Trustworthy *chapter three*
Pairing: HimDae
Rated: PG13
Length: 4K
“Call your mother.” Himchan ordered the second they entered the house. He handed Daehyun the phone and crossed his arms, obviously not planning on leaving. “You’re telling her what happened.”
“Hyung, come on.” Jongup interjected. “Don’t make it worse. He’s already upset.”
Daehyun bit his lip and looked down at his feet. He didn’t want to involve his mother in his problems. She already had enough to worry about just keeping a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. If she was stressed out over Daehyun’s school then he wouldn’t be able to live with himself.
“Call her or I’m doing it for you.” His voice held no hesitation. “You don’t have to tell her over the phone. But you will tell her there was a problem at school and you came home with us. I’m sure mom or dad will take you home later and they can explain everything then.”
“You’re going to make him tell mom and dad?” Jongup sounded angry. “Why would you do that?”
Himchan turned and glared at his brother. “Because they have been worried about him, too. Why do you think there’s always someone to pick you two up after school?”
The smaller boy’s eyes filled with tears at the news. He hated being a burden on their family, the guilt starting to seep into his bones. Now that he knew they were taking time out of their schedules just for him made him hate himself. He wrapped his arms around his skinny body and tried to force the feelings away until he got home and could cry in the privacy of his room. And not under the eyes of his best friend and his best friend’s brother, who he may or may not have sudden hero worship for.
“I’m sorry.” He whispered, brushing a rebel tear away. “I don’t mean to cause so much trouble.”
Sighing, Himchan rubbed his eyes and pointed towards the phone on the wall. “You know you’re not any trouble. Now call your mother.”
Daehyun nodded, dialing his home’s number. His mother sounded worried when she heard him on the other line.
“I thought you were coming home today?”
He hesitated, twirling the cord around his finger. “Jongup’s brother made me come back to their house.”
She paused, realizing something was wrong. “What happened?”
Daehyun looked up and caught eyes with Himchan. He nodded reassuringly at him and motioned for him to tell the truth.
“Something happened at school, mom.” He swallowed down the lump in his throat. “Something bad.”
“Are you alright?” She asked firmly. “Are you hurt?”
“No, I’m fine. I promise.”
She let out a breath. “Good. When will you be home? Do I need to come and get you?”
He covered the receiver with his hand. “Does she need to come here to get me?”
Himchan shook his head. “Mom will be home in an hour or so. She’ll want to go with you to talk to your mother.”
“Jongup’s mom will bring me home in a little bit.” He told his mother, trying to keep his voice from shaking.
His mother sighed. “Okay, but come home as soon as she gets there. I will be here waiting.”
He agreed and hung up the phone, turning back to Himchan. “There.” He said quietly. “I told her.”
Jongup grabbed his hand and pulled him towards his bedroom, knowing Daehyun didn’t want any more attention drawn to him, but Himchan grabbed his arm and stopped him.
“Are you really okay, Daehyun-ah?” He asked softly. “It’s okay to be upset, it’s okay to cry. No one would think less of you.”
Daehyun jerked his arm away and narrowed his eyes. “What do you care?” He hissed. “You don’t give a shit about your own brother, why are you so worried about me?”
Himchan’s mouth fell open at the sudden attitude of the normally shy boy.
“What do you mean by that? Of course I care about my brother! And you’re his best friend, so I care about you, too!” His eyes flashed with something that almost resembled pain. "I've always cared about you, Daehyun."
Jongup rolled his eyes and tugged on Daehyun again. “Just come on, Daehyunnie. You’re upset and you know you get mean when you’re angry.”
Daehyun complied, already regretting his rash words. He just hated it when people looked at him with pity. Nobody wanted to be pitied, especially him.
He followed the other boy into his room, where he threw himself onto the bed.
“Dae-“
“Can you just leave me alone for a while?” He interrupted, burying his face into Jongup’s pillow. “Please Jonguppie?”
“Are you sure?” His voice sounded hurt that his best friend would send him away when he knew he needed comforting.
“Yes. I just want to take a nap before I go home.”
They both knew Daehyun had no plans on sleeping. He just wanted somewhere to cry and not be judged. And Jongup knew that without him having to say it.
“Okay.” He murmured, leaning down to press his cheek against his hair. “I’ll be out in the kitchen with hyung if you need me.”
He softly shut the door behind him, hoping he would hear Daehyun’s voice calling out for him to stop, but it never came.
Himchan was in the kitchen, leaning over the counter with his head in his hands, an ice pack bandaged against his knuckles. He jumped up when he heard Jongup enter.
“He wanted me to leave him alone.” His shoulders dropped.
“Has it always been this bad?” Himchan asked incredulously. “Mom told me just to keep an eye out for someone teasing you two, but Jesus, is that normal?”
Jongup shook his head. “Daehyun told me at lunch that one of the boys had touched him in class and he was worried about it. B-But I didn’t think they would go that far.” He clenched his jaw tightly as he imagined all the ways he would kill Kyung and Jaesang when he saw them next. “He doesn’t ever bother anyone, hyung.” His voice broke as he defended his best friend. “All he does is sit quietly in class. Why would someone want to hurt him?”
“Sometimes weak people get singled out just for being weak, Jongup.” Himchan explained patiently. “Daehyun is a sweet kid who would never hurt a fly and that angers people who want everyone to be as fucked up as they are.”
“Thank you for being there for him.” Jongup scuffed his toe on the floor. “I probably would have murdered them. I’m surprised you held back.”
Himchan scoffed and held out his hand. “Trust me, I wanted to do a lot more than this.” He admitted. “But I think I made the kid pass out and I wasn’t looking to go to jail today.” He narrowed his eyes and stared at his wound. “If I ever see him touching Daehyun again I don’t think I would be able to control myself so well.” He promised, wincing as he flexed his knuckles.
They both sat in silence at the table while they waited for their mother to come home. When she walked into the door and saw their serious expressions, she immediately threw her bag to the floor and looked around in a panic.
“What happened?” She demanded, rushing into the kitchen. “Where’s Daehyun?”
Himchan patted the seat next to him. “He’s in Jongup’s room. Sit down. We need to tell you what happened.”
She sat stiffly in the seat and turned towards her sons. “Did he get hurt?” Her eyes widened at the sight of Himchan’s hand. “Tell me. Now.”
Jongup caught Himchan’s eye and mentally begged him not to tell the entire truth. He knew Daehyun was ashamed over what happened and this would only make it worse for him.
“I got in a fight with a kid at their school.” Himchan told her. “We walked in on someone…” He opened his mouth and winced. “On top of Daehyun.”
She gasped and covered her mouth. “Did he…?”
“No.” Himchan shook his head. “We got there in time to stop him. But he had both of their pants down already.”
Their mother let out a choked sob and turned her face away, not wanting her sons to see her tear up. Even though Daehyun wasn’t her blood child, she still loved him and this hurt her just as much as it would have if it was one of her own kids.
“Does his mother know?” She asked, swiping her thumbs under his eyes. “Did someone call her?”
“Daehyun did.” Jongup finally spoke up. “Hyung made him.” He accused, crossing his arms across his chest.
Himchan slammed his hands on the table. “Just stop it, Jongup!” He hissed. “Do you want this to happen again? What if I didn’t get there in time? How would you feel knowing someone raped your best friend and no one tried to help him?” He jumped up from the table and paced across the kitchen, ignoring their mother’s interjections. “And then you think that I don’t even care about you? What more do you want me to do? Just stand back and let you and Daehyun get tortured?”
“Boys!” Their mother snapped. “Calm down!” She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. “Jongup, don’t think for a second that your brother did the wrong thing by telling an adult. You’re all three still just children and a grown-up needed to know this. And Himchan,” She turned to her other son. “Have a little sensitivity. Jongup and Daehyun are practically joined at the hip so when Daehyun is upset, Jongup will be, too. Be a little more understanding right now.” She stood up and headed towards the bedrooms. “I’m going to go in and talk with Daehyun before we take him home. You two stay out here and mind.”
She knocked gently on the door, opening it when Daehyun replied that it was okay to come in.
“Hey honey.” She smiled weakly at him, sitting on the bed beside him. “How are you feeling?”
He shrugged, not turning away from the wall.
“The boys told me a little of what happened. Do you want to talk about it with me?”
He hesitated, but shook his head. “I’d like to go home now.” He whispered. “If that’s okay.”
“Of course it is, honey.” She soothed, running her fingers through his dark hair. “Just know that I’m here if you ever want to talk, alright?”
Her heart broke when he turned his face to hers and she saw the tear tracks dried on his cheeks. She was proud of how Himchan had taken care of his abusers and protected him.
“Come on.” She helped him to his feet, turning away so he could keep his dignity intact as he scrubbed his face clear of the signs he’d been crying. “Do you want the boys to come with us?”
“No. I would rather they didn’t.”
She nodded, leading him out of the bedroom. As soon as Jongup saw him emerge he jumped up and started to run towards him, his mother’s hand coming up to stop him.
“I’m going to take Daehyun home. You two get started on your homework. I’ll be back later.”
Jongup opened his mouth to protest at being left at home, but she gave him her angry eye, just daring him to utter a single word.
They left without looking back at the two boys, Jongup huffing and storming off into his room and Himchan closing his eyes and leaning back against the wall.
Himchan could still see that little asshole on top of Daehyun. His disgusting hands roaming over the tiny boy’s body while Daehyun clenched his eyes shut and sobbed.
He could feel his blood start to boil just thinking about it.
Those kids better not ever touch his brother’s best friend again or he would not go so easy on them next time.
---
“Daehyun, you need to explain to your mother exactly what happened.” Jongup’s mother insisted, parking the car outside of his apartment building. “All Himchan told me was the basics, but I guarantee she’s going to want the whole story.”
He frowned and pushed his glasses up his nose. All he wanted to do was go inside and take a long hot shower and erase the feel of their skin touching his. Shuddering, he followed her into the elevator, still not wanting to open his mouth.
Daehyun’s mother must have been listening for the ding of the elevator, because as soon as they stepped off she was already running out of the door and towards them.
“Daehyun!” She wrapped her arms around him and held him tight to her chest before pulling away and scanning her eyes over his body. “Are you hurt? Did someone hurt you?” She looked wildly up to the other women. “What happened, Mi-Ra?”
Jongup’s mother put a hand on his shoulder and motioned towards the apartment. “Rae-Ha, why don’t we go inside so he can tell you? Trust me, you don't want to hear it out here.”
His mother set her jaw firmly and nodded, enveloping his tiny shoulders and ushering him into the apartment. She turned and motioned for him to speak. When he just stared at the floor, Jongup’s mother started the story off for him.
“Himchan told me that he walked in on someone trying to take Daehyun’s clothes off of him.”
Closing her eyes, his mother took a deep breath. “Daehyun? You need to start talking now.” She ordered. “I need to know exactly what happened.”
He squinted at the tile under his feet. “There were two of them.” He spoke up. “One holding me back and one… One on top.” He admitted, his voice betraying his emotions. “Jongup and Himchan-hyung forced the door open and Jongup took me out and that’s the end of it.” He turned his watery eyes to his mother. “May I please go shower now?”
She could see how uncomfortable he was, so she nodded and waited for him to walk off before collapsing against the wall. “Oh god.” She muttered, not resisting when a pair of arms encircled her. “Why would someone do that?” She sobbed. “Who would want to hurt my baby, Mi-Ra?”
“Himchan apparently let them know that it was not be repeated.” She smiled grimly. “He’s currently at home resting with a busted hand.”
Rae-Ha nodded. “Good. Please thank him for me.”
“What are you going to do?” Mi-Ra asked. “We always make sure there’s someone picking the boys up after school, but we can’t protect them on the inside.”
“I don’t know.” She said, looking around her tiny home. “I can’t afford to send him somewhere else.” She lowered her head, ashamed of her circumstances.
Mi-Ra huffed and forced her eyes back up. “We have been telling you for years that if you need money for Daehyun then you only have to ask for it.” Her glare softened as she spoke of the little boy she adored. “We all love Daehyun. Even Himchan cares about him and he doesn’t even have time for his own brother!”
“I’m not going to take your money.” Rae-Ha replied stubbornly. “Jung’s are not beggers.” She stared forlornly at the door where her son had gone. “My father has told me many times I can go home to Busan and stay with him.” She sighed. “I just never took him up on it because Daehyun would be devastated without Jongup. He’s the only friend he’s ever had.” More tears filled her eyes as affection filled her for the sweet boy who had taken her son under his wing and protected him all these years. “But maybe it’s time.”
“That would kill us.” Mi-Ra forced out, her heart aching already at the thought of losing Daehyun, but even more pained at the sight of Jongup without him.
Rae-Ha blinked slowly at her. “I know.” She replied simply. “But I have to do what’s best for Daehyun. And that school has been killing him since the first day. I have to get him out of there.”
“Just don’t leave right away.” Mi-Ra pleaded. “Let us say goodbye to him first. You go ahead and get things ready to go and Daehyun can stay with us to make it easier for you. Please.”
She agreed, knowing that would make the move easier on her son. That way she could travel to Busan and prepare their home and register him at a new school without having to worry about taking him with her.
“I’ll start tomorrow.” She told her, pulling a pad of paper and a pen out of a drawer. “I need to make a list of all the places to call.” She said absentmindedly. “School is the most important. I’m not sending him back to that one.” Turning to her friend, she furrowed her brows. “Is that okay? If he stays at the house while you all are gone during the day?”
Mi-Ra nodded. “Of course. Daehyun has always been welcome at our home.”
The bathroom door opened, Daehyun stepping out with a towel wrapped around his waist. He could see the tension between the two women and knew something was up.
“What is it?” He asked, warily. “What’s going on?”
“This isn’t working.” His mother told him bluntly. “You promised me the bullying had stopped and you obviously weren’t telling the truth.”
He crossed his arms. “And?”
“And we’re going to move back to Busan.” She said firmly. “Your grandfather has been asking us to come home and I think it’s the right thing to do.”
The blood in his face immediately escaped, leaving him pale and gasping for breath. “N-No!” He shouted, the child in him coming out as he stomped his foot angrily on the floor. “You can’t make me leave!”
His mother let out a deep breath, knowing he was just letting lose his pent-up anger on her. “We’re moving and that’s final. You’re not going back to that school.”
He forced his tears back and stormed off to his room, slamming the door behind him.
Rae-Ha covered her mouth and bit back a sob. “I’ll send him over sometime tomorrow.” She murmured. “What time is best for you?”
“He has a key.” Mi-Ra said weakly. “Even if we’re not home he can knows he can come right in.” She grabbed her purse from the table and turned to leave. “Please tell him goodnight for me.”
---
“This isn’t fair.” Daehyun grumbled, his voice raspy from crying himself to sleep last night.
His mom placed a glass of juice in front of him and ruffled his hair. “I’m sorry, I know it isn’t. But it’s just the way it is.”
“Do you have to go to the principal though?” He complained, slamming his face on the table. “Can’t we just not tell anyone?”
She shut her eyes and counted to ten in her head. This was the tenth time he had asked that this morning and she was about to lose her mind.
“Daehyun,” She said calmly. “Those boys attacked you. They need to be punished. End of discussion.” Grabbing her purse off the counter, she leaned over and pressed a kiss against his head. “Mi-Ra said you are welcome any time you want to go over. I made you a lunch if you decide to stay here though. I’ll probably be gone most of the day so I really don’t want you staying here all by yourself a-“
“I’m fine.” He insisted, waving her off. “I’ll go out there later. I just want to stay in bed this morning.” His head popped up off the table. “Does Jongup know?”
“He knows you won’t be at school today, but I don’t if he knows you are leaving yet. Mi-Ra probably wanted you to tell him in person later.”
Daehyun felt his eyes fill with tears yet again. “You’re making me leave the only friend I’ve ever had.” He choked out, rubbing the wetness away. “He’s the only person that’s ever liked me.”
His mother had already apologized as much as she could for her decision, but she wasn’t going to back down. Not over something as important as her child’s well-being.
“I’ll be home tonight.” She murmured. “Just call me and let me know if you’re staying at Jongup’s.”
---
Daehyun stared up at the ceiling in his room. He hadn’t moved in two hours and his neck was starting to get a crick in it. He wondered what Jongup was thinking and if he knew Daehyun would be leaving yet.
He looked at his clock and groaned. It was only noon and he was so bored. He wanted to go to Jongup’s and play his games, but he felt uncomfortable spending hours there alone. They lived quite a ways across town, though. Maybe if he walked there then they would get home at about the same time.
Jumping out of bed, he scarfed down the food his mom made for him and grabbed a jacket before running out the door, smiling as he exited his apartment. The walk in the fresh air would hopefully perk him up a little before his conversation with Jongup later.
The walk across town should have been relaxing, but for some reason the hair on the back of his neck was standing up in alarm. He kept turning around, feeling like someone was watching him. The only people he could see were strangers making their way down the sidewalks.
But the feeling wouldn’t leave.
He knew there was a shortcut coming up, but it was through the rough side of town. He had about thirty seconds to decide if he wanted to take it or continue on the long way. His mother always told him not to go down these side streets, but he was scared and he just wanted to get to the safety of Jongup’s before he had a heart attack.
At the last second, he darted down the street and took off at a run. The sound of pounding feet behind him showed him that his gut feeling was correct. He pushed his unathletic body as hard as it would go, but the footsteps kept getting closer and closer until someone jerked his shoulder back and slammed him against a building.
“Hey Jung. Where ya going?”
Daehyun squeezed his eyes shut tight and prayed that someone would walk by and save him.
But life never did treat him kindly.
“I asked you a question.” Kyung’s voice was controlled, but his body was shaking with anger. “I’ve been waiting outside your apartment all day. I knew you would come out eventually. Looks like I got lucky, eh?”
He cracked his eyes opened and gulped. “W-What do you want?” Even though he was terrified, he was pretty proud to see that Himchan had done a number on his face. His nose was swollen and he had a pretty messy looking black eye.
Kyung released one of his shoulders and rested his arm on the wall behind them, bringing his body closer to Daehyun’s. “I think I’m owed a little payback, don’t you? After what happened to me yesterday.”
He pushed Daehyun down onto the ground and climbed over top of him. Daehyun opened his mouth and tried to scream, but Kyung slapped a hand over his lips to quiet him.
“Haven’t we been through this already?” He asked, exasperated. “You know I’m bigger than you. And there’s no hero coming to save you this time.” His face lowered till it was only centimeters away from Daehyun’s. “This time, Jung? You’re mine.”
(four)
Rated: PG13
Length: 4K
“Call your mother.” Himchan ordered the second they entered the house. He handed Daehyun the phone and crossed his arms, obviously not planning on leaving. “You’re telling her what happened.”
“Hyung, come on.” Jongup interjected. “Don’t make it worse. He’s already upset.”
Daehyun bit his lip and looked down at his feet. He didn’t want to involve his mother in his problems. She already had enough to worry about just keeping a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. If she was stressed out over Daehyun’s school then he wouldn’t be able to live with himself.
“Call her or I’m doing it for you.” His voice held no hesitation. “You don’t have to tell her over the phone. But you will tell her there was a problem at school and you came home with us. I’m sure mom or dad will take you home later and they can explain everything then.”
“You’re going to make him tell mom and dad?” Jongup sounded angry. “Why would you do that?”
Himchan turned and glared at his brother. “Because they have been worried about him, too. Why do you think there’s always someone to pick you two up after school?”
The smaller boy’s eyes filled with tears at the news. He hated being a burden on their family, the guilt starting to seep into his bones. Now that he knew they were taking time out of their schedules just for him made him hate himself. He wrapped his arms around his skinny body and tried to force the feelings away until he got home and could cry in the privacy of his room. And not under the eyes of his best friend and his best friend’s brother, who he may or may not have sudden hero worship for.
“I’m sorry.” He whispered, brushing a rebel tear away. “I don’t mean to cause so much trouble.”
Sighing, Himchan rubbed his eyes and pointed towards the phone on the wall. “You know you’re not any trouble. Now call your mother.”
Daehyun nodded, dialing his home’s number. His mother sounded worried when she heard him on the other line.
“I thought you were coming home today?”
He hesitated, twirling the cord around his finger. “Jongup’s brother made me come back to their house.”
She paused, realizing something was wrong. “What happened?”
Daehyun looked up and caught eyes with Himchan. He nodded reassuringly at him and motioned for him to tell the truth.
“Something happened at school, mom.” He swallowed down the lump in his throat. “Something bad.”
“Are you alright?” She asked firmly. “Are you hurt?”
“No, I’m fine. I promise.”
She let out a breath. “Good. When will you be home? Do I need to come and get you?”
He covered the receiver with his hand. “Does she need to come here to get me?”
Himchan shook his head. “Mom will be home in an hour or so. She’ll want to go with you to talk to your mother.”
“Jongup’s mom will bring me home in a little bit.” He told his mother, trying to keep his voice from shaking.
His mother sighed. “Okay, but come home as soon as she gets there. I will be here waiting.”
He agreed and hung up the phone, turning back to Himchan. “There.” He said quietly. “I told her.”
Jongup grabbed his hand and pulled him towards his bedroom, knowing Daehyun didn’t want any more attention drawn to him, but Himchan grabbed his arm and stopped him.
“Are you really okay, Daehyun-ah?” He asked softly. “It’s okay to be upset, it’s okay to cry. No one would think less of you.”
Daehyun jerked his arm away and narrowed his eyes. “What do you care?” He hissed. “You don’t give a shit about your own brother, why are you so worried about me?”
Himchan’s mouth fell open at the sudden attitude of the normally shy boy.
“What do you mean by that? Of course I care about my brother! And you’re his best friend, so I care about you, too!” His eyes flashed with something that almost resembled pain. "I've always cared about you, Daehyun."
Jongup rolled his eyes and tugged on Daehyun again. “Just come on, Daehyunnie. You’re upset and you know you get mean when you’re angry.”
Daehyun complied, already regretting his rash words. He just hated it when people looked at him with pity. Nobody wanted to be pitied, especially him.
He followed the other boy into his room, where he threw himself onto the bed.
“Dae-“
“Can you just leave me alone for a while?” He interrupted, burying his face into Jongup’s pillow. “Please Jonguppie?”
“Are you sure?” His voice sounded hurt that his best friend would send him away when he knew he needed comforting.
“Yes. I just want to take a nap before I go home.”
They both knew Daehyun had no plans on sleeping. He just wanted somewhere to cry and not be judged. And Jongup knew that without him having to say it.
“Okay.” He murmured, leaning down to press his cheek against his hair. “I’ll be out in the kitchen with hyung if you need me.”
He softly shut the door behind him, hoping he would hear Daehyun’s voice calling out for him to stop, but it never came.
Himchan was in the kitchen, leaning over the counter with his head in his hands, an ice pack bandaged against his knuckles. He jumped up when he heard Jongup enter.
“He wanted me to leave him alone.” His shoulders dropped.
“Has it always been this bad?” Himchan asked incredulously. “Mom told me just to keep an eye out for someone teasing you two, but Jesus, is that normal?”
Jongup shook his head. “Daehyun told me at lunch that one of the boys had touched him in class and he was worried about it. B-But I didn’t think they would go that far.” He clenched his jaw tightly as he imagined all the ways he would kill Kyung and Jaesang when he saw them next. “He doesn’t ever bother anyone, hyung.” His voice broke as he defended his best friend. “All he does is sit quietly in class. Why would someone want to hurt him?”
“Sometimes weak people get singled out just for being weak, Jongup.” Himchan explained patiently. “Daehyun is a sweet kid who would never hurt a fly and that angers people who want everyone to be as fucked up as they are.”
“Thank you for being there for him.” Jongup scuffed his toe on the floor. “I probably would have murdered them. I’m surprised you held back.”
Himchan scoffed and held out his hand. “Trust me, I wanted to do a lot more than this.” He admitted. “But I think I made the kid pass out and I wasn’t looking to go to jail today.” He narrowed his eyes and stared at his wound. “If I ever see him touching Daehyun again I don’t think I would be able to control myself so well.” He promised, wincing as he flexed his knuckles.
They both sat in silence at the table while they waited for their mother to come home. When she walked into the door and saw their serious expressions, she immediately threw her bag to the floor and looked around in a panic.
“What happened?” She demanded, rushing into the kitchen. “Where’s Daehyun?”
Himchan patted the seat next to him. “He’s in Jongup’s room. Sit down. We need to tell you what happened.”
She sat stiffly in the seat and turned towards her sons. “Did he get hurt?” Her eyes widened at the sight of Himchan’s hand. “Tell me. Now.”
Jongup caught Himchan’s eye and mentally begged him not to tell the entire truth. He knew Daehyun was ashamed over what happened and this would only make it worse for him.
“I got in a fight with a kid at their school.” Himchan told her. “We walked in on someone…” He opened his mouth and winced. “On top of Daehyun.”
She gasped and covered her mouth. “Did he…?”
“No.” Himchan shook his head. “We got there in time to stop him. But he had both of their pants down already.”
Their mother let out a choked sob and turned her face away, not wanting her sons to see her tear up. Even though Daehyun wasn’t her blood child, she still loved him and this hurt her just as much as it would have if it was one of her own kids.
“Does his mother know?” She asked, swiping her thumbs under his eyes. “Did someone call her?”
“Daehyun did.” Jongup finally spoke up. “Hyung made him.” He accused, crossing his arms across his chest.
Himchan slammed his hands on the table. “Just stop it, Jongup!” He hissed. “Do you want this to happen again? What if I didn’t get there in time? How would you feel knowing someone raped your best friend and no one tried to help him?” He jumped up from the table and paced across the kitchen, ignoring their mother’s interjections. “And then you think that I don’t even care about you? What more do you want me to do? Just stand back and let you and Daehyun get tortured?”
“Boys!” Their mother snapped. “Calm down!” She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. “Jongup, don’t think for a second that your brother did the wrong thing by telling an adult. You’re all three still just children and a grown-up needed to know this. And Himchan,” She turned to her other son. “Have a little sensitivity. Jongup and Daehyun are practically joined at the hip so when Daehyun is upset, Jongup will be, too. Be a little more understanding right now.” She stood up and headed towards the bedrooms. “I’m going to go in and talk with Daehyun before we take him home. You two stay out here and mind.”
She knocked gently on the door, opening it when Daehyun replied that it was okay to come in.
“Hey honey.” She smiled weakly at him, sitting on the bed beside him. “How are you feeling?”
He shrugged, not turning away from the wall.
“The boys told me a little of what happened. Do you want to talk about it with me?”
He hesitated, but shook his head. “I’d like to go home now.” He whispered. “If that’s okay.”
“Of course it is, honey.” She soothed, running her fingers through his dark hair. “Just know that I’m here if you ever want to talk, alright?”
Her heart broke when he turned his face to hers and she saw the tear tracks dried on his cheeks. She was proud of how Himchan had taken care of his abusers and protected him.
“Come on.” She helped him to his feet, turning away so he could keep his dignity intact as he scrubbed his face clear of the signs he’d been crying. “Do you want the boys to come with us?”
“No. I would rather they didn’t.”
She nodded, leading him out of the bedroom. As soon as Jongup saw him emerge he jumped up and started to run towards him, his mother’s hand coming up to stop him.
“I’m going to take Daehyun home. You two get started on your homework. I’ll be back later.”
Jongup opened his mouth to protest at being left at home, but she gave him her angry eye, just daring him to utter a single word.
They left without looking back at the two boys, Jongup huffing and storming off into his room and Himchan closing his eyes and leaning back against the wall.
Himchan could still see that little asshole on top of Daehyun. His disgusting hands roaming over the tiny boy’s body while Daehyun clenched his eyes shut and sobbed.
He could feel his blood start to boil just thinking about it.
Those kids better not ever touch his brother’s best friend again or he would not go so easy on them next time.
---
“Daehyun, you need to explain to your mother exactly what happened.” Jongup’s mother insisted, parking the car outside of his apartment building. “All Himchan told me was the basics, but I guarantee she’s going to want the whole story.”
He frowned and pushed his glasses up his nose. All he wanted to do was go inside and take a long hot shower and erase the feel of their skin touching his. Shuddering, he followed her into the elevator, still not wanting to open his mouth.
Daehyun’s mother must have been listening for the ding of the elevator, because as soon as they stepped off she was already running out of the door and towards them.
“Daehyun!” She wrapped her arms around him and held him tight to her chest before pulling away and scanning her eyes over his body. “Are you hurt? Did someone hurt you?” She looked wildly up to the other women. “What happened, Mi-Ra?”
Jongup’s mother put a hand on his shoulder and motioned towards the apartment. “Rae-Ha, why don’t we go inside so he can tell you? Trust me, you don't want to hear it out here.”
His mother set her jaw firmly and nodded, enveloping his tiny shoulders and ushering him into the apartment. She turned and motioned for him to speak. When he just stared at the floor, Jongup’s mother started the story off for him.
“Himchan told me that he walked in on someone trying to take Daehyun’s clothes off of him.”
Closing her eyes, his mother took a deep breath. “Daehyun? You need to start talking now.” She ordered. “I need to know exactly what happened.”
He squinted at the tile under his feet. “There were two of them.” He spoke up. “One holding me back and one… One on top.” He admitted, his voice betraying his emotions. “Jongup and Himchan-hyung forced the door open and Jongup took me out and that’s the end of it.” He turned his watery eyes to his mother. “May I please go shower now?”
She could see how uncomfortable he was, so she nodded and waited for him to walk off before collapsing against the wall. “Oh god.” She muttered, not resisting when a pair of arms encircled her. “Why would someone do that?” She sobbed. “Who would want to hurt my baby, Mi-Ra?”
“Himchan apparently let them know that it was not be repeated.” She smiled grimly. “He’s currently at home resting with a busted hand.”
Rae-Ha nodded. “Good. Please thank him for me.”
“What are you going to do?” Mi-Ra asked. “We always make sure there’s someone picking the boys up after school, but we can’t protect them on the inside.”
“I don’t know.” She said, looking around her tiny home. “I can’t afford to send him somewhere else.” She lowered her head, ashamed of her circumstances.
Mi-Ra huffed and forced her eyes back up. “We have been telling you for years that if you need money for Daehyun then you only have to ask for it.” Her glare softened as she spoke of the little boy she adored. “We all love Daehyun. Even Himchan cares about him and he doesn’t even have time for his own brother!”
“I’m not going to take your money.” Rae-Ha replied stubbornly. “Jung’s are not beggers.” She stared forlornly at the door where her son had gone. “My father has told me many times I can go home to Busan and stay with him.” She sighed. “I just never took him up on it because Daehyun would be devastated without Jongup. He’s the only friend he’s ever had.” More tears filled her eyes as affection filled her for the sweet boy who had taken her son under his wing and protected him all these years. “But maybe it’s time.”
“That would kill us.” Mi-Ra forced out, her heart aching already at the thought of losing Daehyun, but even more pained at the sight of Jongup without him.
Rae-Ha blinked slowly at her. “I know.” She replied simply. “But I have to do what’s best for Daehyun. And that school has been killing him since the first day. I have to get him out of there.”
“Just don’t leave right away.” Mi-Ra pleaded. “Let us say goodbye to him first. You go ahead and get things ready to go and Daehyun can stay with us to make it easier for you. Please.”
She agreed, knowing that would make the move easier on her son. That way she could travel to Busan and prepare their home and register him at a new school without having to worry about taking him with her.
“I’ll start tomorrow.” She told her, pulling a pad of paper and a pen out of a drawer. “I need to make a list of all the places to call.” She said absentmindedly. “School is the most important. I’m not sending him back to that one.” Turning to her friend, she furrowed her brows. “Is that okay? If he stays at the house while you all are gone during the day?”
Mi-Ra nodded. “Of course. Daehyun has always been welcome at our home.”
The bathroom door opened, Daehyun stepping out with a towel wrapped around his waist. He could see the tension between the two women and knew something was up.
“What is it?” He asked, warily. “What’s going on?”
“This isn’t working.” His mother told him bluntly. “You promised me the bullying had stopped and you obviously weren’t telling the truth.”
He crossed his arms. “And?”
“And we’re going to move back to Busan.” She said firmly. “Your grandfather has been asking us to come home and I think it’s the right thing to do.”
The blood in his face immediately escaped, leaving him pale and gasping for breath. “N-No!” He shouted, the child in him coming out as he stomped his foot angrily on the floor. “You can’t make me leave!”
His mother let out a deep breath, knowing he was just letting lose his pent-up anger on her. “We’re moving and that’s final. You’re not going back to that school.”
He forced his tears back and stormed off to his room, slamming the door behind him.
Rae-Ha covered her mouth and bit back a sob. “I’ll send him over sometime tomorrow.” She murmured. “What time is best for you?”
“He has a key.” Mi-Ra said weakly. “Even if we’re not home he can knows he can come right in.” She grabbed her purse from the table and turned to leave. “Please tell him goodnight for me.”
---
“This isn’t fair.” Daehyun grumbled, his voice raspy from crying himself to sleep last night.
His mom placed a glass of juice in front of him and ruffled his hair. “I’m sorry, I know it isn’t. But it’s just the way it is.”
“Do you have to go to the principal though?” He complained, slamming his face on the table. “Can’t we just not tell anyone?”
She shut her eyes and counted to ten in her head. This was the tenth time he had asked that this morning and she was about to lose her mind.
“Daehyun,” She said calmly. “Those boys attacked you. They need to be punished. End of discussion.” Grabbing her purse off the counter, she leaned over and pressed a kiss against his head. “Mi-Ra said you are welcome any time you want to go over. I made you a lunch if you decide to stay here though. I’ll probably be gone most of the day so I really don’t want you staying here all by yourself a-“
“I’m fine.” He insisted, waving her off. “I’ll go out there later. I just want to stay in bed this morning.” His head popped up off the table. “Does Jongup know?”
“He knows you won’t be at school today, but I don’t if he knows you are leaving yet. Mi-Ra probably wanted you to tell him in person later.”
Daehyun felt his eyes fill with tears yet again. “You’re making me leave the only friend I’ve ever had.” He choked out, rubbing the wetness away. “He’s the only person that’s ever liked me.”
His mother had already apologized as much as she could for her decision, but she wasn’t going to back down. Not over something as important as her child’s well-being.
“I’ll be home tonight.” She murmured. “Just call me and let me know if you’re staying at Jongup’s.”
---
Daehyun stared up at the ceiling in his room. He hadn’t moved in two hours and his neck was starting to get a crick in it. He wondered what Jongup was thinking and if he knew Daehyun would be leaving yet.
He looked at his clock and groaned. It was only noon and he was so bored. He wanted to go to Jongup’s and play his games, but he felt uncomfortable spending hours there alone. They lived quite a ways across town, though. Maybe if he walked there then they would get home at about the same time.
Jumping out of bed, he scarfed down the food his mom made for him and grabbed a jacket before running out the door, smiling as he exited his apartment. The walk in the fresh air would hopefully perk him up a little before his conversation with Jongup later.
The walk across town should have been relaxing, but for some reason the hair on the back of his neck was standing up in alarm. He kept turning around, feeling like someone was watching him. The only people he could see were strangers making their way down the sidewalks.
But the feeling wouldn’t leave.
He knew there was a shortcut coming up, but it was through the rough side of town. He had about thirty seconds to decide if he wanted to take it or continue on the long way. His mother always told him not to go down these side streets, but he was scared and he just wanted to get to the safety of Jongup’s before he had a heart attack.
At the last second, he darted down the street and took off at a run. The sound of pounding feet behind him showed him that his gut feeling was correct. He pushed his unathletic body as hard as it would go, but the footsteps kept getting closer and closer until someone jerked his shoulder back and slammed him against a building.
“Hey Jung. Where ya going?”
Daehyun squeezed his eyes shut tight and prayed that someone would walk by and save him.
But life never did treat him kindly.
“I asked you a question.” Kyung’s voice was controlled, but his body was shaking with anger. “I’ve been waiting outside your apartment all day. I knew you would come out eventually. Looks like I got lucky, eh?”
He cracked his eyes opened and gulped. “W-What do you want?” Even though he was terrified, he was pretty proud to see that Himchan had done a number on his face. His nose was swollen and he had a pretty messy looking black eye.
Kyung released one of his shoulders and rested his arm on the wall behind them, bringing his body closer to Daehyun’s. “I think I’m owed a little payback, don’t you? After what happened to me yesterday.”
He pushed Daehyun down onto the ground and climbed over top of him. Daehyun opened his mouth and tried to scream, but Kyung slapped a hand over his lips to quiet him.
“Haven’t we been through this already?” He asked, exasperated. “You know I’m bigger than you. And there’s no hero coming to save you this time.” His face lowered till it was only centimeters away from Daehyun’s. “This time, Jung? You’re mine.”
(four)