Duri wasn't sure when he started feeling...different. At first, it was just little things—like when his brothers showed off their powers in sparring matches or took on challenges that left others in awe. Halilintar would light up the sky with his lightning, Taufan's winds could stop anyone in their tracks, and even Solar's light could blind anyone daring to get too close. But Duri, with his plant powers, his soft voice, and his kind ways, often felt...unseen. His abilities were powerful, he knew that. But they didn't have the same "wow" factor his brothers' did.
It was after an afternoon at school that things started to pile up. Duri overheard a conversation from a group of classmates as he walked down the hall.
"Why's Duri even part of that group?" one kid snickered. "He's just...plants and stuff. He's weak."
Duri tried to ignore it, but the words stung. He knew his brothers were stronger, more intimidating, and undeniably skilled. So why did he feel like he didn't belong? He wanted to be like them—to be respected, maybe even feared, like Halilintar or Taufan. The whispers and snickers around him only seemed to grow louder, and soon, they were all he could hear.
That night, back at home, Duri tried to hide the hurt. He stayed quiet, unusually so, and his brothers noticed right away.
"Duri? You okay, kiddo?" Gempa asked, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. Duri forced a smile and nodded, not trusting himself to speak.
Blaze leaned over, squinting at him. "You look like you're trying to hide something," he teased, though his voice had a hint of concern.
Duri only shook his head, quickly turning away to escape the worried gazes of his family.
When he reached his room, he sat down on his bed, the words from earlier repeating over and over in his mind. Just plants. He's weak. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shake it.
The next day, the feeling of inadequacy followed him around like a dark cloud. At school, during lunch, Duri found a quiet corner and sat alone, lost in thought. His brothers had seen his quietness before leaving for school, and now, they were even more concerned.
As he poked at his food, Solar came over, concern flashing across his face. "Duri, hey, what's going on? You've been off lately," he asked, his voice softer than usual.
Duri shrugged, unable to meet Solar's eyes. "Nothing. I'm fine."
Solar frowned. "No, you're not. Come on, Duri, we're brothers. You can tell me anything."
The pressure of holding it all in was too much. Duri's hands started to shake, and tears pricked at the corners of his eyes. He took a shaky breath, trying to gather his thoughts.
"It's...just... I feel like I don't belong," he whispered. His voice was barely audible, but Solar heard every word.
"What?" Solar's eyes widened. "What are you talking about? Of course you belong!"
Duri looked up, tears spilling over. "You don't get it, Solar. I'm not strong like you guys. I'm just...plants. Everyone thinks I'm weak."
Solar's face softened, and he put a comforting hand on Duri's shoulder. "Duri, you're not weak. You're our brother, and we need you. We'd be lost without you."
Before Duri could respond, more of his brothers had gathered around, drawn by the quiet conversation. Halilintar, Taufan, Blaze, Ice, and Gempa each took a seat beside him, their faces full of love and concern.
Halilintar broke the silence. "Listen, Duri. I know sometimes people can be...idiots. But you're more than they could ever understand."
Taufan nodded, adding, "Who cares what anyone else thinks? You're strong in your own way, Duri. None of us could do what you do."
Blaze chimed in, trying to lighten the mood. "And hey, at least you don't blow things up accidentally. Trust me, that gets old fast," he said with a grin.
Duri managed a small smile, but the pain was still there. "Thanks, but... I just don't know. Sometimes, I feel like I'm not good enough."
Gempa, who had been quiet until now, pulled Duri into a hug, squeezing him tightly. "Duri, strength isn't just about power or fighting. It's about heart, and you have more of that than anyone I know."
Ice, who rarely spoke up, added softly, "We'd be missing a part of ourselves without you, Duri. Don't forget that."
Duri let out a small sob, the weight of his brothers' words finally sinking in. He felt safe, wrapped in the arms of his family, each one of them offering their support in their own unique way. For the first time in a while, he felt like maybe he did belong.
The rest of the day was filled with little acts of kindness from his brothers, each one determined to show him just how much he was loved. That night, as he drifted off to sleep, he no longer felt the weight of the cruel words that had haunted him. In their place, he held onto the warmth of his family, the unwavering love that reminded him he was never alone.
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Boboiboy Oneshots
Teen FictionBoboiboy Oneshots, Angst, comfort, and fluff stories.