By The Window | YeonBin

twenty four

Soobin pulled the hood of his jacket tighter as the cool night air swept through the streets. He was on his way to Yeonjun's house, hands stuffed into his pockets, wondering if Yeonjun would be awake.

He didn't have a real reason for going there—just a feeling. Lately, every time he let too much time pass without seeing Yeonjun, something inside him tugged uncomfortably, like he needed to check on the quiet boy.

His shoes scuffed lightly against the pavement as he made his way around the corner, eyes already scanning for the familiar silhouette by the window. But tonight, the house looked quieter than usual.

That's when he noticed it. A figure hunched over, seated just out of sight by the edge of the street near his house. His heart skipped, recognizing that familiar shape, those broad shoulders pulled in as if to protect from the world.

Yeonjun

Soobin's steps quickened instinctively. "Yeonjun?" he called softly as he approached, the concern rising in his voice.

Yeonjun didn't respond at first. His face was buried in his knees, and he was shaking— whether from the cold or something else, Soobin couldn't tell.

But then he saw the tear-streaked cheeks, the way Yeonjun was holding himself like he was trying to keep from falling apart completely.

Without a word, Soobin crouched beside him, gently placing a hand around his shoulder. "Jun... What happened?"

Yeonjun shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut as if trying to make the world disappear. He didn't want to answer, didn't want to let Soobin see him like this—vulnerable, broken.

But when he felt Soobin's hand on his shoulder, it was hard to keep up the tough-guy façade, something inside him cracked.

"My dad..." The words came out as a shaky whisper, his voice barely holding together. "He... He went through my stuff. He saw my drawings—" he gulped, wasn't sure of how to say it.

"D- drawings of— of you. He—"he choked out, averting his eyes from Soobin, the feeling of shame came over him again as his father's words lingered in his mind.

Soobin's jaw clenched, noticing the slight discoloration around Yeonjun's cheek. "Did he— did he hit you?"

Yeonjun nodded. "I... I didn't know where else to go. Taehyun's too far, and... I just— I'm sorry- I'm sorry..."

His voice broke off, and the sobs he had been holding in finally spilled out. Before Soobin could even think, he wrapped his arms around Yeonjun, pulling him close. "It's okay... It's okay, Yeonjun. You're safe now."

For a moment, Yeonjun stiffened, not used to this kind of comfort, not sure if he deserved it. But as Soobin's warmth surrounded him, the last of his defenses crumbled.

He let himself lean into the embrace, his face pressed against Soobin's shoulder, crying harder than he had in years. Soobin didn't say anything more—he didn't need to. He just held Yeonjun, gently rubbing his back, silently telling him it was alright to break down.

After a while, the sobs eventually stopped, and Yeonjun's body stopped shaking so much. Soobin shifted slightly but didn't let go. "Come inside," he said softly. "We'll clean up your face, okay?"

Yeonjun hesitated. "But—"

"No buts. Come on." Soobin stood and extended his hand, waiting until Yeonjun took it before pulling him up.

Together, they made their way into Soobin's house, careful not to make too much noise as they slipped through the front door and into Soobin's room.

The soft yellow light of Soobin's lamp illuminated the space as Soobin gestured for Yeonjun to sit on the bed. He grabbed the first aid kit from a drawer, his movements calm but quick.

As Soobin dabbed at the cut on Yeonjun's cheek, there was a tense silence between them. Yeonjun watched him, unable to meet his eyes, the embarrassment of everything starting to sink in.

"You don't have to explain anything," Soobin said softly, breaking the quiet as he applied a bandage. "But you can, if you want."

Yeonjun stared down at his hands. "He... He found the sketches. I haven't... I haven't told anyone, Soobin. About... you know..." he glanced at Soobin, which the other just nodded in understatement.

Yeonjun sighed softly, still trying to compose himself fully. "Especially my parents. I don't think I'm ready to, but he just— when he saw those drawings... he said things. And then he hit me."

Soobin's face darkened, his eyes softening as he looked at Yeonjun. "I'm sorry, Jun. I'm so sorry."

Yeonjun shook his head. "I-it's not your fault..."

"I don't know what to do..." Yeonjun's voice wavered. "I can't go back there. Not tonight. And even if I do... What's going to happen next time?"

Soobin finished with the bandage, carefully tucking away the first aid kit before sitting beside Yeonjun on the bed. "You don't have to go back tonight. Stay here. My parents won't mind."

Yeonjun swallowed hard. "What if... What if he finds out?"

"He won't," Soobin reassured him. "And even if he does, I won't let him do anything to you."

Soobin settled next to Yeonjun on the bed, his expression gentle and full of concern. He placed a hand on Yeonjun's, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"It's going to be okay," he said softly. "You don't have to worry about anything tonight. We'll figure things out together."

Yeonjun nodded, exhaustion heavy in his eyes. Soobin took a deep breath, trying to push aside his own worries. "You can stay here as long as you need. My bed is yours. I can sleep on the floor if you prefer."

Yeonjun shook his head, a small, tired smile tugging at his lips. "It's okay. Your bed isn't too small anyway."

Soobin nodded, moving to make room. They lay side by side, the warmth of Soobin's presence a comforting contrast to the coldness Yeonjun had felt.

As the night goes on, Soobin watched Yeonjun, his eyes full of affection and concern.

Yeonjun fell asleep quickly, the exhaustion of everything finally catching up with him. Soobin lay there, admiring Yeonjun's peaceful face, his own heart aching seeing the boy is hurting this much.

He gently brushed a stray lock of hair from Yeonjun's forehead. At that moment, despite the building rage that's brewing inside of Soobin, one thing that kept him from losing it.

I won't let anyone hurt you, Yeonjun.

____________

a.n.

This was a bit hard to write, but I feel like I really love how the scenes were written. Idk maybe I'm just biased 😭