RACERS to RINGS

Chapter 17: Shattered Glass

Third Person POV

In the dim, cluttered office, Min Yoongi held Jung Hoseok close, his embrace fierce yet tender as he whispered soothing words into Hoseok’s ear. The usually composed heir was now fragile, curling up in Yoongi’s arms, his shoulders shaking as he sobbed softly. Yoongi ran his fingers through Hoseok’s hair, trying to bring him comfort, murmuring, "I’ve got you, Hobi. I won’t let anything happen to you." His touch was gentle, contrasting the turbulent scene they had just endured.

Flashback to Earlier

Earlier that afternoon, Yoongi had been in his office, reviewing paperwork, when Mr. Jung arrived unannounced. Hoseok’s father barged in, his face twisted in anger and something more unsettling—determination. From the moment he stepped into the room, Yoongi felt the tension rise, as if a storm had suddenly closed in.

“What are you doing here without an appointment?” Yoongi’s tone was cold as he stood from his desk, his eyes narrowing.

Mr. Jung ignored the question, storming up to Yoongi’s desk. “How dare you? How dare you disrespect me like this?” he shouted, his voice echoing off the office walls.

Yoongi stayed calm, his posture firm, though his fists clenched at his sides. “Disrespect? I don’t think you understand who’s in charge here.”

Mr. Jung sneered, his face contorting. “You think you’re in charge? Just because you married my son doesn’t mean you can order me around. I’m still his father!”

“You’re forgetting that this marriage wasn’t our choice,” Yoongi replied, his voice cutting and steady. “You’re the one who forced us into this, all for your precious dreams.”

“Watch your tone, boy!” Mr. Jung slammed his hand down on Yoongi’s desk, rattling the contents. “I regret ever choosing you. Hoseok deserves better than someone as arrogant as you.”

Yoongi’s eyes narrowed, his patience fraying. “Are you done?” he asked icily. “Because if you’re here to throw around empty threats, I’ll have security show you the way out.”

Mr. Jung’s face flushed red with fury, and he lunged forward, knocking papers off Yoongi’s desk. His hand brushed against a delicate glass figurine on Yoongi’s shelf, which toppled and shattered into pieces on the floor. Yoongi gritted his teeth, but his control remained intact, his gaze never leaving Mr. Jung’s.

“You’ll regret speaking to me this way,” Mr. Jung seethed. “I’ve sacrificed too much to see this marriage succeed, but you’re making it impossible.”

“I’m the one who sacrificed,” Yoongi shot back, his voice low and dangerously calm. “You never cared about Hoseok’s happiness. You only cared about your image, your reputation,YOUR HERITAGE”

Mr. Jung’s anger morphed into something darker, and he leaned in close, his voice a menacing whisper. “I can destroy you. Don’t think for a second that I won’t.”

But Yoongi wasn’t intimidated. Instead, he scoffed, an eyebrow raised, suspicion creeping into his mind. Something was off; Mr. Jung’s threats had a desperation to them, as though he were hiding something beneath his anger.

In a swift motion, Yoongi pressed the intercom on his desk. “Security. Escort Mr. Jung out.”

Mr. Jung’s protests were loud and vicious as security arrived, dragging him from the office. He thrashed and shouted, his threats echoing down the hall. "You’re nothing, Yoongi! I’ll make you both regret this!" His voice faded as the doors closed, leaving an unsettling silence in his wake.

The office was left in disarray, papers scattered, books knocked over, and a once-proud glass figurine shattered on the floor.

End of Flashback

Now, in the aftermath, Yoongi sat with Hoseok in his arms, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on them both. Hoseok’s father’s cruel words had torn through Hoseok, leaving him shaken and vulnerable. Yoongi could feel Hoseok’s anguish in the way his fingers clutched onto Yoongi’s shirt, seeking an anchor in the storm.

“Shh, it’s okay, Hobi,” Yoongi whispered, holding him tighter. “You’re safe here with me. He can’t hurt you anymore.”

Hoseok’s sobs quieted, and he looked up at Yoongi, his eyes red-rimmed and glistening. “Thank you… for standing up for me,” he whispered, his voice hoarse but filled with sincerity. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Yoongi felt a pang in his chest at the vulnerability in Hoseok’s gaze. He cupped Hoseok’s face, brushing away a stray tear with his thumb. “You don’t have to thank me. I’m here for you, Hobi. Always.”

A small, fragile smile tugged at Hoseok’s lips, gratitude shining in his tired eyes. The weight of the day finally seemed to catch up to him, and his body relaxed in Yoongi’s embrace, his head resting against Yoongi’s chest.

“Yoongi…” Hoseok’s voice was soft, barely audible as he whispered, “thank you.”

Before Yoongi could respond, he felt the weight in his arms shift, and Hoseok’s body went limp, his breathing evening out as he slipped into unconsciousness. The emotional toll of the day had finally taken its toll on him.

Yoongi’s heart clenched as he held Hoseok close, his own eyes softening with a fierce protectiveness. Gently, he laid Hoseok down on the nearby couch, covering him with his jacket before leaning down to press a soft kiss to his forehead.

“You’ll be okay,” he murmured, more to himself than to Hoseok. “I’ll make sure of it.”