"Look, Dad, that guy is once again on the news. " The boy stated before flopping down on the couch, the remote control in his hand.
"I can't believe such a young boy can do such monstrous things. I hope they will catch him soon. " The mother sighed, staring for a few seconds at his picture, which popped on the screen.
"If he was capable of murdering his own family, I can't imagine what he can do to others. "
"Because of monsters like him, we can't feel safe in this country. They deserve to die in the worst ways possible." Her husband said, glaring frustratedly at the TV.
"What the heck are the authorities doing? It's been years, and they still haven't caught him. "
***
**Mingyu's pov**
It was the middle of the night when my phone jarred me from a restless sleep, its shrill ring slicing through the silence like a knife. I stretched my arm toward the nightstand, fumbling in the dark until I finally wrapped my fingers around the sleek device. As I opened my eyes slowly, the harsh light illuminated the bright screen displaying your name—Y/N.
A shiver jolted my body, and my chest felt heavy with an overwhelming dread. You had never called me this late before. Something must have happened. Panic enveloped me as I sat up, the warm covers sliding off my shoulders. I answered the call, anxiety clawing at my insides, but the calmness in your voice was a surprising balm to my frayed nerves. How were you managing to stay composed?
"He left," was all you said, your voice steady yet distant.
I felt my heart drop. My eyes widened in disbelief. How could you be so calm? What on earth was wrong with you? Wasn't this a situation that warranted panic? When would I see you unravel, just a little? Because I was spiraling right then and there.
I opened my mouth to respond, but you swiftly cut me off. "It's okay, Mingyu. I knew this would happen," you whispered, your tone soothing, yet it deepened my worry.
I took a deep breath, trying to process your words despite the storm of emotions inside me. "After all, he got used to the new medicine. I told you to increase the dose, but you stubbornly refused," I added, and I could hear a hint of frustration laced within your otherwise calm demeanor.
"Because I had hope," You shot back, your voice cracking slightly. "Because I wanted him to wake up. Four years was more than enough. This isn't living; it's hell. I couldn't bear to see him like that anymore."
I tightened my grip on the phone, the cold plastic biting into my palm as my hand trembled with anger and fear. "The police are searching for him, Y/N. God knows what they'll do to him if they find him."
"I know. That's why I called you." Your voice was resolute, yet a hint of something softer lingered beneath your words. I could sense your warm, familiar smile even through the phone. How were you able to remain so optimistic? I could picture you standing at the edge of the Apocalypse, arms wide open as if to say, "Welcome."
"He will come to you," you said confidently.
"What? How can you know that? And why would he? It's dangerous for him here. He can't return to the place he ran from." My voice rose as emotions swirled within me—a volatile mix of hope and despair.
"I just know," you said with a gentle chuckle that piqued my curiosity. The laughter was an endearing reminder of our bond but spiraled me again. Wasn't I the psychotherapist here? Why was I the one questioning?
"He hates me, remember? He even tried to kill me," I said bitterly, the memories flooding back uninvited.
"He wanted a little revenge. Just to hurt you a bit, not to kill you."
A cynical smile crept onto my face. "Wow, so that's why I ended up in a coma. Because he wanted to hurt me… a bit," I mumbled sarcastically.
"You're the only one he knows apart from me. You're still his uncle who cared for him most when he needed it. He felt you during those dark times." You almost sounded amused, driving me to the edge of sanity.
"He's the most sensitive person I've ever met," you continued, your voice softening. "He trusts you a little, even if he doesn't want to show it."
"A little," I echoed, the word hanging between us like a fragile thread.
"I know you care about him, Mingyu. I know you want what's best for him. But I have to beg you—please… take care of him. He's everything to me. He is my heart."
Your plea smacked me in the chest, and despite my swirling thoughts, I felt a smile tugging at my lips. How could you be so selfless?
"If you're right, and he really will show up here, what would you do? Would you stay away from him?"
"..." A heavy silence lingered, thick with unspoken emotions.
"Y/N?"
I heard you exhale a deep breath before answering, the weight of your decision palpable. "I won't go to him. He left because… he needed to stay away from me. My presence might hurt him more. How can I keep hurting him?" Your conviction was striking, and I could almost see the determination in your eyes.
"I'll always call you daily to tell me how he's feeling," you said softly.
A sad smile formed on my lips. "Always thinking of what's best for him. But what about you, Y/N? How can you continue being this way after he left you? You cared for him for so many years, sacrificing your happiness…"
"After everything he has gone through, do you think my troubles compare to his? Do you think I can afford to be selfish regarding him? That my heart would allow me to cause him more pain? I chose to stand by his side and care for him. It wasn't a sacrifice; it was a blessing. It was my choice." I could hear the fire in your voice, the sincerity in every word. "No one could ever grow tired of caring for someone like him. He's too sweet, too kind… too precious…"
Suddenly, you faltered mid-sentence, and the smile on my face broadened, warmth spreading through my chest.
"Sorry…" you whispered, almost shyly.
"No problem," I chuckled gently. "And don't worry, Y/N. I will take care of him."
"Thank you. What would I do without you?" I could almost hear your smile echoing through the line, lighting the dark corners of my heart.
Later, as I opened the door, I saw a sight that confirmed everything you had predicted. He stood there, just as you had envisioned—a lost soul, trapped between shadows and uncertainty. But he looked better than the last time I had seen him; you had taken good care of him in the time you had.
"Jungkook…" I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper.
His eyes met mine—those dark orbs filled with an abyss of pain and loneliness. I opened the door wider, signaling for him to enter. "Welcome," I said with a smile, genuine and inviting.
His eyes widened in surprise, and I realized I couldn't hide from being so shocked at seeing him standing at my doorstep.
You truly know him well, Y/N.
"Does Y/N know you're here?" I asked cautiously, gauging his reaction.
At the mere mention of your name, Jungkook's eyes darkened further. "No… please don't tell her," he begged, his voice a fragile whisper strained with desperation.
"Why? Do you think she won't worry if she finds out you're missing? Why did you run away, Jungkook?" My heart ached for him, wanting to understand but also needing him to face reality.
He bit his lip, eyes wavering as if grappling with an internal battle. "She has to stop worrying about me. She must continue with her life and… forget about my stupid existence. I've taken so many years from her and for nothing."
I parted my lips, eager to tell him that he couldn't control how others felt. Emotions are not like light switches; they are easily turned off and on. But before I could utter a word, he interrupted me.
"I don't want to talk about her anymore. Please, stop mentioning her."
His pain was palpable, and as he brushed past me into the living room, I felt a mix of pity and determination. I knew I had to navigate this delicate situation carefully, for your and his sake.
"I promise I will leave as quickly as I can." He whispered, his back turned away from me, the weight of his words hanging in the air like a heavy fog.
"You don't have to go. This is your house," I replied softly, trying to reassure him.
He sighed deeply, his posture tense. "I know my presence might bring you trouble—trouble I don't want for you. So, for now, I'll stay... until I figure out what to do with myself. I promise."