I Need You ⚣ TK

Chapter 03: Silent, painful story

Taehyung woke up groggy, the remnants of sleep clinging to him like a heavy blanket. He rubbed his eyes, staring at the clock that told him he was already running late. Today was the day of his third session with Jungkook, and the thought sent a jolt of anticipation through him. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, feeling the chill of the floor against his bare feet. Despite his exhaustion, he pushed himself to the kitchen, pouring a hurried breakfast of cereal and milk into a bowl, barely tasting it as he gulped it down.

As he made his way to work, the usual worries crept into his mind. Was Jungkook going to be more responsive today? Would he finally open up? Taehyung shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He had seen too many patients come and go, each one carrying their own burdens, but something about Jungkook tugged at him deeper, a concern that unsettled him.

Arriving at his office, Taehyung took a deep breath, his heart racing slightly as he prepared for Jungkook's arrival. He tidied up his desk, arranging papers and books to appear more welcoming. As he waited, his thoughts wandered back to that moment in the grocery store when he had seen Jungkook's adoptive father, the harshness in his demeanour. It weighed heavily on his mind, fueling a worry that had been growing since their last session.

When Jungkook finally arrived, Taehyung noted the boy's posture; slumped, guarded, yet somehow a little more relaxed than before. As he took a seat, Jungkook's eyes darted around the room, his silence almost palpable.

"Good to see you again, Jungkook," Taehyung said gently, his voice calm and encouraging. "How have you been since our last session?"

Jungkook barely made eye contact, his reply a whisper. "Okay."

Taehyung sensed the hesitation, the lingering fear in Jungkook's voice. He chose his words carefully, hoping to create a safe space. "I wanted to ask you something... if you feel comfortable. How have things been at home for you?"

The moment the words left his lips, Taehyung could see the tension in Jungkook's shoulders, a flicker of terror in his eyes. Taehyung quickly reassured him, "I just want to help, Jungkook. That's all."

After what felt like an eternity, Jungkook took a shaky breath and whispered, "They're not nice to me... especially my adoptive father." His voice was so quiet, Taehyung had to lean in closer to catch the words.

"Are you safe at home?" Taehyung pressed gently, sensing that this was the moment he had been waiting for.

With visible effort, Jungkook whispered again, "When he gets angry... he hits me. I can't do anything about it. I just have to accept it."

The confession hit Taehyung like a punch to the gut. He had feared the worst, and now that fear was confirmed. Anger simmered just below the surface of his calm demeanour, but he knew he had to maintain his composure for Jungkook's sake. "I'm so sorry to hear that, Jungkook," he said softly. "But you don't have to accept it. There are ways to get help."

"Like... the police?" Jungkook's voice trembled, eyes wide with uncertainty.

Taehyung frowned, aware of the power dynamics at play. "Have you considered going to them?"

"I tried," Jungkook replied, his voice barely above a whisper, "but Mr. Yoo... he's a police lieutenant. He has connections. They didn't believe me. They shut me down."

The weight of Jungkook's words settled heavily in the room. Taehyung's heart ached for the boy. He felt a mix of anger and helplessness, knowing that Jungkook's situation was far more complicated than he had anticipated. Jungkook was trapped, his last hope resting on the very relationship they were building in this small, confidential office.

Taehyung took a moment to gather his thoughts, searching for a way to reassure Jungkook. "You're not alone anymore. I'm here, and I will do everything I can to help you."