Behind the Veil: A Captive's Tale

11

### Chapter Eleven: A Heartbreaking Truth

The mansion's atmosphere had settled into a more relaxed rhythm since Hana’s fainting spell. The boys, while still maintaining their usual distance, had shown an unexpected level of care and concern for her well-being. Their interactions had become less guarded, and Hana had begun to see them in a new light, understanding that their tough exteriors were the result of past hardships.

That evening, as Hana was finishing up some chores, she received an invitation from the boys. They had planned a movie night and wanted her to join them. It was a gesture of inclusion and camaraderie, and Hana felt a flutter of excitement at the thought of spending some time with them in a more casual setting.

“Would you like to join us for movie night?” Jimin asked, his voice carrying a hint of eagerness. “It’s just going to be a relaxed evening, and we thought it might be nice to hang out together.”

Hana smiled at the invitation. “I’d love to join you,” she replied. “Thank you for inviting me.”

As the evening progressed, Hana found herself in the living room with the boys. The room was dimly lit, and a large screen was set up for the movie. Cushions and blankets were spread out on the floor, creating a cozy and inviting space. The boys settled in, and Hana took a seat among them, feeling a sense of warmth and acceptance.

The movie began, and for a while, the room was filled with the soft glow of the screen and the occasional burst of laughter or conversation. Hana felt at ease, enjoying the simple pleasure of being included in their activities. The sense of normalcy and belonging was comforting, and she appreciated the effort they had made to include her.

As the movie reached a quieter moment, Hana’s thoughts drifted to her father. The boys had been patient and kind, and she wanted to ask about the situation with her father. She hoped there might be some resolution or update regarding the debt he owed.

“Um, if you don’t mind me asking,” Hana began hesitantly, her voice barely audible over the movie’s soundtrack, “has there been any progress with my father? Has he started paying the loans?”

The boys exchanged uneasy glances, their previous ease giving way to a more somber expression. There was a noticeable shift in the atmosphere, and Hana’s heart sank as she saw their reactions.

Namjoon, who had been quietly watching the movie, finally spoke up. “We’ve been in contact with your father,” he said, his voice steady but filled with a trace of frustration. “We offered him several chances to settle the debt.”

Hana’s hope began to wane as she listened. “And... what did he say?”

Jin, who had been sitting nearby, took a deep breath before responding. “He’s made it clear that he has no intention of paying the fee. He’s bluntly refused to settle the debt and has even said that if we want, we can keep you.”

Hana’s breath caught in her throat, and her heart pounded in her chest. The words felt like a physical blow, and tears welled up in her eyes as the weight of their meaning sank in. The idea of being kept against her will, the thought of being viewed as nothing more than a commodity, was almost too much to bear.

Jimin, who had been seated closest to her, noticed her distress immediately. His expression softened with concern, and he moved closer to her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Hana,” he said gently, “I’m so sorry. I know this is hard to hear.”

Before she could respond, the tears began to fall freely from her eyes. Her body shook with silent sobs, and Jimin instinctively pulled her into a hug. The warmth and comfort of his embrace were a stark contrast to the cold, harsh reality she had just faced.

The boys looked on with a mix of anger and sympathy. They exchanged glances, their expressions darkening with the realization of how cruel Hana’s father had been. The knowledge that her father had so callously dismissed her well-being and treated her like a mere pawn filled them with a sense of righteous indignation.

Hobi, his fists clenched, broke the silence. “I can’t believe he’d be so heartless,” he said, his voice filled with frustration. “To just leave her like this... It’s unforgivable.”

Yoongi, his usual calm demeanor replaced with a visible anger, added, “We’re not going to let him treat you like that. You’re not just a debt to us. We care about you, and we’ll figure out a way to resolve this.”

Hana’s sobs began to subside as she felt the genuine care and concern from the boys. The embrace from Jimin, the supportive words from the others—it all combined to create a sense of comfort and reassurance amidst her distress.

After a few moments, Jimin gently pulled back, wiping her tears with a soft smile. “We’re here for you,” he said softly. “You don’t have to go through this alone.”

Hana nodded, her eyes red and swollen but filled with gratitude. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I just didn’t know... I didn’t think he’d be so cruel.”

The boys settled back into their seats, their anger tempered by a renewed sense of determination. They continued the movie, but the atmosphere in the room had changed. There was a shared sense of solidarity, an unspoken agreement to support Hana through this difficult time.

As the movie played on, Hana found herself surrounded by the boys’ quiet support. The warmth of their presence, the understanding they had shown, helped to ease the pain of her father’s betrayal. It was a small but significant reminder that, despite the harsh realities of her situation, she was not alone.

The night continued with a sense of closeness that hadn’t been there before. The movie played on, but Hana felt a renewed sense of hope and connection. In the midst of her sadness, the boys’ support was a beacon of light, guiding her through the darkness and reminding her that, even in the face of adversity, there was still warmth and compassion to be found.