Eclipsed Hearts

9

Authors pov

Two weeks had passed since Hoseok's encounter with Jimin and Namjoon, and he found himself sinking deeper into a routine that felt increasingly suffocating. Jaeho's moods were volatile, and despite Hoseok's efforts to maintain a facade of normalcy, the strain was beginning to show.

One morning, Hoseok woke up feeling nauseous and dizzy, symptoms that had become more frequent. He dragged himself out of bed, careful not to wake Jaeho, and made his way to the bathroom. As he splashed water on his face, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. Dark circles under his eyes and a pallor to his skin reminded him of how far he had fallen from the vibrant person he used to be.

Hoseok forced himself to eat a small breakfast, hoping it would settle his stomach, and then headed to work. The grocery store was already bustling with the morning rush, and he threw himself into his tasks, grateful for the distraction.

By mid-morning, he was struggling to keep his energy up. The nausea was back, and a dull headache throbbed behind his eyes. He was relieved when his break finally came, and he stepped outside for a breath of fresh air.

Leaning against the wall, Hoseok closed his eyes and took deep, steadying breaths. The sounds of the city buzzed around him, a chaotic symphony that matched the turmoil inside him. He wished he could talk to someone about what he was feeling, but the fear of Jaeho finding out kept him silent.

His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice. "Hoseok?"

Hoseok opened his eyes and saw Yoongi standing a few feet away, concern etched on his face. "Yoongi," Hoseok said, his voice sounding weak even to his own ears. "What are you doing here?"

Yoongi shrugged, holding up a small bag. "Just picking up some groceries. Are you okay? You look... tired."

Hoseok forced a smile. "I'm fine, just a bit under the weather."

Yoongi stepped closer, his eyes searching Hoseok's face. "Hoseok, you don't have to lie to me. I can tell something's wrong. Do you want to talk about it?"

Hoseok felt a lump form in his throat. He wanted to pour out everything, to tell Yoongi about the abuse, the pregnancy, the fear that gripped him every day. But the words wouldn't come. Instead, he shook his head. "I'm just tired, really. It's nothing."

Yoongi didn't look convinced, but he didn't press further. "Okay. But if you ever need to talk, or if you need anything at all, I'm here for you."

"Thank you, Yoongi," Hoseok said, genuinely touched by the offer. "I appreciate it."

Yoongi nodded, giving Hoseok's shoulder a reassuring squeeze before heading into the store. Hoseok watched him go, feeling a mix of gratitude and longing. He wished he could take Yoongi up on his offer, but the risk was too great.

As the day wore on, Hoseok's symptoms worsened. By the time his shift ended, he felt like he could barely stand. He made his way home slowly, each step feeling heavier than the last. When he finally reached the front door, he hesitated, dreading what awaited him inside.

He took a deep breath and opened the door, stepping into the dimly lit house. The air felt thick with tension, and he quickly noticed Jaeho sitting in the living room, a beer in hand, his eyes glinting with a predatory lust that made Hoseok's stomach churn.

"You're home," Jaeho said, his voice a mix of boredom and impatience.

"Yeah," Hoseok replied quietly, trying to keep his voice steady. "I'm going to take a shower."

He hurried to their bedroom, closing the door behind him and leaning against it for a moment to catch his breath. The air felt heavy with dread, but he pushed it aside and began to undress. In the bathroom, he turned on the shower and stepped under the warm spray, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed. The fatigue seemed to melt away under the water's soothing heat, and for a brief moment, he felt a semblance of peace.

But that peace was shattered when he felt a pair of hands roughly pinning him to the wall. Hoseok's eyes flew open, and he gasped in terror as he saw Jaeho standing behind him, a look of deadly lust in his eyes.

"No," Hoseok whimpered, shaking his head violently and trying to fight back. "No, please, I'm pregnant. You can't—"

"Shut up," Jaeho snarled, ignoring Hoseok's pleas. He forcefully turned Hoseok around, pressing him harder against the cold tiles.

Hoseok fought with all his might, screaming that he couldn't have intercourse because of the pregnancy, hoping that the words would somehow reach Jaeho's ears. But Jaeho didn't listen. His grip was unyielding, and Hoseok's resistance only seemed to fuel his rage.

"Please," Hoseok cried out, feeling desperation claw at his insides. "Please, stop!"

Jaeho didn't stop. He took what he wanted, ignoring Hoseok's cries and the terror in his eyes. It was over as quickly as it began, leaving Hoseok crumpled on the floor of the shower, his body aching and his spirit shattered.

Jaeho stood up, adjusting his clothes with a look of disdain. "Clean yourself up," he said coldly. "And don't you dare think about telling anyone about this."

He walked out of the bathroom, leaving Hoseok to curl into himself, sobbing quietly under the still-running water. The warmth that had once been comforting now felt like a mockery, and he wished he could disappear, to escape the nightmare that his life had become.

Hoseok didn't know how long he stayed there, the water eventually turning cold and numbing his skin. He finally forced himself to move, turning off the shower and slowly getting to his feet. Every movement was agony, but he couldn't stay there forever.

He wrapped a towel around himself and stumbled to the bedroom, collapsing onto the bed. His body felt broken, but it was his heart that hurt the most. He placed a trembling hand on his stomach, tears streaming down his face. The life growing inside him was a cruel twist of fate, a reminder of the man who had destroyed him.

Hoseok knew he couldn't keep living like this, but he didn't see a way out. All he could do was survive, one day at a time, hoping that someday he might find a way to escape the hell that had become his life.