The Forbidding Hadalpelagic Zone | TaeJin

4. Hey, Baby!!

Seokjin rolled on the bed and turned to his right. He observed Jimin's sleeping face closely to ensure that the latter had fallen into deep sleep. After making sure that Jimin wouldn't be up anytime soon, he pushed the duvet aside and climbed out of the bed without making any noise. He walked towards the window and peeked out of the hotel carefully. He could see the car, which had been following them from the orphanage, parked across the street.

Jin paced to and fro beside the bed. He had a fair idea of what was going on and who was involved. To his own surprise, instead of getting scared, all he could feel was excitement bubbling inside him. He contemplated on what to do next. He could take Jimin and flee the country again. It was the easiest and safest way out. But he was curious and wanted to know what was cooking. Also, he couldn't deny the fact that a part of him longed for this to happen... to be found.

Jin sat at the edge of the bed and observed Jimin again. The boy was sleeping with a light frown on his face. Jin placed his thumb on the wrinkles on Jimin's forehead and massaged it slowly until the frown disappeared from his face. He knew that Jimin was trying his best to act strong in front of him. Though Jimin seemed cheerful after landing in Korea, Jin understood that Jimin was faking it so that he would be at peace. He could see a lingering lone tear at the corner of Jimin's eyes ever since they had left New Zealand. Jin heaved a sigh and leaned against the headboard with his fingers running through Jimin's hair locks.

It happened more than eight years ago, the first time when he met Jimin in their orphanage.

Jin had been in the orphanage for as long as he could remember. He never knew about his parents and he never bothered to find them. To him, uncle Sejin, the warden and owner of their orphanage was like his parent, mentor, guardian and everything else, while he considered the other kids at the orphanage as his family.

The orphanage he grew up in was worse than a rundown ghost house. Uncle Sejin tried to develop it with all his might but he could only provide the basic amenities for the kids. There were many days when Jin didn't have proper meals, proper clothing and not even proper shelter, more over a good education. But he wasn't worried at all. The rough mattress which he slept on didn't hurt him. The minuscule food he got didn't starve him. The worn out clothes didn't freeze him.

Jin was content. He was happy with the meager things he had received in his life. He was grateful and thanked God every night without fail before going to bed. He shared everything he received with the other kids and took care of them as much as he could. He was cheerful and full of positivity that uncle Sejin often called him the light of the orphanage and Jin would blush beautifully every time he was complimented.

*****

It was yet another usual morning at the orphanage when uncle Sejin called Jin to his office room. There were a few officials and a police officer inside the office room. Jin looked around in confusion when he saw a pair of doe eyes peek at him from behind uncle Sejin.

"Seokjin, this is Jimin", Sejin said, pulling a short boy to the front.

The boy looked up in alarm and ran back to hide behind uncle Sejin again.

"Son, don't panic. Seokjin is like an elder brother to you and I assure you that he won't hurt you", Sejin said kindly and pushed the boy towards Jin again.