✔ We Accept The Love We Think We Deserve #namgi

~twenty one~

As expected, Yoongi's cousin arrived a few hours before dinner, just as the sun began to dip below the horizon, signaling the end of Hoseok's office hours. Yoongi welcomed him with a tight, grateful hug, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. 

He guided his cousin through the hallway, past the cozy living room where Namjoon was preparing dinner, and into the privacy of his bedroom. The room was a sanctuary of sorts, a place where Yoongi felt he could be open and vulnerable without fear of judgment.

His cousin, with a briefcase in hand and a reassuring smile on his face, settled into a chair near the window. Yoongi took a seat on the edge of his bed, the nervous energy palpable in the air. The room, bathed in the soft, golden light of the setting sun, provided a calm backdrop to the tension that lay between them.

"You don't seem surprised I came. I gather Namjoon told you we met earlier today," Hoseok began, his voice steady but concerned.

"Yes, he did," Yoongi confirmed, breathing in slowly. "I went to the Breeder Take-In Squad this morning," he began, his voice steadying. "The social worker advised me to contact a lawyer and file a complaint," he admitted, feeling a mixture of relief and anxiety.

"You definitely should," Hoseok agreed, nodding eagerly. "Hyung... you didn't tell me your ex assaulted you. This is a case for more than just a lawsuit; it requires criminal action!" Hoseok exclaimed, his eyes widening with a mix of shock and determination.

"Criminal action?" Yoongi echoed, the weight of those words sinking in as he tried to process the gravity of the situation.

"Yes! With Namjoon's recordings and his and his brother's testimony, you have a strong case for criminal action against Jaesung," Hoseok emphasized, his voice firm and resolute. Yoongi's eyes widened slightly, absorbing the gravity of Hoseok's words. 

"I'm sure if I go to the hospital where you were admitted the night of the assault, I can get the testimony of the attendant who assisted you as well." Yoongi nodded slowly, processing the information. "They're not only visual witnesses; they're required to document every detail from your visit," Hoseok elaborated, his determination evident. Yoongi looked down, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. Hoseok leaned forward, his expression intense. 

"Even if you decided only on the lawsuit and didn't press charges, with all this evidence, Jaesung could face jail time and be required to pay heavy compensation on top of the legal parental monthly fees." 

"What? Jail? Is it really necessary? I don't want to ruin his life," Yoongi said, his voice trembling with uncertainty.

"But you're okay with him trying to ruin yours?" Hoseok retorted sharply.

"No, but jail seems too extreme!" Yoongi protested, his hands shaking slightly.

"Fine. We'll let the judge decide what to do with the evidence, but pressing charges would strengthen your case." Hoseok explained, his tone firm but compassionate. "It would also make the custody battle smoother," Hoseok continued, emphasizing the importance of taking legal action. 

"Without charges, he can still claim half his parental rights and file for shared custody," he stated, his concern evident. "I don't think he should be allowed that," Hoseok added, his eyes filled with determination. 

"He's a danger to you and your child," he asserted, leaving no room for doubt. "You deserve full custody, with him only having visitation rights at best," Hoseok concluded, his voice steady and resolute.

"I don't know... It's his daughter, too. I don't want to separate her from her father. She deserves a family," Yoongi murmured, his voice heavy with conflicted emotions.