragging the boat deeper into the river—a feeling that whispered they were at the mercy of the elements. “Jisung! Renjun! Get to the front and help with the anchor!” Jaehyun shouted, trying to contain his rising fear. The younger members rushed forward, their faces pale, battling against the storm. “Isn’t there a way to take control?” Jungwoo shouted back, his voice strained as he grasped the railing. No one had an answer; their training had prepared them for many things, but this wasn’t one of them. The boat pitched side to side, splashes of water crashing over the deck, drenching them further. Jaehyun locked eyes with Doyoung, who had taken it upon himself to navigate the situation as best as he could. Their bond, built over years, anchored him amidst the chaos. “We need to stay together!” Jaehyun yelled, his heart racing. “No one gets left behind!” In the midst of the storm, the members rallied together, holding onto one another, desperately trying to weather the tempest as a family. But the boat continued to sway, the engine sputtering as if on the verge of giving up on them. Time lost meaning. It felt like hours had passed, adrenaline coursing through their veins as they fought the elements. Just when they thought the storm wouldn’t relent, the clouds opened slightly, revealing a glimmer of light amidst the darkness. “Look!” Renjun pointed toward the horizon. The storm was beginning to clear, clouds parting just enough for patches of blue to peek through. A sense of relief washed over them, but they were still far from safe. With renewed determination fueled by hope, Jaehyun helped Doyoung stabilize the boat’s steering. With each passing moment, the wind began to die down, the waves lowering as the storm receded. Finally, with a final, mighty push from their combined efforts, the boat steadied, and silence began to envelop them, broken only by the soft lapping of the water against the hull. Exhausted, they collapsed together in a heap, laughter bubbling up amidst tears as they looked at one another, now fully aware of the danger they had narrowly escaped. Jaehyun realized something profound in that moment. They had faced the storm together, and though everything had gone wrong, it had strangely brought them closer. They were NCT—faced with chaos, they found strength in unity. “Well, that was a memorable outing…” Mark said, chuckling nervously, earning a round of laughter from the rest. As they steered back toward the dock, Jaehyun remained grateful, knowing they would face whatever came next—together.