A Helping Hand | MYG & KTH

15 ~ Late Nights

"You've been in quite a lot recently." Taeju comments quietly as he begins to dress the last tattoo that he's just finished up work on. I merely nod at this, not feeling overly inclined to speak on the matter.

"Is everything okay, boss?" He asks after moment when he realizes I'm not about to bother responding to his prior comment. I suck in a deep breath, giving him a look at this, though he's not looking up at me to catch it.

"I believe you know how I feel about being interrogated, Taeju. Especially when I'm sitting here getting new tattoos." I respond bitterly, not at all appreciating the conversation that he's trying to have. He stays silent for a moment, and I don't bother wondering whether it's because he's concentrating on dressing the tattoo or if it's because of what I'd said.

"Sorry, boss." His voice is just a whisper, but the shop is empty enough and silent enough at this time of night that it's more than easy to hear. We fall silent for the remainder of the appointment, and I appreciate the silence while I can get it.

"I'll have a new client for you soon. He doesn't belong here though. I expect you'll treat him appropriately. Anything less than a perfect experience for him and you know how fast I'll have you replaced." I inform him once we've headed up front. Taeju gives a curt nod at this in understanding, and I hang back for a moment as I look around his quaint tattoo shop.

"I'll be starting classes again next week. I expect things to be running tightly and cleanly. I don't want to have to waste extra energy on shit that I shouldn't have to if I don't need to. Everyone knows what to expect if I'm to be bothered during this time, and if they don't I expect they'll be informed before it's reaching me. You'll take care of this, I suspect, yes?" I say before turning my head to look back at the elder. I watch as his face falls at this news, but he nods nonetheless, and his reaction fills me with dread for what's to come with this round of schooling.

"I'm always available at any given moment should you need anything. Please don't hesitate to reach out." Taeju responds softly, clearly disheartened by the fact that I'm heading back to school. It causes me to scoff, knowing we both know which one of us feels worse about the matter than the other.

"Inform the Kang twins that they have work to do. Dr. Joo needs removed and I want whoever began providing services to Jung Hoseok handled as well. Everyone knows who's on my list and I do not make exceptions for anyone. See to it that these matters are addressed promptly and silently, yes?" I add after a moment. His eyebrow lifts languidly, nodding slowly at this new detail that's come to light.

"Will you be in need of any new supplies for the start of the semester?" Taeju asks, caution in his voice as he watches me intently. I hum at the question, pouting lightly in thought at the suggestion. It's certainly tempting, however I need to be careful with the position I'm in at the house with the others. It was one thing keeping all of my vices that support my sanity in the dorm when I was staying there. Nobody really gave a shit other than to have something to bitch at me about, but nobody was susceptible to succumbing to my vices if they were to be discovered there either.

Several of the boys had been doped up to hell, but I suspect it'll be Hoseok and Namjoon who really have any withdrawal issues and I don't want to provide them with any unnecessary temptations if I can help that. Not only that, but I'm still in the process of earning everyone's trust. Walking around wreaking of smoke occasionally or alcohol isn't going to promote that at all. It'll piss my brother off, give him more reason to continue bathing in his anger and hatred, which is the opposite of what I want.

"I'll pass this time. I have a delicate situation that won't withstand that. I'm sure I'll be due for a small care package in the next couple of weeks, but I'll pass for now." I answer reluctantly, wishing I could continue on with my usual vices like always and quit worrying so damn much about everything. Taeju frowns at my response, but doesn't bother to argue it, and it's a relief that we don't have to go down that path tonight.

"Is there anything else that I can assist with tonight?" He breathes out, clearly dissatisfied with the way tonight's conversation has been going. It leaves me sighing as I turn my head to look over at the door, knowing I should be heading back before anyone discovers I've slipped out.

"No, that'll be all. I'll be on my way." I mutter bitterly before heading for the door. I don't bother looking back at him or saying anything further, and he doesn't bother to respond, instead letting me leave as I please.

He has far more than that to say. I know he does. There's a lot he'd like to talk about, a lot that he'd like to get me talking about, a lot that he'd like to say to me. He's seemed to care about me in what I can only guess a brother is supposed to care for his sister since my early days here, something that's never been easy for either of us. I don't want it, don't know how to welcome it, while he's struggling with knowing what I'm capable of and knowing fully well what my temper is like and why I'm in the position I've been in.

The drive back to the house is dark and quiet, not coming across another soul on the road, but I don't bother to ponder it, just grateful for the easy drive back after the long couple of days I've had. When I arrive back, I'm relieved to find no one else awake and the thought has me debating the idea of allowing myself a couple short hours of sleep as well.

It's been a few days now, and I know I'll have to sleep eventually. It'll be in my better interest to not pass out in front of the boys either, but sleeping also risks nightmares that are more hellish than the experiences themselves. The thought has me sighing, and I decide upon heading off to the studio for my short nap. I make sure to close the door behind me before laying down on the couch, and it's a terrifying feeling as I set an alarm to make sure I wake before I'm guaranteed to succumb to nightmares.