Lost & Found

1 Year Earlier

1 Year Earlier
21-Years-Old

Yoongi held Aera close to his chest as she cried. He could feel his shirt dampening, but paid it no mind. His only concern at the moment was comforting Aera, though he wasn't sure anything he said or did could do that.

"H-He was with another girl," Aera said between sobs. "I saw them, and they were touching each other and holding hands."

Yoongi ran a hand through her hair, something he'd learned years ago could calm her down. He said nothing, just letting Aera voice her thoughts.

"I confronted him, and he admitted it!" Aera's voice began to rise. "He's been seeing her for months. Months, Yoongs! How could I have been so stupid?!"

"You're not stupid," Yoongi murmured. "You've been together for two years. How were you supposed to know he'd do something like this?"

"He said he still loves me, but that he likes her, too." Yoongi scoffed. "Can you believe that?!" Aera shrieked.

"I'm so sorry, A. I should have known from the very beginning that he was trash."

Aera shook her head against Yoongi's chest. "It isn't your fault."

"It's not yours either. You know that, right?"

Aera sniffled, but said nothing.

"Right?"

"I don't know, Yoongs. What could I have done to keep him interested so he wouldn't go seek someone else? Is there that much wrong with me?" Aera let out another choked sob. "What's so wrong with me?!"

"Nothing," Yoongi said fiercely, wrapping his arms around her. "There is nothing wrong with you! It's all him. There's so much wrong with him. He's a terrible person, A. You're better off – "

"Am I?" Aera interrupted. "I love him, Yoongs. What am I supposed to do without him?"

White hot fury began running through Yoongi's veins. He began making a plan to go to Hye's apartment and do what he'd once promised to do – tear him limb from limb.

"I'll take care of this, A. I promise."

"What do you mean?" Aera sniffled.

"I'm gonna have a talk with him."

Aera looked up into Yoongi's eyes. She could see the rage in them.

"No, you're not," she said. "You're going to hurt him."

"No," Yoongi insisted.

"Don't lie to me, Yoongs. I know you. Promise me you won't hurt him."

Yoongi sighed. "Fine. But I'm still going to have a talk with him."

Aera shook her head. "I don't think that's a good idea – "

"You already won't let me hurt him. Let me at least talk to him."

"Fine," Aera conceded. "Just stay calm, okay?"

Yoongi nodded. "I'll try."

"Yoongs."

"Okay, okay. I'll be calm."

Aera looked into his eyes for a few more moments before she was satisfied that he was being honest. Then, she laid her head against Yoongi's chest again.

"I never thought this would happen to me," she whispered.

Yoongi hugged her even more tightly. "You'll be okay, A. It'll take some time, but you'll be okay."

"When are you going to talk to him?" she asked.

"Eventually," Yoongi said. "But for right now, my focus is you."

Aera sniffled, and Yoongi knew she'd begun crying again.

"Thank you, Yoongs."