Placebo || 3Racha ✔️

14

"Changbin, what happened?" Chan strokes my hair as we sit in his car.

I was exhausted after that. I don't understand why, but I was. "I don't know, Channie. It just- I got overwhelmed."

"Overwhelmed from what?"

"Work, I guess. There's been a lot happening all around. Thinking about it stressed me out."

When I blink, my eyelids stay shut for an extra second before opening. So tired.

"You should take tomorrow off. Call in sick. This isn't good for you."

"No, I'm-"

"No, you're not. Take tomorrow off. Jisung will
be home with you by three. You need to rest. I will call your boss for you if you don't. I mean it Changbin."

I nod hesitantly, swallowing the lump in my throat. What if something happens while they're gone? What if he appears? What if I get another letter?

"Go to sleep. We can pick up your car later. I'll carry you inside. Just rest for now."

I bite my lip, looking out of my window. He pulls out of the gym parking lot, heading home. At times like this, I want to curl up in bed and never come out.

When we get home, I try to look okay. I never responded to Jisung's last text. He doesn't know what happened. As the door opens, Jisung comes barging through instead of letting us come in.

"Oh, my god, Bin. What happened? Chan, what happened?"

"He had another anxiety attack."

"Changbin, why do you lie to me? Why can't you be honest with us about these things? Bad connection? Come on. What's-"

"Jisung, stop," Chan whispers, noticing my breathing becoming uneven again.

I keep my head down, my hands trembling as they hold onto one another. I can't take more scoldings right now. I'm hurting them so much. I'm hurting myself so much.

I hear Jisung sigh. I wish I could give them an honest answer. I wish they could hide their disappointment from me better.

"Get inside. I'll start the shower for you. Dinner is already made once you're finished."

I bite my lip, nodding. I hold my chest, trying to calm myself. Walking past him, I can feel both of their gazes on me. I'm not hiding anything very well. How long am I supposed to keep this up? Until the creep gets bored? Until I give in? Until someone gets hurt?

What if I confront him?

No. No, I can't do that. What would I say? What could I do? Nothing. I can't protect myself. I can't protect my family. I'm worthless and useless. Confronting would make it worse. A lot of things would make it worse.

What do I do? Please, someone. Help me.