The Juk Monster
tw: emeto
The early morning sun casts a warm glow over Seoul Station, where plenty of travels hurried about, excited to go about their ways. Among the large crowds of people were, Doyun, Daniel, and Ivan , all of which were too busy handling their hordes of luggage to notice, their youngest, lagging far behind.

Seongmin’s stomach growled loudly, a reminder of how little he’d been able to eat since their flight last night. His friends were so engrossed in making sure they had everything they needed that they didn’t see him glancing longingly at the food stalls they passed.
Doyun, the only one seemingly a little alert in their group, glanced back at his younger cousin, frowning when he noticed how flushed the brunette looked. “You feeling alright, Minnie? You look a little pale,” he called out, stopping to let Seongmin catch up.
Seongmin gave him a weak smile, not wanting to bother any of them. “I’m alright, just a bit overwhelmed by all the noise and activity here. It’s been a long trip, and I haven’t had much to eat since yesterday. I’m really hungry.”
Doyun’s frown deepened with concern. “We don’t board for another thirty minutes, let’s find you something to eat, okay?”
As they continued walking, Seongmin’s eyes kept darting toward the random food stalls, each one more enticing than the last. The aroma of sizzling meat, spicy noodles, and freshly baked pastries filled the air, making his mouth water even more. He tried to focus on keeping up with his friends, but his hunger was becoming impossible to ignore.
They finally reached the food court, a bustling area filled with travelers grabbing a bite before their journeys. Seongmin’s stomach growled loudly again, prompting a laugh from Ivan.
“Sounds like your stomach is our tour guide for the day,” Ivan joked, rubbing Seongmin on the back, before grabbing his hand, “What looks good to you? Seems like they have almost everything here.”
Seongmin carefully scanned his options; Ivan definitely wasn’t lying—there had to be at least twenty stalls, all filled with a variety of different types of food. The sheer array was overwhelming: stalls with sizzling meats on skewers, vibrant vegetable bibimbap bowls, steaming dumplings, savory pancakes, and sweet pastries glistening with honey. The air was thick with the mouth-watering aromas of garlic, soy, and chili, making his stomach growl even louder.
As starving as he was, Seongmin knew he couldn’t get just anything. Although his stomach wasn’t as sensitive as his cousins Doyun, it still couldn’t easily digest just any little thing he threw in it.
At one stall, a vendor was expertly flipping thick slices of tteokbokki, the spicy sauce bubbling invitingly. Seongmin’s mouth watered, but he quickly shook his head, remembering a previous encounter with the fiery dish that hadn’t ended well. He sighed and moved on.
Next, he considered a stand selling freshly fried mandu. The golden dumplings looked tempting, but he knew the oil could easily upset his stomach. Reluctantly, he moved on again, feeling a pang of frustration.
A stall featuring kimbap rolls caught his eye. The neatly rolled rice and seaweed bundles seemed like a safer option, but the vendor was liberally sprinkling sesame seeds and drizzling them with a mysterious sauce. Seongmin hesitated, unsure if his stomach could handle the added flavors.
He finally stopped in front of a modest stall that wasn’t as flashy as the others but had a comforting aroma of simmering broth. The vendor offered a simple chicken and vegetable soup, the clear broth shimmering with a promise of gentleness. Seongmin’s stomach seemed to settle just from the smell alone.
Seongmin finally stopped in front of a modest stall towards the back that wasn’t as flashy as the others, yet it exuded a comforting, homey aroma that drew him in. The vendor was serving bowls of Juk—Korean rice porridge. It was hearty yet typically gentle on the stomach, a thick, creamy mixture topped with tender shredded chicken and finely chopped spring onions. Each bowl was garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few julienned strips of gim, toasted seaweed, adding a crunch that contrasted nicely with the softness of the porridge. The vendor was also offering optional side toppings like kimchi and salted shrimp, which were more flavorful and potentially problematic. Hungry and tempted, Seongmin decided to add just a small amount of kimchi on the side, telling himself that a little wouldn’t hurt.
“This might be okay,” he thought, optimistic but cautious. “Can I have a bowl of the Juk, please? And, um, just a little bit of kimchi on the side,” he asked the vendor, his voice hopeful.
The vendor nodded with a smile and quickly prepared his bowl, the steam rising invitingly as he handed it over. Seongmin took the bowl, grateful for its warmth. He took a seat, stirring the thick porridge, watching the steam swirl through the air. The first spoonful was comforting, the rice perfectly soft and the chicken tender. He rejoined his friends at their table and quickly started to eat his food.
“What’d you get?” Ivan asked, glancing into Seongmin’s bowl and grimacing at the slight discoloration of the dish.
Seongmin looked up and smiled, his usual upbeat demeanor starting to return now that he was finally eating. “Just some Juk with a bit of kimchi on the side. It’s really good!” he said, scooping up a spoonful and savoring the creamy texture and mild flavor.
Doyun, noticing Seongmin’s improved mood, gave a small smile. “Good to see you’re feeling better. Just don’t eat too much, you don’t want a stomach ache.”
Seongmin laughed, the sound light and cheerful. “I’m not like you, Doyun.” He rolled his eyes and patted his stomach. “My tummy can actually handle a little bit of spice.”
Daniel joined in, grinning widely. “We’ll see about that. Remember the last time you tried something spicy? You puked all over my new rug.”
Seongmin stuck out his tongue playfully. “That was just a fluke. Besides, a little adventure never hurt anyone.” He took another bite of his food, a smile still stuck on face.
The group made their way through the bustling platform to their train, the sleek silver cars gleaming under the station lights. Seongmin’s earlier energy and excitement propelled him forward as they approached the train doors. He bounced slightly on the balls of his feet, eager to get settled and begin the journey to Jeju.
Once inside, the cool, air-conditioned interior was a welcome relief from the warmth of the crowded station. They found their seats, a cozy four-seater with a table in the middle, perfect for their group. Ivan and Seongmin took the window seats, while Daniel and Doyun slid into the seats across from them. They stowed their luggage overhead, ensuring everything was securely in place before settling in.
Seongmin leaned back into his seat, sighing contentedly. “Finally, we’re on our way,” he said, smiling brightly at his friends. He glanced out the window, watching as the train slowly pulled out of the station, the scenery beginning to blur as they picked up speed.
Daniel reached across the table to give Seongmin a playful nudge. “Comfortable, Seongmin? You look like you’re ready to nap.”
Seongmin chuckled, shaking his head. “I’m too excited to nap. I can’t wait to get to Jeju and start exploring.”
—————
As the train glided smoothly along the tracks, Seongmin’s initial excitement started to wane, replaced by a growing awareness of his stomach. At first, it was just a slight gurgle, easily ignored in the midst of his friends’ conversation. But as the minutes ticked by, the gurgling became more pronounced, accompanied by his baggy jeans straining against his belly.
“So, Seongmin, what’s the first thing you want to do when we get to Jeju? I heard there’s this amazing black sand beach we have to check out.” Ivan asked, whilst looking over a million different articles about the Island.
Seongmin tried to focus on Ivan’s words, but another loud gurgle from his stomach made it hard to concentrate. “Uh, yeah, that sounds great,” he replied, his voice a bit distracted. He shifted in his seat, hoping to find a more comfortable position.
Undeterred, Ivan continued. “And there’s this famous seafood market. We should definitely go there for dinner. I bet they have the freshest fish you’ve ever tasted!”
Seongmin nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah, that sounds really good.” He could feel his stomach churning, the discomfort growing. He placed a hand on his abdomen, hoping to calm the noisy protests.
Ivan noticed his distraction and frowned slightly. “You sure you’re okay, Seongmin? You seem a bit out of it.”
Seongmin took a deep breath, trying to appear more at ease. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a bit tired from the trip, I guess.” He didn’t want to worry his friends or dampen the mood, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the signs that his stomach was not happy with his earlier meal.
“Or maybe your stomach is finally noticing that awful undercooked slop you ate earlier.”
“Yeah, Seongmin. That Juk did look a bit… questionable,” Doyun joined in, giving his cousin a look of pity.
Seongmin pouted and placed his hands protectively over his belly. “I don’t know what you guys are talking about. The Juk was perfect and my tummy has never felt bet-”
He was abruptly cut off by a loud gurgle from his stomach, the sound resonating through the quiet train compartment. Seongmin’s eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly covered his mouth as a small burp escaped. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment as his friends burst into laughter.
Daniel smirked, shaking his head. “Yeah, sure, Seongmin. That definitely sounds like a perfectly happy stomach to me.”
Ivan chuckled, trying to keep a straight face. “You sure you’re not secretly hiding a monster in there?”
Seongmin grimaced but quickly retorted, “It’s just a little unsettled from how fast I ate, you guys are just being mean.” He patted his stomach in an attempt to calm the audible gurgling that seemed to amuse his friends.
Ivan leaned over with a mischievous grin and lightly placed his hand on Seongmin’s belly, pretending to listen intently. “Shh, everyone, I think I can hear it growling. Do you need us to call a monster hunter, Seongmin?”
Seongmin’s smile wavered, the teasing not quite hitting the mark as he felt his discomfort grow. He brushed Ivan’s hand away, a bit sharper than intended. “Very funny, guys. Let’s just drop it, okay? It’s nothing.”
Ivan chuckled, reaching over to shake Seongmin’s tummy lightly. “Seems like the monster’s making someone crabby.”
The playful shake was gentle, but it jostled Seongmin’s stomach just enough to send a wave of queasiness rippling through him. He winced, gripping the seat with one hand and pressing the other firmly against his midsection. The initial amusement in his eyes faded quickly, replaced by a glint of discomfort.
Seongmin curled into the window, glaring at Ivan, “Leave me alone, it’s not funny.” His words were clipped, a clear edge of discomfort sharpening them as he tried to find some relief by pressing his forehead against the cool glass.
Ivan's face fell as he witnessed the real discomfort in Seongmin's expression. "Baby, I'm really sorry," he murmured, his tone filled with regret. Gently, he rubbed Seongmin's back in a soothing motion, trying to offer some comfort. "I won't joke about it anymore, I promise.”
As the train journeyed on, Seongmin’s discomfort continued to escalate. The gurgling in his stomach grew louder and more frequent, accompanied by a bloated feeling that made his clothes feel uncomfortably tight. He discreetly unbuttoned his jeans, hoping to relieve some of the pressure.
With each sharp movement of the train, Seongmin could feel the Juk sloshing around in his belly, a nauseating sensation that made him regret his food choice even more. He tried to focus on his breathing, inhaling slowly through his nose and exhaling through his mouth, as Doyun had suggested. But the discomfort persisted, growing more intense with each passing minute.
Everyone else seemed to be preoccupied with something—Daniel was engrossed in a book, Ivan was scrolling through his phone, and Doyun was staring out the window lost in thought.
Seongmin felt guilty for the tense environment, knowing that his discomfort was affecting the mood of the group. He didn’t want to ruin their trip or dampen their spirits, but the growing pain in his stomach made it difficult for him to focus on anything else. He tried to hide his discomfort, forcing a smile whenever someone glanced his way, but inside, he was struggling.
Ivan hadn’t even glanced in his direction, seemingly afraid to exacerbate his discomfort. Seongmin understood his boyfriend’s hesitation but wished for a comforting touch or a reassuring word.
The discomfort in his belly grew, the bloating becoming more pronounced. Seongmin shifted in his seat, trying to find a position that offered some relief. He closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing, hoping the motion of the train would soon lull him into a much-needed nap.
He had finally almost fallen into a blissful sleep when he caught a whiff of something that jolted him awake. The train attendant was bringing over dinner for the boys, and the aroma sent shivers down Seongmin’s spine. It was a steaming bowl of Yukgaejang, a spicy beef soup known for its heavy spices and rich broth. Normally, Seongmin would have been excited to try it, but given his current condition, the thought of it made his stomach churn even more. The heaviness of the dish would be too much for his already upset belly, and he knew he couldn’t risk eating it.
Yet somehow, in a desperate attempt to maintain the facade that his belly wasn’t in complete distress, Seongmin found himself downing the entire dish, even promising to eat some from Doyun’s portion, who didn’t dare to try it himself.
As Seongmin forced himself to eat, each spoonful felt like a battle. The heaviness of the soup settled like a rock in his stomach, the spices burning uncomfortably on their way down. With every swallow, his belly protested, bloating further and sending sharp jabs of pain through him. He tried to mask his discomfort, but his clenched jaw and furrowed brow betrayed his struggle.
Ivan noticed Seongmin's strained expression and reached out to touch his arm. "Hey, Minnie, you don’t have to force yourself. We can get you something else," he said, concern evident in his voice.
Seongmin shook his head, though it was a struggle to muster a smile. "No, no, I'm fine," he lied, pushing through the discomfort. "It's really good, just a bit spicy."
Daniel, who had been watching Seongmin closely, frowned. "Are you sure, Seongmin? You look like you're in pain," he said, reaching out to feel Seongmin's forehead, as if checking for a fever.
Seongmin shrugged off Daniel's hand, a wave of nausea washing over him. "I'm fine, really," he repeated, though the strain in his voice was evident. "Just need a minute."
“If you’re fine, then why is your stomach practically spilling out of your pants?” Doyun’s voice cut through the conversation, his tone a mix of concern and frustration. “Your belly is clearly upset, don’t make it worse.”
Seongmin winced, feeling the weight of Doyun’s words. He knew his cousin was right, but he didn’t want to admit defeat. With a stubborn resolve, he gulped down the soup, each spoonful feeling like a battle won against his rebellious stomach. Despite the burning sensation and the increasing discomfort, Seongmin refused to show weakness in front of his friends.
As Seongmin continued to force down the soup, a wave of nausea swept over him, his stomach churning uncomfortably. Each spoonful felt like a lead weight, and he could feel his belly protesting with every swallow. Despite his best efforts to ignore it, the discomfort grew until it was almost unbearable.
“I really think you should stop, Seongmin,” Daniel said, his voice tinged with concern. “You don’t look so good.”
Seongmin shook his head, though it was becoming harder to deny the truth. “I’m… I’m fine,” he insisted weakly, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead.
Ivan exchanged a worried glance with Doyun, realizing that Seongmin was not going to stop unless they intervened. He reached out to gently take the bowl from Seongmin’s hands. “Seongmin, you’ve had enough,” he said firmly, placing the bowl out of reach. “Even if you weren’t sick already, there’s no way you’re gonna be able to keep that down.”
Doyun nodded in agreement, placing a hand on Seongmin’s shoulder. “He’s right, Seongmin. You need to take it easy,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “I’m gonna go find a bucket or a bag or something, just in case. Try to relax, okay?“
Seongmin nodded weakly, trying to steady his breathing as the nausea threatened to overwhelm him. He closed his eyes, willing the queasiness to pass. The heaviness in his stomach made it hard to find a comfortable position, and he could feel the sweat beading on his forehead.
“I’m okay,” he murmured, more to himself than to his friends. He focused on the rhythmic motion of the train, hoping it would distract him from the churning in his belly. But the smell of the soup lingered in the air, making his nausea worse.
Ivan, sensing Seongmin’s distress, moved closer, offering him a bottle of water. “Here, try to take small sips,” he said gently, placing a hand on Seongmin’s back in a comforting gesture.
Seongmin took the water gratefully, hoping it would help settle his stomach. He took a few small sips, trying to calm the queasiness. But despite his efforts, he could feel the urge to vomit growing stronger. He clenched his jaw, willing himself to hold it back, not wanting to embarrass himself in front of his friends.
Ivan noticed Seongmin’s struggle and gently placed a hand on his tummy, while rubbing tiny circles onto the overtaxed organ. “Seongmin, it’s okay,” he said softly. “You don’t have to hold it back. Your belly’s upset and you need to give it some relief. No one’s judging you, baby.”
Seongmin hesitated, but the discomfort in his stomach was becoming unbearable. He nodded slightly, his eyes watering with embarrassment and discomfort. With Ivan’s hand still on his belly, Seongmin allowed himself to bend over towards the plastic bag, Doyun had scrambled to find. Seongmin relaxed his jaw, allowing himself to release the contents of his stomach into the bag. He felt a wave of dizziness take over him, his body trembling from the exertion. The smell and taste were overwhelming, making him gag and choke. Tears streamed down his face as he struggled to catch his breath between bouts of vomiting. The sound echoed in the train compartment, drawing concerned looks from other passengers.
Ivan held onto Seongmin’s shoulder, offering silent support as he continued to rub his belly soothingly. “It’s okay, Minnie,” Ivan murmured, his voice filled with sympathy. “Just let it all out. We’re here for you.”
Seongmin felt a mixture of relief and shame as the vomiting finally subsided. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, feeling drained and weak. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, feeling utterly embarrassed by the scene he had caused. “I didn’t mean to ruin our trip.”
Ivan shook his head, pulling Seongmin into a gentle hug. “Don’t be sorry,” he said softly. “Just relax and let yourself settle down for a second. We still have five days, it’ll all be okay.”
Doyun and Daniel exchanged a look of concern before Daniel spoke up. “Seongmin, it’s okay. Don’t worry about us,” he said, his voice gentle. “Just focus on feeling better.”
Doyun nodded in agreement, his hand still on Seongmin’s back. “Yeah, we’re not going anywhere,” he added, offering a reassuring smile. “Take your time. We have all the time in the world, please don’t feel bad.”
————
Seongmin finally felt a bit of relief as the vomiting subsided, but he knew that his ordeal was far from over. He still felt queasy and weak, and the dizziness lingered, making him reluctant to move.
They still had four hours left on that god forbidden train and Seongmin was sure his face would be stuffed in a bag the entire time.
