He was frightened and the adrenaline was driving him insane. His heartbeat was four times faster than it had been moments ago and he’s taking his first step down the spiraling stairs. Steel or some type of metal, he noted. The stairs were cold against his bare feet (socks are uncomfortable to sleep with) and his mother would right out kill him if he steps in the house with dirty shoes (the only kind of shoes he owns). The slippers were too big for him and he trips every time he remembers to wear it, so that’s not an option either. He likes being barefooted anyhow, because there’s just so much more texture to the ground. It wasn’t always smooth—there were bumps in the floor and tiny dips. There were holds and rough edges and smooth rugs.

He in a breath, rather loudly, and stepped down one more step. He gripped the handrail tightly, knuckles turning white in his death grip. Another step and he’s still nowhere near the bottom. It was dark (there was a slight glow, but that doesn’t really matter, not to the unobservant Sungyeol) and he continued down, further and further. Step by step and he almost tumbled off the last step if it had not been for the handrail. It wasn’t completely dark, but he hadn’t been staring at his feet in hopes of not seeing any creatures crawling or snapping at him. He’d kept his eyes wide and in front of him, so he can run upstairs the moment something jumps out of the darkness.

His breathing was labored, he had worked himself up on the way down with thoughts like—I’m going to die, I’m going to die, oh my god, I’m going to die!—and—mommy! I’m so sorry I didn’t listen to you. I still want to live. Don’t kill me. I’m a good boy, I swear!

Perhaps somewhere in the dark, the mice chuckled at his scared expression but the silly grin plastered on his face greatly contrasted the fear in his eyes. Adventure time!

cr. to Happy Banna Review Shop for the wonderful review.