It's not always like that || Treasure Fanfiction

Chapter 6: Loosing old bonds

The next week drifted by, and Solar’s world grew quieter. She stopped checking her phone, ignored her social media apps, and withdrew even further into herself. It was easier to disappear, to let herself slip into the background, hoping that maybe, just maybe, the world would forget she existed. That way, the hurt couldn’t reach her. But Jaewon and Wooyeon’s relentless bullying didn’t stop. If anything, it became worse.

The bruises were harder to cover, and her silence grew heavier with each passing day. At home, her parents were too busy to notice, and Junkyu was either out or locked in his room, buried in his own life. Solar felt like a ghost, moving through her days unseen and unheard.

Meanwhile, in the practice studio, Jihoon couldn’t help but notice the tension that hung over Junkyu whenever anyone brought up his sister. Jihoon watched as Junkyu shrugged off any mention of Solar, the frustration clear in his eyes, but Jihoon’s concern only grew.

During a break in practice one evening, Jihoon pulled Hyunsuk and Junkyu aside. “Have you guys noticed anything different with Solar?” he asked, trying to sound casual, but his eyes betrayed his worry.

Hyunsuk looked thoughtful, nodding slowly. “Now that you mention it, she’s been looking a bit off lately. Quieter than usual.”

Junkyu just rolled his eyes, dismissing the conversation with a wave of his hand. “She’s just being her usual bratty self. Probably sulking because I won’t pay attention to her stupid little games. She’s fine.”

Jihoon’s jaw tightened, frustration bubbling up inside him. “Do you really think that’s all it is, Junkyu? She’s your sister. She’s sixteen, and she’s practically cut herself off from everyone. I don’t think this is just her being ‘bratty.’ Something’s wrong.”

Junkyu scoffed, not meeting Jihoon’s gaze. “She’ll be fine. She’s always dramatic—she’s just trying to get attention.”

Jihoon felt a surge of anger but took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady. “Maybe she does need attention. But it seems like you’re the only one who doesn’t care if she gets it.”

Hyunsuk looked between the two of them, his face a mix of worry and hesitation. “Junkyu… I don’t know, maybe Jihoon’s right. Solar’s not the kind to just give up on everything without a reason. Something’s bothering her. Maybe you should at least check in with her.”

But Junkyu was already shaking his head, his jaw set stubbornly. “She’s fine. She always bounces back. I’m not getting involved in her drama. She can figure it out herself.”

A silence fell over the group, Jihoon feeling the frustration and helplessness building inside him. He knew something was wrong, something much deeper than Junkyu was willing to see. And if Junkyu wouldn’t do anything, he would. Later that night, as Jihoon lay in bed, he made up his mind. He would go to Solar’s school the next day. He didn’t know exactly what he’d say or do, but he couldn’t stand by and watch her slip further away. She was his friend’s sister, and he’d always felt a sense of responsibility toward her, a quiet duty to protect her if Junkyu wouldn’t.

The next morning, Jihoon found himself outside Solar’s school, scanning the students as they filed out during lunch break. He finally spotted her, her head down, her shoulders slumped, looking smaller and more fragile than he’d ever seen her. She seemed to melt into the background, almost as if she wished to disappear entirely.

“Solar!” he called, stepping forward.

She froze, her eyes widening as she looked up at him, surprise flashing across her face before she quickly looked down, her expression guarded.

“What… what are you doing here, Jihoon?” she murmured, her voice barely audible.

“I just wanted to check in on you,” he said gently, keeping his tone calm and reassuring. “I noticed you’ve been… quieter lately.”