☾ beloved chapter | lee taeyong x oc

final

the bickering had started already. it was only seven in the morning, but this was the normal time for dad to return from the casino.

it was a routine for him to announce his return by opening and closing the front door with such force that the hinges became loose. the wooden door now creaked every time it was opened.

then, dad would go into the room that he shared with mom. he'd proceed to grumble on about how he was "this close" to winning big time. on the good days, he'd brag about his measly earnings in her face, in which he would earn insults from mom for disturbing her sleep.

she could care less about whatever he did.

they were practically strangers now. the only reason they didn't divorce is because they benefit more staying "married" than divorced.

it was beneficial for them, but not for me. they'd fight over the dumbest and littlest things ever, like whose turn it was to wash the dishes, do the laundry and clean the house. i ended up taking on all of these responsibility for the sake of peace and quiet in the house.

they became so accustomed to having no responsibilities, that i was harshly scolded when i couldn't uphold them.

instances included when i came home late from uni, and their laundry wasn't washed and folded.

sometimes i really want to scream in their faces, "do it yourself! why should i do everything for you? shall i wipe your ass too?"

but i would never have the guts to say those words. not even in a billion years.

i learned to keep my mouth shut for my own good, and take in their criticisms without displaying a single ounce of emotion. fighting back meant giving them an opportunity to attack me more than they already do. with remarks like, "i regret that you were born."

sometimes i almost snap in their faces, but i calm down by reminding myself that it's almost over.

i have been saving up money to move in with my best friend, yoon aera. she knows about my family situation, but doesn't know the severity of it. out of generosity, she offered for me to move in for free. her only negotiation was that i cook our meals, because she was a terrible cook.

it's a nice offer, but i didn't want to take anything for free. especially when my parents sat back with their feet propped against the tabletop while i worked my ass off, trying to balance school and home duties. i could never do to aera what my parents did to me.

i promised her that i would move in when i was ready. when i'm free of my parents, i'd have so much more time. i could take on an extra part-time job and study more.

i would enjoy the peace and quiet, and i could do whatever i want without being judged.

that day is coming soon, but unfortunately it isn't today.

i sighed as i rose from my bed. i tiptoed over to the bathroom down the hallway, but it didn't matter because of the screaming match that was taking place.

after freshening up, i went back into my room. i packed my bag like the usual: phone, laptop, notebook, and a bunch of miscellaneous items.

i was practically ready to leave home anytime. i didn't have a space of my own because a huge portion of my room was used to store my parents' useless junk.

it was junk like broken fans and old pots that would "one day be useful."

on top of that, they'd take my stuff whenever they wanted. i was shocked to see one of my favorite novels placed under the shorter leg of the uneven dining table. there wasn't anything i could about it anyways.