Waterfalls || Yeonbin

chapter 13: toast

Continuing on January 15, 1940

"H-He was shocking me a-and I couldn't move."

I was really confused, but mostly concerned for his safety, "Who was doing that to you? Sweetheart, you're beginning to frighten me."

"I-I..." He started, but choked on his words, a sob coming out instead.

I was still for a moment, in both a bit of shock and confusion. I've never seen him so vulnerable before, and it terrified me. I promised him that I would keep him safe, but I don't know if I could have done anything to prevent this. I hugged him after a moment, holding him close. If I couldn't protect him, then the least I could do was comfort him. I could feel his hands trembling when he wrapped his arms around my shoulders, making me tighten my grip. I'm never letting anyone touch him.

"You're always safe with me..." I whispered as he sniffled into the crook of my neck. I felt his warm tears, hearing another sob escape from his lips. I didn't know what to do, so I turned my head to kiss behind his ear. I took one arm away just to gently place my hand on his bicep, soothingly rubbing up and down to help him feel at ease. I whispered to him again, "I'll never let anything happen to you."

We were quiet for a few minutes, just holding each other like our lives depended on it. But sadly, I think for Soobin, it did. I noticed his hands had ceased their tremble as he began to pull away from me. I quickly picked my head up, watching him messily wipe his dried tears from his cheeks. I just left him be, not wanting to bombard him with questions right now.

"C-Can I..." He started, swallowing the lump in his throat and sniffling right after, "I-I'll tell you tomorrow. I-I'm not in the right state."

I quickly nodded, "Of course..." I said, wanting him to find peace again, "Let's just try and get some sleep, alright?"

He nodded in response as I laid on my back, opening my arms up for him. He quickly cuddled up next to me, hugging my waist as he rested his head down on my chest. I softly kissed his forehead as I brought the thick blanket over us, making sure Soobin was warm. I wrapped an arm around him, placing my hand on his shoulder in order to hold him. I used my free hand to hold Soobin's hand, trying to give him as much comfort as possible.

It was quiet for a few minutes again until Soobin broke it, "Dan?" He whispered.

"Yes?" I whispered back, wanting to know if he was alright.

"D-Do you remember last week w-when you kept combing your fingers through m-my hair when we were in bed?" He asked in one breath, seeming hesitant to say it.

I smiled at the memory, "Your hair is very soft."

"Can you do it again? Please?..." He cleared his throat, feeling embarrassed, "I-It's relaxing."

I quietly slid my hand from his shoulder to his nape, gently running my fingers through his short hair. He sighed in content, quietly whispering a small, "Thank you."

I smiled, "You're always safe with me. Don't fret." I whispered, finally feeling his shoulders relax in my hold.

January 16, 1940

Soobin and I were getting dressed for work, the events from last night fresh in my mind. He seemed distant. Barely saying much to me this morning, which is unlike him. I could feel the tension and the denseness in the air, and I think Soobin could as well. We kept stealing glances at each other, looking away when the other found out.

I finished dressing first, so I wanted to make us something for breakfast. I know Soobin skips meals sometimes when he's too focused on work, but having your traumatic past brought up unexpectedly could make him do something worse. And I never want to see that.