Off limit President || Yungi

- thirteen -

Yunho || Mingi 

When the alarm went off at 6 am, its shrill beeping jarred me from a fitful sleep. My body ached, every muscle protesting as I forced myself to sit up. 

I quickly silenced the alarm, not wanting to risk waking Mingi. The memories of the previous night flooded back, and a shiver ran down my spine. 

I knew I had to make breakfast and prepare myself for the day, but this time it wasn't out of love or a desire to mend our relationship. It was out of fear. Pure, unadulterated fear.

I dragged myself to the kitchen, every step a painful reminder of the beating I had endured. My hand, bruised and sore, throbbed with each movement. 

I wrapped a small band-aid around it, hoping it would provide some relief, even though I knew it wouldn't. My leg felt weak and numb, and I limped slightly as I moved around the kitchen, gathering ingredients for breakfast. 

My stomach growled, reminding me that it had been a while since I had eaten anything substantial, but the thought of food made me nauseous.

As I started to cook, I kept glancing nervously at the clock, making sure I was on time. I didn't want to give Mingi any more reasons to be angry. 

The smell of eggs and bacon filled the air, but it did nothing to lift my spirits. I moved mechanically, my mind numb and my heart heavy.

Once breakfast was prepared, I headed to the bathroom. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, taking in the dark circles under my eyes, the redness of my cheek, and the bruises that marred my skin. 

My hair was a mess, and I looked every bit as broken as I felt. I rummaged through the medicine cabinet and found my concealer. 

With trembling hands, I began to apply it, covering up the evidence of Mingi's abuse. The makeup did its job, but it couldn't hide the pain in my eyes.

I washed my hair in the sink, the cold water waking me up slightly. I scrubbed until my scalp felt raw, trying to wash away the remnants of the previous night. 

I wanted to smell better, to feel cleaner, even though I knew it was just a temporary fix. 

I toweled my hair dry and ran a comb through it, trying to make it look presentable.

I put on a clean shirt and pants, making sure there were no wrinkles or stains. I wanted to look my best, not because I cared about impressing Mingi anymore, but because I was terrified of what he might do if I didn't. 

As I looked at myself in the mirror, I barely recognized the person staring back. The vibrant, cheerful boy who used to be everyone's favorite "golden retriever" was gone, replaced by a hollow shell of a person.

When everything was ready, I limped back to the kitchen to set the table. Each step was a reminder of the violence I had endured, and I moved slowly, careful not to aggravate my injuries. 

The food was still warm, and I arranged it neatly on the table, hoping it would be to Mingi's satisfaction.

As I finished, I glanced at the clock again. It was almost 8:00, and Mingi would be up soon. My heart pounded in my chest, fear and anxiety coursing through me.

I was setting the last of the breakfast plates on the table when I heard Mingi's footsteps approaching. 

My heart rate quickened as I braced myself for his reaction. I had made sure everything was perfect, hoping it would be enough to avoid any further conflict.

Mingi entered the kitchen, looking sharp in a pair of dark jeans and a crisp white shirt. His hair was styled, and he carried an air of confidence that made my stomach churn with anxiety.