Downfall || Seongjoong

- eleven -

Hongjong || Seonghwa

There was barely anytime left for the due date of this project. Yes, two months may seem like enough to finish up the 3D set and present a couple times but it really isn't. 

Especially in my case, every second count. I am already spending quite a lot of time just working and moving from my house, to the cafe and to the restaurant. 

I started to skip school as well. Only attending three classes, physics, art and obviously architecture. But other classes, I would use the old art room to work a little on my project. 

I was grateful because for the past week, Eden and has friends didn't try to bother me. I didn't know if it was because I was no where to be found or if they truly just stopped. 

Either way, I didn't care, I never wanted this peace to end. This way I can do a good job on the set and hopefully get my degree and leave the city forever. 

I've always wanted to go to Busan, work and enjoy a simple life around. That was exactly what I'll do. 

I've gotten enough money saved to pay for a two months rent for a little studio. I'd continue working to gain some money and hopefully I can apply somewhere big to officially get a job and an actually paying salary. 

For now, I needed to make sure that this came out to be perfection, I had to impress the judges and show them my full potential. 

I was just done with my morning shift. I didn't have to attend school today and it was still 11am. I decided I'd go to my hideout and work a little on the project. 

A couple days ago, I had found this, abandoned little studio near one of the alleys crossing the cafe's path. 

Curiosity took over me, and as I walked in, I figured it belonged to an old architecture student. It had to be from a couple years ago. It was dusty, and very dirty. I gave it a little clean up just enough for me to comfortably sit and work without getting dirty and soon started to work. 

As each day passed by, I found myself healing inside. Sure the work was driving me insane. But being left at peace, no stupid messages, no more bullying and no harsh words. I felt like things had finally gotten better. 

I would feel a little less miserable if my mom appreciated me for a second. Even if she lies about it, I just want to hear her say that she is proud of me one day. Maybe even apologize for all the things she made me go through?

But that would be too much to expect. She doesn't even apologize in my dreams. 

I shook that thought away and softly went back to my work, as I stuck the piece on the big board trying my best to keep my hands from trembling and shacking. I seemed to notice my nails for the first time maybe. 

I don't know what made me realize they were damaged but maybe how some dried blood was sitting neatly on my index nail. I moved them back a little bring them close to my face as I scanned softly. 

Soon, Mingi's words echoed in my head. 

"Are your fingers okay?"

I recalled how I hadn't given the latter any answer at the time. I was just, too surprised to even believe he was worried about me. Plus, with Hongjong glaring at my soul, it didn't feel right to open my mouth at all.

I mean, staying silent is the only way to avoid trouble anyways. Thats what my father always told me when I was a child. 

Don't talk back to us. Don't get greedy and ask us to bring you stuff. Don't do this.. Don't ask that..