DEAD SILENCE

1.

The scorching sun beat down on Kim Taehyung like a malevolent force, draining the life from his weary soul.

Each step along the dusty road felt like a heavy burden, weighed down by the crushing knowledge of what awaited him at home.

As he entered his humble abode, a small, cramped house in a impoverished neighborhood, the eerie silence enveloped him like a shroud, suffocating him with foreboding.

His mother, worn out from endless household chores, managed a warm smile, but her eyes betrayed her. They held a deep sadness, a desperate plea for rescue.

"How was your day, Tae?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Taehyung returned the smile, masking the anguish that gnawed at his heart. "Good, mom," he lied, his voice cracking under the weight of unspoken truth.

His sister, Kim Hyejin, burst out of the bedroom, excitement radiating from her damp hair. "Tae, you're back!" She squealed, before hastily concealing her left hand.

Taehyung's curiosity piqued, he gently lifted her sleeve, revealing a fresh bruise. His heart shattered into a million pieces.

"Who did this?" he demanded, his voice trembling with rage.

Hyejin's eyes darted toward their mother, who shook her head in silent warning.

Their father's arrival loomed like a dark specter, casting a shadow of terror over the fragile family.

Night descended, and the family sat rigidly, awaiting the sound of the door knob twisting - their father's arrival.

The door swung open, and their father stomped in, reeking of liquor. "You're a misfortune!" he bellowed, slapping Hyejin.

Taehyung's rage simmered, but his mother's grip held him back.

"Don't," she whispered. "It'll only make things worse."

As the night wore on, the family's sobbing filled the cramped hall.

"Why, mom? Why am I a misfortune?" Hyejin cried, her small body shaking with despair.

Taehyung's resolve hardened. "Mom, I won't let him-"

"Shh, Tae," she interrupted. "We can't defy him. He'll only hurt us more."

Their father's cruelty knew no bounds. He beat their mother with a belt, the sickening thuds echoing through the small house.

Taehyung hugged Hyejin tight, trying to shield her from the horrors unfolding before them.

Their mother's screams pierced the night air, each cry a dagger to Taehyung's heart.

As the darkness consumed them, Taehyung vowed to escape this living nightmare.

The family's sleeping arrangements reflected their poverty-stricken reality. Taehyung and Hyejin shared the cramped hall's floor, their thin mattresses laid side by side.

Their parents occupied the sole bedroom, its bathroom the only one in the house.

Next morning, Taehyung and Hyejin hastily showered in the cramped bathroom before their father stirred.

They attended Hanseo College, a small, free institution that combined college and high school programs. It was their only hope for a better future.

Taehyung, a diligent college student, and Hyejin, a bright high school student, found solace in their studies. But the memories of last night's atrocities lingered, seared into Taehyung's mind like a branding iron.

As Taehyung and Hyejin went to their respective classes, they had their daily routine in college. The day ended, and Taehyung returned home. His mom waited for him at the front door, his sister standing behind her. Actually, Hyejin's classes ended earlier, so she arrived home first.

With his mind consumed by negativity, Taehyung thought some bad news was about to come from his mom's mouth.

But to his surprise, his mom and sister hugged him. His mom exclaimed, "You got a scholarship to attend a prestigious college! You can become a great person if you study there." He had applied for this scholarship a month ago and took the test. Today, he received the letter of approval.

Overjoyed, Taehyung returned to his previous college to collect his certificate and transfer to the new college. Night fell, and as usual, his father tortured his sister and mom.

During dinner, Taehyung wanted to share his scholarship news with his dad. He started speaking, but his father only nodded and left for the bedroom.

His father stopped, looked back at Taehyung, and said, "Go, if it costs nothing to me." Taehyung replied, "It won't cost anything." His father left, leaving Taehyung heartbroken. His mom and sister cheered him up.

As bedtime approached, Taehyung and Hyejin made their beds in the hall, while their mom retired to the bedroom. The familiar scream echoed through the small house. Taehyung cried, hiding his tears from Hyejin.

The next morning, Taehyung prepared for his first day at the prestigious college. He wore old clothes and torn shoes, carrying a torn bag.

He didn't worry about appearances; he just wanted to study. His mom kissed him on the forehead, and Hyejin had already left for school.

Taehyung began his 2-kilometer walk to college, unable to afford the bus.

Upon arrival, he gazed up at the luxurious college, amazed by its enormity.

As he entered, he felt many eyes on him. Some students whispered, "Eww, he's gross; he's poor." Taehyung's heart sank, but he didn't let their words stop him.

In the hallway, a muscular guy rushed past him, almost tripping him. The guy returned, apologizing, "Sorry!" Taehyung replied, "It's fine. Can you tell me where the principal's office is? I'm new here."

The guy responded, "Hey, welcome! I'm Jeon Jungkook. Go straight, turn left. Sorry, I'm in a hurry. Bye!" He rushed off before Taehyung could thank him or introduce himself.

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