Chapter Two

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Jeongguk looked up to find two pairs of eyes fixed on him, filled with concern and sadness. "I'm fine, hyung. Please don't worry about me," he replied softly, trying to reassure them despite the weight in his heart.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted from the right. The three friends exchanged glances before rushing toward the source of the noise. As they approached, they saw a group of people surrounding a man, mercilessly beating him. Jeongguk's instincts kicked in; he dashed forward, with Namjoon and Yoongi hot on his heels.

"Please, listen to me!" the man pleaded, desperation etched on his face.

"What are you all doing? Leave him alone!" Jeongguk shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. 

"Stop!" Namjoon added firmly, while Yoongi observed the scene with an air of indifference.

"Why are you beating him?" Jeongguk pressed, his heart racing as he stepped closer to the fray.

"Jeongguk-ssi, this man stole my mobile!" a stout man exclaimed, jabbing a finger at the orange-haired figure on the ground. The accused man hung his head in shame, unable to meet anyone's gaze. 

"Why do you choose to live this way? Stealing is wrong," Jeongguk said gently but firmly. "You should find a better path."

"I know I'm a thief," the man admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I'm helpless."

"Helpless for what?" Yoongi scoffed, crossing his arms. "Drinking wine or doing drugs?"

"Yoongi hyung, please let him speak," Jeongguk interjected. "Tell me why you felt you had to steal."

"I'm stealing for my younger brother," the man confessed, his voice trembling. "After our parents passed away, all the responsibility fell on me."

Jeongguk felt a pang in his heart at those words. "You have a younger brother? Why don't you find a job to support him?" he asked earnestly.

"How can I get a job? I'm uneducated," the man replied, tears welling in his eyes. "Come to my apartment; you'll see—it's a mess with no rent paid. I have a bulb but no electricity." He broke down, sobbing openly.

"Please don't cry. What's your name?" Jeongguk asked softly.

"Jung Hoseok," came the reply.

"Looking at you, I can see you're older than me. Hoseok-hyung, please promise me you won't steal anymore. You need to find honest work; it's essential for living a good life," Jeongguk advised.

"I'll try," Hoseok whispered through his tears.

"And for now, Yoongi hyung, can I borrow your wallet?" Jeongguk requested.

Yoongi raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Why?"

"Just trust me," Jeongguk urged.

With a resigned sigh and a scoff, Yoongi handed over his wallet. 

"Hoseok-hyung, take this money. It should last you a few days while you look for work," Jeongguk said gently. "And if you need more help, that's my house over there." He pointed toward his home. "Come by anytime; I'll do what I can to assist you—but please don't steal again."

Hoseok's eyes brimmed with tears as he grasped Jeongguk's hand tightly. "I'll never forget your kindness. I've been called a thief and beaten countless times, but no one has ever shown me compassion like this before. I promise I won't steal again."

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