Work Text:
Today’s self-produced content was the long awaited sequel to the amusement park content we filmed long ago; spArk at a water park!
“Everyone sure looks like they’re ready to have fun in the water!” The PD for today’s shoot exclaimed as we stood in front of the park. The members and I were dressed to the nines in their swimwear and accessories to prevent the harsh summer sun from damaging their precious skin.
What Sparklers didn’t see was the long battle this morning to keep those damn #FF6600 swim trunks away from Choi Jeho. It took all my pleading–as well as actively hiding the swim trunks–for the stubborn guy to wear a deep navy blue pair I picked out. He grumbled all the while, but eventually gave in after being unable to find his usual orange pair. This is for the sake of your image as an idol, you ungrateful bastard.
The shoot proceeded without any problems. In the large pool we swam around and played various games. The highlights included Park Joowoo nearly popping a beach ball with his insane grip strength, Lee Cheonghyeon diving underwater to rescue a young kid’s toy and resurfacing so dramatically you’d think he was filming a scene in a movie, and everyone attempting to recreate the dance break from our recent song in waist-high water–which the staff had to cover their mouths to prevent their laughter from escaping. One of the staff members gave a thumbs up, signifying they got enough group footage.
“Yes! I’ve been waiting for days to try the water slides here!” Lee Cheonghyeon excitedly grabbed Kang Kiyeon’s hand and made his way towards the side of the park with the towering water slides, picking up a double person tube along the way. Choi Jeho followed close behind the two maknae while grabbing a single person tube for himself.
The filming team split in two to follow the members, with our next filming location being the lazy river. While the water park boasted exciting watersides and the extreme wave pool, I found myself looking forward to the calm, winding river that circled the water park. Park Joowoo, Jeong Seongbin and I all found single tubes and made our way into the flowing river. I sighed in relief seeing that the lazy river was mostly empty at this time of day, as most of the crowds were at other exciting attractions, grabbing food, or resting in the various beach chairs.
While Jeong Seongbin rested his upper half on the inflated tube and let the rest of his body float in the water, Park Joowoo and I both reclined on top of our tubes. The three of us drifted in silence, enjoying the rare peace and quiet as we collected the easiest footage of the day. While the occasional kids swam past us–with some apologizing and most ignoring us–we still enjoyed our time as the gentle current swept us along.
As I laid facing the sky, I closed my eyes as my thoughts wandered.
This peace isn’t going to last forever, is it? I should enjoy it while I can before the SYSTEM decides to screw me over with another KPI…
Should I be happy it’s been silent so far? I’ve been doing as told only because it’s the only way to save my sister, but what if it decides to go back on its word? Can I really trust the SYSTEM that manipulates me into becoming an idol against my will?
Too distracted by my thoughts, I failed to notice the kids nearby getting rowdy. One roughly pushed the other, causing them to collide with me, knocking me off balance. I fell off my inner tube and into the water with a loud SPLASH.
Now underwater, I could feel the current that was gently pushing us along. As I tried to resurface, I found my body unwilling to respond.
Huh?
I can’t breathe.
Why can’t I move?
…
Why do I feel helpless?
The water is barely a few feet deep, it’s pitiful that I'm struggling right now.
Why can’t I resurface? Come on body, MOVE.
…
Fuck what is wrong with me?
Just stand up, it’s easy enough.
…
Am I not capable of saving myself in this pitiful situation?
Do I really have to try so hard just to keep living?
…
I could just let go…
Before I could finish the thought, strong hands grabbed my shoulder and pulled me to the surface. Finally able to stand, I clutch my chest and gasp for air. As I slowly open my eyes, I see Park Joowoo shaking as he holds me and calls out my name. Jeong Seongbin is not too far behind him, seemingly alerting the nearest life guard on duty. Lifeguards, the staff, and the managers rush over to me.
Well, at least I know this scene is going to have to be heavily edited.