Downfall || Seongjoong

- forty-four -

Hongjong || Seonghwa 

I felt surprised with his words. I wanted to cry, but I didn't want them to worry. 

I didn't push him away either, despite the fact my hands were trembling a little. I allowed myself this moment. I hugged him back gently and nuzzled my face in his neck. 

As weird as it may sound, ever since that day at the display room, I wished to see this side of Mingi again. 

Ever since he left me there, giving me a cold shoulder, yelling at me and cursing me out, I wanted to get one hug from him to feel better. 

I squeezed the back of his shirt tightly. "Are you okay now?" He asked in a soft tone and I just nodded, my face quite hidden at the crook of his neck. "The plate didn't hurt you right?" He asked once again and I shacked my head before moving back gently embarrassed because I hugged him for too long.

"Im okay now. Im sorry" I said once again referring to the plate. They were clearly short on utensils and plates here, breaking one was probably an inconvenience to them. 

Another silence settled in and soon enough San cleared his throat. "I don't want to come off as rude, but.. you were an idol for quite some time. Didn't you receive any money?" he asked hesitantly and I assured him it was alright with a little smile. 

"Actually, I didn't get anything in return. I am not too sure if Hongjoong told you about the whole system.." I replied waiting for one of them to give a sign but there faces gave it away instantly. They had no idea what I was talking about. I nodded softly.

"Well, I was sold off to my boss.. for 8 million won. He needed to grow his wealth and wanted someone who was willing to work without getting paid.. he knew that in.. normal circumstances, no one was willing to audition knowing they weren't getting paid and it all went down to this.. him buying humans and making them work." I explained them and despite Hongjoong knowing the big image, he didn't know the price I was bought with was as high as 8 million won. 

He looked worried, but it was nothing compared to the rest of the guys. I poured them cups of coffee and smiled softly to myself. "Hey, it's nothing.. I am sure you have an idea of what I went through before hand" I added, I wasn't referring to the bullying. I hinted at the other crimes I had been a victim off and I am sure they caught on. 

"Oh.. Yeah, I really can't believe our math teacher did that to you.." Jongho said as he lowered his head, he was the one who felt bad the most because 2 out of 3 times a week he was the one who dropped me at the teacher's house for tutoring. He was probably mad at himself for being so blind to such things. 

But something was bugging me, do they think my math teacher assaulting is worst than my dad doing so? Maybe they don't know but I am positive I asked officers to investigate my dad first things first. He probably bribed them. 

"It's alright. I've grown used to it" I said giving Jongho a little pat on the head. "The teacher was my last concern during that week really.." I sighed to myself as I finally sipped from the hot coffee in my head, feeling cozy and comfortably with the way it burned and warmed up my stomach. 

I was tapping on the tap, anxious. There was no reason for this feeling really, I just felt the need to always been anxious, paranoid and ready for anything and everything. I am sure I'll see a therapist once I get enough money. Everything is messing with my head. 

"The last concern? You got assaulted by your teacher hwa.. what could even be worst than this?" Yeosang said, murmuring almost, clearly he was uncomfortable or worried mentioning this to me but I am glad he did because now I knew, they really knew nothing about my father.