Starry Eyes |seongjoong|

*4*

Hongjoong:

I had no idea what happened to Seonghwa after that night. He just left my place without saying anything, and I didn't question it. Since then, I couldn't see him at all. He didn't come by the roof, nor I saw him anywhere else. But I tried not to think about it. Seonghwa still posted photos on his insta account, so he was fine. I had nothing to worry about.

...

"Okay, guys, let's have a break," I said, looking at my friends.

We were practising for a long time, so I thought it was time for a break. All of them were on the same page as me. We sat down at every soft piece of furniture we had. Of course, Yunho had to sit next to me and use me as a pillow. I glared at him before taking my energy drink and sipping on it. He, on the other side, sent me a kiss.

"So, what's happening with that cutie?" he asked me.

"What cutie? Seonghwa?" I asked him, confused. "I haven't seen him since that night."

"What a shame!" Yunho let out a sigh. "I think he will be a nice brother-in-law."

I rolled my eyes once again and quit our conversation. I meant, Seonghwa was cute, but far from my type. Plus, we were basically strangers. I couldn't understand why Yunho got fixated on setting me up with Hwa. But it wasn't something unusual. He was always trying to find me a boyfriend. Ever since I got single.

"Did I hear Seonghwa?" Wooyoug yelled on his way back from the bathroom. "Yuyu, that guy isn't for hyung! He's too softcore for Joong. I mean our guy is quite the kinky short king, someone so fragile isn't suitable." he continued, annoying me as usual.

"Shut your mouth!" I told him.

"Make me, dwarf boy!" he responded.

I had no choice but to stand up and walk towards him. Once close to him, I grabbed him by the shirt and threw him on the couch, grabbing his neck. I leaned over him and glared straight into his eyes. Woo gulped loudly. Of course, he would. That guy was a bratty sub. Perfect for our soft dom San.

"Shut your mouth, sweetheart, or I'll beat you up," I whispered in his ear.

Afterwards, we continued our practice till late. It was around midnight when we finished.

...

I was coming home when I noticed something weird. There were two people on the side of the building. At first, I thought it was just lovers making out there, but then I heard something strange. A man's voice told the other person to shut up, or he would murder him. That was weird. Then I heard Seonghwa's name. My sixth sense told me something was going to happen. I got closer to them. Finally, I could see things clearer.

Seonghwa stood there, pinned to the wall. A large, older guy held him down by the neck. The other hand was over his mouth. The situation looked dangerous. And that guy was extra creepy. Seonghwa stood frozen in fear, yet he tried to fight him off once. But that guy was much stronger than him. It was time to step in.

I walked closer to them, moving behind that guy. Once close enough, I tapped his shoulder. That big guy turned towards me, visibly angry. He looked me up and down.

"Piss off, midget!" he told me.

"Seonghwa, are you okay?" I ignored the big guy. Seonghwa shook his head.

"Piss off! That's none of your business," the big guy told me, more annoyed.

Soon after yelling that at me, he tried to hit me. I avoided his fist, grabbing his arm and pulling him away from Hwa. The big guy didn't like it and tried to attack again. So I had no choice but to fight back. I avoided his punches and responded quickly. Soon after, he was unconscious on the ground. I was breathing heavily. But at least now Seonghwa was safe.

"Call the cops," I said to Hwa, having my calmest voice.

Using my belt, I tied up the hands of that guy. And we waited for the police. They come a couple of minutes later. We had to explain everything and write a report on everything that happened. In the process, I discovered that Seonghwa had a restraining order against that guy. He was arrested, in the end. And we didn't have to go to the police station.

I dragged Seonghwa up to my place. He was still shocked by all that happened. And I was far calmer than him. Up in my home, I sat him down and got some ice for his bruises. He couldn't look up at me. His eyes were blank. I sat next to him, pressing the ice bag on his neck.

"Are you alright? He didn't do anything else to you, did he?" I asked him.

There was no response for a while before he turned towards me. His eyes were full of tears. His lips were trembling. He was still frightened.

"H-he k-kissed me. T-that g-guy tried t-to me," Hwa spoke in a trembling voice.

To the sound of it, I got furious. I had to do more to that guy, maybe even kill him. How could he lay his hands on such a soft and gentle person? Sick son of a bi... I felt the frustration takes over my body. But I had to keep my cool for the sake of comforting Seonghwa. The only thing I could do was to offer him my warmth.

Seonghwa hugged me tight, crying on my shoulder. I hugged him softly, saying soft words. I couldn't tell how much time had passed since then, and it didn't matter as much as Hwa needed. But then he let me go. He was looking me in the eyes, still crying.

"I don't want to be alone," he said before hugging me again.

"You can stay here," I told him. "Why don't you go and take a shower and clean yourself after that dirty dog? You might feel better."

Seonghwa listened to me. I gave him a towel and spare clothes. Then I told him where was the new toothbrush. He thanked me and went for a shower. I had some time to cool down before he came out. So I spent the time with my punching bag. The only way I could release my frustration ever since I was a teenager.

...

Seonghwa came out after some time. Probably the hot water ran out. He saw me punching the punching bag and came closer, placing his hand on mine. I turned towards him. Hwa observed my wounded hand, ready to cry once again. I tied to calm him down while looking at the bruises on his neck. His gentle skin was covered in purplish marks all over.

"Joong, I still feel his lips on mine," he said.

My judgment was clouded. I took his face with my bloody hands and pulled him closer. Then I kissed him. He allowed it. Actually, he pulled me closer and allowed me to put my tongue inside his mouth. We made up for some time, just enough to go over to my bed and lay down. Once we let go of each other, we were breathing heavily. The look in his eyes was calmer.

Seonghwa:

Everything happened so fast that I struggled to process it. But I knew one thing for sure. Hongjoong's kisses were all I needed. At that moment, he was my safe place. The person was bringing me comfort. That was why I stayed at his place once again. We were cuddling on his bed. My head rested on his chest while he sang for me. It helped me fall asleep after the nightmare I went through that night.